Forgotten

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt forgotten? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. That’s how my daughter, Brooke, felt after an innocent mistake someone made during dress rehearsal for her school play. She was left backstage feeling like she didn’t matter.

To comfort her, I bent down to hug her tight and reminded her of something important. You see, I was supposed to be at an event out of town that very weekend. Then at the last minute my event was cancelled.

So, I said to her "Sweetheart, God arranged everything PERFECTLY to make sure I could be here this weekend. I don't think He'd do that if your part didn't matter. Yes, you were left out today. But you’re not forgotten. Not today. Not ever."

We've all probably had thoughts that we don't matter, that we aren’t important. It’s good to remember that, just like Brooke, we are NEVER forgotten!

For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Lysa’s Blog

No More Mommy Guilt

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love a good girl night but sometimes I feel guilty for taking time to do something for myself, without my kids! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I usually try to talk myself out of feeling guilty, but the other day when I was feeling bad about planning a night out with friends, I realized there was a reason. I felt bad for being away from my kids because I hadn’t spent much time with them that week. Although I’d taken care of them by cooking and doing laundry, I’d been on the phone and computer a lot and hadn’t had very much face-to-face, quality time with them.

But, instead of feeling guilty, I decided to take action and plan some time to connect with my kids and hang out. That way I wouldn’t feel guilty later in the week when I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends. And I’d feel really good about the time I’d spent with my kids!
For more encouragement in your everyday perspectives, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, This is Love, by Renee Swope

A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes

Visit Renee’s Blog

The Little Red Flag

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When was the last time you received an actual hand written letter from a friend? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day my neighbor Holly and I met up for our usual morning run. As we chatted my eyes followed the long line of black mailboxes along the street. I couldn’t help but notice that not one red flag was up. No one was sending a letter that day. Or the next day, or the next.

So, I dusted off my own stack of good intentions, wrote a letter and mailed it. And I decided to make letter writing part of the time I spend alone with God each day. Now, I try to write a letter once or twice a week. And since I've told God I'm willing, He's been putting people on my heart that need one. Each time I pull up that little red flag, I hope that a little note from me will be the perfect pick me up for a friend this week. For more inspiration, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

One Diaper at a Time

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marla Taviano

Do you ever get tired of working 168 hours a week as a mom with no pay or vacation? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

If you’re a mom, you know there’s not much glamour in motherhood. Not much recognition or validation. No paychecks, no promotions, no pats on the back from co-workers. And when you're up to your elbows in dishes and diapers, it's easy to lose sight of your purpose in life.

Have you ever wondered if what you do even matters?

In her book, Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time, Marla Taviano encourages moms to see their job as valuable and rewarding. She even suggests using diaper-changing times as quick prayer opportunities, asking God to help us savor each moment we've been given with our children.

So, maybe we could cuddle a little longer. Smile a little bigger. Walk a little slower. Hug a little tighter. Whatever we do, let’s remember - we're making a bigger difference than we could ever know. For more mom encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, Do the Next Thing, by Marybeth Whalen

Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool by Trish Berg

Visit Renee’s Blog

Embracing Who I Am

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’ve decided to stop comparing my parenting skills with the seemingly perfect parents around me! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Ten years ago I sat in a seminar listening to a very organized mom talking about how she parented her kids. She was an amazing woman; a super mom! I looked at my feeble efforts and determined I stunk as a mother. I thought maybe if I went home and imitated her, I could enter the world of super moms. It didn't take long to become completely miserable.

I finally learned that I have the exact qualities God knew my kids would need in a mother. And while I still fall short at times, every day I ask God to make me the best version of me I can be. For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Seeing God in Everyday Life

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Is it really possible to see God in our everyday experiences? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently a friend asked how I recognize God’s activity in my life. I told her that I don't always, but I want to notice Him more and be aware of His presence in every situation.

A few years ago I started praying this simple prayer each morning: "Show me God, I'm looking. Speak to me, I'm listening. And lead me, I'm willing."

Then I look for God’s activity in my life. I listen for His voice and direction in my thoughts and plans. And I try to follow His leading in each decision and conversation. Now I don't do this perfectly. In fact, by noon I’m sure God’s thinking, "Renee, you're not listening. You're not looking, and you're leading again."But when I do listen and look, it seems that God shows me more of Himself. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Hearing God, by Rachel Olsen

Come Along: The Journey into a More Intimate Faith by Jane Rubietta

Visit Renee’s Blog

Highlight Moments

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When I pick up a new book, I hope to find something I can highlight on every page. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I just love it when I’m reading and find a little something I really want to remember. And, I’ve tried to carry this highlight moment concept into the way I raise my five kids. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t have a good amount of individual time with each of them every day. Now I avoid that guilt by looking for just one highlight moment with each of my children.

Sometimes it’s a deep discussion. Other times it’s a quick interaction that makes both of us smile. Whatever it is, these highlight moments are what I’ll think about when I’m older and the halls of my house are quiet. These intentional, HIGHLIGHT moments help me live my life with no regrets. For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Mommy Guilt Prevention

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’m a better mom when I take time for myself but sometimes I feel so guilty it ruins my time away! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There’s the guilt we feel when we leave our kids to do something for ourselves so we’ll be better moms when we get back.

Or there’s the guilt we feel when we’re grouchy moms because we haven’t been away from our kids since they were born!

Instead of feeling guilty for taking time for myself to go to a movie with friends, get away for a weekend with my husband or go to a coffee shop to read a book, I’ve started seeing my time away as guilt prevention. It prevents bad-mommy guilt for being grouchy with my kids because I need a break but felt too guilty to take one!

We moms need time for ourselves. Our kids will survive and we’ll enjoy them even more and feel renewed with energy and love after we’ve been away for a little bit.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, Embracing Who I Am, by Lysa TerKeurst

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Visit Renee’s Blog

Disappointment is Sometimes a Gift

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes disappointment can actually be a gift! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several weeks ago I was invited to speak at an event that was supposed to have nearly 5,000 people but- only 300 came.

That weekend I learned opportunity can be found in disappointment.

I met four amazing people that weekend. There was Petra my waitress, Tom the doorman, Jason the barista and a woman named Jenna whose car was damaged in a hit and run. Each of them had a story to tell, and because of the small crowd at the event, I had time to listen. If disappointment makes me think less of myself and more of others and God, than I choose to see it as a true gift. My prayer is that I’ll always remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God’s unexpected appointments.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Teaching Our Kids to Pray

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Leah DiPascal

How can we teach our kids to pray so that they’ll really get it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Leah’s family prays every time they leave their house. When they run errands or leave for vacation, they ask God to protect and help them.

Recently, Leah’s sons announced that they needed new basketball shoes for their game - the next day! Leah was frustrated by shopping on a school night so as they got in the car she blurted out to one of her sons– would you please pray!

Leah expected a quick prayer. Instead her son thanked God for dinner, friends, and many things. Then he asked God to help them find the right shoes in the right sizes, on sale and quickly since it was a school night.

Leah realized all those times they’d prayed as a family had made a difference. And, in about an hour, they found those perfect shoes, in just the right sizes at just the right price!

For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, A Cup of Cold Water, by Sharon Sloan

Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman

Visit Renee’s Blog

What Have I Done Wrong?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When my kids struggle in school, with friends, or with their behavior, my first thought is, ‘What have I done wrong as a parent?’

Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Do you do this too? Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s good to assess how we’re doing in our crucial role as parents. But, when this question comes in the form of a personal assault rather than a call to action over a specific area of improvement – it’s unhealthy. It can be defeating.

And a lot of times…we haven’t done anything wrong at all! Sometimes God is simply allowing something to happen in our children’s lives that’s just a little part of the bigger picture He’s painting. And, the Bible tells us that He always finishes what He starts! How comforting to know that God is always working for good not only in our lives but in our children’s lives as well!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst

The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Needs or Wants

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I’m trying to teach my kids the difference betweens wants and needs but sometimes I get in the way!

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I’d love to blame our consumer based society for my kids’ imbalanced sense of need; but I often call things NEEDS that are really just wants. “I need a new purse. I need some shoes to go with my outfit. “

So, instead of saying I NEED I’m trying to say: “I’ve had this purse for two years. I’d like to buy a new one if we have it in the budget.” It’s not an earth shattering change…but it helps me realize a purse is not a NEED.

What I NEED is Jesus, water, healthy food, and good relationships with my husband and kids. A new purse is the icing…no, it’s the sprinkles on top of the icing on the cake of life!

I wonder if I change my own thinking that’ll I can help my kids change theirs!

For more on balancing your priorities, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, Table Talk, by Micca Monda Campbell

Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child, CD and Character Chart by Renee Swope

Visit Renee’s Blog

Divine Whispers

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m convinced that every day holds a gift of possible connections. An interaction with someone that will seem random, but really isn’t by chance at all. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day while I was running errands I met a busy young mom who told me how much she loved my shirt.

She went on to tell me how hard it is to go shopping with small children. Plus, it’s not really in her budget to purchase new clothes for herself right now.

Normally I would have said thank you and expressed some words of encouragement and moved on. But, that day, I felt a tug on my heart that I couldn’t ignore. So I went and bought her the shirt. It’s not that she needs a shirt like mine, but she does need Jesus. And, if that shirt makes a connection that’ll eventually give me the opportunity to tell her about Him, then it will certainly be worth it. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
The Bathtub is Overflowing but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Ups and Downs of Performance

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever noticed how we base our opinions of ourselves on how we’re performing that day?

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend is training to run a 5-K race and has had lots of ups and downs. One day she’s able to run almost two miles. The next, she can’t even push herself to run one. And, she’s realized that on the days she does well, she feels great about herself. But, on the days she struggles, she’s down on herself about everything. Have you ever been there? I have.

Aren’t you glad God loves us no matter what? No matter how well our workout goes…no matter what promotion we get or don’t get…no matter how we feel about ourselves!

The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And it says His love for us never ends! So, why are we so hard on ourselves?!

For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
Free devotion, Unfailing Love, by Luann Prater

The Wonder of His Love: A Journey into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford

Visit Renee’s Blog

God’s Provision

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You can hardly turn anywhere today without seeing the evidence of economic hardships and financial strains. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us and our friends and family members are suffering due to the loss of jobs, investments gone badly, and cutbacks that seem to be everywhere.

Whenever I face situations I’m having a hard time understanding, I have to park my mind with what I know to be true. Keeping my mind saturated with truth helps me stay away from dangerous assumptions, false accusations, and faith-eroding perspectives.

What is true no matter what situation we are facing? God is a good provider. The Bible tells us that if we think about and meditate on what is true, the peace of God can be attained no matter what our circumstances.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Green Pastures

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Susanne Scheppmann

I just love these words from the Bible: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. On days when I’m stressed, I think of this and imagine a peaceful green meadow beside a winding creek where there are no worries. Some friends were recently studying this verse when someone asked: “What is your green pasture?”

A woman who serves in ministry said, “Bubble baths and reading for hours!” Then another one who teaches high school said, “Crawling into bed at night – just knowing the day is over.”

I believe our green pastures vary with each season of life we’re in. But I love knowing God wants us to have times and places that restore our souls from the wear and tear of life.

So today, let’s look at the landscape of our lives for our own green pasture, then rush to the side of our Shepherd to find rest there. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Living with the Shades Drawn, by Tara Hackney

Breathe by Keri Wyatt Kent

Visit Renee’s Blog

Visit Susanne’s Blog

More than Just a Clean Car

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I try to keep my car clean, honestly… I do. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I keep the area where I sit very clean and tidy. It would never occur to me to use it as a trashcan. My kids on the other hand have issues.
Yesterday I informed the kids that I was tired of pulling through the car pool line at school and watching things fly about when they got out. After school my kids went to work cleaning. But when I inspected there was still trash everywhere.
They said, "Ohhhhh, we didn't know you meant the trash too. We just got our stuff out."When they came inside I talked to them about the importance of doing things right the first time. I also explained that doing little things out of obedience is how God prepares us for the bigger things in life. I’m happy to report, my car is clean! At least for today that is.

For more Everyday Life Encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, Pop Goes The Weasel!, by Susanne Scheppmann

Get Over It and On With It by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Staying On Track

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Recently a friend of mine got an email from a teenager who’s wiser than his years! Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend works for a radio station and she got an email from a young guy who’s struggling in his relationship with Jesus. He said he hadn’t been reading his Bible, praying, or going to church and he really missed the closeness with God he felt when he was doing these things. Then he said, “It’s a lot harder to get back on track than it is to fall away.”

Isn’t that true? In a few words, he summed up a life truth that many adults struggle with. I’ve found that when things in my life require routines, it’s a lot harder to re-establish them once I’m off track. Good habits like reading the Bible, praying, and going to Church can easily fade away into the background of life. This teen challenged me to work harder to stay on track since it’s so much easier than getting back on! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, From Clutter to Clarity, by Nancy Twigg

Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith by Karla Worley

Visit Renee’s Blog

Understanding the Bible

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracy

Sometimes I think it’d be easier to learn Chinese than to completely understand the Bible! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve been reading the Bible in two translations- one that’s more traditional and one that’s written in more of an everyday language. But, no matter how simple the language, there are still some things that happened and some concepts that I struggle to understand. A friend told me that even though she had formal training in the Bible it’s hard for her too. So, when it comes to reading AND understanding the Bible, what do we do? There are books and commentaries that can help. But, I’ve found that asking God’s Spirit to help me understand what I’m reading is crucial! The Bible itself says if we lack wisdom, or understanding, we should ask God for help. So, I’m doing a LOT of asking and starting to gain a little more understanding! For more encouragement log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Into the Word, by Rachel Olsen

Sanctuary, A Devotional Bible for Women

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Letting Kids be Kids

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Isn’t it easy to get embarrassed when our kids act like…kids?! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine went out to eat recently with her two-year-old daughter and some friends who also had a two-year-old. The little ones really enjoyed sitting next to each other, so much so that at one point they were squealing with laughter and almost screaming with delight.

My friend enjoyed the kids’ interaction. But as they got louder, she wanted to shush them. Then she remembered it was a family restaurant. They’d expect families to be here and kids to be a little noisy? And, by the looks on everyone’s faces they were enjoying the kids.

It’s hard to know when to let our kids be kids. There’s a fine line between having fun and disrupting others. That day my friend decided to err on the side of fun as often as she can. For more parenting encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Your Child’s Personality, by Van Walton

Out of the Mouths of Babes by Wendy Pope

Visit Renee’s Blog

No More Silent Treatments

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently my husband hurt my feelings so I resorted to the ever so mature silent treatment. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Can you relate? Well, I was so upset that I called a friend who I was sure would understand and say something to make me feel better. But what she said actually pierced my heart and helped to change my perspective. She asked me, “Lysa, if you knew something might happen to Art today and he’d never come home again, would this situation really matter?” Suddenly, my hurt was put into perspective and my outlook was completely different. Instead of the silent treatment I called my husband and gently told him why his statement had hurt my feelings. The anger and hurt had dissipated and, thanks to my wise friend, I was free to live the rest of that day with no regrets.

For more marriage tips, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Attack of the Killer Weeds, by Paula Friedrichsen

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Marriage Secret Revealed

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Paula Friedrichsen with Renee Swope

I wonder if there’s a secret to having a happy marriage. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If there were such a secret, I bet it would be overlooking our spouse’s faults, you know, those annoying personality quirks that were humorous when we first met.
Marriage can be challenging at times - but it can also be fulfilling, comforting, and fun. I’ve discovered that if I really want to enjoy my marriage, I have to keep my sense of humor and stay focused on my husband’s good qualities.

In her book, The Man You’ve Always Wanted, Paula Friedrichsen says that, “Overlooking our husband’s faults means to “look over the top” of them to see the person we love standing on the other side.”

So, whether my husband leaves his shirts and socks on the floor or keeps me awake with his snoring… I want to overlook his faults. And, hopefully he’ll do the same for me!

For more marriage encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Surrendering Your Marriage, by Melanie Chitwood

The Man You Always Wanted is the Man You Already Have by Paula Friedrichsen

Visit Renee’s Blog

Clean as You Go

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other day I came home from a fun outing with my kids and realized how messy the house was! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Quickly my mood went from happy, happy to mad and demanding. My husband pulled me aside after watching me rant and rave for a few minutes and asked a very simple question: “Why did you let everyone go on a fun outing without first having them clean up? If you’d told them before you left what needed to be done the thrill of going out would have motivated everyone and you could have come home relaxed.”

He was right.

I’ve taken his advice on several occasions and it’s amazing how it has reduced my stress. And what if the kids don’t cooperate with the clean before we go plan? Well, then we cancel the outing and I get to take a bubble bath. Now that’s a beautiful plan!

For more encouragement as a mom, log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free devotion, Thanking God for Tests, by Glynnis Whitwer

Get Over It and On With It by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Visit Lysa’s Blog