The Variety Bucket

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Variety is a good thing…right? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries!

The other day my friend Jill and her family stopped at the drive thru and no one could decide what to order. She wanted grilled chicken, her husband wanted fried chicken, and her daughter wanted chicken strips.

So, they decided to order the VARIETY BUCKET and everybody got what they wanted!My friend started thinking about how much variety is available these days. It seems like nobody ever has to give up anything. But, is this GOOD? What about when we're teaching our kids that you don't always get what you want?

It’s not the restaurant’s fault…it's a human desire to get what we want when we want it. So, I have to pursue the path that offers less immediate gratification. God doesn't force it. He simply waits as I try Variety Bucket after Variety Bucket and eventually turn to the ONE THING that truly satisfies! For more, visit Proverbs31.org!

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Healthy Eating

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A few months ago I decided to give up sugar for a while. And all my girlfriends said, “What!” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Whenever anyone hears about my new healthy eating plan, the first question they always ask is, “how?”

My answer? This isn’t just physical for me- it’s a spiritual journey. In my strength, no, I can’t do this or sustain this. But I’m not relying on my own strength. I’m praying and asking God moment by moment to teach me how to live in His strength. And I won’t lie, it can be very hard sometimes.

Each moment I have to make the choice to either live in my own strength and risk failure or grab hold of God. Because in his promises we find His strength. And the beautiful thing is, the more dependent we become on God, the less enamored we are with other choices. For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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The In Between Days

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Do you ever feel a bit of a let down after a vacation or Holiday Weekend?

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

I don't know about you but I look so forward to having a little time off! And, then, before I know it, it's gone and I’m back to the regular stuff of life...scheduling appointments, going to the grocery store, filling up the gas tank, and cleaning the house - AGAIN!

Remember when we were kids? Those special times that gave us a break in our routine were HUGE and vacations were monumental! We hardly noticed the in between stuff.

Now, it seems like the in between stuff is all there is. So, I'm thankful for the little breaks even if they fly by too quickly! Otherwise I think life's to-do's would just overwhelm me!

Here's to the long weekends and Holidays that get us refreshed and ready to tackle the everyday! I hope you get a chance to take a break soon. In the meantime, if you need encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org!

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Abandon

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I long to live a life that’s pleasing to Jesus. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Not a plastic Christian life full of religious checklists. No, that would be hypocritical at best and deadening at worst. But a life that points to Him.

I am fascinated by the imperfect heroes of faith in the Bible who, despite their shortcomings, pleased God. So much so, part of me wants to find the hallmarks of their journeys, create a checklist based on their lives and follow in step.

But God never called me to follow them. Because it wasn’t their perfect actions that please God, but their abandon.

Everything they had. Everything they hoped for. It was all His. And I desire to live that same way, in complete and utter abandon. No checklists. Just heart checks to make sure I am chasing only God. For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Failing Forward

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I don’t know about you, but failure makes me want to give up! Especially on myself. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

God’s been teaching me a lot about failure lately. And, He’s been encouraging me to fail forward by reminding me that I’m a work in progress. I’m learning to move forward even after a setback by remembering that I’m a woman who’s becoming everything God created her to be…even after I use harsh words to "shoosh" my child, or criticize my husband, or just fail to be the woman I want to be.

I feel like God wants me stop beating myself up and take time to notice the progress I've made.

You know, even though we’re not who we want to be yet, we’re also not who we used to be! And every time we fail forward we grow and get that much closer to becoming who we’re meant to be!

For more encouragement, visit Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Goals

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A friend recently asked me what my goals are for the next five years. To which I quickly replied, “I have no idea!” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. God promises many times in the Bible that He has a plan for our lives. Since our lives are lived moment by moment, that must mean that He has a purpose for each of our minutes, each of our hours, and each of our days.

So when I stopped to think about this recently, I realized I was so focused rushing toward the future, I had stopped considering God’s purpose for right now. I stopped looking for God in this moment.

I’ve learned that my goals won’t bring me significance and self-worth. Now I’m not saying having a plan is wrong. But it should never take my focus off of God and His moment by moment intentions for me. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Help Me Get Back on Track!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’m not so crazy about falling down, but I really HATE falling short!

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

When I fall short of what God’s asking me to do or be I’m learning to ask for His help to get back on track. Then I try to do my best the next time.

I’ve realized that if I want to see progress, I’ve got to figure out what’s causing me to fail.

So, I’ve been trying to focus on just one area of my life like managing my time. Then I write down the things that make me fall short in that area – like being too busy or unorganized. And, I ask God to show me how to eliminate the things that are holding me back so I can move forward and see a change that area with His help.

I also ask God to show me the progress I’ve made and give myself grace when my best isn't as good as I want it to be.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Tears

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Seven years ago I sat in my car and cried and told God I couldn't do what He was asking me to do. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.I'd just picked up the standardized test results for my newly adopted African sons. According to the test, they needed to be in kindergarten, but they were 13 and 14 years old. I was overwhelmed!

Now, seven short years later, Jackson, my oldest, not only graduated from high school, but he also received an Excelsior Award for various achievements.

After the awards ceremony, I sat in my car and cried again. Only this time, they were tears of absolute joy. I was so thankful that seven years ago I couldn't do what God was asking me to do. Because only He could. And that is indescribable. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.
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A Lifetime Heart Warranty

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

We’ve had workers in our house doing repairs, and it's been so noisy!! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I've missed my privacy and being able to leave when I need to. But I've also been trying to be thankful since the work is being done at no cost to us through our home warranty.

The process is hard but we’d be crazy to pass up getting things repaired for free.

This morning I was thanking God for our home warranty and praying about some things that were bothering. God reminded me of another warranty that offers the promise of free repairs. I have a lifetime heart-warranty from Him!

You know Jesus invites us to come to Him to repair whatever’s broken in our lives. We don't have to wait for a scheduled walk-through. We don't have to make a list and coordinate appointments or be at home for Him to do the work. We can come to Him moment by moment and tell Him what we need.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org!

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Honestly

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I think we all get to a place sometime in our life where we have to honestly ask, "How am I doing?" Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. There are certain things about me I need to change but making excuses can be so appealing: I'm good in most areas. I make so many sacrifices already, and on and on.But excuses get me nowhere fast. This is especially true with my eating habits. I suspect this same script of rationalization has played out in your mind too. I have to daily remind myself that I was made for more than compromise. We were made for God's promises in all areas of our life.

I’ve come to learn the hard way that nothing will change until I make the choice to change. Are you wanting to change something in your life? Take it from someone who finally laid down my excuses for God’s sure promises, it is possible. For more encouragement on overcoming your struggle visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Do the Next Thing

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed!! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

When my brain gets bombarded by all things I need to get done, my friend Marybeth will remind me of something she learned from author, Elisabeth Elliot. After her husband died, Elisabeth said she would’ve given up if it weren’t for one simple concept – do the next thing.

When she began to get overwhelmed she’d simply ask herself what was the next thing that she needed to do - and then she’d do it. Then she’d do the next thing, and the next. And all those little "next things" made up her days.

So now, when I feel overwhelmed, I tell myself - "Just do the next thing."

Sometimes the next thing is to do a load of laundry. Or a grocery list. Or to get ready for work. Whatever it is, I focus on that one thing until it's done. And then I move on to do my next “next thing’!

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Disappointment

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently a friend asked me if I ever struggle with disappointment. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I said yes and threw out a spiritual answer. And then the next day a really big disappointment hit me very hard.

Right after I got the bad news, I spotted a bowl in our home that had been housing several caterpillars my daughter had collected. I couldn’t help but notice that the cocoons were empty. Expecting glorious butterflies, I had to chuckle when I realized that our caterpillars had turned into moths. Yet another thing in my day that wasn't quite right. But when Brooke discovered the moths, she was beyond thrilled! We ran outside to watch tiny wings take flight. She couldn't have cared less if it was a moth or butterfly. And I had to smile because that day I learned my disappointment will only sting if I let it. For more, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Time with Friends

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love to be with my family, but I also need time with my friends! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s so easy for me to let my schedule get filled up, almost to the place where I don’t have time for my friends. Between work and laundry, groceries and kids, church activities and homework, I can go for weeks without any chance to have a little girl time. What about you? How often do you plan time to go to the movie with friends or meet for coffee?

Even if it’s just going for a walk or sitting on the porch and talking for 30 minutes, it’s important and I need it more than I realize! Jesus called Himself our friend.

He created us to have and be a good friend. So what can we do this week to make sure we get some much needed time to talk, laugh and share our life with our friends?

For more encouragement (visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and) click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Brokenness for Protection

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Our sweet dog Chelsea is not the brightest around cars. In fact, she just got hit for the second time. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.Other than a broken front leg, and a severely scraped up back leg – Chelsea’s okay. The vet said that in order for her leg to properly heal, we’d have to keep her calm for three long weeks. Well, last night all that stillness got the best of her and she wanted out to run and chase some unsuspecting night creature. But her brokenness couldn't handle that kind of freedom yet. So, I couldn’t let her go.

You know, when I ask God for things and don't get them, I can find myself whining a little too. Ever been there? Well, I’ve learned that God's love for me won’t let me to do certain things to protect me and keep me from things my brokenness can’t handle. And for that, I’m thankful. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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Laundry, Again?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It’s time to do the laundry again! And as soon as I wash, dry, and put away - our clothes hamper will be full…again. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The thing about laundry is it’s never-ending! I've actually considered taking a sabbatical from doing the laundry. But I know it would just accumulate into a huge, mountain of smelly clothes.
You know, God has that constant washing thing going on too, except He's cleaning our hearts instead of our clothes. I bet He’d love it if we didn’t get our hearts dirty with things like lying, hatred and selfishness, But He knows we do and He’s always willing to clean us up!

I’m so glad God never gets overwhelmed when our heart hampers get full again! In fact, we can dump ten loads at His feet right now and He’ll wash it right away! And, He's a pro with the delicate cycle. If we can mess it up, He can clean it up ... we just have to ask.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Reality Discipline with Younger Children

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Reality discipline for younger kids- is it possible? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. While it has been a while since my kids were preschool age... I do remember holding on for dear life sometimes, exclaiming --- this too shall pass!

My reality discipline ideas during that phase seemed to be centered around privileges.

When my kids played with their toys correctly, and put them away when asked, they showed they were responsible enough to have a few extra minutes added to their bedtime. But if they were defiant, this showed me they needed extra which meant fewer privileges.

Whatever the consequence, I made sure it was tied to the action. Also, I tried to make sure that I thought of safe and reasonable consequences before my kids pushed my buttons. Otherwise, emotions pushed over the edge will often cause us to throw out threats that we won’t carry through.

For more, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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She Did WHAT?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Some surprises just aren’t fun! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day my friend found her three-year-old daughter playing in the middle of a huge pile of stuff that had been stored in a little basket on top of her dresser. Mom and Dad thought the basket was out of reach for someone who's only three feet tall. They didn’t know their curious pre-schooler had the climbing abilities of a little monkey.

She had pulled the basket and its contents down to the carpet and proceeded to rub Baby Vick's all over her adorable pink and white rug. Then she found those little baby nail scissors! What harm could those do? They can barely cut fingernails. Well, they're sharp enough to make tiny little slits up and down sheer, polka dotted curtains. My friend was so shocked at what she’d found that she didn’t know whether to cry or laugh!

Have you had a surprise like this lately? You’ll find some friends who are right there with ya, at Proverbs31.org!

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Reality Discipline

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I must admit, yesterday I was getting very annoyed with one of my teenage daughters. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She was fiddling with our laptop computer in what appeared to be a very careless way. I kept saying, ‘please don’t tilt the screen back so far’. Patiently I said it again, and then again. Then I said it one more time with sharpness in my voice. I’m guessing you know the kind.

Thankfully my husband quickly stepped in when he saw my frustration beginning to mount. He rephrased what I had been trying to say. “It’s going to be a costly mistake for you if you break that computer sweetheart.” And that’s all it took. No more rough treatment of the laptop.

Reality discipline is a great way to keep emotional yuck from spewing when our kids need correction. We can let the consequences scream, so we don’t have to. For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Your Image of God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love taking pictures! I just don't always like seeing them afterwards! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you throw away or delete pictures that don't show your best side? One of the first things I do is pitch the ones that aren't very good. I'm especially quick to get rid of the ones where my eyes are half-closed or my mouth is crooked. And you can just forget about the ones where the camera adds 10 pounds. These are not the images I want in my photo album or hanging on better accurate image. You know, I wonder if God ever looks at the way we picture Him and wishes we had a better image? The Bible says Jesus, God's Son, is the most accurate picture of God. So, if we get to know Jesus by reading the Bible and talking to Him in prayer, we'll start to see who God really is. We'd love to help you develop a truer image of God, so visit us at Proverbs31.org.

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Don’t Quit Your Calling

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Can we be involved in activities or service outside of the home and still be good wives and mothers? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Believe it or not, making peace between our jobs or volunteer positions and our family responsibilities CAN be done. But first we have to stop looking to others for validation! Other moms can’t provide concrete guidelines for the way we’re supposed to raise our children. God has a unique and personal plan for each of our families that He’ll reveal to us if we ask Him to. We may be much more or much less active than the next woman. But, that’s OK. God knows what He wants each of us to be involved in. And, God knows our husbands and children better than we do. He knows what kind of wife and mom they need and how much of our time needs to be devoted to them. So, if we turn over each day and opportunity over to Him, we can’t go wrong. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Water Everywhere

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Water, Water, Everywhere! But do we drink enough of it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We all know it’s good to drink lots of water! It hydrates. Its good for our skin, and, if we’re trying to lose weight, it helps! But, isn’t it hard to get the recommended 6 - 8 glasses a day? Well, here’re some tricks that have helped me lately. First, I drink a glass before I have my morning coffee. I also drink a glass with each meal and I carry a bottle of water with me and fill it throughout the day. I keep one at my desk and one in the car. And, if I’m in a meeting or out with a friend, I drink water before anything else. Before I know it, I’ve met my daily requirement. I also figured out a solution for the “getting up all night to go to the bathroom” problem. The trick is to not drink anything at least two hours before bed. For more healthy living ideas visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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A Matter of the Heart

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other night my husband woke me up to tell me he thought something was wrong with his heart. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When he agreed to go to the emergency room, I knew that it must be serious. He spent the night getting tested.I spent the night letting every “what if” imaginable play out in my head.Well, I’m happy to report that Art is fine and it turns out so is his heart.

So, I breathe a sigh of relief. But I can't just move on. Somewhere in the middle of the night caught between everything could change and everything is fine, I was once again challenged to make every minute count. At that moment not one of those silly things that I sometimes make such issues out of mattered. All I could think was, "Oh God give me more time with him.”

Now that I have that gift you better believe I’m making the most of it.

For more life perspectives, log onto Proverbs31.org.

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