Confessions of a Shop-a-holic

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Wendy Pope

Sometimes when I get stressed, I just want to go shopping so I can escape! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Wendy recently told me how shopping used to be an addiction for her. When she got married, she brought a lot of debt with her and carried it for many years. As she continued to accumulate debt, Wendy hid receipts and new purchases from her husband. The secrets kept her from having an open relationship with him. It also kept her from experiencing the joy of a real relationship with God.

Wendy wanted to be free from her addiction, so she decided to meet each morning with Jesus and talk with him about her struggle with spending. She also stopped going to stores unnecessarily and carefully recorded every purchase she made. She finally felt completely free when she cut up her credit cards and confessed her mistakes to her husband. Wendy said she now has a deep joy that comes from something she could never buy! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Confessions of a Recovering Shop-a-holic, by Wendy Pope

Cents & Sensibility by Bethany and Scott Palmer

Thorns or Flowers?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Life really isn’t always a bed of roses. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I was in middle school my family was falling apart, so I went to live with my aunt for almost a year. I remember her telling me not to run through her rose garden.

I didn’t listen of course and took a running start with my arms stretched out wide only to be shocked with searing pain. Thorns. Big, mean, vicious thorns ripped my flesh and opened up a flood of tears. I looked at my source of pain and wondered if I should call it a bush of thorns or a bush of flowers. It could go either way.

You know, I can look back on my life in pretty much the same way. Would I see the hurt or would I see the beauty? And I guess you could say I've been making that choice everyday since my encounter with the rose garden. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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He’s Coming Back!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Van Walton

I love coming home after a long trip, and my dog Chelsea likes it even more!!! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We just got back from a long vacation and couldn’t wait to pick up our pooch from my mom’s house. I can’t tell you how happy she was to see us. She barked. She ran circles around us and her tail couldn’t stop wagging. She wouldn’t let us out of her sight!

My mom told me that Chelsea constantly watched the door, waiting for us to come back. In the meantime my mom fed her, walked her, and gave her lots of attention.

You know, Jesus promised that He’s coming back for those who love and follow Him. And, He’s left us in the care of His Holy Spirit, our friend and counselor. But in spite of that, I can’t wait to see Jesus when He returns. I have a feeling I am going to run and leap and dance for joy. I’ll sit at His feet and never let Him out of my sight! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, He’s Coming Back!, by Van Walton

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Godly Friends for Our Kids

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If there is one thing I've learned in my almost 16 years of being a mom, it's that there’s no magic formula for raising kids. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Being a parent is complicated, thrilling, exhausting, and beautiful all at the same time. If a new mom were to ask me for a secret formula I’d say pray for wisdom to know how to balance discipline and grace, work and fun, saying yes or no, and pray that they'll find really good friends. The friends part is huge.

I've made plenty of mistakes as a mom. But one thing I've discovered I did right was pray for godly friends for my daughter. She's not the kind of girl who will ever have a ton of friends. But I want the friends she does have to be good influences. So, I keep praying. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org and click on Lysa’s blog. That’s Proverbs 31.org.

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The Gift Giver

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Rachel Olsen

I can’t wait to watch my family open their gifts from me on Christmas morning! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I love to see their faces light up with surprise and a sense of knowing they’re loved. I bet that’s how God feels when we enjoy the gifts He’s given us. Christmas is the perfect time to remember some of the gifts He’s given to me.

He’s given me peace: Jesus said, “My peace I give you.”

He’s given me physical life: The Bible says “God formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life.”

He’s also given me eternal life: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

And He’s given me rest: Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Now that’s a gift I can really use this time of year!

For more ways to thank God for His gifts, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, The Gift Giver, by Rachel Olsen

Women's Devotional Bible - NIV

Do I Really See My Blessings?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m really not as thankful as I should be. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I realize I need to model what I teach to my kids, so I’m trying to assess how thankful I really am.

Do I see the incredible spouse I married, or do I just grumble about his faults? Do I see the health of a son who can play sports as a good thing, or do I just grumble about his sweaty laundry? Do I see how fortunate we are to have enough food to eat, or do I just grumble about a kitchen that never stays clean?

I know I’ve been given so much. I’m also guilty of becoming so distracted by these gifts that I forget to be thankful for them. I want the words “thank you” to fall so easily from my lips that it’s second nature for both the big and the small things in my life. For more, visit Lysa’s Blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Finding Contentment

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Doesn’t it seem like the more we buy for our kids, the less thankful they are? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Psychologists say that a constant supply of gifts can create a sense of entitlement in children, causing them to focus on what's coming next, rather than on what they already own.

The Bible calls this discontentment - never being satisfied, no matter how much we have. So, how do we help our kids learn to be content?

First, we can help them enjoy what they already have by reading books with them; playing board games and talking walks with them while they rollerblade or skateboard in the neighborhood. We can also find ways as a family to help others who are less fortunate. And finally, we can make it a regular habit to talk as a family about what we're thankful for, not just at Thanksgiving. As we focus on what we have instead of everything we don't, contentment can be a permanent part of our homes. For more ideas on finding contentment, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Learning Contentment, by Amy Carroll

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Picking Up a Runaway

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

My friend picked up a runaway teen the other day and took her back home. And, I’m not sure I’d do that! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A young girl with muddy bare feet walked in front of my friend’s car when she was stopped at an intersection.

So, she turned around, picked her up and drove her home. The teenager was skipping school and leaving home because she got into an argument with her parents.

She felt betrayed, lonely, tired, and misunderstood. And, my prayer for her is that she will know that she truly is loved.

You know, this young teen isn’t much different from you and me. Most of us have found ourselves running away at some point in our lives. Running, but desperately hoping to be found.

Is that where you find yourself right now? Are you running away, yet desperately hoping to be found? Jesus would like nothing more than for you to find Him right now. See what that’s all about at proverbs31.org.

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Surrendering

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

This morning, I couldn't sleep! My mind was too busy figuring out what I had to do today, this week, and this month! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I woke up feeling like I needed to hand over all my thoughts and plans to God. I had so many decisions to make and changes to figure out. There was no way I could do it all. And I felt like God was telling me to ask for His help.

So what exactly does that look like? For me, handing things over, or surrendering, happens when I empty my thoughts and my heart of all that I’m carrying, and let go of everything I want or think that I need.Surrender is never easy for me because I’m afraid to let go. But I can’t figure out why I try to hold onto things I can’t change or control!

What about you? Is there something you need to trust God with today? Maybe we can work on it together. Visit Renee’s Blog at proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Further Still with God, by Sharon Sloan, She Speaks Conference Graduate

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Have You Given Up?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever resigned yourself to just not being able to do something? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know I’ve done this way too often. With a simple, "I can't," I brush off a possibility without even thinking. This is when I need to remind myself of something I used to think I couldn’t do, but now I can, like running.

Four years ago I forced myself to exercise and started running, but I use that word loosely. At first all I could do was slowly jog from one mailbox to the next on a country road by my home. But eventually, I was able to run further and further without crying and feeling like my lungs were on fire. It's still an effort and there are still days I don't want to do it. But I love how I feel afterwards. And, believe me; if I can get to this point…anything’s possible with God’s help!For more encouragement, visit proverbs 31.org.

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Christmas Book Basket

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It can be so hard to come up with a creative gift idea for the kids in my life. Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I was hoping to find some new ideas for Christmas and came across an idea in the book “Homespun Gifts from the Heart.” I read about giving a Christmas Book Basket. I know…most kids don't jump up and down at the idea of getting a book for Christmas; but that's where a little creativity comes in handy.

The idea was to create a gift basket based entirely around the theme of a book. For instance, if a child likes Winnie the Pooh: Pick out a favorite Pooh book, then add a stuffed pooh, some honey, a box of biscuit mix, and a bag a candy. Nestle the gifts in a basket lined with red gingham napkins - and you have a great gift. Who wouldn't love an afternoon filled with hot biscuits, sticky honey, and Winnie the Pooh?

For more creative Christmas gift ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at proverbs31.org.

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Everyday Life Encouragement, Celebrating Christ at Christmas, by Sharon Jaynes

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Let’s Dangle Our Feet Today

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever been listening to a song when the words jump out, and say "listen to me right now?!" Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. That happened to me yesterday. I was in the middle of listening to a song about rest. I’m not opposed to rest. But life can be busy, you know?

Hello deadlines. Hello school work. Hello empty fridge and dirty laundry.

So I’m singing this song about rest by Anita Renfroe and this phrase comes along: "dangling my feet off the edge of nowhere.” I don’t think I do that. Rest for me is scheduled and on purpose. Letting whimsy into my world isn’t something I’m good at.

But the words about dangling my feet grabbed me. So, I've decided to CHOOSE to walk without pretense or hurry today. I will try to slow down. I will try to live in the moment. Just for today. For more proverbs31.org.

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A Cup of Christmas COCOA

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles

One thing I love at Christmastime is a cup of hot cocoa. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Here’s one way the word ‘COCOA’ can help us remember some important aspects of Christmas.

●C is for CHRIST. He’s the reason for Christmas!
●O is for ORNAMENTS. As we decorate our tree, let’s remember to decorate our hearts and homes with God’s love.
●C reminds us to CELEBRATE. It’s easy to get focused on giving, but let’s not forget to celebrate all that God has given us!
●O is for OVERJOYED! Instead of getting overwhelmed with our schedules, let’s get overjoyed by remembering why Jesus was born.
●And A is for ABUNDANCE! In the abundance of presents and people, let’s remember that what we really need is the abundant life Jesus promised through a relationship with Him.

Oh, and next time you have a cup of cocoa, pull up a chair and visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, A Cup of Christmas COCOA, by Tracie Miles

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Healthy Christmas Boundaries

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

For me, today will consist of laundry, homework, and a to-do list for Christmas that’s never-ending. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and, like you, I've come to the realization that Christmas is coming in fast motion.

And it’s so easy to let myself get all in a tizzy and start steam rolling ahead determined to get everything perfectly checked off my list. But because of those unrealistic expectations I put on myself each year, tensions always run high, finances get tight, and my emotions usually flow more than I’d like. I’m going to ask myself one simple question each day this holiday season, "What can I realistically do without losing my Christmas joy?” This is my goal this year. Smile, breathe and only take on what I can handle. Care to join me? For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Feeling Bullied

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Gary Morland with Renee Swope

Sometimes I feel like I am being bullied by my own thoughts! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries!

I don’t know about you, but there’s one thought that tends to creep in and act like my own private bully! He always shows up when I have tons of things to do and have to do all of them at the same time and it’s gonna be a huge challenge. Or when I get tired or discouraged; that when he starts bullying me.

He doesn’t say it out loud, but I hear it, and if I’m not careful, I believe it. He tells me a very simple, very subtle lie.

“You are what you do. If you fail in this, then that’s who you are.”

Funny thing is, I don’t hear that when I succeed. And it would be a lie if I did. The truth is, I am not what I do. I’m not a success because I get it all done. I’m not a failure when I don’t! And neither are you!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The idea for this show came from something my friend, Gary Morland, wrote on his blog. To read more click here.

Free devotion, Failing Forward, by Renee Swope

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Dealing With the Past

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Let’s face it; dealing with the junk from our past can be tough. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I spent a lot of years living in a huge rut because of some difficult circumstances in my life. But nothing good grows in a rut. It just stays muddy and worn out.

So, eventually, I had to make the choice to face each situation and stop asking, “Why me?” Instead, I have to make myself say…now that this is my reality, God, what good can come from it?

And good has come despite the abandonment, abuse, loss, and rejection. I have found peace. I have a story that gives hope to others in tough circumstances that they can get out of the ruts that they’re stuck in. I can see that now and it really helps my trust in Him grow. For more encouragement, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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A Picture of Grace

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I just read a story that painted a perfect picture of God’s grace.

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

A three year old was watching two older girls playing with helium filled balloons. She told her mom she wanted one too. Without skipping a beat, one of the older girls said, “Here, have mine.”

The pre-schooler’s mom told her to say thank you and to hold on tight. Well, being three, she struggled with that last part and, before long she screamed, “My BALLOON!!” as it floated away.

Before the little girl even had a chance to start crying, the other older girl came right over with her balloon and said, “Here you go!”

What a picture of GRACE! Just like those girls, God gives us a gift. Being human, we mess it up, lose it, or chase it away. But, God comes right back with a second chance to receive the gift He has for us!

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org!

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This show was written by my friend, Jill Tracey. Find out more about Jill click here and here.

Free devotion, The Ram is on It’s Way, by Glynnis Whitwer

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A Mom’s Fear

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Are you ever afraid that something’s happening to one of your children? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. For moms, this is our greatest fear. We see our teenage son drive down the driveway and fear grabs our heart. We hear of another child getting diagnosed with cancer and we start asking the what if questions. We watch the news reports on a child that’s been abducted and we hold ours just a little tighter that night.

Having 5 children, I often want to just tuck my kids under my wing and never let them leave my side. But I also know that’s not how God wants me to handle my fears. So, I pray. I read God’s truths. I memorize God’s promises. And I make the choice to walk in confidence. The minute those fears start to creep in and haunt my heart, I have to start the process all over again. For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverb31.org.

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A Favorite Gift

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My mom was about to retire and I wanted to honor her in a really special way! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I decided to plan a surprise party and create a book of memories for my mom, spanning 65 years of her life. Before the party, I asked family members and friends to send me a written memory along with a favorite photo. After she recovered from the big surprise I gave the album to my mom and I’ll never forget the look on her face or the tears in her eyes. She felt so loved!

That album is one of her most treasured possessions now, because it captures the many facets of her life as a mom, sister, grandma, and friend!

Ya know, making a memory album is a great way to show someone how valuable their life is and how much you love them! It takes extra time but it’s always a great gift.

Have you got any favorite gift ideas? To share them, click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Just Jump

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

“I’ll catch you. Just jump!” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have to smile when I remember the game my husband played with our girls when they were little. They would stand on the end of our very tall bed and when Art gave the nod, they would jump to him confident that he would catch them every time.

But they didn’t start out confident. Their first time jumping was nothing but a leap of faith. Art would assure them repeatedly, “I’ll catch you. Just jump sweetheart. I’ll be here.” Eventually, they took the leap. And Daddy was there to catch them every time. I think that’s the way it is with taking spiritual leaps of faith as well. What’s God been calling you to the edge of lately? Have you heard Him assure you that He’ll be right there? When we make the jump, there’s no sweeter place to be than in the middle of our Heavenly Father’s strong embrace. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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Simple Holiday Parties

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Every year I say I want to host a holiday party but I usually don’t because it’s too much work!

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

This year, I’m going to sop talking about it and actually do it! But I don’t want to stress out about having a few friends over. So, I got a few ideas from some people who really know how to throw a party without all the stress. In the book Homespun Memories for the Heart I found over 200 ideas for creating unforgettable moments and simple holiday settings. Some of my favorite ideas were to

● Decorate with cozy things you already have in your home.
● Play soft music in the background to set the mood.
● Light candles for a soft, warm glow
● And Keep the menu simple.

Whether it’s the holidays or another time of year, I think these ideas will help me make any get-together special…but NOT stressful. For more ideas on planning a Christmas gathering that’s successful but simple, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Everyday Life Article, Top 10 Ways to Have a Stress-Free Christmas by Marybeth Whalen

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Christmas Attitude

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How will my Christmas attitude be this year? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many things used to make me have a bad Christmas attitude but not this year. “It is what it is.” That’s my new motto for the season.

For me to pretend that shopping, decorating, and digging through the attic makes me happy, happy, happy, would be fake, fake, fake. I’ll be honest I don’t like all the extra things Christmas adds to my to do list but I love what the season can be.

The main thing is I love Jesus and I love my family and it’s okay if everything doesn’t get done perfectly. It is what it is and that has helped me turn my Christmas Ugggh into a Christmas Ahhhhh! And I have two words for my shopping list this year - gift certificates. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Why Wait?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’m grieving the loss of a friend and it’s really hard. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend, Kim, was a wonderful mom with three young children who’ll feel the pain of their loss for the rest of their lives. Her death has caused me to ask some tough questions about my own life. Although I know I’ll die someday, I tend to live like I have forever. But I don’t.

So, I’ve been wondering… what’re some things I’d want to do if I were diagnosed with a terminal illness? Would I write letters to my husband and kids telling them how I feel about them? Or make videos for their graduation or wedding days? Would I just want to spend every moment with them that I possibly could?

It’s easy not to think about these things when I don’t have a life-threatening illness. But, why wait? There’s so much I want to say and do, and, the reality is, I’m not guaranteed tomorrow.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org!

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Free devotion, Her Children Arise and Call Her Busy, by Sandy Cooper, She Speaks Graduate

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