Living Love Out Loud

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I really don’t think Jesus ever meant for our faith to be so complicated. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. There have been times when I’ve been overwhelmed by all that being a Christian means. So, let’s go back to the basic teaching of Jesus. He simply instructs us to love Him and others. Just doing kind things for people can make a profound impact.

When we love others, we’re living the truth of God out loud. Since every person needs love, it may open the door for us to share that God is the source for our love. So, there have to be ways I can live out my faith this week! Maybe taking a meal to the family down the street that just had a baby. Or asking my son to mow the neighbor’s lawn after he’s done with ours. It really is simple…Jesus’ love is in me and I want to share it. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

A Little Makes a Big Difference

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Do you ever feel like what you do can’t really make a difference in the world? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently I started asking God to show me how I can use my resources to help others. I wanted to make a huge impact. But, instead, He showed me how a little thing I was already doing WAS making a difference.

Last fall our family went to Ethiopia to adopt our daughter, and while we were there we got to meet a teenage girl we’ve sponsored for 13 years through Compassion International. We saw first hand how the money we send each month provides food, medical care, education, and, most importantly, the message of God’s love through the sponsorship program in Ethiopia.

I never thought that little check I write once a month really made that big a difference but now I know that for one family it makes a huge impact! For ideas on how you can give a little and make a BIG difference visit Proverbs31.org.

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Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Dr. Wess Stafford

Visit Compassion International’s homepage

Security and Satisfaction

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

We spend most of our time pursuing security and satisfaction but the world’s versions of these things will disappoint us every time.

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

The only time-tested way to get our basic soul needs met is found in the Bible. But you see, it’s a two-part process. Not only do we need to read and study the Bible…but we also need to live it.

The more we make a habit of applying God’s teaching to our lives, the more it becomes part of us. Knowing the Bible and doing what it says not only saves us from heartbreak and trouble, it also brings more satisfaction than anything else.

After all, don’t get into the Bible so it can get into us? So that it can interrupt us, change us, satisfy us? So, let’s not settle for learning facts about the Bible when it was meant for so much more.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

A New Perspective

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It was cold and rainy yesterday, and I was feeling dreary. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s funny how my mood can be affected by the weather, my circumstances, lack of sleep or even just my perspective.

I was wishing the sun would come out and cheer me up but then I noticed my 11-month-old baby girl looking out the window at the raindrops. We just adopted Aster from Ethiopia and everything is so new to her. When I saw her kneeling beside our back door with her face pressed up against the glass, watching the rain trickle down the window, it changed how I saw things. Looking at the rain through my little girl’s eyes gave me a whole new perspective!

So, is there something that has you feeling kinda down today? I wonder if God wants to help you look at it through a new perspective…maybe His perspective. I’d love to know your thoughts. Click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Click here to read more about what God taught Renee through raindrops and her little girl.

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The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt

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

A Different Perspective, a free devotion by Zoe Elmore

The Gift

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever mailed a gift to someone and never heard if it was received? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend told me the other day she’d worked really hard on some gifts that she sent to four different friends.

Several weeks had passed and then a month. Not a word. She was so disappointed and a little hurt. It wasn’t that she wanted to be thanked excessively. She mostly wanted to know that her friends had at least received the gifts. How hard would it be to simply call or even email her? But as we discussed it more, we realized that we’d done this as well, and we couldn’t help but see the parallel with how we treat God. He often gives gifts we don’t acknowledge. The gift of today.

The gift of having a family to do laundry for. The gift of having a home to clean. Gifts we really should acknowledge, don’t you think?

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

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The Gift Giver, free devotion by Rachel Olsen

Yes, Mommy

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

One day my friend Jill called out to her three year old and received a very blunt, “WHAT?” in return!

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

Although she was a little offended, Jill realized it wasn’t her daughter’s fault. She really hadn’t practiced with her the polite way to respond when her mom called her name. So she said, “Alyssa, when Mom calls for you…instead of shouting ‘WHAT’, could you please say, ‘Yes, Mommy’? It’s just a lot nicer that way.”

Her daughter shrugged her shoulders, said, “OK, Mommy!”, and went back to playing. Jill was happy that the issue was resolved so quickly…and a little proud of her parenting skills! Then she heard a sweet little voice call out, “MOMMY! When I call for you can you please say, ‘Yes, Alyssa’?”

Ha ha…Maybe this wasn’t going to be so easy after all. For some encouragement in becoming the parent you want to be, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
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This show was written by my friend Jill Tracey. Find out more about Jill by clicking here and here.

Free devotion, The Mom in the Mirror, by Karen Ehman

Out of the Mouths of Babes by Wendy Pope

Never Assume

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is the grass really greener in someone else’s lawn or is it an optical illusion? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My house looks great until a friend redecorates her house. My kids appear smart until I’m around someone else’s kids who excel in areas my kids don’t. My marriage is wonderful until I meet a sweet young couple who have the perfect blend of romance and conversation in their relationship.

In each scenario, everything I thought I enjoyed suddenly pales in comparison.

And here’s the kicker, the things I’m eyeing with envy are usually never what they seem. I’ve come to learn that everyone has not-so-great aspects of their lives. So, when I get an overly idyllic view of someone else’s circumstances, I remind myself that I’m not equipped to handle what they have—both good and bad. For more, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

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Everything Changes

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Someone I work with was venting about how frustrating it is that nothing EVER stays the same! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My co-worker had recently lost a very dear friend…something she’d never expected to happen so early in life. There were other changes, too…good AND bad. Watching another friend endure a painful divorce while at the same time watching her daughter grow and try new things; basically changes that happen all around us. But, when they happen all at the same time, it’s unsettling.

She knows of course that Jesus never changes. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. But, to be honest, she’d really like it if her friends could always be around, if her daughter would always want to cuddle with her, if people she loves would stay married, and if her favorite restaurants would stay open!

I can so relate! If you ever struggle with this, you’re not alone! Find some hope at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

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

Everyday Life article, Overcoming Worry in the Uncertainties of Life, by Sharon Glasgow

When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custis James

Operating In and With God’s Love

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

What if I told you that sometimes feeling insecure and inadequate is a good thing? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sounds odd right? But I’ve found my insecurities and inadequacies can lead me to love others on a practical level.

Sometimes I’ll wake up during the night and think of someone I know who’s in pain, which prompts me to pray for them. In a crowded room, I can find a person who appears to feel overlooked by others and give them my attention. When someone is rude, I can try to see their humanness apart from their action.

If I were totally secure in myself all the time, I wouldn’t be nearly as likely to have a tender response to others’ insecurities. So, you see? Feeling insecure can be a gift that can help us to reach out and love others. For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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P31 Magazine

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

I’m Not Good Enough

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

Do you ever get a feeling that you’re not good enough? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Sometimes I’ll be thinking about something I want to do or dreams I want to fulfill and all of a sudden this feeling of doubt comes over me. It’s like someone’s telling me I’ll never measure up.

My friend Gary wrote on his blog that he finally came up with an answer to his “You’re not good enough” feeling:

First he just admits it. He tells himself. “You got that right. I’m all wrecked up. You don’t know the half of it.” Then he reminds himself that his “good enough” comes from Jesus. And that settles the performance part.

The truth is when we belong to Jesus, we’re covered in His goodness. We’re loved and accepted forever because God is constantly offering us His love and grace. So, it’s His goodness that makes us good enough!

Find out more about God’s never ending love for you at Proverbs31.org.

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Visit Renee’s Blog

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

Free devotion, My Thoughts vs. God’s Word, by Melissa Taylor

Behind Those Eyes: What's Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women by Lisa Whittle

I Lost Myself in the Process

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A few weeks ago I stumbled into a conversation that shocked me. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A woman I greatly admire was out to eat with her grown kids. I complimented my friend about how great her kids have turned out. Suddenly, her face dropped, her expression changed, and I could see emptiness behind her eyes.

"Yes my kids turned out great and I loved raising them. But, I lost myself in the process."

I paused and thought, ‘how do we fully embrace motherhood but not lose the other parts of us?’ We’re surrounded by moms who work and moms who stay at mom. I’ve learned that one size does not fit all. But one God does. He creates a beautiful work in and through each of our lives.

And we’ll be most fulfilled when we embrace every part of the unique life God has planned for us. For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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P31 Magazine

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Dealing with Loss

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes the holidays are hard, especially when you’ve experienced a great loss. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Have you lost something this year? Maybe it’s your job, your health, or a loved one. A loss can leave you feeling alone and empty. It can seem as if everyone around you is getting on with their lives while you’re suffering alone. It’s easy to fill our emptiness by throwing ourselves into busy holiday preparations. But, in the quiet times, our loss can overwhelm us.

If you’re feeling lonely or empty today, I just want to offer you a reminder: Jesus wants to move into the space that was created by your loss. That space may be filled with negative feelings right now, but Jesus wants to replace anger with peace. He wants to replace sadness with comfort. He wants to replace despair with hope, and He wants to replace fear with courage. Jesus wants to fill the emptiness with His love. If you’d like to know more about a relationship with Jesus, please visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org

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Everyday Life Encouragement, Overcoming Worry in the Uncertainties of Life, by Sharon Glasgow

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Women’s Devotional by various Encouragement for Today authors

Just Let Me Know

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last week I had dinner with a friend whose husband recently passed away and learned a big lesson. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend’s husband passed after a long illness and when I asked her about some of the lessons she learned through those tough years, she said something that will stick with me forever. “When people are going through hard life circumstances, don’t say ‘If there’s anything you need just let me know.’”

My friend said most days she couldn’t process how she was going to get through the next ten minutes, much less be able to ask others for help. I was challenged by this and wondered how I could help someone in need without being asked.

I could deliver dinner. Gas up their car. Mow their lawn. Pick up an extra gallon of milk or some pet food from the grocery store. Whatever it is, I’ll just do it and I won’t wait to be asked. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Working from Home

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Glynnis Whitwer

Did you know that over 50 million people will work from their homes this year? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us are now working from home, either telecommuting or running a home-based business.

Working at home can be great, but I also know it can be hard. I’ve found that for success, I first needed to set up a workspace outside my bedroom so at bedtime I’m not thinking about all the things I still have to do. Also, I invested in good desk and office equipment. The kitchen table worked for a while, but my back suffered because it’s not the right height for a keyboard. And, an accountant helped me figure out what expenses are tax-deductible.

I’ve learned to schedule separate times for work and home tasks so I don’t neglect either. And because I have kids, I also trade out play dates with other moms when I need uninterrupted work time. Working from home offers great freedom, but it also takes work to make it work! To learn more about working from home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Answering God’s Call to be Home, by Glynnis Whitwer

Work@Home by Glynnis Whitwer

Leap of Faith

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When we experience those things in life that we just don’t understand, we have to choose whether or not we’re going to trust God. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s not being optimistically foolish to trust God no matter what. It’s what we call faith. It’s in that in between, when we don’t have all the answers, and we don’t know if everything will turn out okay that we come to know what real faith is.

Real faith isn’t a hopeful wish. Real faith is making the decision that no matter the outcome, we’ll choose to see it as God’s perfect answer.

Through the good. Through the not so good. And even through the down right awful- we will trust God. Now this doesn’t mean we won’t cry and express hurt. But it does mean we’ve decided it’s better to have lived trying to take leaps of faith with God, than to walk away from Him. For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Get Real

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Tracie Miles

Sometimes I hesitate when people ask how they can pray for me. Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. As I wrote down the long list of prayer requests, I realized we weren’t praying for each other. We were praying for other people in our lives: someone’s neighbor was having marriage problems; a co-worker was sick; a friend’s child was being rebellious. The requests were prayer-worthy, but why we weren’t praying for our own struggles - our own marriages, our jobs, or our challenges in life?

I knew I needed to be transparent. You see, when I’m real, people can see, pray for, and love the “real me.” And they get to see real prayers answered. Stories about a restored marriage, about forgiving someone who betrayed me, or about recovering from an addiction could be just what someone needs to hear so their life can be changed. God, help me get past my insecurities and fear so I can use my experiences to help others see You working in my life. For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Get Real, by Tracie Miles

The Confident Woman by Anabel Gillman

Gaps

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you feel like you always have an issue to deal with? Me too.

Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Does it ever seem like everyone else is gliding through life while you’re hitting every possible pothole? I can so relate! Issues are everywhere in my life. Issues with my kids. Issues with a friend. Issues with time management. And then there are the bigger issues that beg me to crawl in bed and wish the world away.
Some days I feel like all I that I ever do is run from issue to issue trying like mad to fill in my never ending gaps.

But these gaps can be good in an upside down, crazy kind of way. They’re a constant reminder of my desperate need for God. Anything that keeps me close to God can’t be all bad right? Don’t let your gaps get you down my friend. And, take comfort in knowing, you’re definitely not alone. For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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P31 Magazine

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Know Whose You Are

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

We may know who we are, but do we know whose we are? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Melanie chuckled as she listened to her five-year-old give a very detailed answer when someone at church asked his name. He said, I am “Zachary Patrick Chitwood, son of Scott Joseph Chitwood.” Melanie wasn’t sure why Zachary responded that way. She’d certainly never heard this answer before, but she liked it! It let her know that Zachary knew whose he was!

Melanie’s story is a great reminder for me. The truth is sometimes I forget who I belong to. I forget that God alone gives me my identity instead of my past, my feelings, or others’ disapproval. And, you know, the more I grow in my relationship with Jesus, the more I understand that those other definitions are not the truth. The truth is: I am Renee Swope, a daughter of God! For more encouragement click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
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Free devotion, Know Whose You Are, by Melanie Chitwood

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Women’s Devotional by various Encouragement for Today authors

Too Busy for Quiet Time

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it really that important to spend time with God every day? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. God knows how busy my life is, so if I just toss up a few quick prayers that should suffice right?

It’s so easy to let life crowd out time for prayer and Bible reading. That’s why I have to decide before my day even starts that spending time with God is the most important investment I can make all day. It’s the best investment I can make in my marriage and in my kids’ lives. It’s the best investment I can make in my friendships and in myself.

And I always find that after even just a few quiet minutes with God, my mindset is healthier, my attitude more positive, and my ability to extend grace is increased. To find some ideas on how to spend time with God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line. And, be sure to click on Lysa’s blog at Proverb31.org.

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The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Magazine

Hanging On

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Susanne Scheppmann

Do you ever feel like you’re just barely hanging on in life? I did, just this week! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day I was watching some small birds outside my window hanging upside down from a mesh feeder. They clung to the feeder with their tiny toes and pecked at the seeds inside. Then a strong gust of wind shook the feeder, but the birds didn’t let that bother them. They calmly pecked away. Soon some bigger birds tried to knock them off the feeder. Again, they clung to the mesh. They wouldn’t let anything pull them away from their food source. I glanced at the Bible on my desk and thought, “There’s my spiritual food. Do I cling to it, no matter what challenges come my way?” I have to admit I don’t always cling to God’s words when times get tough. But, those little birds have inspired me to dig in and hold on tight! For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, Hanging On, by Susanne Scheppmann

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Remedy for a Stale Prayer Life

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever feel like your prayer life is kind of stale? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago I found myself praying mostly because I felt obligated to do so. And I started to realize most of my prayers seemed to be centered on me and what I wanted God to give me or do for me.

Now, it’s not wrong to ask God for things. But if they set my expectations of God to be getting what I want without taking into consideration His bigger plan…things can get very one sided.

So, I changed my prayers a little. I still ask God for things, but I don’t make this the focus of my prayers. Instead, I spend more time trying to be quiet so I can hear whatever He might have to say. And if I don’t hear Him speaking to my heart, I open up the Bible and ask Him to talk to me through His written words. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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P31 Magazine

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst