Muffin Tops and Friendship

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Apparently I have a condition and I’ve been told it has a name…Muffin top! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

So, what’s a muffin top? Do you ever feel a slight roll of skin just begging to hang over the top of the waistband of your jeans? Now picture in your mind how a muffin sits in that little pleated paper wrapper. Can you see how at the place the paper ends the little muffin top peeks up and over her waistband too?

Yummy.

No. No. No! Not yummy Lysa... No muffins or treats of any kind for you today.

What I really want is some egg whites and one piece of whole wheat toast, dry please. Really, I don't want any butter at all. Really.

Ever struggle with these kinds of conversations in your head? Well, you’re not alone! Let’s take heart and find a friend to encourage us and hold us accountable. A friend can make everything better… even dry toast and muffin tops. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org

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Eyes on My Master

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

It was time to wake up, but everything in me wanted to go back to sleep! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I rolled over to see what time it was and noticed my dog on the floor – staring at me. Her eyes were on her master.

I knew today was the day I’d have to stop procrastinating and deal with a conflict I’d been avoiding. I didn’t know to approach the problem and dreaded the possible outcome. I started to pull the blanket over my head when I noticed my dog again, focused, with her eyes on her master. I reached down to pet her and marveled at her devotion.

Where were my eyes focused? Not on MY master! I was focused on my problems. Then I remembered these words from the Bible, “My eyes are toward You, O GOD, in You I take refuge.” In that moment I imitated my dog’s devotion by turning my eyes towards my Master, God, so I could start my day focused on Him. For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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No Regrets

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Four and a half years ago God very clearly told my husband and I to adopt our two sons from Africa. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I guess it would be natural to ask me if we’ve ever regretted following God in this decision.

I can tell you, I’ve never once regretted saying yes. Sure there’ve been hard days. And yes, it’s stressful being responsible for 5 busy, unique kids. But I love it!

I remember before we met our boys, wondering: “How can I truly be a woman of faith, if I live a life that requires no faith.” It took huge faith in God to adopt our boys. It takes huge faith to raise 5 kids everyday. But how I love living a life that requires daily faith.

So, I press on and choose to follow God over and over again as a woman with no regrets!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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That Speaks Volumes!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Marybeth Whalen and Renee Swope

Have you ever heard someone say, “That speaks volumes to me?” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. So, what does it mean when someone says, “That speaks volumes to me?” I think it means that something they heard or read went a lot further than the words that were spoken. Somehow the words reached inside them and touched a place that was in need of reassurance. Maybe the words resonated through their heart and mind, filling an empty place in their life.

I want to be the kind of woman who speaks volumes into the lives of those around me. Not through eloquent words or some profound thoughts. I want my life to speak volumes. I want my actions, my intentions and my simple every day choices to speak volumes of God’s love in a way that makes a significant impact on those around me. For ideas on how to live a life that speaks volumes, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Banana Bread Victory

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last night I conquered something big in my life. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. No, I didn't get through the day without getting frustrated at one of my kids. No, I didn't make a gourmet meal for my family.

My BIG news is that I DIDN'T THROW AWAY THE ROTTEN BANANAS. Finally I didn’t hide them in the bottom of the trashcan feeling guilty for being wasteful! No, I peeled and smashed, and stirred together all the ingredients required for homemade banana bread!

Okay…now here’s the challenge. What little task have you been avoiding? Organizing that junk drawer…a phone call to say I’m sorry…Why not conquer one of those tasks today? Just completing one thing made me feel so accomplished and free! Oh, and if you’re looking for a great banana bread recipe log on to Proverbs31.org.

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God Sees

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t put as much effort into something if I think no one else will see it. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know of a nurse who admitted she used to give less than her best effort when no one would see it. During her night shift she’d change patients’ bandages two times. She’d hurry with the first bandage change - doing it properly, but not as carefully, because no one would see it. She knew she’d replace it before her shift ended. Now with the second bandage change, she was more cautious because the nurse coming on the next shift would see her work.

One night God reminded her that He sees everything and challenged her to change both bandages for Him. Maybe no other human eyes would see her effort, but He was watching. This totally changed her perspective - and mine. I want to be faithful in everything God gives me to do, even if no one sees but Him.

For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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Just the Two of Us

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last week my husband and I took the time to go on a date. Just the two of us. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Somehow in the craziness of our schedules, I couldn't remember the last time we took the time to hold hands and talk about us.

Not our teenager's choices, or the broken down car, or how did your meeting go today, or did you return that video back to the store... not that kind of conversation. I mean the kind of conversation that seems harder and harder to find time for in the midst of life.

Maybe this is the true secret to contentment in marriage. Not reaching back for what was lost in our yesterdays. Not reaching for what I hope will be in our tomorrow. But grabbing those little moments right in front of us and seeing them for the gifts they really are. For more, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Barbie’s Gotta Go

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

“It’s time for Barbie to go!” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and my friend Jill’s taking a stand against her daughter’s Barbie doll!

Now, she’s not banishing Barbie from her home, but she is banning her from the shower. Jill’s daughter, Alyssa, loves playing with Barbie in the bath tub. The problem is, after bath time all the toys get rinsed off and hung to dry. So, every time Jill steps into the shower, Barbie’s staring right at her.

Barbie…the very picture of physical perfection that is simply unattainable. That’s what she sees first thing in the morning. Well, since she just started taking steps toward getting healthy; Jill needs all the encouragement she can get. And, she decided that this icon of impossibility just isn’t cuttin’ it! So, Barbie’s going to find her own “special place” to dry out after Alyssa’s baths. For more encouragement on pursuing true beauty in your life, log on to proverbs31.org!

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This script was written by my friend and colleague, Jill Tracey. Find out more about Jill on Facebook or her Blog.

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An Honest Look

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

What would you think if I said, “Don’t read your Bible every day?” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I say that not for shock value but to cause us to take an honest look at our time with God. Of course we should read the Bible. We know this. But it’s amazing how I’ll sit down to do this and suddenly a million urgent action items flood my brain. Suddenly it’s so tempting to answer an email, throw in a load of laundry, and start getting my day in order.

A daily battle is being fought for our time and attention. But oh, how we underestimate the power made available to us when we spend time with God. But we shouldn’t dread reading the Bible or do it out of obligation. Even if we just pick one verse to think on and live out each day it will be powerful and effective. For more ideas on growing your relationship with God visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Faith Vertigo

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

If you’ve ever had Vertigo you might be able to understand the Bible a little better. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

OK, maybe Vertigo won’t help you understand everything, but a friend of mine said her recent struggle made one Bible verse come to life for her. Because of an ear infection she had vertigo for several weeks and couldn’t believe how frustrating it was to never feel stable. She constantly felt like she was on a really rocky boat.

But one good thing that came out of it was that it made her think about a verse in the Bible that says: “If you need wisdom, ask God…But, you must believe…People who doubt are like waves of the sea. The wind tosses them around.” Well, after several days of feeling tossed around physically my friend knew she didn’t want to feel that way in her faith! So, she’s spending a little more time making SURE she believes the truth in the Bible!

For more thoughts on overcoming your doubts and building your faith, visit Proverbs31.org.

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This script was written by my friend and colleague, Jill Tracey. Find out more about Jill on Facebook or her Blog.

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Our Father

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Isn’t it amazing that we can go to God personally and ask Him anything? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I admit that at times it still baffles me that we can unashamedly sit anywhere and talk completely openly and honestly with the Creator of the universe. God won’t get red-faced and offended. He doesn’t have issues and triggers like people do. And He will never turn His back on us.

He is our “glorious Father.” Glorious can mean several things, but one of my favorite definitions is “completely enjoyable.”

What a beautiful way to think of God, don’t you think? We aren’t asking a remote, distant, hard to reach deity. We are asking God, the creator of everything. He is our glorious Father who is perfect and yet at the same time completely enjoyable and always approachable.

For more encouragement, visit Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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She Hears You

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My friend was standing in front of the mirror telling her husband how fat and ugly she felt. Then she noticed her daughter was in the room!

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

Heidi’s husband pulled her aside and asked her to stop being so critical of herself. He told her how beautiful she is and challenged her to think about the fact that her daughter’s watching and listening. When she hears her mom being critical of herself and questioning her husband’s affirmations, she learns that it’s normal to say those things to herself. And she might even start doubting when her daddy compliments her, too.

I was so challenged when she told me this. Heidi and I both decided we need to stop being so hard on ourselves and start trying to see ourselves the way God sees us. We need to stop focusing on our flaws and hopefully teach our daughters to do the same.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this, share them on Renee’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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I Keep Asking

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever wonder if every word in the Bible is intentional? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I do…

For instance, there’s a place in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul is talking about prayer and he says: “I keep asking...” After digging a little I realized this phrase is completely intentional. Paul doesn’t pray just once, he keeps asking. His example challenges me to make it a habit to keep asking God for wisdom every day.

Paul changed from persecuting Christians to serving Christ. And it was immediate and amazing. How could he so quickly know enough about Jesus to go from killing others to preaching the gospel? If this kind of astonishing wisdom was available to Paul, I have to believe the same can be true for us. So, I’m going to keep asking. How about you?

For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Against Everything

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I thought I was in trouble when my friend said “I might sound controversial, BUT...” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and actually, my friend wasn’t that controversial.

In fact, controversy was exactly what she was upset about. She was feeling like everywhere she turned there was another group of Christians standing AGAINST something, and it was starting to get to her. She told me she realizes we need to make our voice heard and stand up for our values. But, she explained that she would rather be known by what she’s FOR than what she’s AGAINST.

Above and beyond her opinion on health care, traditional marriage, or even the latest reality TV news, my friend really wants people to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is for THEM because Jesus is for them…and she loves THEM because He loves them.

I don’t think that’s so wrong, do you? Share your thoughts with me by clicking on Renee’s blog at proverbs31.org!

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Looking at Love

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Today I’m feeling challenged to look at love a little differently. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. To be completely honest, I often look at love by focusing on what it will offer me.

But if my only view of love is based on what I can get from other people, it’ll fail me every single time. You see, I’ve finally learned that other people were never meant to be my God. No husband, children, or other relationship can ever right all my wrongs, and soothe those deep insecurities. Only God can do this.

So, I can choose to focus my attention and my heart on Jesus every day and stop demanding that the people around me do things for me they were never meant to do.

Today I’m choosing to remember that love isn't what I have the opportunity to get from this world. Love is what I have the opportunity to give.

For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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You’re Beautiful!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I have a friend who’s absolutely gorgeous, but her biggest insecurity is her looks. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I didn’t know my friend struggled with her appearance until the other day when she shared her insecurities with me. I was shocked! Right away I told her she’s one of the most beautiful women I know – inside and out. But she didn’t believe me. It’s something she’s struggled with all her life, making her question what she should wear or eat every day.

You know, whether we’re watching TV or standing in a check-out line at the grocery store, we’re bombarded with air-brushed images of women who look flawless. And there we are standing in our sweat suit with no make-up on wishing we could be that beautiful!

But we don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. God says we’re fearfully and wonderfully made…now if we could only start believing that!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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If Only I Had…

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

There’s a common script many of us play in our minds every day; it’s simple, but incredibly dangerous. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The script usually goes something like this: I would really be happy if only I had … a skinnier body, a more attentive spouse, more money, a better career, smarter kids or nicer clothes.

I don’t know what your “if only I had” statements are, but I know from experience that none of them will bring fulfillment. They might bring temporary moments of happiness, but not true fulfillment.

What if instead of saying, “If only I had” and filling in the blank with a person, possession, or position, we replaced it with God’s truth. When God’s truth gets inside our heads and hearts, it becomes the way we process life. And it helps us see what we have instead of what we don’t. For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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Change for the Better

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son wasn’t acting like himself, and I couldn’t figure out why! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I visited Andrew’s classroom one afternoon and noticed he was all by himself while all the other kids were with friends. I knew something wasn’t right because he’s usually a very happy and outgoing kid. I talked with his teacher and she said he hadn’t been acting like himself for a while. She also thought a smaller environment might be a better fit in middle school.

We prayed about it and eventually made a big change that required a big step of faith since we’d have to pay tuition at a smaller school. Well, God provided in amazing ways and Andrew is thriving in his new smaller setting! I can’t believe the difference. The fun-loving kid I know at home is now the same at school.

Is your child going through something that could mean you have to make a change in order to help him? Share your story on Renee’s blog, at Proverbs31.org.

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Please Interrupt Me

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I wonder how many times I ignore little ways to share God’s love simply because I’m so busy. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I’ll admit, I’m a task oriented person; I really don’t like having my plans interrupted. But I’m trying to change that.

Recently a friend called me just to vent a little. Her son had forgotten his lunch and his belt required by the school’s uniform policy. She was having a crazy day and really didn’t have time to go back to the school.

As I was listening, I noticed a store off to my right. It had food…and belts. I could help out but I’d have to rearrange my schedule. So, I challenged myself, do this as if it’s the most important part of your day.

And, honestly, seeing my friend’s son smile with relief was the best part of that day. For more, visit Proverb31.org.

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Connecting in the Car

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

The other day a friend asked me why I drive my kids to school instead of having them ride the bus. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My boys go to a school that doesn’t have bus service, so it's not an option, but even if it was, I’d still drive them in the morning. Ever since they were little, I’ve noticed that talking and praying with my kids in the car is a great way to connect. It gives me the chance to encourage them before their day starts with all the stress and strain of school and peer pressure.

I know we can’t all drive our kids to school. But we can all look for ways to connect with them. The car’s a great place to do it because there are fewer distractions and we’re all together in the same place. Whether we’re on the way to school, the grocery story, or wherever, it's a great time to talk, and listen!

How do you connect with your kids? Let me know by clicking on Renee’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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