Just a Little Gossip

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How bad can just a little gossip be? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The Bible warns us that gossip will separate close friends. I believe it. There’s nothing worse than to feel betrayed by a friend’s careless words. The Bible also warns us that what we sow, we’ll reap. In other words, if I gossip about others, I can almost bank on the fact that others will soon be talking about me.

Think of what a great gift it would be tell a friend that you’ve made the commitment to never say anything dishonoring about her. I know how great this gift is because I had a friend make this commitment to me. My heart feels so safe with her. The trust we have is rare and beautiful.

I firmly believe that to have a great friend, you have to be a great friend. And becoming a woman who refuses to gossip is a great place to start. For more friendship advice, click on Today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

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Women: Friend or Foe? a free devotion by Rachel Olsen

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

What’s Real?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Holly Good and Renee Swope

Has your trust ever been destroyed by someone’s betrayal? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago, my friend Holly had her world shattered. She found out that someone she loved deeply had done something terrible.

For weeks, Holly begged God to help her understand. Her sense of reality was threatened, so she desperately cried out, “What is real God? Please tell me! Because what I thought was real may not be.”

After reading her Bible and praying, God gently revealed answers to Holly’s wounded heart. Her focus had been on herself and her questions. God reminded Holly of her need for Him. God also reminded Holly of what IS real. He is real.

People are imperfect. They may disappoint or even hurt us. But, no matter what happens, God wants us to trust HIM and focus on Him alone. I’m so thankful nothing can separate me from His always PERFECT love. And THAT is real. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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What Is Real? a free devotion by Holly Good

Nothing is Too Small For God a free devotion by Melanie Chitwood

Power of a Parent’s Prayer

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A couple of weeks ago my daughter told me she wanted to quit a sport she’s enjoyed for ten years! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I've always told my daughter that to stay in gymnastics she had to want it for herself and that I would never push her. But ten years is a big investment on her part and ours. So, I prayed that God would give us all wisdom. Two days later, we ran into a girl that had graduated and gotten a full college scholarship with gymnastics. She offered to take Ashley out to dinner and talk to her about whether or not the necessary sacrifices were worth it. Ashley came home from that dinner with a fresh vision and renewed commitment. Not only does she not want to quit but she wants to one day go to that same college. Coincidence? I don't think so. It’s the power of prayer.

For more on wisdom based parenting click on today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

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A Mom’s Conversation with God

A Praying Mom

Divine Prayers for Despairing Parents by Susanne Scheppmann

Where Does My Help Come From?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I need help! But where can I find it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. There are days when I am so jealous of the Proverbs 31 Woman – the Bible says she had servant girls –and I could surely use some help around here!

The other day I was grumbling a little to God about needing some help and He reminded me that my help comes from HIM!

In the Bible. King David said, “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from God, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

We all have areas of our lives where we need help, but sometimes I forget that God offers the help I need! These words remind me that when I feel overwhelmed and like I can’t go on, instead of only asking for help, I can remind myself of where my help comes from. My help comes from God! He is the maker of Heaven and earth. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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My Help Comes from the Lord by Renee Swope

Dear Jesus, Seeking His Light In Your Life by Sarah Young

Yes, No and Maybe free devotion by Wendy Pope

Inexpensive Decorating

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Turning a house into a home can seem like an overwhelming and expensive task. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I remember being newly married and moving into our first house. It wasn’t a complicated move because we had very little furniture but I soon got discouraged trying to make our small space feel cozy.

I’ve never had the financial means to just walk into a furniture store and say I’ll take that entire room full of furniture and all the accessories too. But you know what… I’m glad I can’t do that.

It’s forced me to collect pieces over time and appreciate a more eclectic look. A great starting place is to pick a piece of fabric, a rug, or even a floral arrangement to serve as your color palette.

Invest in this piece to keep your colors consistent. Then have fun with things you get a good deal on that coordinate with your main piece and make you feel cozy.

For more, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs31.org.

Resources
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Decorating on a Budget

A Life That Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

I Hate to Be a Burden

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My email was supposed to be a prayer request, but it started out sounding more like an apology. Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I needed friends to pray, but I hesitated to ask. I didn't want my request to be a burden for anyone.

My husband was having health problems and a biopsy done that week, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to be anything serious in the end. I just knew that I didn’t want to walk through it alone or in my own strength. Fifteen minutes after I sent the email several friends started telling me they were praying. Not only did they pray - they thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for me.

For someone who hates to impose on others, I need to remember that asking for prayer isn't about putting burdens on my friends. It's about letting them walk by my side down a path that I was never intended to walk alone. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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I Hate to be a Burden by Renee Swope

The Power of a Praying Friend free devotion by Renee Swope

The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis

I Told You So

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I can’t resist telling my kids “I told you so” over and over again! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. During a recent family beach trip I found myself digging the aloe out of the bottom of my suitcase and saying, "One day you'll learn when I say you need sunscreen- you should listen."

It would have sufficed for me to simply stop there. But with each complaint about how painful a sunburn is, I just had to say "You should have listened to your mama" again. Finally, my daughter quietly said, "Mom, I've learned my lesson. Please stop saying how you were right and I was wrong. Just think how you would feel if someone followed you around for a whole day reminding you of your mistake."

It stopped me dead in my self righteous tracks. I carefully took her sunburned body into my arms and apologized. Lesson learned for both of us.

For more ideas on wisdom based parenting click on “Today’s show” at Proverbs 31.org.

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A Mom’s Conversation with God

A Praying Mom

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Wendy Pope

Starting My Day with Jesus

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I woke up this morning with a looong TO DO list consuming my thoughts. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I hadn't even opened my eyes before the line items on my TO DO list started begging for my attention. My list had categories AND sub-categories. TO DO around the house, TO DO while running errandsTO DO for the kids and JJ, TO DO for workScrolling down my mental list was not a good way to begin my day, so I decided to roll over and start again.

"Good morning Jesus.” I whispered. “How are you today?" I just had to smile at myself and wonder if God was hoping I’d ask. His peace came over me as I lay there talking to Him.

Why don't I do this every morning? It was such a great way to start my day - talking to Jesus before my eyes even opened. And listening to His thoughts before I tackled mine. For more ideas on starting your day with God, sign up for some free daily encouragement at proverbs31.org.

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My Help Comes from the Lord by Renee Swope

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Sign up to receive Encouragement for Today, free email devotions

The Stuff Pile

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I let a pile of stuff sit in my house so long that I just kind of become numb to it! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and my most recent pile was in my bedroom. Somehow my bedroom had become a catch all for misplaced stuff. And do you know what I learned when I cleared out the things that didn’t belong? Stuff is a stealer.

Having all that stuff in my room stole space that could be used for a bedroom that functions well. It stole my peace of mind. It stole a feeling of serenity. If I’d had any idea what I was allowing all that stuff to take from me, I would have cleared it out a long time ago. Take it from this naturally disorganized woman who has seen the light at the end of the junk pile- cleaning it up is so worth the effort! Now I’m off to tackle the pile in my kitchen!

For more ideas on home organization, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

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The Light at the End of the Junk Pile

Decorating on a Budget

The Complete To Getting And Staying Organized by Karen Ehman

Where Has My Time Gone?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Today I decided not to do some things I really needed to do! Instead I spent time with my family just having fun. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every day I have a choice. Will my schedule be determined by laundry that’s piling high, deadlines that are getting closer and projects that have been waiting for months, or will I set aside time to spend with my family?

It’s so easy to get swept up into what I need to get done. But, at the end of the day, I wonder where my time has gone, and what my kids and husband have been doing while I was on the computer or cleaning for hours.

God wants me to love and enjoy my family! Not just clean up after and work around them. So today I stopped doing so much and got intentional about being with them. We sat on the porch talking and went for a walk. At the end of the day, I loved knowing where my time had gone. For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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

Taking Time to Rest by Renee Swope

Raising Teenagers Isn’t for Cowards

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Raising teenagers isn’t for cowards. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to develop courage that I never knew was possible… especially now that 4 out of my 5 kids are teenagers.

I define motherhood during the teen years as: A time where one learns the graceful art of not panicking even though everything in her being tells her this is exactly what she should do. The reality is that teens will sometimes make choices that go against everything their parents have instilled in them.

That’s why prayer is crucial. One of my specific prayers is for my kids to get caught every time they do something they shouldn't. That way, I can help them process their choices using God’s truth. These aren’t always fun and easy conversations but I’ve found them to be extremely rich with essential life lessons.

For more on raising teens, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

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“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part One

“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part Two

The Five Love Languages of Teenagers by Gary Chapman

Discover it Together

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When my husband, Art, and I were first married we struggled…a lot! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. We both brought loads of unrealistic expectations into our marriage. And instead of our first years being blissfully romantic, they were spent sifting through layer after layer of hurt and disappointment.

In our early years, Art’s grandfather wrote us a letter with these wise words: "Life is more than just the living of it. Now, you two discover it together." And by the grace of God we are.

Now, I love the thought of us one day sitting in old yard chairs able to speak volumes with just a glance and a nod because we invested time into our marriage.

The greatest of legacies aren't necessarily built around the big moments of life marked with anniversary dates. They are built around seemingly small moments, a nod and a smile worth a thousand words.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming a Patient Woman

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

I love instant gratification, which makes patience very hard to come by! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past week I’ve raced through a yellow light because I didn’t want to wait at a red light. I’ve looked up symptoms on the internet because I didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office. I’ve paid extra at a convenience store because I didn’t want to drive to the grocery store. Though I can’t recall a specific example, I’m pretty sure I lost my patience and fussed at my kids, too.

I want what I want, and I want it now. Yet the Bible says patience should be a way of life if I’m going to follow Jesus. It tells us to live our lives “with humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Patience is developed when my heart is connected to God. It grows from my confidence in the fact that He’s in control and that He can work out everything in His way and in His timing. For more encouragement in developing patience, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming a Patient Woman, Free devotion by Rachel Olsen

But Will It Make Me Happy, Free devotion by Marybeth Whalen

God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A Compilation of Favorite P31 Devotions by various Encouragement for Today authors, Gen. Eds. Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen