Hoarder Disorder

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst

Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

You’ve heard the old expression, “Save the best for last.” Well, I think we do too much of this. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine was recently scrap-booking when she confessed her hesitancy to use her “good” stickers. One lady said, “You’ve got hoarder disorder and you need to get over it. Pull those stickers out right now and use them.”

How true! Do we really think when we’re old that there will be some contest at the retirement home where an announcer steps up on the stage and says, “Whoever has the most unused stickers, never-lit candles, and mint condition china wins an extra bingo chip?!”

I don’t want an extra bingo chip fifty years from now. I want to be a happy person with a smile on my face that didn’t hoard life’s blessings, but made the most of them. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

An Unhurried Life

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope

Contributing .Writer: Renee Swope with Glynnis Whitwer

I’m drawn to un-hurried people. I'm sure it's because I wish I was like them. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Unhurried moms take time to explain to their kids where they’re going. Hurried moms tell their children to get in the car - they'll find out soon. I bet children of unhurried moms learne more about their cities and sites.

Unhurried women take time to chat with a sales clerk, and brighten her day. Hurried women rush in and out, glancing at their watches if there's a delay. I think sales clerks see a little of Jesus in the unhurried woman.

You see, Jesus chose to put people over His schedule. Although He had more to accomplish in three years than we can imagine accomplishing in a lifetime, the Bible never mentions Jesus being in a hurry. He always made time to hold a child, touch a sick man or talk to a woman in need.

I want to live an unhurried life like Jesus. For some more ways to do just that, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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More ideas to help you live an “Unhurried Life”, Free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

Boundaries

God’s Banner or My Banner?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst

Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I had just settled in my seat when a young woman boarded the plane. Nothing really made her stand out until she got close enough for me to notice her banner that said: “Miss USA.” Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

After all the fuss over Miss USA settled down I thought about the banners I wear that announce to the world just who I am. While they may not drape across my chest, I’m always saying something about who I am in the expression on my face and my interactions with others. The Bible says the banners I wear should say: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are called the fruit of the Spirit because they’re evidence to others that I have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. What about you? What banners do people see when you enter a room? To learn more Biblical truth, log on to proverbs 31.org.

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Beautiful in God’s Eyes, the Treasures of the Proverbs 31 Woman by Elizabeth George

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Shepherd

Prisoners or Partners?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope

Contributing Writers: Melanie Chitwood

How do you feel after you and your husband have gotten into an argument? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Disagreements are bound to happen in marriage. But how we handle them will determine whether we walk away feeling like prisoners or partners.

When I dwell on the hurt, replaying the argument in my mind again and again, I end up hanging on to unforgiveness. Unforgiveness forms walls around my heart and we both end up like prisoners locked in separate cells. But if we go to God and ask Him to help us forgive each other and then talk truthfully and lovingly, we’re more likely to feel like partners. Our marriage ends up strengthened, not strained. Forgiveness is essential to keep the partnership in your marriage.

If your heart has become bitter toward your husband, why not take steps today to restore your closeness. Proverbs 31 Ministries is here to help you strengthen your marriage. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

A Treat from God

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst

Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

If I enjoy giving special treats to my kids every now and then, what makes me think that God, my heavenly Father, is any different? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Just like giving treats to my kids makes me happy, I think God would like for us to receive a happy treat from Him.

There has been so much talk about the difference between joy and happiness in the Christian world that many of us shy away from happiness. Though few things can provide me with lasting joy, some sure can lighten a heavy moment of feeling drained. A few of my favorite things include a candlelit bubble bath, lunch with a good girlfriend, a date night out with my husband. Take a moment to think of some things that really make you feel happy. Then, the next time you feel a little drained, put together a care package for yourself and thank God for His special treats. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst

Sandpaper People

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope

Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Has someone ever rubbed you the wrong way? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Difficult people are one of life’s realities! But they can also be God's way of giving us hope. I know what you're thinking - how can God use people who bring pain in my life to give me hope?

In her book, Sandpaper People, Mary Southerland says God uses abrasive people to grind off our rough edges and make us more like Him. When we go to God with our troubled relationships and ask Him for help, He teaches us how to endure difficulties. Endurance teaches us patience and the Bible says patience gives us stronger character, and character produces – you guessed it - hope!

So, if someone has rubbed you the wrong way, ask God to use that difficulty to make you stronger and, then, let the hurt draw you closer to Him. If you'd like help dealing with the sandpaper people in your life, visit proverbs31.org.

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Sandpaper People by Mary Southerland

The Blessing of Friendship, An Interview with Lysa TerKeurst and Renee Swope

Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

When a Friend’s Marriage is in Trouble

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst

Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You’re sitting at a small table at your favorite café when your best friend blurts out that her marriage is in big trouble. Now what? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. What do we do when a friend comes to us looking for help? First, we have to resist being critical of her husband while still being empathetic toward her feelings. We also need to resist the temptation to give advice. A brokenhearted girlfriend doesn’t need the latest counseling technique or Bible verses thrown at her. She needs a friend who will listen, hold her hand, pray with her and for her - and offer practical help. Maybe she needs you to watch her kids so she and her husband can go to counseling. Or, maybe she could use a note of encouragement or a phone call a couple of times a week. And, maybe she could use some ideas to help strengthen her relationship with her husband. Proverbs 31 Ministries would love to help her and you so visit Proverbs31.org.

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Let’s Get Together Forever, Free devotion by Jennifer Erin Valent

Talk Easy, Listen Hard by Nancy Sebastian Meyer

Greener Grass

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope

Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

I have a basket on my kitchen table filled with greenery. And there’s a bird in my back yard determined to get to it. Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. That bird spends day after day banging his beak against my window trying to get in. Has he not noticed the beautiful bushes and trees behind him? Is he so intent on getting what he can’t have, that he’s forgotten what he does have?

Just like that bird, sometimes I think the grass is greener in people’s lives. One of my favorite verses in the Bible about contentment was written by a man name Paul. Paul had been rich and he’d been poor. He learned the secret to contentment by being thankful all the time. He said, “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He’s already given you.” Sounds like a good plan to me. Now if I can just explain it to that bird! For more ways to find contentment, visit proverbs31.org.

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Attitude of Gratitude, Free devotion by Micca Campbell

You Are My Hiding Place, Lord, Finding Peace in God’s Presence by Emilie Barnes

Heart Healthy and Happy

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is your home a heart healthy home? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We have a special tradition in our home of an afternoon treat. Sometimes we eat apples, oranges or some other snack from the healthier regions of the food pyramid. But mostly we like a sweet treat. My kids and I love fresh baked cookies, moist chewy brownies, and other concoctions of all kinds. You know I think a little bit of this can be a heart healthy habit.

Our treats are “heart” healthy for how they create moments of joy in the midst of busy schedules, projects that are due, activities to attend, and chores to be done. It’s a little something that I delight in giving my children - in moderation, of course! It says, “I love you…and I think it’s important that I take the time to enjoy a special treat with you.” For more ideas on making memories with your children, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

Homespun Memories for the Heart, by Karen Ehman

Because I Said So

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

“Because I said so!!” How many times have you caught yourself saying that to your children? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I get frustrated when my children want specific reasons for why I told them to do something. The easiest thing to say is, “Because I said so!”

When we read the Bible we’ll often find there are specific things God wants us to do. Just like my kids, I often want to know the why’s, when’s, and how’s before I step out in faith. But true faith means obeying God even when all my questions aren’t answered. True faith also means trusting Him to provide the necessary answers when the time is right.

So, do you ever find yourself asking God why He wants you to do something? Just like we want our kids to do what we say, let’s obey God today not because we necessarily understand but because, He said so. To learn more about trusting God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Living in the Hear and Now, a free devotion by Renee Swope

He Speaks To Me, by Priscilla Shirer

A Christ-Centered Marriage

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Almost everyday I hear about another divorce! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Co-workers, neighbors down the street, even my friends at church are all statistics in the divorce epidemic. Yet there’s one statistic that gives me hope... marriages where Christ is at the center are most likely to succeed!

There’s a big difference between two Christians who are married and a Christ-centered marriage. My husband and I were Christians when we got married, but our marriage was not Christ-centered. It was “self” centered. We almost became a statistic. A pastor challenged us to make our marriage Christ-centered by praying together, talking honestly about our struggles, seeking help before problems ballooned out of control, honoring each other with our words and actions and working together to find and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. With Christ at the center of our relationship, and a lot of Christian counseling, our marriage is strong today. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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More Than One Special Day, a free devotion by Tracie Miles

Capture His Heart/Capture Her Heart Marriage, Book Set by Lysa TerKeurst

He’s There for You

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

Is it sometimes hard to believe God is with you even though you can’t see Him? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I was dealing with several difficult circumstances in my life, and not very successfully I might add. I’d let a challenging situation steal my joy and burden my heart. I felt all alone.

One morning I was sitting outside having quiet time with God and the wind started blowing - really hard! The trees were swaying, and suddenly I felt God’s presence. It was like He was reminding me that like the wind, I can’t see him, but He is with me. As the wind died down, a warm breeze soothed my soul and I felt God’s peace. I was reminded me of how much He loves me.

Are you going through a hard time and feeling alone? Just remember that even though you can’t see Him, God’s there for you! If you need more daily encouragement, sign up for our Free email devotions at proverbs31.org.

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You Are My Hiding Place, Lord: Finding Peace in God’s Presence, by Emilie Barnes

Completely Indescribable, a free devotion by Amy Carroll

Money Management for Kids

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do your children understand the importance of saving money? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In today’s world of fast cash and quick spending, it’s easy for kids to think that money might really grow on trees. So how do we show them that saving their money is essential?

In her book, Dollars and Sense, Cynthia Sumner offers this advice:

One idea is to open a savings account in your child’s name.

Another is to hang a picture of something your child wants on the refrigerator as a reminder of a savings goal. Then, take your child shopping as soon as possible after the goal is reached.

Also, teach your kids to comparison shop between similar items of different sizes and prices.

And, practice delayed gratification by suggesting your child ask for nonessential items only on birthdays and holidays.

You know, I think I’ll set some of these same goals for myself! For more parenting ideas, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Learning to Live Financially Free: Hard Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Money and Your Marriage by Marybeth and Curt Whalen

Joey and the Jeep, a free devotion by Luann Prater

A Mom’s Conversation with God

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes it’s hard to trust God to do what’s best for my kids. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently my daughter got injured while preparing for a big gymnastics meet. She's had an amazing time the past 10 years, winning several titles. But this year has been hard. Just when things finally seemed to be clicking along, she got injured. No amount of rehab could get her ready in time. So, with tears and disappointment, she forfeited.

In Ashley's world this was huge. So, I cried out to God. “You could make her better, God. Please fix this!”

Eventually what God impressed on my heart is that the lesson Ashley learns from this will be good for her now and in the future. I only think I know what’s best for her. But God has a plan. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but it was what I needed to hear.

For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org

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Bible Based Parenting - “A Mom’s Conversation with God”

Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary E. DeMuth

Her Secret

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Amy Carroll and Renee Swope

There's a woman who works at a nearby grocery store that just makes my day. She’s ALWAYS positive and cheerful. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know it’s hard working with the public and spending long hours on her feet, so I asked her for her secret. She smiled, and told me that she has to be at work at 6 am so she gets up at 3:30 to spend time with God.She admitted it isn't easy. "By the end of the week I'm very tired, but God is my secret." She said. WOW, this precious woman wakes up while it’s still dark to have time with God so she can make a positive impact on every customer.

I don’t know about you, but getting up early and starting my day with prayer, isn’t easy for me. I want to start down my checklist the moment I wake up. But this woman reminds me that prayer is crucial if I want to give my best and reflect God’s love to others.

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org

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Intimacy with God by Tara Furman

Her Secret a free devotion by Amy Carroll

If I Could Go Back In Time

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I wish I could go back in time to my wedding day! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Remembering back I see a young couple that had no clue what the vows they took meant. It’s just what the pastor said so they repeated it. They felt in love. It felt right.

If I could go back, I’d warn that bride that you don't feel your way into love. You choose it. I’d tell her to look at the Bible passage from the ceremony not as a wish list of how she should be treated by her groom, but as choices to make. Instead of, “Love is patient; love is kind; it keeps no record of wrongs…"

I’d have her think this, “We’re deciding that our love will be kind. We’ll work toward making our love patient. And we’ll choose not to keep a record of wrongs."

But, time travel isn’t an option. So, I’ll just start from here and choose to love my husband the way I want him to love me. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Capture His Heart/Capture Her Heart Marriage by Lysa TerKeurst

More Than One Special Day a free devotion by Tracie Miles

Pretty, Pretty Princess

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope and Micca Campbell

Do we ever get too old to play Pretty Pretty Princess? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend’s daughter Peyton has always loved playing dress-up, so much so that her mom bought her a game called “Pretty, Pretty Princess.” The players could put on earrings, necklaces, or a crown, according to which card was drawn. It was Peyton’s favorite game.

She’s not alone. No matter how old we get, most women long to be as pretty as a princess. It’s a God-given desire. However, we often try to fill that desire in unhealthy ways. The world says we have to the perfect size and have a flawless face. No one measures up, but we sure try to with millions spent on cosmetics, lotions, and surgeries every year.

You know, we’re children of God, which makes us daughters of the King, so we’re already princesses and He loves us all! So, who cares what the world says? God thinks we’re BEAUTIFUL!

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Pretty, Pretty Princess a free devotion by Micca Campbell

Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George

Thank You Note Dilemma

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I want to get better about consistently writing thank you notes, but sometimes I feel like such a failure in this area. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every birthday I vow to get better about writing thank you notes. I really appreciate it when someone gives me a gift or does something thoughtful for me. I just don’t always remember to sit down and write a note to express my appreciation.

So, the other day while I was spending some time with God, I asked Him to help me with this. Instantly couple different people popped into my mind that I should send a note to. I pulled out the stationery, wrote the note, and sent them that very day. Maybe if I asked God a couple times a week who needs to receive a few words of gratitude from me, it could really help with my thank you note dilemma. It worked this week anyhow.

For more life encouragement check out our free daily devotions by visiting Proverbs 31 Ministries, at Proverbs 31.org.

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The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis

A Yeah Day a free devotion by Wendy Pope

Misunderstood

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

Misunderstood: that’s how I’ve felt many times in 15 years of marriage! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I remember in our pre-marriage counseling hearing how important communication is. So, JJ and I have tried hard to communicate, but I still feel misunderstood sometimes.

Not long ago we had a great talk. I thought I was making headway in helping my husband understand me. He responded with a big hug and I was sure my thoughts were understood and appreciated. Later that week, I made the mistake of asking my husband if he really understood what I was saying the other night. Well, instead of getting upset because he didn’t remember our conversation, I summed it up for him and we laughed.

If being misunderstood is the problem, what’s the answer? The answer is to show grace even when I don't feel like it and demonstrate love when it seems I have none to give. After all, Jesus offers both to me everyday.

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Misunderstood a free devotion by Wendy Pope

Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Moms Judging Moms

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt the weight of another mom’s judgmental glare? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few weeks ago I heard an amazing speaker challenge moms to decide to support each other rather than judge each other.

Working moms were encouraged to think of ways to encourage a stay at home mom like bringing her take out during your lunch break. And stay at home moms were encouraged to do things to help a working mom like offering to make her family a meal on a night when she has to work late.

The reality is that motherhood has its challenges whether we stay home or have a paying job. Imagine what things could look like if all moms came together in this way. Instead of judging each other, we could become each other’s greatest cheerleaders.

Speaking of people who want to cheer you on, Proverbs 31 Ministries has free daily e-mail devotions for ALL women. Why not get you and your friends signed up today at Proverbs31.org.

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Judge Not! a free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

Feeling Emotional

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

Yesterday I woke up to find my child was sick, again. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

He’d been sick for 5 weeks. I thought we were finally done with germy tissues and Clorox wipes. I was so frustrated as I thought about all I was supposed to accomplish. But, I also felt sorry for my son. And I felt guilty that I wasn’t handling it well. My emotions were controlling everything.

Later as I looked through the Bible for some help, I found these words Jesus said to His closest friends: Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.

Jesus was about to die and He knew His death would make his friends feel sad, scared, and doubtful. So, he encouraged them to trust GOD. You know, Jesus speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions create a troubled heart. Instead, He tells us to trust Him and focus on Him.

For more encouragement in balancing your emotions, visit proverbs31.org

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Dear Jesus by Sarah Young

Feeling Emotional a free devotion by Rachel Olsen