Organization for Messies

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I have found that disorder drains while order invigorates. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I don’t know how it happened but my office was a disaster area. I wanted a tidy space in which to work but getting from this complete mess to organization seemed overwhelming. Do you have a space in your home like this? Well, take heart there is hope. Here are some things that helped me conquer the clutter monster:
First, get an organized friend to help give you a new vision for your space
Then, invest in the necessary storage bins, files, and supplies.
Now remember, get rid of anything that’s not absolutely necessary
And, add a few touches that reflect your unique personality. Once you take pride in this area you’re more likely to keep it tidy. For more ideas to improve your everyday life, log on to Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Home Sweet Home

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing writers: Melanie Chitwood and Renee Swope

Would your family describe the temperature of your home as cold or warm and loving? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

If you’re like most women one of your many jobs is taking care of your home. The thought of that used to make me think of laundry that never ends and a kitchen that never stays clean. But then I realized my focus doesn’t need to be on my housekeeping but on my heart.

My heart serves as a thermostat that sets the temperature for the rest of my home. I can establish a climate that’s peaceful or chaotic, loving or cold. Here are some ways I try to create a welcoming atmosphere. I try to smile a lot and give lots of hugs. I watch my tone of voice and light candles to create a warm and cozy feeling. And most importantly, I try to spend time with God each day. When I do, He gives me His perspective and His presence, which is the most effective climate control in my home. For more ideas, visit proverbs31.org.

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Working With Children At Home

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Glynnis Whitwer and Lysa TerKeurst

Working from home can sound like a dream until we have a nightmare of a day. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The truth is, as much as we love being near our kids; it can make working at home challenging. Here are three helpful ideas that my friend Glynnis Whitwer shares in her new book: “work@home”.

First, Invest in independent activities: Before you plop your son in front of the television set, spend some time shopping for learning activities he can do alone. Just as a teacher plans her day, plan your child’s day with things he can do.

Second, Create clear rules: Make sure your children know the rules about how to act when you are working. If they have a question, let them know the appropriate way to interrupt you. Anticipating situations and defining appropriate behavior should help alleviate many issues. And finally, Take frequent breaks. Give your children some undivided attention. Even a 10-minute break will help fill their “love tanks.”

For more ideas log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Blinded by the Light

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Jill Tracey and Renee Swope

Ever notice how a bright light can be both beautiful and blinding? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was driving to work the other morning and enjoying the beautiful sunshine peeking over the roofs of the homes in my neighborhood. The trees were glowing in its light and everything looked clean and new. Then the beams of the beautiful sunshine I’d just been admiring bounced off some windows and right into my eyes - making it hard for me to drive. Funny how the brilliant light I’d thought was so pretty became a harsh glare.

Jesus called Himself the Light of the world. Like the sun, He makes things clean and new. But, when His truth shines on an area of my life that needs to be worked on, His light can seem harsh and offensive. I’m so glad Jesus’ Light is never intended to blind us but to guide us each step of the way! To learn more about following Jesus, the Light of the world, log on to proverbs31.org.

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The Gentle Art of Kindness

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes in the rush of my hectic days, I find myself forgetting the gentle art of kindness. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve discovered that being kind is becoming so rare that people really notice it when it happens these days. Simple things like letting that car over in traffic, helping a young mom manage getting her kids and groceries to her car, giving a compliment, or making dinner for a friend just because.

All of these things help us practice being a servant and make us more like Jesus. And it speaks volumes when our kids watch us model what we’re trying to teach them. Do you want to know the quickest way to infuse great joy into your life today? Look around… there is a whole world of opportunities to model Jesus to others by practicing the gentle art of kindness. For more inspiration log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Church: Burden or Blessing?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Amanda Waldrop

I don’t want to go to church, I’m too tired! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. That sounds like something one of my kids would say, but those were MY thoughts last Sunday morning! After a long week at work with several meetings and a Saturday that had been filled with projects, I just wasn’t up for another meeting. But God reminded me that when people who love Him come together, it’s not just another meeting; it’s a meeting with HIM!

The Bible says that when two or more people are gathered together to seek God, His presence is experienced in a powerful way. And, worshiping God with those who know and love Him is a privilege. You know there are lots of people around the world who can’t meet like this without fearing for their lives. So if you’ve been struggling to get up for church like I was recently, try thinking of it as a chance to meet not just with other people, but with God! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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How do I love you?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How do I love you? Let me count the ways… Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was thinking about “ways” to love my husband the other day. You know, it’s easy to throw him a quick ‘I love you’ as he walks out the door to work or as we end a phone conversation. But how have my actions been speaking ‘I love you’ lately? I know the things that make him feel loved but have I been making the extra effort to do those things?

Simple things that speak volumes of love especially to him like cutting up a fresh pineapple for him, a back rub, matching his socks or making his favorite meal. In my fast pace life with a hectic schedule sometimes I get stuck on autopilot in my marriage. But, I don’t want a so-so marriage. I want a great marriage. Therefore, I must take time, make time, to invest energy and effort into it. For more ideas on ways to strengthen your marriage, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Snatched from Danger

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Luann Prater

Juli was in a panic! Her baby couldn’t breath! So she grabbed her from the highchair, reached down her throat and pulled out a cracker! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
For the past 11 months, Juli’s baby had only experienced gentleness from her mom, but today’s crisis called for quick, and not exactly gentle action. Julie had to spend the next hour comforting her child who was confused by her mom’s sudden and forceful movements.
Sometimes God rescues us from danger but all we can see is that we’re experiencing pain! There’ve been times when I’ve wondered if God cares about my circumstances. Other times I’ve been just like a frightened little girl, wondering if I could ever trust Him again.
But as I look back on devastating life experiences, I see how God used the painful times for good. And it helps me realize I can trust God despite my circumstances. And, no matter what I have to go through, He’s always there comforting and caring for me! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Thanking God for Saying No

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When is the last time you thanked God for saying no? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago my husband and I were moving full steam ahead with a major life decision. We had prayed about this and watched every door open. We just knew that this was God’s plan for us. Then suddenly the doors closed. We were stunned and to be honest a little hurt. My feelings tugged at my heart to ask God why but there seemed to be no explanation at the time.

Now, looking back though, I am rejoicing that God closed those doors so definitively. It makes so much sense in light of what only God could see was coming into our lives. Have you questioned God over a no answer recently? Why not try praising Him for protecting you from what only He can see. For more life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org and be sure to sign up for our free daily devotional, “Encouragement for Today.”

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Wobbly Steps

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Melanie Chitwood

Sometimes learning to follow God is like taking one wobbly baby step at a time! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend, Melanie, learned a powerful lesson through an adorable one-year-old who’s learning to walk.

Melanie was watching Catherine take tiny, wobbly steps and then fall down. She’d sit there for a minute, and then push back up on her little, chubby legs. With each step Catherine tried to take, her family clapped their hands and cheered her on! When Catherine got tired or frustrated, her mom would reach down to hold her hand, giving her the help she needed to keep going - one wobbly step after the other.

Melanie realized that’s how God sees us. Even our wobbly little steps please Him. He never gives up on us. Not even imperfect attempts to follow Him because He cares more about our hearts than our perfect performance.

So, when we feel like giving up, let’s remember the One who cheers us on and offers just what we need to keep going! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Heart of Your Child

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Do you ever find yourself being critical of your child? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One of the hardest truths I’ve confronted is my need for perfection from my kids. Why do I want them to be perfect? Well, if I’m honest, it’s because I think it reflects on me as their mother. As a result, I sometimes overlook efforts put forth by my kids if things don’t meet my standards.

When I lay my self-centeredness aside, my children’s insecurities often disappear and they display courage I didn’t know they had. My kids feel more secure when they know I have connected with them on a heart level.

Practice focusing on the heart of your child. Dig past the stuff on the outside. Encourage them. Ask questions. Pray with them and listen. I bet you will begin to really hear their hearts.
For my ideas on being a good mom, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Honoring My Husband

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

The Bible says wives should honor their husbands, but I haven’t always understood why. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

When I got married fifteen years ago, I took the words “honor and obey” out of my vows. I was afraid I couldn’t keep that promise. But I’ve discovered that I can, and I want to!

The other day I was reading about Esther in the Bible. Esther was chosen by the King to be his new wife because his first wife had dishonored him. The king’s advisers insisted that he remove the Queen from her throne. They were afraid that her decision to dishonor the King would influence other wives in the kingdom to dishonor their husbands.

You know, the way we treat our husbands really does influence others! It influences the kind of woman our son will marry. It influences the way our daughter will speak to her husband. And it influences how a friend might talk to her husband after hearing how we talk to ours.

For more marriage encouragement visit Proverbs31 Ministries, at Proverbs31.org.

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Missing the Forest for the Trees

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

Are you guilty of not seeing the forest for the trees? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I get so caught up in following the rules that I slip into the mode of looking at but not really seeing my children. I tend to focus so much on surface issues, catching every mistake they make, that I forget to look at the heart behind their actions.

Once my daughter wrote a paper using bad spelling and poor grammar. I got so caught up in the mechanics of her mistakes that I didn’t really read the message of her paper. She had written about wanting to go to Africa and work in an orphanage.

Yes, spelling and grammar are important, but in light of eternity what really matters is her heart. So, I’m trying to take time now see beyond the surface more often. Let me encourage you to capture a moment today where you really see someone else. Look beyond their mistakes to see their heart.
For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Transitioning Into Teen Years

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My firstborn son just became a teenager! How did that happen? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

As our family transitions into the teen years, I know my son needs more freedom and independence. So, this year we let him start walking home from school. We also gave him a key to the house and sometimes I come home a few minutes late so he can feel more responsible and independent.

We’re also teaching Joshua that freedom’s a privilege but he also still needs some boundaries. He knows he can’t surf tv channels or be on the Internet when he’s home alone. We’ve also set up security measures so he’s safe.

With freedom comes responsibility, so we assigned Joshua more ways to help around the house. This fall we opened a bank account for him, and set up a budget so he could buy his own school supplies. And if he doesn’t spend it all, he gets to decide what to do with the extra money.

For more parenting ideas visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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A Parent’s Goal

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

As parents, our job isn’t simply to raise children but to raise God-loving adults. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In order to learn to love and respect God, our kids need to learn to love and respect us as parents. And, in order for this to happen, it’s sometimes necessary to discipline them for making poor choices.

Of course we want to extend grace to our kids because we recognize that we so desperately need it ourselves. But, we have to be careful to balance grace with discipline when it’s needed. For example, if my son breaks something, I’ll forgive him, but chances are he’ll have to pay to have it repaired or replaced.

One of the best things I’ve discovered about discipline is that it allows me to transfer the stress of poor choices back to the one who made them. It’s freeing for me as a mom and very memorable for the child. And, hopefully it helps him make wiser choices next time.

For more parenting ideas, visit proverbs31.org.

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Are My Kids Getting It?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes I wonder if my kids really get what my husband and I are trying to teach them. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day, my thirteen year old said that his youth group leader asked the kids to share ideas about making good use of their time for God. Joshua said that he’d shared about how his dad takes time at lunch to do a Bible study with some people at work.

I couldn’t help but smile knowing that things my husband had shared with Joshua were making a lasting impact.

You see, for years JJ’s taken time to read the Bible or a book with co-workers who don’t have a relationship with God in hopes that it’ll start conversations about Jesus. By simply telling Joshua about his day and ways he uses his time, JJ had shown our son how to make the most of his time for God. And Joshua got it! He caught what was being taught and now HE was sharing it with others.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org

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The Greatest Choice

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

When I’m having one of those days…you know the ones I’m talking about. A day where I feel like I stink at everything, there’s a Bible verse that really helps turn things around. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you.”

Amazing isn’t it? God formed our hearts and knows us intimately. He knows the dark places, the secrets and the things we won’t tell anyone else - and He chose us anyway. Have you ever thought about God seeing those parts and loving you regardless?

This truth has freed me because I know God chose me in spite of all my flaws. There is nothing I can do that will make Him change His mind about me.

Spend some time thinking about this truth and then ask yourself these questions, “What’s my response to God choosing me?” And “What difference does this make in the way I feel about myself?” For more on this, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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My Hero

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Over a period of two weeks my son Andrew fractured his hand, got poison ivy, watched someone drive over his skateboard, and he woke up with a high fever on the day of his class party! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The amazing thing is that through it all Andrew had a great attitude!

When we dropped off plates and napkins for his "party" at school, his eyes did get a little misty because he was missing the fun. So, I held his hand and told him how much he’d inspired me with his amazing attitude despite all he'd been through. I told him I’d been struggling with feeling overwhelmed and had noticed him choosing to find something to smile about – which reminded me of Jesus. Once again, Andrew smiled.

Ya know, our kids need to know we’re not the only ones with lessons to teach but that we learn great things from them. Is there something your child has done to inspire you? Why not tell them today!

For more parenting encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Keeping Your Head Up

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

It’s hard to keep your head up when the world’s gettin’ you down! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you’re feeling a little run down today, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. And, since I find myself in this spot often, I’ve realized things are a lot better for me and my family if I can take a little time to get refreshed and refocused. Here are some things that work for me:

I watch a funny show or talk with a friend who makes me laugh. Then I don’t take myself so seriously. I take a Bible break and dig into a special verse and try to unearth its hidden treasures.
Another thing I like to do is read a book that challenges me to think on a deeper level. Or, I head to my favorite bookstore, grab a cup of coffee and explore all the different books. And, finally, a good chick flick always does the trick. I laugh, cry, and run home to kiss my hubby.

For more ideas, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Helping Others Helps Me

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I hate glass elevators, high bridges and balconies. Basically, I’m afraid of heights! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I tried conquer my fears at an indoor Climbing Center. The instructors promised the harnesses and carabiners would hold me tight, but I ended up on the lower peaks.

Some friends who were with us challenged their son to climb the highest peak at 25 ft., promising ice cream if he reached it. I watched as Steven climbed to 20 ft. But as he crossed the peak of the wall, he gave up!

Suddenly confidence surged through my body and I yelled, “You can do it. I’ll help you!”

I said a quick prayer that God would help me as I climbed to the 20-foot marker, crossed over the peak beside Steven and encouraged him to keep going. I forgot my fears because I was focused on helping him overcome his! And I overcame mine! We both reached the top!

I love how God’s helps me when I’m focused on helping others! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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A Little Goes A Long Way

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writers: Lysa TerKeurst with Amanda Waldroop

How can I fit time with God into my busy life? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I ask myself that question a lot and I have a feeling that maybe you ask yourself the very same thing.

But you know I’ve found that spending time praying and reading the Bible shouldn’t be something on my to-do list to check off and forget about. I can live out daily adventures with God. I can always talk to Him and look to the Bible for direction. But one thing I know for sure no good comes out of me mentally beating myself up about this.

Many of us have believed at one time or another that if we don’t have hours to spend on our knees then we shouldn’t bother praying at all. But if we have just 5 minutes, we can give those 5 minutes to God. If we find a block of 30 minutes one day, we can give that to God. A little bit of time goes a long way! For more encouragement in your relationship with God, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

"Things will never change. Nothing’s going to get better. I can’t do this.”Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and…those are some depressing thoughts, aren't they? But oh how quickly they find their way into my thinking. These are the whispers of doubt that make me feel hopeless.

Doubt keeps us from believing things can get better. I’ve found that doubt and hope can’t live in my heart at the same time. Without hope of things getting better - doubt wins every time. But I’ve discovered that, with Jesus, all things are possible and the most likely place for change - is in me! You see, the God of hope wants us to live beyond the shadow of doubt. With confidence, He tells us:"Things are about to change - see I am doing a new thing." "I am working all things together for good, because you love me and live according to my purpose." "All things are possible for those who believe in Me."

For more encouragement from Proverbs 31 Ministries, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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