My Sugar Addiction

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

For years I berated myself for not being able to get to a healthy weight!

Hi! I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My issues with food were affecting me even on a spiritual level.
Over time I’ve learned that God made us to consume food, but He didn’t make food to consume us. And in order for me to have success I had to start replacing the lies in my mind with truth. For instance, ‘if I truly need a snack right now, I am capable of choosing something healthy’.

Slowly, over time, I learned to consistently tell myself the truth instead of turning to the lies that kept me stuck. Finally, I began to lose the weight. But even better, I learned to fully rely on God instead of the instant gratification that food can sometimes bring.

For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31.org.

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It’s Hard to Believe

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God’s promises in the Bible are ALL true for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I feel like I’ve failed as a mom by yelling at my kids, it's hard to believe that God never stops loving me. When I’m feeling grouchy and no fun to be around, it’s hard to believe that God doesn’t avoid me until I’m in a better mood. When I feel like I’ve blown it in the “respecting my husband department”- it’s hard to believe God doesn’t wish he’d picked a better wife for JJ.

I realized the other day that when I’m having a hard time believing God’s promises, it’s because I’ve let my feelings about myself determine how I think God feels about me. But God’s promises aren’t based on my feelings – they’re based on one very important FACT –His love is patient, His love is kind, and His love never fails – even when I do. Now that’s something worth believing!

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Haiti

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

My heart is stirred every time I see people suffering in Haiti and other parts of the world. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Though the devastation in Haiti happened a while ago I still want to help!

But sometimes I feel paralyzed when it comes to big disasters. The situation feels beyond me. Chaotic. Overwhelming. I don't know what I can do. But I believe there is something!

Knowing this challenges me to ask God what I can do for today. I know He will direct me to what that is. Today, maybe it’s praying. Tomorrow, maybe it will be to make a donation. I'm simply going to be willing and keep my eyes open to see where God directs.

Tell me how you’re getting involved on my Facebook Page. You can get there through Proverbs 31.org.

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Perspective

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Do I see life through my perspective or God’s perspective? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day my mom asked me if I realized how red my hair is. She said I should get my hairdresser to fix it because it didn’t look right. A few minutes later she told me my nail polish was too orange. I laughed and told her that it was light bronze and then I joked that she may be going color-blind. That’s when I noticed the very AUBURN tinted sunglasses she was wearing. We laughed when we realized why everything seemed too orange-ish red to her perspective that day!

My son Joshua looked at us and said, “Well, that teaches us all that we need to be careful what we look through before we judge what we see.”

He’s so right. We all got a big laugh and learned a powerful lesson that day!
For more ways to find God’s peace, purpose and perspective in the middle of your busy day, visit (Proverbs 31 Ministries online at Proverbs31.org.

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Our First Love

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Don’t you just love a good love story? You know, the kind that makes your heart beat fast as you’re not quite sure whether the guy will eventually get the girl. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Sometimes I get so caught up in busyness that I can easily lose sight of our first love, Jesus. A friend recently told me, “I love God, but I’m sad to say my actions don’t reflect that. I’m always answering the urgent calls of my children and never quite make time for Him.”

When this starts to happen in my life, I find that I can make even God himself another source of stress. I have to remind myself that everything that’s good in my life comes from God. And, I’ve learned taking time to read the bible and pray actually helps me to be my best so I can live a good love story with Jesus! For more encouragement, check out Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Finding Contentment

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It seems the more I buy for my kids, the less thankful they are! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Child psychologists warn that a constant supply of gifts can create a sense of entitlement in our children, causing them to focus on what’s coming next, rather than on what they already have. The Bible calls this discontentment – it means never being satisfied, no matter how much we have.

So, how do we help our kids learn to be content? I think the first thing I need to do is help them enjoy what they already have. So I’ve been reading books with them, playing board games and going for walks with them while they rollerblade or ride bikes in the neighborhood. We also try to talk as a family about what we’re thankful for, not just at Thanksgiving but all year long. And we try to help others who are less fortunate by looking for ways to give more, instead of get more.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

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Orange Juice Cartons

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever walked out of church watching everyone else smile while you mentally beat yourself up? Just that morning you threw the orange juice carton across the kitchen that morning in a fit of anger! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I won't lie. It took a while for me to connect my life with what I read in the Bible. Eventually I found a few sentences that I could connect with and determined to add more.

Now I can open my Bible and find the chapter or two I want to read that day. And then I simply try to live that out in some way. When I make the connection between what happens in my life and why I needed that verse, I learn more about God.

I'm sure some Bible scholars would take issue with my simplistic approach. But it sure has helped me throw fewer orange juice cartons across the kitchen and that’s a good thing, just ask my family. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Getting 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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Betrayal

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt betrayed? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us live with a fear of betrayal everyday. I know this hurt very personally.But I’ve learned whether I’m a little girl terrified by the absence of her Daddy, or a grown woman fearing history will repeat itself - there is power in remembering that God will always be with me. Sometimes I just have to say it out loud: God loves me and He will never leave me or betray me!God never intended for us to look at others and demand they give us love and security. Being overly dependent on others for these things allows fear to keep a hold on us. Instead, because of God’s love for us, we have the beautiful opportunity to give love and we don’t have to live in fear. For more, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs31.org.

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Know Whose You Are

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and 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.

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Sweating in Church

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever sat in church watching everyone else eagerly flip open their Bibles to the exact right passage while you don’t have a clue how to find what they ‘re reading? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve experienced this. A nagging sensation that I didn’t belong and that I’ll never get it!

I lived there for a long time until someone challenged me to stop looking at reading my Bible and going to church as items on my Christian checklist. They challenged me to experience God instead.

It took many days of praying gut honest prayers. I told God I wasn't connecting and didn't understand. I asked Him to help me. Finally, a single verse suddenly came alive to me. I memorized it and thought about it all day long. Slowly I added more verses and eventually the Bible has become my greatest treasure. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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The Rescuer

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

Have you ever witnessed a miracle? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Tracie was searching her attic for a box when her 18 month old slipped through a hole in the attic floor and fell 15 feet onto a concrete floor. But her descent ended with an unexplainable miracle as she bounced off the floor as if she’d landed on a big pillow. Tracie ran downstairs and discovered that her daughter only had a small bump on her forehead, but not a single broken bone. The doctors couldn’t explain what happened. There’s no explanation for this miracle but God’s hand at work. He rescued Tracie’s daughter from death.

And you know what? He’s performed this miracle for you and me, too! When we begin a relationship with Jesus, He rescues us from eternal death with the hope of heaven. So, if we’ve accepted Christ as Savior, we have witnessed a miracle! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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I Am the Mom

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes it’s hard to be the mom! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Motherhood is thrilling but challenging.Just when I think I've figured a few things out and I'm about to shine my mommy halo, something happens. Something loud, tearful and difficult. And I find myself knee deep in drama.

My kids want to be in charge. And while they certainly have the strong wills... its immature leadership that needs to be reigned in.

I have been perfectly designed and assigned by God to be the mom to these kids. Now…
sometimes I don’t feel like I have what it takes to be the mom – so - I need a friend to remind me. Let me be that friend for you, today. Mom, you are the perfect person to be the mom of your kids! Repeat after me, I am the mom! For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverb31.org.

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Hanging On

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and 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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An Emotional Affair

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A few years ago a friend of mine got tangled up in an emotional affair. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The further she let her guard down, the more alluring the relationship became. She was a woman who loved her family and took her covenant of marriage seriously but the attraction to this other man seemed unavoidable.

As she described how she got pulled into this place, I was challenged by the realization of how subtly this had happened.

I realized that I had done little to guard myself against any potential emotional affair. The best way to overcome temptation is to keep my eyes open and to pray. I need to be aware of temptations, and sensitive enough to walk away from anything inappropriate. And I have to ask God to help me protect my heart, mind and emotions from anything that could pose a threat to my marriage in any way. For more, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs31.org.

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Confessions of a Shop-a-holic

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

Sometimes when I get stressed, I just want to go shopping so I can escape! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Wendy recently told me how shopping used to be an addiction for her. When she got married, she brought a lot of debt with her and carried it for many years. As she continued to accumulate debt, Wendy hid receipts and new purchases from her husband. The secrets kept her from having an open relationship with him. It also kept her from experiencing the joy of a real relationship with God.

Wendy wanted to be free from her addiction, so she decided to meet each morning with Jesus and talk with him about her struggle with spending. She also stopped going to stores unnecessarily and carefully recorded every purchase she made. She finally felt completely free when she cut up her credit cards and confessed her mistakes to her husband. Wendy said she now has a deep joy that comes from something she could never buy! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Miss USA

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I had just settled into my seat on an airplane when I noticed “Miss USA” was on board. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. It wasn’t hard to notice her pageant banner draped across her shoulder with sparkly letters.

As others noticed Miss USA’s banner they started asking her questions and congratulating her. The flight attendant even made a special announcement.

As I sat there I wondered about the banners I wear everyday. While I may not drape it across my chest with big sparkly letters, I say something about who I am by my expressions, body language, and my interactions with others. It’s a choice I make everyday. Just like Miss USA intentionally puts her banner on, I do too. I make the choice moment by moment and word by word. So, what’s my banner saying about me today?

For more, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries online at Proverbs31.org.

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Love Notes that Lighten Loads

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How heavy is your child’s backpack? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Yesterday I lifted my son’s book bag and was shocked by its weight. I found 2 large textbooks, 2 big binders and a few candy wrappers buried inside.

I wondered, “How can Joshua carry this heavy load all day?” It dawned on me that middle school has not only increased his burden physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually. To help lighten his load, I’ve started putting little love notes in his book bag. I can just imagine him smiling as he reads my thoughts and looks at my smiley face inside a heart.

Notes tell our kids we’re thinking about them. A prayer lets them know they’re not alone. And a funny stick figure can bring laughter to their day. Love notes can lighten their loads and lift their hearts! Why not put a note of encouragement in your child's book bag today! For more ideas, click on today’s radio transcript at Proverbs31.org.

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Feeling Totally Inadequate

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Why do we beat ourselves up over relationship issues? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I can’t count the number of meltdowns I’ve had because a friend hurt my feelings, my kids act unruly, or I have an argument with my husband.

But I have to be careful during these emotional times because it’s easy to start entertaining a very dangerous thought: “Why doesn’t Jesus work for me?” Why does everyone else in my church seem to have perfect friends, perfect kids, and a perfect marriage?

But when relationships get tough and those feelings of inadequacy come creeping in, instead of beating ourselves up, we should determine to park our minds in the truth.

The truth is the Bible offers us help for every relationship struggle we face. And, focusing on that truth and letting it direct my actions sure has been helping me lately. If you’d like some help in this area click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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God is in the Details

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

Sometimes I wish I could hire someone to help manage all the details in my life! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I felt overwhelmed with everything I needed to take care of that day. Then I thought about the story of Noah and the Ark and remembered how God helped Noah with the enormous amount of detail involved in his building project. First, God gave Noah the dimensions for the Ark because He knew exactly how much room would be needed for Noah, his family, and all the animals that would be on board. God knew the flood was coming and they’d be in the Ark for nearly two years so He told Noah how much food and supplies he’d need to keep everyone healthy.

So why do I have trouble trusting God with the details in my life? Next time I feel overwhelmed, I’m going to put my projects and responsibilities in the hands of the One who can take care of them much better than I can! For more encouragement in trusting God with the details in your life, visit proverbs31.org.

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Keeping Hurt Feelings in Check

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you heard the expression, “Hurt people, hurt people?” Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When someone hurts my feelings it can ruin my whole day. I find myself getting withdrawn. I snap at my kids. I’m short with my husband. Why is it so hard to step back from a hurtful situation and recognize it as one incident and not a life defining moment?

This is something I’ve decided to work on. When someone says something hurtful, I’m going to ask myself if any part of their statement was justified. I want to learn the truth of the situation and let the untrue parts go. I also need to pray and ask God to remind me of His constant love and forgiveness for me. I’m not a bad person and the one hurting me isn’t either. We’re both humans in need of the grace that God so freely gives. Lastly, I must forgive this person before bitterness has the chance to set in and rob my joy. For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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God is a Parent

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

Is being a good parent one of your top priorities? Do your kids feel loved by the hugs, snuggles and kisses you shower on them? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. As much as I love motherhood, I’m the first to admit that being a mom, like anything else, can be the best of times or the worst of times. When your little boy spontaneously hugs you and says you’re beautiful, you feel like being a mother is the greatest job ever. But when your teenager daughter has a bad attitude and acts ungrateful, you might wonder why you’re trying so hard.

It helps to remember that God is a parent, too. Throughout the Bible He is called our Father. The Bible says He sees everything; He knows what we need before we ask Him and provides for our daily needs. What comforting reassurances from our heavenly Father, as we try to be the best parents we can be here on earth.

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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