Boundaries Can Set Me Free

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Did you know that having boundaries actually give us freedom! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My daughter, Aster, is just getting tall enough to reach everything she’s not supposed to! This week she discovered the drawer where we keep scissors and safety pins, and she’s determined to touch every dangerous object in there.

So, this weekend we put child locks on the drawers and cabinets that are now within her reach. Although it seemed like we were taking freedom away from Aster, these new limits will actually give her more freedom to roam around the kitchen safely.

You know, in the Bible, King David talked about how he wanted to walk in the path of God’s commands because they set his heart free. Reading his words reminded me that God’s boundary lines show us where it’s safe to go. So, I’m learning to embrace what may feel like limits, because within God’s boundaries, my heart can roam free!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

A Priceless Gift

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How about an idea for an amazing gift you can give your spouse this year that won’t cost a dime!

Hi, I'm Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I'm talking about a renewed commitment.

I found an example of this in a letter written by Robertson McQuilken as he resigned as president of Columbia Bible College in South Carolina. He wrote, "My dear Muriel has been failing in health for years. So far I've been able to carry both her needs and my leadership responsibilities. But it's become apparent that Muriel is contented most of the time she is with me and almost none of the time I am away. The decision was made, in a way, forty-two years ago when I promised to care for her in sickness and in health. But there’s more; I love Muriel. I do not have to care for her; I get to!"

Maybe a gift of renewed commitment could be the best gift our spouses receive this Christmas! For ideas, visit proverbs31.org.

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When Toddlers Ask Why

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Why oh why do toddlers keep asking WHY?

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

When my sons were little they would ask why over and over and over. Sometimes I’d get to the point where I relied on the trusty old, “Because I said so!” Or I’d keep silent, hoping they’d forget that they’d asked WHY?

But, over time I found the best way to handle the repeated “why” question was to give my child a reason he could relate to.

If I wanted him to take a nap, I would tell him I needed him to be full of energy that night because we were having dinner out with friends. I tried to keep it in the simplest terms possible and, if I had to, I repeated my answer.

You know, toddlers have short attention spans and sometimes they need extra time to process things. Although it can be a challenging stage, it’s good to remember that this is a time to help a child understand that for every action, there’s a outcome.

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

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

The Surprise of Possibility

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A friend of mine asked "If the Bible were being written today would our names be in it?" Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My first inclination was to draw back and think, "Um, no. How dare I even think that? Seriously? The Bible? No, I don't think my name would be in there."

But this question has continued to rattle around in my heart where I've committed to living an all out life for God. And somewhere deep inside I’ve started to DARE to think, maybe. Not because of me. Not because I deserve an ounce of recognition. Not because I've accomplished anything worthy of mention. But because God loves to take rag tag people from broken backgrounds and surprise the daylights out of them with possibilities.

God wants to invite us even today to live a great story with Him. For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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There’s an App for That

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope & Sylvia Goode Basham

It seems like there really is an app for EVERYTHING these days!

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

Press a button and you can text, talk or activate a helpful application. I’m sure you’ve heard the commercial: If you want to check snow conditions on the mountain, there’s an app for that. If you want to know how many calories are in your lunch, there’s an app for that. And if you want to know where you parked the car, there’s even an app for that.

Well, whether we own a smart phone or not, we can APP-ly God’s wisdom from the Bible whenever we’re dealing with the tough stuff in life.

When I’m finding it hard to get along in relationships, there’s an app for that.

When I need help raising my kids, there’s an app for that!

When I feel inadequate and insecure, there’s an app for that!

And you can even download the Bible on one of those fancy phones. Now that’s an app we all can use! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

When My Mean Girl Tries to Come Out

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever have days where someone tries to rip the joy right out of your life? I do. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and these days can be so hard. I find myself in a battle. The good girl part of my brain says, “Be nice. Honor Jesus with your actions. Your response is your responsibility. Self control, Lysa, self control.”

But the mean girl part of my brain says, “How dare they act that way! I’ll show them!”

One part of me says throw up a prayer. The other says throw a fit.

But God.

I love how those two words interrupt me. Redirect me. Remind me. Comfort me. And defeat the mean girl in me. In whatever aggravating situation I’m in, I’ve learned that my joy can only be stolen if I let it.

For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook

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Women Encouraging Women

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Recently I saw what it can be like when women encourage each other! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Not long ago I took part in a gathering of hundreds of women and, during that weekend, I saw something I’ll never forget.

A friend of mine who’s gone through a lot over the last year shared some of her struggles from the stage. She really put herself out there, too. Divorce, death, and a move were just a few of the things she’d endured and she was in a really vulnerable spot.

Well, not only did the crowd stand and applaud her afterwards, but throughout the weekend I saw woman after woman stopping to hug, talk, and pray with her.

You know, we women sometimes get a bad rap for being catty. But, when we let our walls down and reach out to each other, especially in those moments of great need, it’s simply beautiful!

For more ideas on encouraging the women in your life, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
This script was written by Jill Tracey, radio consultant for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Catch Jill and her husband, Jeremy, each weekday on Doing Life with the Traceys from 3-7 pm (CT), on www.wcicfm.org. Or, follow Jill’s blogs at Doing Life with the Traceys and Tell Me It’s Not Too Late.

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

Praying Fills in the Gaps

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Prayer isn’t crucial because it changes God but because it changes me! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Simple, heart felt prayers where I ask God to be with me, have an amazing way of filling in some really big gaps in my life.

When I pray, I see things more clearly. I realize perspectives otherwise beyond me.
And, I gain wisdom that can override my frail humanity. Sometimes when I pray I feel confident that I’m right, or am convicted that I’m wrong. It's interesting that in order for God's peace to rule in my heart as mentioned in the Bible... I have to actually spend time with God!

Praying helps me do just that. And the really beautiful thing about praying for God to be a part of our day is that it can start at any time. Even right now. For more encouragement on learning to pray, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

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Get ‘Em Moving!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I just read the greatest idea for getting kids to exercise! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Flipping through the pages of Family Fun magazine, I noticed a story by a mom from Wisconsin. When her kids asked her to take them to a big theme park about an hour from their home, she said, “Absolutely, let’s walk there!”

Now, she didn’t really expect her family to walk 60 miles to the park, but she did want them to log the distance a little at a time. Every time her kids walked, ran, or rode their bikes for one mile, they would add it to the tally. When they reached 60, they packed up their minivan and headed for the roller coasters!

I think that’s genius. I wonder if there’s something my kids wanna do that could be an incentive to get them moving. Maybe I can even help them reach their destination. This could be great for all of us!

For more ideas on creating healthy families, click on Everyday Life at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
This script was written by Jill Tracey, radio consultant for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Catch Jill and her husband, Jeremy, each weekday on Doing Life with the Traceys from 3-7 pm (CT), on www.wcicfm.org. Or, follow Jill’s blogs at Doing Life with the Traceys and Tell Me It’s Not Too Late.

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

Your Purse

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Shari Braendel

Boy do I love purses, but mine isn’t always organized! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend watched as I fumbled through my bag trying to find my keys and all kind of things started to spill out. We laughed about how much I’d been carrying around.

Then we started talking about the similarities between women and purses. Some of us are like a pretty purse, beautiful on the outside but hiding an ugly mess inside. Or maybe we’re like a small purse that only has room for a few things; God wants to invite us outside our comfort zone, but we’ve decided to stay safe. Or we could be like a big purse, trying to carry all kinds of things, involved in so many activities that we end up flustered!

I know we’re not handbags, but if we were what kind of purse would you be? For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook

Spilt Milk

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Ya can’t cry over spilt milk…but can we learn something from it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. (LS)

My friend, Jill, told me about a recent experience with spilt milk. She was making Macaroni and Cheese for her daughter and had just poured a quarter cup of milk to add to the pot. As she slowly moved her hand to the stove, she bumped her arm ever so slightly.

Not a lot of milk spilled out, but Jill was amazed at how far what DID spill traveled. Drops splattered on the stove top, the counter, the utensils next to the stove, the floor, and all over her.

You know, it doesn’t take much to make a connection between splattered milk and the words we sometimes say before we think. Just like those tiny drops, we have no idea how far even just a few harsh or critical words can travel. Or, how long it could take to try to clean them up!

For ideas on building others up with our words, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries, at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
This script was written by Jill Tracey, radio consultant for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Catch Jill and her husband, Jeremy, each weekday on Doing Life with the Traceys from 3-7 pm (CT), on www.wcicfm.org. Or, follow Jill’s blogs at www.doinglifewiththetraceys.blogspot.com and www.tellmeitsnottoolate.blogspot.com.

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

Your Pause

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I don't believe in chance. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I don't believe our lives are filled with random occurrences. I don’t think we’re supposed to brush past, rush away from and forget others so easily.

Today, I’m certain that I will come across somebody who needs me to feel for them, care for them, or love them in some way. Taking time to pause for them should be simple and practical.

Maybe I’ll mention Jesus. Maybe I won’t this time. It shouldn't be an awkward fumbling for the perfect salvation message quickly packaged up and spewed out. Just a pause filled with sincere love.

I’m passionate about leading people to Jesus Christ. But I never want to reduce Jesus to a slick sales pitch where I rush to close the deal. I realize that sometimes I’m just supposed to reach out in love.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Right Where You Are

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Kimberly Henderson

Being a mom can really help you understand God’s love for you as His child! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Kimberly loves that her daughter is learning to recognize and even write her letters and numbers. She told me she’s in no hurry for her to be writing sentences...she’s simply thrilled that her child wants to learn so she’s enjoying where she is right now.

Kimberly realized that’s how God feels about her! He delights in where she is right now. He knows she’s going to grow. He knows He has greater things for her, but He isn’t mad because she doesn’t understand them yet. He’s simply delighted with her desire and efforts. When she makes progress, God’s not saying, "Well, it's about time you got that one". He’s in no hurry for her to know everything. He’s simply thrilled that she wants to learn and He’s enjoying where she is right now.

You can learn more about how much God delights in you at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Meet Kimberly at "A Planting of the Lord"

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

Praying as a Parent

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Today has been one of those really challenging parenting days. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I love being a mom but, like a lot of parents, I often wonder if I'm doing this whole parenting thing right. My impatience, inconsistencies, and lack of organization are definite downfalls. Not to mention the domestic bug hasn't exactly been biting lately.

We eat take-out entirely too much. We always have a messy laundry room with a heap of unmatched socks. We can't for the life of us keep those papers filed instead of piled. And, we don't always talk positively to one another and with gentle tones.

But with all I worry about that I do wrong as a mom, praying is something I know I do right. Praying helps me feel not so alone on this mothering journey. Praying connects me to God’s tender truth and gentle inspiration every time. For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Childhood Memories

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

When I was twelve, my family moved from the suburbs of New Orleans to a farmhouse in Shelby, North Carolina.

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and, as you can imagine, this middle-school city girl, had a lot to learn!

One Saturday my stepfather took me out to a field and showed me several rows of green beans that I was responsible to pick. Well, I was done in less than an hour and I was so proud of myself! But, when my green beans were inspected, I got in trouble! You see, instead of picking the beans off the plants, I pulled the whole plant out of the ground, and then picked the beans off the stems. My stepdad was sure I did it on purpose so they wouldn't grow back. I don't think I was that smart, but there weren’t as many beans to pick the next time!

It wasn’t so funny then, but it cracks me up now! What’s one of your funniest childhood memories? Click on “Renee’s blog” at Proverbs31.org and tell me all about it.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page.

Spiritual Frustration

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently I’ve been studying what causes people to feel frustrated spiritually. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The two top reasons? Bible study and prayer.
I can clearly remember sitting in church sweating because everyone else knew instantly how to get to every passage in the Bible the preacher referenced.

And then there was my prayer life. Or the lack there-of. It's not that I didn't want to pray but the whole concept of talking to God felt weird. I tried copying others. But then my quirky self would sneak in and leave me feeling foolish for what I'd just said to the God of the Universe.

So, over the years I’ve learned sincerity and simplicity are two keys to dismantling spiritual frustration. A few honest moments spent with God reading the Bible and talking openly to Him are good life-changing steps. For more, visit Proverb31.org.

Related Resources
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Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Deny Myself?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes I wonder if church message signs ever make a difference!

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

The other day a friend of mine drove by a church sign that said, "Deny thyself, take up your cross, and follow me!” She wondered, “How many people KNOW what that means?”

She knew Jesus told His friends about the suffering He would endure on our behalf. He explained that God's plan will offer Eternal Life but it would come at an unbelievable cost to Him. And, it will cost us, too, if we follow Him!

Still, my friend wondered who really denies themselves these days. And, why should we?

Well, Jesus said if we’re selfish we'll lose everything, but when we serve others we follow God. As we follow, He offers HOPE and joy because we’re sacrificing like He sacrificed for us. And, that reminded my friend to look for ways to put others first!

So, I guess the church sign DID make a difference afterall! For more, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
This script was written by Jill Tracey, radio consultant for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Catch Jill and her husband, Jeremy, each weekday on Doing Life with the Traceys from 3-7 pm (CT), on www.wcicfm.org. Or, follow Jill’s blogs at www.doinglifewiththetraceys.blogspot.com and www.tellmeitsnottoolate.blogspot.com.

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

The Loser Label

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The year was 1982. I was in the 7th grade and had just learned a tough lesson. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. It was the day after student counsel elections and I’d learned that if you didn't have beauty and boyfriends in middle school it seemed no one would vote for you. As I shuffled toward my locker I found one of my election posters plastered with the word "loser".

We’ve all felt the sting of loneliness. Relationships can be hard no matter what age you are. But I've been able to find comfort in the One who will never reject me. The One who knows what it feels like to be rejected. The One who reminds me rejection from man doesn't equal rejection from God. The One who whispers to the girl standing at her locker, "Who are they to put a label on you? It can only stick if you let it." For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Drooping Daisies

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I don’t know about you but I can get a little droopy at times!

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries

My friend Kesha told me that she and several women in her office were given Gerber Daisies as a gift. Kesha took hers home where she watered it, put it in her kitchen window, and watched it bloom!

On Monday, one of Kesha’s co-workers realized she’d left her daisy at work all weekend…in the dark, with no water. Well, the stems were drooping and the petals had turned dark. But, instead of throwing it away, they gave it lots of fresh water and put it in the sun.

By the end of the day, the petals were pink again and the drooping stems were standing upright.

Sometimes I’m just like that flower. When I go too long without soaking up God’s words in the Bible or sitting in the warmth of His presence talking and listening to Him, I can get droopy, too.

For ideas on helping your heart flourish and grow, visit proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Check out our Resources at P31

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page

Two Mice

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m a bit distracted this morning because there are two... not one which would be bad enough... but two mice in my kitchen. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The mice came running out as I was reading the book of James in the Bible…. Which by the way, says, "Suppose a brother or a sister needs clothes and daily food; If you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed, but do nothing about his physical needs what good is it?'“ Of course I’m reading about helping those in need while trying to think of a way to get rid of these mice!

Why are there always distractions when I’m trying to read my Bible? Do you ever feel this way? I’ve found spending time reading the Bible each day is so important, I have to intentionally protect this time. It’s crucial for my spiritual and emotional stability- especially on those days when mice come to visit! Yuck!

For more encouragement, connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook

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What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Living by Grace

I wonder if God ever gets as disappointed with me as I can get with myself.

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.I used to think God had a timeline for how long it should take me to mature as a Christian. I thought I should have a certain number of Bible verses memorized, a few bad habits kicked, and so many hours spent at church each year. When I didn’t measure up, I was convinced God was so disappointed.

Then I learned about grace, which is God’s undeserved favor. The Bible says we’re saved by grace, but it doesn’t stop there. As God’s children, we live by grace.

Yes, God wants us to grow because He loves us. But He doesn’t get frustrated when it takes more time than we think it should. You know, the maturity of our relationship with Him isn’t measured by our performance or minimized by a lack of accomplishments. It’s reflected in the way we learn, a little more every day, to depend on God’s grace.

For more encouragement, connect with Renee and Proverbs 31 ministries:

Visit Renee's website and Facebook page

Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life Page

Vulnerable

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I had an experience this week that left me feeling so vulnerable. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I took a chance with a dream I’ve had but walked away thinking, "Why do I put myself out there?” Have you ever felt that way?

Things didn’t exactly work out the way I’d hoped. Ugggh, rejection stinks. I’m sure nobody actually likes rejection. But, I think it’s also good to remind ourselves that God knows what we feel and supplies us with hope and peace when we’re disappointed or broken hearted.

The Bible says, "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.” There’s something to hold on to when we feel rejected. God is still here, ALWAYS, whether we’re feeling vulnerable or secure. I don’t know about you but I definitely need to press this into my heart and mind today.

For more encouragement, connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook

Related Resources:

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst