Monday, January 31, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope
When my son got home from his grandma’s the other day he was so excited! He’d been entrusted with a special treasure! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My mom had given Andrew a crystal pitcher that had belonged to his great grandmother. We talked about why it was a special treasure and how he needed to take good care of it.
It dawned on me that this was a great time to tell Andrew how God says our most valuable treasures are in heaven. I explained that we gain treasures for ourselves in Heaven by doing things that reflect what God treasures most.
Andrew was excited to know that he had treasures in heaven, and he wanted to know how to get more! I told him that the Bible says when we serve and love others - the way Jesus does - God stores those acts of kindness as treasures for us. For more encouragement, click on today’s radio transcript at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Purses with Holes, Free Devotion by Marybeth Whalen
Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child, Character Chart and CD by Renee Swope
Visit Renee’s Blog
Visit Tracie’s Blog
Friday, January 28, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
We’ve got to talk about the tough stuff with our kids. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several years ago I was reviewing my son’s job application. I carefully examined each blank - name, date of birth, address, - and then I saw an answer that made me giggle.
Beside the blank asking his sex, he simply wrote, “no.”
My giggles quickly gave way to a sigh of relief. Oh how I want each of my kids to stay pure. I see them growing into ages when I made some poor decisions. During my college years I based every decision on temporary happiness. And it was a powerful lure.
I think about this often as I pray for my kids. And I keep talking to them, especially about the tough stuff, so I can keep speaking truth into their hearts. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.
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Thursday, January 27, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Sharon Sloan and Renee Swope
My friend, Sharon, was recently hurt by someone else’s harsh words. The criticism didn’t make any sense! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sharon didn’t understand what was happening, so she asked God to help her.
That afternoon while she was fixing snacks, Sharon’s daughter brought her a paper heart that had scissor cuts all through it. Sharon wondered why she’d made it that way. Her daughter said, “Mommy, I made this heart for you. I put cuts in it because I thought it would be more beautiful that way.”
Sharon felt God whisper to her heart, “I’m making your heart more beautiful through the cuts and wounds I’ve allowed you to experience. Be still, be quiet and wait on me.”
Isn’t it amazing how a child’s perspective can reveal God’s love to a hurting mom? If you’ve got a story to share, we’d love to hear it. Post a comment on our radio blog. You can find it by clicking on Radio Ministry 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
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
For the past couple of months I’ve sensed I need God’s kindness and compassion more than ever. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’m not going through any kind of crisis, I just feel completely desperate for God.
When I was a little girl, I remember twirling around next to my Daddy wishing I could know for sure that he loved me. Something was very broken in our relationship that always left me feeling desperate for love.
Over the years, God has healed my heart in miraculous ways. He has whispered all those things I wished my earthly father would have said. I know for sure God’s love for me is unwavering and certain.
But there are still times I catch myself twirling again. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. It keeps me desperate for a reassurance only God can give. For more click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Paula Friedrichsen
Sometimes unforgiveness can be a lot like smelly trash! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
When an overripe cantaloupe sits around rotting in the bottom of the kitchen trashcan, it starts to stink. Add yesterday’s leftovers and it gets even worse! We wonder, “Won’t someone PLEASE take out the trash?”
You know, unforgiveness in our hearts is a lot like smelly garbage and it can stink up our marriage. Sometimes I keep a running tally of each and every offense, which makes make my heart quickly wreak of unforgiveness.
I’ve found the only way to “take out the trash” in my marriage is to bring my frustrations to God, ask for His perspective of my husband, and “choose” to search for the good in him. We’ve all found it difficult to forgive in the past—but here’s the good news; today can be a brand new beginning! For more marriage encouragement click on everyday life at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and FacebookCheck out our Resources at P31
Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page
Monday, January 24, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurstLast night I was editing my son's college term paper when something jumped out and grabbed my heart. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Jackson's paper was about the corruption and greed that caused the civil war in his native land- Liberia. He lived in devastating conditions because of this war.
During one part of the paper, he described what it felt like to be naked digging through the trash looking for thrown away food and considering it a treasure.And yet, despite the horrific conditions of his childhood, there was an unexplainable thread of peace woven through his story. A powerful peace centered in the awareness that God was always present.
I doubt many of us will find our treasure in thrown away food today. But will we notice even the smallest gifts? Will we pause to offer a word of thanks? I’ve learned that when I’m truly thankful is when I’m truly peaceful! For more visit Proverbs 31.org.
Related ResourcesConnect with Lysa on her
Blog and
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What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Free
P31 Woman article,
For the Least of These, by LeAnn Rice
Friday, January 21, 2011
Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
My family was snow skiing when we ended up on a slope that was way bigger than we expected. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
My son Andrew kept falling and getting hurt. So, I decided to "ski" him down. He stood in front of me with his skis in between mine and wrapped his arms around my elbows. It was crazy, I know! And believe me, we almost died a few times. Seriously, I was screaming, "JESUS help us."
And, HE did!
We made it to the bottom, I told Andrew I was proud of him for staying focused and keeping his skis straight so we could make it down. Then he said, "Mom, you did all the work. I just had to lean on you.
"It made me think about how God does all the work if we'll stay centered in Him, lean on His strength and let Him guide us along life's path. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her
Blog and
FacebookCheck out our
Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
Everyday Life page
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
The other night my husband was calling our 13-year-old dachshund to come get a treat, but she wasn’t budging. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We joked about Chelsea having “selective hearing” - since it was her bedtime - or perhaps she's going deaf.
My son Andrew looked at me with concerned on his face and said, “Mom, I hope you don’t go deaf like Chelsea when you get old.” I laughingly asked why.
"Cause sometimes you don’t hear me now. Like when you're on the computer and I ask you a question; you don’t hear me.”
Ouch, I wasn’t expecting that answer! But instead of drowning myself in guilt, I pulled him close and apologized. I told him from now on I am going to stop what I’m doing and really listen when he talks to me. Listening is a gift we can give to those we love. It doesn’t cost much. And we give it every time we stop what we’re doing and turn our full attention to them. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Visit
Renee’s Blog and
Facebook pageCheck out our
Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
Everyday Life page
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurstCan a regular person like me answer the profound question the world is asking? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Today’s society is asking…Does Jesus work? Well, I’m just a country girl with a husband and 5 kids. I’m not a theologian and I don’t have a PhD. I’m just a woman who dared to utter one little word that shifted my heart and set my soul on the adventure I was designed to live. I simply said “Yes” to Jesus.
All I have to show the world that Jesus works is my one little "yes" and a story of what happened when an ordinary woman dared to utter it. And it has been enough.It’s enough for all of us. The only thing we need in order to share Jesus with others is the reality of what He’s done in our lives. The more we learn to live like Him, the more the world will see Him and know that Jesus ABSOLUTELY works!
For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.
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Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
Free devotion, Know Whose You Are, by Melanie ChitwoodJesus Lives: Seeing His Love in Your Life by Sarah Young
Monday, January 17, 2011
Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writer:
Jill TraceyThe Bible says to leave our parents and cleave to our spouses – but what does that mean? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the book of Genesis, God describes marriage as a man and woman detaching themselves from their families of origin and attaching themselves to each other. A co-worker of mine recently discovered she’d never completed this process! She was talking to her mother 4 or 5 times a day and doing things just to make her parents happy.
She realized she hadn’t let go of mom and dad so she could completely commit herself to her husband. My friend started a painful process of setting healthy boundaries and balanced priorities. She said it was like cutting roots that had grown strong, thick and entangled, and were much harder to cut because of the years they’d remained attached.
So, I wonder if we still have some leaving and cleaving to do. Chances are it’ll be hard - but definitely worth the work! For more marriage encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.
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Visit
Renee’s Blog and
Facebook pageCheck out our
Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
Everyday Life page
Friday, January 14, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurstIt’s amazing what you can learn from something as small as a little seed in its packet. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The packet is comfortable. Then the farmer comes along and plucks the seed out and pushes it into a deep, dark, messy place. The seed cries out,
"What are you doing? This is unfair."
Then the farmer pours so much water over the seed that it breaks apart. It cries out again but the farmer seems cruel and silent.Just when the seed starts to lose hope a green shoot bursts from the ruins. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.
So, was the farmer mean and cruel? Or did he have the seed's best interest in mind?
Isn’t that like God? He loves us so much that He can see beyond who we are to what we can become.
For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.
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Thursday, January 13, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writers: Renee Swope
Sometimes the holidays are hard, especially when you’ve experienced a great loss. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Have you lost something this year? Maybe it’s your job, your health, or a loved one. A loss can leave you feeling alone and empty. It can seem as if everyone around you is getting on with their lives while you’re suffering alone. It’s easy to fill our emptiness by throwing ourselves into busy holiday preparations. But, in the quiet times, our loss can overwhelm us.
If you’re feeling lonely or empty today, I just want to offer you a reminder: Jesus wants to move into the space that was created by your loss. That space may be filled with negative feelings right now, but Jesus wants to replace anger with peace. He wants to replace sadness with comfort. He wants to replace despair with hope, and He wants to replace fear with courage. Jesus wants to fill the emptiness with His love. If you’d like to know more about a relationship with Jesus, please visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at
Proverbs31.orgRelated Resources
Everyday Life Encouragement,
Overcoming Worry in the Uncertainties of Life, by Sharon Glasgow
Connect with Renee on her
Blog and
FacebookCheck out our
Resources at P31God’s Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Women’s Devotional by various
Encouragement for Today authors
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurstSometimes I catch myself thinking I want to do big things for God but all I’m doing today is running carpool, doing laundry, and cooking dinner — again. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs31 Ministries.
I believe there are times when God asks us to do big things. But, maybe today God is simply asking us to obey in the small things right in front of us. Running carpool without grumbling - doing laundry and seeing it for the gift it is - and cooking with a heart that’s thankful for everything that’s available to us each day. These things might not seem glamorous or big but they might be the very thing God uses to prepare us for something else. I’m convinced God wants to develop our character to match the way He wants to use us. And, if you’re anything like me, running carpools, laundry, and cooking can definitely provide opportunities for some serious character building.
For more, log on to Proverbs31.org.
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Overlooked By Everyone Else, by Lysa TerKeurstA Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writers:
Glynnis WhitwerDid you know that over 50 million people will work from their homes this year? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us are now working from home, either telecommuting or running a home-based business.
Working at home can be great, but I also know it can be hard. I’ve found that for success, I first needed to set up a workspace outside my bedroom so at bedtime I’m not thinking about all the things I still have to do. Also, I invested in good desk and office equipment. The kitchen table worked for a while, but my back suffered because it’s not the right height for a keyboard. And, an accountant helped me figure out what expenses are tax-deductible.
I’ve learned to schedule separate times for work and home tasks so I don’t neglect either. And because I have kids, I also trade out play dates with other moms when I need uninterrupted work time. Working from home offers great freedom, but it also takes work to make it work! To learn more about working from home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at
Proverbs31.org.
Related ResourcesConnect with Renee on her
Blog and
FacebookCheck out our
Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
Everyday Life pageFree devotion,
Answering God’s Call to be Home, by Glynnis Whitwer
Work@Home by Glynnis Whitwer
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Sometimes it’s scary to say we want to follow God, no matter what! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The minute we do this little scenes start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crisis that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.
The world tells us, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there’s no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. Don't take this God thing too seriously.”
Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is all consuming; I only have your best interest in mind. Make me the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."
Ultimately, for me, it comes down to this: Do I trust Jesus? If so, doing whatever He wants - no matter what it costs me- is better than anything in the world.
For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.
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Friday, January 07, 2011
Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writer:
Renee SwopeI don’t know about you, but failure makes me want to give up! Especially on myself. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
God’s been teaching me a lot about failure lately. And, He’s been encouraging me to fail
forward by reminding me that I’m a work in progress. I’m learning to move forward even after a setback by remembering that I’m a woman who’s
becoming everything God created her to be…even after I use harsh words to "shoosh" my child, or criticize my husband, or just fail to be the woman I want to be.
I feel like God wants me stop beating myself up and take time to notice the progress I've made.
You know, even though we’re not who we want to be yet, we’re also not who we used to be! And every time we
fail forward we grow and get that much closer to becoming who we’re meant to be!
For more encouragement, visit Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Free devotion,
Failing Forward, by Renee Swope
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Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
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Thursday, January 06, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurst
I believe God made us to crave so we’d always desire more of Him. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.
God made us to consume food but food was never supposed to consume us. In the Bible Jesus broke the vicious cycle of being consumed by cravings when He quoted God’s words. We can do the same thing! When we feel deprived and frustrated and consumed with wanting unhealthy choices, we can rely on the words we read in the Bible to help us.
Jesus, without hesitation, quoted truth from the Bible when He was tempted. Truth is powerful. The more we saturate our hearts with truth, the more we’ll be able to resist temptation and direct our cravings where they should be. To God and God alone. For a list of helpful Bible passages to quote when YOU’RE tempted, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.
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Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writer:
Renee Swope and
Tracie MilesIsn’t it interesting that a New Year always seems like the perfect time to start a new way of living? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. January’s a popular time for new resolutions, new goals, and new promises to change old habits. But, one thing I try to remember when it comes to my relationship with God is that I’m offered a new beginning every day!
The Bible says God’s mercy is new every morning. And when we put our faith in Jesus, God puts our past behind us and begins to make us new. Now, becoming a new person is a process that takes time but God’s faithful to keep His promise as we surrender our days and our decisions to Him.
So, have you ever told God that you don’t want to be your old self – but that you want Him to make you new? Don’t wait for another new year - you can start over today. Find out more by visiting Proverbs 31 Ministries online at Proverbs31.org.
Related ResourcesDo you know Him?Connect with Renee on her Blog and
FacebookCheck out our
Resources at P31Find more free encouragement on our
Everyday Life page
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer:
Lysa TerKeurstLast spring I took a shortcut through a neighborhood and saw a man planting a flower garden and I thought,
I wish I had a pretty garden. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t that the way it often is —we want the results but have no desire to put in the required work.
Besides a garden, I also wished for a healthier body for years but was lax about actually changing what I ate. I excused away the necessary discipline.
What might happen today if instead of wishing things could be different we made just one healthy change? And then made another healthy change tomorrow. And then we kept on making healthy changes. I bet not only would our bodies change but just like that man’s garden, our souls would blossom as well! If you’re trying to get healthy right now, be inspired by clicking on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.
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Made to Crave Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Monday, January 03, 2011
Radio Hostess:
Renee SwopeContributing Writers:
Renee Swope and
Wendy PopeHow many times do we set goals that we want to accomplish, but doubt we’ll ever achieve? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.
My friend Wendy used to avoid setting goals because it seemed like every time she set one, she’d fail. Then one day she decided to accept a challenge she heard on her local Christian radio station - to read through the Bible in one year!
Wendy had always wanted to do this but wasn’t sure she would follow through.
She’d almost convinced herself it was hopeless but then she remembered these words from the Bible: With God all things are possible.
Wendy’s husband bought her a Chronological Bible and she started reading on January 1st. She told me she did miss some days and sometimes she lost sight of her goal. But, she made up what she missed and finished the Bible by the end of that year.
You know, Wendy’s success makes me want to tackle read through the Bible - this year!
For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org!
Related Resources One Year Chronological BibleRead Through The Bible, free devotion by Wendy Pope
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