Monday, February 28, 2011
Radio Hostess: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Marybeth WhalenHave you ever noticed those runaway truck ramps on mountain highways? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. On a recent trip through the mountains I noticed several emergency exit ramps. They’re created for large trucks that need somewhere to go if their brakes fail, or if they lose control.I thought about how I could use some runaway ramps! Sometimes I get going too fast, committing to too many things. Sometimes my brakes don’t work as I travel down a path of temptation. And sometimes I need to exit a relationship that’s heading down a slippery slope.Maybe we all need some runaway ramps. Perhaps exercising could be one. Or having coffee with a friend. Possibly a weekend with no commitments so we can rest. Maybe talking with a Christian counselor or pastor would be a good idea.No matter what our ramps are, they could make the difference between flying dangerously through each day or making it safely through life!For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.orgRelated Resources
Visit Renee’s BlogFree Devotion, A Runaway Ramp by Marybeth WhalenBalance That Works When Life Doesn’t, by Susie Larson
Friday, February 25, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurstApparently I have a condition and I’ve been told it has a name…Muffin top! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. So, what’s a muffin top? Do you ever feel a slight roll of skin just begging to hang over the top of the waistband of your jeans? Now picture in your mind how a muffin sits in that little pleated paper wrapper. Can you see how at the place the paper ends the little muffin top peeks up and over her waistband too? Yummy. No. No. No! Not yummy Lysa... No muffins or treats of any kind for you today. What I really want is some egg whites and one piece of whole wheat toast, dry please. Really, I don't want any butter at all. Really. Ever struggle with these kinds of conversations in your head? Well, you’re not alone! Let’s take heart and find a friend to encourage us and hold us accountable. A friend can make everything better… even dry toast and muffin tops. For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org Related Resources
Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Radio Show Host: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee SwopeSometimes I know God wants more of me but I’m not always sure how to give it to Him. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.I used to wonder how I could give anything to God. Then I read a story in the Bible about a woman who went to a well to get water. Jesus was there and asked her to give Him a drink. She asked how she could give Him anything since they were from different regions that hated each other. Jesus replied…If only you knew…He said that if only she knew who she was talking to, and what offered her – she’d ask Him and He would supply the very thing He was asking for - He’d give her living water.That showed me that when God asks for my heart, my hopes, my plans – I simply need to remember who’s asking me and respond by asking HIM to give me – His heart, His hopes, His plans. He only asks us to give what He is willing to supply. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook
Check out Renee's Resources at P31
Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurstSeveral years ago God very clearly told my husband and I to adopt our two sons from Africa. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and I guess it would be natural to ask me if we’ve ever regretted following God in this decision. I can tell you, I’ve never once regretted saying yes. Sure there’ve been hard days. And yes, it’s stressful being responsible for 5 busy, unique kids. But I love it!I remember before we met our boys, wondering: “How can I truly be a woman of faith, if I live a life that requires no faith.” It took huge faith in God to adopt our boys. It takes huge faith to raise 5 kids everyday. But how I love living a life that requires daily faith. So, I press on and choose to follow God over and over again as a woman with no regrets!
Related Resources
Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Radio Show Host: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
How would today be different if I really BELIEVED God? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes my emotional ups and downs make we wonder if I really believe God’s promises in the Bible. I know I believe in Him, but do I BELIEVE HIM?If I actively BELIEVE God today, then I’ll trust He’s working all things out for good - even though big expenses have drained our savings account and our air conditioner just broke.If I BELIEVE God today, I won’t be anxious when little inconveniences get in my way. Instead I’ll turn to Him for peace and I’ll thank Him in advance for helping me accomplish what has to be done.If I truly BELIEVE God, then I’ll go to bed on time tonight, because God doesn’t want me to stay up late working. The Bible says He wants to give me the gift of rest.So, what will your day be like when you choose to believe God? For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook
Check out Renee's Resources at P31
Find more free encouragement on our Everyday Life page
Monday, February 21, 2011
Radio Host: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Last night I conquered something big in my life. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. No, I didn't get through the day without getting frustrated at one of my kids. No, I didn't make a gourmet meal for my family.My BIG news is that I DIDN'T THROW AWAY THE ROTTEN BANANAS. Finally I didn’t hide them in the bottom of the trashcan feeling guilty for being wasteful! No, I peeled and smashed, and stirred together all the ingredients required for homemade banana bread!Okay…now here’s the challenge. What little task have you been avoiding? Organizing that junk drawer…a phone call to say I’m sorry…Why not conquer one of those tasks today? Just completing one thing made me feel so accomplished and free! Oh, and if you’re looking for a great banana bread recipe log on to Proverbs31.org.Granny’s Homemade Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients
-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour-1 teaspoon baking soda-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg-1 cup white sugar-2 eggs-1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce-4 ripe bananas, mashed-1 tablespoon vanilla extract-1 cup raisins (optional)-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)Directions
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.-In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and white sugar.-Stir in eggs, applesauce, bananas and vanilla extract.-Fold in raisins and nuts if desired. Pour batter into prepared pan.-Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, until a knife inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean.Related Resources
Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Hoarder Disorder, by Lysa Terkeurst
Cleaning Up The Clutter, by Emilie Barnes
Friday, February 18, 2011
Radio Show Host: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope
What's wrong with ME? Do you ever ask yourself that question? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently it dawned on me that every time I ask, "What's wrong with me?" I’m actually telling myself that something IS wrong with me. Then I try to figure out what my illusive fault is so I can fix it. But honestly, what I need to fix is the question I'm asking and the statement I'm making with those four powerful words.
Why? Because every time I ask, "What's wrong with me?" I tell myself that something is wrong with me. And if you’re doing it, too, let's make a pact to stop.
God doesn’t want us telling ourselves that something’s wrong with us. He created us. He wants us to focus our time and thoughts doing what we do best, instead of criticizing our flaws. None of us are perfect, but WE ARE "fearfully and wonderfully made" - just the way God planned. For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs 31.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
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Radio Host: Lysa TerKeurstContributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst Now, I’m all for multi-tasking but sometimes it gets me into trouble! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently, while getting gas, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my to-do list. But, I’ve found it’s not a good habit when I’m with my family.
A wise friend once said to me, “Lysa when you’re with those you love - be there.” So, when my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give my full attention to the details of their day. And each morning I try to take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, I’m really here for you. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Connect with Lysa on her Blog and Facebook
What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst
Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Radio Show Host: Renee SwopeContributing Writer: Renee Swope
What if today when I spend time with God instead of focusing on all of my concerns, I decided to focus only on Him? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I feel like I hold a magnifying glass over my concerns and they get bigger and bigger, but what if I took the magnifying glass off my worries and struggles, and instead I completely focused on God's love, God's power, God's provision, God's strength and God's goodness. Imagine what life would be like if God became bigger than anything else. Instead of focusing on what I may think is wrong with me, I'd be consumed by all that is right with Him.
The Bible tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith. So today, let’s do it. Let’s stop thinking about us and start thinking more about HIM! I’ll bet our outlook will be completely transformed and our problems will shrink in comparison. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org and sign up for our free email devotions.
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
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good
You know, sometimes it’s easy to overlook those people we barely know, yet rely on every day! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last week I was on my morning run with my friend Holly when we stopped to talk to her son’s bus driver. There had been a slight scheduling glitch that Holly was hoping to solve.
As we continued on our run, we discussed how nice the bus driver had been. We then took a few moments to pray for her and thanked God for the safety she provides each day. She serves in a vital role that I’ve often overlooked. I couldn’t help but think of all of the people in my life I rely on, yet so often forget to appreciate. This obviously includes family, but also teachers, co-workers, friends, clerks, doctors, and babysitters. Who could we pray for, send an encouraging note to or perhaps show some appreciation for today? For more everyday life encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
P31 Woman Magazine
Thanks and Giving, a free devotion by Zoe Elmore
Monday, February 14, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope
Have you ever wondered why you’re the way you are, or why you do things the way you do? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. From the time I was in Jr. High, I didn't really like who I was. I compared myself to girls around me and tried to figure out who people liked most, so I could be like them. It was exhausting!
Comparison is our worst enemy because it leaves us confused and discontent. My friend Genia summed it well one day while we were talking about comparison. She said, “When I compare myself with someone else, I can never measure up because I’m comparing my insides with their outsides.”
Comparison becomes a competition but no one wins! God never intended for women to compete with each other; He wants us to complete each other. We need to encourage each other’s strengths and be who God created us to be. For more encouragement on completing, not competing as women log on to Proverbs31.org and click on Everyday Life.
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
Friday, February 11, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Do you ever wonder why your teenager acts the way they do? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I think I have mistakenly assumed that since my teen daughter is strong willed like I am, that she must be in the process of becoming just like me. So, I have been trying to get her to see life and do life my way for years.
But recently a friend opened my eyes up to the fact that my daughter is designed by God to become her own unique person. And despite my frustrations with how different we are, he chose me to be her mother. As her parent, there are still many life lessons to be taught. But our differences don’t necessarily mean that she is always wrong and I am always right. I’ve learned to step back and ask God to give me the wisdom I need to help shape and mold her into the young woman He intends for her to become. For more mom encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained, by Lysa TerKeurst
P31 Woman Magazine
Finding Joy in Your Strong Willed Child, free article from Every Day Life
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Susanne Scheppmann
So today, let’s look at the landscape of our lives for our own green pasture, then rush to the side of our Shepherd to find rest there. 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
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Yesterday was one of those off kilter days for me and my family. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was just plain frustrated. Several things I’d asked the kids to do around the house were either done half-heartedly or not at all.
My natural response in these situations… well… let’s just say isn’t always positive. But even when everything in me wants to scream, I’ve learned that never makes things better. I can choose the way of ‘it’s my right to be frustrated’… Or I can choose to let God teach me His way.
His way leads to calmly finding a solution without all of the anger and frustration. His way leads me to be able to creatively teach my kids instead of emotionally escalating. And the best part about His way? Instead of feeling guilty about my reactions, it leaves me feeling empowered and encouraged. It’s not easy being a mom, so if you’d like more motherhood encouragement and practical help, visit Proverbs31Ministries at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
P31 Woman Magazine
The Mother I Want to be, a free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer
She’s Gonna Blow! Real Help for Dealing with Mom Anger by Julie Ann Barnhill
Pop Goes the Weasel, a free devotion by Susanne Scheppman
Monday, February 07, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Isn’t it great when your friends love you in practical ways? Hi I'm Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently, Shelly shared with me how her friend Amy loved her in a very helpful way.
Shelly and her family had been traveling out of the country almost two weeks. And if you've ever left home for a trip like this you know the hardest part is returning to an empty pantry and a fridge full of out of date food. So, her friend Amy prepared a delicious dinner that was waiting for them when they arrived home from their trip.
Amy had also stocked Shelly’s fridge with a few essentials for the next morning so she wouldn’t have to worry about running to the grocery store.
Hearing this challenged me to take a moment to think of a unique way I can love a friend or neighbor in a practical and supportive way. For more daily encouragement and ideas on being a great friend, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog
The Bathtub is Overflowing, but I Feel Drained by Lysa TerKeurst
The Friendships of Women, a free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey
Recently a friend of mine got an email from a teenager who’s wiser than his years! Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend works for a radio station and she got an email from a young guy who’s struggling in his relationship with Jesus. He said he hadn’t been reading his Bible, praying, or going to church and he really missed the closeness with God he felt when he was doing these things. Then he said, “It’s a lot harder to get back on track than it is to fall away.”
Isn’t that true? In a few words, he summed up a life truth that many adults struggle with. I’ve found that when things in my life require routines, it’s a lot harder to re-establish them once I’m off track. Good habits like reading the Bible, praying, and going to Church can easily fade away into the background of life. This teen challenged me to work harder to stay on track since it’s so much easier than getting back on! 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
Friday, February 04, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey
Isn’t it easy to get embarrassed when our kids act like…kids?! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine went out to eat recently with her two-year-old daughter and some friends who also had a two-year-old. The little ones really enjoyed sitting next to each other, so much so that at one point they were squealing with laughter and almost screaming with delight.
My friend enjoyed the kids’ interaction. But as they got louder, she wanted to shush them. Then she remembered it was a family restaurant. They’d expect families to be here and kids to be a little noisy? And, by the looks on everyone’s faces they were enjoying the kids.
It’s hard to know when to let our kids be kids. There’s a fine line between having fun and disrupting others. That day my friend decided to err on the side of fun as often as she can. For more parenting 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
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
Recently, I had dinner with a 29 year-old friend who would love to be married. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.
I shared with my friend that when I was single I thought marriage was all about finding the right partner. I think it’s good to have a list of standards that you look for in a spouse. However, it can never be with the expectation that if I find that special someone, they’ll right all my wrongs and fill up all my insecurities.
To expect another person to make me feel happy, secure, and fulfilled will leave me disappointed at best and disillusioned at worst. Even a great spouse makes a very poor God.
Instead of just focusing on finding the right partner, let God work on your heart to help you become the right partner. For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Paula Friedrichsen with Renee Swope
I wonder if there’s a secret to having a happy marriage. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. If there were such a secret, I bet it would be overlooking our spouse’s faults, you know, those annoying personality quirks that were humorous when we first met.
Marriage can be challenging at times - but it can also be fulfilling, comforting, and fun. I’ve discovered that if I really want to enjoy my marriage, I have to keep my sense of humor and stay focused on my husband’s good qualities.
In her book, The Man You’ve Always Wanted, Paula Friedrichsen says that, “Overlooking our husband’s faults means to “look over the top” of them to see the person we love standing on the other side.”
So, whether my husband leaves his shirts and socks on the floor or keeps me awake with his snoring… I want to overlook his faults. And, hopefully he’ll do the same for me!
For more marriage encouragement, click on Everyday Life 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
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst
I was recently asked to pray with a woman who had just found out that her two grandchildren had died in a fire. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.
She was surrounded by friends and sobbing to the point she could hardly breathe. She’d just been with her grandbabies who were 8 and 4. She’d held them, rocked them, stroked their hair, and kissed them all over their faces. It was too much for her brain to process.
At first I prayed for the reassurance. I then noticed something miraculous. Every time we said, “Jesus” her body calmed and her crying slowed.
So, I just said His name over and over. The only thing that truly calmed this devastated grandmother was the name of Jesus. What a powerful reminder to us all. No matter what we are facing today, there is such power in simply speaking Jesus’ name out loud.
For more, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.
Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog
