Things I love about my Hubby!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes the strangest things remind us to be thankful! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other night a friend of mine found herself laying awake listening to her husband snore, but she was surprised she wasn’t getting angry or frustrated. Instead, his snoring was somehow making her feel thankful. As she listened she just started thinking of all the great things about her husband. So many things started coming to mind, that she decided to make a list. She called it, “Things I love about my Hubby!” Here are a few things that made the top ten:

He loves me. He makes me laugh. He kills spiders and other nasty bugs
He skipped his workout tonight because he wanted to spend time with the family
AND He just stopped snoring!

I wonder how shocked he was to find the list on his iPhone the next morning. Well, I hope he stocked up on breathe-right strips! Find more ways to build a healthy marriage, snoring and all, at proverbs31.org!

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.

Related Resources

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Pre-order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

More Than Just a Clean Car

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I try to keep my car clean, honestly… I do. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I keep the area where I sit very clean and tidy. It would never occur to me to use it as a trashcan. My kids on the other hand have issues.

Yesterday I informed the kids that I was tired of pulling through the car pool line at school and watching things fly about when they got out. After school my kids went to work cleaning. But when I inspected there was still trash everywhere.

They said, "Ohhhhh, we didn't know you meant the trash too. We just got our stuff out."

When they came inside I talked to them about the importance of doing things right the first time. I also explained that doing little things out of obedience is how God prepares us for the bigger things in life. I’m happy to report, my car is clean! At least for today that is.

For more Everyday Life Encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free Devotion, Pop Goes the Weasel!, by Susanne Scheppmann

Get Over it and On With it, by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Visit Lysa’s Blog

A Daddy's Influence

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Hey dad, never underestimate the power of you being there! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently a friend’s daughter took ice skating classes and, let's just say ice skating didn’t turn out to be her favorite thing. She kept saying she wanted to give up, that the skates hurt her feet, and she wanted to go back to gymnastics. But, they’d made a commitment to eight weeks so she had to keep going to the end.

The final class came and they were glad it was almost over. You know, it ended up being the best class of all! My friend’s daughter skated stronger and faster than ever! Instead of making up reasons to get off the ice, she was gliding, dipping, and marching with the best of them.

So, what changed? Her DADDY was there and HE was watching! It was amazing to see the transformation in this child’s desire to do her best simply because her Daddy was there. Isn't that the story of a little girl's life? For more, visit proverbs31.org!

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.

Related Resources
Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook
Pre-order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”
Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Understanding the Bible

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracy

Sometimes I think it’d be easier to learn Chinese than to completely understand the Bible! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I’ve been reading the Bible in two translations- one that’s more traditional and one that’s written in more of an everyday language. But, no matter how simple the language, there are still some things that happened and some concepts that I struggle to understand.

A friend told me that even though she had formal training in the Bible it’s hard for her too. So, when it comes to reading AND understanding the Bible, what do we do? There are books and commentaries that can help. But, I’ve found that asking God’s Spirit to help me understand what I’m reading is crucial!

The Bible itself says if we lack wisdom, or understanding, we should ask God for help. So, I’m doing a LOT of asking and starting to gain a little more understanding! For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Into the Word, by Rachel Olsen

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Make the Days Count

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Ever heard the saying – Don’t count your days, make your days count!? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s so easy to go through the motions of work, carpool, cooking, homework, and ballgames. But in the midst of it all, am I making the moments count with meaningful conversations or making simple deposits of encouragement into the lives of those I love?

The other day I decided to get intentional and thought of three people who could use some encouragement. Then I took a few minutes that week to encourage of them. I wrote a note to my husband and sent it in an email. The next day I left a voicemail with a short prayer and let a friend hear me thanking God for something special about her. And later that week I posted on my son’s Facebook page telling him I missed him because I was out of town. They weren’t huge things, but I could tell they meant a lot to the people I love.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Pre-order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

No More Silent Treatments

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently my husband hurt my feelings so I resorted to the ever so mature silent treatment. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Can you relate? Well, I was so upset that I called a friend who I was sure would understand and say something to make me feel better. But what she said actually pierced my heart and helped to change my perspective. She asked me, “Lysa, if you knew something might happen to Art today and he’d never come home again, would this situation really matter?” Suddenly, my hurt was put into perspective and my outlook was completely different. Instead of the silent treatment I called my husband and gently told him why his statement had hurt my feelings. The anger and hurt had dissipated and, thanks to my wise friend, I was free to live the rest of that day with no regrets.

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

Related Resources
Everyday Life, Attack of the Killer Weeds, by Paula Friedrichsen

What A Husband Needs From His Wife, by Melanie Chitwood

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Seeking Significance

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes we can get stuck feeling like we’re just a mom or just a wife? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I used to get down on myself thinking that the things I did as a mom, wife or even as a friend didn’t really make a difference. I’d ask God to show me something significant He wanted to do with my life, but I couldn’t see it happening.

Well, one afternoon God started to change my perspective. My neighbor, Janet, came over to thank me for a thank-you note I’d sent her. It was JUST a thank you note, but to Janet it was more. Some things I’d written had really touched her heart and it meant a lot to her.

I began to realize, I wasn’t JUST a mom; JUST a wife; or JUST anything! I was a significant part of God’s plan to encourage my family and my neighbor. I didn’t need to look for some significant way God was going to use me. I just needed to see that where I was serving, was significant.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org!

Related Resources

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Pre-order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Clean as You Go

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other day I came home from a fun outing with my kids and realized how messy the house was! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Quickly my mood went from happy, happy to mad and demanding. My husband pulled me aside after watching me rant and rave for a few minutes and asked a very simple question: “Why did you let everyone go on a fun outing without first having them clean up? If you’d told them before you left what needed to be done the thrill of going out would have motivated everyone and you could have come home relaxed.”

He was right.

I’ve taken his advice on several occasions and it’s amazing how it has reduced my stress. And what if the kids don’t cooperate with the clean before we go plan? Well, then we cancel the outing and I get to take a bubble bath. Now that’s a beautiful plan!

For more encouragement as a mom, log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free Devotion, Thanking God for Tests, by Glynnis Whitwer

Get Over It and On With It, by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Just the Right Words

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes the right words at the right time can be a matter of life and death. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Years ago my friend Leanne wrote a note to her daughter’s coach, Jill, thanking her for the difference she was making. She described the incredible qualities she saw in Jill as a coach, and called her a “bright light” that shined in so many lives.

Leanne had no idea how God would use those words a few months later when Jill came home to an empty apartment feeling lonely and sad. She been struggling with depression, and wondered if she could go on in life. That night Jill opened her journal and a note fell out. When she opened it, she read Leanne’s words again. They were just the right words at just the right time, and God used them to remind this hurting woman of her worth and to gently nudge her to get help.

For more ideas on how God might use your words to make a difference, click on Renee’s Blog at proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Pre-order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Losing Stuff

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently my husband and I returned home from vacation only to discover that our camera was missing. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. And I have to admit I cried. Not so much over the lost camera as over the lost pictures. I know it sounds silly but I was so sad I prayed that God would either help us find the camera or give me a peace about this loss. Later that day, I wrote down what I felt I needed to remember:

First, keep it in perspective.

And, secondly, don’t let this loss take the joy out of the memories of our trip.

Ultimately, the camera and the photos are just stuff. Many people are dealing with situations today that are far beyond this. So, I’m thankful for the memories, hopeful for the return of the camera, but OK if we never get it back.

For more daily life perspectives, log on to Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free Devotion, When The Bubbles Pop, by Joanne Sampl

Get Over It and On With it, by Michelle McKinney Hammond

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Marriage-Changing Prayer

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My efforts to change my husband weren’t working, so I prayed that God would change him for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries

Well, that didn’t work either! God showed me that my critical spirit only makes JJ feel inadequate as a husband - which makes him shut down and become indifferent. I eventually realized that I was also adding to many things that can destroy my husband’s confidence as a man.God showed me that JJ needed me to be his greatest cheerleader, his biggest supporter and to use my words and prayers to build him up, not tear him down. So, I started praying that God would change me, instead.

And you know what? God helped me notice and encourage things I appreciate about JJ. God also helped me hold my tongue when JJ did something I didn't like or led in a way I didn't want to follow. God changed me! And JJ became an even better husband than I ever prayed he’d be! For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Practical Ways to Show Your Husband Respect

What a Husband Needs from His Wife by Melanie Chitwood

Dots

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes a children’s book can have so much to say about my grown-up life.

Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

One of my favorite stories is “You are Special” by Max Lucado. At the end of the story, the main character is learning to deal with the dots people have stuck to him. The dots are symbolic of the labels people tend to put on each other.

The “aha” moment comes when the boy is told, “The dots only stick if you let them.”

I know it’s a kids story but as an adult these words were an epiphany to me. It was a moment of complete revelation to understand the simple principal of not letting other people’s opinions and comments define me.

Over the years I’ve learned to embrace the mantra, “Don’t let other’s compliments go to your head nor their criticisms go to your heart.”

It’s not easy, but it is quite the start to embracing who I’m meant to be. For more visit Proverbs 31.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

My Father’s Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son wouldn’t fall asleep so my husband decided to try a new sleeping aid for kids! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My husband JJ was trying to help our six-year-old settle down for bed. He rubbed his head hoping that would calm him down. Then he told him a story and sang a Bible song, but Andrew just kept twisting and turning.

Finally JJ prayed that God would help Andrew fall asleep!

JJ remembered something he’d read in the Bible that morning about His Heavenly Father’s “unconditional” love – and how it helped him get through a stressful day at work by remembering God’s love isn’t based on his performance.

JJ sensed that’s what his son needed to know, too, so he took his face in his hands and said, ”Andrew, I love you, and I will always love you – no matter what!” Andrew whispered, “I love you, too, Daddy!” - and he rested in his father’s love. Two minutes later he was sound asleep!

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sherri Rose Shepherd

Searching for Satisfaction CD by Renee Swope

A Cardboard Sign

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I was stopped at a red light when I saw her. A woman with a cardboard sign. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her sign read: “Help me please. God bless.”

Suddenly I was struggling with what exactly I should do in that moment. One part of me warned, “If you give her money, she’ll buy alcohol and drugs. Don’t enable this woman. It’s probably a scam.”

But the other part of me said, “Lysa, your job is obedience. Just give and trust God with the rest. Even if she is doing something wrong with the money, don’t you think God can still use your act of kindness for good?”

The traffic started to move and I had to make a decision. I quickly handed a few dollars out the window with a smile. And, in that brief instant that I was able to look her directly in the eyes, I knew that I’d made the right choice!

For more on hearing God’s voice in a chaotic world, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.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

Personalizing God’s Promises

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I wanted to give my husband a gift, but couldn’t decide what to buy! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs Ministries.

My friend LeAnn gives great gifts. My favorite is when she finds verses in the Bible to personalize for someone.

I decided that’s what I’d do for my husband. I found promises in the Bible that would mean a lot to JJ. And put his name in each verse. Then I printed them individually and put them in a masculine keepsake box. One day he’ll read -

Jeremiah 29:11, “JJ, I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Another day he’ll read Psalm 16:11, “JJ, I will make known to you the path of life. I will fill you with joy in My presence.”

So, does someone you know needs the gift of God’s promises personalized for them? For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog for a list of Promises to Personalize

31 Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew by Ruth Myers

Join us for more free Everyday Life encouragement

Feelings

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Yesterday was a rough for one of my kids that’s not too fond of getting up early. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

On the way to school on this oh so pleasant morning, we were having quite the bonding moment as I explained to her that her actions were unacceptable and there would be consequences.

She complained that when she doesn’t feel like being nice, she can’t act nice. I simply replied that our feelings should be indicators not dictators. Feelings can show us where our hearts are but that doesn’t mean they have the right to boss us around at any given moment.

Now don’t get me wrong, I think it’s good to feel, but God gave us more than a heart by which to process life. He gave us a mind as well. And what my daughter needed to learn that day was that our minds help to keep our hearts in check and on course.

For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TeKeurst

Am I Messing Up My Kids?...and other Questions Every Mom Asks by Lysa TerKeurst

This is Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes I wonder…what makes my child feel loved? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

One morning last week I was driving my son, Andrew, to school and asked him, “What makes you feel loved?”

He thought for a minute and the he said, "THIS."

"This?" I asked him.

"Yea. This. You being with me mom. When you drive me to school and talk to me about my day. And when you tell me that you’re gonna be there when I get home. That makes me feel loved and secure. Thanks mom, bye!"And, he hopped out of the car.

As I drove away, I kept thinking - This is love?

You mean I don't have to go out and buy his favorite toy or take him to a movie? Just being there is love. Keeping my promises is love. Caring about him and listening to him makes him feel loved?

Yes – this is love! Wow – that seems so simple yet it’s so powerful. For more encouragement, (visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at), visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

This is Love a free devotion by Renee Swope

The Mom I Want to Be by Suzie Eller

Racing and Reeling

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A couple years ago my teenage son asked if he could take his brother and sisters to go get ice cream and I said, “Sure, let’s go.” But, that wasn’t the plan. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

“No, Mom!” My son tried to explain, “We sort of want to go just us kids!” My heart seized. What if something horrific happened? My brain started racing and reeling.

I stood at the front window of my house chewing my nails and I realized I had a choice. I asked God to help me park my mind on the truth. The Bible says each of my kids has been assigned by God a certain number of days and that nothing will take God by surprise. Now, I can’t say that remembering this took away all my fears, but it sure did comfort my Mom heart!

For more on learning to let go and trust God, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Am I Messing Up My Kids?...and Other Questions Every Mom Asks by Lysa TerKeurst

Sharing Our Faith

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever heard someone who doesn’t believe in God say that Christians SHOULD tell others about Jesus?

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

I couldn’t believe it. I was watching a video on You-Tube of a famous entertainer who’s a self-proclaimed atheist. He was talking about a fan that had politely offered him a Bible. I was sure this entertainer was going to mock the fan who’d wanted to tell him about Jesus. But…he didn’t! In fact, the celebrity said he respected him. He said it made sense for someone who believes Jesus is the only way to heaven to share it with others. He even said that you’d really have to HATE someone to believe you have the key to eternal life and NOT share it.

WOW! That was a wake up call for me. I want to be less concerned about offending others and more concerned with telling them that a relationship with Jesus means peace, love, and the hope of heaven!

For more encouragement on sharing your faith, log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Hymns: The Collection, by Jason Catron

A Walk to Remember: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith, Message on DVD by Renee Swope

Seeking Significance

Seeking Significance
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Significance Sometimes we can get stuck feeling like we’re just a mom or just a wife? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I used to get down on myself thinking that the things I did as a mom, wife or even as a friend didn’t really make a difference. I’d ask God to show me something significant He wanted to do with my life, but I couldn’t see it happening.

Well, one afternoon God started to change my perspective. My neighbor, Janet, came over to thank me for a thank-you note I’d sent her. It was JUST a thank you note, but to Janet it was more. Some things I’d written had really touched her heart and it meant a lot to her.

I began to realize, I wasn’t JUST a mom; JUST a wife; or JUST anything! I was a significant part of God’s plan to encourage my family and my neighbor. I didn’t need to look for some significant way God was going to use me. I just needed to see that where I was serving, was significant.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org!

Related Resources

Mean Girl

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever struggle with the mean girl trying to come out? Or the mean mommy or sister or wife? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Recently my family was packed in the car for more than 20 hours of driving time over just a couple of days. I was hoping for a fun time of family bonding. I didn’t plan for my mean mommy to come out, but eventually it did. Afterwards I was wishing for a fix-it plan for my impatient tendencies.

As I was reading my Bible recently I found that Jesus has the perfect plan that involves three attitude shifts of the heart. His words encourage us to skip the rude comebacks, stop blaming others, and choose to pause and wait before we react.

In other words, deny my selfish instincts, make a decision to change, and follow His leading. It’s amazing how when I take the time to do this my attitude really does change. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Am I Messing Up My Kids?...and Other Questions Every Mom Asks by Lysa TerKeurst

Thankful for the Health I Have

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

How can one little part of your body cause SO much pain?

Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last week my friend, Jill, had a sinus infection. She said it felt like a Mack Truck had driven through her tiny sinus cavities!

But Jill also said the pain and dizziness reminded her of something. She thought of a close friend who’s battling breast cancer for the second time. The tumor refuses to shrink and causes terrible pain for this sweet woman. And, whenever she tries to treat the pain, her body reacts severely to the medication.

So, Jill realized that yes, sometimes we just feel yucky. And, yes, it's OK to whine a little and send our husbands out for soup to make us feel better. But, she was also reminded of the gift of her health most of the time. And, while my friend really looked forward to getting back to "normal", she also thanked God that she had a "normal" to return to.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Renee’s Blog

Free Everyday Life Encouragement

31 Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew, by Ruth Myers