To Serve or Be Served

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

Would you rather serve or be served? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Once while my friend, Wendy, was watching her kids play she realized her son, Griffin, was missing. Just when she started to look for him, he walked up the driveway with a rather large spoonful of peanut butter. "Mommy, look what I brought for you!" He said. "I brought one for Alexis and Liam, too."

Wendy couldn't help but notice how Griffin was acting like Jesus who came not to be served but to serve others. Griffin was so happy that he had something to give to his friends.

You know, I'm not always so excited to serve others. Sometimes I think, "Hey, I have needs! When is it mom's turn to be served?" But, Griffin's story reminds me that I can actually find joy in serving the people around me.

For more encouragement, sign up for Proverbs 31 Ministries free email devotions at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

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Can you hear me now?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other night my son was telling me that he was planning to buy a new cell phone. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I listened to him lay out his grand plan and realized he was about to get himself in a mess financially. So, I took my son on a quick mental journey of what life will be like in a few years when he’s on his own.

Let's say he gets a job making $10 an hour, working 40 hours, which would give him $400 a week with an approximate monthly income of $1600.

Then the deductions…

Tithing

Taxes

Rent

A Car Payment

And by the time we got to gas money he was at $0.

"Mom, where's my money for food, clothes and my new cell phone?"

"I don't know son. Maybe you should use your current phone to download a ring tone with the song "Back to Life- Back to Reality."

For more parenting tips, log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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A Not-So-Bad Hair Day

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Susanne Scheppmann and Renee Swope

Help, I'm having a bad hair day! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Do you ever get frustrated when your hair won't obey your commands? I do! My hair is fine and limp. Each morning as I rub, squirt, and spray my hair with products that give it strength to be what it isn't - I'm reminded how following God really means I'm trying to be something I'm not.

When I try to follow God without His help, I fall flat, just like my hair. But when I allow God to infuse me with His strength by taking time to read my Bible and pray, my life begins to look more the way I want it to look - like His!

The Bible tells us to be glad about our weaknesses, because they remind us that we need God's strength rather than our own.

If you'd like a daily dose of encouragement to help infuse your day with God's power, sign up for our FREE devotions 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

Pushing Through

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

With all my being, I did not want to run this morning. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I wish I could tell you that I’m one of those that just loves to exercise but I’ll be honest… I do it for health reasons and to help manage my weight. But I certainly don’t love the actual physical labor of running. But I do love how I feel afterwards.

I’ve learned from running that sometimes I have to push through the "don't want to's" because on the other side of every don't want to is a really great feeling of accomplishment.

The Bible says "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like a deer, he enables me to go to the heights."

Is there a "don't want to" thing that you've been avoiding? Why not ask God to enable you to accomplish this very thing? Afterwards, I bet you’ll feel great too.

For more life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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From Routine to Romantic

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

Is your marriage defined by routine or romance? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The demands of daily life – kids, work, laundry, meals and carpools – can take so much energy that we forget to keep romance alive in our marriages. Sometimes I’ve thought my husband doesn’t need romance. However, in her book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife, Melanie Chitwood says 84% of the men she surveyed said they desire romance. Here are some romantic ideas she shares in her book:

1. Email your husband and tell him why you’re attracted to him.
2. Look beautiful for him and flirt with him after dinner tonight.
3. Surprise him by taking him someplace he loves, like a ball game or to the Home Improvement store.

Instead of waiting for your husband to initiate romance, why not be the one to plan a date and take him away from the routine of daily life? Proverbs 31 Ministries wants to encourage you in your marriage. For more ideas, visit us at proverbs31.org.

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Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

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

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

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Pep Talk for Life

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently my husband sat down to have a little pep talk with one of our daughters. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My daughter was about to compete in the state gymnastics meet and what he said will go down in my book as one of the greatest moments of our parenting adventure so far."Ashley, your mom and I love you and are already proud of you... no matter what happens with your scores.

Remember what we've talked about all season.Build a solid foundation by practicing hard. Give all you can and hold nothing back. Focus on what's in front of you. One practice at a time, one meet at a time.And, wrap it all in good sportsmanship. Who you are is more important than what you are.

Pretty powerful, huh? You know, I think I’ll try to apply some of this to my life as well. For more life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Naming Our Homes

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

If your home had a name, what would it be? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Last summer at the beach I noticed a lot of homes had names to represent the families that owned them. One was the Shell Shack for a family that loved seashells. Another was called Turtle’s Cove. They had a huge turtle on their front porch.

If you had to choose a name for your home, what would you call it? Would it be “Terrific Teammates” or “Family Funhouse” or would it be something like “Angry Accusers”?

If the first words that come to mind are negative, we need to look for ways to improve what goes on within the walls of our homes by planning time to laugh together, play and make good memories. I want my home to be a refuge known for the love and laughter found inside. How about you? For more ways to make your house a loving home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries 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

Everyday

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it really important to spend time with God everyday? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

With all the demands of everyday life it can be hard to set aside time with Jesus. But I can tell a big difference in how I handle things on those days when I’ve done this as opposed to those days I haven’t.

Spending time reading the Bible and praying gives us the exact instruction and comfort we need to handle all God sees coming our way today. It’s the perfect way to receive His peace. Then with great expectation we can face the day and everything in it.

Because of the time we’ve spent with Him, Jesus has already impressed on our hearts how we should act and react in every situation. So, instead of being a slave to our emotions and reacting based on feelings, we can be prepared no matter what.
For ideas on starting a daily time with God click on “Encouragement for Today” at Proverbs31.org.

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Winners

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

Why does it seem like every event has to have a winner and a loser? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Last summer my son joined our neighborhood swim team. He’s a great swimmer, but not a fast swimmer. He tried his hardest, but often came in last. It was hard on him. I told him we’re all winners in God’s eyes, and that giving his best was all Mom, Dad, and God expected of him. But this year he decided not to join again.

I understood my son’s frustration. There are days I don’t feel like a winner either, as a mom, a wife or as a woman. Sometimes I want to quit, too. When I’m tempted to turn in my pink slip, I ask God to show me my strengths and remind me how He sees me, so I don’t get discouraged. Do you ever feel like a loser? If so, ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes. For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE email devotions 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

Peace be with You

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When Jesus rose from the grave and appeared to the disciples, what did He talk about? Joy? Hope? Love? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

While all of these would have certainly been appropriate, Jesus didn't touch on any of them. He simply said over and over again, "Peace be with you!"

Why Peace?I have a theory. The world is really good at conjuring up facades. Temporary moments of worldly happiness can appear joyful. The world takes hope and mistakes it for wishful thinking. And the world has made love a dime store word used to describe a feeling that can change with the wind.However, it cannot offer fake peace. It can offer peaceful settings but the lasting peace that flows despite circumstances can only be found if we realize Jesus is our source for peace and He is always with us.

For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.

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Spiritual Vitamins

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

You’ve heard the old saying "A woman’s work is never done”. Isn’t that so true! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently I noticed I didn’t have enough energy to get everything done each day, so I decided to take vitamins. Within weeks, my fingernails were longer and stronger, my skin looked better, and I had more energy!

I also need to make sure I’m getting a daily dose of spiritual vitamins. When I pray, read my Bible and listen to Christian music, its like taking spiritual vitamins that nourish my soul and my relationship with God. These spiritual vitamins give me God’s strength to accomplish His purpose for my life. Just like vitamins are good for my body and bones, spiritual vitamins are good medicine for my heart and soul.

Are you taking your spiritual vitamins every day? Why not get out your Bible and talk to God each morning. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make! For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE devotional emails at Proverbs31.org.


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

Loving instead of Judging

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to misunderstand and judge others. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Lately I’ve been aware of some of the unspoken yardsticks by which I measure others, like: A good mom doesn't let her kids watch too much TV and doesn’t scream at her kids.

But then there's Jesus who turns these notions upside down when He says, “The greatest of these is love." What if, instead of self-righteousness, we offered love? It would sound like this: "Being a mom can be exhausting. Do you want me to come over and watch your kids so you can have a break?”

The Bible reminds me that I’m supposed to love, not judge and God’s challenging me to examine my thoughts of others. He wants us to come alongside others and help carry their burdens, rather than adding to them with criticism.

For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.

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You’re Not Alone

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope with Wendy Blight

Do you ever feel like God’s far away? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

After a tragic incident in her life, my friend Wendy went through a long period of darkness, fear and loneliness.

In the middle of her struggle, Wendy was reading in the Bible about the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt. God had promised to deliver them, but all they could hear was the rumbling of Pharaoh’s chariots chasing after them. And all they saw was the Red Sea blocking their only escape.

When Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, the Bible says that all night God parted the waters so they could cross on dry land. They couldn’t see what God was doing in the darkness but He was helping them just as He’d promised. This reminded Wendy that God was working to carry her through her darkness.

So, no matter how dark life feels, God is near and He’s working to rescue us, too! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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From Ground Hog to Big Kid?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Isn't it funny how a certain date on the calendar brings back old feelings?

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

For my friend, Jill, Ground Hog Day always brings back memories of her pregnancy. All the ups and downs, queasiness, and cravings, and excitement! Jill’s daughter was due on February 2nd 2006. So, while she was expecting, she and her husband called their baby their little Ground Hog. The longer Jill was pregnant the more they joked that the baby might pop her head out and decide to go back inside for six more weeks.

This year on Ground Hog Day Jill was reminiscing about those days of waiting for her daughter to be born while watching her play in a weekly gymnastics class. Wow, how fast the years have flown by!

What a great reminder to try to enjoy every moment as our little ground hogs grow up to be big kids! For more encouragement, log on to proverbs31.org!

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A Stay Cool Mom

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever been so frustrated with your kids that you totally lost your cool? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My kids would answer that question about me with a big ol’ yes.

It’s not that I want to lose my cool. It’s just that with five different kids all needing constant attention and correction my emotions can get pushed to the brink sometimes. So, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and have discovered something. I have to think ahead about the consequences I’ll give when one of my kid’s acts defiant or disrespectful. I can take away a toy, an iPod, or the privilege of hanging out with friends. The point is to plan ahead for consequences that scream so I don’t have to.

For more ways to be a mom who keeps her cool by visiting Proverbs31 Ministries on-line. You’ll find daily messages and blogs written by women who know what you’re going through at Proverbs31.org.

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I Did It!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes I forget to celebrate the small victories in life, how about you?

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

Recently a friend of mine who’d never run in her life decided to train for a 5-K race. Soon after she started, she realized just how hard it was gonna to be and got a little discouraged. But, the other day I saw her and she was beaming!

She looked at me and said, “I DID IT!”

I thought she’d run the 3.1 miles of the race so I congratulated her. But, that wasn’t it.

“No, I RAN A WHOLE MILE AT ONCE...without stopping!” She said. “It's still a long way from a 5-K, but I finally did it! For me this is HUGE! It means that running 3 miles is actually achievable. It means I'm not so pathetic after all. It means I really can know for sure - ALL things are possible with God!”

I was so proud of her for celebrating her accomplishment! So, what small victories are you celebrating? Let us know on our blog at proverbs31.org!

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Believe the Best

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently a friend said something that could have hurt my feelings. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’d invited my friend over for dinner but she seemed hesitant about committing.

At first I was tempted to feel like she was wondering if a better offer might come along which hurt. But the reality is I know this friend loves me. I know she likes spending time with me. So, I made the choice to believe the best in her and let any hurt go.

A few days later, she confided in me that when I called she and her husband had been having an argument about her making plans without consulting him. I was so glad I’d made the choice to let go of my hurt feelings. How about you? Do you have a friend that you need to make the choice right now to believe the best about?

For more encouragement and insights on friendship, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line. Just log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Passing on Our Story

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I’m always surprised at how interested my kids are in the story of how I met their Dad!

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

Recently a radio station was asking people to call in with the story of how they met their spouse. So, I decided to tell my kids how JJ and I met and some of the funny things that happened while we dated. My boys ate it up! They loved hearing all the details.

This reminded me of how important my marriage is to my kids. Telling the story of how mom and dad met and when we decided to get married seems like just a fun way to pass time when we’re running errands. But, I think it goes deeper than that. I think knowing our story reassures my kids that JJ and I really love each other and are committed to staying together no matter what.

And, I think that makes my boys feel more secure as they face all the uncertainties that come their way every day!

For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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My Goal as a Mom

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

This parenting thing can be so stinkin' hard. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There are no textbook answers. It's a moment by moment balancing act between loving, molding, modeling, loving some more, and figuring out how and when to discipline.

Only God can prepare me with the wisdom and discernment necessary for each and every parenting moment. So, through a lot of prayer and reading God’s parenting wisdom in the Bible, I have to stay close to Him- ask Him- rely on Him-cry out to Him- and make Him the basis for my parenting.

My goal should never be to raise kids that make me look good. Even though I want this sometimes! My goal should be to raise kids who love God and spend their lives making His goodness known in their corner of the world.

If you’ve been looking for encouragement along your parenting journey log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Get Real!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Being honest about our struggles can be scary! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

A friend of mine has been struggling with depression and is tired of hiding it. She’s been overwhelmed with all she wants in life...to be healthy...have a second child...and follow God more faithfully.... Not seeing progress in these areas was taking its toll, ESPECIALLY after she turned 40. She started getting really down on herself and getting irritable really easily.

So she decided to talk with a Christian counselor, and it really helped her. She’s learned that trying to make changes can be good; but when that desire comes with a ton of self doubt and defeat, it can only lead to anger and depression. So far, things are looking up. But, she HAS decided to stop trying to act like she’s got it all together when she feels like she’s falling apart!

I think it’s important for all of us to be real with each other? Tell me what YOU think. Click on Renee’s blog 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.

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Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

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

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Pinches and Grace

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I wanted to pinch the two girls sitting in the front row at church. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs31 Ministries. My daughter and her friend weren't acting the way I wanted them to.

Suddenly, an annoying little thought started to tug at the corners of my mind. "You want your children to act perfectly because it makes you look good. Let that go. They don't need to be sitting up straight to hear God's message. This is a beautiful time for grace."

Soon my daughter's friend looked back at me. Despite my feelings, I smiled, winked, and gave her a little wave.

Then that wiggly, usually not very affectionate, middle schooler got out of her seat. She walked down the aisle, five rows back, and gave me a hug that preached a thousand sermons right then and there.

Oh how crucial it is for me as a mom to ask God for moment by moment wisdom. For more mom encouragement, check out our daily blogs at Proverbs31.org.

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