Gods Works for the Good

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If you would’ve told me 10 years ago that God could bring good out of my struggles with weight, I would’ve seriously doubted you. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I used to want something to magically fix my issues with food. And, I wished that I could be naturally thin.

Have you ever felt the same way? Well maybe I can offer a little hope. The Bible says that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

God’s word is true. I just realized the other day, if I was naturally thin, I wouldn’t feel motivated to eat healthy, drink more water, or exercise. And these things are good for me. So, there’s something good that’s come from my lifelong issues with food and weight!

God really does work for the good in all things even our hardest struggles. Sometimes we just have to decide to look for the good! For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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Made to Crave, by Lysa TerKeurst

For Single Moms

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Being a single mom has got to be one of the hardest jobs on earth! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and PE Klove.

My friend Lisa grew up without her dad around so her mom was the breadwinner, homework-helper, chauffer, cook, housecleaner, and everything else. If you’re a single mom, you know how hard it can be.

Maybe you cry when your children aren’t looking because of financial burdens or lack of time or companionship. Maybe you long for someone to help you, but you won’t let a man within 10 feet because you’re afraid of getting hurt again.

Lisa told me her mom dealt with all of that and more. But she also remembers her mom trusted God to take care of their family. She prayed with her children at night and loved them as best as she could. In fact, Lisa says watching her mother’s sacrifices helped her learn to trust God with her life.

So, if you’re a single mom, hang in there. You ARE making a difference. And, if you need some extra encouragement today, visit proverbs31.org.

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A One or Two Verse Day

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Trying to read the Bible can seem so overwhelming! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There are so many chapters, deep thoughts, and spiritual insights, where do we start?

Right now I’m in a season where I don’t read several chapters at a time. Lately, it’s just one or two verses. Verses that I savor word by word, letting them sink deep…interrupting me, rearranging me, redirecting me.

These truths are the protective covering I crave. As I concentrate on these one or two verses, I’m reminded to pause.

Pause and let God interrupt my natural responses. Pause so I don’t make conversations all about me. Pause and remember I’m not always right.

Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the enormity of the Bible. Try reading just a verse or two and let them set the tone for today. For more, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa TerKeurst

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Holding Back

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

When my two-year old gets mad at me, she won’t give me any hugs or kisses! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Aster usually holds back her affection when I’ve disciplined her or said no to something she wanted. It’s really the only way she can retaliate without getting in trouble! As much as I want her sweet little kisses, I know she needs to learn that she can’t have everything she wants.

Recently when Aster was holding back her affection from me, it made me wonder if I ever keep my affection from God because I’m upset that things haven’t gone the way I wanted? Do I spend less time with Him, or pray less? I think I might sometimes.

You know, just like I want Aster to trust my decisions, I wanna trust that my Heavenly Father knows what’s best for me, too. So, I’m trying to make sure I tell God how much I love Him, no matter how I feel about what He’s doing or not doing in my life!

For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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What Do You Really Want?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Conflict can be messy and uncomfortable but what if it can actually be good? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently, I was hurt by something a friend had done.

I realized I had a choice to make. I could get all caught up in the emotion and make this a much bigger deal than it needed to be or I could try a better perspective. As I read some passages from the Bible on staying calm, a question came to mind, “Lysa, what do you really want?”

That question helped me cut through the emotion and focus on a solution. I called my friend and we talked. I asked her if the solution I thought of might work. We processed it together and made some great progress.

I think there’s something to this. If we can identify what we’re after, we won’t get lost in a whirlpool of feelings along the way. For more, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs31.org.

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Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl, by Lysa TerKeurst

No More Mommy Guilt

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love a good girl night but sometimes I feel guilty for taking time to do something for myself, without my kids! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I usually try to talk myself out of feeling guilty, but the other day when I was feeling bad about planning a night out with friends, I realized there was a reason. I felt bad for being away from my kids because I hadn’t spent much time with them that week. Although I’d taken care of them by cooking and doing laundry, I’d been on the phone and computer a lot and hadn’t had very much face-to-face, quality time with them.

But, instead of feeling guilty, I decided to take action and plan some time to connect with my kids and hang out. That way I wouldn’t feel guilty later in the week when I went out for dinner and a movie with my friends. And I’d feel really good about the time I’d spent with my kids!
For more encouragement in your everyday perspectives, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Free devotion, This is Love, by Renee Swope

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The Woman I Want to Be

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’ve spent my life trying to keep my raw emotions in check. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

You know what I mean by raw emotions, right? Those irrational feelings we hide from most of the world but spew on those we love the most.

I love Jesus and I love my family…passionately! But, sometimes I get thrown for a loop emotionally and it’s the people I love most that can pay the price.

Learning to navigate those raw emotions is kind of like peeling back the layers of an onion. If I find something ugly, I have to ask myself a crucial question… am I going to let this define me or refine me? If this raw emotion defines me, I’ll feel defeated. If I let it refine me, I’ll be motivated to make positive changes.

God doesn’t want me to give in to my raw emotions. He wants me to be refined into the hope filled women I’m meant to be. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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Needs or Wants

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I’m trying to teach my kids the difference betweens wants and needs but sometimes I get in the way! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I’d love to blame our consumer based society for my kids’ imbalanced sense of need; but I often call things NEEDS that are really just wants. “I need a new purse. I need some shoes to go with my outfit. “

So, instead of saying I NEED I’m trying to say: “I’ve had this purse for two years. I’d like to buy a new one if we have it in the budget.” It’s not an earth shattering change…but it helps me realize a purse is not a NEED.

What I NEED is Jesus, water, healthy food, and good relationships with my husband and kids. A new purse is the icing…no, it’s the sprinkles on top of the icing on the cake of life!

I wonder if I change my own thinking that’ll I can help my kids change theirs!

For more on balancing your priorities, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Nothing Tastes as Good as Peace Feels

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Two years ago I set out on what I thought would be a 3 month fast from sugar to lose weight. And, I’m still on it! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Before my sugar fast, I was constantly bouncing between feeling deprived and feeling guilty. I either felt deprived because I was trying to watch what I ate or guilty because I’d slipped back into the ‘eat whatever I want’ phase.

But, after eating a sugar-free diet for a month my cravings had started to release their awful grip on me. The sting of sacrifice didn’t sting as much.

Instead of feeling deprived I felt empowered because I was finally courageous enough to say no to the very thing that used to control my life!

My goal wasn’t just a number on the scale. My weight loss goal was peace. And I can assure you, no treat in this world tastes as good as this peace feels.

Read more when you click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Made to Crave, by Lysa TerKeurst

Ups and Downs of Performance

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Have you ever noticed how we base our opinions of ourselves on how we’re performing that day?
Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend is training to run a 5-K race and has had lots of ups and downs. One day she’s able to run almost two miles. The next, she can’t even push herself to run one. And, she’s realized that on the days she does well, she feels great about herself. But, on the days she struggles, she’s down on herself about everything. Have you ever been there? I have.

Aren’t you glad God loves us no matter what? No matter how well our workout goes…no matter what promotion we get or don’t get…no matter how we feel about ourselves!

The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And it says His love for us never ends! So, why are we so hard on ourselves?!

For more encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org!

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Stressful Mornings

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Mornings used to be SO stressful at my house. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I used to chase everyone around reminding them, “It’s time to go. We’re gonna be late. We have 3 minutes to get out that door.” And there I would go, snapping and yelling and wearing myself out to an absolute frazzle. At the end of every morning I was frustrated and exhausted.

But then it occurred to me, the world wouldn’t stop spinning if I simply said what time I was leaving and then simply left at that time. So I tried it.

Several kids missed the mommy bus that first day. But instead of screaming all the way to school I chuckled and remained calm. They would have to beg a ride from their Dad and deal with the school’s consequences for tardiness. And you better believe it rarely happened again after that.

For more parenting ideas that bring peace instead of stress, click on Lysa’s blog when you visit proverbs31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

Choosing to Respect My Husband

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes, I have to choose to respect my husband even when I don’t feel it!

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

My husband and I are very different. He’s laid back and I’m task oriented. He’s a little unorganized and I like things put away.

When we first got married, I felt like I was always finding dirty clothes on the floor so I labeled JJ “messy.” My respect dropped a notch. After a few Saturdays’ watching basketball on the couch, I labeled him “lazy." My respect for him dropped another notch.

One day I read in the Bible that wives are to respect their husbands, unconditionally. I started praying about my attitude and made a list of qualities I do respect about JJ. Then I decided to focus on those each day. It’s not always easy to do but it has transformed my marriage!

For more practical ways to show your husband respect, click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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The Thankful Journal

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Why does the grass always look greener everywhere except where I’m standing? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

When I was first married, I focused on everything that was wrong with my husband. I grumbled and nagged and tried desperately to change him. And I almost destroyed my marriage.

Thankfully, things changed. But, the change started in me, not my husband! As I was in yet another fit of tears asking God to make things better, I felt challenged to make a list of all the things about Art that I was actually thankful for.

Well, there were so many good qualities; I was shocked at how blind I’d been to them. And slowly, as my heart changed, my marriage started to change, too.

So now when I’m tempted to look for the grass to get greener at home or at work, I try to remember that list and get intentional about being thankful for what I already have!

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

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Capture His Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Capture Her Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Unexpected Treasures

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Amy Carroll

One day a young shepherd was looking for his lost goat when he found the most unexpected treasure! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There was a cave nearby so the shepherd tossed a rock into the opening of and listened for his goat. Instead, he heard a pot break. He went in to see what it was and found the greatest archeological and religious treasure ever discovered—the Dead Sea Scrolls!Isn’t it amazing that for over a thousand years these ancient documents of God’s own Words were hidden in a clay pot?

You know, we’re like the broken pot that held those treasured scrolls. The Bible calls believers in Christ “jars of clay” who hold the treasures of God’s power and promises.

So, God doesn’t want us to hide what He’s put in us. Tthere’s someone we know who’s looking for an unexpected treasure and God wants them to find HIM - in us!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Embracing Who I Am

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Ten years ago I sat in a seminar listening to a very organized mom talk about parenting her kids. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I decided I stunk as a mother and begged God to make me just like this woman who I thought was Super Mom!

I continued to feel this way until one day when I read the story of Mary, the teenaged mother of Jesus, and something stuck out to me. Just as she was, God chose this girl to be Jesus’ mother. And the only qualification she seemed to have was her willingness.

I was spending so much time comparing myself to others when all I really needed to do was give God my willingness to be a mother.

If you’ve ever struggled with a desire to be the perfect mom, employee, or volunteer, you know what I’m talking about. Maybe it’s time that we stop unfairly comparing ourselves to others, realize our own great qualities and just be fully ourselves.

For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

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A Marriage Full of Warmth

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Paula Friedrichsen

These days it’s cheaper and easier to buy a new toaster, TV, or blender, than it is to have the old one repaired! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When an appliance or gadget breaks in my house, we usually go out and replace it with a newer model.

Yet when it comes to marriage—newer is not necessarily better. With Valentine’s Day coming up let’s remind ourselves of the benefits of married love. In her book, The Man You Always Wanted, Paula Friedrichsen reminds us that romance novels and chick flicks focus on the thrilling stages of falling in love. But, you know, the early stages of romance don’t compare to the security of a committed relationship!

Married love may not always burn with the heat and passion of that first stage of romantic love, but it also doesn’t burn out easily. And the consistent warmth it provides is there on the coldest days and darkest nights. For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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

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Jonah's Big Fish

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes it feels like our troubles are swallowing us whole! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I was just reading about Jonah in the Bible and thinking how horrible it would be to be swallowed by a fish and spend days in its belly. But then it occurred to me, if Jonah hadn’t been swallowed by that fish, he would’ve drowned!

God used what seemed horrible to save Jonah’s life. So, when we’re facing a really tough situation maybe we could ask ourselves if God could be possibly be using this to save our lives.

I don’t know what you’re facing, but I’ve been through enough hard things in my life to know that God can always bring something good from it. And just like Jonah, it’s so good to know that we won’t sit around in the belly of the fish forever- there’s always more to the story than what we can see. So, let’s hang in there and hold on to God’s promise to rescue us!

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Expressions of Love

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I love to get and give candy, cards and gifts in February. It’s such a fun time to express my heart to those I love most. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I’ve been thinking about how I can shower affection on the ones I love. Besides my husband, my kids, my parents and my close friends, I want to find creative ways to show God how much I love Him!

It’s hard to give God physical gifts, but we can give him gifts from our hearts. My friend Melissa told me about a Valentine’s Day card she bought for her husband but ended up giving to God instead.

Here’s what it said: In this stressful world, yours is the presence that quiets me, the voice that calms me, the touch that comforts me, the love that helps me remember what is most important each day. You are everything to me!

What a great way to show God our love; let’s buy HIM a Valentine’s Day card! For more ways to express your love this month, visit proverbs 31.org.

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

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It’s Not an Issue

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

My birthday was coming up and I knew exactly what I wanted…a new set of luggage! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

So, I told my husband my brilliant gift idea. I even said that red would be a great color for me because it would stand out on the baggage claim belt. Well, my gift arrived just in time to pack for a trip early the next morning.

However, the three pieces of luggage were in three DIFFERENT SHADES OF RED! Clearly, his definition of the word SET was a bit different than mine.

Well, you'll be proud of me. I smiled and hugged and wiped a tear (though not for the reason he thought!) And I toted that mismatched set with a chuckle in my heart for years! Why? Because in the grand scheme of things- did it really matter?

I’m learning that not everything needs to made into an issue and my marriage is better for it.
For more marriage encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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

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Welcoming Our Neighbors

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How many of us actually know our neighbors? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

These days it seems like families move all the time. I’ve noticed that my neighbors are constantly changing, and most of them don’t have friends or family in the area. So, the closest friend nearby is…me!

I remember what it was like to be new in town. It was lonely and everyone seemed too busy to need a friend. So, I’ve been looking for ways to make my neighbors feel welcomed. Here are some things I’ve done:

First, I acknowledge their presence by simply waving hello. Then a few days later I bring over a basket of cookies with a welcome note tucked inside. I include a list of our favorite nearby restaurants and phone numbers for those that deliver. Sometimes I leave a map of the neighborhood and recommendations for shopping, doctors and dry cleaners. And, oh yeah, I always try to smile when I see them.

For more encouragement in your Everyday Life, visit Proverbs31.org.

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A Life That Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

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Friendship Fun

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I was talking to my friend, the Gourmet Chef, today. I call her that because she’s always making something wonderful! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Two weeks ago it was Baklava. Last week, chocolate covered cherries. I thought those were only made in factories! And, today she was making something fancy with molasses. I said, “Oh yeah, I’ve got a tube of that!”

Obviously, my talents lie outside the kitchen. Sometimes I feel inadequate when I struggle in an area where others are gifted. But I’ve learned to stop beating myself up! I get advice from those who naturally excel in areas where I don’t. And, when I discover something I’m good at I can help someone else. Isn’t that the beauty of friendship?

My friend, the Gourmet, often asks for my help with public speaking. And she’s taught me that Molasses comes in a jar and there are some yummy things that can be made with it.

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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The Friendships of Women, free devotion by Glynnis Whitwer

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