A Little Help From A Friend

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Sometimes a friend makes all the difference! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Jill just ran her first 5-K and the first thing she said when it was over was, “WOW, I’m SLOW!” But, that was OK with her. She was just happy to finish the race. She never thought she’d run anything close to 3 miles!

Jill says there’s no way she would’ve made it without her husband and best friend, Jeremy, who ran right next to her the whole race. Every time she wanted to give up, Jeremy was right there reminding her that she COULD make it to the end. Then, at the last minute, he dropped back so Jill wouldn't be the last one to cross the finish line, he was! What a guy, huh?

Do you have a friend or loved who’ll run the races of life with you? Someone who’ll keep you going when everything in you SCREAMS that you can't?! Proverbs 31 Ministries would like to be that kind of friend. Find out more at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Are You A Petal Picker?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You know, there seems to be a fundamental need inside all women to be liked. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We want other women to totally get us and walk away thinking we’re pretty neat. It’s like we carry around a miniature scale. On one side we put our coolness and, on the other side, our total dorkiness.

Put a group of us in a space to mingle for a while and when we leave I guarantee many of us will walk away playing that daisy petal game in our heads: “She likes me … she likes me not.”

I’ve had to choose to mentally set those thoughts aside. I’ve had to retrain my brain so God’s truths interrupt my negative thought patterns. I’ll look up and say, “God, You not only like me, You love me … and that’s enough.”

For more encouragement and inspiration log on to Proverbs 31.org where you can sign up for our free daily devotion or visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

What Happens When Women Walk In Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst

Is That All He Thinks About?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marla Taviano

Sometimes husbands and wives are on opposite wavelengths when it comes to spending time together. Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The wife will want to go for a walk, sit and talk over coffee and just be together. The husband usually has other things in mind. A friend was telling me recently that she wishes her husband wasn’t so focused on the physical aspect of their relationship. She wishes he were more concerned with her emotional needs.

In her book, Is That All He Thinks About?, author Marla Taviano encourages wives to recognize that God designed men and women differently on purpose--so we'll complement each other, balance each other, and be strong where the other is weak.

I’ve been feeling like God wants me to look for ways to embrace those differences instead of wishing we were more alike. I know God wants both husbands and wives to enjoy each other - emotionally and physically. So what are some ways we can do that? To share your thoughts with us, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

The Red Flags In Dating

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Poppy Smith

A group of teenage girls were recently asked if they would date a boy simply because he was good looking. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Most said yes, they would date someone on good looks alone. My friend who was asking the question asked another, ‘But what do you know about him?” The silence made her point.

She then talked with the girls about 5 red flags to look for before entering a dating or courting relationship with a guy.

Does he lose his temper frequently? Does he consider himself a failure and seem to be looking for a rescuer? Has there been abuse in his home? Does he often put you down or disrespect you? And, does he appear to be jealous, controlling, or need to spend all his free time with you?

I thought these questions could help everyone avoid getting into a situation that could lead to heartache! For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Lysa’s Blog

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

What If I Was Broken?

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

Have you ever felt broken and useless? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Tracie was cleaning out a cluttered kitchen cabinet, when she found an old broken can opener. She handed it to her nine year-old so he could throw it away. But he asked if he could keep it.

Tracie wondered why he’d want an old, dirty, useless can opener. But he begged her to let him keep it! Finally she said:

"Honey, it’s broken, I don't want it anymore, so throw it away please."

"Well if I was broken, would you just throw me away?" her son asked.Tracie bent down and looked into her child’s eyes and told him that she would never throw him away, no matter what, because he was too valuable to her!

You know, the same is true for us. No matter how broken we feel or look, God would never throw us away, no matter what, because we are too valuable to HIM! For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Forgotten

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever felt forgotten? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

That’s how my daughter, Brooke, felt after an innocent mistake someone made during dress rehearsal for her school play. She was left backstage feeling like she didn’t matter.

To comfort her, I bent down to hug her tight and reminded her of something important. You see, I was supposed to be at an event out of town that very weekend. Then at the last minute my event was cancelled.

So, I said to her "Sweetheart, God arranged everything PERFECTLY to make sure I could be here this weekend. I don't think He'd do that if your part didn't matter. Yes, you were left out today. But you’re not forgotten. Not today. Not ever."

We've all probably had thoughts that we don't matter, that we aren’t important. It’s good to remember that, just like Brooke, we are NEVER forgotten!

For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

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

Uniquely You

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

In case you’ve ever wondered, you are uniquely you for a reason! Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

God created each of us with a unique personality. But, as different as we all can be it’s also good to know there are others who have similar personality types. In her book, Personality Plus, Florence Littauer describes four common personalities.

A Phlegmatic person wants PEACE, reduced stress, and a feeling of worth. If someone’s Choleric, they desire CONTROL and appreciation for their achievements. A Sanguine person wants to have FUN and likes attention and approval. And, someone who’s Melancholy desires PERFECTION and needs stability and space.

So, no matter which of these personalities best describes us what’s important is to realize that God wants to use everything about who we are for His purposes. For more encouragement on getting good at being you, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

The Little Red Flag

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When was the last time you received an actual hand written letter from a friend? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day my neighbor Holly and I met up for our usual morning run. As we chatted my eyes followed the long line of black mailboxes along the street. I couldn’t help but notice that not one red flag was up. No one was sending a letter that day. Or the next day, or the next.

So, I dusted off my own stack of good intentions, wrote a letter and mailed it. And I decided to make letter writing part of the time I spend alone with God each day. Now, I try to write a letter once or twice a week. And since I've told God I'm willing, He's been putting people on my heart that need one. Each time I pull up that little red flag, I hope that a little note from me will be the perfect pick me up for a friend this week. For more inspiration, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, Lysa Terkeurst

One Diaper At A Time

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marla Taviano

Do you ever get tired of working 168 hours a week as a mom with no pay or vacation? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

If you’re a mom, you know there’s not much glamour in motherhood. Not much recognition or validation. No paychecks, no promotions, no pats on the back from co-workers. And when you're up to your elbows in dishes and diapers, it's easy to lose sight of your purpose in life.

Have you ever wondered if what you do even matters?

In her book, Changing Your World One Diaper at a Time, Marla Taviano encourages moms to see their job as valuable and rewarding. She even suggests using diaper-changing times as quick prayer opportunities, asking God to help us savor each moment we've been given with our children.

So, maybe we could cuddle a little longer. Smile a little bigger. Walk a little slower. Hug a little tighter. Whatever we do, let’s remember - we're making a bigger difference than we could ever know. For more mom encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

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.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Seeing God in Everyday Life

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Is it really possible to see God in our everyday experiences? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently a friend asked how I recognize God’s activity in my life. I told her that I don't always, but I want to notice Him more and be aware of His presence in every situation.

A few years ago I started praying this simple prayer each morning: "Show me God, I'm looking. Speak to me, I'm listening. And lead me, I'm willing.

"Then I look for God’s activity in my life. I listen for His voice and direction in my thoughts and plans. And I try to follow His leading in each decision and conversation. Now I don't do this perfectly. In fact, by noon I’m sure God’s thinking, "Renee, you're not listening. You're not looking, and you're leading again."But when I do listen and look, it seems that God shows me more of Himself. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.Related Resources


Related Resources: Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

Order Renee’s book, “A Confident Heart.”

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

Highlight Moments

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When I pick up a new book, I hope to find something I can highlight on every page. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I just love it when I’m reading and find a little something I really want to remember. And, I’ve tried to carry this highlight moment concept into the way I raise my five kids. I used to feel guilty if I didn’t have a good amount of individual time with each of them every day. Now I avoid that guilt by looking for just one highlight moment with each of my children.

Sometimes it’s a deep discussion. Other times it’s a quick interaction that makes both of us smile. Whatever it is, these highlight moments are what I’ll think about when I’m older and the halls of my house are quiet. These intentional, HIGHLIGHT moments help me live my life with no regrets. For more encouragement click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Say Yes To God by Lysa TerKeurst

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Mommy Guilt Prevention

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’m a better mom when I take time for myself but sometimes I feel so guilty it ruins my time away! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

There’s the guilt we feel when we leave our kids to do something for ourselves so we’ll be better moms when we get back.

Or there’s the guilt we feel when we’re grouchy moms because we haven’t been away from our kids since they were born!

Instead of feeling guilty for taking time for myself to go to a movie with friends, get away for a weekend with my husband or go to a coffee shop to read a book, I’ve started seeing my time away as guilt prevention. It prevents bad-mommy guilt for being grouchy with my kids because I need a break but felt too guilty to take one!

We moms need time for ourselves. Our kids will survive and we’ll enjoy them even more and feel renewed with energy and love after we’ve been away for a little bit.

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

Disappointment Is Sometimes A Gift

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes disappointment can actually be a gift! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Several weeks ago I was invited to speak at an event that was supposed to have nearly 5,000 people but- only 300 came.

That weekend I learned opportunity can be found in disappointment.

I met four amazing people that weekend. There was Petra my waitress, Tom the doorman, Jason the barista and a woman named Jenna whose car was damaged in a hit and run. Each of them had a story to tell, and because of the small crowd at the event, I had time to listen. If disappointment makes me think less of myself and more of others and God, than I choose to see it as a true gift. My prayer is that I’ll always remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God’s unexpected appointments.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

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Teaching Our Kids To Pray

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Leah DiPascal

How can we teach our kids to pray so that they’ll really get it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Leah’s family prays every time they leave their house. When they run errands or leave for vacation, they ask God to protect and help them.

Recently, Leah’s sons announced that they needed new basketball shoes for their game - the next day! Leah was frustrated by shopping on a school night so as they got in the car she blurted out to one of her sons– would you please pray!

Leah expected a quick prayer. Instead her son thanked God for dinner, friends, and many things. Then he asked God to help them find the right shoes in the right sizes, on sale and quickly since it was a school night.

Leah realized all those times they’d prayed as a family had made a difference. And, in about an hour, they found those perfect shoes, in just the right sizes at just the right price!

For more ideas, 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

What Have I Done Wrong?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When my kids struggle in school, with friends, or with their behavior, my first thought is, ‘What have I done wrong as a parent?’

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

Do you do this too? Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s good to assess how we’re doing in our crucial role as parents. But, when this question comes in the form of a personal assault rather than a call to action over a specific area of improvement – it’s unhealthy. It can be defeating.

And a lot of times…we haven’t done anything wrong at all! Sometimes God is simply allowing something to happen in our children’s lives that’s just a little part of the bigger picture He’s painting. And, the Bible tells us that He always finishes what He starts! How comforting to know that God is always working for good not only in our lives but in our children’s lives as well!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst

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Listening To God

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I just love having coffee with my friend Holly. I guess it’s because she loves to listen! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I used to feel bad that Holly could get me to do most of the talking when we’re together, but then I realized she’s most comfortable listening. And it’s a gift. After we’re together, I always feel appreciated and encouraged.

On my way home I decided to give that same gift to God next time we’re together. I want Him feel loved, appreciated and listened to! What if after I spent time with God, He thought to Himself, “Wow, Renee really listened! She asked what I have been thinking about. Even when I tried to get her to talk about herself, she turned it around and asked about me. Then she spent 10 minutes telling me what she appreciates that I’ve done. Renee was more interested in me than she was in herself.”

Wouldn’t it be amazing if God felt loved and listened to after spending time with us? For more encouragement in listening to God, 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

Divine Whispers

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m convinced that every day holds a gift of possible connections. An interaction with someone that will seem random, but really isn’t by chance at all. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day while I was running errands I met a busy young mom who told me how much she loved my shirt.

She went on to tell me how hard it is to go shopping with small children. Plus, it’s not really in her budget to purchase new clothes for herself right now.

Normally I would have said thank you and expressed some words of encouragement and moved on. But, that day, I felt a tug on my heart that I couldn’t ignore. So I went and bought her the shirt. It’s not that she needs a shirt like mine, but she does need Jesus. And, if that shirt makes a connection that’ll eventually give me the opportunity to tell her about Him, then it will certainly be worth it. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resource:

Lysa TerKerust Resource page at Proverbs31.org

P31 Magazine

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Falling Forward

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I stood at the top of a beautiful mountain listening to my son, Joshua, beg me to ski down. Come on mom, it's not that bad. Watch me. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I finally went down and skied pretty well…until I had to stop! I hit a snowdrift, my skis flew up in the air, my neck jerked back, and my legs twisted like pretzels.

I laid there in the snow trying to breathe, I thought: That’s it! No more skiing. I’m not risking another fall. It’s not worth it!

But then I sensed God whisper to my heart, "Renee, you’ll never experience all I have for you if you’re not willing to get up and try again." He was right. That day held so many family memories on the slopes that I would not have wanted to miss.

Isn’t it easy to give up when we get hurt? Imagine what we might be missing because we’re not willing to fall forward and trust God again. 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

God's Provision

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You can hardly turn anywhere today without seeing the evidence of economic hardships and financial strains. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Many of us and our friends and family members are suffering due to the loss of jobs, investments gone badly, and cutbacks that seem to be everywhere.

Whenever I face situations I’m having a hard time understanding, I have to park my mind with what I know to be true. Keeping my mind saturated with truth helps me stay away from dangerous assumptions, false accusations, and faith-eroding perspectives.

What is true no matter what situation we are facing? God is a good provider. The Bible tells us that if we think about and meditate on what is true, the peace of God can be attained no matter what our circumstances.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

What's Wrong With Me?

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 Facebook

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

Check out Renee's other Resources at P31

So I Trust Jesus?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes it’s scary to say we want to follow God, no matter what! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The minute we do this little scenes start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crisis that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.The world tells us, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there’s no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. Don't take this God thing too seriously.”Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is all consuming; I only have your best interest in mind. Make me the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."

Ultimately, for me, it comes down to this: Do I trust Jesus? If so, doing whatever He wants - no matter what it costs me- is better than anything in the world.

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Free Devotion, Trusting God Despite Fear, by Lisa Whittle

i am not, but i know I AM, by Louie Giglio

Visit Lysa’s Blog