And I Thought There Was No Good

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

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

When you feel so defeated from years of trying and failing, you don’t want to hear, “eventually good will come from this.”

I could’ve cared less about some elusive, eventual good. My jeans didn’t fit and I couldn’t stay committed to a healthy eating plan to save my life. I saw no hope in sight.

We all have our struggles don’t we? We all fall short in some way. And, we all need to know more about this “good” mentioned in the Bible.

It’s true. God works for the good… in all things…even our seemingly impossible things… but, the good might be hard to see for a while, especially when it’s working out His way instead of our way. And, there’s where I always struggle most. Wanna talk about it? Click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Made to Crave, by Lysa TerKeurst

In The Valley

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

He took two deep breaths and was gone. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

When my father’s life ended, my family began to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We’d had been through some hard stuff over the months leading up to then, too. During my father’s last days, my newborn nephew had emergency surgery. Our 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a severe speech disorder, and soon after my mom had a pulmonary embolism that led to three days in ICU.

And you know what I found out? God keeps His promises. His goodness and mercy followed us, His words in the Bible guided us, and His presence comforted us.
Whatever you’re going through, Your Heavenly Father wants to meet you in your valley! To rush to your side and comfort your hurts, giving you courage to let go and perseverance to hold on – to Him and to others in your life.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org, and click Renee’s blog.

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Chargrilled Biscuits

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

You know that smell of burnt popcorn in the microwave? Worst smell ever, right? Wrong! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

A biscuit wrapped in foil cooked until the inside of the microwave literally melts away- that’s the worst smell ever!

The melted-microwave-chargrilled-biscuit smell was the result of my son deciding his biscuit should cook for a good long time.

Two thoughts started battling for what would happen next. Thought number one: Pitch a justifiable hissy fit. Thought number two: Remember you need grace so you should give grace.

I felt like reacting out of thought number 1. But, somehow, I made the conscious choice to let thought number 2 reign me in.

My son learned how difficult it is to rid a house of horrific smells and I learned I actually do have the capacity and the ability to pause and allow space for grace in my heart. For more visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

How Do I Respond?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How does God want me to respond when someone makes me mad? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. PE

I once read about a city that was divided by a big wall. People on both sides hated those who lived on the opposite side. One night they decided to gather all the trash they could find on their side and threw it over the wall - leaving a mound of garbage for their neighbors to wake up to.

The next morning the recipients of the garbage held a meeting and devised a plan. That night they gathered beautiful things and threw them over the wall. Flowers and anything beautiful they could find were piled in a heap on the other side. And above the mound of beautiful things they hung a note that said: "Each man gives what he has.”

So, what can we give in return when someone offends us? Do we throw an insult their way or offer something beautiful like a compliment.

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

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One or Two Verse Day

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you sit down to read your Bible? There’s so much there, where do we start? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s tough, but the best time for me to spend time reading is in the morning. I gather up my Bible and my computer, and pull myself away from my bed. Sometimes the urge to crawl back under the covers almost takes over, but I try to see the Bible as my love letter from God.

Recently I haven’t been reading chapters at a time. Some days it’s just one verse. One verse that I savor, letting it sink deep…interrupting me, rearranging me, redirecting me.

Through His love letter, God reminds me to pause. Pause to serve, give, encourage. Pause…to say thank you.

For more ideas on getting the most out of reading the Bible, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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

Processing The Pain Of Our Past

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It was in the past and I wanted to leave it there. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Although I knew God wanted me to talk with Him about hurts I’d buried in my heart, I didn’t want to. I was tired of hurting and afraid I’d fall apart if I let it surface.

But I learned that when I ignore past hurts, often the pain from my yesterdays can damage relationships today.

When I got married 18 years ago, I had a lot of hurt from my parents’ divorce. Pain and disappointment Id’ never processed with my dad or with God. And all that hurt led to anger and unrealistic expectations towards my husband – I wanted him to be the perfect dad.

You know… we can’t go back and erase things that hurt us, but we can’t ignore them either. Instead, let’s process our pain with God, and ask Him to heal hurts from our yesterdays so they don’t negatively affect our tomorrows. For more, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Three Things Wife

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Early in my marriage, I was determined to become a “good” wife. But, I wasn’t really sure what that meant! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Desperate to get it right, I tried to figure out exactly what it is that good wives do:

They cook meatloaf. They vacuum every day. They watch football.

The list in my head of what a good wife does grew until it completely overwhelmed me.
Finally, I told my husband, “I just can’t do everything good wives do. Tell me three things you’d like me to focus on and I’ll try to do those well.”

His 3 things were simple… Be emotionally and spiritually invested in our kids, take good care of your body and soul, and keep the house tidy. (Notice he said tidy - not perfectly clean.)

Of course I don’t limit myself to these three but understanding what matters most to my husband has certainly freed me to enjoy my marriage so much more.

I’m a three things wife. It’s simple. But simple is good. For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Capture His Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Capture Her Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

The Gift Giver

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope and Rachel Olsen

I can’t wait to watch my family open their gifts from me on Christmas morning! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I love to see their faces light up with surprise and a sense of knowing they’re loved. I bet that’s how God feels when we enjoy the gifts He’s given us. Christmas is the perfect time to remember some of the gifts He’s given to me.

He’s given me peace: Jesus said, “My peace I give you.”

He’s given me physical life: The Bible says “God formed man from the dust and breathed into him the breath of life.”

He’s also given me eternal life: "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

And He’s given me rest: Jesus says, ‘Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ Now that’s a gift I can really use this time of year!


For more ways to thank God for His gifts, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Do I Really See My Blessings?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m really not as thankful as I should be. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I realize I need to model what I teach to my kids, so I’m trying to assess how thankful I really am.

Do I see the incredible spouse I married, or do I just grumble about his faults? Do I see the health of a son who can play sports as a good thing, or do I just grumble about his sweaty laundry? Do I see how fortunate we are to have enough food to eat, or do I just grumble about a kitchen that never stays clean?

I know I’ve been given so much. I’m also guilty of becoming so distracted by these gifts that I forget to be thankful for them. I want the words “thank you” to fall so easily from my lips that it’s second nature for both the big and the small things in my life. For more, visit Lysa’s Blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst

Finding Contentment

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Doesn’t it seem like the more we buy for our kids, the less thankful they are? Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Psychologists say that a constant supply of gifts can create a sense of entitlement in children, causing them to focus on what's coming next, rather than on what they already own.

The Bible calls this discontentment - never being satisfied, no matter how much we have. So, how do we help our kids learn to be content?

First, we can help them enjoy what they already have by reading books with them; playing board games and talking walks with them while they rollerblade or skateboard in the neighborhood. We can also find ways as a family to help others who are less fortunate.

And finally, we can make it a regular habit to talk as a family about what we're thankful for, not just at Thanksgiving. As we focus on what we have instead of everything we don't, contentment can be a permanent part of our homes. For more ideas on finding contentment, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Picking Up A Runaway

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Holly Good

My friend picked up a runaway teen the other day and took her back home. And, I’m not sure I’d do that! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A young girl with muddy bare feet walked in front of my friend’s car when she was stopped at an intersection.

So, she turned around, picked her up and drove her home. The teenager was skipping school and leaving home because she got into an argument with her parents.

She felt betrayed, lonely, tired, and misunderstood. And, my prayer for her is that she will know that she truly is loved.

You know, this young teen isn’t much different from you and me. Most of us have found ourselves running away at some point in our lives. Running, but desperately hoping to be found.

Is that where you find yourself right now? Are you running away, yet desperately hoping to be found? Jesus would like nothing more than for you to find Him right now. See what that’s all about at proverbs31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa Terkeurst

Surrendering

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

This morning, I couldn't sleep! My mind was too busy figuring out what I had to do today, this week, and this month! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I woke up feeling like I needed to hand over all my thoughts and plans to God. I had so many decisions to make and changes to figure out. There was no way I could do it all. And I felt like God was telling me to ask for His help.

So what exactly does that look like? For me, handing things over, or surrendering, happens when I empty my thoughts and my heart of all that I’m carrying, and let go of everything I want or think that I need.Surrender is never easy for me because I’m afraid to let go. But I can’t figure out why I try to hold onto things I can’t change or control!

What about you? Is there something you need to trust God with today? Maybe we can work on it together. Visit Renee’s Blog at proverbs31.org.

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If Only You Knew

Radio Show Host: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Sometimes I know God wants more of me but I’m not always sure how to give it to Him. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I used to wonder how I could give anything to God. Then I read a story in the Bible about a woman who went to a well to get water. Jesus was there and asked her to give Him a drink. She asked how she could give Him anything since they were from different regions that hated each other. Jesus replied…If only you knew…

He said that if only she knew who she was talking to, and what offered her – she’d ask Him and He would supply the very thing He was asking for - He’d give her living water.

That showed me that when God asks for my heart, my hopes, my plans – I simply need to remember who’s asking me and respond by asking HIM to give me – His heart, His hopes, His plans. He only asks us to give what He is willing to supply. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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His Way

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other day my husband joked that he thought I was a little “hormonal.” And, I didn’t really appreciate it at the time! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I was having one of those weeks. Ever had one of those?

I had let my frustration level mount to the point where everything was bothering me. It had been a week packed with deadlines, appointments for the kids, and getting ready for my sister to come for a visit.

There are many ways I can choose to react when I’m stressed out. I can say "it's my right to be frustrated," or, I can choose to let God teach me His way in that moment. His way leads me to look at an annoying situation and say, “You know if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, it’s still a really great day.” And what a perspective change that can be for this sometimes very hormonal woman!

For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa Terkeurst

Believing God

Radio Show Host: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How would today be different if I really BELIEVED God? Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes my emotional ups and downs make we wonder if I really believe God’s promises in the Bible. I know I believe in Him, but do I BELIEVE HIM?

If I actively BELIEVE God today, then I’ll trust He’s working all things out for good - even though big expenses have drained our savings account and our air conditioner just broke.

If I BELIEVE God today, I won’t be anxious when little inconveniences get in my way. Instead I’ll turn to Him for peace and I’ll thank Him in advance for helping me accomplish what has to be done.

If I truly BELIEVE God, then I’ll go to bed on time tonight, because God doesn’t want me to stay up late working. The Bible says He wants to give me the gift of rest.
So, what will your day be like when you choose to believe God? For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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Do You Like Yourself?

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you like yourself? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s a really awkward question don’t you agree? But isn’t it so easy for us to pick ourselves apart and focus on those things that are not very appealing? When we do this we become hyper self-focused and take our eyes off of Jesus and His plans for us.

We can sometimes spend years trying to hide or fix what we think are personal flaws. But, wouldn’t our time be better spent learning how to make peace with who we are so those feelings of insecurity don’t become a distraction to how we live?

Jesus wants us to see ourselves as a package of unique qualities that He sees as necessary for the life He wants us to live. Yes, we might still feel insecure at times but, Jesus can take everything we give over to Him and turn it around for His good purposes.

For more encouragement visit Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst

Oh The Portions!

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

It’s been a crazy day! With dozens of errands and work projects I feel like I am living on the go.

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

In the midst of my hurries, I forgot my healthy lunch at home so I had to eat out. So, I decided to order the SMALL combo to at least attempt “healthy.” Well, when I got my order they gave me a HUGE drink that would have been considered a large soda a few years ago. I asked to make sure and the lady helping me said, "Oh, yeah, that's a small. Our medium and large are a LOT bigger than that!"

I can't BELIEVE how large the drinks and food servings are these days. And then we wonder why we all struggle with our weight! It's crazy!!! I did make at least ONE wise dietary choice, though. I threw away half the fries!

So, how do you keep your family healthy in this world of generous portions? Share your ideas with me when you click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org!

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How Difficulties Affect Us

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Just because we want to live for God doesn’t mean we won’t face difficult times. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The difference being a Christian should make is in how difficulties affect us or how we react to them. Even when life gets cloudy and uncertain we have an anchor of truth for our souls through prayer and reading the Bible. I don’t say this as the trite Christian answer. I know that God’s truth really helps!

The Bible says that people who follow God’s words are like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came, the waters rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it didn’t fall, because its foundation was built on the rock!

The rock in this story is God’s truth. It’s during hard times that reading God’s words AND following them will give us peace and security! For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst

Feeling Old

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Exactly how did THIS birthday get here SO fast?! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine just had her last birthday in her 30’s and is freaking out a little.

She told me there’re so many things she’d always want to do before she turns 40. Visit the Grand Canyon, learn Spanish, lose those extra pounds. And, now she’s realizing that she only has ONE YEAR to do these things before the big 4-0.

Of course my friend realizes she’s already accomplished a lot and God’s given her so much. But, I think the knowledge of how quickly the years are passing has caused her to panic a little.

It’s so easy to get caught up in feeling OLD, isn’t it? And, there’ll always be things we want to do but just haven’t got around to. There are days I struggle with it too. How about you?

Find some daily encouragement at Proverbs31.org!

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Memories Of My Typewriter

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Want to keep your kids engaged in what you’re saying? Tie it to a story from your life. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once my dad brought home a typewriter that I would sit at for hours typing word after word. I shared this with my kids recently and told them how this was an important clue God used in my life to eventually reveal His purpose for me. I became a writer. Like the Bible says “God had a plan for me.”

My kids loved that story and remained engaged in our discussion about what plans God might have for their lives. I think that’s why Jesus taught with stories. While it may be difficult for a child to recall a passage they just read in the Bible, most can specifically recall the details of a story.

So, why not tie a Scripture verse to a story from your life and see if it helps your kids remember. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst

I Want To Be Here And There

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Ever wish you could be in lots of places at once? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Last week I couldn’t stop thinking about everywhere I wanted and felt like I needed to be! I was packing to go spend the weekend with a friend who's going through a terrible marriage break-up. I really wanted to go but there were also so many things that made me want to stay home.

My in-laws were coming to town for a visit. My friend Kim called to tell me her tumors had grown and that they’d found new ones. I wanted to drop everything to go be with her. And my kids had started asking why I was leaving.It’s so hard to want to be in several places at once, doing things that really matter. I guess these are times when I just need to be where I am and trust God to be where I can’t be. Even though that can be really tough!

I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can share ’em with me by clicking Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Rest

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I know taking time to rest is essential but life doesn’t always cooperate. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Life is busy. Schedules are jam packed. So many things feel absolutely essential. But are they really?

I’ve been feeling challenged lately to rest more. Not just getting more sleep but having a more restful, peaceful attitude throughout my day. I just found I had gotten into this habit of rushing everywhere I went. I rush to the store. I rush to get my kids from school. Then I rush them to get their homework done, get through dinner, and finally rush to get them in bed.

Why all the hurry? Maybe I need to cut some things from our schedule? And really do it this time… Wanna join me? How have you found ways to make rest a priority?

Or do you struggle with this just like me? Hey click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org and we’ll talk about it.

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What Happens When Women Say Yes To God, by Lysa TerKeurst