Know Whose You Are

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

We may know who we are, but do we know whose we are? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Melanie chuckled as she listened to her five-year-old give a very detailed answer when someone at church asked his name. He said, I am “Zachary Patrick Chitwood, son of Scott Joseph Chitwood.” Melanie wasn’t sure why Zachary responded that way. She’d certainly never heard this answer before, but she liked it! It let her know that Zachary knew whose he was!

Melanie’s story is a great reminder for me. The truth is sometimes I forget who I belong to. I forget that God alone gives me my identity instead of my past, my feelings, or others’ disapproval. And, you know, the more I grow in my relationship with Jesus, the more I understand that those other definitions are not the truth. The truth is: I am Renee Swope, a daughter of God!

For more encouragement click on Everyday Life 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

Too Busy For Quiet Time

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it really that important to spend time with God every day? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. God knows how busy my life is, so if I just toss up a few quick prayers that should suffice right?

It’s so easy to let life crowd out time for prayer and Bible reading. That’s why I have to decide before my day even starts that spending time with God is the most important investment I can make all day. It’s the best investment I can make in my marriage and in my kids’ lives. It’s the best investment I can make in my friendships and in myself.

And I always find that after even just a few quiet minutes with God, my mindset is healthier, my attitude more positive, and my ability to extend grace is increased. To find some ideas on how to spend time with God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line. And, be sure to click on Lysa’s blog at Proverb31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Hanging On

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

Do you ever feel like you’re just barely hanging on in life? I did, just this week! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day I was watching some small birds outside my window hanging upside down from a mesh feeder. They clung to the feeder with their tiny toes and pecked at the seeds inside. Then a strong gust of wind shook the feeder, but the birds didn’t let that bother them. They calmly pecked away. Soon some bigger birds tried to knock them off the feeder. Again, they clung to the mesh. They wouldn’t let anything pull them away from their food source.

I glanced at the Bible on my desk and thought, “There’s my spiritual food. Do I cling to it, no matter what challenges come my way?” I have to admit I don’t always cling to God’s words when times get tough. But, those little birds have inspired me to dig in and hold on tight! For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Everyday Life 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

Remedy For A Stale Prayer Life

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever feel like your prayer life is kind of stale? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago I found myself praying mostly because I felt obligated to do so. And I started to realize most of my prayers seemed to be centered on me and what I wanted God to give me or do for me.

Now, it’s not wrong to ask God for things. But if they set my expectations of God to be getting what I want without taking into consideration His bigger plan…things can get very one sided.

So, I changed my prayers a little. I still ask God for things, but I don’t make this the focus of my prayers. Instead, I spend more time trying to be quiet so I can hear whatever He might have to say. And if I don’t hear Him speaking to my heart, I open up the Bible and ask Him to talk to me through His written words.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

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

Confessions Of A Shop-A-Holic

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

Sometimes when I get stressed, I just want to go shopping so I can escape! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend Wendy recently told me how shopping used to be an addiction for her. When she got married, she brought a lot of debt with her and carried it for many years. As she continued to accumulate debt, Wendy hid receipts and new purchases from her husband. The secrets kept her from having an open relationship with him. It also kept her from experiencing the joy of a real relationship with God.

Wendy wanted to be free from her addiction, so she decided to meet each morning with Jesus and talk with him about her struggle with spending. She also stopped going to stores unnecessarily and carefully recorded every purchase she made. She finally felt completely free when she cut up her credit cards and confessed her mistakes to her husband. Wendy said she now has a deep joy that comes from something she could never buy!

For more 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

Thorns or Flowers?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Life really isn’t always a bed of roses. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I was in middle school my family was falling apart, so I went to live with my aunt for almost a year. I remember her telling me not to run through her rose garden.

I didn’t listen of course and took a running start with my arms stretched out wide only to be shocked with searing pain. Thorns. Big, mean, vicious thorns ripped my flesh and opened up a flood of tears. I looked at my source of pain and wondered if I should call it a bush of thorns or a bush of flowers. It could go either way.

You know, I can look back on my life in pretty much the same way. Would I see the hurt or would I see the beauty? And I guess you could say I've been making that choice everyday since my encounter with the rose garden. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

A New Perspective

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

It was cold and rainy yesterday, and I was feeling dreary. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It’s funny how my mood can be affected by the weather, my circumstances, lack of sleep or even just my perspective.

I was wishing the sun would come out and cheer me up but then I noticed my 11-month-old baby girl looking out the window at the raindrops. We just adopted Aster from Ethiopia and everything is so new to her. When I saw her kneeling beside our back door with her face pressed up against the glass, watching the rain trickle down the window, it changed how I saw things. Looking at the rain through my little girl’s eyes gave me a whole new perspective!

So, is there something that has you feeling kinda down today? I wonder if God wants to help you look at it through a new perspective…maybe His perspective. I’d love to know your thoughts. Click on Renee’s blog 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

Godly Friends For Our Kids

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

If there is one thing I've learned in my almost 16 years of being a mom, it's that there’s no magic formula for raising kids. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Being a parent is complicated, thrilling, exhausting, and beautiful all at the same time. If a new mom were to ask me for a secret formula I’d say pray for wisdom to know how to balance discipline and grace, work and fun, saying yes or no, and pray that they'll find really good friends. The friends part is huge.

I've made plenty of mistakes as a mom. But one thing I've discovered I did right was pray for godly friends for my daughter. She's not the kind of girl who will ever have a ton of friends. But I want the friends she does have to be good influences. So, I keep praying.

For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org and click on Lysa’s blog. That’s Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

She Hears You

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My friend was standing in front of the mirror telling her husband how fat and ugly she felt. Then she noticed her daughter was in the room!

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

Heidi’s husband pulled her aside and asked her to stop being so critical of herself. He told her how beautiful she is and challenged her to think about the fact that her daughter’s watching and listening. When she hears her mom being critical of herself and questioning her husband’s affirmations, she learns that it’s normal to say those things to herself. And she might even start doubting when her daddy compliments her, too.

I was so challenged when she told me this. Heidi and I both decided we need to stop being so hard on ourselves and start trying to see ourselves the way God sees us. We need to stop focusing on our flaws and hopefully teach our daughters to do the same.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this, share them on Renee’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries 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

Notice The Good

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I want to be a woman of the rare word. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We are so quick to offer a complaint when things don’t go exactly right. And we are often forgetful with our thank you’s when things go well.

My husband owns a restaurant. To him it’s not just about serving a great chicken sandwich, it’s about serving a life. And he never qualifies his kindness. The grumpy customer gets the same kindness as the happy one. He is a man of the rare word.

The rare word is a kind word. A greeting and thank you to every person he meets.
It’s so easy to extend pleasantries to the person who’s treating me right. But what about that moment when things aren’t so right? Could I see it as an opportunity to reach past my feelings, my comfort, my rights and pursue righteousness in that moment?

I’m challenging myself to find the good. In every situation, in every interaction, in every day- to be a noticer of the good and a woman eager to speak the rare word.
Share your thoughts when you visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s Blog

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

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

Against Everything

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

I thought I was in trouble when my friend said “I might sound controversial, BUT...” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries and actually, my friend wasn’t that controversial.

In fact, controversy was exactly what she was upset about. She was feeling like everywhere she turned there was another group of Christians standing AGAINST something, and it was starting to get to her. She told me she realizes we need to make our voice heard and stand up for our values. But, she explained that she would rather be known by what she’s FOR than what she’s AGAINST.

Above and beyond her opinion on health care, traditional marriage, or even the latest reality TV news, my friend really wants people to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is for THEM because Jesus is for them…and she loves THEM because He loves them.

I don’t think that’s so wrong, do you? Share your thoughts with me by clicking on Renee’s blog 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

Be A Giver

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I married a giver. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Nothing brings my husband more joy than to give generously. I haven’t always shared this passion.

I’m not proud of this fact. I’m just being honest.

It’s not that I was stingy. But it had to make sense and fit my plans.

And then I met my boys. My sons we adopted from a third world country. They wouldn’t be alive today had it not been for some givers who gave, so my sons could live. Givers I’ll probably never know and never be able to thank.

I don’t know how you’ve been prompted to give lately, but consider this confirmation you should. It will release you. Surprise you. And unlock a joy you can’t get any other way.

To read more about my family’s story, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.


Related Resources:

Visit Lysa's Blog

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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



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

You're Beautiful

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I have a friend who’s absolutely gorgeous, but her biggest insecurity is her looks. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I didn’t know my friend struggled with her appearance until the other day when she shared her insecurities with me. I was shocked! Right away I told her she’s one of the most beautiful women I know – inside and out. But she didn’t believe me. It’s something she’s struggled with all her life, making her question what she should wear or eat every day.

You know, whether we’re watching TV or standing in a check-out line at the grocery store, we’re bombarded with air-brushed images of women who look flawless. And there we are standing in our sweat suit with no make-up on wishing we could be that beautiful!

But we don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. God says we’re fearfully and wonderfully made…now if we could only start believing that!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line 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

The Moment

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Some relationships become so familiar that we can tend to forget, rush, and assume. We feel like we’ll have forever. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. And feeling like we have forever cheapens the right now feelings.

Each morning I have a routine with my husband. He asks me to help him pick a tie. He then goes away to fuss with it and soon returns with a flipped up collar and a pressed down, knotted tie. He needs me to fold the collar over.
It’s just a moment. But it’s something I would miss with the deepest ache imaginable if today was the last of those moments.

Our relationship isn’t perfect. No relationship is. But…Great love is two people making the choice to be a match. To fold his collar over - savor the gift of this simple moment and find myself grateful.
For more encouragement for imperfect marriages, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Capture His Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Capture Her Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst

Change For The Better

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My son wasn’t acting like himself, and I couldn’t figure out why! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I visited Andrew’s classroom one afternoon and noticed he was all by himself while all the other kids were with friends. I knew something wasn’t right because he’s usually a very happy and outgoing kid. I talked with his teacher and she said he hadn’t been acting like himself for a while. She also thought a smaller environment might be a better fit in middle school.

We prayed about it and eventually made a big change that required a big step of faith since we’d have to pay tuition at a smaller school. Well, God provided in amazing ways and Andrew is thriving in his new smaller setting! I can’t believe the difference. The fun-loving kid I know at home is now the same at school.

Is your child going through something that could mean you have to make a change in order to help him? Share your story on Renee’s blog, 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

You're Not The Boss Of Me

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When I was a little girl, I never liked to be bossed around. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. As a matter of fact, I distinctly remember wondering who was the boss of all the bosses? That’s who I wanted to be.

I sure wish I could bottle up some of that tenacity when it comes to eating healthy. I’d do well to put my hands on my hips and remind my taste buds, “You’re not the boss of me.”

I need to remind myself when I think I want that unhealthy food option that only my taste buds want that.

God gave me taste buds which leads me to believe I’m supposed to enjoy eating, not to sabotage my life.

I’ve trained myself to enjoy healthy options. And you know what amazes me? I now crave what I’ve trained my taste buds to enjoy.

For more ideas on taking control back from your taste buds, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

Made to Crave, by Lysa TerKeurst

Connecting In The Car

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

The other day a friend asked me why I drive my kids to school instead of having them ride the bus. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My boys go to a school that doesn’t have bus service, so it's not an option, but even if it was, I’d still drive them in the morning. Ever since they were little, I’ve noticed that talking and praying with my kids in the car is a great way to connect. It gives me the chance to encourage them before their day starts with all the stress and strain of school and peer pressure.

I know we can’t all drive our kids to school. But we can all look for ways to connect with them. The car’s a great place to do it because there are fewer distractions and we’re all together in the same place. Whether we’re on the way to school, the grocery story, or wherever, it's a great time to talk, and listen!

How do you connect with your kids? Let me know by clicking on Renee’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Falling Face First

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Yesterday, I tweeted, “We are only as weak as our strongest link.” It wasn’t a typo. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The minute I start feeling absolutely confident in my own strength is the minute I am desperately weak, and I don’t even realize it.

I was reminded of this recently right before I stepped on stage to speak to 4500 women. One minute I was walking backstage to get my microphone and the next minute I was on the ground with my face pressed into the cement floor. Yes, I fell. And it hurt!

As I walked on stage, I felt so incredibly vulnerable. But God used that weakness to touch those women’s hearts in a way my confidence never could!

What strength could trip you up today? Ask for God to give you spiritual ears to hear any direction or correction He whispers.

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

Related Resources:

Visit Lysa’s Blog

Made to Crave, by Lysa TerKeurst

Taming My Tongue

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve regretted something I said, I’d be rich! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

In the Bible, James said that “no man (or woman) can tame the tongue.” So, I guess he struggled with mastering that little pink thing inside his mouth, too. That made me feel so much better the other day when I was mean to my son and kinda rude to my husband. I realized I need to stop and ask God help me think before I speak. You know the good thing is, God also gave us tongues to say kind things – with a gentle tone and patient attitude.

I don’t know about you, but I need to ask God every morning to help me control the words that come out of my mouth. I want to use them for good – and say things that build up my family and other people around. Maybe we can share ideas on how to work on this together. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just visit proverbs31.org, and click on Renee’s blog.

Related Resources:

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue by Deborah Smith Pegues

Proverbs 31 Encouragement for Today Devotions – Sign up Today

Affair-Proof Your Mind

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

As a person thinks, so they eventually act. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

A few years ago I watched a friend get tangled up in an emotional affair.

She loved her family but the attraction to this other man seemed unavoidable. In a moment of desperation and fear, she confided in me what was going on.

I found myself being challenged by the realization of how subtly It starts off- a comment, a conversation, a glance or one of a thousand other interactions that seem innocent yet aren’t.

God doesn’t say walk away from sexual immorality. No, He says to flee as if your very life is at stake! We are all just a few poor choices away from doing things we never thought we would.

My friend’s struggle alerted me that it can all start with just a thought. So, that’s where I’m going to guard myself first! For more click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:

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

Visit Lysa's blog

How Do You Do It All?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

How do you do it all? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and I DON’T do it all!

The other day a friend asked me, Renee, with two teenage boys, an three year old with special needs, and a busy job, how do you do it all …I quickly told her / I don’t do it all – at least not all at the same time.

I always have more projects on my list than I can ever finish. And, Im terrible at estimating how much time it will take to get something done. But there are things I do that help me balance my life.

First, I depend on a list to remind me what needs to get done. Second, I try to delegate as much as I can to my kids and share the load with my husband.

Finally, I give myself a lot of grace! I have to be ok with NOT getting everything done every day. So, that’s how I do… or actually DONT DO - it all!

For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org, and click on Renee’s blog.

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