Something of Value

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Ever had the sick feeling that you've lost something of great value? That happened not too long ago for my friend, Jill. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Some NFL tickets that Jill’s husband had ordered for a guy’s weekend away had disappeared. Jill frantically searched through piles of bills and papers and looked through drawers and cabinets but came up with NOTHING! She was so upset.

However, as Jill searched she couldn’t help but think, “Wow, I'm so valuable to God that if I were lost, He would turn everything upside down in order to find ME.” She knew the tickets were nothing compared to a person’s eternal life...but this was a little taste of what Jesus talked about in the story of the woman who lost her coin and wouldn't rest until she found it or the shepherd who left the 99 to find the one lost sheep.

Isn't it cool when God uses a frustrating situation as a little aha moment? Learn more about your value in God’s eyes at proverbs31.org!

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Eight Simple Words

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The Bible says that God must become greater and I must become less. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries and those are simple words I would do well to challenge myself with today.

Simple words reminding me it's not all about me or my comfort or my plans. Simple words that remind me of the way Jesus demonstrated humility and service through His life and His death. Simple words... He must become greater and I must become less.

I'll be honest, I need these words today. How about you?

As these words rush through my mind, I realize it’s good for me to serve others. It’s good for me to see how often I grumble and complain. It’s good to see how much I need Jesus. It’s good to feel His strength take over when I’m weak. And it’s good to pray that He becomes more and I become less.

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

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Turning Worry into Worship

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Yesterday the number of things I had to get done out-numbered the hours in my day! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

When I woke up, I knew I had a decision to make. I didn't want to worry about the hows and whens of my day. I wanted to be able to focus on one thing at a time and find God’s peace and purpose in the middle of it all.

The only way I can do that is by taking my worries and letting them lead me into focusing on Jesus and WHO He is, rather than on who I think I need to be or what I need to get done.

I laid there in bed thinking about what I needed and then thanked God for being those very things: able, loving, patient, wise, compassionate, and the list went on and on... until HIS peace came over me. A peace that comes when I position my heart to worship instead of worry.

For more ways to overcome your worries, click on Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Where Was God?

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes things happen in life that are so horrible our minds have a hard time processing them. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Deep inside us an honest question often bumps around our heart. Where was God?
Where was God when that earthquake hit? Where was God when my sister died?
Where was God when my friend’s child got cancer?

Sometimes we'd rather make an excuse for God than be brave enough to actually go to Him and ask.I know where God was. He wasn't too busy, cold, or heartless. And He certainly wasn't caught off guard. He was there each and every time. He’s grieved over the brokenness of this world and He reminds us that one day He will make everything right. Especially those circumstances we can't possibly understand right now.

For more, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverb31.org.

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Unplug

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My husband decided our family should get away for a few days - but I thought we were just TOO BUSY! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Our kids had school projects; I had tons of work and a big deadline to meet! But JJ insisted we needed to pull away from the pressures and do something fun.

I decided to bring my laptop so I could do a little work each day and not get more behind. But then I realized I’d have to go down the mountain to a coffee shop since we wouldn’t have internet in our cabin.

I think this was God’s way of telling me to totally "unplug" from work, and plug IN to time with my family…. And it WAS just what I needed!!

Sometimes it seems like there’s no good time to pull away. But when we can unplug from life’s demands, we come back renewed and better able to do what we need to do!

For ways to unplug from busyness and plug in to God and your family, visit Proverbs ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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A Mess

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever been in a situation that was such a tangled mess you couldn't make any sense of it? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day I sat down to pray about a messy relationship and the knots were so consuming I didn’t know how to pray.

I was too tangled up in with emotion and assumption.

That's why sometimes it's best if we just sit quietly and wait. And let God do some work and untangling on our behalf.

You know, another name for Jesus is Messiah and I'm convinced there's a reason the first four letters of Messiah spell mess. We need Him. Everyday. So whatever happened to my mess? I’m still waiting to see what God’s going to do. But I am confident that He can take that mess and turn it into a mess-age of hope and forgiveness.

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Press the Right Replay Button

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I did NOT like the way I was feeling when I woke up this morning! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I could tell it wasn’t gonna be a good day. I felt depressed and didn’t even want to get out of bed. I laid there wondering what was wrong with me.

Then I remembered what had happened. I’d had a huge conflict with my mom yesterday! We’d worked everything out, but in those early morning hours my mind was replaying all the negative stuff we had said. We’d agreed to put it behind us, but I guess I was having a hard time doing that.

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The Shuttle Bus

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I got on a shuttle bus on Monday in Chicago, and sat across from a white haired gentleman who seemed really sad. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

We were two strangers on a bus in the rush of a morning. But I felt compelled to say hello and ask what brought him to Chicago.

Had had been visiting his niece named Catherine who was dying of bone cancer and he was her only living relative. "Sir, I will pray for your Catherine." I whispered. "Thank you so much," he said quietly.

He smiled and got off the bus. And, suddenly, I felt less tired. Less spent and more content, somehow.

Because a man I don't know and a dying niece I'll never meet were the perfect opportunity for me to show that Jesus cares. Wherever you go today, remember that Jesus can use even our small gestures in big ways!

For more, click on Lysa’s blog at proverbs31.org.

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Asking for Help

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

What do you do after you’ve had an argument with someone you love? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

The other day my mom and I had a really hard conversation. We both said things that hurt each other’s feelings, and walked away regretting the whole thing. Hours after we apologized, I still felt bad.

I wanted to get my mind off the argument so I went to buy a book I’d been wanting to read and stopped to get something to eat on the way home. When I got back I started reading and eating. But my conversation with my mom kept replaying in my mind. I thought about what I should’ve said and how I should’ve handled it differently. Then I realized I hadn’t even stopped to talk to Jesus about what He thought – or ask for His help in the situation. I was just trying to figure things out on my own and I wasn’t getting anywhere.

I’m so glad God’s waiting to help me every time I blow it! For more encouragement visit Proverbs31.org.

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Hand Painted Sign

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently I was startled by a sign on the side of a back country road. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The large, white, hand painted sign said. “Repent! The day of Jesus is coming. Repent of your sins today!”

I must admit, this frustrated me. I rolled my eyes and thought who is going to read that sign and want to change their life? I wanted the sign to talk about Jesus’ love, or forgiveness or second chances.

But then I was humbled by my hard hearted assumption that the sign was meant for other people. When in reality, I think the sign was meant for me that day.

A needed reminder that I fall short. I need to make time to say I’m sorry and make some changes. So, I guess I was wrong- that sign was pretty effective after all.

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

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Yes Mommy

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

One day my friend Jill called out to her three year old and received a very blunt, “WHAT?” in return!

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

Although she was a little offended, Jill realized it wasn’t her daughter’s fault. She really hadn’t practiced with her the polite way to respond when her mom called her name. So she said, “Alyssa, when Mom calls for you…instead of shouting ‘WHAT’, could you please say, ‘Yes, Mommy’? It’s just a lot nicer that way.”

Her daughter shrugged her shoulders, said, “OK, Mommy!”, and went back to playing. Jill was happy that the issue was resolved so quickly…and a little proud of her parenting skills! Then she heard a sweet little voice call out, “MOMMY! When I call for you can you please say, ‘Yes, Alyssa’?”

Ha ha…Maybe this wasn’t going to be so easy after all. For some encouragement in becoming the parent you want to be, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org!

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Never Assume

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is the grass really greener in someone else’s lawn or is it an optical illusion? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My house looks great until a friend redecorates her house. My kids appear smart until I’m around someone else’s kids who excel in areas my kids don’t. My marriage is wonderful until I meet a sweet young couple who have the perfect blend of romance and conversation in their relationship.

In each scenario, everything I thought I enjoyed suddenly pales in comparison.

And here’s the kicker, the things I’m eyeing with envy are usually never what they seem. I’ve come to learn that everyone has not-so-great aspects of their lives. So, when I get an overly idyllic view of someone else’s circumstances, I remind myself that I’m not equipped to handle what they have—both good and bad.

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

Everything Changes

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Someone I work with was venting about how frustrating it is that nothing EVER stays the same! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My co-worker had recently lost a very dear friend…something she’d never expected to happen so early in life. There were other changes, too…good AND bad. Watching another friend endure a painful divorce while at the same time watching her daughter grow and try new things; basically changes that happen all around us. But, when they happen all at the same time, it’s unsettling.

She knows of course that Jesus never changes. He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. But, to be honest, she’d really like it if her friends could always be around, if her daughter would always want to cuddle with her, if people she loves would stay married, and if her favorite restaurants would stay open!

I can so relate! If you ever struggle with this, you’re not alone! Find some hope at proverbs31.org!

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Operating In And With God's Love

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

What if I told you that sometimes feeling insecure and inadequate is a good thing? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sounds odd right? But I’ve found my insecurities and inadequacies can lead me to love others on a practical level.

Sometimes I’ll wake up during the night and think of someone I know who’s in pain, which prompts me to pray for them. In a crowded room, I can find a person who appears to feel overlooked by others and give them my attention. When someone is rude, I can try to see their humanness apart from their action.

If I were totally secure in myself all the time, I wouldn’t be nearly as likely to have a tender response to others’ insecurities. So, you see? Feeling insecure can be a gift that can help us to reach out and love others. For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

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

I'm Not Good Enough

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Gary Morland with Renee Swope

Do you ever get a feeling that you’re not good enough? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Sometimes I’ll be thinking about something I want to do or dreams I want to fulfill and all of a sudden this feeling of doubt comes over me. It’s like someone’s telling me I’ll never measure up.

My friend Gary wrote on his blog that he finally came up with an answer to his “You’re not good enough” feeling:

First he just admits it. He tells himself. “You got that right. I’m all wrecked up. You don’t know the half of it.” Then he reminds himself that his “good enough” comes from Jesus. And that settles the performance part.

The truth is when we belong to Jesus, we’re covered in His goodness. We’re loved and accepted forever because God is constantly offering us His love and grace. So, it’s His goodness that makes us good enough!

Find out more about God’s never ending love for you at Proverbs31.org.

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I Lost Myself In The Process

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A few weeks ago I stumbled into a conversation that shocked me. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A woman I greatly admire was out to eat with her grown kids. I complimented my friend about how great her kids have turned out. Suddenly, her face dropped, her expression changed, and I could see emptiness behind her eyes.

"Yes my kids turned out great and I loved raising them. But, I lost myself in the process."

I paused and thought, ‘how do we fully embrace motherhood but not lose the other parts of us?’ We’re surrounded by moms who work and moms who stay at mom. I’ve learned that one size does not fit all. But one God does. He creates a beautiful work in and through each of our lives.

And we’ll be most fulfilled when we embrace every part of the unique life God has planned for us. For more visit Proverbs 31.org.



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

Dealing With Loss

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Renee Swope

Sometimes the holidays are hard, especially when you’ve experienced a great loss. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Have you lost something this year? Maybe it’s your job, your health, or a loved one. A loss can leave you feeling alone and empty. It can seem as if everyone around you is getting on with their lives while you’re suffering alone. It’s easy to fill our emptiness by throwing ourselves into busy holiday preparations. But, in the quiet times, our loss can overwhelm us.

If you’re feeling lonely or empty today, I just want to offer you a reminder: Jesus wants to move into the space that was created by your loss. That space may be filled with negative feelings right now, but Jesus wants to replace anger with peace. He wants to replace sadness with comfort. He wants to replace despair with hope, and He wants to replace fear with courage.

Jesus wants to fill the emptiness with His love. If you’d like to know more about a relationship with Jesus, please visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Just Let Me Know

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last week I had dinner with a friend whose husband recently passed away and learned a big lesson. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

My friend’s husband passed after a long illness and when I asked her about some of the lessons she learned through those tough years, she said something that will stick with me forever. “When people are going through hard life circumstances, don’t say ‘If there’s anything you need just let me know.’”

My friend said most days she couldn’t process how she was going to get through the next ten minutes, much less be able to ask others for help. I was challenged by this and wondered how I could help someone in need without being asked.

I could deliver dinner. Gas up their car. Mow their lawn. Pick up an extra gallon of milk or some pet food from the grocery store. Whatever it is, I’ll just do it and I won’t wait to be asked. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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

Working From Home

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Glynnis Whitwer

Did you know that over 50 million people will work from their homes this year? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Many of us are now working from home, either telecommuting or running a home-based business.

Working at home can be great, but I also know it can be hard. I’ve found that for success, I first needed to set up a workspace outside my bedroom so at bedtime I’m not thinking about all the things I still have to do. Also, I invested in good desk and office equipment. The kitchen table worked for a while, but my back suffered because it’s not the right height for a keyboard. And, an accountant helped me figure out what expenses are tax-deductible.

I’ve learned to schedule separate times for work and home tasks so I don’t neglect either. And because I have kids, I also trade out play dates with other moms when I need uninterrupted work time. Working from home offers great freedom, but it also takes work to make it work!

To learn more about working from home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Leap of Faith

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When we experience those things in life that we just don’t understand, we have to choose whether or not we’re going to trust God. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31Ministries.

It’s not being optimistically foolish to trust God no matter what. It’s what we call faith. It’s in that in between, when we don’t have all the answers, and we don’t know if everything will turn out okay that we come to know what real faith is.

Real faith isn’t a hopeful wish. Real faith is making the decision that no matter the outcome, we’ll choose to see it as God’s perfect answer.

Through the good. Through the not so good. And even through the down right awful- we will trust God. Now this doesn’t mean we won’t cry and express hurt. But it does mean we’ve decided it’s better to have lived trying to take leaps of faith with God, than to walk away from Him.

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

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

Get Real

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

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

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

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

I think it’s important for all of us to be real with each other? Tell me what YOU think. Click on Renee’s blog at proverbs31.org.

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Gaps

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you feel like you always have an issue to deal with? Me too.

Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Does it ever seem like everyone else is gliding through life while you’re hitting every possible pothole? I can so relate! Issues are everywhere in my life. Issues with my kids. Issues with a friend. Issues with time management. And then there are the bigger issues that beg me to crawl in bed and wish the world away.

Some days I feel like all I that I ever do is run from issue to issue trying like mad to fill in my never ending gaps.

But these gaps can be good in an upside down, crazy kind of way. They’re a constant reminder of my desperate need for God. Anything that keeps me close to God can’t be all bad right? Don’t let your gaps get you down my friend. And, take comfort in knowing, you’re definitely not alone.

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

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