Just A Little Gossip

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

How bad can just a little gossip be? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The Bible warns us that gossip will separate close friends.

I believe it. There’s nothing worse than to feel betrayed by a friend’s careless words. The Bible also warns us that what we sow, we’ll reap. In other words, if I gossip about others, I can almost bank on the fact that others will soon be talking about me.

Think of what a great gift it would be tell a friend that you’ve made the commitment to never say anything dishonoring about her. I know how great this gift is because I had a friend make this commitment to me. My heart feels so safe with her. The trust we have is rare and beautiful.

I firmly believe that to have a great friend, you have to be a great friend. And becoming a woman who refuses to gossip is a great place to start. For more friendship advice, click on Today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

What's Real?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Holly Good and Renee Swope

Has your trust ever been destroyed by someone’s betrayal? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A few years ago, my friend Holly had her world shattered. She found out that someone she loved deeply had done something terrible.

For weeks, Holly begged God to help her understand. Her sense of reality was threatened, so she desperately cried out, “What is real God? Please tell me! Because what I thought was real may not be.”

After reading her Bible and praying, God gently revealed answers to Holly’s wounded heart. Her focus had been on herself and her questions. God reminded Holly of her need for Him. God also reminded Holly of what IS real. He is real.

People are imperfect. They may disappoint or even hurt us. But, no matter what happens, God wants us to trust HIM and focus on Him alone. I’m so thankful nothing can separate me from His always PERFECT love. And THAT is real. 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

Power Of A Parent's Prayer

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A couple of weeks ago my daughter told me she wanted to quit a sport she’s enjoyed for ten years! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I've always told my daughter that to stay in gymnastics she had to want it for herself and that I would never push her. But ten years is a big investment on her part and ours. So, I prayed that God would give us all wisdom. Two days later, we ran into a girl that had graduated and gotten a full college scholarship with gymnastics.

She offered to take Ashley out to dinner and talk to her about whether or not the necessary sacrifices were worth it. Ashley came home from that dinner with a fresh vision and renewed commitment. Not only does she not want to quit but she wants to one day go to that same college. Coincidence? I don't think so. It’s the power of prayer.

For more on wisdom based parenting click on today’s show at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

Where Does My Help Come From?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I need help! But where can I find it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. There are days when I am so jealous of the Proverbs 31 Woman – the Bible says she had servant girls –and I could surely use some help around here!

The other day I was grumbling a little to God about needing some help and He reminded me that my help comes from HIM!

In the Bible. King David said, “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from God, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

We all have areas of our lives where we need help, but sometimes I forget that God offers the help I need! These words remind me that when I feel overwhelmed and like I can’t go on, instead of only asking for help, I can remind myself of where my help comes from. My help comes from God! He is the maker of Heaven and earth. For more encouragement, 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

Inexpensive Decorating

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Turning a house into a home can seem like an overwhelming and expensive task. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I remember being newly married and moving into our first house. It wasn’t a complicated move because we had very little furniture but I soon got discouraged trying to make our small space feel cozy.

I’ve never had the financial means to just walk into a furniture store and say I’ll take that entire room full of furniture and all the accessories too. But you know what… I’m glad I can’t do that.

It’s forced me to collect pieces over time and appreciate a more eclectic look. A great starting place is to pick a piece of fabric, a rug, or even a floral arrangement to serve as your color palette.

Invest in this piece to keep your colors consistent. Then have fun with things you get a good deal on that coordinate with your main piece and make you feel cozy.

For more, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources:
Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

I Hate To Be A Burden

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

My email was supposed to be a prayer request, but it started out sounding more like an apology. Hi, I’m Renee Swope from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I needed friends to pray, but I hesitated to ask. I didn't want my request to be a burden for anyone.

My husband was having health problems and a biopsy done that week, but I wasn’t sure if it was going to be anything serious in the end. I just knew that I didn’t want to walk through it alone or in my own strength. Fifteen minutes after I sent the email several friends started telling me they were praying. Not only did they pray - they thanked me for sharing what was going on and for letting them be there for me.

For someone who hates to impose on others, I need to remember that asking for prayer isn't about putting burdens on my friends. It's about letting them walk by my side down a path that I was never intended to walk alone. 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

I Told You So

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I can’t resist telling my kids “I told you so” over and over again! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. During a recent family beach trip I found myself digging the aloe out of the bottom of my suitcase and saying, "One day you'll learn when I say you need sunscreen- you should listen."

It would have sufficed for me to simply stop there. But with each complaint about how painful a sunburn is, I just had to say "You should have listened to your mama" again. Finally, my daughter quietly said, "Mom, I've learned my lesson. Please stop saying how you were right and I was wrong. Just think how you would feel if someone followed you around for a whole day reminding you of your mistake."

It stopped me dead in my self righteous tracks. I carefully took her sunburned body into my arms and apologized. Lesson learned for both of us.

For more ideas on wisdom based parenting click on “Today’s show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:

Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

Starting My Day With Jesus

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I woke up this morning with a looong TO DO list consuming my thoughts. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I hadn't even opened my eyes before the line items on my TO DO list started begging for my attention. My list had categories AND sub-categories. TO DO around the house, TO DO while running errandsTO DO for the kids and JJ, TO DO for workScrolling down my mental list was not a good way to begin my day, so I decided to roll over and start again.

"Good morning Jesus.” I whispered. “How are you today?" I just had to smile at myself and wonder if God was hoping I’d ask. His peace came over me as I lay there talking to Him.

Why don't I do this every morning? It was such a great way to start my day - talking to Jesus before my eyes even opened. And listening to His thoughts before I tackled mine. For more ideas on starting your day with God, sign up for some free daily encouragement 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 Stuff Pile

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Sometimes I let a pile of stuff sit in my house so long that I just kind of become numb to it! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and my most recent pile was in my bedroom. Somehow my bedroom had become a catch all for misplaced stuff. And do you know what I learned when I cleared out the things that didn’t belong? Stuff is a stealer.

Having all that stuff in my room stole space that could be used for a bedroom that functions well. It stole my peace of mind. It stole a feeling of serenity. If I’d had any idea what I was allowing all that stuff to take from me, I would have cleared it out a long time ago. Take it from this naturally disorganized woman who has seen the light at the end of the junk pile- cleaning it up is so worth the effort! Now I’m off to tackle the pile in my kitchen!

For more ideas on home organization, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:
Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

Where Has My Time Gone?

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Today I decided not to do some things I really needed to do! Instead I spent time with my family just having fun. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every day I have a choice. Will my schedule be determined by laundry that’s piling high, deadlines that are getting closer and projects that have been waiting for months, or will I set aside time to spend with my family?

It’s so easy to get swept up into what I need to get done. But, at the end of the day, I wonder where my time has gone, and what my kids and husband have been doing while I was on the computer or cleaning for hours.

God wants me to love and enjoy my family! Not just clean up after and work around them. So today I stopped doing so much and got intentional about being with them. We sat on the porch talking and went for a walk. At the end of the day, I loved knowing where my time had gone. 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

Raising Teenagers

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Raising teenagers isn’t for cowards. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to develop courage that I never knew was possible… especially now that 4 out of my 5 kids are teenagers.

I define motherhood during the teen years as: A time where one learns the graceful art of not panicking even though everything in her being tells her this is exactly what she should do. The reality is that teens will sometimes make choices that go against everything their parents have instilled in them.

That’s why prayer is crucial. One of my specific prayers is for my kids to get caught every time they do something they shouldn't. That way, I can help them process their choices using God’s truth. These aren’t always fun and easy conversations but I’ve found them to be extremely rich with essential life lessons.

For more on raising teens, click on “Today’s Show” at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources:
Check out Lysa's Resources

Check out the P31 Woman Magazine

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

Made To Crave, by Lysa Terkeurst

Grace Covers

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

The other day I was reading about cartilage and how much our marriages need it! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Cartilage protects our joints from wear and tear, helps them to move smoothly, and absorbs shock. In her book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife, my friend Melanie explains that grace in our marriages is like the protective covering of cartilage in our joints. Couples who show each other grace cover their marriage with understanding, protect their marriage from short-tempered emotions, and help each other absorb life's jolts and shocks.

For instance, Melanie’s husband Scott came home late and discovered she’d accidentally left the hose on for hours. The backyard was overflowing with water. He could’ve gotten really mad, but he didn't. His gracious attitude covered her oversight.

For more marriage encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

This script is based on my friend Melanie’s book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife.

What a Wife Needs from Her Husband by Melanie Chitwood

Connect with Renee on Facebook

Impossible is Possible with God

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Have you ever faced an impossible situation? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I read about a king in the Bible named Jehoshaphat. He was facing impossible odds when 3 countries came against his small army. After praying, this king realized 2 crucial things. First, the battle wasn’t his to fight. He had to say out loud, God I need you to fight this for me! Second, he decided to send a choir of men singing songs to God as his first line of defense rather than his mighty fighting men. As these praises went out, the enemy army got confused and started fighting amongst themselves. Jehoshaphat won the battle without ever lifting a sword.

I don't know what you’re facing today. But I do know asking God for help and sending out my songs of praising Him first is a secret I’ve discovered in overcoming any obstacle!

For more visit Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Capture Her Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

Feel the Burn

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I want to look and feel like a runner, but I don’t want to endure the pain it takes to get there! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Running is hard! And the worst part is that burning sensation you get in your legs. You know that hot sting that makes your calves limp and your muscles scream. But the best part is when you push yourself until a new burst of energy brings more motivation! Pushing past my pain always makes feel like I can go further!

You know, avoiding the hard stuff is never good physically or spiritually. I’ve found that I have to push past the pain as I try to follow God, too. Being afraid of what might happen or how much it might hurt can really hinder me if I’m not careful.

I don’t want to let fear keeping me from growing and stretching in my race as a Christ follower, how about you?

Today, let’s feel the burn together as we run the race of our lives with Jesus! For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources

Connect with Renee on her Blog and Facebook

A Confident Heart, by Renee Swope

Check out Renee's other Resources

Experiencing God

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Do you ever get frustrated trying to understand the Bible? Hi, I’m Lysa TerKuerst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. It can seem daunting, complicated, and hard to apply to everyday life.

But like anything else big, if we break it into bite sized pieces and have the desire to know truth; God will take our willingness and turn it into understanding. Why not try something for the next 30 days? Each time before you sit down to read the Bible, close your eyes and pray, “God I lift up to you my willingness to learn right now. Please give me eyes to see your truth, a mind to understand how to apply it to my life, and courage to make lasting changes as a result.”
I’ve found that the more we connect the Bible to our everyday life the more we’ll desire to read it every day.

For more ideas on growing your relationship with God click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs 31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

P31 Woman Magazine

Seeking to Understand

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

The other day my husband and I got into an argument - over parking spaces! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

It was raining and I didn’t want to get my hair wet so I decided where we should park. I kept pointing out parking spaces he’d missed, but a harsh tone and mean look on his face told me he didn’t like my suggestions.

Later that day he apologized and I forgave him, but I sensed there was more to it so I asked him,

“Honey, when I said, there’s a spot to park in, did you hear, “There’s a spot, dummy.” Or “There’s another one, clueless?”

He said yea, that WAS what he heard.

I assured him that wasn’t what I said or what I meant. But it reminded me that unless we work hard at communicating we can start to listen to the lies in our head and think we’re hearing something that wasn’t said! I’m glad God helped me understand my husband even though I felt misunderstood.

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

Related Resources
Click here to visit Renee’s Blog for more encouragement.

Connect with Renee on Facebook

Check out Renee's resources.

Overcoming

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I think on some level all of us struggle with this whole 'getting healthy' thing. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I’ve been learning recently that we aren't made to get stuck in a state of defeat and just give up when it comes to our weight. We were made to walk in victory. This doesn't mean these paths won't be riddled with struggles that we'll need to learn to overcome. They will. But, the lessons learned though overcoming are some of God's greatest gifts.

For some of us, having a weight issue is simply an outside indication of an internal struggle. Just like debt for the over spender or an overstuffed house for a hoarder.

Today I want to take steps toward victory. Don’t you? Whether we're on the path toward victory or defeat is determined by the very next choice we make. May it be that of an overcomer.

For more encouragement, check out Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line at Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

Honey, You Need a Mint!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Last year a friend of mine tried being a Vegan and I’m so glad she didn’t ask me to join her!

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

For forty days, Jill ate only foods that grew from the ground. No meats, cheese, milk, or any animal products. And, she actually enjoyed it!

HOWEVER...there was one interesting development. Apparently Jill’s breath started smelling really bad. Whether it was due to toxins being flushed out of her system or the fact that she was eating a LOT of garlic, this side affect of the Vegan Diet was pretty powerful. But, Jill was completely unaware of the change…that is until her husband, Jeremy, brought it up ever so gently. I believe his exact words were "what's the deal with your breath lately?"

So, Jill stocked up on mints and did something we all need to do from time to time…she laughed at herself!

Find some humor and encouragement at proverbs31.org!

Related Resources
This script was written by our friend and colleague, Jill Tracey. Find out more about Jill on Facebook.

Click here to visit Renee’s Blog for more encouragement.

A Woman Who Fears the Lord - T-Shirt

Discover It Together

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When my husband, Art, and I were first married we struggled…a lot! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. We both brought loads of unrealistic expectations into our marriage. And instead of our first years being blissfully romantic, they were spent sifting through layer after layer of hurt and disappointment.

In our early years, Art’s grandfather wrote us a letter with these wise words: "Life is more than just the living of it. Now, you two discover it together." And by the grace of God we are.

Now, I love the thought of us one day sitting in old yard chairs able to speak volumes with just a glance and a nod because we invested time into our marriage.

The greatest of legacies aren't necessarily built around the big moments of life marked with anniversary dates. They are built around seemingly small moments, a nod and a smile worth a thousand words.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst

Becoming A Patient Woman

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

I love instant gratification, which make patience very hard to come by! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past week I’ve raced through a yellow light because I didn’t want to wait at a red light. I’ve looked up symptoms on the internet because I didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office. I’ve paid extra at a convenience store because I didn’t want to drive to the grocery store. Though I can’t recall a specific example, I’m pretty sure I lost my patience and fussed at my kids, too.

I want what I want, and I want it now. Yet the Bible says patience should be a way of life if I’m going to follow Jesus. It tells us to live our lives “with humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Patience is developed when my heart is connected to God. It grows from my confidence in the fact that He’s in control and that He can work out everything in His way and in His timing. For more encouragement in developing patience, 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

Blessings or Consequences

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I will never be the mom sitting around shining her halo about what a great job I do! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I struggle more wondering if I'm doing this mothering thing right than any other area of my life. And there are lots of things I've done wrong along this journey that’s for sure.But one thing I have done right is to ask God to give me wisdom and discernment. I want to be able to discern what's really going on in the hearts of my kids and how to respond to daily situations.Emphasizing that every choice will either carry with it either good things or consequences has been a thread I've tried to keep consistent throughout my parenting journey.

I have some serious prayers invested, a few things I've done right, a bucket load of things I've done wrong, and the grace of a very forgiving God.

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

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst