Park Your Mind

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I can have such a runaway mind when I focus on my fears and blow them way out of proportion. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you ever struggle with this? Throughout the Bible God instructs us to park our minds on what is true.Recently my friend, Holly heard me talk about parking your mind on God's truths and decided to write some of our favorite Scripture verses on her back door. So, each morning when I arrive for our daily run I am greeted with huge bold letters, "Park Your Mind" written across her door in permanent marker. Many different Scriptures are colorfully written all over the door reminding us of God's power and presence.

When I read those verses out loud it helps me put my fears in perspective. I’m convinced the more we fill our minds with God's truths, the more crowded out our fears will become. For more, visit Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Try Something New

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

You know I’m always telling my kids to be willing to try new things. But, maybe I need to be a little more open myself! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently I spent a weekend with some friends who are on this crazy kick of eating only all-natural, healthy food. When we woke up the first morning, they informed me that we would not be drinking coffee; we would be drinking hot herbal tea. My caffeine-addicted body screamed – what?

I was searching for danishes and donuts when they announced we’d be eating poached eggs. I’d never eaten one of those! And in case you don’t know what that is - basically it’s a steamed egg. I wrinkled my nose and voiced my complaints but then I heard my own mommy voice say, “Don’t be afraid to try something new. “

And you know what; I’m now an official fan of poached eggs! But, I have to say I still enjoy my morning cup of coffee!

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

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Valley of Grief

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’ve been bombarded recently with the stark reality of people's fears coming to pass. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have a friend dying of brain cancer. I have another friend who is nearing retirement and has been swindled out of his entire life savings. I’ve read three blogs recently that have told the tragic story of losing children. My heart breaks over these losses. Maybe you’re in a season of loss right now. I can remember going through loss and being SO angry.

Over time I’ve learned that God Himself comes to us personally when we’re afraid or grieving. Even when we can't process what life throws at us, we can know that God stays with us in our grief. He never leaves no matter how messy our grief gets. Somehow just knowing that helps me. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Making Adjustments

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Our family’s getting ready for a huge life change and I’m so excited but…also a little overwhelmed! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

As we get ready to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia I have to admit there are times when I have doubts about how things will work out. My schedule’s already really FULL with taking care of my family, working, and other commitments.

Adopting a baby means one more person who’ll need my time and attention. Of course I can’t wait to give it to her! But I have wondered what my life will look like once she’s here.

Do you ever feel like that? Has God brought new commitments into your life that require major adjustments to your schedule? I’m right there with you. I honestly don’t know what’s going to happen. But, I’m so glad that I do know that God is real and waiting for me to ask for His help!

For more encouragement, visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Trust Was the Word of the Day

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Last week I was up most of the night with a very sick child. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My daughter Ashley was supposed to be competing in a State Gymnastics Meet the next day. I know in the grand scheme of life, skipping the Meet pales in comparison to many more serious matters. But, to her this was a really big deal. One that she had worked SO hard to prepare for. And now her body was too weak to attend. So trust was the word of the day. But sometimes trust is HARD. Especially when it means taking a completely different route than what we were expecting. Are you going through some tough times right now? Are you full of questions but short on answers? Maybe we’re just supposed to say, “God I don’t like this and I don’t understand but still I trust You and that’s enough.” For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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What Could I be Missing?

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I wonder if I ever miss out on something God wants to give me because I’m not in a place to receive it. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Recently I was trying to connect with my son’s teacher to give her a wedding gift before she moved away. No matter how hard we tried, something would go wrong and we’d miss each other. Finally, we decided to meet at her apartment on the day she was moving.

Well, when I got there, she was gone. I didn’t have her phone number with me, so I couldn’t call her. After waiting a while, I went home and found a message on our voicemail saying she’d gone to lunch and stayed longer than she’d planned.
It’s not that she didn’t want the gift - it’s just that she wasn’t in a place to receive it.

You know, I’m sure there are some gifts God wants to give me. Sometimes I just have to make sure my heart is in a place to receive them.

For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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A Simple Prayer

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’ve found something that gets me going in the morning that’s even better than coffee! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I started saying a very simple prayer when I wake up and I’m amazed at how it’s changed my mornings! Here’s what I say: “Lord I want to see You. I want to hear You. I want to know You. So I can follow hard after You.”

This prayer isn’t a magic formula. It just expresses my desire to really experience God. I want to see Him working in and through me. I want to hear Him speak to my heart. I want to know Him- not just about Him. And, I want to follow Him no matter what happens.

When I verbalize my heart’s desire this way, something inside of me shifts and I’m ready for the day. For more, click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs 31.org.

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