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.

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A Mom’s Conversation with God

A Praying Mom

Out of the Mouth of Babes, by Wendy Pope

That Speaks Volumes!

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Marybeth Whalen and Renee Swope

Have you ever heard someone say, “That speaks volumes to me?” Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. So, what does it mean when someone says, “That speaks volumes to me?” I think it means that something they heard or read went a lot further than the words that were spoken. Somehow the words reached inside them and touched a place that was in need of reassurance. Maybe the words resonated through their heart and mind, filling an empty place in their life.

I want to be the kind of woman who speaks volumes into the lives of those around me. Not through eloquent words or some profound thoughts. I want my life to speak volumes. I want my actions, my intentions and my simple every day choices to speak volumes of God’s love in a way that makes a significant impact on those around me. For ideas on how to live a life that speaks volumes, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Visit Renee’s Blog

Speaking Volumes, a free devotion by Marybeth Whalen

Living and Leaving a Legacy, Messages on DVD by Renee Swope

Becoming a Woman of Influence, Message on CD by Marybeth Whalen

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.

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The Light at the End of the Junk Pile

Decorating on a Budget

The Complete To Getting And Staying Organized, by Karen Ehman

God Sees

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t put as much effort into something if I think no one else will see it. Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know of a nurse who admitted she used to give less than her best effort when no one would see it. During her night shift she’d change patients’ bandages two times. She’d hurry with the first bandage change - doing it properly, but not as carefully, because no one would see it. She knew she’d replace it before her shift ended. Now with the second bandage change, she was more cautious because the nurse coming on the next shift would see her work.

One night God reminded her that He sees everything and challenged her to change both bandages for Him. Maybe no other human eyes would see her effort, but He was watching. This totally changed her perspective - and mine. I want to be faithful in everything God gives me to do, even if no one sees but Him.

For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org.

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At The Feet of Ordinary Women, by Angie Conrad

Bible Based Teaching – “I want to be a Woman Who Listens to God”

Raising Teenagers isn’t for Cowards

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.

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“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part One

“Making Teens Faith Their Own”- Part Two

The Five Love Languages of Children, by Gary Chapman

Rejection Hurts

Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

Nobody likes me…everybody hates me! Hi I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Isn’t it easy to feel “unloved” when we’ve been rejected? Rejection can come from a boss, a loved one or even one of our children. It usually makes us feel like less of a person and we start thinking everybody feels the same way about us.

The Bible tells us God will never reject us. Jesus said we should only seek His approval because His acceptance can’t be earned or lost! I love knowing there’s nothing I can do to make God reject me. I know that for certain because I’ve gone to Him for forgiveness and acceptance through His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the pain and rejection of man when He died on the cross for our sins. Because His did that, we can know we are loved and accepted by God, no matter what anyone else thinks!

To know more about experiencing God’s love, visit proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, When God Builds A Testimony, by Glynnis Whitwer

Iron Sharpens Iron

Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Glynnis Whitwer

Every good cook knows a dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A dull blade can actually do a lot of damage because it’s harder to use. Not only does it require more force but it’s also harder to control. That’s why a dull blade can slice a finger quicker than a tomato.

A knife can’t sharpen itself. You need something else made of steel to make the blade sharp. It’s the same way with people. The Bible says: “You use iron to sharpen iron, and one friend sharpens another.” A wise friend can make us wiser. A loving friend can expand our capacity to love.

And, whether we’re sharpening a blade or ourselves, it’s always done for a purpose. Sharpening a knife makes it useful. In the same way, we’re sharpened in order to do the work of God more effectively and efficiently.

To learn more, log on to proverbs31.org.

Related Resources
Visit Lysa’s Blog

Free Devotion, A Yeah Day, by Wendy Pope

Reinventing Your Rainbow, by Tracie Miles