How Difficulties Affect Us

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Just because we want to live for God doesn’t mean we won’t face difficult times. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The difference being a Christian should make is in how difficulties affect us or how we react to them. Even when life gets cloudy and uncertain we have an anchor of truth for our souls through prayer and reading the Bible. I don’t say this as the trite Christian answer. I know that God’s truth really helps!

The Bible says that people who follow God’s words are like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came, the waters rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it didn’t fall, because its foundation was built on the rock!

The rock in this story is God’s truth. It’s during hard times that reading God’s words AND following them will give us peace and security! For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31.org.

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Feeling OLD

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Jill Tracey

Exactly how did THIS birthday get here SO fast?! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. A friend of mine just had her last birthday in her 30’s and is freaking out a little.

She told me there’re so many things she’d always want to do before she turns 40. Visit the Grand Canyon, learn Spanish, lose those extra pounds. And, now she’s realizing that she only has ONE YEAR to do these things before the big 4-0.

Of course my friend realizes she’s already accomplished a lot and God’s given her so much. But, I think the knowledge of how quickly the years are passing has caused her to panic a little.

It’s so easy to get caught up in feeling OLD, isn’t it? And, there’ll always be things we want to do but just haven’t got around to. There are days I struggle with it too. How about you?

Find some daily encouragement at Proverbs31.org!

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Memories of My Typewriter

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Want to keep your kids engaged in what you’re saying? Tie it to a story from your life. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Once my dad brought home a typewriter that I would sit at for hours typing word after word. I shared this with my kids recently and told them how this was an important clue God used in my life to eventually reveal His purpose for me. I became a writer. Like the Bible says “God had a plan for me.”

My kids loved that story and remained engaged in our discussion about what plans God might have for their lives. I think that’s why Jesus taught with stories. While it may be difficult for a child to recall a passage they just read in the Bible, most can specifically recall the details of a story.

So, why not tie a Scripture verse to a story from your life and see if it helps your kids remember. For more, visit Proverbs31.org.

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I Want to be Here and There

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Ever wish you could be in lots of places at once? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Last week I couldn’t stop thinking about everywhere I wanted and felt like I needed to be! I was packing to go spend the weekend with a friend who's going through a terrible marriage break-up. I really wanted to go but there were also so many things that made me want to stay home.
My in-laws were coming to town for a visit. My friend Kim called to tell me her tumors had grown and that they’d found new ones. I wanted to drop everything to go be with her. And my kids had started asking why I was leaving.It’s so hard to want to be in several places at once, doing things that really matter. I guess these are times when I just need to be where I am and trust God to be where I can’t be. Even though that can be really tough!

I’d love to hear your thoughts. You can share ’em with me by clicking Renee’s blog at Proverbs31.org.

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Rest

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I know taking time to rest is essential but life doesn’t always cooperate. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Life is busy. Schedules are jam packed. So many things feel absolutely essential. But are they really?

I’ve been feeling challenged lately to rest more. Not just getting more sleep but having a more restful, peaceful attitude throughout my day. I just found I had gotten into this habit of rushing everywhere I went. I rush to the store. I rush to get my kids from school. Then I rush them to get their homework done, get through dinner, and finally rush to get them in bed.

Why all the hurry? Maybe I need to cut some things from our schedule? And really do it this time… Wanna join me? How have you found ways to make rest a priority?

Or do you struggle with this just like me? Hey click on Lysa’s blog at Proverbs31.org and we’ll talk about it.

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Bring It to Me

Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Marybeth Whalen

Sometimes I just want to shout, “I can’t DO THIS!”

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

The other day my friend’s son called out to her, “Mom, I can't do this!" He was working on his math in the den and she was in the kitchen washing dishes. So she told him, “If you can't do it just bring it to me."Right then, she thought, isn’t that how God responds to me when I’m overwhelmed?

He says, "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."When I’m hurting, again God says, "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."And when I’m confused? "If you can't do it, just bring it to Me."What a great reminder, huh? When I think I can't do something, I can bring it to God. I can take what little I can do and put it in His hands. Then I can watch Him take my meager efforts and turn them into something He can do.

To learn more about trusting God, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org.

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Become a Good Delegator

Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When I start to feel like I can’t get everything done in my daily routine, it’s time to take an honest assessment. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I divide my tasks into three categories: Stuff only I can do, Stuff someone else can do under my guidance, and Stuff I can hand off to someone else.

Knowing the difference between these three categories has been life-transforming for me. There are lots of household chores my children are perfectly capable of handling so I don’t hesitate to get their help.

Sometimes I just have to honestly ask myself: Are there things in my life that can be delegated to others? Am I willing to ask for help? Do I need to look outside my home for someone who can help?

And, I always try to remember to pray about a creative solution when I’m looking for some relief. For more visit Proverbs31.org.

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