Can you hear me now?
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other night my son was telling me that he was planning to buy a new cell phone. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I listened to him lay out his grand plan and realized he was about to get himself in a mess financially.

So, I took my son on a quick mental journey of what life will be like in a few years when he’s on his own.

Let's say he gets a job making $10 an hour, working 40 hours, which would give him $400 a week with an approximate monthly income of $1600.

Then the deductions…

Tithing

Taxes

Rent

A Car Payment

And by the time we got to gas money he was at $0.

"Mom, where's my money for food, clothes and my new cell phone?"

"I don't know son. Maybe you should use your current phone to download a ring tone with the song "Back to Life- Back to Reality."

For more parenting tips, log on to Proverbs 31.org.

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A Not-So-Bad Hair Day
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Susanne Scheppmann and Renee Swope

Help, I'm having a bad hair day! Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Do you ever get frustrated when your hair won't obey your commands? I do! My hair is fine and limp. Each morning as I rub, squirt, and spray my hair with products that give it strength to be what it isn't - I'm reminded how following God really means I'm trying to be something I'm not. When I try to follow God without His help, I fall flat, just like my hair. But when I allow God to infuse me with His strength by taking time to read my Bible and pray, my life begins to look more the way I want it to look - like His! The Bible tells us to be glad about our weaknesses, because they remind us that we need God's strength rather than our own. If you'd like a daily dose of encouragement to help infuse your day with God's power, sign up for our FREE devotions at
proverbs31.org.

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Pushing Through
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

With all my being, I did not want to run this morning. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I wish I could tell you that I’m one of those that just loves to exercise but I’ll be honest… I do it for health reasons and to help manage my weight. But I certainly don’t love the actual physical labor of running. But I do love how I feel afterwards.

I’ve learned from running that sometimes I have to push through the "don't want to's" because on the other side of every don't want to is a really great feeling of accomplishment.

The Bible says "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like a deer, he enables me to go to the heights."

Is there a "don't want to" thing that you've been avoiding? Why not ask God to enable you to accomplish this very thing? Afterwards, I bet you’ll feel great too.

For more life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, A Former Couch Potato Runs The Race, by Amy Carroll

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From Routine to Romantic
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Melanie Chitwood and Renee Swope

Is your marriage defined by routine or romance? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The demands of daily life – kids, work, laundry, meals and carpools – can take so much energy that we forget to keep romance alive in our marriages. Sometimes I’ve thought my husband doesn’t need romance. However, in her book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife, Melanie Chitwood says 84% of the men she surveyed said they desire romance. Here are some romantic ideas she shares in her book:

1. Email your husband and tell him why you’re attracted to him.
2. Look beautiful for him and flirt with him after dinner tonight.
3. Surprise him by taking him someplace he loves, like a ball game or to the Home Improvement store.

Instead of waiting for your husband to initiate romance, why not be the one to plan a date and take him away from the routine of daily life? Proverbs 31 Ministries wants to encourage you in your marriage. For more ideas, visit us at proverbs31.org.

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Pep Talk for Life
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Recently my husband sat down to have a little pep talk with one of our daughters. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My daughter was about to compete in the state gymnastics meet and what he said will go down in my book as one of the greatest moments of our parenting adventure so far."Ashley, your mom and I love you and are already proud of you... no matter what happens with your scores. Remember what we've talked about all season.Build a solid foundation by practicing hard. Give all you can and hold nothing back. Focus on what's in front of you. One practice at a time, one meet at a time.And, wrap it all in good sportsmanship. Who you are is more important than what you are.Pretty powerful, huh? You know, I think I’ll try to apply some of this to my life as well. For more life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Naming Our Homes
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writers: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

If your home had a name, what would it be? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last summer at the beach I noticed a lot of homes had names to represent the families that owned them. One was the Shell Shack for a family that loved seashells. Another was called Turtle’s Cove. They had a huge turtle on their front porch.

If you had to choose a name for your home, what would you call it? Would it be “Terrific Teammates” or “Family Funhouse” or would it be something like “Angry Accusers”?

If the first words that come to mind are negative, we need to look for ways to improve what goes on within the walls of our homes by planning time to laugh together, play and make good memories. I want my home to be a refuge known for the love and laughter found inside. How about you? For more ways to make your house a loving home, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, Love the Ones You’re With, by Renee Swope

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Everyday
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Is it really important to spend time with God everyday? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. With all the demands of everyday life it can be hard to set aside time with Jesus. But I can tell a big difference in how I handle things on those days when I’ve done this as opposed to those days I haven’t.

Spending time reading the Bible and praying gives us the exact instruction and comfort we need to handle all God sees coming our way today. It’s the perfect way to receive His peace. Then with great expectation we can face the day and everything in it.

Because of the time we’ve spent with Him, Jesus has already impressed on our hearts how we should act and react in every situation. So, instead of being a slave to our emotions and reacting based on feelings, we can be prepared no matter what.
For ideas on starting a daily time with God click on “Encouragement for Today” at Proverbs31.org.

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

Why does it seem like every event has to have a winner and a loser? Hi I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Last summer my son joined our neighborhood swim team. He’s a great swimmer, but not a fast swimmer. He tried his hardest, but often came in last. It was hard on him. I told him we’re all winners in God’s eyes, and that giving his best was all Mom, Dad, and God expected of him. But this year he decided not to join again.

I understood my son’s frustration. There are days I don’t feel like a winner either, as a mom, a wife or as a woman. Sometimes I want to quit, too. When I’m tempted to turn in my pink slip, I ask God to show me my strengths and remind me how He sees me, so I don’t get discouraged. Do you ever feel like a loser? If so, ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes. For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE email devotions at Proverbs31.org.

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Peace be with You
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

When Jesus rose from the grave and appeared to the disciples, what did He talk about? Joy? Hope? Love? Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.While all of these would have certainly been appropriate, Jesus didn't touch on any of them. He simply said over and over again, "Peace be with you!"

Why Peace?I have a theory. The world is really good at conjuring up facades. Temporary moments of worldly happiness can appear joyful. The world takes hope and mistakes it for wishful thinking. And the world has made love a dime store word used to describe a feeling that can change with the wind.However, it cannot offer fake peace. It can offer peaceful settings but the lasting peace that flows despite circumstances can only be found if we realize Jesus is our source for peace and He is always with us.

For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.

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Spiritual Vitamins
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Tracie Miles and Renee Swope

You’ve heard the old saying "A woman’s work is never done”. Isn’t that so true! Hi, I'm Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently I noticed I didn’t have enough energy to get everything done each day, so I decided to take vitamins. Within weeks, my fingernails were longer and stronger, my skin looked better, and I had more energy!

I also need to make sure I’m getting a daily dose of spiritual vitamins. When I pray, read my Bible and listen to Christian music, its like taking spiritual vitamins that nourish my soul and my relationship with God. These spiritual vitamins give me God’s strength to accomplish His purpose for my life. Just like vitamins are good for my body and bones, spiritual vitamins are good medicine for my heart and soul.

Are you taking your spiritual vitamins every day? Why not get out your Bible and talk to God each morning. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make! For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE devotional emails at Proverbs31.org.

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Loving instead of Judging
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to misunderstand and judge others. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries.

Lately I’ve been aware of some of the unspoken yardsticks by which I measure others, like: A good mom doesn't let her kids watch too much TV and doesn’t scream at her kids.

But then there's Jesus who turns these notions upside down when He says, “The greatest of these is love." What if, instead of self-righteousness, we offered love? It would sound like this: "Being a mom can be exhausting. Do you want me to come over and watch your kids so you can have a break?”

The Bible reminds me that I’m supposed to love, not judge and God’s challenging me to examine my thoughts of others. He wants us to come alongside others and help carry their burdens, rather than adding to them with criticism.

For more encouragement, click on Everyday Life at Proverbs 31.org.

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Free Devotion, Love Covers, by Melanie Chitwood

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Overcoming Failure
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I’ve found the best way to overcome failure is to do something I’m good at! Hi I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently someone criticized the way I did something and I started feeling inadequate and discouraged.

Finally, I decided to do something constructive – something I knew I was good at. I took the emotions that made me feel like a failure and poured them into something God has equipped me to do well. I marched into my laundry room and folded towels, socks and shirts for my family. Then I planned our menu for the week, wrote it on our calendar and went grocery shopping.

I know that sounds simple, but by doing something physical and something for others, I replaced my negative emotions with positive steps of action. I took my eyes and my energy off something I didn’t do well and put them into a goal I knew I could achieve. I overcame my failure – and my laundry got done! For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Even if I Don’t Love What I’m Doing
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

The other day we had to have our septic tank pumped- yuck! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. My husband and I agreed that performing this particular job would never make it onto our top ten list of desired careers. However, when we met the man that came to do the job, we were inspired.

Right off the bat he told us that though he has some yucky conditions in his line of work, he approaches each day determined to bring God joy by the way he does his job. Art came in from talking with him and told me that they’d just had an amazing conversation. He prayed with us and for us and left us feeling quite challenged. It reminded me that even if I don’t always love what I’m doing, I can do it with a love for others… because of God’s love for me. If our septic guy can do it I can too!

For more everyday life encouragement, log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Wonderful Counselor
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Melanie Chitwood

When life gets me really down, I need more than a friend. I need a Wonderful Counselor! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. One morning as I read my Bible, God encouraged me that I was not alone as I faced different challenges. He reminded me that Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.

I love that this is one of the names for Jesus in the Bible. When I don’t know how to be a good mom to my sons or more supportive of my husband, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor. When I want to offer help to my friend or a family member whose life seems to be coming apart, Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor.

He’s the one I can turn to to talk about these challenges and gain wisdom and insight.

So, maybe its time we get know Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor and take whatever concerns or challenges we face to Him. For more ideas on how to do this, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org.

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The Next Dr. Phil
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I might be living with the next Dr. Phil. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I have two sons that truly never argue. Now, before you paint unrealistic pictures of perfection for my household, know that I have other kids that more than make up for their brothers’ lack of disagreements. But Mark and Jackson don’t struggle with this. So, the other day I asked my son Jackson about how he and Mark get along so well.

His reply was quite simple. He said, “Mom, if Mark does something that gets on my nerves I just tell him that I don’t like him doing that. And then he says okay and stops doing it.”

Wow. That’s good advice. We seem to make all this relationship stuff so complicated. So, maybe I need to interject a little less complication- a little more gentle honesty- and some very basic listening skills. Thanks son.

For more relationship encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, Me First!, by Karen Ehman

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Using Your Gifts
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

Has God given you a gift that’s still in its original packaging? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend shared how she was hesitant to volunteer in her church because she didn’t think she had any gifts to offer. I helped her make a list of her abilities. She likes to encourage people and work with details.

We brainstormed ways she could give those gifts away. Since she’s encouraging and likes details she notices little things people do well. So she started telling people when she saw things others may not notice. She also started sending a note each week to a leader in her church describing how God appreciates the way they serve their community.

Do you have the gift of encouragement? A little note can mean so much to someone who may feel forgotten or discouraged. No matter what gifts you have, God wants you to open them up and give them away! For more ideas, visit Proverbs31.org.

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Your Dreams
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

I’m an ordinary woman. Dirty dishes, piles of laundry, and carpools greet me every day. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Most days I wake up with peace in my heart because, despite the realities of daily life, I’ve found the purpose for which God created me. I’m living out the dreams He tucked in my heart.

God created me to be a wife, a mother, and a friend. He also created me to speak His truth and invite others to live a life that makes a difference for Jesus.

What’s your dream?

Maybe the day to start following the dreams God put in your heart is today. But, things may not change dramatically. The path to a fulfilled dream is filled with ordinary days brimming with ordinary chores… surrendered to an extraordinary God.

Oh, and if your dream has anything to do with speaking, writing, or leadership in women’s ministry, find some encouragement at Proverbs 31.org.

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Listening Out Loud
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Renee Swope

I was trying to listen to God, but it was so quiet - I got distracted! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I listen to a friend, her voice keeps me focused on what she’s saying, but when I listen to God, I can’t hear Him audibly so my thoughts will often interrupt my listening.

The other day I decided to listen to God out loud. I asked Him questions out loud and then said out loud what I sensed His Spirit saying to me. I know it sounds crazy but it was powerful! The things I heard God speaking to my heart were verse I’ve read in the Bible, things Jesus said to His friends, and things that reminded me of God’s unchanging character. I didn’t say what I wanted to hear. I truly listened for God’s voice in my heart and then repeated it out loud.

I ended up having the most amazing day filled with joy and peace because His Words were etched in my memory. For more ways to listen to God, visit Proverbs31.org

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Fear- LESS
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

Having 5 kids I know the fear moms face on a daily basis that something might happen to one of their children. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I know fear’s paralyzing affects; how it makes you want to tuck your kids under your wing and never let them leave your side. But I also know this isn’t how God wants us to handle our fears. It wouldn’t be healthy for my kids to never spread their wings and fly.

So, I read God’s truth found in the Bible. And, I use the words about His protection as I pray. I verbalize my trust in God. And I make the choice to rest in the assurance of His promises.

The minute fear starts to creep in and haunt my heart, I repeat this cycle. Does it mean that nothing bad will ever happen to my children? No. Does it mean that my heart can finally find peace past the fear that could consume me? Absolutely!

For more encouragement log on to Proverbs31.org.

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Leading So Kids Will Follow
Radio Hostess: Renee Swope
Contributing Writer: Michelle Weber

I get so excited when I actually see God working! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other night my friend, Michelle, saw God work in her family.

As everyone sat down to dinner, the whining started. “I need a new notebook”; “When can I re-do my room?”

Rather than lecturing on needs vs. wants, Michelle started talking about the great day she’d had. It was nothing out of the ordinary but she simply talked about how thankful she was for each normal thing. Then she asked her daughters what they were thankful for.

There was a long pause at first, but after a little thought, they got on a roll: “I’m thankful mom jumped on the trampoline with us,” “I’m thankful Bella didn’t get out of the yard again,” and, “I’m thankful Emily didn’t get hurt at practice.” Now they were getting somewhere!

You know, our children usually reject lessons they hear in our lectures so like my friend, Michelle, let’s lead the way and bring them along with us.

For more parenting encouragement, visit proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, Linger Just A Moment Longer, by Lysa Terkeurst

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More Than Winning
Radio Hostess: Lysa TerKeurst
Contributing Writer: Lysa TerKeurst

A couple of weeks ago, my daughter Ashley had a gymnastics meet that didn’t go so well. Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She fell on almost every event. She scored well below her expectations and I thought there would be lots of tears at the awards ceremony. But, much to my surprise, she bounced up to me and exclaimed, “Mom, did you see I landed my vault on my feet. That’s a good thing about today.”

She then flitted off with her teammates to get ice cream. One of the other moms grabbed my arm and complimented Ashley’s good attitude. That compliment meant more to me than a neck full of gold medals. Do I want Ashley to win? Yes, of course. She had worked so hard to prepare for this meet. But, my heart still swelled with joy because seeing a good attitude displayed in the face of adversity- well that’s simply priceless. For more encouragement, click on everyday life at Proverbs31.org.

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Free Devotion, And The Winner Is…, by Melissa Taylor

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