Proverbs 31 Ministries show

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Summary: Like sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, Lysa TerKeurst and Renee Swope invite you to join them for one minute of everyday life encouragement and inspiration through: casual yet challenging and deep spiritual truths you can apply; down-to-earth, relevant biblical principals in bite-size pieces and real solutions for real struggles in the midst of your busy day! EVERYDAY LIFE with Lysa & Renee is a production of Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Podcasts:

 Orange Juice Cartons | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Have you ever walked out of church watching everyone else smile while you mentally beat yourself up? Because just that morning in a fit of anger you threw the orange juice carton across the kitchen! Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I won't lie. It took a while for me to connect my life with what I read in the Bible. Eventually I found a few sentences that I could connect with. Now I can open my Bible and find a chapter or two I want to read that day. And then I simply attempt to live that out in some way. When I make the connection between what happens in my life and why I needed that verse, I learn more about God. I'm sure some Bible scholars would probably take issue with my simplistic approach. But it sure has helped me throw fewer orange juice cartons across the kitchen and that’s a good thing, just ask my family. For more, visit Proverbs31.org. Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog, on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources

 Simple Holiday Parties | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Every year I say I want to host a holiday party but I usually don’t because it’s too much work! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. This year, I’m going to stop talking about it and actually do it! But I don’t want to stress out about having a few friends over. So, I got a few ideas from some people who really know how to throw a party without all the stress.  In the book Homespun Memories for the Heart I found over 200 ideas for creating unforgettable moments and simple holiday settings. Some of my favorite ideas were to: Decorate with cozy things you already have in your home. Play soft music in the background to set the mood. Light candles for a soft, warm glow And Keep the menu simple. Whether it’s the holidays or another time of year, I think these ideas will help me make any get-together special…but NOT stressful.  For more ideas on planning a Christmas gathering that’s successful but simple, visit proverbs31.org. Related Resources: Encouragement for Today by Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, Samantha Evilsizer and various P31 authors Connect with Renee on her blog, Facebook and Twitter Check out Proverbs 31 Ministries Holiday Resources Homespun Memories for the Heart  

 Do I Really See My Blessings? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

I’m really not as thankful as I should be. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. I realize I need to model what I teach to my kids, so I’m trying to assess how thankful I really am. Do I see the incredible spouse I married, or do I just grumble about his faults? Do I see the health of a son who can play sports as a good thing, or do I just grumble about his sweaty laundry? Do I see how fortunate we are to have enough food to eat, or do I just grumble about a kitchen that never stays clean? I know I’ve been given so much. But I’m also guilty of becoming so distracted by these gifts that I forget to be thankful for them. I want the words “thank you” to fall so easily from my lips that it’s second nature for both the big and the small things in my life. For more, visit Lysa’s Blog at Proverbs 31.org. Related Resources: Unglued: Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog, on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources

 Little Words Make a Big Difference | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Little things we say can make a big difference! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My neighbor Janet had no idea how much her words would encourage me at a time when I needed them. Janet came to my front door thirty-minutes after I left a thank you note at her house. When I opened my door, she told me it was the best thank you note she’d ever gotten and that I had a writing gift I needed to use.” I was confused. After all, it was only a thank you note. But later that day I replayed Janet’s words in my mind and wondered if God wanted me to encourage more than just one friend with my writing. Janet continued to use little words and big prayers to make a difference in my life. Eventually I wrote my first study guide to give away to 500 women at our church. God used Janet’s words back then. And I wonder how He might use mine and yours today? For more encouragement in everyday life visit Proverbs31.org Related Resources: A Confident Heart Devotional by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog, Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Renee's Books & Resources

 Thorns or Flowers? | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Life really isn’t always a bed of roses. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. When I was in middle school my family was falling apart, so I went to live with my aunt for almost a year. And I remember her telling me not to run through her rose garden. I didn’t listen of course and I took a running start with my arms stretched out wide only to be shocked with searing pain. Thorns. Big, mean, vicious thorns ripped my flesh and opened up a flood of tears. I looked at the source of pain and wondered if I should call it a bush of thorns or a bush of flowers. It could go either way. You know, I can look back on my life pretty much the same way. Would I see the hurt or would I see the beauty? And I guess you could say I've been making that choice every day since my encounter with that rose garden. For more encouragement, visit Proverbs31.org. Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources

 Hanging On | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Do you ever feel like you’re just barely hanging on in life?  I did, just this week! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The other day I was watching some small birds outside my window hanging upside down from a mesh feeder.  They clung to the feeder with their tiny toes and pecked at the seeds inside.  Then a strong gust of wind shook the feeder, but the birds didn’t let that bother them.  They calmly pecked away.  Soon some bigger birds tried to knock them off the feeder. Again, they clung to the mesh.  They wouldn’t let anything pull them away from their food source.  I glanced at the Bible on my desk and thought, “There’s my spiritual food.  Do I cling to it, no matter what challenges come my way?”  I have to admit I don’t always cling to God’s words when times get tough.  But, those little birds have inspired me to dig in and hold on tight!  For more encouragement visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at Proverbs31.org. Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog   Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources

 Yes, Mommy | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

One day my friend, Jill, called out to her three year old and received a very blunt, “WHAT?” in return! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Although she was a little offended, Jill realized it wasn’t her daughter’s fault. She really hadn’t practiced with her the polite way to respond when her mom called her name. So she said, “Alyssa, when Mom calls for you…instead of shouting ‘WHAT’, could you please say, ‘Yes, Mommy’? It’s just a lot nicer that way.” Her daughter shrugged her shoulders, said, “OK, Mommy!”, and went back to playing. Jill was happy that the issue was resolved so quickly…and a little proud of her parenting skills! Then she heard a sweet little voice call out, “MOMMY! When I call for you can you please say, ‘Yes, Alyssa’?” Ha ha…Maybe this wasn’t going to be so easy after all. For some encouragement in becoming the parent you want to be, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries at proverbs31.org! Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog. Receive daily encouragement from Renee on Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women

 And Then I Fell Off The Doctor’s Table! | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Do ya ever feel like everything’s just a little off? My week has been like that. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Monday, I went to make lunches and something was wrong with the peanut butter. So I just  there I stood with jelly, bread, and nothing else for the kids to take to school. Later that morning at a check-up, I nearly fell off the doctor’s table! Both the doctor and the nurse had to save me from a total spill! Then there were attitudes to handle. Appointments for which I was running late. And a way too-long to-do list. But, you know, none of this stuff was really bad. Yes, the peanut butter went south, but my kids still got fed. Yes, the doctor’s appointment was embarrassing, but I’m in good health. And, yes, life gets a little full sometimes, but these are all blessings, I'm managing blessings. If I can see life through that perspective, everything is sweeter. Find some perspective click on Lysa's blog at proverbs31.org! Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog Follow Lysa on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources Encouragement for Today

 I’m Not Good Enough | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Do you ever get a feeling that you’re not good enough? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes I’ll be thinking about something I want to do or dreams I want to fulfill and all of a sudden this feeling of doubt comes over me. It’s like someone’s telling me I’ll never measure up. My friend Gary shared on his blog that he finally came up with an answer to his “You’re not good enough” feeling: First he just admits it.  He tells himself. “You got that right.  I’m all wrecked up.  You don’t know the half of it.” Then he reminds himself that his “good enough” comes from Jesus. And that settles the performance part. The truth is, when we belong to Jesus, we’re covered in His goodness. We’re loved and accepted  because God is constantly offering us His love and grace.  So, it’s His goodness that makes us good enough! Find out more about God’s never ending love for you at Proverbs31.org. Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog. Receive daily encouragement from Renee on Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources Encouragement for Today

 A Growth Opportunity | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

A few weeks ago two of my kids were having a growth opportunity, which in our house means a ‘fight.’ Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Well, this particular growth opportunity had turned ugly and unkind words came out that should have been left unsaid. So, Mama stepped in. “Look out that window,” I said. “Outside our home there's a world of people who may or may not be nice to us. But inside this house… there are certain guarantees in the way we treat each other! Before you speak, ask yourself: Are my words kind, necessary, and true? If the answer to all three parts of that question is yes…proceed. If the answer is no…stop!” I then ushered these precious ones outside and told them they could come inside when they were ready to use respectful words. And just like that, we had a successful growth opportunity! For more, click on Lysa's blog when you visit proverbs31.org! Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog Follow Lysa on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources

 Feeling Bullied | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Sometimes I feel like I am being bullied by my own thoughts! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries! I don’t know about you, but there’s one thought that tends to creep in and act like my own private bully! He always shows up when I have tons of things to do and have to do all of them at the same time and it’s gonna be a huge challenge. Or when I get tired and discouraged; that when he starts bullying me. He doesn’t say it out loud, but I hear it, and if I’m not careful, I believe it. He tells me this very simple, very subtle lie. “You are what you do.  If you fail in this, then that’s who you are.” Funny thing is, I don’t hear that when I succeed. And it would be a lie if I did. The truth is, I am not what I do. I’m not a success because I get it all done. I’m not a failure when I don’t!  And neither are you! Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog. Receive daily encouragement from Renee on Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources Encouragement for Today

 The Marriage Lies | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

The first five years of my marriage were really tough! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There was bitterness and yelling. There were slammed doors and thoughts of giving up. There were, marriage lies:     * I married the wrong person.       * He should make me feel loved.     * There’s someone better out there.            I believed those lies and said so to my friends who nodded mostly in agreement. But one didn’t. She gently asked, “Lysa, what does the Bible say?” The Bible?! I didn’t think her “religious suggestion” would help me. But her question just kept echoing in my mind. Reluctantly, I turned to some of those verses she suggested. But the love in my relationship didn’t feel like the Bible was describing, kind or patience.  It felt broken. However, that first step triggered events that eventually saved my marriage! Boy, am I thankful for a friend brave enough to challenge me. For more encouragement visit proverbs31.org. Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog Follow Lysa on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources Capture His Heart/ Capture Her Heart by Lysa TerKeurst

 A Picture of Grace | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

I just read a story that painted a perfect picture of God’s grace. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. A three year old was watching two older girls playing with helium filled balloons. She told her mom she wanted one too. Without skipping a beat, one of the older girls said, “Here, have mine.” The pre-schooler’s mom told her to say thank you and to hold on tight. Well, being three, she struggled with that last part and, before long; she screamed, “My BALLOON!!” as it floated away. Before the little girl even had a chance to start crying, the other older girl came right over with her balloon and said, “Here you go!” Wow! What a picture of GRACE! Just like those girls, God gives us a gift. Being human, we mess it up, lose it, or chase it away. But, God comes right back with a second chance to receive the gift He has for us! For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org! Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog. Receive daily encouragement from Renee on Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women

 A Complete Waste of Time | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

Ever get that sigh from your middle-schooler that says, “I’m going through something, but unless you ask, I’m not talking!” Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I got that sigh the other day from my daughter. So, I asked her, "What's up?" Something hard had happened at school so I put my hand on hers and said, “I’m sorry sweetie. I know that makes you sad.” But to my surprise, she said, “Actually no, Mom. Being sad or mad over stuff like this is a complete waste of  time.” And just like that she went on with her day. No tears. No tirade. No tidal wave of emotion! Just a 13-year-old’s decision that this wasn’t worth all that. Isn’t that good?! Of course, there will be things to be sad about…things that make me angry. But so much of what pulls at my emotions simply isn’t worth the time and energy I give it. Need a little perspective in the middle of your stuff? Visit proverbs31.org. Related Resources: Unglued book and bundle by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Lysa on her blog Follow Lysa on Facebook and Twitter Check out all of Lysa’s Books & Resources LIVE (Teen Bible)

 Trust Him | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:00

When God asks me to do things I don't understand, I have to decide if I’m going to trust Him or question Him. Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries Sometimes God asks us to do things that seem unnecessary, or crazy. Like the time in the Bible when Jesus was asked to pay a tax and He responded by telling Peter to go catch a fish. Miraculously, the exact amount needed for the tax was found in the mouth of the fish Peter caught. Now, Peter had a moment where he had to decide to accept Jesus' instructions or question them. Jesus could’ve produced the money in many different ways, but He wanted Peter to be involved. You know, when there’s something God’s asking me to do that doesn't make sense…I have to decide. Am I going to ignore Him or trust Him? I’m really trying to learn that I can trust that God has a plan — even when I don’t understand it. For more encouragement, visit proverbs31.org Related Resources: A Confident Heart by Renee Swope Connect with Renee on her blog. Receive daily encouragement from Renee on Facebook and Twitter Check out Renee's Books & Resources Trusting God for a Better Tomorrow (E-book) by Wendy Pope

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