Proverbs 31 Ministries

Sometimes I just know I’m not gonna win “Mother of the Year” any time soon. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Oh, I could go on and on with stories of why I won’t bring home that elusive award. But, one of the best is something that happened just the other day. While I was packing lunches, my daughter rushed in the room with an urgent request. “Mom,” she said. “Just make sure none of the food you are packing in my lunch is rotten.” I tell ya, something like that will just build your mommy confidence ALL DAY LONG. Later I posted this on Facebook and had a great laugh reading over people’s comments. I guess I’m not the only one with an embarrassing Mom story. Do you have one? Scoot on over to my blog and share it. I can’t wait to hear what’s happened in your home recently! Just click on Lysa’s blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries on-line 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 Am I Messing Up My Kids? by Lysa TerKeurst

One day a young shepherd was looking for his lost goat when he found the most unexpected treasure! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. There was a cave nearby so the shepherd tossed a rock into the opening and listened for his goat. Instead, he heard a pot break. He went inside to see what it was and found the greatest archeological and religious treasure ever discovered—the Dead Sea Scrolls! Isn’t it amazing that for over a thousand years these ancient documents of God’s own Words were hidden in a clay pot? You know, we’re like that broken pot that held those treasured scrolls. The Bible calls believers in Christ “jars of clay” who hold the treasures of God’s power and promises. So, God doesn’t want us to hide what He’s put in us. There's someone we know who’s looking for an unexpected treasure and God wants them to find HIM - in 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

Not all friendships stand the test of time or the messy stuff! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently, I went through something really tough with a friend I dearly love; a misunderstanding that was frustrating and hurtful. Part of me wanted to distance myself. It was really hard to sift through everything. But as I talked to God about it, I had to remind myself this person is a package deal. Part of what makes her a great friend is her passion to do things with excellence. But because she’s so task oriented, she’s less relationally sensitive. She has issues. But I have issues. We’re both messy people. And we’ve just decided we like the package deal of this friendship. It's worth it! Is there a friendship you need to look at a little differently today? Find encouragement by clicking on Lysa's blog when you visit Proverbs 31 Ministries 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

Sometimes I forget to celebrate the small victories in life, how about you? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend of mine who’d never run in her life decided to train for a 5-K race.  Soon after she started, she realized just how hard it was gonna to be and she got a little discouraged.  But, the other day I saw her and she was beaming! She looked at me and said, “I DID IT!” I thought she’d run the 3.1 miles of the race so I congratulated her.  But, that wasn’t it. “No, I RAN A WHOLE MILE AT ONCE...without stopping!” She said. “It's still a long way from a 5-K, but I finally did it! For me this is HUGE! It means that running 3 miles is actually achievable. It means I really can know for sure - ALL things are possible with God!” I was so proud of her for celebrating her accomplishment! So, what small victories are you celebrating? For more encouragement 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

One of the best tips on friendship I’ve ever heard was from one of my daughters. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My daughter, who was in middle school at the time, got in the car one day with tears filling her eyes. Once we pulled out of the parking lot, she let the hurt roll down her cheeks. “Wanna talk about it?” I asked. “Nope,” she whispered and turned away. The rest of the night, no matter how hard I tried, this normally vocal child wouldn’t open up. So, the next morning, I was surprised when she bounded down the stairs, smiling. “Hey!  You look happy!” I said as I thanked God for whatever brought back the sunshine to my girl’s life. “Mom,” she said with great authority, “I’ve decided something about friends. They all have good stuff and bad stuff. Things you like and things that annoy you. You just have to decide if you can handle their package deal.” How wise. How true. For ideas on forming friendships that last, 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 Encouragement for Today

My efforts to change my husband weren’t working, so I prayed that God would change him for me! Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries Well, that didn’t work either! God showed me that my critical spirit only made JJ feel inadequate as a husband - which made him shut down and become indifferent. I eventually realized that I was also adding to many things that can destroy my husband’s confidence as a man. God showed me that JJ needed me to be his greatest cheerleader, his biggest supporter and to use my words and prayers to build him up, not tear him down. So, I started praying that God would change me, instead. And you know what? God helped me notice and encourage things I appreciate about JJ. God also helped me hold my tongue when JJ did something I didn't like or led in a way I didn't want to follow. God changed me! And JJ became an even better husband than I ever prayed he’d be! For more marriage 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 What A Husband Needs From His Wife

If I don’t learn to handle my emotions, I’ll destroy the relationships I value most! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and this is a realization I had not too long ago. So many times I vowed to do better but failed. I’d be praising God one minute and then yelling and screaming at my child the next. Then I felt the shame of that destructive behavior. I felt completely unglued. It dawned on me what kept me from change was the feeling I wouldn’t do it perfectly. I knew I’d mess up. Sometimes we think only instant progress is acceptable. But there’s this beautiful thing called imperfect progress. The day I realized this is the day I dared to believe things could be different. I told myself, “It’s okay to have setbacks, Lysa. Just keep moving the line forward. Change will come. And it will be good.” 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 Encouragement for Today

I love instant gratification, which makes patience very hard to come by! Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past week I’ve raced through a yellow light because I didn’t want to stop at a red light.  I’ve looked up symptoms on the internet because I didn’t want to sit in a doctor’s office. I’ve paid extra at a convenience store because I didn’t want to drive to the grocery store. Though I can’t recall an example, I’m pretty sure I also lost my patience and fussed at my kids, too. I want what I want, and I want it now.  Yet the Bible says patience should be a way of life if I’m going to follow Jesus.  It tells us to live our lives “with humility, gentleness, and patience.” Patience is developed when my heart is connected to God. It grows from my confidence in the fact that He’s in control and that He can work out everything in His way and in His timing. For more encouragement in developing patience, 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

I couldn’t take it anymore! So…I threw my orange juice across the kitchen! Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries and this is where I found myself one day early in my marriage. As I wiped up the mess, I remember thinking, “If only my marriage could be fixed with soap, water, and a few paper towels!” Maybe you’ve been there. Whether you’re in a really tough relationship or just going through a rough patch, marriage can be messy. Hurtful. Lonely. But after 20 years of learning, growing, and pressing through the messes to see something beautiful take shape, here’s what I know…. Jesus loves those in messy marriages. He loves my husband and me through it all. Jesus doesn’t love the mess of hurt, isolation, and bitterness. Those are things we’ve had to work on. A lot. But, He never stops loving us. For more marriage 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

How would today be different if I really BELIEVED God. Hi, I'm Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Sometimes my emotional ups and downs make we wonder if I really believe God’s promises in the Bible. I know I believe in Him, but do I BELIEVE HIM? If I actively BELIEVE God today, then I’ll trust He’s working everything out for good - even though big expenses have drained our savings account and our air conditioner just broke. If I BELIEVE God today, I won’t be anxious when little inconveniences get in my way. Instead I’ll turn to Him for peace and I’ll thank Him in advance for helping me accomplish what has to be done. If I truly BELIEVE God, then I’ll go to bed on time tonight, because He doesn’t want me to stay up late working. The Bible says He wants to give me the gift of rest. So, what will your day be like when you choose to believe God? 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 Encouragement for Today

It’s 2:08 a.m. I should be sleeping. But, instead, I’m mentally beating myself up. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My three girls have their own bathroom but prefer to use our much bigger master-bath. As a result, our bath towels disappear. I’ll hop out of the tub, reach for a towel only to find the rack empty! So, I mutter under my breath, “I’m banning the girls from our bathroom.” But then, I'll never say anything and the same thing happens over and over. Well, today I’d finally had enough and I blew up at everyone in the house! Now, I can't sleep. What is my problem? Why can’t I control my reactions? I stuff. I explode. I become unglued! Can you relate? Well, I’m ready for a change. Wanna join me?  Let’s talk about it when you 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

The other day I was reading about cartilage and how much our marriages need it!  Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Cartilage protects our joints from wear and tear, helps them to move smoothly, and absorbs shock. When cartilage in our knee is damaged, it really hurts. In her book, What a Husband Needs from His Wife, my friend Melanie explains that grace in our marriages is like the protective covering of cartilage in our joints. Couples who show each other grace cover their marriage with understanding, protect their marriage from short-tempered emotions, and help each other absorb life's jolts and shocks. For instance, Melanie’s husband Scott came home late and discovered she’d accidentally left the hose on for hours. Their backyard was overflowing with water. He could’ve gotten really mad, but he didn't. His gracious attitude covered her oversight. For more marriage encouragement, 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 What A Husband Needs From His Wife

I got on a shuttle bus on Monday in Chicago, and sat across from a white haired gentleman who seemed really sad. Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. We were just two strangers on a bus in the rush of a morning.  But I felt compelled to say hello and ask what brought him to Chicago. Had had been visiting his niece named Catherine and she was dying of bone cancer. He's her only living relative. I looked him right in the eyes and said, "Sir, I will pray for your Catherine." And then he whispered back, "Thank you so much." He smiled and got off the bus. And, suddenly, I felt less tired. Less spent and more content, somehow. Because a man I don't know and a dying niece I'll never meet were the perfect opportunity for me to show that Jesus cares. You know, wherever you go today, remember that Jesus can use even our small gestures in big ways! For more, visit Proverbs31 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 Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

After years of begging for a pet, Morgan’s parents finally gave into their kids’ pleading and bought a hamster.  Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Morgan’s heart immediately filled with love for this little creature, named Peanut, who she didn’t even know existed a few days earlier.  With every waking moment, Morgan cared for Peanut’s needs and gave him the love and attention he wanted. Their adoption of this little hamster showed the whole family just how quickly we can love something, even though it’s done nothing to deserve our love. You know, God’s love for us is the same. He waits for us to find Him, then showers more affection on us than we ever thought possible. If we can love an adopted pet in such a short time after they come into our home, just imagine how much more our Heavenly Father wants to lavish love on us when we come into His family. For more reminders of how much God loves you, 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 Encouragement for Today

I wish I could go back in time to my wedding day!  Hi, I’m Lysa TerKeurst for Proverbs 31 Ministries. Remembering back I see a young couple that had no clue what the vows they took meant. It’s just what the pastor said so they repeated it. They felt in love. It felt right. If I could go back, I’d tell that bride that you don't feel your way into love. You choose it. I’d tell her to look at the Bible passage from the ceremony not as a wish list of how she should be treated by her groom, but as choices to make.  Instead of, “Love is patient; love is kind; it keeps no record of wrongs…" I’d have her think this, “We’re deciding that our love will be kind. We’ll work toward making our love patient. And we’ll choose not to keep a record of wrongs." But, time travel isn’t an option.  So, I’ll just start from here and choose to love my husband the way I want him to love 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