Proverbs 31 Ministries

Is it possible to see God in our everyday experiences? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Recently a friend asked how do I recognize God’s activity in my life.  I told her that I don't always do that, but I want to notice Him more and more and become aware of His presence in every situation. A few years ago I started praying a simple prayer every morning: "Show me God, I'm looking. Speak to me Lord, I'm listening. And lead me,  I'm willing." Then I look for God’s presence in my day. And listen for His voice and direction in my thoughts and in my plans. And I try to follow His leading in each decision and conversation I have. Now I don't always do this perfectly. In fact, by noon I’m sure God’s thinking, "Ah, Renee, you're not listening. You're not looking for me, and, um, you're leading again." But when I do listen and look, it seems that God shows me more of Himself. For more encouragement, sign up for our next Online Bible Study 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 Online Bible Studies

I want to get better about consistently writing thank you notes, but sometimes I feel like such a failure in this area.  Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Every birthday I vow to get better about writing thank you notes.  I really do appreciate it when someone gives me a gift or does something thoughtful for me.  I just don’t always remember to sit down and write a note to express my appreciation. So, the other day while I was spending time with God, I asked Him to help me with this.  Instantly a couple different people popped into my mind that I should send a note to.  So, I pulled out the stationery, wrote the notes, and sent them that very day. Maybe if I asked God a couple times a week who needs to receive a few words of gratitude from me, it could really help with my thank you note dilemma.  Well, it worked this week anyways. For more life encouragement check out our free daily devotions by visiting Proverbs 31 Ministries, at Proverbs 31.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 NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women

How can we teach our kids to pray and help them really get it? Hi, I’m Renee Swope with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  My friend Leah’s family prays every time they leave their house. When they run errands or leave for vacation, they ask God to protect and help them. One night, Leah’s son announced that he needed new basketball shoes for his game - the next day! Leah was frustrated about shopping on a school night so as they got in the car she blurted out to her son– would you please pray! Leah expected a quick prayer. But instead her son thanked God for dinner, friends, and all kinds of things. Then he asked God to help them find the right shoes in the right size, on sale and quickly since it was a school night. Leah realized that all those times they’d prayed as a family had made a difference. And, in about an hour, they found those perfect shoes, in just the right size at just the right price! For more parenting encouragement, visit Proverbs 31 Ministries and click on Renee’s Blog 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 The Mom I Want to Be by Suzi Eller

How bad is just a little gossip?  Hi I’m Lysa TerKeurst with Proverbs 31 Ministries. The Bible warns us that gossip will separate close friends and I believe it.  There is nothing worse than to feel betrayed by a friend’s careless words. The Bible also warns us that what we sow, we’ll reap.  In other words, if I gossip about others, I can almost bank on the fact that others will soon be talking about me. Think of what a great gift it would be tell a friend that you’ve made the commitment to never say anything dishonoring about her.  You know, I know how great this gift is because I had a friend make this commitment to me.  And now my heart feels so safe with her.  The trust we have is rare and beautiful. I firmly believe that to have a great friend, you have to be a great friend.  And becoming a woman who refuses to gossip is a wonderful place to start. For more friendship advice, click on Today’s show 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

Have you ever noticed how we tend to base our opinion of ourselves on how we’re performing that day? Hi, I’m Renee Swope for Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Margo is trying really hard to lose weight, and she’s had lots of ups and lots of downs.  One day she’s eating healthy and exercising. The next day, she eats a dessert that’s not on her diet and she’s frustrated and discouraged. Last week she told me she realized that on the days she does well, she feels great about herself.  But, on the days that she struggles, she’s down on herself about everything. Have you ever been there?  I have. I reminded Margo {and myself} that God loves us no matter what.  No matter what we eat…no matter what size we wear…no matter how we feel about ourselves! The Bible says that our worth isn’t based on our performance. And that God’s acceptance of us isn’t either!  His love for us never ends. For more encouragement, sign up for our FREE daily devotions. You can find out more 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

Sometimes I let a pile of stuff sit in my house so long that I 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 all these misplaced things.  And do you know what I learned when I cleared all the things out 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, visit Proverbs 31.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 Complete Guide to Getting And Staying Organized by Karen Ehman