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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Almost Done and a Give-Away!

**Update: Winner announced at bottom of this post!**

I’m almost done!! Only 10 days to go and my first book will be finished!! WHOOHOOO!!

I have until the morning of July 19th to place her in my publishers hands. This morning as I was thinking about how it will feel when I do that, it is as though I am giving my baby to another family to take care of for a year, and then I get her back next summer when she is published! This book truly holds a part of me and so much of what I hold most precious about my Jesus. The pages have been dampened by my tears, filtered through my fears, poured over by my prayers, and written from the deepest places of my heart and soul.

I can’t even tell you how excited I am about sharing it with you one day. I just can’t believe I am here, almost done!! God has truly done miracles, displaying His faithfulness in ways I cannot even describe yet, but I will one day.

For now, I am celebrating the birth of another book! Author Susanne Scheppmann is a dear friend and teammate of mine from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Her latest book, Embraced by the Father, was released recently. Today, I asked her to share more about it here and she is also giving away 2 copies and a $5 Starbucks card to one of you!

Susanne, your new book Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God shares parts of your life story and how God changed your life. Can you tell us a little bit about those events?

I became a Christ follower at the age of 15. My life prior to Jesus was at best dysfunctional. My mother was schizophrenic and my father was an alcoholic. After coming to know Jesus Christ my life metamorphosed into a life of meaning and purpose. My book describes how God released me from hurtful memories and then, used those experiences for ministering to others.

Can you explain what you mean by the phrase “names of God”? How does it help us to know the names of God?

Very early in my spiritual journey, I learned that God reveals His character and purpose in our lives by various names. The Good Shepherd, Father, or Lord Almighty are a few examples of the names of God. Each name of God that is revealed in the Bible points us to a deeper personal relationship with God.

What else would you like women to know about “Embraced by the Father” and its dance metaphor?

It’s a fact, women seek security. We want to feel loved and protected by someone who cares for us. For many women, me included, their earthly fathers failed miserably in the role as daddies. My book is unique in that I used a dance metaphor to help us to understand the character and promises found in the names of God. God invites every woman to dance with Him as a daughter might stand on tiptoe on her daddy’s feet to high step across the room. Women may be widowed, divorced, or single but God still desires for them to learn to dance through life on His everlasting arms.

Click on the arrow to watch the book trailer.


Are you tired of feeling like a wallflower in the dance of life? Come learn to dance with the God Almighty by reading Embraced by the Father—Finding Grace in the Names of God.

This is a great summer devotional read or perfect book to go through with a small group of friends. Let me know why you would like to win this and who you would give your extra copy to. Just click on the word “comments” below. You can jut leave your comment in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, simply click anonymous. Please include your email in your comment so we can get in touch to send your prize. I’ll announce the winner of the 2 books and a $5 Starbucks card next Wednesday or Thursday. (Contest Closed Wednesday 7/14 at 11am)

***WINNER ANNOUNCED:***
Congratulations Feennie from http://justfeenie.blogspot.com/– It’s always too hard for me to decide a winner, so I let random.org and it chose you to receive “Embraced by the Father.” Please send your mailing address to [email protected]. I know will enjoy this book love sharing it with friends. I hope many of you will get a copy, too. Such a great book!

Comments

  2. It would be awesome to win! I would give the other one to my friend who has similar struggles as I do and as so many we know and how awesome it would to be able to pass it on to other people. Blessings to you!!

    Nancy
    [email protected]

  3. I'm hitting a rough patch in my walk with God – I want to be closer with him, but there are a lot of roadblocks that I'm having to try to overcome. I would love the encouragement.

  4. Being released from hurtful memories and then being able to minister to others is a heart's desire of mine. Please enter me in your giveaway. I would love to do this with my close friends and then with others.

  5. I love to read it to see if it is something I could use for our ladies Bible study this fall. I would give the other copy to one of the ladies who may not be able to afford it. And I too love my Mocha's at Starbucks

    Thanks so much for the opportunity.
    Marianne

  6. Yes! Yes! Yes! I can only imageine the feeling friend! God finished the work every time, thanks for being obedient amongst the doubts! I can't wait to read! Speaking fo reading, I'd love to get my hands on this book as well, however the Lord deems it possible for this to happen. Have a wonderful day in Him! Prayers are with you…

  7. God reveals his character more and more as I seek to know him. How amazing that through his names when can draw even closer to him. May dad died when I was 16 and he was my rock. Through his death God has shown me how much he loves me. I am seeking now to draw even closer to him. I would find it very meaningful to read this book and be embraced by the everlasting father. God bless Vanessa [email protected]

  8. I would love to read this book. One is I love to read and I am growing in my faith and relationship with my Heavenly Father. If I won, I would give it to a dear friend who has had a lot of turmoil and trouble in her life. She is starting to turn back to our Lord and I am trying to help her. This would be a great way to share the book with her. Instead of her thinking I was pushing her I could say, look what I won. Maybe we could read and go through this book together.
    Angela T Ramsey

  10. I am so excited for you Renee! Yay! It is hard to believe the journey of writing is almost over. I have followed your blog and facebook and kept up with you and prayed for you many times. I cannot wait to read it.
    I would love to win Susanne's book. My best friend and I both come from homes of divorce where our father's left us empty and longing for a deeper relationship. I have finally begun to learn that God can fill the emptiness and draw me into a deeper relationship. With all that being said I would share this with her so we can read it together and lean on one another as learn how to be embraced by the father. This southern gal loves to drink some Starbucks cafe au lait, nibble on Dove dark chocolate with almonds and read a good book. [email protected]

  11. I would like to win this because it sounds like an amazing devotional book and also a life experience about a woman who rose above hurt and pain to help others. I would give the extra copy to my neighbor

    dreamzz12{at}aol{dto}com

  13. "My book describes how God released me from hurtful memories and then, used those experiences for ministering to others." This really speaks to my heart. I know we all have many hurts of our own, and some can differ greatly, but one thing we all have in common, in Christ, is the love the Father has for us… learning to tap into that love and walking in it, that's the hard part. I'd love to read how God revealed His love through this book.

  16. After I read one of the copies, I would probably give them BOTH away to women I know who are stuggling right now to understand who they are in Christ. My heart aches for them….
    Thank you for your heart that you share with us here on your blog.
    God bless you and your new creation—can't wait to read it, too!

  17. Renee, I was popping by to just say "hi!"

    Now I'm saying "WAY TO GO" on your book and "Yippee! A give-away!" You know how all of us girls are about winning something!! 🙂

    I love you, Renee!

    See you soon,
    Tammy 🙂

  18. Congrats on wrapping up your writing! YEAH!!! 🙂

    I would love to win a copy of this book as I've heard great reviews of it! I would give a copy to my mother-in-law…I think she would love it, too!

    Prayers and blessings as you enter the last part of this journey, Renee!

    Rebecca

  19. I would love to read this book to further understand the meaning of the names of God. I would share the other copy with my best friend.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Praying for you, Renee, to finish the journing you are on!

  20. I love reading Christian books for women written by Christian women. Our needs are the same so they come from the same perspective. I love finding out that I'm not going through this alone. There are other women who struggle with the same problems. If I were to win these books, I would share the second one with my daughter who struggles with daily life raising 4 daughters, homeschooling, working at odd jobs for extra cash for the family. I would hope that she could draw some peace from learning the names of Jesus and their meanings. Thank you for the opportunity.

  22. I would love to read this book. I have always wanted to do a study on the names of God. If I win I will give the 2nd copy to my Husband's Aunt who was a Dancer with a Dance Company many years ago.

  23. I would love to win it as I am a Life Purpose Coach and always looking for books that will encourage others ont heir journey.
    If I won I would give the other copy to a woman in my Bible Study who is struggling with some issues from her past.

  24. What a neat and beautiful book! I would love to meet Susanne's heart!! I've always wanted to be a wonderful dancer… I was slightly average growing up 😉

    I would give the extra copy to my dancer friend who is in Holland with YWAM and King's Kids helping to start a Christian dance company to share Christ through the art of dance.

    I love you Renee and I think if you listen hard enough you will hear me sending you a Texas-sized cheer all the way from here!! I will pray all the more until you cross this finish line sweet friend. xoxo

    [email protected]

  25. I would love to read this book. I am so fascinated about learning all the different names for God. I will be praying for you Renee. What a journey you and God have traveled.

    blessings

  26. I would love this book because I'm on a journey to redemption from the past and seeking to become confident in the Lord's love for me. I would love to learn more about how to heal from hurtful memories, find a deeper sense of security in God's love for me, and come to a better knowledge of how He sees me.

    I would give a copy away to my sister. I know it would minister to her in a special way as well.

    [email protected]

  27. I would love to pass this book on to my oldest daughter, Bre, after reading it. She is 12 and as a single mom of 3, reinforcing to the girls' that their Heavenly Father is even MORE than what their earthly father could ever be, and sharing His unconditional love with them, is my heart's desire.

  28. I would LOVE to read this book! I would give the other copy to my Sister. She is going through A LOT right now. Thank you so much. May our Awesome God bless you in all you do.

  29. I'm 57 years old, and still struggling with attitudes toward myself that are the result of things my father said to me. Independently, without my family even present, I answered an altar call and gave my life to Christ at the age of 7. Wow! I've been walking with Him for 50 years! Yet I still need to know Him from the perspective of Suzanne's book. The second copy would go to my best friend who came from a dysfunctional home, and who is raising her husband's great granddaughter (whom she loves greatly). It would be wonderful for her to be able to raise this little girl with an understanding of who her Father is! [email protected]

  30. I would love to read this book…I am a "seasoned" pastor's wife of 36 yrs…..have always wanted to do a study on God's name….I would give the other copy to my daughter who is also married in ministry.

    Dy
    timzladee@carolina(dot)rr(dot)com

  31. Thank you for this opportunity. I would love to read this book,and to have a copy for a friend of mine, who seems to have a warped view of who God is. She, like I, came from a Legalistic Christian background, you know, the one where God is waiting with a big stick, to smite anyone who makes a mistake!

    I have another dear friend, who has so beautifully illustrated to me God's love and grace over the last year. It reminds me of the verse, "Behold what manner of love the father has LAVISHED upon us…"

    He doesn't just put up with us, or wait to yell at us. He lavishes his love on us! He LOVES US!!!!!!!!!

    Thank you.
    Rhea
    [email protected]

  32. I would love to be entered in the contest. Hospice was called today as my Mother is failing fast. I have sisters that are not close to God and the pain seems to me more severe. I love my mother and will miss her dearly, but I know she is going to a better life.

    I would give both copies away to my sisters and then read one of their copies after they have read it. Sounds like a wonderful book.

    Love to you Renee and so happy to hear the progress of your book. Can't wait!

  33. What a beautiful metaphor…reminds me how we sometimes have to dance in the rain in our lifetimes because the rain sure does fall. I would love to win this book because it is pouring in my life, and I could use a loving reminder of His plan and love for me. I appreciate the opportunity!

    Kris
    [email protected]

  35. I grew up with an abusive father and after becoming a Christian I couldn't hear God referred to as my Father without literally feeling sick to my stomach. God graciously healed me from that reaction, but I still struggle with knowing that God wants good things for me and not just punishment and judgement. I would give the free copy to my best friend, we've known each other we were in elementary school together! Her father is and has been verbally abusive to her, so we've shared a lot over the years. I would love to share this book with her. Thank you

  36. I would love to do more studying on the names of God….I want to be able to praise Him much better than I do now. I would share the other book with my daughter in law and her oldest daughter….the young girl does NOT have a good role model in her earthly father. There is something really hard going on right now and this could bring healing and faith in God. thanks for this…my email is dlowran1(at)comcast(dot)net

  37. I would love to grow deeper in God by knowing more. This study sounds very interesting. I love the metaphor of dance. If I were to win, I would share the second copy with my mother who struggles with her past, her relationships with her sister and others. Not to mention, it would give us the perfect reason to call each other everyday (we do mostly anyway, though) and to grow in Christ together.

    Lorrie [email protected]

  38. I have a daughter that is going thru some hard things like a husband that left her and do not want to help her, an eviction, trying to stay close to God in times like this and with a divorce around the corner…this is my reason to have this book. Plus I would love to read it myself…thank you and many blessings to you!!!

  39. Going through Susanne Scheppmann's book "Birds In My Mustard Tree" with the ladies group at my church this summer. We are loving it! I am looking forward to checking this book out as well. I am still amazed sometimes at how God is able to take some of our deepest struggles and use them to deepen our faith and help us to come along side others who are struggling.

  41. I would love to read your book. If I were to win the free books, I would give the other one to my best friend who never knew her earthly father. He never wanted to be a part of her life and she has always struggled with that. I think she would love your book as well.
    Carolyn
    [email protected]

  42. I, too, came from a dysfunctional family. This sounds like an uplifting and redemptive book. Please enter me. I'm open to any Christian way of getting set free. Thank you for sharing and your generosity. I have a friend that would get the second copy.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

  44. I would love to win this book and would give a copy to my friend who is struggling right now.

  45. I would love to read this book, and the extra copy would definitely go to my mother who I think could really benefit from it right now.

  46. Letting go of the past, feeling secure in the future, what a struggle and I need all the help I can get! My oldest daughter just moved home while she completes grad school. I would give the extra to her and we would read and study it together. We have done this with other books and it helps us grow together in a whole new way.
    Margaret

  47. I have been seeking Him to know Him more, not the way my earthly father has been. To not view Him as my earthly father is.
    I have a friend who does not have great realtionship with her dad either. So I would give it to her.

  48. I would love to read this book, because I LOVE studying the names of God and am fascinated by the various attributes of God visible by His various names. If the winner, a very close friend would be given the 2nd copy! Be most blessed!

  49. I would love to read this book as I am working on learning as much as I can about God, His plans for me and desire a very close relationship with Him. I was fortunate to have a dad who was not perfect but loved his family very much. We lost him in January of 2009 followed by my maternal grandparents within two weeks of each other this past February. My mom is having a terrible time coping and she would be the one I would give my second copy to should I win. Thank you & many blessings to you!

  50. I would very much like to read this book (winning it would be icing) because I am working to know what this feels like …

    "My book describes how God released me from hurtful memories and then, used those experiences for ministering to others."