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Renee Swope

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

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Extreme Encouragement

I believe that all of us need encouragement. I know I do. I am wondering today what is one area of your life where you need encouragement most? I have a reason for asking. First, I’d like to pray for you and at the end of this post, you can let me know how.

Second, I wanted to tell you about my sweet friend and P31 speaker LuAnn Prater and friends at Encouragement Cafe’ radio show who are hosting an event you don’t want to miss! Here is an invitation from them to you:

“Gather with us on January 29-30 in Greensboro, NC as we seek a new level of passionate pursuit of God and the encouragement of our sisters who are walking along the same path. We don’t just benefit from our relationships with other women, we need them.

Encouragement isn’t just a nice idea given in the Bible, it’s commanded; and it’s vital to both the encourager and the encouraged! It’s meant to be lived out in flesh and bone, and in spirit and truth; and we think it’s time we took it to the extreme! All three general sessions will include powerful prayer and worship, along with lots of laughter, fun, and some surprises!

Our speakers will share from the deep places in their hearts about Absolute Boundless Abandon. We will seek to make deep connections as we share our dreams, tell our stories, dry each other’s tears, and celebrate each others victories!”

This event is ONLY $119! And includes OVER-NIGHT STAY, ENTRANCE TO ALL CONFERENCE SESSIONS/ALL CONFERENCE MATERIAL, BREAKFAST & LUNCH ON SATURDAY!!! The bad news is…space is limited, so don’t wait, register today.

For more details on Encouragement Extrem, click here to watch a video invitation.

Okay, so what is one area of your life where you need encouragement most? Click on the word “comment” below and type in the white box. If you don’t have a blog, just click anonymous. Please share your first name, though, so I can pray for you personally.

It’s an honor to pray for you today!

Comments

  13. i was lucky enough to read one of your post and within a couple of months after that you came robinson and i got to meet you and you are the reason i found and read proverbs 31 every day when you speak or write i feel as if you are talking to me only. if you see this cause i'm actually a couple of days late please pray for me i feel so lonely and lost i just can't seem to connect with god i want to feel i'm worthy of him and all that you teach. i don't know who to trust i was going to church but i had to put my mom in a nursing home and sell her stuff. now i don't know how to go back.i'm sorry i've rambled any prayer will work. thank you for you time and praying for all these awesome people.

  14. Thank You so much for your open heart for prayer…. Please prayer for me in the area of parenting…. I have a 16 yr old son and a 7 yr old son…. My 16 yr old is wanting to be an adult and do things his way so bad and just not wanting to take responsibility for anything…. Please pray for my husband and I and for Cody. He is staying with my parents about half of the time, so please pray for them also….

    Thank You,
    Shari

    • during the bikini bylaw discussion the main reason people were outraged was that businesses affected by the bylaw were not involved in the discussion of its creation.that was a petty issue that affected the sale of magazines. this is a major issue that affects hundreds of owners and millions of dollars sucked right out of peoples pockets. red deer showed leadership that our city did not.

    • Monarch had a prologue once upon a time. Now it’s chapter 1. I usually can’t stand prologues. I have read very few that have truly impressed me or seemed critical. Then again, I don’t read a lot of epic fantasy. Great post!

    • Har funnet fram til noen ord i ditt bokstavbilde og har sendt deg en mail. Du tar flotte bilder og jeg er stadig innom for Ã¥ se etter nye!Mvh MaritHB

  15. My son Mathew is not walking with the Lord. He is 21 as of yesterday. Please pray for the prodigal to come home.
    Thank you Renee.

  16. Amen Renee. I am agreeing with you in prayer for Margaret's daughter. Beauty from the ashes of brokenness.

    And Chrissy I am praying for Dave's job and for God's continued provision for your family. Also for new doors to open so that you don't have to live month to month. I know God is using this to prove His faithfulness but I also know He's making a way in what feels like a desert. Blessings and hugs!

  17. Renee
    Would you mind praying for our financial situation.
    My husband does work but unfortunatly the pay is not enough to make ends meet and no one up here does part time in the area he works.And where he works does not give raises.
    We have many things that must be paid each month and never have enough for everything. Rent is the toughest.
    God is always faithful and meets each need every time.
    We believe God has us in this place to make us dependant on Him alone for our needs.
    Please pray that we will just continue to trust in Him and if its His will for Dave to get another job that doors will open.

    Thankyou:)

  18. Renee, I wasnt going to leave another comment but God is really speaking to my heart. I've been praying for each comment as I read them but there's one that pulled on my heart.
    Margaret, on Tuesday when I read your comment my heart hurt for you and all I could do was to stop and pray. I have not been able to get your daughter off my mind. In August 1989 I also overdosed on several pills because I was hurting. It was the first time I had done that but not my last. That first time did, however, get me into church. I would overdose on at least twenty pills at once and be too afraid to go to sleep. I was afraid I wouldn't wake up. I have also tried to cut myself. Thankfully my family never found out. Severl years later I realized that God had a reason for keeping me alive when I should have been dead. God had a purpose for my life. I'm praying that God will remove the anxiety your daughter is dealing with. I've been praying that as she gets the hehlp she needs Jesus will keep speaking to her. I'm praying that she'll realize that God has a purpose for her life and that's why she is still alive. Around six months ago my Spiritual mother said to me that everything that has happened to me in my life that Satan meant for evil God can use it for His good. I'm praying that for your daughter. I believe that God will bring her through this and she will be able to look back and see how God kept her. I believe that your daughter will use this time in her life as an encouragement and testimony to help someone else. Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy us but Jesus came that we would have life and life more abundantly.

  19. Christine, I pray today for God's calling and plans for your life.

    Lord, please be with Christine in a way that she feels your companionship as she stands at a crossroad in her life wondering which path to take. I pray that you would fill in the gaps cause by doubt with a confidence in who she is in Christ and the purpose you have for her. Move the roadblocks of insecurity that keep her from serving people and meeting their needs, which brings such joy to her heart. Give her clarity in a new job or in a ministry outside of her occupation. As she cries out for You to show her what to do and give her also the boldness to do it! Continue to give her the desire to bring You glory and find fulfillment in life by using her talents and gifts in little and big ways, each day as Your Spirit nudges her heart with assignments. IN Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

  20. Jennifer Renee,
    thank you so much for joining me in prayer for Patty. You have such a kind heart and are always so willing to give the gift of prayer. I treasure that about you, and I pray God's blessings on your life and your dreams today!

  21. Dear Anonymous at 9:25. I have also been praying for you!

    Lord thank You for Your servant who boldly represents Your name and Your heart in an office where there are no other Christians. Father you know how very hard it is and how burdensome the workload has become. The stress is too much and she needs YOUR wisdom and guidance to know how to manage expectations and balance. We pray that You would open a new door where she could work for other believers and use the gifts and talents You have given her to bless others and YOU! In Jesus Name, Amen.

  22. God, I pray right now for Mimi. Lord, she is struggling spiritually and financially and it's just too much for her heart to carry along. I pray that YOU would take her hand and lead her beyond the valley of "barely getting by" granting her guidance in every area of her life, her relationship, her future, her job, her calling. EVERYTHING. Show her YOUR ways O Lord so that she may walk in Your Truth. It is the desire of her heart to be in the center of Your will. Lead her there and give her peace and discernment to recognize Your answers as they come in the following days. In Jesus' Name, amen.

  23. Lord, thank you for Lisa and B who bless me with encouragement and prayers. I pray that YOU would surround them with evidence of YOUR glory and Your love. In Jesus Name. Amen!

  24. Lord I pray for Christy and her husband as they try to get pregnant. It's been such a long process with so many disappointments. I pray that You would make a way where there is no way and that You would grant them the gift of a child. I thank YOU that You know the plans YOU have for them, plans to prosper and not to harm. Plans to give them a future and a hope. I pray that their hopes and longings for a child would be fulfilled this year. In Jesus' Name, amen.

  25. Sweet Jesus, I come to You with Allison in my heart and I lift up this weary mom who is planting and sowing seeds of patience and love into the hearts of her 2 yr old and 4 yr old.

    Father, You know what it's like to hear Your children argue, whine and be selfish constantly. Thank you for understanding how hard it is for a mom who can't get away from all that sinful noise and bickering. She's in need of Your grace and Your rescue.

    Lord, please do not let her accept defeat and stay discouraged. Break through the clouds of inadequacy and doubt and shine the Light of YOUR TRUTH on her negative self talk. I pray that Allison would boldly preach Your Word to her heart and experience the power it has to break the chains of darkness. Break down walls of pride and give her a safe place to share this struggle with a trusted friend so that they might encourage one another and expose the enemy's schemes. We claim encouragement and hope for Allison and her whole family. In Jesus' Name, amen.

  26. Lord I come to You on Debbie's behalf, praying for her precious daughter, Ashley. Father, although she is handicapped, in Your eyes she is whole. Although she is battling seizures, in Your economy she is healed. You are doing a redeeming work in her life and we praise You in advance for the ways You are working "all things" together for good becasue this momma loves You and is called according to Your purposes.

    Jesus, You know the last few months have been especially hard for them to control Ashley's seizures. And You know that more than anything, Debbie longs for complete healing and no need for medications. So we boldly ask You for both. We will continue to praise You and trust in YOU with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways, we acknowledge YOU and trust that You will make this path straight. In Jesus' Name, amen.

  27. Margaret, I have been praying for your beautiful, sweet 15-year-old daughter.

    Lord, we thank you that Margaret sees the blessings of having a daughter does not do drugs, drink or smoke. She is diligent in school and thanks to YOU, she has never been a behavioral problem! We praise YOU for these gifts. But Lord you also know that she does struggle with anxiety and has recently needed medical help. Father, it is breaking her heart and Margaret's as well.

    You Father know what it's like to see Your child suffer and to hear their cries and have to turn away. Of God, please intervene and bring peace to her heart. Bring calm to her spirit and give her hope!!!

    As Margaret puts aside her protective, nurturing, mothering instincts we ask You to empower her to let YOU do all the work. And to trust You while she watches and waits. Lord, please remove this anxiety that has brought harm to her heart, and mind and her body. Restore her with the joy of her salvation and renew her with a steadfast spirit. Healer. Redeemer. Wonderful Counselor. Might God. We trust You in Jesus' Name, amend.

  28. Lord, I lift up Victoria. I pray that You would give her strength and healing today. As she cares for her baby, I ask that You would pull her close and give her the rest she needs – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Please bless her in ways that only You can. In Jesus Name, Amen.

  29. I am so struggling spiritually and financially right now. I just can't seem get past "barely getting by". And I really need guidance on whether the relationship I'm in is for me. I need to know that I'm dating the man God intended for me. I do not want to be outside of his will. This is really causing me great stress.

  31. I am still praying for each of you by name. I will be back to pray specifically for you here later today.

    I am heading out soon to take my mom to a Drs appt for her legs. We are seeing a Vasular/Thoracic (vein) specialist todar. She has edema in both, which is a swelling that is spongy and indicates she is holding water. That means her circulation is not working which indicates possible clotting somewhere.

    Praying for answers and solutions. Bless her heart she is starting to get really discouraged.

  32. Renee:

    Thank you for your gracious request to pray for me. I work in a law office where I am the only Christian. It is very hard and the work is extremely stressful. I am praying for God to move me into a different job, less stress and more of Him. Thank you Renee.

  33. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for almost two years and have not been successful.
    Christy

  34. praying that God fills you, Renee with encouragement with every single responsibility you're facing right now with ministry, your mom's health and a new baby!!
    Aster sure is a cutie!!

  37. Renee, I feel quite silly asking for prayer after reading the other prayer requests. So many needs to be praying for. Your blog is quite encouraging and often just what I need.
    I am a SAHM as well with a 2 yr old and 4 yr old. They argue, whine, can't share, etc constantly. I do not do much outside of the home so it is day in and day out of this constant bickering. I have accepted defeat and feel the cloud of depression hovering. The feelings of inadequacy are great and the negative self talk is winning. I am trying to pray my way out of this. Pride and insecurity are holding me hostage. I haven't been able to reach out to other girlfriends for fear of what they will think.
    I greatly appreciate your prayers and I will continue to pray for you and your family.

  38. Please pray for my daughter, Ashley. She is handicapped and the last few months we are having trouble controlling her seizures. I would love it if the Lord would heal her completely and that there wouldn't be a need for medication anymore. I will continue to ask and to trust in Him. Thanks for praying!!!
    Debbie

  39. I have a beautiful, sweet 15-year-old daughter. She is a blessing, does not do drugs, drink or smoke. She doesn't ditch school and has never been a behavioral problem, but….
    After 2 short stays in a psychiatric hospital in October, she cut herself up and tried to OD on her anti-anxiety medication over New Years weekend. She is now staying at a residential care facility for the next 3 to 6 weeks or more.
    I'm having to put aside my natural protective, mothering instincts and let God do all the work. It broke my heart last night as she cried and begged me to take her home on the phone and I had to tell her no. She thinks we're punishing her.
    Margaret

  40. Renee, first, I just read your post about Aster's birthday. Those pictures of you and her with the bow had me laughing out loud. I recognize the look of determination from my almost-nine month old son–a battle of wills. And a belated birthday to Aster; my birthday is on Dec. 2nd, and I know that's how the Lord will remind me to pray for her for years to come. I would appreciate your prayers for me as a mom. I have been sick and it has been stressful trying to nurse my baby and get him to take naps and on and on. I am truly blessed by your blog. God bless!

  41. I'm 30, single and feel I'm on the cusp of something in my life… I haven't been able to find a type of occupation that fits for me. I deal with self-doubt quite frequently and that has put road blocks in my path for advancing to this or that way. In the heart of everything the essence of what brings me joy is serving people and meeting their needs. I wish I could pin point what that occupation would be….

    Please pray that God would show me what to do and that I would do what He says without hesitation. I just want to give God the glory in my life and use the talents and gifts God gave me for His glory but I haven't been able to figure out what that looks like… and because of that I feel unfulfilled…
    Thank you.

  42. Lord, I thank you for Chrissy. I am so thankful that You knew her needs before she wrote them. That you are right there with her whispering words of encoruagement to her heart – I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. Draw near to me and I will draw near to you. Well done, good and faithful servant…"

    Lord, I pray that you would break through the cloud of defeat and discouragement that is hovering over her today. I know that feeling and the shadow of doubt it creates. I pray that you would remind her of the eternal impact she is making as a mom of little ones. I pray that she would know "SHE MATTTERS" and that the investment of her presence, her love, her attention, her smile and her tender care are making a difference. Lord, please bring encouragement to her today through the form of a song, a friend, her husband or even one of her little ones. We know You can. We know You want to. And we thank You in advance that you are! We love you in Jesus Name, amen.

  43. I wish it was just one area….
    but I think the one area I struggle with is as a SAHM of 3 under 6, one being special needs it can be lonely and difficult. I find my self in places of depression from time to time where its difficult to want to do anything. Presently I just feel a cloud hovering….
    Also my husband struggles with diabetes which causes issues in various areas.
    I could go on but not sure how much to ask for prayer for…

    Thankyou so much Renee!!!
    You are a true blessing

  44. Oh sweet Jesus, I pray that Jekka would be set free from her fears.I pray that in sweet surrender she would stand before you and open her hands to signify her trust in You – with her life, her plans, her dreams, and esp with her finances. She is weary and tired from trying to do it herself. Her heart has been broken by the pain of separation and You understand why it's hard to trust You to work out all things. But Lord, we thank you that YOU are able – and I our lack of trust doesn't hinder your ability to provide. I pray especially financially that You would reveal yourself to her has Johovan Jireh, the Lord who Provides.

    In Jesus Name, Amen.

  45. Danielle, I am praying for you as you step out into the place you now God is calling you.

    Jesus, although Danielle feels inadequate, You are her adequacy. Her Supply. Her portion of giftedness and resources. Yes, Lord, You are calling her to step out in faith and trust You, and You will supply what she needs to accomplish YOUR purposes. I pray that Danielle would surrender her fears, hopes, and doubts and stand in the shadow of the almighty and receive YOUR power and anointing to do the works you prepared in advance when she was created in Christ Jesus. In His powerful Name we pray! Amen.

    Thank HIM for you!
    Renee

  46. Patty,I'm also praying that God will bless you with a job that He wants you to have. I am also praying that God will remove any sickness from your body.
    Father, I ask you to bless Patty with the job that u want her to have. Lead her and guide her to that job. Give her peace that passes all understanding and pour out blessings on her that she will not have room to receive them all. Touch her body.If there is any sickness at this time I ask you to remove it. In Jesus' name.

  47. To trust him with my finances instead of trying to do it myself. After being seperated for almost a year now, I am still finding it hard to trust Him that He will make it work financially.

  48. Stepping out into the place I know God is calling me. I feel truly inadiquate to do this, but I know that if God is calling, that He will supply me what I need to accomplish anything. I need prayer that I will let go of Danielle and allow God to rule and reign.

    This conference sounds amazing, Renee… wish I could go! I'll be praying for all the women who do though!

  49. Oh Patty, I am so sorry you lost your job and have not found one. It must be so hard to have been looking and wanting, waiting and praying for this long. I am praying for your right now.

    Father, please direct Patty's steps and light her path as she seeks the job you have for her. Bless each place she steps in with your favor and direction. Please open the door for her to find a new job where you can use her to be a blessing to those who need to know Jesus.

    It's in His Name we pray, amen.

  50. finding a job. I have looked for a job for almost a year now after getting fired from the one I had because I had been too sick to learn my job description.