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Renee Swope

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

A Few of My Favorite Things Give-Away

Today is my birthday, and I have so much to celebrate!!!!

But I have had the hardest time figuring out how I’d like to spend this special day. For some reason, I don’t want to be pampered. I know, call me crazy. I’m sure it’s only temporary.

My family and co-workers can’t figure me out. They know I usually love the excuse to celebrate and enjoy a few of my favorite things like a manicure/pedicure, lunch with friends and a fun movie, maybe a little shopping and dinner out with my family.

This year I just want a simple day with Jesus. I’ll probably watch my next Beth Moore video download in her Esther series (that’s what I’ve been studying these days), and do some writing in my favorite spot. I’ll read and journal while I sip on my favorite coffee drink – sugar free vanilla iced coffee from McDonalds. I’ll end the day with dinner at home with my kids, JJ and mom (she’s doing the cooking). Sounds pretty wonderful to me!

I was telling JJ last night that I think I’m feeling the way I am because I have been surrounded by so much love, friendship, encouragement and prayers these past few weeks that I am all filled up!!! And I thank many of you for that!

So, instead of getting a few of my favorite things, I am going to give them away!!! You could be part of the celebration by sharing with me how you’d like to spend your birthday and….

YOU COULD WIN one of “My Favorite Things”

  • Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
  • $5 Gift card from McDonald’s
  • A manicure or pedicure gift certificate (worth $25) from a salon/spa in your area.

Please click on the word “comments” below and tell us how you like to spend your birthday. Be sure to leave your first name and your email so I can get in touch with you! I’ll be announcing the winner on Monday!

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Comments

  1. Happy Birthday, Renee! I hope you are having a fabulous day! I like to take the day off work for my birthday and pretty much do nothing. Last year my husband took off with me and we just spent the day hanging out together. Perfect! Then we had a quite dinner with friends.
    [email protected]

  2. Happy Birthday Sweet Friend,

    I thought for sure you'd be off on a romantic lunch/shopping getaway with JJ. I'm sure you're having a wonderful time with Jesus and Beth Moore instead 🙂

    Love ya much,
    Leah

  3. You know, this past December I spent my birthday just doing normal things that would probably seem a bit boring to most. I did cancel a few appointments so I could enjoy the details of the day. I realized that the simple acts of caring for my little girl, doing my normal farm and house work and then going to church for choir practice and coming home to my loving family was what I was all about. Those "little" things are what makes me… me. They are representative of what I've accomplished over the last 34 years and I cherish them greatly. As you said, Renee, I was filled! I didn't need the pampering. I look forward to spending my next birthday the very same way.

    AnnaMc
    [email protected]
    http://annamccracken.blogspot.com/

  4. Happy Birthday Renee
    I love to spend my birthday with my friends and family.
    With Love & blessings,
    Renea H
    Candler,nc

  5. Happy Birthday Renee.
    May the Spirit of the Lord always go before you and lead you to your heart's desires. May the joy of the Lord be the song of your days and the peace of the Lord be the gift to your soul. May the love of the Lord touch everything you do and remind you you're forever blessed.
    Usually I go out to dinner with my dad and maybe one of my sisters. Sometimes my other sister will take me out to lunch. Although,these times are special my famly has never given me any type of a party in my adult years like they have done for my sisters. This year I decided that it was time to do something different. I decided that I want to visit my Spiritual mother for the week of my birthday. I have a June birthday and I'm looking forward to the fun.
    [email protected]

  7. First of all, Happy Birthday Renee!!! It's so funny to see you doing a "My Favorite Things" giveaway on your birthday, because that is exactly what I've been planning to do on mine – next week!

    That said, I'd love to spend my birthday with…
    (1) a day off from work
    (2) a day of reading, writing, listening to my favorite Christian music
    (3) bubblebath
    (4) getting my hair done
    (5) extended quiet time with Jesus

    [email protected]

  8. Happy Birthday, Renee! I always get so happy when I see you have a new post! I normally have a double birthday celebration…one going out for dinner with my two beautiful daughters and husband and then a second celebration with my sister and my two best friends (also sisters). We usually go to dinner and exchange gifts…but a spa date getting pampered with them sounds great!!

  9. Happy Birthday to you!!! I pray God richly blesses you with many many more.

    My family has never really made a big deal over birthdays but my perfect idea of a perfect bday is much like yours. I would love to just lounge around the house reading, writing and being quiet without anything being expected from me.

  10. Happy, Happy Birthday!!! I LOVE birthdays. They are a reason to celebrate, a reason to shower someone you love with unexpected suprizes, a reason to smile. I'm a March baby and an only child. I have requested a german chocolate cake this year.
    I don't like to be alone on my birthday but I also don't like a fuss. I just want the quiet companionship of those I love. My birthday falls in the middle of the week this year, so I will work during that day. I am thinking that a nice dinner out somewhere afterwards would be good and then a quiet evening at home.

  11. Happy Birthday Renee! Hope your day is wonderful!
    I love birthdays…my husband & I each have 3 younger siblings and since they were all still at home until a couple years ago, we would try to get home on a weekend near each birthday to celebrate. My birthday is the week before Thanksgiving and although I know we'll have pumpkin pie again in a couple days, one of my favorite things on my birthday is pumpkin pie. The best birthday I've celebrated so far was the year my husband & I were in South Padre with my family. We sat as a family on the beach, no one else was around and watched the sunrise.
    Our first baby is due at the end of February so I imagine my birthday celebrations will probably be different in the future…can't wait!
    Megan
    [email protected]

  12. Happy Bday, Renee!! I hope you enjoy your simple day that sounds like heaven. And I giggled when I heard your favorite drink is from McDonalds. Aren't you easy to please?! My birthday is in April and I think a quiet day with coffee and writing would be just about the best thing ever.

  13. Happy Birthday Renee! You are such an encouragement to so many women, and your birth is truly a reason to celebrate!

    I like to spend my birthday surrounded by the people I love: my family and friends. This year my husband and I are debating a trip to Notre Dame, IN to spend my birthday with my favorite football team: The Fighting Irish! Either way, just to be blessed with another day is wonderful:)

    Crystal
    [email protected]

  14. Happy Birthday Renee. I pray that the Lord blesses you in mighty ways today!!!
    My favorite way to spend my birthday is with my family. They pour out their love on me all day and make me feel special. Also, my friends are a huge part of making that day wonderful!
    Many blessings to you,
    Debbie
    (Thanks for praying for my daughter, Ashley. I read your prayer to her.)

  16. Well Happy Birthday to you!

    How would I spend my bday?

    Hmmmm. That's a good question. On my last bday, I was 9 months pregnant and couldn't really have fun with the whole thing. So this year…since my bday is in summer….I think I want to go for a long run, have a meal with my kids and husband…and then have some time alone – reading or something 🙂 Or…I'd love it if my Mama was in town and we could go shopping and such:)

    Enjoy your special day, girl!

    – Kate 🙂

  17. Happy Birthday Renee! My birthday is in the wonderful month of June. For several years now I have spent my birthday at home (my favorite place in the world). My husband Jim will grill and my children, Jim and I stay in the pool all day. That is absolutely my most favorite way to spend each birthday. May you with our Jesus enjoy your special day.

  18. Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Enjoy resting in Him alone! My birthday is in the fall so I love to go to the beach and take a long walk. And I love watching my kids play on the beach. There is something at the beach that always reminds me of His goodness and His power. I am in awe of all that He created for us!

    Blessings,
    Christine
    [email protected]

  19. Hope you have a Happy Birthday. The way I enjoy spending my b-day is with my family. I have 3 little boys and a wonderful husband. I am not one that likes a big party and lots of attention. My husband travels singing in churches, so if he can be home on my b-day that means more than anything. Thank you for sharing and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    Alaina
    [email protected]