As I think about the perfect gifts to give my kids, my husband and my mom this Christmas, I’ve decided that more than anything, what they want is more of “me.” More of my time, my attention to really listen and be together for no purpose but just that!
God’s been whispering to my heart about loving well, living deeply, enjoying the gifts of those I love most! He’s been reminding me through His Word, through messages and music that when I look back on my life, it won’t really matter who I knew, what I have or what I did, what will matter most is how I lived!! That brings me to my next thought…
Cool Christmas Give Aways
– TWO DRAWINGS!!!
It’s time for my Cool Christmas Give-Away and we extended it since the response has been so amazing!! I just couldn’t only choose one. I have loved reading everyone’s comments and stories, and hope you’ll leave one, too!
About my gift: Have you heard Point of Grace’s newest song, “How You Live”? It’s my favorite!! When it comes on, I turn up the music and sing with all of my heart. It embarrases my kids but, oh well.
Last month I had the incredible blessing of getting to know three of the members of Point of Grace on the Girl’s Get-Away Cruise. I told them about how we do give-aways on our blogs, so they gave me a signed copy of their photo and their newest CD – “How You Live” to give away!!! Here’s the music video they did with their kids. (click on the arrow to watch) You might want to get some tissue or get ready to sing – either way, turn up the music and listen closely – it just might change how you live!!
There’s more….
My Cool Christmas Give-Away includes the Point of Grace CD, an autographed photo, a 2 session DVD from my “Living and Leaving a Legacy” women’s conference and a copy of God’s Purpose for Every Woman with devotions for everyday to help you really live! And I am giving away Two Gift Paks now!!
To enter the drawings, click on the word “comments” below and tell me how this song touches your heart and why’d you’d like to win. You can also post on Lysa TerKeurst’s blog (for double entries). We’re now doing the drawing Thursday morning, and we’ll both announce the winner on our blogs.
Remember this Christmas and all throughout next year, it’s not what you give…it’s how you live!!!
What a blessing that song is for me today. I have been a stay at home mom for the last two and a half years & loved it, but often times I simply take things for granted. The Lord has really blessed me with two healthy kids & an amazing, Godly husband. I can find myself letting days pass without being ‘truly greatful’ & not stopping to truly thank the Lord for all he has given me. Well, this song really touched me this morning in a way that I could not have expected. I am going to work today for the first time & am really torn in knowing if this is the right thing for me to be doing. As I listened to this song, I realized that life is about what I do from day to day with my time & with my life and how it can glorify God. Living as an example for my kids isn’t easy, but it is commanded in scripture. What a blessing this song was for me today and confirmed that it is how I live that will impact my children & others, especially in showing them the love of Jesus Christ.
Thanks so much for sharing this song and your entry today. The Lord really used you today to touch my heart…thank you for letting Him do that through you and your blog!
What a Great God we serve!
I too love the song How we Live! I feel it is important to “go to the ballgames and go to the ballet… go see your folks more than the holidays! Kiss all your children, dance with your wife tell your husband you love him every night!” That song is PERFECT! Family is important! God has given us these gifts! We should cherish them!
What a beautiful song – my first time hearing it. What touched me is the thought of doing what I really want – Christ-centered, of course – right now. And isn’t it funny how we can’t even remember what we got for Christmas a year ago, yet the gifts seem so important at the time and we put so much thought into what we give others. All for nothing. It’s not what we get, what we give, what we have, but how we live.
Oh my..I just went over to your blog, I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, but you look similar to Beth Moore. Anyway..yes, our family needs more of us..how many times my kids have said “play w/ me” and I don’t drop what I am doing to do that. Its a lesson to be learned often. Now I am going to try to watch the video clip on your blog (try, as in, I have DIAL UP)Alyce
Enough to go around…that is tough for me to manage on a day-to-day basis. Little reminders like the ones provided by your ministry help me to focus on making time for GOD, my husband and my children. Thank you!
Great song with a great message! Thank you for sharing your love of life with us!
I loved the song and the children featured in the video. Children are so full of love and laughter. Oh if we just mirrored the little children’s delight in everyday experiences. In this hustle bustle time of year, women need to look at the smiles on their children and learn every day is a gift from our Lord and Savior!
As the mother of 2 teenage boys, we have plenty of hormones raging in our home. Each day some sort of conflict arises-something very minor that typically escalates-homework, schedules, hair styles…it is the time when I overhear our 2 boys apologize to one another, share a kindness or pray unprompted that I reflect on this song & the opportunity we have each day to put aside our own agendas & focus on others. Giving our best to Him through others each day.
Oh my goodness, I can’t help but cry when I hear that song. Isn’t it so true?? In order for my husband and I to understand the importance of that and for God to get our attention, we had to divorce. It is only through the divorce and God’s grace that we were able to reconcile, move from our world based lifestyle to a much simpler God focused life. We moved from CT to NC, married again and keep God, each other and our son at the center of our lives. Everything else comes after that…God led us to a house that we are restoring as we continue to restore our family. God is so good!! joshua2415sj3.blogspot.com
In His Grip,
Sherry
I love this song because it reminds me that it doesn’t matter what I say to my kids, it matters what I show them. If I say to honor God with everything that you do, but then I say a not-so-pretty word when I hit my toe, or get angry when I get cut off in traffic, or yell when my son is not obeying, then I am really not showing him much to be proud of in his mom. I know in my heart that God wants to help me, but I struggle with KNOWING that in my head. How wonderful it must feel to truly give “it” over to him, whatever “it” is.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful song. The words really hit home with me. We know how to live well (at least we’re striving to learn, right?) yet it’s so hard in our human weakness. I am reminded of this every time that I lose my temper with my three small boys (5, 3, 1). It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle surrounding this season but today I resolve anew to slow down, turn up the music, and try to see the world through the eyes of my children.
Your words continually encourage me. I love Point of Grace and am so glad you posted that video. In the constant rush of life these days I have to continually remind myself to be thankful for this season in my life. I realize that this moment can never be re-lived again. Proverbs 31 gives me the encouragement I so often need to walk closer to our God!
I lost my mother a year ago to a massive heart attack. This song reinforces everything I learned from losing her. Life is short (a vapor) and we need to LIVE it without regret or fear. Leaving behind a legacy for our children of freedom and hope.
Hi,
This song has a powerful message. Each day is so precious and we need to cherish each moment of it, and not worry about tomorrow. I think this song also says to me that we all need to spend good quality time with those we love and teach our children and grandchildren to love by example of “How You Live”.
Thank you for sharing the song on your blog. It is beautifully sung and written. I’m going to turn up the music and sing loud.
God is so good..And he wants us to take every opportunity to share our love and be happy and give a beautiful smile to those we meet..
God Bless
Christ love should shine through us. We should show our love for our family everyday. I learned this the hard way when a few years back I visited my brother and felt the need to tell him I loved him. I qinched the Spirit and did not tell him and about one hour later he shot himself. So I spend time talking to others telling them to say I love you. and that is why Point of Grace when they sing this song touches my heart.
As the mother of 2 teenage boys, we have plenty of hormones raging in our home. Each day some sort of conflict arises-something very minor that typically escalates-homework, schedules, hair styles…it is the time when I overhear our 2 boys apologize to one another, share a kindness or pray unprompted that I reflect on this song & the opportunity we have each day to put aside our own agendas & focus on others. Giving our best to Him through others each day.
Wow!! I just listened to the Point of Grace song and I love it. I, too, crank it up in my car. This song is so contrary to what the world would like us to be. In the world it IS about who you know and what you do. What a peace we have as Christians to know that the ONLY person worth knowing is Jesus Christ and it is because of Him that we live and have life eternal. That is our legacy and living it is what we should be about. Ahhh-there’s the rub. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the “world” that I have to STOP it all and sit down w/the Savior!!!
I would like to win this prize because it would help me to do just that. Sit w/the Savior w/the daily devotional book. What a treat!!! Rachel’s conference DVD would be a wonderful additon to my Christian women’s library. Hooray!! Women Rule (just kidding!). And lastly, the Point of Grace CD would be icing on the prize. 🙂 I could turn up the volume anywhere and everywhere. Yikes that just might not be a good idea. Hee!!
Thanks you two for living a legacy and enouraging me EVERY day w/your web site and your “real” devotionals.
Keep up the Godly work,
Pam Stewart
Tomball, TX
Renee,
I just found your site…wonderful! Thank you for sharing this amazing song! I’m so turning up the volume now!
My dear friend just lost her husband and they are/were both 40 years old!!!! She tells me that she wishes she had spent more time w/him. Choosing to just “be” w/him rather than going out w/her sister, etc. Hindsight is 20/20 but her reflections have really helped me to enjoy every moment!
This song has blessed me and challenged me since I first heard it when it came out. I have lost some dear friends and relatives this year, and I am watching a friend fight moment by moment for her life as she battles cancer at the age of 32. It makes me think about how short life truly is and how we need to live it to the fullest!
I have been a Point of Grace fan since the beginning and am touched by so many of their songs.
This song is so beautiful. I have sent it out to so many of my friends.
I wanted it to touch their hearts as it did mine. We all have a story to tell and it’s so hard to leave the past behind and let the joy and beauty of today consume us. But as this song says, we must let go and turn the music up loud and live now! I am so blessed with a Godly husband and wonderful children. We have all come a long way. Thanks be to God that I am cleansed and renewed from where I’ve been. This is my favorite song now and it speaks directly to my heart. I should have grabbed the tissues like you suggested in the beginning. 🙂
Amen Sista!!! I was just thinking about this, today, as I walked, barefoot toward the parking garage of the Houston Galleria Mall. I was tired and my feet had blisters in places I didn’t even know they could have blisters!! I was trying to remain positve and thinking all the while that I was determined to make this year a year of living in the moment and looking forward to being w/family and the “gift” each individual brings to this unit rather than the “gift” that the media andt he world tell me I should want!!! I want to laugh as my father-in-law asks me, for over 15 years now if I like eggs and the family gives a resounding “NO!” in my honor. I want to cry w/my husband when he reads the Christmas card I give to him and to be thankful that God brought me a man after His own heart. I want to “live in the moment” as Oprah encourages BUT I want it to be a God moment. I want to look for Him in all that life has to offer. I’m off to soak my tired feet and I’m going to listen for God as I meditate on the blessings of my day-yes even those blessings at the Galleria (a parking space that was front and center!!!). Do you hear him too? Listen carefully for HE speaks above the hustle and bustle of our world and His message is the only one that matters.
Blessings,
Pam
Hi Rene,
I was a first-time attender to the P31 conference this past year and signed up for the daily devotional there. I have so enjoyed the daily encouragement from all you ladies. I also have to tell you that I am very excited because you are coming to speak at my church’s womens’ retreat in February. I have already been praying for you.
I do love that song that you posted on your blog. I always crank it up when it comes on the radio – partly because I love it and partly to mask my singing voice! I am always especially touched by the line that says ‘have what you want, but want what you have.’ As I have grown to love Jesus more, He has really given me a contented heart – a heart that is filled with joy and peace and gratitude. I’ve been doing a Bible study on James and am reminded there also that God uses our trials in life to grow us up spiritually, but we have to cooperate, we have to ‘want it.’ It’s not like making a Christmas list of what we want and presenting it to God. He has a list and invites us to come, sit on his lap on the throne and walk through it with him. I would not have placed every item on my list that God has placed there, but he promises to use all of it to my benefit and to his glory. Because I love him and trust him, I ‘have what I want and I want what I have.’
Blessings,
Chris
I am sooo in love with this song !! I have been struggling lately with changes in family traditions ( grandparents away from my children ( and ME!) for Christmas….) and just little things that have really got my spirit down, but this song lifts me up -I turn up the music and let it all go away and really in the end my focus is on my 4 lovies ( ages 9-1) and letting God’s word fill me up and remind me of the REAL reason for Christmas- His Son that died for me…. Thank you for your blog and have a wonderful day ( well night it is 10pm so I better head on to bed LOL!!) Love
Kate
I have been hearing this song on KLOVE and turn it up every time.
I was a single Mom while my children were growing up, so I feel like I missed out on alot with them. Now, I have 7 grandchildren. I plan to spend every possible moment with them. I want them to love the Lord, enjoy the world He has given us.
I have had Christmas china for years and used it maybe once a year. Today I got it out for me to enjoy every day until I decide to put it up.
The family decided to downsize gift giving this year and just spend time together. I am looking forward to Christmas more than ever.
Then I am going back to the Mississippi coast to do relief work for a week at the end of the year. Spending New Years doing something for someone else sounds like the perfect beginning to 2008 I look forward to the email that delivers my devotional each day. Thank you so much for the encouragement.
Thanks for sharing the video! I love the words.
Thank you for having this video on your blog. I hear this song on the radio all the time but had never seen the video. (We are so blessed to have a local Christian radio station) Anyway, this song reminds me how important it is to keep this earthly life in perspective. We can get so caught up in our careers and the things of this world that we miss out on the little things such as a walk on the beach or just sitting down with a good book and a cup of coffee. This song is about leaving a legacy of loving Jesus and loving others as Jesus would love them.
Thanks for just being there everyday for me to read! You are my morning devotions. I feel so encouraged each day and look forward to how you use your everyday life to illustrate a great point from the bible. Looking forward to hearing the song, havn’t heard it yet but I will look for it today!
“You must believe…to receive”!!!
Prayer Warrior
Thank You for sharing on your blog.
Living life to the fullest, Praise God.
Debra
Awesome song. I LOVE it and would so appreciate winning this prize pack. I actively leave a legacy through scrapbooking however this song is a great reminder that we need to LIVE our lives not just preserve the memories all the while keeping our sites on Him. Thank you for the inspiration!
Renee,
I think the words of the song that I want to work on are: “Give to the needy and pray for the grieving.”
I want to enjoy your beautiful gifts with my sisters and friends. I want to listen to the CD and let it minister to me, then give it away to minister to someone I love. The same with the DVD and the devotional. I like that they’re all reusable, to be listened to, and read over and over again and blessed by them.
Merry Christmas, Kathy
I just love the song and this is my first time on your site….not my last. I’m Canadian and I’d love to know if I can get this CD in Canada. It has touched my heart and since I just found out this week that I have a heart condition (nothing major, God is so good) I would like to hear more of their music. Thank you
I’m a Mom of four so I have little time to give to anyone and find it hard to find the time I need to give to God as well so I am so happy to see the devotionals I get from you. When I get the chance to get on the computer. Thanks. Loved the video too!
This song has blessed me and challenged me since I first heard it when it came out. I have lost some dear friends and relatives this year, and I am watching a friend fight moment by moment for her life as she battles cancer at the age of 32. It makes me think about how short life truly is and how we need to live it to the fullest!
I have been a Point of Grace fan since the beginning and am touched by so many of their songs.
Life is the time I spend with my son, every day, every simple little moment. Thanks for your continued inspiration.
The song just reminds me and confirms what God has been speaking to my heart lately. It isn’t about the perfectly clean house and every task completed. It is about loving my family, spending time with my friends. Enjoying the wonderful blessings of my children.
Debbie
I have not heard the song. I enjoy your blog, thanks for all of the encouragment.
Just viewed the blog for the first time and what encouragement. It is so appreciated to have others who seemed divinely inspired to write and sing just what is so essential! It is sometime misunderstood even in the family what we are trying to live. MANY THANKS FOR THE SONG and it beyond understanding how that song was meant for today for me ‘…how we live!’ God will grow for all involved and especially in me in that He loving orchestras life with supreme wisdom that He longs to impart. Thanks for the song and the blog to reassure that I am not alone and that God cares about every circumstance with love even when I am not aware of it so live joyfully and in His reassurance that He cares for those I love more then I can.
What an awesome song. Simple words to live by yet so difficult to carry out. Thanks for the reminders to “smell the flowers” because tomorrow they may be gone.
Our children are grown so quickly, we must enjoy them, love them, treasure them, guide them, appreciate them, respect them, everyday!!!
Renee,
My name is Connie and I just found my way back to God. I always believed in God, but was not living my life entirely according to the Bible. I have recently been born-again and have Jesus living in my heart again and it feels so good. Your song reminded me of when I was young and life was so much less complicated. Everyone needs to remember what Christmas is about, it isn’t the gifts we receive. it’s the glory we give to God. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas.
I just saw Point of Grace on their holiday tour. Awesome concert!!!
What a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
Today was the first time I had been on your site, out of the blue my mom sent me the link to read and I instantly feel in love with your blog. It’s kinda funny that this is my new favorite song as well. I heard it a couple weeks ago for the first time and I cant even explain how it made me feel. I am 23 years old and I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful little boys. Though my life seems perfect on the outside I have been battling bulimia for about 7 years. I recently have reached out for the help I need and this is has been extremely challenging for me. When I hear this song, I am reminded of what is truly important in this life, there is a phrase in the song “Dont run from the truth, cause you cant get away, Just face it and you’ll be ok” I repeat this when I feel weak. This song encourages me to make peace with myself and my past and grow with God, to turn up the music and appreciate the little things that are so amazing in my life. What a beautiful song to me remind me that there is hope in a greater God. Though my journey may be long, I will be OK!
I love you devotional. It makes you take time to think and meditate on what’s important.
Thanks for allowing God to use you in such a postive way
Thanks, Renee, for sharing. What a poignant reminder of what is important!
The song “Leaving a Legacy” has always reminded me of the special times we share with our family and the morals we want them to have if we happen to die. This song became very real to me this year because a friend of mine went to be with Jesus on Thanksgiving day. She was only 37 yrs. old and left her husband, and two girls. When I hear this song now, I think of Tanya and the legacy she left for her daughters. I pray that if God chooses to take me home someday, that I would leave a Godly legacy behind. I now cherish every special moment with my kids and don’t worry as much about the little things that don’t mean much.
Thanks for your encouraging devotionals that I receive every day. I look forward to reading them. Cheryl
I thoroughly enjoy the daily devotions from Proverbs 31 and frequently share with women at work. Many of them have spurred me to think about how I am living my daily life and what my life shows to others. I am striving to be a shining light in a dark world. The song from Point of Grace really sparks a lot of memories. I have three boys (each about 2 years apart)who are grown with children of their own. I look back, as the song says, and realize that my time spent with them was the greatest gift God could have ever given me. They are very special to me! We enjoyed going to church together, reading, coloring, projects, and Bible quizzing throughout the years. Christ-centered activities, I believe, made the difference in our relationships. They have turned out to be two ministers and one church deacon, and are raising their families for God. Who could ask for a greater reward — in spite of all my shortcomings. I would like to encourage young mothers to enjoy their time with their precious little ones. They are much more important than a spotless house, a new house or car, or whatever else we tend to put before them. Each moment is precious!!!!! I can now spend time playing with my grandchildren and hopefully show them how much Jesus loves them!! I want my life to portray my love of Jesus more than anything else.
Renee, it is alwyas a BLESSING to open up my email and read the Proverbs 31’s Words of the Day. Renee, it was a Blessing meeting you back in October 2005 when you attended my “Women’s Advance” in California” My churche is The Well, that is when I was first introduced to the Proverbs 31 Ministry. Our Women’s Minsitry has grown so much since then and I know you being there was a blessing. May the Lord continue to smile upon your ministry and your family. God Bless!
Sherae
Proverbs 31 Daily devotionals have been such an important part of my life the last couple of years. The Point of Grace song touches my heart especially these days. My eldest son died 1-1/2 years ago and that loss has been huge for me. Without God I don’t know what I would have done. This song is a great reminder that we have to live each day as though it were our last because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Hi, I have been enjoying the daily emails from Probverbs 31 since August. Always looking for ways to help my relationship with Jesus grow !! Jessica in Fl. I am VERY excited about the different blogs I will be visiting this Christmas Season email: [email protected]
This is my favorite song. Infact, I asked my daughter to get me the cd for Christmas. I played it on youtube and listened to the whole song with her. It is such a beautiful song. It touched my heart so deep and it brought me back to the way that I used to live before Christ came in to my life exactly 2 years ago this month. Things that used to be so important to me like keeping the house always in spotless condition, with six kids, so you can imagine the shape I was constantly in. Yes, AN INSANE WOMAN. I made everyone who came to visit us so uncomfortable and nervous. All the beautiful dishes and glasses belong in the china cabinet for show. Never leave the house without my hair and makeup all perfectly made. And the list goes on and on… From the outside, I look like a wife and mother that always have everything under control and well put together. Did God ever showed me who is really the BOSS that has control here. As I am still going through my lessons in life, which I have so much more to learn. And most importantly “how to live” with faith and hope and in order for those two to be effective, I must also have trust. Trust in the one and only, Jesus Christ.