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!!!
At Christmas time and all of the time, really, we all get so caught up in the gifts, social events and making the perfect atmosphere for our families. But how often do we stop, really stop and just focus on those around us and enjoy life? For me with a 3 and 1 year old little girls, I have to remember to do that everyday to enjoy the ‘real’moments in life. We are so busy being busy that we forget to that little voice that needs their mommy’s attention or hugs. That is so relevant when we think of God and how he is never too busy for us, He hears us everytime that we call him. We should replicate that action with our children. That is what the song said to me 🙂
I love this song. I love how it makes me sit and think about how I am living my life. I love spending time at home with my family. I just came from a job where I was working 50 to 60 hours to a new job where I am only working 40 so I can spend more time with my children. We love to turn up the music!!
Oh, Renee, thank you so much for posting the video of this song on the web site! I got chills watching it and hearing the lines, “It’s not who you knew; it’s not what you did. It’s how you live.” Those lines echo the spiritual struggle I have undergone in the last four years.
For nine years I taught high-school English, loving it and achieving many accolades. When my husband and I were expecting our first child, however, I knew that it was the right thing for our family for me to stay at home. I had no qualms about this change and was grateful for the opportunity to be at home. That is, I had no qualms until I underwent a major identity crisis. Who was I now that I was no longer a teacher? What was I worth without the awards and admiration? The first two years of the four years I’ve been a mom have been filled with my developing my identity as a child of God, rather than by achievements in men’s eyes. Now as my children are growing older, and I see their imitating my behavior, for good and and for bad, the last part of those lines have been my theme. How I live is such an influence to these little lives. I know that the only way that I can be a Christ-like example for them is by surrendering to the Holy Spirit day by day.
Thank you for this poignant reminder to live for Christ!
I recently found out that my husband has been lying to me about a particular issue throughout the duration of our marriage. Aside from this one point, he’s absolutely wonderful, but my trust has been shaken and as a mostly stay-at-home mom of two, I feel as if my little world has been rocked to the core. I’m trying hard to work through these issues and learn to forgive and trust again, but it’s not easy. Our future feels out of control, and every time I see him cuddle our infant son or make our toddler daughter laugh, I want to freeze that moment in time so that I have it with me always. I love this POG song because it’s such a great verbal reminder that God is in control of everything and that we should always savor those little moments – and that, in one way or another, He will always give those to us!
This song helps me to remember what is most important. In our crazy, busy world we must remember to make our families our top priority. The world will continue to demand more from each of us and it is up to us to decide what we do with the time that we are given. I am so thankful that God has gifted you with the ability to touch so many lives for His good.
That was by far one of the most beautiful and edifying songs I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. the lyrics were affirmations that in all we do in this life we should do it with Godliness! loving one another,being kind to one another,and always but always putting the needs of someone else before our very own!
I don’t think there is enough space to tell you how incredible this song is! It touches my heart in ways that are so amazing! (I, too, turn up the radio and sing out!!) The song reminds me to get out in the world and make a difference in how we live, by showing Jesus! I wish the “world” could hear and understand it!!
I really admire you and your other fellow Proverbs31 friends. It is an amazing thing you are all doing. Good luck in giving your family more of you. I am currently trying to get my family in a better financial place so that I can be at home and take care of my family. I hate missing out on the important moments of my new daughter’s life, but as a mom and wife I have to do what’s best for my family. Right now I have to help my husband provide for us and that is a wonderful job, too. I just can’t wait for that next part to come! Right now I will enjoy getting to be right where I am. And that is great. All that said, I too am trying to give my family more of me this Christmas!
How does the Point of Grace song touch my heart? The song has brought me out of the dumps many times. I have days that I feel sorry for myself because we moved this year to a new state away from friends and family. My husband has been out of work for several months and I hate the sacrifices that my kids are having to make because of finances. But when I hear this song, I am reminded that God is in control and I am to stop trying to fix the problem myself. Life is too short to focus on anything but God and sharing His love with our kids, husband, family and friends. God is in control and I have to remember to leave it with HIM. I want to thank you for your ministry. Your website and devotionals are very encouraging. Have a blessed Christmas. Thanks!!
How does the Point of Grace song touch my heart? It helps me to keep things in perspective. It has been a rough year for me and my family. My husband has been without work. We moved to a new state. We are having to make new friends and are away from family. I am drawn to put my focus on my relationship with God because without that life doesn’t seem to make sense. Point of Grace inspires my little girls very much. They love their songs. I am glad that you have this site and daily devotionals to encourage me and to keep me going. Thank you very much. I wish you a blessed Christmas.
Beautiful video & song. Thanks for sharing it on your blog. I forgot the tissue & almost had to use my sleeve! 😉
Blessings,
Lelia
I love this Point of Grace song. I think we all do the same thing – turn up the music & sing! Each time I hear the song, I think about ways in which I can appreciate my family and show them how precious they are…then I remember that this is what I thought about the last time I heard this song too…and how many times I failed to do that over the past day or two. I guess we just keep trying and hope that God’s love shines through our imperfection anyway.
What a reminder this song is! During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, wearing red dresses, using our good dishes, and making big messes aren’t always on the agenda for the day. We don’t always live life to the fullest because we’re busy getting everything ready for Christmas. This song speaks volumes as it reminds us to live life without looking back but looking forward and doing all things to the glory of our God. This holiday season, I pray that I can take the time to reflect on how I live my life each day. May friends, family, and my son see that I live to glorify Christ in all that I do rather than that I am so busy I don’t take time to live and glorify Him. Thanks for posting the video. What a blessing it has been. Merry Christmas to all and a Blessed New Year too!
Hi Renee,
I’m really enjoying this blog tour. : ) Thanks for your generosity and for your reminder to connect with our real live relationships. I’ve been spending too much time lost in cyberspace lately, and not enough with my loved ones.
Merry Christmas!
Becky A.
avellafamily.blogspot.com
[email protected]
It is truly all about “how we live”. This is an awesome song.
We lost my mother-in-law of August this year and I know that Christmas will be tough without her, but the pastor told the family at her funeral to “live her legacy”. She loved her grandkids and she loved Jesus with all of her heart. Near the end of her life, Alzheimer’s had robbed of her of so much, but when she prayed she touched heaven and in the 3 short weeks she was in the nursing home, she was able to touch fellow residents as well as the nurses. Many came to tell the family how much she had touched their lives.
As our kids grow up, they may never remember what you got them for Christmas, but they will remember you being at their ball games, their band concerts, and taking them for a picnic or just a bicycle ride. Our oldest daughter is a Senior in high school this year and the time has just flown by. We can never get time back, and I am so thankful that as a mom that we have been able to take those afternoon shopping excursions, even if we didn’t spend a lot of money, or just go out to eat, just the two of us. Our kids need us so much more than any “gift” that we could ever give them.
This song also reminds me of the times that I have been “too busy” to do things, like watch a movie with my kids, and I desire to step up my efforts to be there for my kids, my husband, and those people that are around me. I want to be available so that God can use me to touch those around me.
God Bless – Donna L
I really enjoy listening to that song. I have heard it many times on Serious Radio 66 (Spirit). It is so true that it all comes down to how we lived our life. I hope that as I am going to be a mom to another little girl at the end of January that I remember this song. I want my girls to learn the important lesson that “it is how we live our life that counts”. Thank you to Point of Grace for writing the song and Renee for allowing us to listen to the song. It is a blessing. God Bless!
Hi, I just listened to the You tube song… “How you live” . Wow, you have no idea how much I needed that song right now. I’m hoping to purchase it somewhere and have my husband listen to it too. We SOOO need that song right now. Any idea where to purchase it? Thanks for posting it. Jessica Miller in Fl.
I hope this comment gets posted, I tried posting yesterday twice and it didn’t work. I new to this so here it goes.I have been saved going on 2 years this Christmas Day, which has brought me to always be grateful for this day. Before coming to know Christ, I didn’t know anything about God, I mean, I knew there was a God, but that’s about it. To me Christmas time was about gifts, no one ever took the time to tell me about Jesus’ birth.I lived my life just because, miserable everyday. Listening to the lyrics of this song by Point of Grace, reminds me to live my life to the fullest everyday, a reminder that I have so much to be grateful for. Many times in the midst of so many things happening we forget that tomorrow may never come.
I just love that song, it is really a great reminder of how we need to focus on what the important things are and what really matters in life . I constantly remind myself that God is in control and that how I live my life in any circumstance is what is important. The song reminds me to take advantage of every opportunity that God puts before us,to live life to the fullest, for tomorrow is not promised to any of us and we must use the talents that we were given to better serve him.
Hey, Renee! Lysa was so right, the Point of Grace video was definitely a ‘hankie-grabber’! What a beautiful song! Should be required listening every morning! It’s so true that we can’t really plan on tomorrow. Just live each moment, thankful for what our Lord has blessed us with. And you are so right…our families, especially our little ones, just need more of our time. Thank you for all you do! You’re being used in wonderful ways by our Lord!
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.
“How You Live” by Point of Grace is my favorite song too. I turn it up and sing loudly and my 2 1/2 year old joins in. It’s so precious to hear her singing the words with all of her heart. That song has a great message and reminder.Too many times I think we get caught up in the materialism and commercialism of our society and forget to just live for God. My husband and I moved to a new town a year and a half ago. For about a year I struggled to feel like I belonged here all the while missing my family and his which we now lived farther from. A year after we moved here, I was blessed with the best friend I’ve ever met. I believe God meant for us to meet and through her I’ve found more great friends, a church I love going to and my life seems more blessed. Perhaps I wasn’t looking in the right place or I was trying to hard or not hard enough. Either way, I’m much happier and my friends and God have gotten us through some happy times and rough times since. Glory be to God!!!!!
That is my favorite song, and I love it even more after seeing the video. That song touches my heart because it helps to remind me that I gave up my “dream” career and moved to Charlotte to really enjoy each day by focusing on my daughter and family. Proverbs 31 Ministries continues to help me grow in my faith and to focus on God with patience as He reveals the purpose for my life. We are very blessed, but this year is financially tight. I know God continues to speak to me about making the most of what we have and not worrying about “things” to give. Thank for the reminder. God bless, Michelle A.
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!
How awesome!! It’s the first time I’ve heard this song. Now I want to go out and buy the cd. But how true is the message that they have in it. Every day is special because God has allowed you to continue and he has a work for us to do.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to watch the video and listen to this incredible song! As I sat here, I pulled my daughter up onto my lap and just loved that time with her! That is what it is all about! Thanks again!
Thanks again for the encouragement about how to live – and for giving others an opportunity to share their stories in their comments!
Being a mom of three little girls, Melia who is 4 and Ryanne and Sabrina who are 3, I should understand how very blessed I am. They are sweet and precious little girls who want nothing more than to spend time talking and playing with their mommy. But too many days I am distracted by the messes they leave in their wake, always stressing over picking up and keeping the house looking nice. Listening to the words and watching the video of “How you live” struck a cord deep in my heart… as a result I stepped away from my computer gathered my girls and headed for the kitchen. For a little while we lost ourselves in butter, sugar and eggs. We made shamrocks and umbrella spritz cookies in the middle of December; we sprinkled the counters and floor with wild abandonment and even managed to get a few sprinkles on our cookies! But for a moment… all we cared about was enjoying one another, it was a precious and sweet moment for us all. Thank you for reminding me to “live” in between my cleaning!! Merry Christmas! Cija – Castle Rock, CO
WOW!! What a powerful message! The tears just rolled down during that song! I recently was married and have had a rough couple months trying to adjust and helping my husband overcome an injury from war. This song speaks volumes to me. I can’t look back anymore and wonder what if, I have to move forward and trust that the Lord is guiding me every day. I need to be strong and be who the Lord wants me to be. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I read the devotionals every day and they encourage me to be the best I can be, the woman that God created, not the world! Thank you so much! Peace to all of your staff and readers.
I feel very blessed by this song. It speaks to me. My past is filled with alot of bad that I have done. Drugs, alcohol and other things not even worth mentioning. Sometimes I don’t feel worthy of a good life now because of my past, even though I have changed considerably. This song lets me know not to live in the past but for today and with God in my life I can do that.
Awesome song I have it as my ring tone for when my children or husband call. Cool reminder. Awesome site. Will come back often.
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.
Renee,
I love that song. It is so real in my life. For the longest time, I’ve not enjoyed the life God gave me. I’ve spent it complaining. I am so grateful for people like you and Lysa and The Point of Grace. Everyda, I’m learning to praise God for His enduring love and people like you to share them.
I would love to win this CD. I don’t know if I’ve enter too late, but I want to win because it will be a great gift for my daughter of 13 years old. She loves Point of Grace and I don’t have any money to buy them. I make quilt tops for a living, and the lady that I make them for has lost her biggest wholesaler, so she’s cutting back on orders which means that I will have to find other means to support my family. But, to have this CD would be an awesome gift for a little expecting nothing for Christmas because she believes mommy has nothing prepared for her this Christmas.
God bless you.
Shoua Lo
[email protected]
I greatly enjoy my daily devotional from the Proverbs 31 ministry, but this is my first time visiting your blog. I also love the Point of Grace song and to me it reminds me to slow down, make better choices of priorities and to teach my children (by example too) what the holidays (and everyday) are about. Our plans may not be God’s plan so we have to open our heart and listen with our soul.
Oh Boy!! Now you have me crying at work.. Its amazing how God touches you in just the right way that you need it even when you forget to always seek him.. I am a single mom with a 15 year old daughter who has such a heart for the Lord (what a blessing) and this holiday season has been taking a toll on me.. Between work and planning the company Christmas party, having to shop last minute and all her softball games.. I took alot of my frustration out on her this weekend saying that if I didn’t have to go to her game I could get so much more done!!!!!!! (And through it all SHE was apologizing) I can barely speak about this, how HORRIBLE am I and she is such a GREAT softball player they chose her for this team to travel.. She had this AMAZING catch in the outfield that was picture perfect and did great and I wouldn’t have traded any time just to see that catch or to see her play.. And when we got home she was an amazing help with setting up the Christmas decorations… We forget a lot in all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season (and life in general) that Christ is the center of everything and he has BLESSED us with our children and before I know it she will be gone on her own and the games will have ended and how I will have missed out on all of that with my poor pitiful me attitude and having to have everything perfect.. Thank you for posting that song I loved how it (Or shall I say God) was speaking to exactly what I am trying to work on right now, in treasuring my child not adding her to my burden list and how sometimes through it all I have a tendency to put what matters MOST on the back burner (My family and God) to take care of all the other things that aren’t going to matter much in the long run.. Thank you again for refocusing my day in the right direction… A little tears never hurt to cleanse the soul!!!
Cathie
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!
Renee,
I was so glad that I clicked on your site and saw the Point of Grace video. What a beautiful song with such great perspective. What an inspiration.
I love that song, but hadn’t had a chance to see the video yet, it was beautiful. But of course, the words speak the loudest. What an awesome message…so many of us forget it’s not about what we have or who we know, it’s truly about how we are living and loving others! Thanks so much for sharing this video.
~Kat~
I can get so caught up on ‘being normal’ whatever that is, that I forget to have fun with my kids. I forget to let them use the good china and let them wear cowboy boots with jammies. This song is such a good reminder to focus on all the blessings, both great and small, that God has given me. It’s also a reminder to live in a way that I want to be remembered by. Thank you for posting the video here and for the gentle reminders. God bless you!
Thanks for your website! I just found it today and love it. I hope I have time to visit it frequently!
Love you girl
Cris in Cali
What a wonderful reminder that we are not here to impress others with what we have or what we have done but how we live our lives. Jesus came to save us and our surrender and obedience is what shines through. When we live our lives letting Him shine through that is what truly counts. I am so thankful for reminders like this during this busy Christmas season, it puts everything back into perspective when I start to feel the stress of the season.
Oh… I hope that I am not too late!
This is a beautiful piece of music, “Have what you want, want what you have”. That is the hieght of it for me. It tells how to live as our father created us to live.The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy. God has called us to be virtous women, to nuture, to love, to protect, to enjoy. We are his heart beat and he desires for us to enjoy every moment of our lives, that’s why he gave us everything we need for life and Godliness. Thank God we have all it takes. May his grace see us through. Amen. I am a single mother of 2 wonderful children a boy and girl and i cherish every moment i spend with them. I use this opportunity to pray for all mothers in this generation, that the wisdom to raise our kids the Godly way will be bestowed on us especially Godly mothers. that we may transfere the mind of God into them. Amen. Thank u for this blog. God bless you and your family. Amen
That song is so meaningful to me right now. My sister-in-law has had to have her eyeball removed due to an aggressive melanoma and will eventually lose sight in her other eye. She has 4 boys and is so strong in her faith. She models this song everyday to her family and friends. It’s not who you know or what you do but how you live each day. She lives each day with a positive attitude even though she has so much going on with her health. She could not do it without God. Thanks for all that you do to encourage all of us!!
As a busy homeschooling mom with a husband in graduate school, I struggle to carve out that most important time with my family — just enjoying them. Thank you for the precious reminder.
Having been widowed 4 years ago this song really touches my heart. You do need to live for today and do all those things she sings about in the song as you never know when last day will be that you can say I Love you to your husband etc. But I have richly blessed by that situation in my life and am now engaged and certainly approach my life and relationship differently now. God is focus of it and I know it is He who is giving me a second chance at life!
Amen and Praise God for Point of Grace. What a beautiful song and story!
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.
I LOVE THIS SONG!
Several years ago I lost my son and this song has been truth for my life. Nothing I have could mean anything. How I live will allow us to be together forever.
Thank you for giving of your time and talents.