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Renee Swope

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

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Living “Loved”

I have something really important to tell you today. Lean in close. Really let this get past your self-doubts and into those assurance-seeking places in your heart…

God is absolutely crazy about you!
Yes you. The beautiful one sitting there looking at the screen.

I know it’s hard to believe sometimes, but it’s true. You fill God’s heart with absolute joy and every day you take His breath away with your smile.

Just a slight glance in His direction makes Him pause. He loves the unique way you do things. He really enjoys watching others love on you and bring out His best in you. And He’s not critical of your mistakes like you sometimes think, or waiting for you to do something productive. He simply delights in you because you are His. And that is enough.

It took me 20 years to understand and 10 more years to truly believe this was the reality of God’s love for me. The same was true for my friend Sheri Rose Shepherd who I’ve asked to be a girlfriend guest blogger with us today. Like many of you, I’ve been blessed by God’s words written through her, so today I’m giving away a copy of her book, “His Princess.“ More about that in a minute.

Sheri Rose is a woman who can relate to almost any woman’s battle. A former Mrs. United States, she grew up in a dysfunctional home and was severely overweight as a teen. As a young woman, she battled depression and an eating disorder. In spite of an English teacher telling her she was “born to lose” and a learning disorder—Dyslexia—Sheri Rose has (in God’s strength) become a Best Selling and award-winning author. Sheri Rose is also an internationally known speaker and Bible life coach.

Today, in my devotion on P31 and Crosswalk, I shared about God’s lavish love for us and how He wants us to live “loved” because we are. Then I asked Sheri Rose to share with us what she believes is the most important thing for women to know, so we can grasp the depth of God’s love for us. Here is what she said:

People often ask me, “How did you break free from your painful past and the lies and learn to embrace truth.” To be honest, I still have to fight the lies I’ve believed about myself. It seems to be the battle each woman I have met faces.

Many of us have experienced what I call “Spiritual Identity Theft.” We’ve somehow lost our confidence in who we are in Christ, and we feel worthless or wounded by someone’s words.Others of us hold in our hearts a false identity. We believe a lie about ourselves and we have allowed that lie to define us.

I understand what it is like to feel worthless and walk with a wounded heart from hurtful words. Perhaps you’re just recognizing the root of the lie you have been living in.Maybe it was hurtful words spoken to you by a father or mother, brother or sister, teacher, boyfriend or husband. Maybe it was an employer who thoughtlessly felt like dumping lies on you.

I don’t think those hurtful words are easily forgotten but I do know healing and wholeness can become reality in our lives when we learn how to embrace God’s truth.You do not have to let others’ hurtful words define you anymore. They did not give their life, as Jesus did, to prove your worth. We are Daughters of the King of Kings whether we feel like it or not.

Let me be a spiritual mentor and give you the three keys to unlocking lies and finding your true identity, I call it “a truth makeover.”

1. Know the Truth. You Are…

  • Chosen By God (John 15:16)
  • A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Holy and Pure (1 Peter 2:9)
  • A Trophy of His Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
  • His Princess Warrior (2 Timothy 4:7)
  • His Beloved Bride (Psalm 45:11)

2. Speak The Truth…
Whenever a lie is spoken to you or a lie enters your mind, speak this Truth out loud…
“That is a lie. My worth is not in what anyone else says about me or what I feel at the moment.”

3. Fast Off Speaking Lies
Try a seven-day fast by not speaking anything negative about yourself or repeating any lies that have been spoken over you or about you. If possible, ask a friend to hold you accountable to speak only truth.

4. Read this Love Letterfrom God:
My Chosen Daughter,You are royalty even when you don’t feel like a princess. How you feel about yourself will never change the truth of who you are in Me. You are My treasure, and I have chosen you. If you ever begin to doubt your significance, just look to the cross and remember I gave my life to prove your worth. I see your heart and I know you fight to find truth. So start by recognizing who I am: the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and your Daddy in heaven. Saturate yourself in My truth and you will discover how loved and treasured you are.

Love, Your Lord who is Truth

*****************************

Thank you Sheri for sharing your heart and God’s amazing love with us today. And thank you for so generously giving away2 FREE Bible Life-coaching sessions! What a huge blessing for one of our girlfriends that gather here today. And there is more!


Living Loved Give-away

***********************

To enter to win, click on the word “comments” below this post, and type in the white box. Sheri Rose and I would love to know your first name, your age, where you are from, who you will invite to do the Bible life-coaching sessions with you or who you’d give the extra of my message on CD to. Please be sure to sign up for email updates in my right sidebar (so you will know if you win), or leave your email in your comment so we can notify you. I’ll announce the winner next Monday, March 7th.

Comments

  1. Hello Sisters!
    I am Christine. I would share the gifts with my Mother and friend Cheri.

    your words brought me to tears. It touched my heart deeply and penetrated my soul. thank you for the encouraging words of LOVE.

    many blessings

    Christine Mc – Iowa

  2. I'm Cathy and 43 years old from Mississippi. I have recently had the blessing of seeing God's love for me – still growing in that love! If I received anything, I was having trouble deciding who would benefit the most. I would have to say my mom, who struggles daily with feelings of self-worth, depression and guilt over things not her fault. While I am blessed to say that my 18-year-old daughter has broken the chain of these feelings and lives victoriously in the security of God's love!
    Thank you for sharing the love of God through your ministry!

  3. Hello, I am Tammy, almost 48, I live in Arkansas. If I was to win I would share with my sister. We both would benefit from this. Thanks

  4. Hi Renee,
    Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. What an encouraging word at just the right time.My name is Barbara and I am 27 years old. I live in Florida.I would share the coaching and cd with my pastor's wife Beth. She is a sweet lady who loves the Lord with all she is, but she gets discouraged and listens to the enemy's lies sometimes.This would be such a blessing to us both I believe.
    Thank you for the opportunity.

  5. My name is Jeanette and I'm. 39. I would share the winnings with our homeschool network leader because she told me about you and your books and many people in our group bought your books because of her and have been blessed. We would put the cd in our homeschool lending ibrary to share with all.
    Thanks!
    Jeanette
    [email protected]

  6. Hi Renee,
    I am so happy to find your article and the coaching opportunity!

    I've celebrated my 50th Birthday, and I still have LOTS MORE in life to accomplish!

    The prize of your gifts, I would share with my dear friend Diana, single mom of 2 precious boys.

    What a blessing this boost of encouragement would be as we journey forward!

    Many Thanks,

    Rebecca

  7. My name is Cadi from Vancouver, B.C. and I would share this generous gift to a friend in her early 20's who is going through an abusive marriage. She needs these reminders and I'm off to share your sites with her now!

  8. Hi,I'm Johnna I am 45 and I live in Fairmont, W.Va I would love to have the HIS Princess CD AND HIS Princess Book.To Know the Love of MY Daddy GOD and to share it with my two daughters,and future daughter in laws. Thanks, Much in love Johnna. [email protected]

  10. Hi, My name is Melanie McKinley and I am 44 years old and live in Chickasha, ok. I have struggled since a teen believing and knowing God loves me and sees me as special – beautiful. If I recieve the coaching or cd's I would share them with my sister (whom I met for the first time in 2006). She too has struggled to accept Gods precious gift of love. Thank you for your devotion this morning it was just what this heart needed.

  12. I found your website when I was searching for help 3 months ago. Thanks for all the help then and since that time.
    beverly

  13. Hi I am from TN and if I won I would give the extra set to mother who is not walking close to the Lord. I am also struggling to find who I am in Christ and what He is wanting me to do. I love the Lord and have 6 beautiful children. This is my second marriage and recently have found out my husband has been unfaithful. I am struggling not with forgiveness but forgetting 🙂 I now have found out that I need neck surgery for several slipped discs. It seems that when I take 1 step forward I get thrown 2 steps back. This might be exactly what I need. Thanks and God bless ladies

  14. Hi Renee,
    I am Lisa. I am 55.
    If I am lucky enough to receive the coaching or CD's, I would share them with my friend, Connie, who has been a life-sharing, bible-sharing buddy for several years.
    I am looking forward to learning more about how I, too, can shed the lies in my life.
    Thank you for this opportunity.

  15. Wonderful Wednesday to all:
    My name is Rebecca and I am 43. I live in Texas. I already feel uplifted by the wonderful words of wisdom from Renee and Sheri. My oldest daughter, only 23, is going through a difficult time with her husband. They are currently separated and she and our 11 month old granddaughter live with us for now. I would love to share the all of this wonderful information with her. She is feeling very down. Satan is constantly lying to her. Thank you for the words of wisdom and inspiration.
    Rebecca

  16. Hi, I'm Dee, 60, from California. After a sleepless night worrying about my daughter, I received your encouraging email – it was just what I needed.

    I would love to share the coaching and "His Princess" with my daughter who is at a cross-road in her life and desperately needs to comprehend the love of God which surpasses knowledge. Your material sounds like exactly what would help her.
    Thanking God for your ministry.

  17. Thank you so very much for these encouraging words TODAY to this little ole girl in Alabama!!! For way too long, I have let negative words from others and myself control my life! I needed to hear this today! God is in control and loves me no matter what others may say about me. I would love to receive the "freebies" and if I receive the "freebies" I would share them with my friend, Tina, who is fighting a huge battle with depression right now. She loves God, but needs to "let go and let God!" She needs to see how much God loves her through everything she is going through. Thank you again for sharing this message with us today!
    Salty

  18. Hi Ladies,

    My name is Marla Sulcer. I will be 38yo in April and I live in Louisiana. It would be a honor and blessing if I was chosen for the Coaching session and the CD because I would be able to bless others. I would invite my cousin to the Coaching session because she has really been through alot with depression, finances and marriage and she really needs to know her self worth in God. I would bless my bestfriend Myra who lives in Washington with the CD because she has been going thru alot in her marriage.
    Thanks for your blogs! It is truly inspirational!

  19. Hi Renee and Sheri,
    My name is Evalyn, I'm 50 and I am struggling with a lifelong self-esteem and self confidence issues. It has begun to affect my marriage (husband has expressed a desire for open marriage and to date others while married to me) and has definitely affected my career. To deflect those lies that Satan pours into my soul each day is an hour-by-hour struggle every day. I would share this coaching or the CDs with my dear friend Jan who is also struggling with career direction and is single.

  20. Hey, I'm 53…(did I say that? 🙂 My name is Carla and I would share/work with my dear, dear daughter, Lindsay…We both need to know Father God delights in us us…<3

  21. Good morning ladies! My name is Cindy and I am 47. I struggle with the enemy's lies regularly and I would appreciate the coaching or the cd more than you know. I would share it with a neighbor who does not know the Lord. She has recently overcome stage 4 cervical cancer and still is in and out of the hospital from the effects of treatment on her body. She is the sole provider as her husband has just lost his job. It seems as if the enemy works overtime to bring this family with 4 kids down. She has no joy and blames herself for everything! I would love to able to introduce her to the love of Christ through your gifts!
    Thank you for the opportunity.
    Blessings,
    Cindy J

  22. Hello! I am Jill and I live in Illinois. I would share the CD with my mother in law. She is always looking for something uplifting and encouraging. This would be a great thing for the both of us.

  23. Hello Renee,
    Im 43 and live in MI…I read some of the messages and suddenly decided that there are hurting people who need this gift more than I might. But I wanted to let you know your P31 message had perfect timing in my life, I just got home from a job interview at a desperate time in my life. It gave me chills which let me know God was speaking to me thru you. Thank you. I'll pray the perfect person receives your gift. Keep doing what you do. You touch lives.

  24. I am Kathy, I will soon be 50. I am the mother of 3 boys and a wife to a newly retired Airman (24 yrs of service). I am living in Utah. I would share with my good friend Barbra-Sue who is rocking being a single mom but still can use encouragement.

  25. My name is Denise, I am 39 & I want to fulfill God's purpose for my life or get close to it before I turn 40. I was recently terminated from my job & God has helped me to see the root of inferiority I have felt about myself. I would appreciate the coaching &/or the cds as I know they would help God's work in me to see myself as he sees me in Christ & not the lie of inferiority I have felt for so long. I would share my gift with my sister Diane, who has been a great friend & sister to me during this time.

  26. My name is Windi Raper.. I will be 35 on March 13th. I am from Broxton, Georgia. I love reading all your stories and quotes. I have experienced a lot of life changing events over the past three years. But God has brought me through them every one. If I were to win any of the prizes, I really don't know who I would share them with. I would love to use them as a devotional or teaching with the Ladies Ministry at my church New Life Christian Worship Center. There are so many hurting ladies and girls in this word that need to know they ARE somebody special to God!!! I own a bridal and formalwear shop, and I see the hurts every day.. I did have a customer in here last Saturday with her daughter. She has had a stroke and can only utter sounds for yes and now. She is severely paralyzed on her right side. I WOULD GIVE IT TO HER!!!
    Thank you so much for your encouraging words daily!!!
    God Bless,
    Windi Raper

  27. HI,
    My name is Angelica, I just turned 39 3 days ago. Thank you for todays encouragement, I could not stop sobbing as I was reading this morning.This is beautiful.
    Receiving the Cd's, I would share with my friend Nubia,who is very dear and always reminding me of how much God loves me, she is a great encourager.

  28. Hi, I'm Debbie from upstate NY and I am 51. If I receive the bible coaching or cd's I would share them with my bestest friend Sheri. She has stood by me & my family thru the heartache of a stillborn son and an accident 5 years ago that has left me partially disabled. You ladies are a blessing, thank you!

  29. Hi my name is Barb Wall I am 55 years "young!" I have lived in Dallas for the last 25 years but because oh a horrible experience in my life I have just moved to Denton,Texas (for awhile)I would share this with my 23 yaer old daughter Natalie. My sweet husband Steve went home 7 yeras ago–she is my middle child and has taken her Father's death the hardest.She has an alomost 3 year old daughter Simone (light of my life!!)–they are liveing in a motel and I start my day praying her them(and my other 2 children) she is I am afraid not going down a right path. Thank you and I would love to win!! Have a blessed day!! Barb

  30. Thank you! Started Beth Moore's series "Believing God" just last night at church and we are asked to note each day for th enext five days a God inspired moment. That was reading today's post from the two of you. If there is one lie I have carried to detriment it is believing I was unloveable and a failure. God is showing up in huge ways in my life right now as I search for new employment and begin moving past doubt to opening my own little online art store. Who would I share with? Multiple people – 7 wonderful ladies in my small group would enjoy the journey of any of the CD's with me, but there is one I would most definately love to give a copy to. My friend Terry lost her son recently, but she's the one who when you marry theology with faith and belief is the most Godly Girl I've ever met. I believe reaffirming her own sense of God's love for her would be a most precious gift. Thank you both for today's words! Jennifer

  32. Thanks for the post Renee. This is a timely post and a "heads up" from God because this morning I read Ephesians 2:10 and Psalms 139: 13 – 14. I am at a place where I am just starting to realize that HE loves and cares for me and only wants the very best for me.

    Thanks for the reassurance that God loves me and wants me to live "loved". I am AnnMarie, age 49 and I am from Jamaica. If I receive the prize, I would share it with my daughter, Sachan who struggles with words that were inflicted on her. I must confess that I have inflicted some of those words because of situations that I was going through. Please pray for both of us.

    I love the input from Sheri and I am going to copy it so I can read it over and over until it sinks deep into my spirit.

    My email is [email protected].

  33. I received this message today…. As I read the more and more I seen myself and many females in my life. To know the LOVE GOD has for his children is REMARKABLE. I THANK GOD for Loving me when I could not Love myself. The LORD is working on me preparing me for something BIGGER, so I need all the prayers and encouragement to stay and move when GODS says it's time.
    Thank you
    MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL

  34. I'm Terri Lynn, 45 in NC. I would give both CD's away (I already have it and love it!) to Jess and Patti – two women who bless me by their strengths and struggles in resting assured in God.

    If I were to win the Bible Life coaching sessions I feel compelled that I should give both of these women the sessions. It isn't that I wouldn't like one for myself, trust me I have read the sneak peak and would LOVE to be chosen to receive this blessing, but I am certain that I would be blessed through what they would learn as God continues to work in and through the three of us.

    I'd love to win the Princess book. His Princess Warrior is a close companion to me now. It was a gift from a fellow princess warrior this past Christmas, a woman who has blessed my life with an amazing Spirit-filled friendship full of encouragement as I continue in my surrender to allow Christ to turn my scars into beauty marks and enable me to be of use to Him through women's ministry.

    Renee, Sheri Rose, this was a timely word that I am so grateful to you both for bringing!

  35. Kim, I am 53 and longing to be more of a woman of influence to those around me in michigan. especially children and grandchildren. I would share the cd with a young single mom in my bible study who is a new believer in a growth spurt that is exciting to watch!
    thanks for the encouragement today!

  36. I am a single mom of two beautiful daughters, 16 and 12. We live in a very small county town, I am 55 years old and work part time in my church office. I believe God is trying to get His messaage of love to my heart in a very concrete way. Yesterday I heard a song on the radio that touched my heart, JJ Heller's "What Love Really Means" and today I read your devotional "Living Loved". The hurts are too many to name but God can work through all of them for my good.

    I have a friend that encourages me and holds me accountable. I share everything with her.

  37. I am now 50 years old and living "loved" is so hard for me at times. I would give the extra copies to my daughter in law because she needs to know she is truly loved by a Heavenly Father.
    Thanks for the wonderful words of encouragement.
    Darlene

  38. Hi Renee,
    I'm Bev, 56, and living in SW Montana. This year I am spending a lot of time studying and believing I truly am God's princess, and work diligently to combat the lie that I am not loved. I looked at the sunrise, and realize what a gift form God. I would share the coaching, CD's or book with a dear friend who is also on a similar journey.

  39. Rhonda Lawton, 46 on Monday, and I live in Winter Park, FL. I would share these gifts with my daughter Samantha. She is 21, and a Junior in College.

  40. My name is Angela, I am 34 years old and live in chetopa, KS. I would share the cd's with the women in my ministry group at church. We are all young in Christ and so enjoy doing things together to grow closer to him.

  41. My daughter gave me your book "Made to Crave" as we journey thru the difficult task of losing weight. By the way I have lost almost 60 pounds in 7 mos. At 60 plus; if I can do it any one can.
    With God's help I'm tryig to transition from the loss of my Father 10 mos ago. Our loss; Heaven's gain.
    God Bless you for your inspiration.

  42. Hello, my name is Samantha and I'm from Cleveland, Oh. I'm the mother of two..ages 4 and 2. I am struggling with so many things..mainly my marriage and learning to forgive and love the way God does. You sowed right into my life..and I needed to hear that I am loved and that His love is constant. I would love to share your word and I often forward my devotionals to my sister in Christ Maria. She is beautiful..a mother of 3,a wife and a confidante. Thank you for your spirit and the dedication to uplift women with your words of encouragement. Please keep it up.

  43. I'm Jamy, 35, from a small town in Indiana. I would give the CD or life coaching to my cousin and dear friend. I know that her heart is beautiful and the Lord sees her that way. However, she has believed the lies for so long that her identity in Christ has been stolen. I love for her to reclaim this.

    Thanks for sharing this message,
    Jamy

  44. Good morning! My name is Rachel. I'm 34 years old. I'm not sure which of my friends I would share this package with because I think it's something we ALL need to hear. If I win I will pray about which of my friends to share it with.

    Thank you for this opportunity, Renee and Sheri. Such a VALUABLE message! Thank you for speaking TRUTH into our hearts today!!

    Going to share this link with the Rise & Shine girls on facebook. 🙂

  45. Hello,
    My name is Susan and I am 42 years old. I would love to share this conference or cd with my best friend Stacy. We live miles apart but are always there for each for support. It would be great to get together for encouragement.
    Thanks for your words of encouragement.
    Susan

  46. Thank you for this amazing give~away. I know it will bless those who win 🙂

    I just turned 41 in December. My family recently moved from AZ to TX. It has been a huge challenge for us. I would share the coaching with my sister. This is the first time in my 41 years that we have lived in the same city.

    Thank you again for this opportunity….and for your message today.

    Missy~

  47. Hi Renee,

    My name is Maria. I just turned 40 this Jan. And am getting used to being 40.

    I would like to share the coaching or CD with some of my lady friends, with whom I pray every week and my Mom, who really needs constant encouragement and reminders, that God loves her.

  48. Did my comment not go through. I don't know that I have enough time to do it again. At work! I would give both to my daughter who sees herself as fat, ugly, and worthless to society. In spite of all positive affirmations. Even without the free gift, please pray for her. Thank you so much. Be blessed today and all the days that follow.

  50. Good morning!

    Thank you for your devotion reminding us of just how loved we are and this fantastic give-away to help tangibly reinforce that fact!

    My name is Dawn. I am 35 and live in Illinois. Many beautiful women come to mind, as I ponder who I would share your CD and sessions with, but my mom stands out in my mind for your CD and a young woman from our church for the sessions.

    May God bless all your steps, sisters!