Dearest sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ, I want to share my heart with you. I’ve been struggling. Struggling with how inept I am at nearly everything. Struggling with this “fog” I’ve been in for several months now. Struggling just to make a complete sentence that would prove that I’m still somewhat coherent. But like someone flailing around in quicksand, all my struggling only caused me to sink even faster and deeper. It’s when I stopped and was still, that I was able to cry out to our compassionate and merciful Father for help.

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
~ Psalm 46:10

Why am I sharing this? I’m sharing this because God has providentially chosen to use this month’s cover girl, Jennifer Rothschild as one of the vessels to help me out of my quicksand. The Lord showed me that I’d been talking to myself and what I’d been saying wasn’t based on His truth; but on my insecurities and lies I’ve heard all my life. Well…that’s enough about me, let me tell you about our wonderful sister Jennifer…actually, I think it’s best if she shares a bit of herself – personally. Please watch and be blessed:

As Jennifer said in the video, God has certainly given her an extra measure of grace, and from my personal experience, He’s also given her an extra portion (or two) of wisdom! Amen?

Our sister Jennifer has been a guest on Living the Life (Christian Broadcasting Network), Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, Life Today, and The Billy Graham Television Special. She’s authored six (6) books, including best sellers: Lessons I Learned in the Dark, and Walking by Faith Bible study. In February of 2009, she released her third DVD-based Bible study, Me, Myself and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover (2009, LifeWay Church Resources) which was adapted from her latest book, Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself (2007, Harvest House Publishers). Jennifer is also a wonderfully talented songwriter and recording artist. She’s a witty, authentic and biblically-based speaker who captures her audience with her transparency and God-given insight as she shares “it may not be well with my circumstances, but it is well with my soul.” Jennifer has been a featured speaker for numerous events, including Women of Faith as well as her own conference Fresh Grounded Faith.

I’m so excited about this interview! Not only because of the way God has used Jennifer to personally edify me, but because of my anticipation of how much I know, God will use her to exhort and edify all of you!

Sunny: Precious sister Jennifer, we’re so delighted to have you here at Christian Women Online! Would you please share with our readers, what it was like to have had sight for nearly 12 years of your life, then have it slowly deteriorate by the time you were 15.

Jennifer: Any loss or transition is often best understood in retrospect. At the time, I wasn’t as aware of the depth and impact of the changes because they happened gradually and subtly. What I do remember was what felt like the apparent suddenness of blindness. Because I was living with it daily, it would often not seem as drastic. And then it was as if one day I was struck by how radical it was. It would sneak up on me; I would misjudge an angle and run into a wall; bend down to grab something I dropped and realize I didn’t see a chair and bang my chin. Things like this happened more and more frequently confirming I really couldn’t see what I once did. Of course, it was very soon that I could no longer read or see my face. I was full of thoughts, feelings and prayers during that time. I experienced confusion, frustration and oddly enough, peace. I think I was so enveloped and cushioned by God’s grace that the full impact of blindness has been more like a trickle than a downpour-not something that totally overwhelms me so I drown in it; more like a subtle sprinkling of difficulty that is always with me.

Sunny: What an awesome and compassionate God we serve! His kindness towards you is humbling, which brings me to my next question. I saw your story on Good Morning America where you said, “Maybe this is a way of God giving me a really great gift in a very difficult package.” Most people wouldn’t call blindness “a really great gift”. Why do you?

Jennifer: Blindness itself doesn’t feel like a gift, but what came with it certainly is. Blindness has given more than it has taken. I have received an opportunity to choose gratefulness, strengthen my faith and learn how to live trusting God more than my feelings. Anything that decreases our dependence on self and increases our dependence on God really is a gift. We just need to be grateful to recognize it.

Sunny: Amen sister! I couldn’t have said it better myself. Now, I’d like to ask you another question about a statement you made during your Good Morning America interview, you said, “We should never assume we can’t. Because what that does is grant us a limitation that’s far greater than blindness.” What did you mean by this statement; what limitations do you believe are far greater than blindness?

Jennifer: Most people aren’t disabled when they say “I can’t.” I think they’re using the wrong word. What they really mean is “I won’t,” they’re defiant. To me it’s a far greater disability to be angry, bitter or defeated by our own emotions-saying “I won’t”. Why choose to be handicapped by anger or fear when God says we “can” do all things through Christ who strengthens us? He strengthens us to lose the anger and overcome fear. I choose to focus on the abilities we have in Christ that equip us to change, not what possible disabilities we have that we can’t change.

Sunny: That’s so funny you say that, because I’ve often asked myself that, “Is it because I can’t, or because I won’t?” And as you said, most often, it isn’t a matter of ability, but it’s a matter of will.

Truly, our God, who is the God of all glory and the God of the impossible has certainly worked many miracles in your life, things that wouldn’t seem possible or even expected of a blind person i.e., writing music/songs, playing the piano, writing books, applying your own makeup, etc. How does this affect you? I mean, what is it like to constantly see God part the Red Sea right before you, so that you are not trapped, nor inhibited by your physical limitations, but are able to walk safely and securely in Christ’s infinite power?

Jennifer: I feel like a spectator sometimes, not a participant! God’s faithfulness has allowed me to live in the “what is” rather than the “what if.” Here’s what I mean. “What if” is a statement of fear and uncertainty based on speculation. “What if I can’t get a ride to the store?” “What if I can’t take care of my boys like I need to?” What if is based on speculation, but “what is” is based on truth. When I start to wonder about my future, I remember the past faithfulness of God. “What is?” God is faithful, that’s what is! “What is?” God has always provided each and every need I’ve ever had-often before it even arises!

Sunny: Oh, I love that! Live in “what is!” Thank you Jennifer! Even I can remember that! Let’s talk about your book, Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself . I’ve got to admit, when I first read the title, I thought “We’re not supposed to be talking to ourselves.” Then I realized I just did! So with an open heart and mind to Christ, I began to read this wonderful book in which you share the truth of Proverbs 15:4 and Proverbs 18:21. Can you share with us how and why God inspired you to write on this topic and the impact of speaking truth to yourself has made in your life?

Jennifer: I entertained a steady stream of self talk over the years. And unfortunately, lots of it was destructive. God began to show me when I was in my twenties the damaging effect of what I was saying to my soul and that if I didn’t control my thoughts, my thoughts would control me. He showed me the best way to control my thoughts was to make them truthful. I went on a journey going from destructive self talk to constructive, life-giving soul talk! Once I learned how to recognize lies I was telling myself, I refused them into my “Thought Closet,” relabeled them with truth and I’ve repeated the habit for years now. How has it changed me? I am “wardrobed” in the liberating garment of truth and know who I am in Christ-that makes a girl far more comfortable with herself!!

Sunny: Thank you sister for showing us a sure fire way we can captivate every thought to obey Christ [2 Corinthians 10:4-5].

Earlier in this interview, you shared with us how you’ve received your blindness as a “gift” from God. You’re married and have two sons. Do you feel that God has used your blindness as a “gift” to your family as well? If so, how?

Jennifer: Well, I am sure it’s been a burden at times-let’s be honest! But, I do see how it is a gift in that they have each been able to see through it God’s faithfulness and favor. The fact that I am not in a heap of despair on the living room floor is a great indication that God’s grace is real and He is the One who sustains us and gives us joy. My family has seen first hand the sorrow of blindness but also the goodness of God. It has clarified my commitment in front of my family and given them even more reason to trust God. I am intensely loyal to God and if my boys take the same path because of my blindness, I am a deeply satisfied and grateful woman.

Sunny: I’m humbled by the wisdom and depth perception God has generously granted you. I’m greatly intrigued and amazed that you are not only an author of six (6) books, a gifted songwriter and recording artist, but you are also the founder and publisher of womensministry.net as well as the founder of Fresh Grounded Faith women’s conferences. Would you please share with us why you started these two ministries to serve and inspire women in their faith?

Jennifer: womensministry.net is an on-line resource center and community for women in ministry to give and receive encouragement and equipping. It’s chock full of tips, inspiration and even a blog where women can share ideas. We need each other and womensministry.net helps connect us with each other. Fresh Grounded Faith is our women’s event. It’s an event where women can meet with God and get their cup of faith filled to overflowing. The fun part of the conference is called “Spill the Beans” where women in the audience can ask anything they want of me and my special guest. I always have a “girlfriend blend” at each event-another woman who is walking with God sharing her story. I offer several fresh grounded teachings and challenge women to give their lives a “taste test.” Check it out at www.freshgroundedfaith.com.

Sunny: Your story reminds me of what God said to Abraham in Genesis 12:2. Our heavenly Father has generously given to you and you are faithfully and generously giving to others. The Lord has taught me much through you. Precious sister Jennifer, I have truly enjoyed this interview as God has used you to draw me nearer to Him. I would be so delighted if you would please share with us Scripture(s) that God is using right now to help you press on toward the goal God has called you heavenward in Christ Jesus?

Jennifer: 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18–because it keeps me encouraged and life in perspective. Psalm 119:92-93 –because it sums up why it is well with my soul.

Sunny: Oh sister, I can’t believe you just said that! 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 is one that carries me through most of my days and has provided me great hope in all that God has in store for me here and in Heaven. And Psalm 199:92-93 is a new one for me, but one I have highlighted in my Bible and I will surely treasure in my heart. Thank you so much! I can not fully express how God has used this interview with you to lift me from my miry pit. Bless you sister, bless you!

If you’d like to participate in promoting Jennifer’s ministry, please visit Sole Sisters.

To grow deeper in God’s word and delight in His goodness and sovereignty in the midst of your trials, please visit our beautiful sister Jennifer at:

Congratulations to the following commenters who have been randomly chosen as winners in Jennifer Rothschild’s giveaway:

Sharon Neff (#10)

Kim (#18)

Becky B. (#23)

Jennifer offered us three (3) incredible giveaways: an autographed, Fresh Grounded Faith Daily Devotional; or a Brown Fresh Grounded Faith Tote Bag w/Walking by Faith DVD; or Jennifer’s most recent DVD-based Bible study workbook entitled: Me, Myself and Lies: A Thought Closet Makeover.

The giveaway closed on Friday, June 26, 2009, thank you to all who entered.

God has been so gracious and kind to allow me the privilege of interviewing a precious sister in the Lord.

Renee Swope was born in New Orleans, and raised in North Carolina since she was twelve. During her senior year in college, she fell “head-over-heels” in love with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, and her life has never been the same.

Although Renee felt God call her to share her story of how He used her journey through depression and a myriad of other trials to draw her to His Son, for the next ten years, she kept her personal story a secret because she feared rejection. But in 1999, Renee mortified that part of her flesh that told her she couldn’t do it and proclaimed God’s promises as she fully surrendered to the Lord and prayed, “Okay Lord, I will trust You. I will tell Your story. Even to just one, even to a small Bible study and even if You call me to a share with a larger group. I will do whatever You want me to do for You have set my heart free! I want to be a display of Your splendor, not my own.”

With this proclamation of full surrender and trust in God, Renee willingly participated in the Master’s work as He refined and shaped her into a gifted speaker who engages her audience with the raw realities of life, personal struggles, and victories in Christ Jesus. She does all this without watering down the Gospel and its message of humility, repentance and gratitude that comes with saving faith.

From the very beginning of her story of how God revealed His will for her in 1989, to witnessing His plan come to fruition ten years later; she shares with us how she’s still learning, and still growing. With child-like awe, Renee continues to be wooed and amazed by our sovereign Father God’s intimate love, comfort and guidance He provides for each of His children. Through her role as a wife, mom, speaker and staff member at Proverbs 31 Ministries, she feels that she is living out her life passage, Isaiah 63:1-3.

I am delighted to share this interview with you as this is the time of year where all God’s children contemplate why we are here and why we celebrate our Savior’s birth.

And now, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce to you, our precious sister Renee Swope, daughter of the Lord God Most High, married to her best friend, J.J., mother of two blessings: Joshua (13) and Andrew (11).

Renee is an author, speaker and co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries’ radio show, and also serves as Executive Director of Radio, Speaking and Devotions.

Renee, would you share with us how you first got connected with Proverbs 31 Ministries?

After my husband accepted a job offer in Charlotte, NC, my mom, who didn’t even live in Charlotte, happened to find the Charlotte Observer Sunday newspaper in her driveway. There was a huge article in the “Faith and Family” section about a few women in Charlotte who were college grads that decided to become stay-at-home moms and start a ministry to encourage other SAHMs. It was called The Proverbs 31 Homemaker.

My mom cut out the article and placed a sticky note on it that read, “These sound like the kind of friends you need. I hope you find them when you get to Charlotte.”

Aren’t moms great!? Well, I decided not to wait until we moved to Charlotte to find a friend. I needed advice for where we could find an apartment, a pediatrician and a church. My heart was especially drawn to one of the women in the article because her husband owned a Chick-fil-A and she was expecting a baby in May. I had worked at Chick-fil-A in high school and I was pregnant with our first child around and due in May, too. With these two things in common I thought it was surely a sign that we were meant to be friends!

I called 411 to get a number for the TerKeurst family. I still can’t believe I did that. Lysa answered the phone, and I blabbered to her the whole story. She probably thought I was some lunatic but she was so sweet and offered the name of her pediatrician, suggested some areas of Charlotte to consider for apartments and encouraged me to call her when we got to town.

Wow Renee, that’s an incredible story of God’s providential care in your entire move to Charlotte! I’m constantly in awe of how God connects His children together, even before we ever meet in person. In what capacity did you serve/work at first with Proverbs 31 Ministries?

A few weeks after we moved to Charlotte, I called Lysa again. We had lunch at Chick-fil-A of course, and became friends over chicken nuggets, sweet tea and two sweet babies who were born just a week apart. I learned all about the ministry and the women involved. It was small at the time, with a newsletter circulation of about 75 family and friends.

That day she mentioned the editor was transitioning out of her role and they needed someone to fill it. I had publishing experience so I told her that I might be able to help.

She’s such a great recruiter! I started volunteering for the ministry in September 1995, working from home. Each month I’d collect articles and cut out clip art to paste in the layouts. We’d copy the newsletter at Kinko’s and meet in one of our homes to put labels and postage on them for our monthly mailing. We didn’t have a website or email back then! It’s amazing what God has done and how He has used very ordinary women to reach women across the world in extraordinary ways (now 13 years later) through our website, magazine, radio, online devotionals, speakers and so much more.

Chicken nuggets, sweet tea and two babies – sounds like another wonderful speaking topic on friendship and how to work in ministry together! I love your one-minute radio spots! How do you come up with the topics and what to say in just one minute that would bring the greatest impact to women on a specific topic?

Thanks! I love it when someone tells us that the one-minute we have to speak into a woman’s heart really does make a difference. Our goal for the Proverbs 31 radio show is to help a woman pause in the middle of her busy day to get a sense of God’s peace, purpose and perspective. First, I try to put myself in a woman’s everyday setting; imagining where she will be when she hears the show: running errands, on the way to work, at her desk, driving carpool, or hurrying home. Second, I think about lessons God’s taught me over the weeks leading up to my deadline i.e., what I’m worried about, what I’m learning in my marriage, what I’m struggling with, how I’m enjoying my relationship with God or a friend, and how I’m trying to balance my role as wife, mom and a working woman. Blogging also helps me think of show ideas. Reading through my posts reminds me of what God’s been doing in my life. I also love reading women’s comments and their blogs because they show me where women are and what we all need for encouragement.

Renee, that’s really amazing how God has helped you tailor a one-minute radio spot to speak to numerous women who need to hear His voice through you. I’m encouraged by your prayers and intentional effort you make to impact our daily lives with the truth of Christ in only one minute. Thank you so much!

What came first, your speaking ministry or your role in the Proverbs 31 Ministry?

My role with Proverbs 31 Ministries came first. I joined the staff as the editor of the newsletter in 1995 and served in that role until 1999. Later, I sensed God calling me to transition into a volunteer role with less time commitment. It was very hard at first! I missed being part of the staff, but I also knew it was what God wanted and what I needed. For the next two years, I served in various capacities which included: promotions, helping with office administration and fundraising projects. But mostly, I spent my kids’ nap times digging deep into God’s Word and letting Him dig deep into my heart in a way I never had before. I would write down Scriptures and journal about everything God was teaching me. I learned so much about Him and His heart toward me. I learned to find my identity in Who He was and what He had done, instead of seeking to feel significant based on what I could do or who I was. That was an important process for me, as it is for each of us; to find value in Christ alone.

I’m so thankful you listened to the Lord, even when you didn’t quite understand all the reasons. I know many sisters in Christ have greatly benefited from your obedience. How did your speaking ministry begin?

My speaking ministry started through my home church. During my “digging deep” season, I offered to write a small topical Bible study that tied in with a 3-part series of supper seminars my pastor’s wife had taught. The leaders had been praying for a gift to give the attendees of the seminars, and asked me to write the Bible study. At the end of the last supper seminar, 1000 copies were given away. In the spring, I was asked to teach a class based on the study I’d written. The next fall, I wrote another study and taught two more series. That was my first speaking experience. During the summer of 2001, I attended the Proverbs 31 Ministries first annual She Speaks Conference. At the end of this conference, P31 offered a certification process for those who felt called to speak. It was such a natural fit. For the first few years, God grew me and my messages through local opportunities which included: continuing to teach at my church, speaking to women’s small groups, and occasionally speaking at local dinner events and MOPs groups.

I love how God takes our offerings (your offer to write the Bible study) to help others, and uses our token of love to birth His greater purpose for us. What is your role in the P31 “She Speaks” Conference and how did this conference come about?

I am a part of the P31 leadership planning team and one of the speakers at our She Speaks Conference for women’s ministry leaders, speakers, writers and bloggers. The first She Speaks Conference was held in 2001 to equip and encourage women in their calling to share the story God is telling through their lives based on Proverbs 31:26, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Our whole team and staff speak and/or serve at this annual life-changing event that we host in the Charlotte, NC area each year.

When it became obvious God was calling you into a speaking ministry, how did you choose the 10 topics you would speak on?

Every one of my topics is birthed and developed in my heart through life experience and whatever God is teaching me. My messages reflect my greatest struggles, desires and passions: reading God’s Word and making it come alive in my heart and in my everyday relationships; hearing, recognizing and listening to God’s voice and not the enemy’s accusations; living a purpose-filled and balanced life; developing authentic and Christ-centered friendships that complete and not compete; being a purpose-driven mom; bringing out God’s best in my kids and my husband by being their greatest encourager; experiencing the power of prayer and praise in my everyday life. Wow, I thought having 10 topics was too many. Maybe I need to add more!

I noticed that you’ll be adding three (3) more great topics to your speaking ministry: What Happens When Women Pray, Living Waters: Receive, Rest, Renew and Remain and Without a Doubt: Living Confidently in Christ. Would you please share with us how and why God led you to speak about these new topics and when you’ll begin offering them?

Oh, you saw that I am adding more already. I’ve started offering my new topics for events that are booked for 2009 and 2010. All of them were birthed through life lessons that I’ve learned over the past couple of years.

What Happens When Women Pray is a retreat where we unpack some powerful truths and life lessons Jesus taught about prayer. We also talk about what it looks like to live a life defined by conversations with God – where we talk to Him and listen to Him in what I call “all-throughout-my-day prayers” and then we talk about what happens when we stop talking and start walking out what He has revealed to us through prayer in our relationships with our family, our friends, and those we work and serve alongside.

Living Waters: Receive, Rest, Renew and Remain is a retreat where we first talk about positioning ourselves daily to RECEIVE what God wants to give us through a “really knowing me” kind of relationship with Christ where we find all that we’ve ever wanted: unconditional love, assurance, acceptance, and grace. Only then can we REST in Him. We can stop worrying and live rested instead of rest-less lives as we learn to follow His lead and take on His burdens while trusting Him with ours. In the next session we RENEW our minds with His truth and live like we BELIEVE HIM! We close the retreat by discussing the need to REMAIN in a constant place of dependence on Christ – allowing Him to live His life in us and through us so that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength, peace, joy and purpose.

Without a Doubt: Living Confidently in Christ is my newest retreat topic. This message was birthed through my own exhausting battle with doubt and based on victory I found in God’s word from one of my favorite stories in Judges 6 about Gideon. Through it I’ve learned: how to see myself the way God sees me, how to be encouraged by God’s promise to always give me His presence and power, and how to trust Him to become who He’s called me to be, and defeat my own enemies of doubt and fear. Doubt has been a struggle for most of my life and I never realized it’s a struggle for almost all women. I’m excited to be able to talk and teach about it from God’s Word so we can overcome its destructive power and live confidently in Christ!

AMEN to that sister! These new topics are just as fabulous as your original ten! There are many women who really need to hear the messages of hope in Christ alone–in spite of our temporal circumstances and fears.

I’m very interested in your workbook entitled: Shaped with Purpose. Would you please share a little bit about this workbook?

I wrote my Shaped with Purpose workbook after my own 2-year journey of discovering and then embracing God’s purpose for my life, instead of living out everyone else’s purposes for me. It’s a 25-page guide to help a woman discover and understand the one-of-a-kind woman she is; designed by God with a unique blend of spiritual gifts, heart’s desires, abilities, personality and experiences that shape His calling and purpose for her life.

Thank you once again for your faithfulness to our Lord, His calling on your life and your willingness to be so transparent for Christ’s glory! Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you something very personal. I understand that you’re in the process of adopting a daughter (or two) between the ages of 4 – 10 from Ethiopia. Can you tell us how God revealed His will to you in this area, your first reaction, any challenges and/or victories in Christ along the way?

In October 2008, I spoke at a women’s conference with my dear friend Lysa TerKeurst. When we got there I bought a t-shirt that said: “Live Dangerously ~ Christ’s love moves me to extremes (2 Corinthians 5:14)“.

I had no idea how prophetic that quote would be over the next 24 hours. That day, I had this deep sense that God had brought my life full circle. Later I sat in the audience listening to Lysa teach her message, “What Happens When Women say Yes to God.” Although I’d heard her stories, and even lived some of them with her, I sensed God was not giving me a review of Lysa’s story; He was giving me a preview of my own.

You see, my husband J.J. had been praying for almost three years that God would give me the same desire he had to adopt. During Lysa’s last message God clearly spoke to my heart about my fears. He answered every concern with huge confirmations through Lysa. And in my heart I knew He wanted me to give away the kind of love I had been given when I was adopted as His child through Jesus Christ.

I opened my heart and my hands and asked Him to remove my fears and fill them with His peace. Immediately, I closed my eyes and the face of a little girl with chocolate brown skin appeared in my mind. I knew God was telling me to go home and share with J.J. that God was calling us to adopt a daughter (or two) from Africa. My heart emptied of all fears and filled with joy as I said “Yes, Lord. I will!”

Soon after I said “Yes!”, I felt the Holy Spirit whispering to my soul, “You can trust Me. It is done.” I strongly sensed God had gone before us and prepared the way. In the days that followed He revealed what He had already done.

1. God provided money – we found out that my husband’s company reimburses $10K per child in adoption expense.
2. God provided time – we got our paperwork done quickly.
3. God provided direction – my friend Deanna called that week to tell me they were adopting three children from Ethiopia which happened to be the country we were leaning towards because we sponsor a girl from Ethiopia through Compassion International. That same week J.J. found out his co-worker, who is a Christian, was born and raised in Ethiopia. Both women have been such a source of encouragement and prayer.

We are a year into the process and still waiting. This fall we thought we’d found the two girls God wanted us to adopt, but there was a miscommunication and another family is adopting them. I was so sad and felt as if I had a miscarriage. But something beautiful happened in my heart through that loss. God showed me how to love them through prayer and let go of them through a letter I shared on my blog. Even through all of the ups and downs God’s given us incredible peace. We know that what has already been done in Heaven will, in God’s perfect timing, be done on earth.

I thank you deeply for being so transparent with us–allowing us to see right through you and your pain, so we can see the goodness and sovereignty of Jesus our Lord. Your letter to Shasho and Zenie was used by God to exhort me not be afraid to be real in my pain, while still trusting our sovereign and good LORD.

On a bit of a “lighter”, yet important note, would you please share some Christmas traditions you and your husband have implemented in your family to keep Christ the center of Christmas?

We hide all of the “baby Jesus” figures so that our mangers are not complete until Christmas morning. Also, we don’t open our gifts until after Christmas breakfast, so that we can give gifts from our hearts to Jesus. We set a place for Jesus at the table and give Him our red “You are Special” plate. We have small candle holders clipped to each plate and as we go around telling what gift we want to give from our hearts to God and each other, we light our candles.

It’s so special! Now, I have to admit that this was not a popular new tradition when I suggested it a few years ago, but now we love it! Our hearts are in such a sweet place once we go to the tree to open our gifts. Plus it makes the day and the fun last so much longer.

I love this tradition! I can see how it would set a person’s heart and mind in preparation for the real Reason why Christians celebrate Christmas. In closing, do you have a Scripture verse or passage that God has recently laid on your heart that you’d like to share?

I was recently re-reading the story about Mary, finding out God wanted her be the mother of His Son (Luke 1:28-38). Mary responded with complete surrender to God’s calling, making herself available, because she knew that above all else she was “the Lord’s servant.” Then she answered with confident faith: “May it be to me as He has said.” At the moment Mary declared that she was a woman who not only believed in God, but really BELIEVED God!!! God not only used her faith, He honored her faith.

He brought another woman (Elizabeth) into her life that would remind Mary of God’s favor. Elizabeth celebrated and encouraged Mary’s faith when she exclaimed: “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” (v.45) I want to be a woman who believes God, and also a friend who encourages others to live like they believe Him, too! “For I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Tim.1:12b)

You’re an inspiration, dear sister. Thank you so much, Renee, for taking the time to allow us the privilege to have a glimpse of how God is faithfully completing His work that He begun in you. May the Lord our God bless you and your family with a Christmas filled with His miracles!

Visit Renee at:
Proverbs 31 Ministries Proverbs 31 Radio Ministry

©2008, Sunny Shell

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About the Author:
Sunny Shell

Sunny’s been an oddball her entire life! Raised in Alexandria, Virginia in the early 1970’s, she was the only Christian, in an immigrant, Korean-Buddhist household, where she is the youngest of three children.

When she was only four years old, the Lord of hosts, miraculously provided for a bus to pick her up every Sunday to take her to church, where she first heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, so that she might intimately know His agape love for her. And this truly was the best and greatest news she’d ever heard….and it still is!

Sunny is in the process of writing her first Bible Study entitled  A Wife’s Biblical Submission which she is currently teaching online. She has been a guest contributor for the Internet Café Devotions and is a monthly contributor for At The Well.

Visit her website:

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