<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2full.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" version="2.0">

<channel>
	<title>(in)courage</title>
	
	<link>http://www.incourage.me</link>
	<description>home for the hearts of women</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:34:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator>
		<atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/incourage" /><feedburner:info xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" uri="incourage" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><item>
		<title>Measuring Up</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/measuring-up.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/measuring-up.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:30:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renee Swope</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book Club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=33928</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you ever compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t quite measure up? Maybe you think you’re not as smart, capable, personable, or as godly as they are? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/measuring_stick.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33930" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/measuring_stick.jpg" alt="" width="318" height="340" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Do you ever compare yourself to others and feel like you don’t quite measure up?</strong> Maybe you think you’re not as smart, capable, personable, or as godly as they are?</p>
<p>It is so easy to think that if we had more or knew more, we’d be secure.<strong> The truth is, even people who “have it all” still struggle with feelings of insecurity.</strong> The Bible opens with the story of a woman who had everything, but it wasn’t enough (Genesis 2).</p>
<p>God had established Eve’s worth as His child and the crown of His creation. <strong>God had given Eve every woman’s desire: intimacy, beauty, security, significance, and purpose. </strong>Yet, Satan conjured up feelings of insecurity by getting Eve to take her eyes off what she had and focus on what she didn’t have.</p>
<p>Boy, can I relate. Like Eve, I’ve heard Satan’s whispers telling me I’m not all I could be—or should be. One day I was reading her story in Genesis 2 and noticed that the enemy&#8217;s questions and suggestions were intended to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s heart. He wanted her to doubt God and herself.</p>
<p><strong>The enemy’s whispers tempted Eve to try to &#8220;be&#8221; more and &#8220;have&#8221; more by seeking significance apart from God’s provision.</strong> He convinced her that something was missing in her life and that the forbidden fruit would make her “like God.”</p>
<p>It was a foolish comparison, but all comparisons are. Yet, don’t we do it all the time:</p>
<p><em>If only I was like her…if only I had a house like her, a husband like hes, a job like her…; if only my children behaved like her’s….; If only ________, then I’d feel significant…satisfied…secure. </em></p>
<p><strong>Paul warns us that those who “measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, are not wise.” </strong>(2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV)  Comparison will always leave us feeling like we don’t measure up. We can try to do more and be more, yet it’s never enough.</p>
<p><strong>If only Eve had focused on who she was and what she had as a child of God. If only we could, too.</strong></p>
<p><em>Yet, Satan wants us to focus on our flaws and feelings of inadequacy, then exhaust our energy figuring out how to hide them.</em> But we don&#8217;t have to go along with his schemes. Instead we can recognize his lies, refute his temptations with truth, and focus our heart and our thoughts on God’s acceptance, security and significance. Then we can thank God for His provision and His promises that remind us of who we are in Him:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>I am accepted&#8230;</strong><br />
Ephesians 1:3-8              I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.</p>
<p>Colossians 1:13-14         I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.</p>
<p>Colossians 2:9-10           I am complete in Christ.</p>
<p><strong>I am secure&#8230;</strong><br />
Romans 8:28                    I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.</p>
<p>Romans 8:31-39             I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.</p>
<p>Philippians 1:6                I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.</p>
<p><strong><br />
I am significant&#8230;</strong><br />
Ephesians 2:10                I am God&#8217;s workmanship.</p>
<p>Ephesians 3:12                I may approach God with freedom and confidence.</p>
<p>Philippians 4:13              I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.</p></blockquote>
<p>Author and psychologist, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, &#8220;The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your  behavior (and beliefs) will begin to reflect your true identity!&#8221; <strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>So, the next time we’re tempted to use the measuring stick of comparison – let&#8217;s commit to measure UP ⁭⁭by focusing <em>upward </em>on Christ and who we are <em>in </em><em>HIM</em>!</strong></p>
<p><em>Lord, thank You that I’m chosen, holy, and dearly loved. When I’m tempted to find my significance and security apart from Your provision and promises, help me recognize Satan’s lies, refuse his temptations and stand firm in my faith. Remind me that such confidence as this is mine through Christ—not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but competence comes from Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen</em>. (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:9; 2 Corinthians 3:4–5)</p>
<p><strong>By <a href="http://reneeswope.com/">Renee Swope</a>, <em>author of </em></strong> <strong><em><a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a></em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-33775" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg" alt="" width="170" height="264" /></a>TODAY&#8217;S GIVEAWAY!</strong> <em>Is there a promise or two you sense God wants you to hold onto today? {Renee will be reading and praying them specifically over you!} Also, </em>write your promises on an index card and carry them with you to remind you of just how much you measure up in God&#8217;s eyes &#8212; because<strong> YOU ARE HIS!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Learn more about </strong><em><strong><a href="http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/">A Confident Heart </a></strong></em></p>
<p><strong>Read a free Sample Chapter</strong>:<a href="http://www.reneeswope.com/files/chchapter2.pdf"> </a><a href="http://reneeswope.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Chapter-2_A-Confident-Heart.pdf">Because God&#8217;s Love is Perfect, I Don&#8217;t Have to Be </a></p>
<p><strong>Join Renee on her</strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AConfidentHeart" target="_blank"> Confident Heart Facebook Page </a></p>
<p><em><strong>We’ll choose TWO commenters to win a copy of </strong> <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a>! </em>{Plus you can still enter to win on Renee&#8217;s<em> </em><a href="../2012/02/a-confident-heart-and-a-giveaway.html">Monday post</a> and <a href="../2012/02/beyond-the-shadow-of-our-doubts-and-a-giveaway.html">Wednesday post</a> til Sunday night. Winners announced Monday!}</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/measuring-up.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>49</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Broken Vessels</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/broken-vessels.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/broken-vessels.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:10:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sarah Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Guests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=31756</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In all the years of working with people I’ve learned this, people matter. People matter to God. People have value, purpose and worth. And one thing I have learned is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2735176425_70d1cb21641.jpeg"><img class="size-full wp-image-31758 aligncenter" title="2735176425_70d1cb2164" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2735176425_70d1cb21641.jpeg" alt="" width="333" height="500" /></a>In all the years of working with people I’ve learned this, people matter.<strong> People matter to God. People have value, purpose and worth.</strong></p>
<p>And one thing I have learned is that many don’t even know it. It’s what makes the job of those of us that do know, so important. To do this though requires a lot of risk. A risk of heart, mind and emotion. It requires an understanding of Love.</p>
<p>I am continually learning what Love really is. I know that as a woman, I offer a lot just by being a woman. Women are menders of relationships in the world. The caretakers of relationships with another, while God is the caretaker of the heart that loves. That’s why the word beautiful is used to describe women.</p>
<p>Its beauty that is unveiled in their lives that restores and refreshes in a world that without God finds very little beauty. It’s rough and unlovely. The world can be harsh and cold without warmth and forgiveness. That is what makes the expression of Love so divine.<em> How we Love is a true reflection of Who or what we allow to Love us. </em></p>
<p>A woman who is loved and knows she is loved is glowing. She beams because her heart’s questions have been answered. <em>“You are enough. You are worth fighting for. You are lovely.”</em></p>
<p>So when people ask me, “Sarah, how is it you are so cheerful all the time?” It’s because I know I’m Loved. I know I’m not only Loved but Cherished. God’s Love is like a seal on my heart. I need not look for it elsewhere. Not in broken relationships, not in food, not in a job, not in my gifts. Simply in the fact, that God loves me for me. This changes everything! It means because I know I’m Loved, I can now offer Love to another!</p>
<p>And because that Love comes from the Lord, it doesn’t demand a specific response from that person. <strong>God is enough!</strong> He is my portion. He is my Redeemer. He is the One who completes me!</p>
<p>And so I have that Love now to express and offer. Out of a heart filled with Jesus, comes an overflow of amazing Love and Grace. Grace that is someone doing for you what you cannot do for yourself. Extending<strong> kindness</strong> when undeserved. <strong>Time</strong>, when time is short. <strong>Encouragement</strong> though frustrations arise. <strong>Faith</strong> when you find yourself at the edge of Jordan’s waters. <strong>Hope</strong>, when God dries up the Jordan and sees you safely across.</p>
<p>All that to say, we are merely vessels. <em><strong>But we are vessels who hold a priceless treasure when we know and experience the Love of God.</strong></em> Love that goes beyond our own selves. Love that reaches and covers our brokenness as far as the East is to the West. It is a Love that changes us and allows us to be difference makers in a world that needs to be shown a difference.</p>
<p>I am nothing but a pot that has a great bunch of cracks in it. But I see my pot like a geranium pot you might find outside an Italian villa. It’s cracked all over and has moss growing on the outside, but out of every crack there is life growing out of it. There is a plant producing beauty and constantly goes through the process of dying to itself to make way for new blooms to grow.</p>
<p>Love allows broken pots to be a vessel for new Life. <strong>And it’s through that Life and that Love that hearts are changed and Lives are made new and Love is truly known. </strong></p>
<p>By:  <a href="http://northwestcooper.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Cooper</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/broken-vessels.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Can You Do?</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/what-can-you-do.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/what-can-you-do.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Amber Haines</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do right]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=32288</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I sat on the couch with sweet, rare friends, and one prayed words that I couldn&#8217;t understand. They were meant to bless me, and I cried in unbelief. I am [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33807" title="in deep" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/310808_10150420615446223_654451222_10634518_1254724338_n_large.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="305" /></p>
<p>I sat on the couch with sweet, rare friends, and one prayed words that I couldn&#8217;t understand. They were meant to bless me, and I cried in unbelief. I am none of those things she called me, struggling in the tension of the already but not yet. I believed her, <a href="http://www.holleygerth.com/">Holley</a>, in theory, but I&#8217;ve only just begun to read and embrace anything that remotely refers to my being &#8220;[...] <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/holley_gerth_you_re_already_amazing/?F_All=Y" target="_blank">Already Amazing.</a>&#8221;</p>
<p>The next day I yelled horribly at my children, and then the day after that I watched my son exhibit such control-freak behavior that it nearly paralyzed me and him both. Often if he messes up, he can&#8217;t seem to get over it. He cries and begs forgiveness over and over again and then falls apart in utter disappointment when he doesn&#8217;t come through with his imagined &#8220;right way&#8221; to be.<strong> I know he learned this from me, this lack of understanding about grace.</strong></p>
<p>So I wake after such a string of failure that I call a sitter and drive to my favorite coffee shop. I&#8217;ve planned to mope about how I&#8217;m going to completely ruin my children. As I arrive, I have the beautiful idea to take breakfast to a favorite friend, who&#8217;s very recently adopted. I reach for my wallet, realize I&#8217;ve forgotten it at home, and just as I&#8217;m backing out of the parking lot, my friend Heather walks out with a paper bag.</p>
<p>She stops me and says she&#8217;s actually on her way to take breakfast to our friend&#8217;s house, the same friend I want to go see. After inviting me to come along, she buys my coffee, and<strong> it doesn&#8217;t feel like a coincidence at all.</strong></p>
<p>Our girlfriend&#8217;s home is the loud of joy and the ache of growth, the heightened sense of brand new and unknowing and beautiful. Her newest daughter is receiving therapy in the bedroom, and I swell with emotion while looking at the fanciest little kid wheelchair, how dumbfounded I find myself at my friends&#8217; contagious love for children with special needs or not. I want it, and actually, it&#8217;s already working in me, how wonderful her daughter is, like all God&#8217;s children.</p>
<p>God has poured grace in that home, and I hear her raised voice in the other room. I fumble things and watch two girlfriends in the thick back-and-forth of ones who have loved each other into the deepest darkest waters. After a while, things settle. The coffee is half-full.</p>
<p>They ask me how things are, and I cry and say <strong>I&#8217;m not good enough</strong>, that I don&#8217;t know how to parent with grace, don&#8217;t know what it means. I need someone to tell me what to do.</p>
<p>And there is no good answer. Every time I try to scrounge for one, my girlfriend looks at me pointedly and says, <strong>&#8220;No! You&#8217;re missing it! There&#8217;s nothing you can DO.&#8221;</strong></p>
<p>Oh and all my outlines on works-based righteousness come flooding back, how it is all and only Jesus.</p>
<p>Then she tells me a secret story of how deeply she loves her daughter, regardless of anything she does or doesn&#8217;t do. Will she walk? Let me tell you for certain &#8211; her Mama wouldn&#8217;t and couldn&#8217;t love her an ounce more if she did. I understand it only shallowly as I might understand faith and hope in the abstract. We can skim the surface or go in to find the depths of those bottomless wells. <strong>Words hardly fit such a love.</strong></p>
<p>I imagine if I were like the Apostle Paul or that godly woman who wrote the holy book of gratitude. I imagine if somehow I could be that good, even then I wouldn&#8217;t be righteous&#8211;the secret that both these envied saints know well. I imagined that I never get better, never stop struggling with anger or depression or or or. Even then, I am the same.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20cor%205:21&amp;version=ESV">I am the righteousness of God <strong>in Christ.</strong></a> That work is done. Holley says I&#8217;m already amazing. So I sit with it, the grace and the love. I am the daughter, and there&#8217;s nothing I can do, and I am free. That right there is the good news.</p>
<h6><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/23403009">*photo credit</a></h6>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/what-can-you-do.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>25</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Making Couple Friends :: Friendships Part 3</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/making-couple-friends-friendships-part-3.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/making-couple-friends-friendships-part-3.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:35:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Nester</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=31901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This post is part 3 of a series on friendship, here&#8217;s part one and part two but you can read them in any order. Today I&#8217;d thought I&#8217;d highlight a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Screen-Shot-2012-02-22-at-7.39.31-AM.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33897" title="Screen Shot 2012-02-22 at 7.39.31 AM" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Screen-Shot-2012-02-22-at-7.39.31-AM.png" alt="" width="290" height="287" /></a><em>This post is part 3 of a series on friendship, here&#8217;s <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2011/12/on-friendship.html">part one</a> and <a href="http://www.incourage.me/2012/01/on-friendships-part-2-build-an-automatic-bench.html">part two</a> but you can read them in any order.</em></p>
<p>Today I&#8217;d thought I&#8217;d highlight a few questions left in the comments from the past posts.  I certainly am no friendy expert so I gave my answer but, you probably have a better answer&#8211;feel free to leave your ideas in the comments</p>
<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Picture-121.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31418" title="Picture 12" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Picture-121.png" alt="" width="570" height="171" /></a></p>
<p>My guess is that it&#8217;s much easier to make Couple Friends in a marriage where the husband is the extrovert&#8211;because it seems like introverted men need a little more convincing that friends are worth it than introverted women.</p>
<p>One idea is for the person with the most friends ie: the extrovert {in my case, my husband, in Ann&#8217;s case her} would bring their spouse to some easy to drop in group events {don&#8217;t force them to stay forever and be sure to stick with them and introduce them and brag on your spouse} where lots of friends will be.  Then after a few of these outings, let the introvert think about who they hit it off with the most and then get together with those couples. Poof you have Couple Friends.  It&#8217;s actually worked that way for me. I totally let my husband make the friends first, then I just befriend the wives.  It works beautifully because my husband could be a professional friend maker&#8211; he&#8217;s really good at it so I just mooch off his great friend making skills.  Ninety percent of my friends were made this very way!</p>
<p>Maybe some of you have some great suggestions for Ann? Leave them in the comments&#8230;.</p>
<p>And here&#8217;s one more question I thought was worth addressing::</p>
<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Picture-1.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-31428" title="Picture 1" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Picture-1.png" alt="" width="581" height="335" /></a></p>
<p>My answer? Well,<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2012/02/the-power-of-the-imperfect.html"> I answered it here at Nesting Place the other day</a> {which really makes this a four part series but whatevs}, I&#8217;d love to hear your thoughts at the comments there, too.</p>
<p><em>Don&#8217;t forget, leave any ideas you have in the comments here for making Couple Friends.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/making-couple-friends-friendships-part-3.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>35</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beyond The Shadow Of Our Doubts {and a Giveaway!}</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/beyond-the-shadow-of-our-doubts-and-a-giveaway.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/beyond-the-shadow-of-our-doubts-and-a-giveaway.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:30:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renee Swope</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=33845</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wouldn’t it be great if becoming a Christian meant all of our doubts and fears went away? Have you ever wondered why you struggle with insecurities and self-doubts even though [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ConfidentHeart_HorizontalBanner1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-33869" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ConfidentHeart_HorizontalBanner1.jpg" alt="" width="477" height="234" /></a><strong>Wouldn’t it be great if becoming a Christian meant all of our doubts and fears went away?</strong> Have you ever wondered why you struggle with insecurities and self-doubts even though you know you are a child of God?</p>
<p>Maybe God is leading you to do something but doubt has convinced you you’re not smart enough or gifted enough. Perhaps you wanted kids and now you have a family, but now you question if you have what it takes to be a good mom. Or maybe you’ve wanted to change jobs and now have opportunity, but doubt you will succeed at something new.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/a-confident-heart-and-a-giveaway.html">In Monday’s post,</a> I described the day I discovered the shadow of my doubt. </strong>After begging God to zap me with confidence {and realizing it wasn’t going to happen} I asked Him show me what made me start feeling so insecure and uncertain.</p>
<p><strong>Immediately I remembered Gideon, a man who was also called by God yet paralyzed by feelings of inadequacy. </strong></p>
<p>From reading his story in Judges 6, I knew Gideon overcame his doubts and fears by focusing on what God thought about him, instead of what he thought about himself. But first, Gideon processed his doubts with God in a very honest way. <em>He told the angel of the Lord that he questioned God’s presence  and doubted His promises because of recent conflicts and defeats.</em></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>It was time for me to get honest with God, too. I needed more than a quick fix;</strong> <em>I needed to figure out what triggered my self-doubts and led me into such a yucky place of uncertainty.</em></p>
<p>Earlier that week a conflict with a friend made me doubt I should even be in ministry. <em>After all,</em> self-doubt whispered, <em>if I can’t maintain healthy relationships at all times in all areas, how can I help others?</em> I also received feedback on a project that week. Although there were several positive comments, one harsh criticism overshadowed the compliments and consumed my focus.</p>
<p>I had also fallen into the comparison trap and caught myself comparing my abilities as a speaker to others who’d been booked for an upcoming event with me. Self-doubt convinced me I wasn’t as gifted as they were. <strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Conflict, criticism and comparison had sent me into the shadows of doubt.</strong></p>
<p>What about you? When conflict arises at home or at work, do you ever assume it disqualifies you from other ministries or callings? Does criticism ever paralyze you from believing you can do certain things? Or, has comparison ever convinced you that someone else can do it (whatever “it” is) better than you can?</p>
<p><em>I used to think insecurity was a negative emotion, a lapse of faith, a dip in self-confidence, and I wanted God to  simply make my doubts go away.</em><strong> </strong>But instead, <em>God has used my doubts to lead me to a place of deeper dependence on Him and His promises.</em></p>
<p><strong>In my book, <em><a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a>, </em>I share how we can allow God to change the way we think, which will change the way we feel, and eventually transform the way we live!</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong>It&#8217;s not a quick fix but a powerful process of identifying our doubts, what triggers them and then learning to rely on God&#8217;s power and promises to lead us beyond the shadow of our doubts.<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>So, the next time you start feeling uncertain or insecure,</strong><strong> ask God to help you identify what thoughts triggered your doubts. </strong>Then process that trigger point through the filter of God’s perspective. Asking Him if there are lies you&#8217;re believing that need to be replaced with His  truth.<strong> </strong>Then change your thought process by focusing on His thoughts towards you, instead of your thoughts about  yourself. For instance:</p>
<ul>
<li>When doubt tells you that you can’t do something because it’s too hard, remember God says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>When doubt tells you that you&#8217;re not good enough, focus on the truth that God says you&#8217;re fearfully and wonderfully made; all of His works are wonderful and you are one of them (Ps. 139:14).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Friend, I have no doubt God wants you to live with a confident heart! </strong><em>Some days it will be about what He’s calling you to do— but more than that it will be about what </em><em>He wants to do in you &#8212; as you learn to completely depend on Him!</em></p>
<p><strong>By <a href="http://reneeswope.com/">Renee Swope</a>, <em>Leading Women to Live Confidently in Christ</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-33775" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="232" /></a>GIVEAWAY!</strong> Please finish this sentence: What I could relate to most when reading today&#8217;s post was&#8230;</p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em><strong>We’ll choose THREE of commenters  win a copy of </strong> <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a>! </em><em><br />
</em></p>
<p>{Learn more about <em><a href="http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/">A Confident Heart:</a> How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God’s Promises}</em></p>
<blockquote><p>Take Renee’s <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.reneeswope.com/files/doubtindex.pdf">Doubt Index Analysis</a>.</span></strong> It’s a FREE short quiz to help you identify your most common self-doubts, what triggers them and their affects on your life and relationships.</p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.reneeswope.com/files/chchapter1.pdf">Read Chapter One </a> — <a href="http://reneeswope.com/videos/chtrailer/">Watch the Book Trailer </a>–<a href="http://www.reneeswope.com/"> Meet Renee</a>–<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AConfidentHeart" target="_blank">Follow Renee on Facebook </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/beyond-the-shadow-of-our-doubts-and-a-giveaway.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>251</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Truth About Conflict</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/the-truth-about-conflict.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/the-truth-about-conflict.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:20:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Halley Greene</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Courage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Everyday Faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[differences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=32365</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the many faces today’s churches seem to have taken on apart from God’s leading is that of the Stepford wives syndrome – picture perfection, all smiles and saccharine [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/rowboat-Kerstin-resized.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-32500" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/rowboat-Kerstin-resized.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>One of the many faces today’s churches seem to have taken on apart from God’s leading is that of the Stepford wives syndrome – picture perfection, all smiles and saccharine sweetness. To maintain such an image, <strong>members of the Church have learned to avoid conflict at all costs. </strong></p>
<p>We sit together on opposite ends of a small rowboat in the midst of a raging storm, refusing to address our differing paddling methods for fear we may rock the boat – never mind that the crashing waves have already rocked the boat to the point of sinking.</p>
<p>Perhaps at first we avoid conflict for the sake of preserving relationship, fearing a friendship cannot weather the storm of contrary thoughts or feelings. Eventually, however, as we watch the friendship die in silence, the truth emerges – what we feared most all along was not losing the friendship, but something else entirely. Perhaps the mirage of a perfectly shaped world, a sense of control, or our pride.</p>
<p><strong>Is this what God asks of us – conflict-free perfection?</strong> Is this what He means when His Word says we should not be a house divided, but should be of one mind?</p>
<p>I worked in an organization where sweeping conflict under the rug to remain hidden is precisely what made the house fall again and again. <strong>To be a body made of diverse parts inevitably means differences will arise.</strong> The mind and feet may want to run while the heart and arms desire embrace.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-32498" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/P1040308-resized-copy.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></p>
<p>Such conflict is not bad. How we approach it can be, but the approaching itself is not wrong. There are reasons the parts behave differently – it is good that they do. <strong>But</strong> <strong>we rarely learn what to do with these differences. Many fail to speak the truth while others fail to speak it in love.</strong></p>
<p>Our teachers tend to be parents squashing emotion or exploding in rage;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">cultures idealizing happiness as ultimate good, forbidding that any cause discomfort;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 60px;">churches silencing members for the appearance of kindness, goodness, gentleness – as though God’s Spirit is incapable of producing such fruit;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;">science informing of only two options – the nerves say flee, so we dare not fight.</p>
<p>But I do not speak of fighting, not with fists or with words. [How ridiculous we inculcate children with rhymes causing wonder at words that cause pain. At least bones broken by sticks and stones can heal with time. The cuts of words run deep and fester.]</p>
<p>We cannot all just get along until we first learn to not get along. It is time for the Church to teach the truth about conflict. We cannot afford to continue running.</p>
<p>The Scriptures present peace as an active concept, one to be pursued, not simply arrived at by placating. <strong>Ephesians 4 urges believers to <em>speak truth</em> and <em>be angry</em>, even as it exhorts them to “<em>be kind</em> to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you”</strong> [NASB].</p>
<p>Heaven does not forbid that one feels pain. The Bible abounds with angst-ridden conflict: Jacob and Esau, David and Saul, Sarah and Hagar, Jesus and Pharisees, God and humanity. All ultimately lead to God’s purpose and to transformation of man.</p>
<p>Discovering our own way is not the right or the only way threatens our everyday living, drawing us near to hear God’s truth. His truth is enough to overcome, enough to reconcile.</p>
<p>As we paddle along in the storm-tossed dinghy, we can <strong>dare to shift forward, to break silence and converse. </strong>In so doing, we may find a common stroke that pulls further forward, landing us closer to shore.</p>
<p>By Halley, <a title="The Sky Above Us" href="http://theskyaboveus.wordpress.com" target="_blank">The Sky Above Us</a></p>
<p><a href="http://radiance.photoshelter.com/">http://radiance.photoshelter.com/</a> &#8211; rowboat photo courtesy of Kerstin Pless</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/the-truth-about-conflict.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>When Inadequate is Adequate</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/when-inadequate-is-adequate.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/when-inadequate-is-adequate.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristen Welch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Everyday Faith]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=32260</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[She didn&#8217;t have much. Actually, compared to what we have, she had nothing. But her little was enough. Imagine the bleak scene: a starving widow in a desperate famine, preparing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_5366.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-32810" title="DSC_5366" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/DSC_5366.jpg" alt="" width="581" height="387" /></a></p>
<p>She didn&#8217;t have much.</p>
<p>Actually, compared to what we have, she had nothing.</p>
<p><em>But her little was enough.</em></p>
<p>Imagine the bleak scene: a starving widow in a desperate famine, preparing her last meal-a tiny bit of flour and oil- so she could feed her child and die.</p>
<p>[I've seen pictures of the famine going on in the Horn of Africa today. It's not hard to recreate the horror of the situation.]</p>
<p>A stranger, a man of God, showed up and asked her for bread. She told him her situation. I can almost see the defeat and sorrow etched into the deep lines of worry on her face. Elijah tells her to step out in faith.</p>
<p>She did as he asked. She prepared the bread and gave it to the stranger.</p>
<p>She gave all she had, even though it wasn&#8217;t much to look at. The flour and oil never ran out. <em>He turned her little into a lot.</em></p>
<p><strong>Her inadequate offering became adequate</strong>.</p>
<p>I look at my container of flour and oil. There&#8217;s not much in there, y&#8217;all.</p>
<p>What I have to offer won&#8217;t fill both hands. I don&#8217;t have loads of money or talent. I&#8217;m not a very good friend and I let being an introvert determine my day. I yell at my kids and nag my husband. I&#8217;m never caught up on laundry and I&#8217;m usually overwhelmed. Some days are lonely and I doubt my determination to live counter-cultural and often listen to the voice that whispers, &#8220;you are not good enough to do this.&#8221; There are nights I lay awake riddled with mom guilt and regret.</p>
<p>I am inadequate. I am not capable of the God-size dream He&#8217;s called me to.</p>
<p><strong>But He is adequate in me.</strong></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-8349" title="seed" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/seed-600x407.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="407" /></p>
<p><em>And that&#8217;s more than enough.</em></p>
<p>Think of the unknown people of the Bible. They are mentioned because their minuscule existence changed the very course of history.</p>
<p>God uses all kinds of people and He specializes in the ordinary.</p>
<blockquote><p>God’s view of you is far beyond anything you could imagine.  As you walk in your God given identity, you are transforming the world around you.  You are bringing the authority of heaven to earth. -Jane Hoyt</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>You were created for a purpose. It may seem small, but it matters.</strong></p>
<p>He created you exactly like you are. <strong>He has ordained a specific purpose for you</strong>.</p>
<p><em>And you possess the potential and creativity to do something amazing for Him. Even if it seems small and insignificant.</em></p>
<p><strong>It&#8217;s not. Your small contribution might be the catalyst to change the world.</strong></p>
<p>Don&#8217;t look at your &#8220;I cant&#8217;s and I&#8217;m nots&#8221;. He created you and within you lies the possibility to fulfill what He calls you too.</p>
<p>There is a great need in our world. At your doorstep. He&#8217;s not looking for a great world leader or a wise person with their act together.</p>
<p><em>He&#8217;s looking for someone inadequate to fill it. </em></p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p>Do you ever feel small and unnoticed in this great big world? Are you searching for your purpose? Do you doubt He can use your small offering in a big way? Let me pray with you.</p>
<p>Bible reference: I Kings 17:8-16</p>
<p>by <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com">We are THAT family</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/when-inadequate-is-adequate.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>38</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I Was Her</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/i-was-her.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/i-was-her.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:10:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lysa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Everyday Faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Making a Difference]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=32904</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[{Photo credit: Emily@Chatting at the Sky} I saw her coming across the arena. Deliberately. Intentionally. Her eyes fixed on the stage… on me… on what I must have represented in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/6132951138_895c724286_b.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-32911" title="DSC_0164" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/6132951138_895c724286_b-e1327420600202.jpg" alt="" width="581" height="389" /></a></p>
<p>{Photo credit: <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Emily@Chatting at the Sky</a>}</p>
<p>I saw her coming across the arena.  Deliberately.  Intentionally.  Her eyes fixed on the stage… on me… on what I must have represented in that moment, a woman who might understand.</p>
<p>Through the crowd.  Up the stairs.  Across the stage.  She stood next to me pressing her shoulder against mine as I was speaking to 6500 women.</p>
<p>And there she was staring out at thousands. But pressing into one.  <strong>Needing more than words. </strong></p>
<p>Later she explained she needed to feel God and thought if she stood close enough to me, she just might be <strong>able to feel Him.</strong></p>
<p>I didn’t have time to carefully plan what to do.  I’ve never had this happen before.  I’ve never seen this happen.  It wasn’t even on my scope of possibility.  But there she was.  And there I was.  Two women who simply and desperately need Jesus.</p>
<p>And because I am so hyper aware of my own desperation for Jesus every moment of every day, I simply wrapped my arm around her and kept on speaking.</p>
<p>It was a wrinkle in time.  Something that wasn’t supposed to be and yet was.  And I think I now know why.</p>
<p>I needed to remember that ravenous longing I once had to press against somebody who knew Jesus.  <strong>I was her</strong>.  Looking at other people’s faith wondering how to get that.  That depth.  That closeness.  That <strong>unswerving conviction</strong>.</p>
<p>I truly thought if only a person with that faith would let me close enough, I’d discover their secret.  I’d learn their routines.  I’d mimic their obedience.  I’d follow them to the ends of the earth until I got it right.  Then, then, then, I’d feel close to Jesus.  I’d understand the Bible.  I’d pray powerful prayers.  And all would finally make sense.</p>
<p>However, there is a big difference between being <strong>close to people who love Jesus</strong> and being close to <strong>Jesus Himself.</strong></p>
<p>I can certainly learn from people.  “He who walks with the wise, grows wise.”  (Proverbs 13:20)</p>
<p>But if I want closeness with Jesus, I won’t find that in following anyone but Jesus Himself.  He is the One who must be pursued.</p>
<p>There have been a thousand whispers from my heart, “Show me, Jesus.  Show me how to follow you, be close to you, press into you, be more like you… show me.  Show me today.  Show me in this minute.  Show me, please Jesus, show me.”</p>
<p>A thousand whispers.  And there will surely be thousands more.  <strong>For following Jesus can&#8217;t be put into a formula. </strong></p>
<p>He simply says, “Follow me.”  And those who dare to whisper, &#8220;yes, that&#8217;s what I want,&#8221; and then walk in the ways He tells us to, find Him.  I&#8217;ve discovered when I position myself to be in the places where Jesus is the focus, I find Him.</p>
<p><strong>I find Him </strong>in the middle of a worship song at church.  I find Him when I read the Bible.  I find Him when I quietly whisper thank you and choose to see the blessings woven all through my day.</p>
<p>That&#8217;s what I want this woman who came on stage to press against me to know.  <strong>If you seek Him, you will find Him.</strong></p>
<p>Yes, there she was.  And there I was.  Two women who simply and desperately need Jesus.</p>
<p>By <a href="www.LysaTerKeurst.com">Lysa TerKeurst</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/i-was-her.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>44</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Faithfulness vs. Prominence</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/faithfulness-vs-prominence.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/faithfulness-vs-prominence.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:20:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joy Dombrow</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Everyday Faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Guests]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Imperfection]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=31074</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;How have you been? What have you been up to?” In a rare once in a while, this question is asked of me and I can respond with some interesting [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-31077" style="border: 0px initial initial;" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/butterfly.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p><strong><em>&#8220;How have you been? What have you </em></strong><em>been up to?”</em></p>
<p>In a rare once in a while, this question is asked of me and I can respond with some interesting tale of a significant accomplishment or a prominent role into which I have stepped. But more often than not, the crickets chirp amongst the silence in my head as I strain to remember something from my days that is worth sharing. <strong>It all seems rather unimportant, insignificant. </strong>Mind you, I am well aware that what I do has great worth in the eyes of God, raising two beautiful children, loving my husband, and helping to shepherd a faith family. But to relay it to another human being (especially someone that happens to being doing such things <strong><em>plus </em></strong>rising on the prominence ladder) seems, well, so boring. And here is where the comparison game can get deadly.</p>
<p><em>She is the PTO president and puts on amazing class parties. </em></p>
<p><em>She had 100 people at her 40th birthday party. </em></p>
<p><em>She is on the speaking circuit, broadening her influence to thousands. </em></p>
<p><em>Her blog stats are off the charts. </em></p>
<p><em>That pastor’s wife runs an international women’s conference.</em></p>
<p><em>“I don’t know how she does it all”.</em></p>
<p><em>She is running a corporation. </em></p>
<p><em>She is changing the world through her service. </em></p>
<p><em>She is making a difference.</em></p>
<p>Okay, so you could continue and extend this list to fit your circumstances, but you know exactly what I mean, right? Sometimes, life seems a little too mundane, a little too inconspicuous and everyone else around you is seemingly making an significant impact on the world. Perhaps the season of folding laundry and wiping snotty noses will pass and/or lead to something a little more glamorous.</p>
<p><em>But what if it doesn’t? What then?</em></p>
<p><strong>A life of perceived prominence is no more significant than a life of faithfulness. </strong>In fact, a truly successful life is a faithful life. It is a life that consistently does the right thing over time, stringing together little choices and decisions which strengthen the fabric and deepen the textures of our legacy.</p>
<p>Perhaps faithfulness will lead to greater influence. God certainly says that if we are faithful with the little things that He will allow us to have more. It is our faithfulness that makes us trustworthy to God. But even if the influence does not broaden in scope, the faithfulness alone is what makes us successful. <em>(And sometimes, prominence can even get in the way of faithfulness).</em></p>
<p>No, a faithful life usually doesn’t receive a lot of accolades. Faithful people tend to get overlooked, since <a href="http://joydombrow.com/2011/03/the-big-lesson.html">they are about the little things, not the big ones</a>. It is the unglamorous side of the Christian life for it requires moving in the same direction down a long and windy road, believing that the desired destination is just ahead. And therein lies the faith of faithfulness. It is believing in the unseen and trusting that this humble life is the best life, because it is the one He asks of you.</p>
<p>So hang in there dear one, and let me applaud you from my tiny platform. Your faithful life may be overshadowed by the clamors of others more prominent, but it stands in full glory (accompanied by great fanfare) before the King of Kings.</p>
<p>By Joy Dombrow, <a href="http://joydombrow.com/">Living Loved</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/faithfulness-vs-prominence.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>41</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Confident Heart {and a Giveaway!}</title>
		<link>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/a-confident-heart-and-a-giveaway.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/a-confident-heart-and-a-giveaway.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:10:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renee Swope</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Book Club]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.incourage.me/?p=33708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, squinting from the lights above while also trying to open my eyelids so I could brush mascara on my lashes. My mouth [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/page-forming_heart_019873bl.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-33779" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/page-forming_heart_019873bl-300x209.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, squinting from the lights above while also trying to open my eyelids so I could brush mascara on my lashes. My mouth opened too, almost instinctively. I wondered why opening my mouth also opened my eyes. It didn’t make sense and neither did the way I was feeling.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>I had been struggling with paralyzing self-doubt that week, and it was making me question everything.</strong> Now here I was now, getting ready to travel to speak at a large women&#8217;s event and begging God to zap me with confidence or send Jesus back before I got there.</p>
<p>Although I felt honored when I was invited months before, now I questioned why I’d said yes. My internal dialogue was relentless…<em>What if I forget my message? What if they don’t connect with my stories or laugh at my humor? What if…?</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>After I finished my make-up, <strong>I turned around to put something in my suitcase and I noticed a huge nine-foot shadow on the wall. </strong>I was surprised how big the shadow was, and how much it was distorting the image of my five-foot, two-inch frame.</p>
<p>All of a sudden, it dawned on me: my uncertainty had created a huge shadow—a shadow of doubt.</p>
<p><strong>Just like my shadow on the wall was distorting my shape, my doubt was distorting my thoughts and overpowering my emotions with confusion and questions.</strong></p>
<p>As I stood there looking at the humongous shadow, I sensed God whispering to my heart: Y<em>ou can only see the shadow because you have turned away from the light. Turn back toward the light. </em>Slowly I turned back toward the lights above the mirror, and realized I was no longer standing in the shadow. And that was the day I discovered the shadow of my doubts.</p>
<div>
<p><strong>In the shadow of doubt, insecurity paralyzes us with statements like:</strong></p>
<p><strong>“I can’t do this.”</strong><br />
“Things will never change.”<br />
“My life isn’t going to get better.”<br />
“I’ll never have the confidence I need.”</p>
<p>Those are some depressing thoughts, aren’t they? But oh how quickly they weasel their way into our minds and disguise their voices to sound like ours. Sometimes we agree with them and they become our own.</p>
<p><strong>God doesn’t want us living in a cycle of defeat of dwelling in the shadows of doubt. </strong>In Isaiah 49:23, He says: “Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Yet, doubt and hope cannot live in our hearts at the same time. <strong>As God’s girls, we need to know and believe that change is possible. </strong>We need to hope that life can be different. Otherwise, doubt will win every time and our hearts will be eroded by attitudes and emotions of defeat—but it is not supposed to be this way.</p>
<p><em>God declares with confidence that things can change—“See, I am doing a new thing!” “I am working all things together for good, because you love me and are called according to my purpose.” “All things are possible to {her} who believes”</em> (Isa. 43:19; Rom. 8:28; Mark 9:23 NASB).</p>
</div>
<div>
<p>In my book, <em><a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a>,</em> I talk about how we can identify and overcome our most common self-doubts. <strong>It&#8217;s a daily process but we can replace our lack of confidence with lasting &#8220;God-fidence&#8221; &#8211; as we learn to live in the security of His promises each day. </strong>This week I hope you&#8217;ll join me here as we learn how to move beyond believing in God to really believing Him by relying on the power of His Truth and living like it&#8217;s true, no matter what our feelings or circumstances tell us!</p>
<p><strong>By <a href="http://reneeswope.com">Renee Swope</a>, <em>Leading Women to Live Confidently in Christ</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
</div>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-33775" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AConfidentHeart_FinalCover_smaller.jpg" alt="" width="102" height="158" /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>GIVEAWAY!</strong> Fill in the blanks: <em> </em></p>
<p><em> </em>When<em> </em>doubt whispers: “I can’t do this. Things will never change. I&#8217;m not good enough&#8221; I feel ____________.  BUT when I read God&#8217;s promises: &#8220;See, I am doing a new thing!” “I am working all things together for good, because you love me and are called according to my purpose.” “All things are possible to {her} who believes” (Isa. 43:19; Rom. 8:28; Mark 9:23) I feel __________________.</p>
<p><em><strong>We’ll choose FIVE commenters to win a copy of </strong><span style="font-weight: 800;"> <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/renee_swope_a_confident_heart/">A Confident Heart</a>!<br />
</span></em></p>
<p>{Learn more about <em><a href="http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/">A Confident Heart:</a> How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Live in the Security of God&#8217;s Promises}<br />
</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.ReneeSwope.com/files/chchapter1.pdf">Read Chapter One </a> &#8212; <a href="http://reneeswope.com/videos/chtrailer/">Watch the Book Trailer </a>&#8211;<a href="http://www.reneeswope.com"> Meet Renee</a>&#8211; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AConfidentHeart" target="_blank">Follow Renee on Facebook </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.incourage.me/2012/02/a-confident-heart-and-a-giveaway.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>539</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

