Embraced by the Father Giveaway with Susanne Sheppmann
Published June 16, 2010Thanks to all of you who left comments on my last post about minding your own sin. The winner of the ESV Bible is:
Anita: Timestamp June 14th; 11:15 am
Send your home address to me at karen@proverbs31.org so I can ship it out to you!
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Well, since last October we have been meeting on Wednesdays to discuss and encourage each other in the areas of eating and exercise. (If you are new, you can click on Weight Loss Wednesdays in the sidebar to read the past posts)
Today will be a little bit different.
We are going to talk about an exercise. Dancing to be exact. But with a twist.
Dancing with our Heavenly Father.
The longer I journey on the road to health (and a healthy weight) the more I see the connection to my relationship with God.
When I am obedient and eating healthy, I feel close to Him.
When I am rebellious and eating junk, I don’t.
It is kind of like a dance. When I am being sensible and making good choices, I feel in sync with Him.
I love that feeling. Makes me wonder why I ever take the wrong road and break the dance with turning to food instead of to God.
Today, I want to introduce you to my friend and fellow Proverbs 31 speaker Susanne Sheppmann. She has just written a book that will help you to do grow your relationship with God which will result in many areas of your life getting better. This can include your eating/exercising habits. It is called Embraced by the Father.
Susanne is so kind to offer one of you not only a signed copy of her new book, but a $10.00 Starbucks card to go along with it. If you want to take a peek at the book’s trailer, here it is along with a short interview with Susanne.
* Susanne, tell us a little about what life is like at your house this summer.
Karen, I am having a delightful summer. I just had my four-year-old granddaughter for an entire week. Fun stuff—great memories! Now I am relaxing and catching up on some leisure reading which is my favorite thing in the world to do. And I am looking forward to the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference. Every year it is a highlight of my summer.
*What prompted you to write Embraced by the Father?
My book, Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God is somewhat of a memoir and a Bible study. I have always been intrigued by the various names of God such as El Roi—the God Who See Me and Jehovah Nissi—the Lord is my Banner. What I have discovered over my journey as a Christ follower’s is that the names of God reflect His character and power in my personal life. I enjoyed writing Embraced in a dance metaphor because God is my dance partner for eternity.
*Why is it important for women to have strong connection to the Heavenly Father?
My relationship with my biological father was anything but loving. Learning to experience my relationship with God as my Father has been a long and tumultuous road. It has been difficult to believe that the Lord is my “perfect daddy.” But, He has proved himself faithful and worthy of my trust. I pray every woman will know the love of God as her Abba—Daddy. I know that as women learn to trust the heavenly Father it helps to enhance our spiritual walk and our personal relationships with others.
*How are the names of God important to you?
The names of God are important to know and understand. Through the various names He reveals the perfection of His character and personality. These terms enable us to experience the Lord in a more intimate and personal relationship.
*How do you hope women are different after reading your book?
I pray that every woman who reads Embraced by the Father comes away with a deeper understanding of God’s power and sovereignty in her life. I want the readers to that know that no matter how hard becomes (and life is hard) that God is always there as your dance partner. He wants lead your through the joys and sorrows of this life. God desires to be your dance partner on the dance floor of life.
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Okay gals, I hope that encourages you today!
Please hop on and leave a comment. You regulars (and newcomers!) let us know how your week went and how we can be praying for you. Any visitors who would just like to be entered in the giveaway, simply say “I’m in!”. The winner will be announced tomorrow–when we have yet another giveaway–especially for dads!
See you then!
58 Responses to Embraced by the Father Giveaway with Susanne Sheppmann
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thanks so much for the opportunity to read Suzanne’s thoughts on the names of God. In the past, I have felt closer to God somehow after learning some of His names as if He were showing me another aspect of Himself and His character.
still on the caffeine free and sugar free mode, just trying to get healthier.
Thanks for being here Karen
Enjoyed reading Susanne’s interview. I have an Aunt I think would love reading Susanne’s book. When she was younger she owned a dance studio. I know she would be able to relate to the dancing metaphors in Susanne’s book.
What a wonderful way to look at life …as a dance with the Lord.
I think a positive attitude everyday is also a gift of God. Praise the Lord !
I would love to read Suzanne’s book and learn more about the names of God. It’s something that has been on my heart lately, that I spend more time learning about the character of God, and less time thinking about what God is doing for me. More of Him, and less of me.
Blessings.
I would love to know how the names of God would help mem know Him better and love Him better.
Enjoyed the interview with Suzanne. I read her blog often and believe i would enjoy reading her book. Sounds like it could be good for a small group study.
My week has been good as far as exercise goes. Getting up about 1 hr earlier to walk in orderr to beat the heat!. Not snacking as much and eating more fresh fruit and veggies…love these summer time treats.
Have a great week everyone!!
I’m in.
Would love to learn more about the names of God. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to read this book! For a while now I have been reading about the various names for God and at times am moved to tears by the thought of how much He loves me. I, too, did not have a very good relationship with my father and can see how it has affected me to this day: my struggle over the years with my weight is proof of that. But gradually I have been able to embrace the fact that I am a child of the King with every advantage and privilege available to me. This past week has been a good one as I continue to eat healthy foods and exercise faithfully.
I’m in. Thanks.
I’m in, would love to read this book! and Starbucks is always wonderful!
I’m in. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much for the chance to win, what sounds like an amazing read. I’m totally in!!
I’m in! I’m excited about getting his book as a gift to a new young, bride-to-be-dancer……she IS a dancer, she IS getting married next year, and she IS a daughter of the King — what a great gift for her!
Thanks for sharing!
I’m in….thanks for another great give away!!
My week has been a very emotional one for me. I’ve been disappointed by some members of my family. So this situation prompted me to pray for guidance in trusting that God is my almighty Father and I’ve learned that He is a God of unconditional Love. I cannot put into words what strength that gave me.
I’M IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And please pray for my Aunt this week as, she is being taken off lifesupport. Thanks to all. Love & Grace?
I love the metaphor of our relationship with God as a dance. I can totally relate to that. Thank you for your inspiring words. (I hope I win the book!)
I wrote a post on Monday about things that I had eaten that had sabotaged my weight loss last week…but got back on track with my eating and exercising…and trying to more readily allow the Holy Spirit to let me know when/what to eat!!! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book!
Great topic for a book Suzanne I know I could use it this week
I’m in.
I love reading books. Would love the chance to receive this book. Thanks for posting this interview.
My first week of my heavy work schedule went pretty well, but alas, the second week went awry. I only exercised twice, and not with much energy or gumption. And then the temp job ended, and my family went out of town for a day, and sweet potatoe fries and fried catfish called my name at restaurant – I said yes. Then I was so mad at myself as I have felt “heavy” since eating it, and that was four days ago.
I am heading out for a 3 mile walk as soon as I submit this comment, and saying “restart” on the eating. Bought a 5 pound pack of mangoes at Sam’s Club yesterday to inspire me. I am up 1.5 pounds from last week’s weigh in.
Love the Names of God and dancing with God. My middle daughter is into ballet – I am quite sure she would “get” this.
since one of my Godly friend introduce me to Proverbs 31 Ministries, I have been so incourage daily by your devotion, it left me up to the Father’s heart from under the ground, I’m looking forward every morning to read what the Lord wants to tell me through your Encouragement for today.The Lord Blesses all of you and use you more for His glory.
I’m in!
Weight loss wednesday, a marker for the week, and sometimes only a marker for the disappointment I have in myself for not being able to let this weight problem go. Please pray for me, I do well during the day, but lose all control in the evenings.
As for dancing, I have been trying to find someone to take square dancing lessons with me for the exercise-less boring, more commitment than my treadmill – my husband said since he was totally uninterested that I could find someone else to do it, so far no luck. Maybe this “dancing with the Father” is REALLY what I am looking for instead of an actual physical partner, though the exercise was what I was going for….how O’ Mighty Father can we get that combination? Please help me find the answer!!
I’m in!
I’m in.
Hi I would love to read this book.
I always get such a strong feeling of the presence of God when I read His names, its’ like He is right there with me.
My daughters are both dancers, so it would be great to share this with them.
Weight Loss Wednesday, am I up or down this week?? I don’t really know as I haven’t weighed. BUT my clothes are fitting looser and that’s a positive.
I’m not much of dancer, coordination was not a God given gift of mine. LOL However, I am intrigued about the names of God. I find it so promising that no matter what our need there is a name of God that we can call on specifically.
Blessings
I’m in…
Happy Wednesday ladies!! I always look forward to Wednesday’s and checking in with you all. Ann keep your chin up my friend. I know how you feel. It’s so hard. I certainly have failed more than I’ve succeeded. Right now I have been able to succeed. I give my food weekness and lack of self-control to God every morning and He has been so faithful. Keep your eyes on Him and he will see you through. There is no way I could have had my recent success without Him. PTL!! I’m down 1#. I love breaking the little goals and can celebrate them with such joy. I broke 190 this week AND went to buy me a couple of new shirts and for the first time in several years was able to buy from the Misses department and not the plus sized womens. I almost cried!! lol Yesterday while out for lunch with a friend I ate half of my sandwich and then it occurred to me that I really didn’t want the other half so I wrapped it up and had it for supper later. You would just not believe how big that was for me. HUGE. I don’t EVER do things like that. Is is wrong to say I was so proud of myself? And so thankful for that success. I tell you this only to let you know that if I can accomplish that than anyone can. Until recently I had no self-control what so ever. I’d eat what I wanted then bad mouth myself to a pile of yuck. Look up to our faithful Father and you will succeed.
I’m still staying away from the pesky scale, but i was able to wear 2 shirts last week that I haven’t been able to wear in a few years. That’s progress to me!
I often tell my 2 daughters……..slow dance with God and He will let the perfect guy cut in……….
Thanks for the encoragement. Im in!
I have been following Weight Loss Wednesday since the first
week of April. On April 7th I had a total melt down with God
on the eating thing. I had to a confess to him that food was
an addiction with me and that I had been in a stage of rebellion with him concerning this. On Thursday of that same
week, after much time in confession and prayer with the Father I comitted thi all to him letting him know that I could not conquer this with out Him. I give it to Him each day.
Asking for His help!!! PRAISE THE LORD_ ALL GLORY TO HIM!!!
To this date I have lost over 17 pounds.
Had a bad day at work to day. The video was a good reminder
to me that I am embraced by the Father and Oh how he loves
me!!!
I love the idea of God being our dance partner. My partner in life, my dear husband, suffers from a mental illness and is often not willing or able to be my dance partner, so the analogy is comforting to me. We have to look to God to fulfill ALL of our needs. Humans are not able.
I would so much enjoy reading Susanne’s book.
My weight got down to 176 (from 185) on Sunday, but I had been in emotional turmoil with abdominal effects, so I don’t trust the number. But my size 14 capris are fitting well, and God’s opinion of me is more important than the number on the scale.
God bless all of you!
This sounds like a wonderful read and anything about God fills a life with so much positivity. Thank you
Please count me in as well
I’m in!!!
Looks like an interesting book.
I’m in….looks like a great book. This is my first time reading this blog and I’m really enjoying it!
Count me in too!
I’m in! I’ve realized that food has been an idol for me. I started a fruit and veggie diet today out of desperation, hoping that we will pinpoint the cause of my chronic migraines. I’ve been on medicine the past four months, and it’s not helping. I’m ready to submit to the Lord’s will and do what I believe He wants me to do. I have an allergy test tomorrow, and I’m excited to see the results. I’m also down 3 #s this week, so that’s great. Still need more exercise….one step at a time!
Sounds like a great book. I’m in.
I’m in – sounds like a good book. I’ve held steady with the weight this week, but have had a terrible time with my emotions. I am too busy with too many meetings, committees, ballgames, etc. I feel guilty about wanting to stop them and guilty about what doesn’t get done at home when I’m too busy. It’s a vicious cycle. And now I’m supposed to stop and pray and dance with God? It just isn’t working for me right now. Please keep me in your prayers.
would love to take part in suzanne’s devotional
First, recently I commented to a friend about trying to ask God before I ate things that I do not need to eat. She found this odd. I find though that it slows me down, helps me focus on what is important, and remember my body is God’s and I need to take care of it. Stopping to ask makes me stop to consider and many times (though not always) helps me pass by . . .
Second, I thoroughtly enjoy reading about God’s names and attributes.
It sounds like a good book, I am always trying to find new ways to stay close to God. I would love to have a chance to win the book.
Count me in. I’m trying to increase my exercise because so many of my activities are sedentary. no Scale I depend on the doctor’s scale to keep track of my weight. This year I
didn’t creep up 5 more pounds!
I’m in!
I’m in – thanks for the giveaway!
Wow! You won’t believe where I am right now?
I’m at my daughter’s tap and ballet class waiting for her.
I decided to check in while I wait. What a beautiful metaphor!
Thank you for sharing. I am so thankful to Abba Father for all His love!!!
I’m in and thanks!
Hi, lost 300 grams this week which is great considering I haven’t been to WW for 2 weeks. Thanks for Lindsey’s reminder last week that it is all about God and I had been making it all about me and food. Have a great week.
Amazing book – the different names associated with God is such an intriguing topic! thanks for including my entry!
Have been good since a few days… but yesterday and today – eating sweets…
I have making better choices and certainly tell in the way my body feels–more energy. Great analogy Susanne, I too did not have a great relationship with my dad, but am learning to count on my heavenly Daddy–He never fails or disappoints. Hope everyone has a blessed week!
I would love to give this excellent book to my children’s dance instructor. I know she would benifit for it. Thank you.
Hi Karen, the last couple of weeks have not been good for me,
I was on vacation the week of June14-18, although I walked a few times that week, my food choices were not so good. Then last week I walked regularly again, but again my food choices were not so good. This week started the same way. I have been not eating alot of wrong things, its the little things that trip me up. I need to get back on the fruit and vegetable thing and just start over. Thanks for the devotion today