Fields rolled by and I wondered which farm was her’s. I took photos just in case that was the one. It wasn’t. But we were getting close. Leah and I had been ministering at a women’s event in Ontario all weekend, and now we were on our way to visit my sweet friend, Ann Voskamp.
Leah, Ann, Me
I couldn’t wait to see Ann and meet her family – who were all as unique and wonderful as she describes on her blog. Two boys hid (and giggled) under the porch while we visited. The girls sat on the swing and listened. Flowers bent in the breeze behind the white picket fence.
And a zip line waited for us in the backyard. The kids told me all about it. How their dad created it and how much time it took. Voices echoed excitement. I asked if I could try it. Big smiles stretched across their faces. I don’t think they were expecting a city girl to go on the zip line. But this city girl is a farm girl at heart, and I love adventure!
I even talked their momma into trying it for the first time!!
Later we sat on the porch and talked, and we captured our conversation on video so we could share it with you. I shared earlier this week how we talked about naming things like our doubts and fears, as well as the beauty He brings that we easily miss. How naming them can bring clarity to our thinking and invite God into our everyday moments. Then we talked about framing the moments and messes so we can see God in them and worship Him there. Here is the rest of our conversation:
I have a few gifts to share… I brought home 3 signed copies of Ann’s New York Times Best-Seller, One Thousand Gifts. To enter to win, we’d love for you to be part of our conversation. Simply slip a note in the comments below this post by clicking “Share your thoughts.”
And, since we talked about overcoming self-doubts, I’ll tuck a copy of my book in with each of Ann’s for the three of you who win. Winners will be announced on Monday. To be notified, you can sign up for email updates in that little box at the top.
Is truly the water supply conveniently available and additionally not cramped for pouring liquid at?
Is defiinitely the cooking pot by itself very easy to slip at and froom the device?
Can the coffee basket get rid of easily? Are the areas which have to only infrequent maintaining straight forward
to reach? . It is actually the good idea to wash the glass ppot each
and every day aoongside warm soapy liquid however some people simply supply a
fast rinse and additionally render an additional ppot right away forgetting too wash the collecting oil off
of thhe in.
Wow, wonderful weblog format! How long have you ever been blogging for? you made blogging glance easy. The overall look of your website is fantastic, as smartly as the content!
Thank you and Ann, both, for giving so much of your lives, passions, and loves to serving women. May His name be glorified in your works!
New to both these wonderful blogs and feeling blessed to be led to these books.Wonderful lessons from wise women. Thank you for offering these giveaways and sharing your journey.
I just read this poem by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (author of Gift from the Sea) and immediately thought about your conversation about framing God’s gifts. It was another reminder for me that even though life can seem dark and hopeless, we need the space to step back and frame what God has given us, because it IS always GOOD (even if we can’t see that clearly). Please share this with Ann, since I can’t post it to her site. The poem reminds me of her poetic prose. Thanks!
Space, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
For beauty, for significance, it’s space
We need; and since we have no space today
In which to frame the act, the word, the face
Of beauty, it’s no longer beautiful.
A tree’s significant when it’s alone,
Standing against the sky’s wide open face;
A sail, spark-white upon the space of sea,
Can pin a whole horizon into place.
Encompassed by the dark, a candle flowers,
Creating space around it as it towers,
Giving the room a shape, a form, a name;
Significance is born within the frame.
A word falls in the silence like a star,
Searing the empty heavens with the scar
Of beautiful and solitary flight
Against the dark and speechless space of night.
Hi! I just wanted Ann to know her book has blessed me so much..the whole of what I felt after reading it was..God is soo good..he is soo Good!! I even read the whole book twice – something I hardly ever do!!! I am a pastor’s wife, mom to 6 also, and I am mennonite – although i do have a driver’s license, a microwave, and even the internet!! God bless you so much!!
I am a channel of His life… I’ve never Thot of myself that way, thx.
Oh, speaking of not “measuring up”, my theme has been: Never enough. That’s a lie Satan has successfull seered into my mind and on my heart for so many years. “You’ll never be good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, strong enough, successful enough. You’re not enough – not enough for your husband, for your friends, for your family, your profession. Try harder, work harder, say “yes”, don’t upset anyone, try to be all things to all people. Or, you can just give up. Don’t bother trying, because you’re not enough. You never will be.” How often have I replayed those phrases in my mind. I am so thankful for your scripture confessions today. I’m going to print them and read them daily.
To say that Ann Voskamp’s book and your blog came in a timely manner into my life, would be the biggest understatement of the year. I was seeking some form of fellowship with women, that would fit into our busy lives. Marriages are dissolving around me, families being torn apart, tragedy, grief, pain…..so much negativity, and despair.
“What Lord?? What is my role in this supposed to be? How am I to reach out when there are days I can’t cope with my own LIFE? How? Why? I am supposed to be grateful..here? in this mess?”
His answer….”Share it…say it out loud…”
A wednesday morning date was chosen, an email sent out…”please come…”
A week later, 8 women at my table and well over 15 children in the backyard. Coffee, Bibles, discussion, tears, laughter, and maybe, just maybe…an opportunity to bless, share, and find Grace.
Long story short, a week or so later a package arrived on my porch from a friend I adore and don’t see nearly enough. Ann’s book, which has lead me to you, Renee, and all this WONDER. Now our every other Wednesday morning, is spent discussing articles from your site, snippets from Ann’s book, and lots and lots of scripture and GRACE. I just had to say it out loud…to share it! How many women around are suffering in some degree with the AGONY of life, the mundane, the feelings of despair and emptiness….They are just waiting for someone to say it out LOUD! To be honest, I did it for myself, at the beginning, and now these relationships have become so incredibly important to me, and MY relationship with God has improved dramatically, as a result. No judgement, no criticism, it’s your own personal journey, and everyone is in a different season….self doubt ROBS us of gigantic joy! And let’s face it, “sometimes your only mode of transportation, is a gigantic leap of FAITH.”
Thank you for sharing yourself, and encouraging me to take that leap!
The encouragement and TLC you provide me with are like essential vitamins for my soul; you really know what women in today’s world NEED to live a vibrant and healthy existence among all of the diversions and distractions (many of them dangerous) that we all face within this world filled with superficiality and materialism. It is always a blessing to read your daily devotions that remind me what is really important to spiritually grow and thrive. Your topics always hit the mark of a recent concern I have worried over. Thank you for being such a touchstone of God’s Word and creating peace in womens’ hearts everywhere!
Thank you for your words of encouragement. I have been blessed to be on my job for about 16 years. It has been a struggle to overcome the many obstacles within my life experience. I struggle often with doubting what the Holy Spirit is trying to say or lead me to do here on this job. I have been overlooked many times for level of promotions or my family understanding. Coming to work on time, working over and being very productive has been unnoticed. I have been held by all emotional attachments while accepting all negative comments other throw at me. I’m a single mother of one child (a daughter) and caring for my mother. At times I feel as if, I’m cheating my child out of her time as her mother. Where do I limit myself in order to accept God’s blessing?
I believe the lies of the enemy too often, telling me that I’m not good enough, strong enough, unloved. It’s those times my eyes are off Him. I am a daughter of the king and I am His. Thank you for this post and reminding me with scripture of His promises.
one thousand gifts, has been my favorite gift to give this year, for birthdays, hostess gifts, thank yous, I wanted evereyone to experiece the joy in really seeing and counting God’s goodness, his power and his healing. I am so excited Renee about your book, because, oh how we need to hear and know that we are His workmanship, and He is our creator, (artist) How we can trust Him in and for all things. to Him who is able to do immeasurably more….. Praying now for you and Ann
Renee,
I read Day 5 of the 7 day Doubt Diet and could so relate to your story. I am almost 50 years old and I still feel that way when asked what I want to do or what I like to do….frankly I don’t know.
You mentioned that you had read some books about gifts, passions, etc. that helped you figure it out. Could you recommend those to me or make suggestions. I would so appreciate it!
Thanks and God bless,
Teresa
thanks so much, i have so needed this encouragement.
I think part of this is hormones and depression relapse talking, but just last night, I met up with some friends, and struggled to be part of what was happening. It was like I was on the other side of a window, looking in on them and listening in on their conversations, but never being a part of the event myself. Below is an excerpt from a note I wrote last night about 1:00 a.m.–when my words were a bit more unguarded:
“It was so good to get together with the girls again last night. I felt like the weak, silent type, but sometimes, that’s all I can do. Sit, listen, ponder. I have so much trapped inside, but don’t even know where to begin. Words aren’t even adequate.
Sometimes, I look at my Asperger’s Autistic son, and I don’t understand him at all, yet at other times, I understand him all too well. He communicates, but not in a way that most people relate to, (or even WANT TO relate to for that matter!).
I sit at work all day, and sometimes have some relevant words to say, but more often than not I realize that the words that I could say or may even want to say would not be something others would be interested in hearing. So I stay silent. Or on a particularly frenetic day, my words may spout forth like a fountain, without regard for whether my word fountain is desirable to others or not. I can feel my own annoyance at myself at those times.
That’s how I feel lately…like I don’t relate to others, at work, at home, even with my friends. I flip-flop between wanting to be invisible, and wanting to be seen, between silence, and wanting to scream!
I don’t even know why I am even sharing this right now, except that I feel compelled to put words to paper, and have SOMEONE see them. It sounds desperate and pathetic, I know. Sometimes, I wonder just how much less of a freak I am now, than back when I was in Junior High.”
Friendships have always been a challenge for me, but I long so much for the companionship. This is why it frustrates me so much that I pull back when I am with friends. However, I also struggle with not fitting in with their conversations. I don’t have the things to say and contribute, so I just fade into the background. I know that this stems partly from insecurity, but also I still struggle with getting past prior rejections.
God has given me some wonderful friends and acquaintances, but I don’t feel that I don’t have what it takes to be a good enough friend in return…
-RJ
Can I count this video as gift #1019? I’ve reached one thousand and have only just begun. Thanks so much for sharing this attitude-changing, life-changing mindset.
Thank you for sharing these videos. I suffer from anxiety/panic disorder and depression. Ann has been such an inspiration to me.
It is wonderful to see your faces light up as you share the truth.
Captivated by HIM as He speaks through you!!!
Dear, Renee,
I have recently been laid off and this sparked in me a quest to find the job that fit the calling the Lord has for me. Little did I know it would also open a door to the Lord breaking down my strongholds. Some days, I feel like he’s taking a shovel and digging and digging and prying and prying. He’s revealed to me things I didn’t even know lurked under the surface. He used your 7 Day Doubt Diet to reveal to me one of the biggest strongholds in my life—doubt; huge, gaping, overwhelming self-doubt that leaves me self-focused and living in constant fear. When you instructed us to pray for awareness of these thoughts and also write them down, I realized that almost every thought began with “You can’t,” “You aren’t,” and “You will never.” My struggle gained a name and a face. But God had gone before me, directing me to Micah over and over since last year and then one day He gave me a verse.
7 But as for me, I WILL watch expectantly for the LORD; I WILL wait for the God of my salvation. MY God WILL hear me.
8 Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I WILL rise; Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD IS a light for me. Micah 7:7-8 (Emphasis mine)
The enemy can drag us down in the darkness with our doubts and fears, but the Lord will always be our light.
Thank you for your conversation. I struggle often with doubting what the Holy Spirit is speaking over me and the daily events in my life. I enjoyed your conversation as a word from GOD in what HE is currently working in me. Accepting conflict and words others throw at me often cloud my dependence on GOD and I get stuck in a myriad of negative, critical thinking.
Again, all I can say is Thank You! Naming my issues and concerns and allowing God into the process is so wonderful! Thank you again!
Framing the moments makes it so much easier to see the blessings. When they are framed I don’t get distracted by everything surrounding them.
Hello Lamp-Lighter(s)
Loved your bench-talk, as you excitedly share insights and recent ‘bright spots’ with each other!
Just finished our weekly 2-hour sharing time here, with 2 sisters who’ve met with me these past 6 months, to eagerly digest, taste and see with freshness, God’s goodness, by reading and discussing Ann’s book together.
Thank you both for sharing so transparently and lovingly,
Elly
Thank you Renee for the message in these videos. It has been so eye opening for me. Your message has blessed me in so many ways.
I love the idea of framing 🙂 Sometimes if I don’t have my camera handy, I just sit and try to absorb as much as possible in a mental picture…so I don’t miss out on it while grabbing the camera…
Our pastor has been speaking from Galations and shared a “Child of God’s creed: I live this life by faith (confidence) in the Son of God who LOVED me and GAVE himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)…
That’s a great frame 🙂
Life is tough right now, but GOD is faithful. He is teaching me to trust Him through these heartbreaking trials.
I have not read either of your books yet, but they both sound very nice, GOD gave me something to think about recently through the writing of another…paraphrased it said, Faith is believing that GOD can do what HE says HE can do. Trust is believing that GOD can do what HE says HE can do, better than I can.
Thank you for these ministries that point women back to our first Love, our True Strength, and our Faithful, Trustworthy Father. May GOD bless you both and keep you growing in HIM.
Thankful for God’s blessing of finding you and Ann. A frame work that I can not take a physical picture but a mental and spiritual picture that will keep evolving and growing. Thank you both for touching our lives especially mine. M.
So many women are sooo afraid to admit defeat in their lives. Always putting on a mask & hiding so much inside. Through A Confident Heart women can dif deep into God’s word and realize we are made for so much more!! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and God’s love to women. Would love to have these books as giveaways during our upcoming women’s retreat. “Extravagant Love”
God Bless!!
Thank you! You both are a blessing to so many!
I just finished reading Ann’s book last week and promptly loaned it to a friend at work, who asked to read it after I shared my thoughts on it. And then I found the link in my email to this site. I now have another book on order! God definitely guided me these past few weeks and is still gently prodding me along. This interview really hit home–our circumstances don’t necessarily change, but viewing things in snapshots definitely brings out the beauty with those circumstances. There is a song flowing through my heart right now: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” God is definitely speaking to me through the words you ladies have shared with the world.
Framing the moment, naming the gift… how timely was this? No coincidence, but God’s gift to me, meeting me and filling me right where I was. Feeling left out, not fitting in, wondering why me, feeling guilt and shame for my less than perfect response, why can’t I be like her? mourning the trouble that I am causing, I am right to raise this flag, doubts capturing my heart, my mind, my soul. Longing for my husband who is away for work for the summer, missing my true human anchor, the one that helps me by pointing me back to God and how God made me just exactly as I am suppose to be. Thank you, this video was like a balm on an open wound.
Blessings
Christina
Oh my what an awesome place to have been. Two awesome woman of GOD sharing what GOD has and is doing in their lives. Thanks for sharing about how we can frame our every day moments in a frame. i just loved the moment of seeing two woman on the porch sharing how awesome our GOD is.
two beautiful women with two beautiful stories..and a beautiful God in the middle of it all!
How wonderful to listen to two Christian sisters chat on the porch! Could there be anything more special than time spent together discussing the Lord?! Praise Him!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
Praying for you as you share God with so many.
You are a blessing!
My everyday moments in a “frame”; a picture of me folding the laundry – the fresh towels that I sometimes bring closer to smell or my boys licking the cake batter off the spoon with their long tongues. Those simple little moments that are so beautiful in a “frame”. Thanks for sharing ladies!
Ann’s book has changed my life by encouraging me to be thankful for and in all things. I have started a thankful journal and it has made such a difference in the way that I look at things. Would love to have my own copy of the book. I tell everyone that they need to read the book. Thanks for sharing this interview with us. 😉