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.
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Thank-you for pointing us to the Father!
You are both such a blessing. Thank you!
I am learning to frame too 🙂
God is changing my life, in his goodness.
So happy to have found your blog, through, Ann’s. I am looking forward to learning more about you. Thank you for the video.
Renee, thank you so much for sharing these video chats with Ann with us! I am new to your ministry, but I have loved and identified with Ann’s so much and I’m just thrilled to be able to listen to your conversation and the truths that you talked about together. Ann has the wonderful gift of being able to put into words so many things that I feel in my own heart but cannot name or clarify – her vision is clear and filled with the Spirit! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
I looooove all things Ann….Her book has transformed my life….i bought a case just so I can give them away. I look for a heart that is primed to receive the profound but so simple truths that fill her book. Part of the journey is growing into a confident heart…..I have seen years of self hatred are not easily erased. God has done an amazing work….but I still see threads that weave through my thoughts….my perceptions of myself. Glad I found your site from Ann.
Blessings~
Ladies, I really enjoy both your blogs. Your writings are so encouraging and inspirational. Both books are on my wish list. Thanks for this chance to win them.
Blessings
I thank God for both of you!!!
Naming things in our life is part of seeking to be like the Lord, even though it is not something we can grasp. In Genesis God separated the light from the darkness. He saw the good and evil in doing so. We can do the same and see the good and bad by naming things that are in our lives. Thus, we can choose to keep the good as a continual part of our mindset and either turn from the bad or give it God with prayers and petitions. Thanks for sharing your conversation. I am looking forward to reading 1000 Gifts.
Thanks for sharing:)
I’m in a difficult and painful place in my life…your words brought healing and hope.
Thank you ….
You are both such Godly women, pointing us to Him. Thank you!
Wonderful words of life! Thank you, Renée.
Thank you for bringing Him closer, and helping to put my focus back to where it should be – off of myself, and onto Him!
The truth of these two videos have been a gift! Thank you for sharing your hearts! I have seen Him in both of you.
Looking forward to the Doubt Diet! Just signed up for the emails and I can’t wait. I enjoyed listening to you and Ann talk, and realized that so often we don’t stop to take the time to see God’s signature on things in our life. We are so busy, but I’m convinced with God’s help and some practice, we can slow down long enough to see the gifts in our everyday life.
Thanks again for writing the book “A Confident Heart”. I look forward to the Bible Study in Sept. Not even having the book yet I have learned so much with all the information you have put out and the 7 day devotion. You and all the women at Proverbs 31 are amazing. You have allowed God to speak through you. Many blessings to you. Sharon
thanks again!!
blessings,
shana
I also want to frame it and enjoy the peace and joy of the Lord.
Blessed day sis,i see you Children of God really having fun n enjoying yourself.i see the friendship of you guys really wonderful n i ask myself what i am really missing in life cause i really don’t have any real friends in Christ cause i don’t really trust anyone totally because of what had happen before in church.may God continue to bless your friendship n keep you guys together always in His own unity.blessed journey with Christ.
Barbara I opened the comment section to see if anyone else felt the way that I do, and your post was at the top of the list. I cried when I read Renee’s post today, because I would love to have friends…but I too have a problem with trusting anyone other then Jesus; but oh…how I long to be able to let go of my fear and have playmates in this life. Sometimes I cant wait to get to Heaven, because there I know I will be able to trust all and be free, to play, dance and sing with all. Thank you for being brave to post your comment, it helped me to not feel so alone; and maybe there are others out there just like us waiting for a playmate…maybe we have to take a chance and ask Jesus to guide us to the people that we can trust.
Courtney and Barbara, thank you both for being brave and sharing so vulnerably. I am praying for God to bring you a sister friend you can trust and laugh with!
Renee thank you so much for your prayers.
@Courtney & Barbara
I too have had the same issues. I was burned so many times by people (women) because I would give so much of myself and then I realized that they never really gave back. But that was my own insecurities that made me gravitate to these kind of people. A couple of years ago, the Lord brought the most wonderful person into my life. She is everything that a person could ask for in a friend. We have so much fun together.She is a confidant, a prayer warrior, great to hangout with, and just a wonderful human being. She tells me the truth, not what I want to hear and then laugh behind my back. She is the real thing. Through ‘our’ consistent prayer, the Lord brought us together. You see she had some of the same issues I did. We are so different and where we are from, you just dont see two people like us hanging out together. But, it doesnt matter because we are secure knowing we have each others back. Our families are great with each other. We occaisionally do things together, but mostly its just us. Just keep praying, God will bring you a friend that will be as closer or closer than a sister.
God Bless You.
Equonda, thank you for sharing your story. I believe he will send someone special I just have to be patient:) God bless you, too.
Renee, Thank you for allowing God to work thru you!! You are such a blessing.
I have struggled my whole life with Trust and Doubt. My closest friend is my Husband… I crave relationships and true Friends but am afraid. I try to connect with other women in my church and when I do and see a friendship forming I tend to run. I would really like to get a copy of your book when it is published. I am doing the Doubt Diet and it is amaizing the changes I am going thru.
Thank you to everyone who is honest and open to post on here. You have all touched me in way’s you’ll never know.
Many Blessings to you
Hi, I read your post and had to comment because I have always been a loner myself for reasons known to God, but I know God is doing a work in me. Ive prayed and longed for close relationships especially w/ a mother figure and also just friends to hang out with and have fun. Ive never really trusted anyone and ive always doubted myself but I know things are about to change because God is good and “always works things out for good for those that love Him”. Thanks for sharing!
Such a nice reminder to frame the moments. So many moments to frame. So much easier to see the blessings when we are intentionally grateful.
I recently discovered this website recommended by a friend. I’m so glad i did. I too, have been trying to discover my true self and will be going back to school, a little later in life than usual. Renee’s thoughts and insights will truly help me to continue to develop and understand God’s true purpose for myself, and be able to bring that true joy to others I work with.
Thank-you for sharing your love of God in such a wonderful transforming way, so many can relate to, you are truly gifted and we are the blessed recipients.
I am absolutely thankful for “accidently” coming across your website. Someone forwarded today’s “Encouragement for Today” w/Renee Swope entitled Measuring Up. I began to cry as I continued to read the words because on today I completely felt everything that Renee was talking about and began to be upset with myself for doubting God’s creation: Me! The verses I ackknowledged giving me security and significance were awesome! It is a shame how we lose focus and lose sight of why we are put on this earth. For God’s glory, not man’s glory! Who does Satan think he is?!!
Thanks, Renee for such an uplifting devotion. I love it! Have a blessed day!
Hello all,
Im a 43 yr old mother of three girls, and we moved about a year ago from our hometown. It has been a journey let me tell ya. Im a people person and moving to KY has been difficult by far. Not only have i become a stay at home mom for a year, people my age already have their friend base. I have to say though that God has brought a couple of really sweet Godyly women in my life recently. I thank him for them. Hang in there girls, open your hearts and minds and i promise that God will bless you too. Keep in touch and let me know when!!!!