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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I am having to own up to the truth that my confidence has been totally smashed over the course of the last decade, and I can only pray that God is leading me on a journey that will take me THROUGH to the other side.
thoughts… 🙂 <3
I know your time at the farm must have been delightful. A good friend and I often talk about visiting the farm…. What it must look like and “feel” like.
Ann’s book has changed our lives.
I have only just discovered you from Ann’s blog. Her book has been life-changing for me…as has her blog. I am so looking forward to all God has in store for me through you as well.
Thank you for sharing. I have recently learned of Ann’s blog and book and love her story of grace–that He, thankfully, has given to all of us. I love the story about “framing our moments.” Again, thank you both for sharing your hearts. Beth
After the zip line I think I’d gotten on the trampoline, I remember doing a flip in school and came off the side landing on a student. No injuries though.
So very thankful for the prayer chains that went out for my 2 year old grandson that was hurt in a 4 wheeler accident. Thankfully all he come out with was some bumps, bruises, and a broken arm, they air lifted him to St Louis and he got a night in the hospital.
God is so very GOOD!!!
I have not yet read Ann’s book but, would love to grow from it like I have with her blog. I have learned that I can memorize scripture, thank you, Ann and I have learned of a beautiful family heritage from one of her posts “Eat Bread: The One Habit that’s Most Changed Us”.
Renee, it will be nice to getting to know you better through your blog as I have just found you. Thank you for what you are doing in this ministry for Christ.
Jessica
I love your 7 Day Doubt Diet and am looking forward to reading the book. This is a great thing to share with others who need this kind of support and encouragement. Many thanks and blessings to you.
Very encouraging video. Thank you so much for sharing your honest conversation about seeking God in every moment even though it is not always our first instinct. We have to focus on His Truth. It is a choice. The view is so different when we do choose to see His joy and blessings around us in every circumstance. This is something God has been growing in me and continues to grow in me. We are in another trial right now. My sweet husband is in the middle of his 4th layoff in 6 years. There are so many other hard things that have piled up on us during this layoff. It has been a battle that we could never have fought on our own. It’s a struggle to not focus on the darkness and instead see the light. We are still going only on the strength we have in God. Something mentioned in the video that I struggle with is having that “Godfidence.” I know how weak I am and how anything more than the death separated from God forever that I really deserve is a blessing. I know it is because of His grace, what Christ did for little old me on the cross, that I am not separated from God forever. Yet somehow I lack that confidence you talked about. Thank you for all you do to encourage me and so many other women in praising God ALL the time.
Look forward to reading them both as you are both such beautiful women and beautiful writers. Thanks! – signed up for emails.
WOW! Your son’s comment is sooo IT!! Oh such words of truth. Thank so much for sharing this heartfelt conversation … I so badly needed to hear it today. In my own struggle with confidence, the reminder that God’s masterpiece includes ME is huge. {i hope you don’t mind but I may need to come back and listen again and again as life happens and my spirit needs refreshing.} Thank you.
Such a beautiful reminder! Thank you!! I am eager to start making friends at our new home church! I can’t wait till A Confident Heart is finally released so I can purchase a copy along with the bible study!! I am going to track down this book as well!! Thank you for suggesting! I love to read and love the encouragements!! Keep doing what you are doing!! Praying for many blessings for you and all P31 women!!
To Renee and Ann,
Wow, there are so many wonderful and worthy comments entered in your book give-away contest.
Being the recipient of your books would provide me with a catalyst for devotional discussion, and spiritual and emotional growth within the women’s group that I lead. Continued blessings to you both as you continue your endeavors to reach and encourage the hearts of women all over!
Thank you for the opportunity to blessed with both books. They have been on my wish list, especially your new one Renee. Reading your blog about the book was an ‘a ha’ moment for me, realizing self-doubt in most areas of my life is my biggest struggle against the enemy.
I so look forward to reading your book, and Ann’s.
Thank you for being so willing to share and be real!
I started following Anns blog when i started homeschooling my kids .i needed to appreciste my children more so someone directed me to her . I printed off her 100days to a habit. Thank u for the video . I felt as if i was there on the porch. Two wise godly women. Im blessed to be part of it.
Living in the now and not comparing….that I what I am working on. I think I often sabotage my own friendships because I always think that other women are better than me 🙁 Without stopping to think we all have our own set of issues. I always wonder what others think of me. Why? The only thing I should wonder is what does God think of me? What does He think about what I have? What does He think about my attitude and actions? Things to focus on as I move forward!
Thank you for sharing — this really makes me stop and think.
Life is a journey and my focus is often off.
God must be telling me something. I just carught up with reading my email’s received in my inbox and this is the second one that is centered around Ms Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. This morning I was even at my local mall which contains the only Christian Bookstore in our town! Alas, I walked in the direction ot see about purchasing the book, then for some reason unknown to me didn’t. I guess God is telling me I need this book! The other blog invited readers to begin journaling with her what we are thankful for. I am thankful God speaks.
EI am a farm girl turned military. wife and we just relocated to rural Illinois by St. Louis. It is awesome! I am learning again to name, frame, and listen. It sounds like you had a great visit. Friends are such huge blessings in our lives. Something else to name and enjoy…Krysla
Wow…just took the time to listen to the conversation….it’s funny, that’s something that I have been working on lately with my therapist. Living in the now….in the individual moments and recognizing that blessing that exists in that moment instead of worrying about the future or thinking about the past.
Teaching myself to reframe the moments, and recognize the little things. It’s such a powerful concept and when you can remember to do it, it is powerful. I personally struggle with depression and social anxiety, and keep zero confidence in myself usually. I’m terribly insecure, but through your 7 day doubt diet, I am learning how to look at things differently and to be able to recognize my triggers for doubt, just as I would look for the triggers to my depression. It’s a great thing that you are doing.