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.
Thanks for sharing this conversation. I so enjoy getting to put a voice with a face. Technology can be a great thing. Thanks for the opportunity win these two books.
Ladies,
Thank you. I have been so blessed since God has taught me to name,…count my blessings…I am changed, and I am never going back! Ann’s book has made all the difference…..and Renee, I would love to read yours! I am a wife to the most amazing man and a homeschooling mother of 2 precious children. I love the Lord more than life and am always hungry for more of Him. Thank-you for all you do to serve our God.
In Jesus,
Deva
What an absolute blessing you both are! I really enjoyed watching the videos and experiencing your enthusiasm for the Lord. I just discovered Ann’s blog today and have just kept reading, and reading! I read the excerpt from One Thousand Gifts and just sobbed! What a powerful witness! And stories of the loss of children touches my heart all the more since we almost lost our 3rd child last year. He developed a life threatening condition after birth and we were not sure he would come home with us. But, PRAISE GOD, he is a healthy, rambunctious little guy getting ready to celebrate his 1st birthday Aug 26!!
The desire of my heart is to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind. I love the concept of “framing” the moments so we don’t miss them. That has never resonated with my heart so much until we almost lost our little guy. I want to live each day to the fullest, though I still miss the mark at times, I’m trying much more than before!
How I love dear Ann! Have joyfully shared her book (some given away) to 336 people! What raving reports we have! Our pastor wants to share eucharisteo with his congregation! Says it will help them get their minds off themselves and on to God! How people have been blessed! We plan to continue sharing One Thousand Gifts to many more – as the Lord leads! Would also love to read what you have to share in your book! So thankful we have a mutual friend! 🙂
Oh how I LOVED this. You are heart-sisters. Truly. It’s what Pollywog Creek is all about…and my heart swells with joy when I “meet” other women who “see” His mercies, His love and grace, in the not-so-graceful moments and places.
Thank you, Renee….for how you love Jesus and carry the fragrance of Christ where ever you go…and for generously sharing Ann with us here.
Framing God’s gifts such a powerful way to celebrate the blessings He has given us. Naming the struggles that’s a cool way to identify what is happening to us so that we can go to the Father in prayer and ask for help. By naming our struggles we can use that to shape our fears, worries, doubts etc. into prayer.
You look great together, beautiful women of God.
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting. I love Ann Voscamp.
God is using both of you in such a powerful way – Ann’s book is making it way through the ladies of our church and has turned on a lightbulb in my own heart. I would love to read Renee’s book and share it also! Bless you!
What an inspiring concept….to name something removes it from the shadows of fear, and puts it out in the light of Jesus. Thank you for the reminder!
I’m a Christian songwriter, and I have found many ideas/inspirations these past months in reading Ann’s blog. I don’t even remember how I found it (!!), but obviously God led me there. And now – today – He led me to you as well!
Framing the moments w/ photography is such a perfect way to stay focused on God. Writing blogs is another way. And I pray my songs do the same – after all, 3 1/2 minutes isn’t very long to get the job done! (And 3 1/2 minutes is pretty much all my publisher is interested in – haha!) Maybe someday one of my Ann-inspired songs (or Renee-inspired songs) will get recorded, and I can share them with you! 🙂 It could happen….
Anyway…thank you for this moment! God bless….
Bev
When someone has an impact on your life the way Ann has with One Thousand Gifts and then you have the opportunity to sit on the front porch with her though you live thousands of miles away right there you have a perfect example of a moment worth framing. Thanks for the visit with both of you and for your ministries to all of us who have been touched by the desire to live in eucharisteo and in freedom from self-doubt. Every time I buy One Thousand Gifts I end up giving it away!
I LOVE that comment about framing the moment or we miss it…so true and such a blessing for the beautiful words. So gald to see Ann and you in comfy, non-glitz surroundings. I love farms!
Blessings to you both!
Lori
What a gift to see Ann and you talk! Thanks for sharing….our church is just beginning a class centering around Ann’s book. I wish each woman would read her book! To know/learn/practice that life is not an emergency, but a holy experience and we must practice practice practice it.
blessings,
mp
I loved being a fly on the wall in this conversation! If there was anything I needed to hear today, this was it. Thank you, Ladies!
As my husband and I get our own place after living with family, we pray for a renewed start living each moment through eyes looking at His masterpiece. What wonderful and convicting things to keep in mind as our family grows. Thank you for the thoughts and encouragement. They are most definitely a breathe of fresh -holy- air for the soul!
Thank you ladies for being so transparent and sharing your front porch conversation. Sometimes I get so busy, I forget to see Him in each and every moment. Thank you for the reminder…
I am so glad I saw your post today. I just recently learned about both of your websites and have been blessed when I receive the emails. I love to see the thoughts of our heavenly Father written in such an eyeopening, fresh way. It would be a gift to receive one of your books, receiving one from each of you is a windfall. I am in my early 60’s and still struggle with self doubt. Thank you for caring about other women and helping them grow into all that God intended them to be. Blessings.
Thankyou so much for this post and all you are doing for the Lord in encouraging ladies!
oh, how the Lord has blessed me through the two of you. Learning to see Him in everything…good and bad. Choosing to open my hands and take whatever He gives….good or bad is a wonderful gift all in itself. For how can we only accept good from Him and not the bad too. It’s all our choice. Bless both of your ministries.
Thank you for sharing this interview. Self-doubt and fears are my struggles, too.
I am reading through Ann’s book slowly so as to absorb all the truths – the same way I read through scripture. I am borrowing a friend’s book, but am sure that I will own my own copy one day to share with others also.
Love that idea of framing the moments in our lives…and I definitely need to stop doubting myself and refocus my life’s lens of Jesus.
Thank you bothe for being instruments of grace!
I also would love to win your books! I came to this blog from Ann’s site and have been changed and am changing as a result of reading One Thousand Gifts. I’ve recommended it to so many people, but have been unwilling to give up my own copy. This way, I’d have a copy to share!
I loved this! Two quotes for my quote book are: “We miss art when we don’t frame it.” And “this is your sanctuary & your children your chorus.” Thank you for the gentle reminder to shift my focus and the frame of my camera over to the light.
i would love soo much to win your book; i can’t quit having those doubts! i really am trying and praying! i LOVE Ann’s thoughts! she is an amazing writer 🙂
I thought I’d let you know that your book, “A Confident Heart” is in Harrison, AR’s Christian Book Outlet.
The quote of Ann’s that always comes to mind when I’m feeling fear, doubt, anxiety is “It’s impossible to give thanks and simultaneously live in fear.” Amen! Renee, I hadn’t known of your blog or your book before today, and I’m so thankful to have been shown the link through Ann’s. Thank you both for your uplifting spirits & for sharing His grace & blessings in life.
I…I just want to thank you, all of you–for finding the courage to be who you are in this world. It makes it even the slightest bit easier for girls like me growing up to know that there are women, true women taking step after step each day through this fast-paced world, carefull considering God’s will for us. Thank you 🙂
Thanks for the invitation to be a part of this discussion on the porch. I was blessed by the beautiful reminders to frame the moments!
I may be among the few (are there any?) who have not yet purchased Ann’s book but would LOVE to own it.
Thanks for the give away.
It was my dear friend’s daughter who recently shared one of Ann’s posts and I have been a 1000 Gifter ever since. Loved these thoughts about framing the moment. I am up to about 102 gifts !! Ann’s book was the first I read on my new Kindle and I went right out and bought four hardback versions; one for me, and three to gift. But, they are all gone now ! I will be getting some more. The wisdom of naming and framing is a gift from the Lord – who is Wisdom Himself. Thanks Ann and Renee for being His gifts to us today by sharing your front porch conversations. We women are so much like that, I picture myself and any one of my friends in a similar conversation about life. You two are special !
I so loved when you both talked about the camera and how when you take pictures you choose what to leave out of the photo and what to focus on. It is the same with life. We need to choose how we “frame out moments”. I, too, am choosing to focus on God and who he is instead of all my anxieties. Worry creeps in but as soon as I change focus, peace comes.
So true that we need to frame things to see them. And I am wondering…why? The two of you have me thinking tonight. And I am praying to see the God-beauty…unframed and wild! Thank you ladies for making me think. Many, many blessings.
Such a blessing…
Thanks you!
What a blessing Proverbs 31 has been to me. I have recently discovered a Holy Experience and have been incredibly blessed by Ann’s thoughts as well. The concept of framing the moments is great. Not only is it something that we take the time to stop and notice but it is there as a reminder that we have been blessed in the past and will be blessed again if we can stop and see.
I have read Ann’s book, “One Thousand Gifts” and it has been a book that I have referred to many, many times. I go back and re-read a chapter here and there when I need that message of the specific chapter. I can relate to Ann in so very many ways…farming, kids, home schooling. I am not familiar with Renee’s book but I plan to order one soon. It looks like another one of those life changers and one that one refers to many times. You 2 ladies keep up the good work for God here on earth that you are doing. What blessings you both are!
I LOVE Ann’s book….so much so that I have bought 15 copies and passed them out as gifts. I would love to read your book!!
Wonderful message that we all need to hear. Thank you so much for sharing it.
What a heart-changing concept! I literally just cleaned up the aftermath of my toddler pulling off her diaper in her crib during nap time (before she had finished her business!) when I stumbled upon this video and the encouragement to frame the beauty in every situation. Thank you for that! It is true that nurturing others and pouring ourselves out for those we love and He loves is WORSHIP and there is always beauty to be found in it. Ladies, thank you for shining His light so brightly and encouraging us all to do the same! God bless you both! 🙂
A glory moment my family of five framed on vacation together a few weeks ago…
We were visiting the South Carolina coast, a beach I’ve gone to for 30 years, since I was a child, and now am blessed to be able to go with my own family. My little ones sit with a friend on the banks of a tidal creek and we wait…wait for the moment when they might come. “They” being the sleek-backed, kind-eyed dolphins with bellies as pink as can be. They come to this creek, dividing land into two islands, to feed on the mullet. We wait and watch them eat and play. The dolphins roll and spew frothy air and propel themselves on their sides, chasing their feast. We watch and wait. They circle and bunch together and slip beneath the waves…then suddenly, they rush the shore – RIGHT AT OUR FEET – their powerful bodies lunging onto the steep sand, pulling the flopping, fleeing mullet with the current they’ve created. They wiggle around chomping up what they can before sliding back into the surf, their mouths wide open as if grinning in delight. My littlest one does not remember the thrill from years past, she is only three, and she is surprised and full of glee! If she had reached out her hand she would have glanced the glistening grey of their skin. We are all awestruck with wonder.
We wait to see the show again, but that was the only one the Master Designer had planned for us that day. But we got it. We know it was for us, to delight us, to cause us to worship the Infinitely Imaginative King of Creation! Dolphins only feed this way – strand feeding – in a few places in THE WORLD. And we saw them at our feet…giving us reason to kneel in THANKSGIVING at His. All glory, honor and praise to God Almighty!
I just started naming my gifts, only on day 45, and it has been such a blessing to focus on God’s wonderful gifts all around me. I have not read either of these books since I just “found” both of you. If I don’t win these two, I will certainly be purchasing them. Thanks for all your encouragement. I so enjoyed meeting you both in person on the porch.
Blessings!
Mother Theresa said “Be happy in the moment-That’s enough.Each moment is all we need-Not more.” I connect that with Ann’s book- to embrace each moment, to soak it up and to be grateful. For all of it. Moment by moment.. Thanks Ladies.You are both a gift.
What a blessing to see and hear two of my favorite women together sharing and enjoying His gifts! Ann’s blog has been a part of my lunchtime routine for about six months now…I turn up the music and savor the words, pictures and emotions. It puts me in such a calm state of mind for the rest of the afternoon and makes me look forward to our familiy being together at the end of the day to share our gifts around the table. May God continue to bless both of you, your families and your ministries.
Renee,
Thank you for sharing this chat on the front porch with Ann Voscamp with your readers. I so enjoyed the conversation about naming the things that both we love and those that come against us. I am really pondering the need to name the negative in my life – to both help me face them and to help me give them to God.
What a perfect day to share in this conversation with you!!
Teresa
I am literally framing God’s gifts lately. We just finalized an adoption of three siblings which grew our family to 8. I have been working on adding them to the family pictures on the walls. I want to grasp so many of these moments like I wanted to grab them when my biological kids were babies. On the day of the adoption, Ann posted about growing life from barren places. That was perfect for their life story. Thanks!
Taking time to frame the moments is a remarkable concept. Thank you for the talk between two wise women that you have shared.
I needed your comment just now about changing our focus away from the negative and instead frame the good, the blessings. Thank you. Your blog, Ann, continually changes me!
What blessings you both are….After having a not so good day and feeling very down and discouraged, you both have brightened my day and made me quit focusing on myself but on God. I have Ann;’s book which i found as very profound. Plan to reread again and again. Renee, hope to purchase yours soon. Thinking maybe self doubt may be an issue for me as well.
May God continue to bless you both in all that you do. Take care 🙂
I would love to win a copy of both books! You both are such an inspiration to me.
Thank you so much for this video clip! If there was ever a day that I needed a “paradigm shift”, it was today. Thank you both for being so obedient and sharing what God has shared with you, with the rest of us. I am new to your ministry but have been following Ann for several months now.
God bless you both!!
Kelly