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 these special videos. It is always great to see and hear, rather than only read. I feel like I was there with you.
I, too have picked up my camera to record some of those special visuals that reveal God.
I love the camera lens approach, to find the best perspective and capture the most light.. Fun to see your excitement! Much love..:)
I am so thankful for women who love God and welcome Him into their lives. It is a blessing to share Him. Thank you for telling us how He shows Himself over there in your corner of the world! Your experiences in Him are so encouraging over here in my little corner. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! Porches are such wonderful places for conversation. Thanks for the chance for the giveaway. Would love to read your book. I struggle daily with self confidence.
I would love to win a copy of these books. What a gift to linger with a good friend on a porch on a summer day talking about our wonderful God!
Thank for sharing! So true and beautiful!
Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the gift of every day moments.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ann and Renee for your encouraging words. I am so excited and humbled to be a part of God’s moments, learning to frame these holy experiences. Look forward to reading these books!
Blessings over you both,
Tiffany
so beautiful! thank you. 🙂
Beautiful!
I love, too, that the Lord can help us to RE-frame the *old* as well. To be able to look back and see the beauty – and His glory – in the memories and the messages from long ago.
I think of all of the monuments and altars God’s people were told to build throughout the OT. He was framing the moment for them – Look at, and remember, what I have done and what I did *here*.
Loved watching this!
~Kari
Thank you! For this.. the conversation.. and the opportunity!!!
Blessings!
Wendy S.
I have lost count of how many 1,000 Gifts books I’ve given away. In fact, I just asked my husband to pick one up while he’s out for a birthday gift for a friend. My life has been changed and refocused. When the kids are fighting, my husband hasn’t met my expectations or I’m feeling disappointed I am learning to thank God. To believe God is both good and sovereign is something I need to oft be reminded of. And loved the article by Ann in World Magazine. Looking forward to reading Rennes’ book also.
Still counting….toward 1000.
Still praying to overcome my doubts and believe God……maybe your book could help me.
Thank you for offering your words,
Ashley
Walking the wheat fields with Ann this morning and find my friend Renee. Enjoyed your conversation so much. I’ve framed so many gifts and the Giver is relentless in His generosity! I’ve given away more of Ann’s books than I can count…family, friends, teachers…the only safe copy around here is on my Kindle. I say this not to boast, but to be humbled because the gift has been returned so many times. The journey of counting and framing A Thousand Gifts is surrounding me on all sides, reminding me of the beauty even when my lenses are out of focus. Precious gift. I do not have a signed copy and I would love to read yours as well. Thank you, my friend. Your heart is gift to so many.
It is a gift(!) to listen in on the conversation with you and Ann. As I hear my girls giggling together in the other room, u can feel the urge to frame the moment with gratitude. Thank you.
Hi there!
So thankful for the both of you and the gift of writing that the Lord has blessed you with so abundantly! I’ve read One Thousand Gifts and looking so forward to diving into A Confident Heart. You’re hearts for the Lord shine through your words and your excitement in your conversation together. What an example and blessing to me!
So grateful for women of the faith, for you two, who share and encourage and inspire others in Him. You both are such treasures. Bless you for sharing this with us. Bless you for walking this path along side us all. You are true beauty.
I have only recently found both Proverbs 31 and A Holy Experience Websites. What a blessing!! Thank you for being faithful to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ministering to women who desire to draw closer to Him!
What a treasure to listen as you and Ann visit on her porch…God is indeed with us in every life moment.
Thank you so much for sharing your time together with us. I hear my camera calling!