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.
I love the idea of framing moments and of stopping to take in each day. I think we forget all that God has done and is doing and focus on the things that are wrong or struggles that we face.
Beautiful reminders to shift our focus from darkness to light: from self-doubt to confidence in God. Framing the moments – love it!
Thank you, both, for drawing me (as well as many other women) closer to the heart of the Lord.
I would love the opportunity to win both of these books. They are both on my wish lists. I love the idea of framing our moments. Since surviving breast cancer, my new mantra has been to live in the moment, and I find it suits me well to make myself slow down and appreciate the many precious moments of each day, and just breathe.
thanks for the oppty to “sit on the porch” with the 2 of you – I have been so blessed by Ann’s book and excited to read Renee’s too~ Still ‘in process’ by His grace,
~C
I have SO enjoyed and grown spiritually and emotionally through reading Ann’s book, one thousand gifts. I just can’t begin to tell you the depth of gratitude I feel for the revelations that have come … revelations that I wish had come much earlier in my life. I am finally able to see all of my life as a blessing … knowing that God uses all things for good, and I am finally able to truly trust Him as never before and not feel anxious about anything! I know He loves me. I know He wants the best for me. And if His blessings must come through tears, that’s fine with me, too, for I know His grace is sufficient and I know that He gives me all the strength I need. It is SO freeing! Add to all of that, the beauty of Ann’s writing and her book is such a truly precious gift in itself … given to all who will simple “eat of it” by God Himself through Ann. I have given so many of the people in my life a copy of Ann’s book, and, with very little effort, I can think of at least a dozen more of whom I would like to share the book if I could afford it. One is my sister-in-law whose 25-year-old son was killed in a motor cycle accident 4 years ago. He would be 29 on the 27th of this month had he lived. I just know that she would appreciate this book and that it would minister to her broken heart. I would SO appreciate getting a free copy. I also enjoyed these interviews, and now I only wish for time to be able to read your books as well! 🙂
Realizing that I need to properly frame each moment of each day…..and then have the COURAGE and CONFIDENCE to hang that frame up and look at it. Thank you!
I never realized how much I don’t frame the events in my daily life and give God the glory. Thank you Ann for that eye-opener. I feel like I am out there all alone to fend for myself. Renee’s book and her 7-day Doubt Diet have opened a ‘locked’ part of me that I have struggled with for years, but especially in the last year. I beat myself of all the time with ‘un-Godly’ thoughts that I render myself ineffective and unable to move forward because of self doubt. NO MORE! I am not the only one who struggles with this! Thank you Renee for ‘walking’ me through this journey back to trusting in Christ alone for ALL things.
With a grateful heart <3
Leslie
I am truly grateful to God that after so many years of struggling with a very low self esteem I finally get to learn so much about confidence from women who are so mature and rooted in His word.Ur friendships also inspire me so much,I now wanna become a better friend to the friends God has blessed me with…Thank u so much for allowing God to use u so mightily,influencing the lives of so many women around the world.Be blessed
Writing the moments in a journal truly makes praising Him so easy. I started making my list last week and can see how awesome God is in even the tiny things.
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.
I just want to say Thank you for the 7 day doubt diet. I am getting so much from it. I wish I could afford to buy your book right now. But being unemployed that will have to wait for awhile. But I wanted you to know how much I am enjoying it and now your website as well.
I’m looking forward to exploring on here.
Thank you for sharing such a great conversation and the reminder of how easily just shifting our focus can make the biggest difference in how we approach every aspect of our days.
Oooooh, so beautiful! I’ve got to find an empty frame…Thank you!!!
What a wonderful way to cement a friendship and then find a concept of “naming the fear” that bring exposure and light to defeat the fear. It was great to see that we can find God’s Word as our source of nourishment and strength in all our struggles. By applying the truth of the Word to all our difficulties we can find the peace and joy that God intends us to experience. Christ transforms us and enables His life to shine out of our being when we are enjoying God’s Word. Thank you for your timely words of wisdom.
I have been taught lately in life we all get to frame our memories and special moments We are children of God and though we live in a grown up world, do grown up things, we must take time to remember we are all Children of God, have Gods spirit with-in us and to take time to enjoy all of the beauty the God has to offer us today. Taking a grown up time out to smell there air and enjoy the Sunlight of The Spirit
What a needed reminder ~ I pray to live this way, this eye-opened way, recognizing the beauty of the mundane and the messiness of my life because He is in it, with me here. Thanks to two radiant women of the Lord who allow His grace to spill through their hands to others.
Ooooh, I would love to win – both books on my “to read” list! Reading Ann’s blog has been life-changing for me – from scripture memory to gratitude journaling to living a seamless life, she has inspired me and impacted me so much. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Thank you so much for sharing this video with us! I love the framing the moments! I have so been trying to do that the past few weeks. Since my husband lost his job things have been very stressful to say the least, but I try each day to look around me and find moments that are blessings from God and focus on them!
Such a well timed message! On days when we feel physically weak and not quite up to par you both show us to stop and see the gifts within and the gifts without! Thank you Ann and Renee for this God timed gift to me! God is so good to never leave us! Thank God for for Ann Voskamp, Renee Swope and Proverbs 31!
Reading your email posts has been a huge encouragement for me… I plan on buying both these books, but winning them would be so much SWEETER!!! Especially here!
Thanks,
Nicole
Yay to God for friends on front porches, laughter and pleasant fellowship.
What a beautiful testimony you both not only share with others, but LIVE out loud! I am truly moved, to embrace EACH moment as a gift ~ and learn to move away from doubting the simplicity!
What a blessing you must have had fellowshiping together! After a long time of putting God in a Back corner in my life, I let my doubts and fears control me. I am now trying to walk closer with the Lord and I am in such a better place. God is so good!! Thank you so much for the wonderful articals, books, and daily inspurations you write. They are such a blessing in my life.
Thanks for all the postings…. they really touch my heart…….
What a WORD in due season. Thank you, Renee and Ann, for sharing your gifts and allowing God to work through you and minister to us who so desperately need Him.
Renee, so hard not being with you and Ann this weekend…how I wanted the Lord to give me that ‘yes’ among all the other ‘no’s’…but He has a reason…and so instead I am here looking for the gifts of grace He is supplying in this journey with cancer and chemotherapy and praying for you both.
This video post reminded me of another Chrisa Wells song entitled “A Thousand Things”. I love this song. When we don’t understand what is happening, beyond what we can see, a thousand things are happening in this one thing. I am praying that is true on the path the Lord has me walking right now. Here is the song link: http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_2432198
Love ya my friend. PRAYNG,
Joy
So blessed by these posts…I too like some of the others have been hurt seriously in relationships at church. My husband is a minister…and seems to keep me from opening up with people around me, therefore, feeling very much alone when it comes to girlfriends. All mine are far away….perhaps because that seems safe? Started a list of 1,000 blessings, Prov. 31 ministries is on that list! Thanks, Renee for you openness to share with us, Looking forward to reading your book!! Praying for a very precious weekend at She Speaks!!
Godly girlfriends are one of our greatest blessings, I think. I have literally thanked God many times for all the wonderful, faithful girlfriends I have , who love me as I am am and are always there for me. I know I can count on them for prayer, for meals if I am in a situation, for encouragement and even to be challenged,
I always tell me daughters and my small group of women that I mentor that relationships with others who also love the Lord are very special- there is an extra layer, like the 3rd cord bond, that makes that friendship or relationship of whatever type extra special. Beside what the usual bonds would be, you have the spiritual connection and a shared love for Jesus which goes beyond description.
Have been looking forward to reading Ann’s book and yours would be good for me also. I visit both of your blogs when I am able. Self-doubt and striving to reframe my life is something I struggle with every day. Just this week in the upheaval of my husband’s job I did find confidence in the Lord and then I let the devil seep in when more bad news came. Today I am weary, so tired of the struggle. I won’t give up, because that is not what I do, however I am moving so slow I think a snail is faster than I am. I appreciated the video and being able see Jesus’ love in each of you. Blessings to you both.
Loved your porch conversation with Ann. Loving her book and reading it now. Two more chapters to go……..it is changing me…………planning a fall women’s group to read it………..Hope to now read Renee’s book as well. Many thanks.
Maureen Benke
Cleburne TX.
I see now that it is time to change the focus of my lens to the beautiful things around me. I have been consumed with doubt and pain because of my husband’s unfaithful actions and this is destroying me. I need to frame the joyful moments in my life, the time with my kids, and not let this valuable time slip away any more than it already has. God has given me a full life that I have been allowing to waste away in moments of fear, doubt, rejection and sorrow. I thank God for bringing this website to me at this time in my life, this is truly an answer to prayer!