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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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.