Embracing Eucharisteo: Interview and Giveaway With Ann Voskamp
Published May 16, 2011
Early this year, a book’s cover caught my eye. While I know better than to judge a book solely by its cover, this one made me want to stop, be still and drink in its words.
It was the new release (and now New York Times bestseller) One Thousand Gifts; A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by blogger Ann Voskamp of www.aholyexperience.com
A few of my friends (her & her) had either endorsed her book or were mentioned in the acknowledgments section. I picked it up, began to read and its words penetrated my soul.
As I said here last week, learning to live in the moment and be grateful and fully engaged does not come easily to me. It is work. But the work is worth the effort.
I soon shot a Facebook message off to the author asking if she might be willing to grace us with an interview, even though I was certain she didn’t know me from Eve.
Weeks went by. I waited patiently but knew this busy farmer’s wife & mom of six might have too full a plate to respond to little ol’ me.
Then, on my birthday in March, I received a gift; an answer.
Not only was she willing to join us here, but she also blessed me by saying how she’d followed my ministry for years.
It was then that is dawned on me. Her website– a holy experience. Her name–Ann V. The light went on.
I searched back through my archives to when I first began blogging late in 2007. The days when I wondered if anyone was out there reading.
My first entry got one comment. (it was spam advertising)
My second? None.
My third drew two.
My fourth post got three.
I scrolled to my 5th ever entry. It was on promoting family prayer. There were 5 comments. (one from the friend who started me blogging really didn’t count)
The commenters names stuck with me from those early days: kimberlee, Caroline, Vicki. I wondered who these women were.
Then, I saw it. There, dated a month after the post was up, was a comment from a mother who’d been pondering my idea in that post for days.
“Ann V. from A Holy Experience”
It makes me smile.
And I will smile even more when this summer Ann & I talk face to face when she brings the keynote message at our Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference in July.
Today you all get the chance to meet her here, if you’ve not already read her book or experienced her life-changing blog.
I do hope you’ll discover them both. Her blog is beautiful and both thought and thankfulness-provoking.
And her book? As my friend Lysa, who endorsed it asserts, it is, “a book that will challenge you and mess with you in the most beautiful of ways”
Friends, meet Ann Voskamp:
Ann, tell us what life is like at the Voskamp home this spring.
Spring on the farm is my favorite time of the year! The smell of earthy warmth and the possibility of life and seed bags opening and us touching the dark soil again, us but dust too, these things move me deep.This spring has been wet and we’re anxious for a window of grace to slip seeds into the earth again. This life keeps us on our knees!
You have always loved writing, when did you begin to see it as a ministry and means to encourage others?
Oh, I wonder if I am still in process on this, Karen? For me, it’s still about writing for an audience of One, of needing to write so that God can do deep, necessary work in me, and posting it is just a laying it out on the altar for God to use wherever, however, for whomever, He alone chooses.
If He uses it to encourage one other heart on this journey, to Him be all the glory alone … I’m just a mess He’s faithfully washing in grace! I am so grateful to walk with other faithful Jesus-sojourners.
What prompted you to write One Thousand Gifts?
Well, I was just journaling the work God was doing in me as I struggled to find joy right where I was, when, through a string of grace appointments, an agent found me just blogging in a quiet corner and contacted me and quietly asked if he could help the farmer’s wife work out the things I was blogging into a larger framework, a place to go far deeper than the blog and invite folks to too go deep with God in pages they could actually hold.
I am so grateful for the work He did in me as the story of the dare to live fully was scratched down.
What is your utmost desire for those who read your book?
That God will free them from being bound to joy that is bound to circumstances. That they can experience wholesale joy, anywhere, anytime.
One man wrote: ”My doctor discussed last week how my processing of gratitude—Eucharisteo—as described in One Thousand Gifts, has effectively replaced my prescription for Prozac.”
And another woman wrote: I lost my daughter tragically three years ago…I have been through many books, many pills and many nights on the floor in tears, many clinched fists days turned nights, many Bible studies, many sermons…many come to Jesus talks, fought through ptsd and panic attacks fought bitterness and anger, envy and jealousy of others with baby girls…
Nothing tangible has helped with my grief heart as much as your words and your God journey in gratitude daily living…
Your words found me crying and laughing and cheering, championing and underlining, rereading and rereading sentences because they were so magnificent and full of truth and peace, just letters put together in such a way that screamed Joy and Peace to me.
I found a new calm, in just keeping my gratitude journal…in cultivating a heart of thanks, I noticed how the fear and anxiety and anger seemed to melt away….I noticed for the first time it was about Him loving me, the focus was on His love and grace to me, instead of trying to figure Him out, love Him and try and fail in a revolving door of grief….
I have shared your book with as many as I can, because I have seen the fruit in my own heart, in my own life….
That is all. For people in deep, dark pain to find real, lasting Joy. In His presence is fullness of Joy — and wherever we are, whatever we’re facing, there’s a way to come into His presence. This book is just about that….
You are a homeschool mom of six. What guidance can you give to women who want to love and serve God by using their gifts and talents and yet not neglect their duties (or miss their joys) as a wife and mom?
Ah, what to say? Perhaps just use those fringe hours, early and late, all the margins of the day, the hours that everyone sleeps.
Our six crazy exuberant kids head to the barn every morning for 2-3 hours of work with my Farmer Husband, and I have those quiet hours to write and pray and just meet Jesus.
And then the full hours of light and lovely loudness and children, be all there, because yes, yes, yes, Karen, every moment as a gift, these blink years with children, a calling to holy amazing grace.
Thank you Ann, for stopping by today and inspiring us to thankful, in-the-moment living!
Sweet blog readers, Ann is giving away a personalized copy of her book One Thousand Gifts to one of you who comments. All you must do is share with us one simple gift you are thankful for. The winner will be announced Wednesday.
Now, tell us…..for what are you grateful?
135 Responses to Embracing Eucharisteo: Interview and Giveaway With Ann Voskamp
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My Family
I am so thankful for Christian women who remind me (at just the right times) where to focus, what’s important. When I get off track, you always lead me back to Him! Thank You
I am thankful for my 5 beautiful children!
I am so thankful for my loving husband.
I am so thankful for my husband who daily reminds me of God’s continued provision.
I am just so thankful to know that God is always there for me. It is great to have such wonderful Godly women to look to for guidance.
Thankful that God doesn’t give up on me when I’m ready to give up. Very thankful that ALL you lady’s make time in your very busy schedule’s and life that you make time to share God’s word, give encouragement and love when it’s needed the most.
Thank you
Michelle
I am so thankful for the work the LORD is doing on me. I prayed a very heartfelt prayer months ago that said “God change me into who You want me be” and I have seen many changes. Life isn’t easier but coming to Him is now my first response and I am learning to be still and be at peace!!
I am thankful for the encouraging blogs of the Proverbs 31 women.
Oh….thanks Monica! And we love our cyber gals!!!
I am so thankful for the way God works, how He speaks to us in just the right way at just the right time!! He did that here today through both of you!! Blessings, Jill
I am SO grateful for my church family …. I have never felt more ‘at home’ in a place of worship than I do right now!!!
That God is slow to anger and loves no matter what we have done or where we have been.
I am thankful that the God of the Universe would take time to daily bless me and my family of seven.
I am so thankful for my husband and two boys!
I am excited to find this book and read it as i so hunger for a timely word spoken through our master/teacher/savior/friend. I also have been blessed with 6 wonderful children. Busy life, but so important to maintain and keep a gratitue journal. I lead a ladies bible study in our church and i recently encouraged them to find the miracle(s) in the moment(s). God bless your work, and may you be an encouragement to many.!
I am so thankful for each moment God gives me – but more so looking forward to Heaven Bound someday and meeting Jesus face to face!
Thankful every day for God’s Word and the promise that if we hide these words in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will call them to our remembrance at just the time we need them… And that these words have the power to change our lives which without the work of our Redeemer, Christ Jesus, would be without hope. SO thankful!
I am thankful for my husband leading our family in the ways of the Lord, my four children – and the opportunity to homeschool them.
I am thankful for His grace and mercy to make it here, to the dreams come true.
I’m so looking forward to reading your book! Today I’m grateful for this quiet morning alone with my son, researching the sharks he loves so much and enjoying his laugh.
I’m thankful for so many things, but especially the Godly women that are in my life. I’m also thankful for wonderful ladies like you that blog and keep us connected to even more Godly women. One of my most wonderful friends just gave me Ann’s book as a gift two weeks ago and I’ve just begun reading it and can’t wait to continue. Thanks for the interview!
I’m so thankful to God for blessing me with the p31 women! Each and every one of you are on my prayer list and the posts, blogs, etc. are something that I look forward to each day. I share them on my facebook page daily and several I plan to use in the counseling ministry God has called me to. The P31 women have ministered to me through their posts in several different areas of my life & I’m very grateful to God & you for your obedience to Him, dedication & obvious love for what you do.
I am so thankful for my husband and my 2 boys. God brought them into my life in His perfect timing.
I’m thankful for God today. I love sitting with him in the early hours and just talking with him. He always listens. A bonus today, he started the day with sunshine! He knows just what we need all of the time.
I’m thankful for my best friend Sarah. It has been a while since I’ve had a close Chrisitian girlfriend and the Lord answered my prayers in a VERY big way.
Today I am thankful that the sun is shining brightly! It’s been so cloudy and cold lately that the sun is like God is smiling down on us!
Rebecca Ann
I am grateful for Jesus and the grace He offers me every hour, every minute!!!
I’m grateful for my husband who has truly stayed with me “in sickness and in health.” This Wednesday marks our 20th wedding anniversary.
I am so thankful for my hard-working husband. Because of him I am able to have my dream job of a stay-at-home-mom!
So much to be thankful for! My husband. my daughters. My grandson. Job, health. Thankful for all the P31 gals and their blogs and how they make me refocus on Jesus.
I am thankful for my family who doesn’t give up on me even when I feel like giving up on myself. I am also thankful for wonderful books and resources like these that keep me focused on the Lord.
I am thankful that God has led this sometimes lonely momma to an online world of beautiful Christian girlfriends that push, encourage, comfort and speak straight to my soul daily. You gals are wonderful and I can’t tell you how many times during the day I thank God for this cyber-sisterhood!
I’m thankful for the book One Thousand Gifts and what it has meant in my life
God has blessed me so much. I am thankful for my wonderful husband, family and friends. (sounds cliche’, but true!) I have heard so much talk about “One Thousand Gift” and am so anxious to read it. Karen, thank you for your blog!!
Life – Health – Family – Personal Relationship with our Creator – Community with believers – Laughter – Special Moments in life to experience
I am grateful for His perfect provision each day. Being still and enjoying each moment without stuffing it with food or something else, is my lessons I am learning from the Lord now, what a blessing this book will be!!!
Besides the obvious blessings of family, health, church, I continually praise God that I am able to be a stay-at-home mom and not go off to work each day leaving my precious ones with a sitter. My husband had to endure criticism and teasing remarks from co-workers since they knew how much $$ he didn’t make to support three wee ones. Isn’t that sad?
I am so thankful for this moment, tears are literally streaming down my face as I read this blog and feel the warmth of God’s love and grace wash over me. This is the first time I happened upon this blog and realize now it was a direct hug from a precious God who sees and loves me just where I am and for who I am. Thank for sharing this today may you and Ann continue to walk in His abundant favor
I am thankful for my faith in Christ Jesus. I am also thankful for the family and husband God has blessed me with.
Just one? that God loves me just as I am…warts and all…
So thankful that my 11 year old daughter this weekend asked to stay up later to read her Bible – when I came to shut her light off she wanted to keep reading. It warmed my mommy heart to see her soaking in God’s truth for her life.
I am so thankful for the gift of my church family. They have taught me much about living joyfully!
I am thankful for how God provides people, going through, or entering into, a journey similar to mine, to encourage and confirm, or to discourage, me from a path.. I am so thankful for His divine love and patience as he teaches me to really ‘hear’ His voice, and how He will always find ways to speak to me~
I am SO thankful that He always knows where to find me
I am thankful for my wonderful husband and four kids!! And my best friend Kandi!
In the past year and a half, we lost a brother to suicide, a father to diabetes and a job loss. Recently my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer….our world as we knew it has been turned upside down. But, I cling to the promise that God is walking through this darkness with me. In all this sorrow and suffering, He gave us two little bundles of joy….our little sunshine granddaughter and little joy-boy grandson….to remind us of His promises. THAT is what I am most thankful for!
I am thankful for more than I can possibly ever say. My greatest thanks is to God for drawing me to Him and for providing the Cross as a bridge to everlasting life with Him.
Oh how this spoke to me this morning. I am grateful for your blog, knowing each time I open it there is a truth there for me and other women who have their personal struggles each and every day. I would so love to win a copy of this book and learn how to enjoy the moment I am in now. This is so difficult for me. I love to glean from others how to live each day with a glass more than 1/2 full, spilling over with joy to share. Have a wonderful day and again thank you for who you are and all that you do sharing with women.
I am grateful for the way the lord speaks exactly what I need to hear through others – and repeats it in various forms from various places to remind me gently that it’s a message I need!
I am thankful for the ways God has worked in each member of our family (me, my husband and our 3 children) over the last year – going through a very painful experience, but seeing that God’s ability to work ALL things for good is SO amazing!
I am so thankful for my Lord and that He allows me EVERYDAY to be His child regardless of my mistakes and sins. I am thankful that He entrusted my precious husband to me, to love and honor for the rest of my life. I am thankful that He entrusted my two wonderful children to us and that He lets me lean on Him everyday to help in their raising. I am VERY thankful for this ministry and how often it lifts me up on a daily basis!
I am grateful for this blog!
I am so thankful for my husband, children and grandchildren. They fill my life with love and happiness that of course comes straight from the Lord. I love and cherish our God beyond all. I can not say thank you enough for His love and mercy.
Oh Karen, where do I start? First let me say thank you so much for this post and for Ann’s interview. I simply adore her and have enjoyed her blog for awhile now.
It wasn’t until recently though that I got “caught up” in the 1000 gifts list making, but oh what a tremendous gift it has been to me. You never look at things quite the same when you are in tune to your blessings. And I have many of which any of them am I worthy.
So today, one of my blessings (thankfulness) is being able to stop and refocus my energy and redirect my thinking process and find JOY in the smallest of things.
Thanks and blessings,
Cindy
I’m thankful for another look at God’s rainbow of grace from my morning reading:
When we have clouds in life we tend to see them only from here below. We must learn to look down upon them from where we sit with Christ…in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6); for then we shall see the beauty of the rainbow as the clouds reflect a rainbow back to our faithful Father in heaven.
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I am thankful for each day I have with my youngest daughter. When she was born, the hospital staff told me that if she lived through the night, she would probably not make it through her first year. And even if she did, she would have a laundry list of things she “couldn’t” do. Here we are 11 YEARS later and while we do have issues (autism and epilepsy), she is a joy and a reminder that God is bigger than medical personnel.
I am thankful for the relationship I have with my God.
I am thankful for the moments of my life. Moments that often seem insignificant at the time, that seen later….. become the moments that memories are made of.
I am thankful that God give me eyes to see and ears to hear, for answered prayer in my life with an amazing husband and 3 bundles of joy.
I am thankful for your blog today(and everyday
) . As I read Ann sharing comments from her readers, I knew I had to get the book for a friend who is suffering deeply. God spoke her name to me instantly! Thank you , Thankyou.
I would love to read her book. I try and hide it and I think I do a pretty good job but losing my husband almost 8 years ago and having 3 teenagers at the time made me question alot of things—I still believe I have not fully dealt with all of my grief—Thank you and have a blessed day, Barb
I am thankful for my husband, who understands me even when I don’t. Most of all, I am thankful to God for gently prodding me out of my comfort zone when it comes to extended family relationships. I’m learning to find joy in being obedient to His leading in this area…definitly a work in progress.
I’m thankful for the heart-swelling delight of reading words that are (nearly) as beautiful and joy-inducing as the things they describe.
I am thankful for where I work. I work in a Christian school and am blessed by the encouragment and prayer that continually surrounds me!
I am so thankful for you and Lysa. I love your blogs and P31. You can lift me up, make me laugh and cry sometimes at the same time. You both have been a blessing to me. May God continue to bless you in all you do.
Just one thing??? I am thankful that today is a new day, that I can draw another breath and live a mundane life filled with work and laundry and responsiblities, knowing that in my commonness God is working an eternal work in myself, my husband, my son, and all I come in contact with.
I am grateful for having a supporting husband who will encourage me in anything I feel passionate about.
I am thankful for my wonderful family, who will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING for me! They are all led by God!
i am thankful for a gift that my husband gave me many years ago, and continues to every day: he taught me how to dream, and dream big.
I am so thankful for my health.
GRACE!
I am so thankful for my husband’s gift of grace to me. He loves me despite all my flaws and makes me feel treasured.
I am thankful for my husband, children, and for the hard-fought for contentment and peace God has brought us to after some difficult situations. More than anything else I’m thankful for a relationship with my Lord & Savior.
This online community which ministers to me each and every day.
I am thankful and blessed that God gives me a new and clean slate in which to begin each day with. I am thankful that God loved (loves) me enough that He gave (gives) me His son so that I may have a life in which to be grateful for. The blessing of teaching children (my own 4 as well as the preschool children in my school) about the love of Jesus openly without fear.
I am thankful for a God who is ever so patient with me and a husband who shows me what love is and I am thankful for life and family and grandchildren. And I am thankful for Ann who has taught me to have gratitude even for the rough moments of the day. Breathe in and breathe out, and wait for the pause to teach me something.
I am thankful that God is teaching me to find His Light in the darkness, to find my hope in Him.
I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness, the presence of His spirit within my heart, His Word which pierces my soul and draws me nearer to Him. For His son…without whom this life has no meaning. I’m grateful to have stumbled upon Ann’s book at a friend’s house which led me to her website where I read the 1st chapter…and now I’m reading my own copy of the book, savoring the lessons it holds. Ann’s words speak richly to my heart. To my grace list today I add the scent freshly mown grass mixed with the gasoline from my mower!
Blessings…
Today my thanks overflows for the song of the cardinal in the back yard, the smell of the first peony opening in the garden today, and the Word sitting in my lap.
Jean Sasse
……………………………………..
‘The evidence of God’s presence far outweighs the proof of His absence.’
I am thankful for the gift of rest today.
I am thankful for God mercy to me! I hated my earthly father for many years because of how his alcoholism controlled our home. He is now in a nursing home and I am the only one he has that cares. The Lord allowed a change in my heart just a week before I had to make decisions on his behalf. God’s timing!! Awesome! I have learned to love this man I hated for so many years.
I am thankful for a wonderful friend who wasn’t scared to ask the hard question…had I ever asked Jesus into my heart? I did in that moment and my life changed forever.
I am thankful for the beauty I see everyday – from a tiny flower to a beautiful sunset.
One thing I’m truly grateful for is the precious sound of belly laughs from children. You know the ones where they’re giggling with their whole bodies and inviting us to join them.
I’m thankful for the friend who gave this book to every lady in our Bible study class in our last meeting before we break for the summer.
Oh my! The list of things I’m grateful for could fill a multitude of pages and still only scratch the surface, but, if I must pick one, I will pick the most recent thing that I am grateful for: Long story short, I felt God ‘nudging’ me to try to raise my own scholarship to attend the She Speaks Conference and, ALL GLORY TO HIM – I HAVE THE FEE RAISED and will be attending the She Speaks Conference this year. Oh, well, I don’t have transportation yet but I KNOW if He provided the conference fee, He’ll provide a way to get me there!
I just posted on my facebook earlier today upon finding out about having my scholarship raised: “I’m so humbled and in awe of God right now that I’m sitting here with tears streaming from my eyes.”
If He wants you somewhere and you’re willing to go, He will see to it that you are there! Praise His Name!
Have enjoyed reading Ann for a while now and have wanted to read her book.
I am thankful that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for me. The perfect man for such a unperfect me.
I am so thankful for the gift of my children. I feel overwhelmed by motherhood when I don’t stop to thank God for each moment I have with my kids.
I am so very thankful for a roof over my head and warm food to eat tonight with my husband. It’s often the most simple things in life that we take most for granted. I am thankful for a Savior who dwells in the simplicity and stillness of life.
Joy that comes in the morning … it always comes!
I am so thankful that He has shown me what true love is. He is love. He has also shown me that real love can also come from the husband He gave me and the daughters He has trusted my husband and I with. I have developed a new love for Him and for my husband and daughters that grows deeper every day.
There are so many things that I am thankful for, but for today it is the ability to serve others. Be it as a mom, a wife, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a church member, a neighbor, a friend etc I can serve others and share God’s love in very simple ways each and every day and it just makes me smile!
I am thankful for being a teacher. I have come to know many precious children over the years. The children themselves are a blessing as they make me laugh every day. I love them all!
Wow. Sounds like a great book to read and pass on. I think all my children’s teachers end of the year gifts will be a reminder of the blessings we are graced with.
I am so thankful to be learning the truth of eucharisteo and practicing applying it in my day to day life with 5 children. What a shift of perspective I have had as I slow in each moment, give it my full attention, and then end up giving thanks for something, instead of complaining like I would have done before…just simply life-changing, and I’m so thankful for that!
My relationship with my Savior & this blog. Thank you!
I’m thankful for this day, for His mercy that is new everyday!
I thank God for the compassion and understanding He has placed in my heart for those that suffer from chronic illnesses.
For your knitting, Lord,
Wide eyes that sparkle, bright.
For edible cheeks and double chins,
Baby bassinet cat naps,
And for haircuts with Barber Mom.
Lord, they look so handsome!
But more so, I heard their hearts.
Did you hear them, too, Lord?
Honor from the eldest.
“I thought you wanted my hair combed all nice.?!?”
Smile. Sorta spiky is OK if you “fix” it.
Not outta bed, just woke up spiky–laugh.
Big brown eyes, lashes thick.
“I be brave, Mommy.”
And he was. Courage!
Daddy rescues tonight.
A little princess with soapy eyes.
He clothes her and gives her rest.
Father, He reminds me of you!
Valued. Protected. I see JOY, see Peace.
Beautiful, bouffant blonde hair.
Hearken back memory to baby curls, soft.
He makes me laugh more.
“Look at my goatee, Mommy!”
Karo syrup, my sticky friend!
Photo shoot snapped. God-confidence.
Smile. Laugh. Live.
Thank you, Lord, for knitting–
People and memories,
For archives and annals.
And for fringes to scratch down.
I am thankful for God’s joy. I got up early this morning and came to this blog. The words that stood out for me is where Ann was writing about struggling to find joy right where she was. I was reminded that my joy is not found in my circumstances- it is found in who is walking with me through my circumstances…….My sweet and loving Lord and Savior. Oh, I needed to be reminded of this today. Thanks!!!
My gratitude overflows. Attempting to choose one source tangles my mind, leaves me singing and aching simultaneously.
For what am I most grateful? The gift of gratitude, itself…for the freedom, through accepting Christ’s passionate love and forgiveness, to live, day and night, in transforming, joyful, God-given gratitude.