Cyber-Stalking, Compassion Friends & A Giveaway

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As soon as I was asked to go to Guatemala with Compassion International last fall, I began cyber-stalking the other bloggers have a better grasp of who would be on the trip. I’m no dummy, I understood that the other bloggers could make or break this experience.

Thankfully I already knew, or kind of knew, or virtually knew, Lisa-Jo. We had several mutual friends and had interacted online dozens of times. And I genuinely looked forward to meeting her in person. (I was not the slightest bit disappointed. Lisa-Jo is fantastic.)

So my real intensive research started with Amanda Jones. One peek at her family tree and I started worrying. Yes, the fact that she was raised by Beth Moore was more than a little intimidating. But I knew we had a Texas connection. And a Texas connection is a pretty powerful thing. I knew if she started throwing down some mad Bible study skills I could slip in a Mexican food reference and we’d be back to an area where both of us could exist comfortably. (Side note: Amanda Jones might just be one of the kindest, most welcoming people on the planet. I quickly learned we had a lot more than Texas in common.)

As soon as I convinced myself to get comfortable with the idea of Amanda,  I made my way to Ann Voskamp’s blog. And discovered this beautiful concoction of prose, pictures and music. (I know, I usually hate music on blogs too, but trust me, Ann’s music is oddly soothing.) As I delved into the content I began getting more and more concerned, “What could I possibly have in common with the wife of a Canadian farmer who home-schools her six kids and writes like a poet?”

“Dang. I’m in trouble. I am in so far over my head. What in the world was Shaun Groves thinking when he put me on this trip?”

I still am not sure.

But I can tell you this.

Ann Voskamp oozes Jesus. I am not the type of person who says things like, “So-and-so oozes Jesus” but every time I hear Ann Voskamp’s name I can’t help myself from awkwardly blurting it out. Because she simply oozes Jesus. I have never met someone who loves as fully, and vulnerably. I have never met someone who so purely desired to employ their talents (and boy does Ann Voskamp have talents) to glorify God. I have never met someone who could make an email of encouragement feel like a cherished Word from an angel among us. And I have never met someone who lived with such a intense posture of thankfulness.

I am pretty sure I could spend days following Ann Voskamp around and learning about what being Christlike looks like in the midst of opportunity, busyness, and struggle. But since I don’t have the luxury, I will simply have to soak Ann up by reading her book, One Thousand Gifts. I have started it two times and each time have felt nudged to share it with a friend or family member before I could finish it. (Seriously, it is that good.) But not this time, this copy is staying with me, forever.

Oh, and these 3 women and my friends at Compassion were the perfect traveling companions. But you knew that already.

I do have some copies to  share with you though, 15, in fact. If you would like to enter to win a copy of One Thousand Gifts, just leave a comment below about a person you know that just oozes Jesus. I will pick 15 random winners on Friday and notify them via email. UPDATE: ALL THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AND NOTIFIED. THANK YOU FOR THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSE.

PS – Compassion just announced their May trip to the Philippines. Be sure to be praying for and encouraging this amazing group of bloggers. I can’t wait to follow them to the Far East. So cool.


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Lindsey has a sincere love for her precious dogs Molly and Maisy, a good red wine and the Delta Sky Club.

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Categories: Compassion Guatemala, The Life I Live
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242 thoughts on “Cyber-Stalking, Compassion Friends & A Giveaway”

  1. Joanna… a woman in my church! She is phenomenal and any time she is speaking, or leading a Bible study, I do my hardest to make it there!! She lives Titus 2, involving herself in the lives of the young moms around her! She has raised 5 of her own, so she has a lot of wisdom to share!!

    Also, I agree that Ann oozes Jesus… I can’t get enough of her blog and would love to get my hand on a copy of her book!!

  2. My friend Hannah(not me, we just share the same name). She is just so…devoted. Nothing else matters to her. I want to be like that.

    Hannah

  3. I have a group of 3 friends who meet for the purpose of encouraging one another in our writing endeavors. Over the last several years this group has been my salvation from my negative emotions and thoughts, my endurance in times of great stress and light in times of darkness. As one of them recently described us, they are “Jesus with skin on.” Here’s to you Patricia, Robbi and Coleen. The awesome thing is that our friendships will go on for eternity.

  4. i have a mom friend that just radiates Jesus… she sees as Jesus sees caring more for the “poorest” than the easy people to be around. Whether its the socially distant at a church gathering or a 4-year old at a dinner with adults. And her devotion to being where the holy spirit is makes me want to be more like Jesus! its amazing what one person (who you hardly know) can teach you about being a Christian.

  5. I’m so glad we got to be on the same trip, Lindsey. I just wish we could hang out more! I think the world of you.

  8. My Aunt Karen. She would throw the salesmen out of the temple, but she would remind them that she loved them. She’s all about love and speaking the truth. I would give her the copy of the book if I won.

  9. I have a friend Matthew who “oozes Jesus”. There are many reasons, but if i had to pinpoint one, I would say it is the joy he has. And the way he loves people.

  10. I have a friend that I used to work with that just oozed with Jesus. She is a great friend, and wonderful to be around.

  11. My dear friend, Diane, just oozes Jesus. It’s because she sits at the feet of Jesus…a lot. Literally, soaks Him up and enjoys splashing Him on everyone and anyone who comes within her radius. The story He’s writing in her life…well, let’s just say He’s quite creative and she’s a willing canvas. Did I mention she’s our pastor’s wife? Did I mention she leads our ministry to women? Did I mention she is an extreme introvert? Did I mention she’s deaf? You can read her story at http://www.hespeaksinthesilence.com/2011/02/he-speaks-in-the-silence/

  13. I have to honor my friend Linda, who, to use your great and evocative phrase, absolutely oozes Jesus. She has served missionary in China, counseled disadvantaged teenagers in the Bronx, and works with the organization Living Water to provide clean water in Haiti, Africa, India and other areas in need. Her “resume” of Christian service is long because she’s so dedicated and committed to her spiritual walk, but she’s not an intimidating presence. She’s easy to be “real” around and nonjudgmental while being open about her own spiritual struggles. When we were just acquaintances, I was inspired her example. Now that live in the same city and have become much closer friends, the bloom is not off the rose–I’m lucky to have her as my spiritual mentor and friend.

  14. My husband is not very good with words, whether orally or written, but his actions ooze Jesus from sunrise to sunset. He practices what the Bible preaches, and many are blessed because of his ooziness.

  15. Mrs. Nemeth, an elderly church lady who has always loved me like a daughter. When I think of Jesus in action, I think of her.

  16. Every time I’m around my Aunt Anne I want to love Jesus better and more fully. She absolutely shines joy!
    Thanks for the giveaway!!

  17. My Mum oozes Jesus….she loves, she cares and gives of her self is such a way to think of it leaves me breathless (I have experienced her giving herself to me this week and I will be changed because of it)

  18. My mentor in Prayer Counseling–Karen. She not only oozes Jesus, she walks in joy, victory and encourages everyone around her to join the ride!

  19. My husband is the first person I think of when you say, “just leave a comment below about a person you know that just oozes Jesus.” He is my pastor/preacher husband, father of 6 children, lives, eats, sleeps what he preaches. This passage sums up his person:
    2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
    25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

  20. One person who just oozes Jesus in my life is actually a dear friend of mine…Amanda. Her devotion to Him, to consistently walk with Him despite her own hurts and hang-ups, amaze me and prompts me to continue to grow in my own life. She is my daily prayer warrior, and I know I can always turn to her for fervent prayer and accountability.

    She is usually up every morning at 4AM to devote her early morning hours to Him before she has to kiss her husband good-bye for the day, drop her child off at preschool, and then head to work for nearly 12 hours. Then she still keeps going and still devotes her time a couple of nights a week to connect with people.

    Her very walk challenges me to become better, and stronger, in Christ – and it is convicting me big time to get up at least by 5AM every morning (even as a stay-at-home-mom). 🙂

  21. My friend Kirsten. Although younger then me I look up to her in many ways. She HUNGERS for Jesus and to fill her girl and her home with Him. She has really inspired me to push myself to do what I feel God has called me to do, Homeschool. It scares me to death but her faitn and enouragement is amazing.I would LOVE to win the book for her.

  22. Oh, I’ve heard so many things about this book and Ann! I’ve even given it to a friend of mine, but have yet to read it myself.

    My friend that “oozes Jesus” would be my friend Stacy. She’s a servant to all, a wonderful wife and mother who homeschools her three kids, writes and leads Bible studies for her church and leads one in her home to serve her neighborhood. She’s amazing.

    But the thing that makes me melt is her deep love for others and how she lives that out. Every person is special to her, and she makes an effort to cultivate intentional relationships, even if it’s with the people she sees every day at McDonalds…. and it works. Just by her daily smile and warm presence she’s engaged people in amazing conversations, many asking her to pray for their families or troubles – even when they themselves are not church-goers. Stacy has gently forced me, through her actions, to re-evaluate every interaction in my life as an opportunity to make someone’s day better. It’s indescribable the genuine love and care that oozes out of her for so many. All I know is I crave being around her.

  23. I have a friend name Kara who oozes Jesus. She is a mommy of two little ones who works as a public school Kindergarten teacher. She is always looking for ways to serve her students and their families – and sneak in the gospel without words. She leads a weekly after school Bible club with over 75 elementary kids in attendance. She also leads a weekly women’s study at our church – currently using Francis Chan’s book. I told her about Ann’s book and I was planning to give her mine when I finished reading it – but boy would I love for her to have her OWN copy!

    So my hand is raised high – pick me pick me!!! I have a friend who would not just read this book but pass on everything she learns to her family, her children in the classroom and everyone who meets this sunshine friend of mine!!!

    Thanks for the opportunity!
    Courtney

  24. my friend sara (a.k.a. @gitzengirl) oozes Jesus. she radiates joy, lives grace, and trusts God more fully and deeply than anyone else i know. her entire life is an arrow that points to Christ. i learn something from her every single day, and i feel so blessed to call her friend.

  25. My friend/mentor/second-mom, Carla MacLachlan, comes to mind when you ask who oozes Jesus. She is about nothing BUT glorifying God in every possible situation. Her passion is parenting and just reading a few pages in her book Parenting Moment by Moment let’s you know that she is SERIOUS about applying God’s Truth in the lives of parents and children. I have heard a lot lately about Ann and would like to read some of her work, as well. Thanks for the giveaway!

  27. My friend Gisela is as close to the nature of Jesus as anyone I know. She has been my mentor and friend for more than 25 years now, and has always been so faithful to point me to Jesus when I am struggling.

  28. My son’s speech therapist – I actually thought I’d like to buy her a copy of the book, but if I could win one, even bettah!
    She is kind, joyful and {most importantly} patient. She OOZES daily compassion and hope and is never at a loss for something new to try and help! She would dig the book like a true Voskampian!! (the camp I consider myself a blessed member of with you, Lindsey!)

  29. My 95-year old mentor and friend Gini Andrews. Whether it is a conversation about relationships, world events, a recent book she is reading (or writing!), or the latest technology she frames it always in the context of faith. A conversation rarely ends without prayer. She’s talks candidly about heaven, that it is in reach, and she’s getting ready.

  30. My son oozes Jesus – he loves Him with such a tender and pure heart that it has caused me to see Him in a new light

  31. My Aunt Dorothy sweetly brought me to Jesus by showing Him to me in a thousand ways through letters and books she sent to me, love and faith in the way she lived over and over throughout her life! I learned to spend a quiet time with Him through the books and devotionals she sent to me. She loved Him in so many ways to the point that she glowed with Him!!!

  32. Jacob, my neighbor growing up, became a Christian during his teenage years. God has gifted him with an amazing singing voice and boy oh boy does he give God glory with that voice!! He is VERY passionate in all of his conversations, and I don’t know how he does it, but he can turn any conversation into a discussion about Christ. He oozes pure Jesus in everything that he does, and he is genuinely concerned about everybody’s eternal salvation. 🙂

  33. My dear, sweet, 86 year old best friend, Mrs Ruby oozes Jesus. Widowed for over 20 years, she has the most upbeat, positive outlook of anyone I have ever known. She sees nothing but the good in people, and it is effortless for her. It is not something that she has to “work at”, it is just her natural demeanor. She paints, and teaches painting, she writes and teaches writing, she gardens, and entertains (often!) but most of all she loves…. everyone, all the time. She is such an inspiration to anyone who knows her and I am blessed by knowing her!

  34. Ya know, I’ve been thinking on this all day. Who oozes Jesus in my life? Hmmm….well, it finally came to me. It would have to be my mother-in-law, but the unfortunate part is that I (and quite a few others) didn’t realize it until she passed away in January of this year. She was one of those quiet hands and feet of Jesus kinds. She served everyone so humbly that it took her death for our eyes to see. Since I missed it while she was with us, I will be forever grateful that He was gracious enough to show me now so I can cherish who she was in my memories. Her oozing of Jesus will never be forgotten.

  35. My friend Kim at work oozes Jesus. She is such a light to me and a huge encouragement. She has a really great way of thinking about things. I love her!

  36. So is the ooze like a green or yellowish tint? Can I say that my dog oozes Jesus? He teaches me the most about unconditional love. I know you know what I’m talking about.

  39. There is a man. His name is Keith Wheeler. He carries a cross around the world. Literally. When he talks, you feel humbled by the WAY he loves Jesus – yes, he, too, literally OOZES Jesus.

    Favorite quote of his – Ministry is just a life lived in love with Jesus.

  41. For me, it would be my friend Andrea. She always has an open heart to anyone in need and goes the extra mile to help anyone that needs it. She oozes Jesus to me by showing unconditional love for all people. She will be the first to admit that she is not perfect, but her daily goal is to allow Jesus to use her to minister in whatever way he wants to use her. Whether it be delivering meals to the needy, helping out in the Church nursery, or just offering a listening ear. She demonstrates the Love of Jesus Christ, not just by her words, but by her actions. I am very blessed by her friendship.

  42. My 7-yr old oozes Jesus more than anyone I know. She is so kind. She asks me questions and tells me things that help me understand more fully why Jesus loves children so much. I am so blessed to have her in my life!

  44. Two women in my fellowship are regularly my immediate examples of wholehearted Christ followers. They love ALL and strive to show God’s love through blessing and serving others. I love and am so thankful for their example.

    Thank you for this opportunity!

  45. My husband shows me Christ everyday. He loves me through all my illnesses and is truly the picture of a Servant. He waited for God to save me, on his knees everyday and we glory in the fact that God did save me and our children. And Grace alone is shown through our son who is a full-time missionary and once said he did not want that religion stuff! To God Alone Be Praise!! I pray that I can serve my man like he has served me through years of medical battles.

  47. Catherine Hickem (Founder of Intentional Moms) oozes Jesus. I think she strikes a wonderful balance of being a Christian Mom, an executive in the working world and has a wonderful heart for Jesus. She has ministered to me so much to me personally, spiritually and professionally.

  48. For the giveaway….I have a neighbor Cheryl who has the most open heart of anyone I know. She drives homeless and near homeless people in our area to places they need to go, feeds them, helps with laundry and places to stay.

  49. finally got to a computer to be able to comment on here (couldn’t comment on my blackberry).

    who oozes jesus in my life: my son – christian

    just posted a blog about him too. i usually dont link up my posts on anyone else’s blog but because i am proud of him..i will do it this time: http://www.ricianne.com/2011/02/my-favorite-person.html

    our life has never been easy. as a single mom i constantly struggle to make ends meet. because of this, there have been seasons in our lives that have been extremely hard. we were almost homeless once and we’ve endured sleeping on couches, sleeping bags on floors, etc. we’ve had to pray our way to be able to receive things in our lives (from receiving free cars, computers, a pet, his wii, etc.)

    while his friends have their own rooms and stability, he chooses to remain joyful, despite the little we have. when he sees me in tears, he reminds me that God has always taken care of us and never lets us down. when He sees me stress… he’ll tell me to play at the park with him so i can joy at that moment. when im working hard and im not able to fully concentrate on teaching him his homeschool lessons, he just studies harder so he can answer the questions by himself.

    i have been blessed with 1000 gifts, but the best gift i have ever received from God (next to Jesus) is having my son. he is my greatest blessing.

  50. My friend Beverly oozes Jesus in the unconventional life she’s chosen for herself and her family. She and her husband moved into an inner city neighborhood with her two kids to reach out to teens. She and her husband just adopted a newborn baby who she is nursing. Her life is about loving the unloved and radical obedience to Christ’s call. I want to win the book for her!

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