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.
My friend, Bev, oozes Jesus. Thru challenges, difficult ones, she purposes to never allow the Enemy to rob her of her joy!
My friend Katie, she is compassionate and encouraging. Most of all she is continually faithful during hard times!
My dearest friend Elekta. Her words are always kind. She seems to sense the needs of others. Those praying mothers of my home church also come to mind.
My friend Doretta. She seemed to always be thinking of everyone but herself. Doretta’s living with Jesus now and I miss her sweet spirit.
I just can’t think of a person. Every time I come up with someone, the imperfections shout the loudest. But then, that’s why we need and have Jesus. I’m surrounded by broken, sinful people in my life who trust Him for their healing.
That said, my husband, perhaps, is the man who most openly shares his broken past and God’s healing in the real world, without scaring the non-Christians away, because he’s so very, very real about it. If that’s not Jesus-oozing, I don’t know what is.
P.S. I’m so jealous (in a trying-to-be-good way) of the Compassion bloggers heading to the Philippines. My husband has family there, and our Compassion boy lives there. How I love that little man and his sweet mama!
My grandmother, before she passed away, oozed Jesus. But, not in the “quote-Scripture-mention-God-every-other-word” kind of way. Oh yes, we all knew that she loved Him because she BREATHED Him. Her words, her hands, her eyes — they were all so gentle & so kind. She spoke with such grace and her faithfulness was incredible. But what a strong woman! My grandmother knew what was right & just and her words and actions never betrayed that. To ooze Jesus — what a honor.
My husband oozes Jesus. I am blessed beyond description.
My mother is in the middle of taking care of her 90 year year old mother right now. This is a full time job! She has been doing this non-stop for 6 years and to have Ann’s book to read would be SO encouraging to her right now. She always has clung to the Lord and has glorified Him by honoring her mother and taking excellent care of her all these years. Thank you for the opportunity to get this book into her hands!
Love,
Katie
I am reading “One Thousand Gifts” for the second time and, you are right, Ann oozes Jesus! I have given away a couple of copies, but want to give away more–which is what I will do with this one should I (and someone else) be blessed to win it. Thank you, Kathy
I would love to win a copy of Ann’s book. She is an inspiration! aprongirl@gmail.com
I have Ann’s book on Kindle but really want a book to share with friends. Blessings, Robin
I’ve had that book on my wish list since I heard about it . . . and every time I go to the bookstore to treat myself, it’s out of stock!! Anyhow . . . my friend Tracie oozes Jesus, for certain. Her strong faith has helped me strengthen my own, and I thank God for bringing her into my life daily!
Would love a copy (or 100) to give everyone I know. But I’ll start with my daughter who reflects God’s beauty everyday!!
When I came to teach at a MK school in Central Asia, one woman who oozed Jesus, and still does, was the elementary principal, Teri. She was the busiest woman I knew, as she also taught the grade 5 class, had three wonderful children in our school, and helped her husband with ministering to local university students. However, she always had time for people. No matter what I came to her with, whether a question about teaching, or any other issue, she made me feel like I was her top priority at that moment. Even now, while she no longer works full time at our school but devotes more time to the university students, she still has time to for me, and always asks how I’m really doing. Her love and care for others has been such an incredible example of being Christ’s hands and messenger of love to others. No one can know this family, and not have been touched by their hospitality and love. She has been an amazing example to me and countless other women from all over the world.
I would love a copy to read and share with my Bible study.
My friend, Holly, oozes Jesus–in her fragility and earnest searching for truth. As I’ve been reading One Thousand Gifts, a list keeps getting longer and longer of those who would be lifted by the perspective shift. Holly is at the top.
My husband oozes Jesus in every way. He radiates God’s love in everything he does and people are immediately drawn to him. I am so honored to be his wife and know my relationship with Christ has been strengthened because of his example. I pray daily my young children will one day desire that example for themselves.
My friend Elizabeth, draws me to know Jesus when I watch her love and be loved by her five little ones. I have much to contemplate after every interaction i have with her.
karen
A church ministry pastor at my church oozes Jesus- like compassion
I have a book for book club….but know several people I would like to
give one to…..please.
Lindsey, the person I can think of who oozes Jesus the most is Ann Voskamp. 😉
Her humility and gratitude set her apart in a blogging world. I have already read
the book and am working through it a second time. I have sent a copy to a friend already,
but I have another friend who I feel really needs this encouraging message Ann shares.
I have loved Ann’s blog for a while now, and I agree, she does ooze Jesus. I would love to read her book. I bought a copy for my mom for her birthday, but was waiting to buy my own copy—it would be awesome to win it here AND buy that other copy for someone else ; ). I am constantly encouraged by the women I walk with, whose transparency is putting a face to our Saviour. One, in particular, is an English friend, Sharon. She and I, along with our families, are part of a church plant in Paris—a place where Jesus desperately needs to be seen and known. She is quietly building relationships with those around her, waiting for the moment she can share the hope that only He can give.
Thanks for your generosity~~
I would love a copy of the book. I’ve enjoyed Ann’s blog for about a year now and it always sets me back on my heels.
My friend Martha, who first told me about Ann Voskamp’s blog a couple years ago, is a Jesus-love radiator. She’s also a deep thinker, an exuberant life liver, and a friend you simultaneously want to have all to yourself and yet share with the whole world.
The friend I want most to give a copy of Ann’s book to is the friend who “oozes Jesus” the most in my life. My precious friend Annie, who has been betrayed by her husband and who thus took the reigns of a new horse in life by necessity — moving to a new place in order to go back to work full time, being almost a single parent to her three precious little guys — and yet complains of none of it and continues to pray vigilantly for her husband to soften and respond to God’s love. She who has been so hurt in such a season of pain just keeps her eyes focused on Jesus and his trustworthy promises. She magnifies Christ to others, as she takes small but trusting steps, one at a time, toward the unknown place ahead. You would love her, too!
That would be my neighbor, who is 85 I think. She is Rachel and could have wrote the premise of Ann’s book, because she constantly thanks God for everything all the time. Though a widow, she never complains, but is in constant prayer. I have never met anyone who counts blessing as she does. It’s beautiful.
My friend Emily oozes Jesus–loves her husband well, and has a Christ-like attitude toward her sometimes difficult children–encourages other moms in her local MOPS group–leaves me encouraging comments on my blog–beautiful on the inside and out–always looking for ways to love those around her.
Thanks for the book giveaway!
i’d love to win a copy. sounds like a fantastic book.
My friend, Pat Hunter absolutely oozes Jesus. She gave me One Thousand Gifts. It has brought me soooo much pleasure, I am sending a copy to my sister for her birthday. Joyce Treadwell/cheyne3@embarqmail.com
My sister in law Mary would be one of several who ooze Jesusbin my life.
My friend, Beth, oozes Jesus in every aspect of her life.
My eleven year old son Cole, who is battling cancer (leukemia) for the second time & for over 3 years straight, radiates Jesus! His kind, positive outlook and his faith in God are incredible!
Sarah
Coles site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coltons
My site: theweatheredword.blogspot.com
I totally agree that Ann Voskamp oozes Jesus – haven’t read her book yet, but I love her blog! Another blog that I love is Courney Joseph from Women Living Well. She oozes Jesus through practical posts and thought-provoking topics. I love learning from other people!
My friends Ronald and Sonia not only ooze Jesus as individuals, but ooze Jesus as a family. We are missionaries at a Christian school and this family has come into the lives of our staff and been like refreshing water to each of us. I have never before met people who shine with joy all the time no matter the circumstance. They give of their time, talents, money, and hearts simply to love others well. I want to be like them when I grow up.
Many of my fellow blogging friends ooze Jesus in a way that I haven’t seen before. Their commitment to sharing the word is awesome. They give me daily doses of Jesus in a nice compact blog-form.
Thank you for this giveaway!
Someone who oozes Jesus is my pastor’s wife Natalie. She is a lover of people, and seeks to direct every conversation to Christ, spurring others on to deeper faith. Such a blessing to me and so many!
My friend and mentor Debby oozes Jesus…. her admonishments are to the point yet gentle, her warmth so attractive, yet she speaks as one with authority… from the Holy Spirit. Our conversations always go directly to the heart of issues, and we are always praising Him. I always grow to love my Savior more after I’ve been with her.
A friend of our family, Aidan radiates Jesus even in the midst of a painful disease. He inspires us all.
The couple who run the children’s ministry at our church. I hope my husband and I grow older to be like them!
My sister. I see Jesus when I look at her, and feel His spirit and presence when I’m with her. She is always extending herself to others, and offering encouragement, prayer, and love. I’ve never known a person like her…and she is my greatest blessing.
I would love to win a copy to give to my secret sister at church. My husband and I have read the book and our copy is on loan to our youth pastor. I love this book. Ann Voskamp oozes Jesus and allows it to flow all over you when you read this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
The leader of our Moms Group, Krista. She is fantastic and amazing and lives differently than the rest of us. She oozes Jesus (I love that term). It took a while to figure out why she was different; we all love Jesus, don’t we? – but her relationship with Him is the reason she rises every day, homeschools her children, strives with her husband to plant a new church. It’s a beautiful experience to be with her.
My daughter is a girl just like Ann. A Christ follower, who follows with her WHOLE heart….even when it’s not the cool thing to do. She is getting married in just 14 days. I would love to give her this book as a wedding gift!
I went to a school with the loveliest woman who oozes Jesus….so kind, encouraging, full of praise for Him. It’s a wonderful thing to be around. 🙂
My dad oozes Jesus. He serves the “least of these” in a way thay melts my heart.
My husband, Dave, oozes Jesus. He serves & loves & doesn’t complain, whether it was giving me shots to keep our not yet born son alive, or taking care of everything when I was on bedrest. Now that our son is here, he is a loving father & husband who puts God first.
I’m reading One Thousand Gifts right this minute and LOVE it! After reading Chapter 1, I knew that I had to let me sister and mom read this book. What would be even better is if I could win a free copy of the book to give one of them.
My friend Dori. She lives all of life with an open hand, taking no credit but also not escaping into useless spiritualizing.
Sandra, an elder in our church. The way she can reach our children & genuinely wants to teach them all about our Lord & Savior. Would love to be able to give her a copy of this book.
A 13 year old girl I know named Carolyn. She is the most gentle, loving soul who would give her right arm if it would make another person happier, more comfortable, or more aware of Jesus.
Muriel…I cannot talk to her, even on the phone, without her sharing an appropriate verse that speaks to my heart and praying for me. She is humble and yet bold in her love of the Lord and others. I can only hope that God as keeps sanctifying me, I can bless others the way that she blesses me.