MaryPat Clark and Amy Dodd prepared yummy snacks and drinks to make all of the guests feel at home.

There was a steady stream of patrons browsing the store and buying Mother’s Day gifts.

Ethan gets a signed book. Photo by James Rosien of the Anaconda Leader

We were surprised by the wonderful support we received from the community of Anaconda. Gabe and I signed almost 150 books!

Thank you Anaconda. We are forever grateful for the constant support for our family.

We made Anaconda our first book signing stop.

Twenty years ago this community helped us buy Gabe’s first wheelchair. Now Gabe was able to bless them back with his inspirational story.

Gigi chatting with her longtime friend, Lynn (Jessen) Burgher. Photo by James Rosien of The Anaconda Leader

Dee Motor Company and Glacier Bank both put a notice on their digital marquee announcing the book signing.

The Montana Standard Newspaper and the Anaconda Leader Newspaper each ran a great story.

Here is the link to the Montana Standard story written by George Plaven. I thought he did a great job on the article.

http://mtstandard.com/news/local/message-is-c-l-e-a-r/article_b185207c-9a4f-11e1-82da-0019bb2963f4.html

If you were unable to make it to the book signing, Beyond Necessity has copies at the store.

Or you can purchase them at our foundation website at www.GabesHOPE.org

I pray that our book touches your life and helps you to live C.L.E.A.R.

God Bless Your Heart.

Gigi

I pray for you every time I think of you. Oh, how much I appreciate your support!

I’ve been busy promoting our new book, My Message is C.L.E.A.R. – Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities, which released on April 13, 2012 on Gabe’s 22nd birthday.

We had a fabulous launch party at a gorgeous house – Serenity House – a gift from Gregg and Lafon Jantz. There were about eighty people who came to support us and hear Gabe’s “Endurance” message.

Available on www.GabesHOPE.org, Amazon or Barnes and Noble

I co-wrote this book with my son, Gabe. It was a blast writing it with him.

It is even more fun as we head out to promote it.

We leave Tuesday, May 8, 2012 on a road trip to Montana to get the word out about this latest book.

Gabe will be speaking at the Anaconda Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday from 3-4 pm.

Thursday, May 10, 2012,  he will be at Beyond Necessity Gift Shop from 3-6 for a booksigning open house that should prove to be a whole lot of fun!

We are planning other book signings later in the summer at the Barnes and Noble stores as well as a few gift shops. So the rest of our time in Montana will be spent planning those future events.

FIVE STAR REVIEW!!

We were delighted to get a five star review this week from a book review website – Reader’s Review.

http://readersfavorite.com/review/6180

Hope to see you under the full moon sky this week. It is a SUPER moon and I think we are going to have a SUPER road trip.

God Bless your heart

Gigi

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10

God is Love. If you want to give someone God then give them your love. God will take over from there.

I have to admit there are some people in my life who are difficult to love. But God asks me to love them anyway. He wants me to show them I care.

What if God put it in someone’s heart to come to me for help and I do not show them love? That would break God’s heart.

If everyone had love in their heart then there would be no dark days.

The joy of knowing God and being His love to others brings light to a dark situation.

Be the light that brightens someone’s dark day today. Show them your love.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the April 18 devotional in “God Calling” edited by AJ Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

April 18 — my brother-in-law Gary’s birthday. Happy Birthday Gary! Oh yeah, and thanks for the SUNshine today!

Majesty of the Seas

Steve and I just returned from our first cruise on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship – Majesty of the Seas.

We sailed to Nassau, Bahamas and spent the afternoon at The Atlantis Resort reminiscing about our vacation there in 1999.

Beautiful Atlantis Resort

We also spent time with my friend and best-selling author, Karen Kingsbury. The cruise was a Karen Kingsbury and Friends Cruise sponsored by Premier Christian Cruises.

With Matthew West

We enjoyed concerts from Mandisa, Matthew West, Anthem Lights, Britt Nichole and Tim Halperin. It was fabulous!

With Mandisa!

Due to strong winds, we were unable to make the stop in CocoCay so we spent an extra day in Nassau. We used the day to rest and check out the twelve decks of the ship. We had fun with Steve’s camera.

Our Dinner Friends

Wind! Snuggle up!

We left Key West in a beautiful sunset and enjoyed our last dinner with our table mates who became fast friends.

We landed back in Miami early Friday morning.

Our plane was detoured to Lafayette, LA due to severe weather in Houston coupled with President Barack Obama traveling out of the city. That delay made us miss our flight but we were blessed to catch the last flight home.

We enjoyed time away together and meeting new friends.

Fun at sea

We are grateful to Karen for the her generosity in making this cruise possible and planning the fun events.

I’d love to go back next year.

Will you join me and a bunch of my friends for the Karen Kingsbury Cruise 2013? Start saving now!

Blessings on your life today. I pray you are sailing smoothly through God’s plan for you. May you feel God’s “kiss” upon your cheek!

Gigi

My husband Steve grew up in Philipsburg, MT where sapphire mining is popular.

After rinsing the dirt off a bag of stones, the shiny sapphires are easier to see. In amongst the mud clods are precious jewels.

So it has been with the stories of my life.  I have called these stories my Stones of Remembrance.

I mined these tales from years of journal entries.

Today I dusted off this manuscript and shared the introduction with a few writing friends.

Some of my stories are rough and pitted and not so pretty. Some are smooth and polished from being tossed in the tumbler of God’s mercy and grace.

I have been convinced for a long time, that I am to retrieve my stones of remembrance from the bottom of my river of life. I will build an altar to the One who has redeemed my history. This process has moved me to a place where my story will be used to help other women.

I’m excited to see what jewels I will uncover as I work on this project once again.

Come back to my blog and I’ll show you some of these precious stones. I hope you’ll show me some of yours too.

This is what I’ve come to know.  In the midst of the storms of life, our God is unmovable, rock solid, unshakeable and strong.

God bless you as your own stories surface. Don’t be afraid to dig deep. You might even find some healing in the process.

God Bless your heart with rich stories to tell.

Gigi

PS – So excited to create a new story which will begin in four days as Steve and I enjoy some time with my favorite author and friend, Karen Kingsbury. I’ll post photos!

I hope you are happy today. Even though I am fighting a cold, I’m happy.

I mentioned in my last post that I enjoy taking time to bless and encourage people during the forty days leading up to my favorite day of the year – Easter Sunday.

I wrote this post on Ash Wednesday, the first day of my Lenten Love Letter journey. I realized today that I had not released the post. I guess my head cold got the best of me that night. But here it is!

Photo from the Lancaster Historical Organization - Love Letters

My list of people to bless is growing.

Do you know someone who needs an encouragement? Let me know and I’ll add them to my list.

Today, I bless YOU, my blog friends. Thank you for taking time to read my random thoughts posted here in cyber space. It means a lot to me that you click on that link and take the time to read. I’d love it if you posted a comment to share your own story.

Every Wednesday I spend the evening at Starbucks watching hundreds of people coming and going as they pop in for some java or hang out to write papers, study for tests or chat with friends. This University Village Starbucks is full of college students so I feel like the old gray mare here.

I see a young couple staring into each other’s eyes in between study sessions. I wonder what they are talking about? It makes me remember study nights when I was a young college student.

I see an older, gray haired gentlemen nestled in amongst the twenty-something students, reading and taking notes. Is he a professor? A student? A grandpa?

I love this time every week because I get to pray for all these people. I bless them and ask God to touch their lives in a unique way tonight.

Can I challenge you to start your own Lenten Love Letter List?

Is there someone in your life who needs a phone call, an email or a hand written card – just because?

Remind them they are precious in God’s sight and chosen for such a time as this.

Tell them how much you care about their day.

Show them you care enough to take just a few minutes to write that note.

Come back to my blog and tell me the stories.

I have so many stories of people who have contacted me weeks, months or years after receiving one of my notes. They let me know that the encouragement I sent came at the perfect time.

It’s just so much fun. I want to share the process with you too.

Who will be your first recipient of a love letter? Tell me please!

God bless your heart.

Gigi

Hello again my friend.

It’s been awhile.

Not that I haven’t been thinking of you.

I realized tonight that I haven’t blogged in three weeks.

My time has been spent working on the marketing plan for Gabe’s new book coming very soon. Exciting times!

In addition, I have been exercising (a good use of my writing time) and eating healthy too!

The little Mii on my Wii Fit system told me I was a couch potato the other day, but I’m getting better every day.

Even though my blog time has shrunk back, I am pleased to share that I’ve shrunk back my waist line too!

When my Chiropractor reminded me that every pound I gain adds FOUR pounds of pressure to my knee, I hit the START button on my Wii Fit to get the move on.

Yes! I love results! Call me the incredible shrinking woman.

And guess what! My neck and my knee are healing too.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

Colossians 2:2-3

² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (NIV)

I took extra time this morning during my Bible reading and journal time.

I’m putting together my plan for my “Lenten Love Letters.”

During the forty days prior to Easter, I ask God every day who might need an encouraging word.

I love it!

Every day two or three people come to mind and I set about touching their life somehow. Maybe it’s an email or a phone call. But my favorite is a hand written note sent US Mail.

Are you in need of a lift? Let me know and I’ll put you on my Lenten Love Letter List!

I’ve got a few more blogs planned in the coming days and weeks.

Be sure to come back and visit.

Leave a comment if you know someone who could use some encouragement and I’ll add them to my Lenten Love Letter List.

God Bless your heart,

Gigi

Today was one of those days where I sensed God’s blessing more than ever. In big ways and small, I felt His presence in my day.

• Last night during praise and worship at our leader meeting at The City Church, I asked God for a healing breakthrough in many areas of my body. I’ve had issues with my neck, back, and knees. Today my neck is feeling really good! Thanks God!

• Last week I began a healthy eating plan after meeting with a dietician. I started out with a detoxification program to clear out the unhealthy toxins that are likely causing my joint pain because of inflammation. Guess what! For the first time my joints didn’t feel achy when I rolled out of bed today. My physical therapy appointment felt so good. Glory Hallelujah!

• I started a Wii Fit program tonight. That little guy on the program had a few words with me since I haven’t been on the Wii in a long time. I knew I had gained weight and he reminded me of just how many pounds since he kept track from my last workout. Man! He didn’t give me a break at all. But after a half-hour of working out, I felt great. I’m on the road to recovery. Yes, Lord!

• I had a surprise package in the mail from my sister Marilyn. She sent me a beautiful HOPE ornament. Just because. I love it! Love my family!

• The final typeset of Gabe’s book came to my inbox today. I read through the changes and everything looks great. It is FINISHED! Let the fun begin!

• A picture book I created about Gabe was delivered today. This is filled with photos and will be for the younger reader. It is titled “Growing Up Gabe –Touching Lives with My Three-Inch Arms.” More ways to share our story!

• We redesigned our Gabriel’s Foundation of HOPE brochure and that was in my inbox too. Things are moving along for our nonprofit organization and I sense a new momentum shifting. I am grateful God!

• Lights, Camera, Action! When I came home from work today, Gabe was being interviewed on camera for our book trailer. He also worked on his promotional speaking video. It warmed my heart to watch him go through the takes and share his desire to change lives. Can’t wait to see the video!

• I think the most important kiss on the cheek from God today was an email Gabe received from a young girl he spoke to last week. Her story breaks my heart. But I have HOPE in Christ that He will make a way for this young girl and her family. And I just know Gabriel’s Foundation of HOPE will have something to do with it. Dear Jesus, help us help her. She needs our care.

Holy Momentum.

Pastor Judah talked about it last night. I feel it with all of my heart. God is faithful.

He loves you. He wants to bless you too. So tonight I pray He will show His glory.

God Bless your heart with Holy Momentum!

Gigi

I hope you are faring well and are staying warm.

In spite of the epic storm that hit the Seattle region this week, I stayed warm and comfy.

I hope you did too.

Snow in Seattle January 2012

My job allows me to work from home so I didn’t skip a beat.

While house bound, I was also able to take care of some final work on Gabe’s book.

I am happy to say it is finished! And I hope that is the final word.

Last night I uploaded a few minor changes to my publisher’s website.

The next step is to agree on the back cover. Then it is off to the printer!

YES and AMEN!

During the week, I also had plenty of time to format the e-book and upload it to Kindle and NOOK.

E-Book Cover!

It wasn’t as difficult as I thought. I learned a lot and I’ll share what I learned in a future blog. I sent the ebook to a couple of reviewers and so far everything looks good.

I get so nervous when I picture you reading Gabe’s book. It tells a wonderful story of courage and hope but it was an emotional process to tell it all.

I want you to fall in love with Gabe. He is one incredible young man! I cry every time I read it.

We really appreciate your patience and support in this long process of getting the book published.

I guess when the authors share the entire journey, the readers get a better feel for how long it really takes to get a book from the idea to print.

For me and Gabe, this has been almost a six year process!

So you understand I’m like a pregnant mom just weeks from her due date, anxiously waiting to see her baby.

It is hard to wait and wonder, isn’t it?

I don’t know what you are waiting for.

But I want to encourage you that God sees you while you wait. He knows the desires of your heart.

Just like we waited for snow plows this week to move the deep snow out of our path, God is moving obstacles to make your way clear.

He knows the perfect time to say, “It’s time to move forward.”

I pray for peace and patience in the process.

God Bless Your waiting heart. Please tell me what you are waiting for so I can pray for you.

Gigi

PS – When I get the go-ahead from the publisher I want you to be the first to know. So I set up an email list for people who want to hear it from me first. If you’d like to receive an email when the book is released, please sign up below by entering your email address.

Join Our Email List Email:

I shared about TRUST from one of my favorite verses in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Have you ever ignored the voice on your GPS system, only to find yourself at a dead end when you went your own way?

GPS Directions

This happened to us when we were trying to find a restaurant while on a trip to Disneyland a few years ago.

“Maggie”, the nickname we gave our GPS system, knew that the road ended about a mile down the road and started up a few blocks later. The illogical turn she recommended was actually necessary to get around the dead end.

After we hit the dead end, our attempt to find the restaurant on our own caused much frustration and made us later for the dinner.

Sometimes we don’t listen to God’s direction either, and end up wasting time and energy on the wrong road.

At the NCWA meeting, I shared my story of how my publishing goals changed once I stopped working on my own plan and sought God for His plan.

I had just completed a Writer’s Digest University critique review of 35,000 words of my Hope in the Aftermath memoir. One day I was praying about the next step for my book and I strongly felt I needed to put this book on hold.

I strongly sensed that my story wasn’t finished yet and it was not time to tell it.

What? But Lord, I’ve just completed this 35,000 word review! I worked so hard on rewriting what the editor suggested. It’s a story that brings You glory! What do you mean it’s not time?

After much prayer and counsel, I exited the road to publishing that book and went a different route.

Remember that when it comes to direction, there is one “GPS” that is most accurate. For me, GPS now means God’s Plan Succeeds.

The book I wrote with my son is now in the final typeset review at our publisher. It was loaded up to Amazon’s Kindle for review the other night. Tonight I’ll get it loaded on Barnes and Noble’s Nook.

Once the book is reviewed we’ll make it available for purchase.

Trust me when I say we are chomping at the bit! But we know God’s timing is perfect.

May God bless you plans with His clear direction.

Gigi

Read more about it here at the blog for NCWA. You’ll see that I’m sure God’s plan was a better choice.

http://nwchristianwriters.wordpress.com/