I like Julia Jones. She is a strong businesswoman and a loving mom who embraced her new life, even though it was difficult. She never gives up on helping her daughters forgive their estranged father.
What I relate to most is the story of redemption between families broken by harsh words spoken and decisions made that affect them all. Julia is determined to forgive and works to help her daughters do the same. She never set out to fall in love again, but in a twist of fate, she finds Heath, a divorce’ himself with a similar story. Joining their two families proves extremely challenging as they work through these estrangement issues.
Alongside many people in my life, I’ve experienced estrangement too. So this book hit home for me. I loved how Julia never gave up on finding a way for her daughters to forgive and move forward in their relationship with their dad and his new wife. It gave me hope for my situation.
Even if you have not experienced estrangement or family relationship challenges, I believe you’ll enjoy this read. It is full of love and faith and forgiveness is woven in with a few surprising plot twists.
Debbie Macomber breathes life into the believable characters she creates in her novels. She hits the issues we all face and adds a touch of romance to keep our hearts hoping. If you are looking for a good book to read, pick this one up. It is now available in paperback from RandomHouseBooks.com. I think I picked it up at Target and I’m sure you could get it at most bookstores or online.
]]>I hope you have had a fun summer.
I had a great summer and I’m sad to see it end. It is hard to believe we are nearing the end as fall begins in just a few days.
Over the summer, I made a list of books recommended by Michael Hyatt and started reading. The first book I picked up was Donald Miller’s, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story.
Where was I when this book was published in 2011? Somehow I missed this gem until now.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is a book about taking action to edit the scenes in our life stories. Donald Miller found himself in a funk after writing several books including his best seller, Blue Like Jazz .
As he created a screen-play for Blue Like Jazz, Miller was challenged to look at the structure of his own story and decided to make some changes in his life.
This book includes many personal stories from Donald Miller’s life as he made the choice to live differently. He got off the couch and started riding his bike. It wasn’t a ride down the street, but a ride across America raising money for water wells in Africa.
He rode miles with friends in kayaks and unexpectedly met Bob Goff (author of Love Does – Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.) Donald and his friends spent eight hours with the Goff’s in a life changing experience of irresistible love.
One touching story relates to his struggle to decide whether to contact his father who abandoned him when he was young. He shares the real ebbs and flows of choosing to do the difficult things that might just change the trajectory of our lives.
As an author, I also related to this book because the elements of story are used to help Miller look at scenes from his life and determine to make some changes. I enjoyed his reference to story structure.
I was definitely challenged by this book to take a look at the story of my own life. Am I living he story I want to live? I want to put myself in more situations that require me to get out of my comfort zone.
The timing of this book coming to my attention was perfect. Last week we moved our son Gabe to his own apartment two hours away. And he took his service dog Ruth with him. The house is so quiet. A new chapter of my story begins.
This Thursday I will get to meet my new granddaughter who will join Avery and Ellison. I can hardly wait for this exciting part of the story.
In two weeks I will finish my seventeen year stint working at D+H (originally EZTeller, then Harland Financial Solutions, then purchased by D+H.) I will be laid off on October 1, 2016 as a part of a reorganization of our company. I will miss the people who were part of that story but I’m excited to swee what’s next.
Some of my life adventures are completely out of my control but I’m sure they will bring a spark into the new season ahead of me.
Steve and I are on a new adventure of living in an empty next. I hope to write and speak more. I want to spend more time with my grandchildren. I’d like to travel and enjoy the beauty of God’s country. I hope to go on a mission trip.
What bucket list items are you ready to check off?
Is there something about your life your’d like to edit?
I pray for you as God directs your path for whatever is around the corner. I know I’m listening closely for directions and I know it will be a great adventure!
Bless you friend as you edit the story of your life. Make it beautiful!
Gigi
]]>
I know you’ve had some hard days this summer. We all do.
So today I want to encourage you with a recommendation for a book that will surely help make your days brighter.
I met the author, Holley Gerth, several years ago when she represented DaySprings during a workshop at our Northwest Christian Writer’s Association Conference. I immediately connected with Holley’s grace-filled personality, her precious southern accent and her winning smile.
Over the years I’ve watched her grow into a best-selling author who writes life changing books. I love her writing style. She speaks to the deepest places of my heart.
As a life coach, Holley brings real issues into each book and presents an uplifting strategy to nourish your soul. I’ve given several of her books as gifts to friends who needed a boost.
Holley’s latest book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days – 52 Encouraging Truths to Hold On To, is definitely on my gift idea list for the coming Christmas season.
I was given a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I couldn’t have been happier to offer to read and review this little jewel.
God knew the exact timing of when I might need some encouragement. One devotional after another became my favorite as it spoke directly to my soul that day.
With 52 devotionals, this book can be used for a once weekly study or you can gobble it up in one quick read. I chose to take my time through each entry and study the recommended chapters in the Book of Psalms.
My word for 2014 is STAND.
So naturally one of my favorite devotions in this book is #7 – God Will Help You Stand Tall through It All. It is based on two different Psalms containing the word STAND.
Psalm 20:7-8 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
So many times over the last several years I focused on the difficulties before me rather than getting on my knees and asking the Lord to help me rise up and stand firm. When my perspective was off, it was easy to have false beliefs that prevented me from acting upon what God was calling me to do. Even when He was showing me to stand up for myself, I didn’t believe I could.
When I finally fell to my knees and cried out for help, He put in place the help that was there all along. There were people ready to reach out and help me stand tall again.
Psalm 40: 1-2 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Last April and May, I spent six weeks of intense counseling during my stay at The Center – A Place of Hope. There I found help for areas where I’d struggled for years. In dealing with my “stuff,” my new friends and counselors were able to point me to a whole body approach to healing.
I had the courage to stand and ask for help when trying to do it on my own didn’t work.
I moved from insecurity and discouragement to stand for the healthy family relationships God has called us to.
The Lord indeed heard my cry. He lifted me out of a dark place. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Holley’s uplifting book has been a great reminder how God has just what we need for those hard days. I hope you’ll order a copy for yourself and another for a friend.
Bless you today with what your heart needs for the hard days.
Gigi
*****
When you buy Holley’s books from Givingtons, a percentage will go to Saving Grace, the organization God used to connect her with her 21 year-old adopted daughter.
There’s a link to Givingtons below each book on the link to Holley’s website.
Is your heart burdened by loss or disappointment? Do you wonder if you’ll ever be able to restore the joy of your faith when life is challenging? Are you feeling lonely and isolated?
I sometimes feel that way. I am thankful for the love of people who step in to authentically share their story and point me to joy when I can’t seem to find it on my own. I am encouraged when I can learn from someone else who has received spiritual healing.
52 Heart Lifters for Difficult Times is a sweet gift book written by Diana Savage. It gave me this kind of renewed hope. Diana certainly understands the need for encouragement in her own life. She experienced tragedy and disappointment. This book was written as a result of help Diana received from others in her time of need.
52 Heart Lifters for Difficult Times contains 52 promises of hope and encouragement from God. Each entry begins with a Scripture and ends with a prayer. Sandwiched between these two conversations with God, Diana shares a touching, often humorous story.
The book is broken into four sections.
- Choosing Our Outlook. Here each story challenges the reader to choose life and to focus on the positive.
- Living Miraculously. Diana does a fabulous job sharing beautifully crafted stories to help us trust that God will hear and answer our prayers.
- Participating Joyfully When we realize that God always has our best interests at heart, we can live life with passion.
- Pursuing Possibilities. We can experience the abundant life God had in mind for us from the beginning by pursuing new possibilities in life.
Diana’s creative and humorous style flows through each story. I had intended to use 52 Heart Lifters for Difficult Times as a weekly devotional for the fifty-two weeks of the year, but I couldn’t help but read through every story. This is a book I will continue to read when I truly need a heart lifter.
My Valentine package to a few of my loved ones will include this book. There is nothing like giving hope and encouragement from God to those I love.
I hope you will visit Diana’s website at www.HeartLifters.net to learn more about her ministry. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications, two Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, and other books. She earned her BA from Northwest University and her Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree from Bakke Graduate University.
May the God of HOPE encourage you and fill you with peace as you trust in Him.
Gigi
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers and the author, Diana Savage. However, I liked it so much I purchased several copies to give as gifts to people burdened by loss, sadness or even discouragement. I’d like to encourage you to do the same.
Get ready for an adrenaline rush because this book has it all. Money laundering, explosions, assassination attempts, fast cars, a castle, high-tech spy equipment, a multi-million dollar yacht, and international terrorism threats.
Strait of Hormuz is the first book I read by author Davis Bunn. It certainly won’t be my last. I’m hooked!
Although it is the third in the Marc Royce Adventures series, it reads well as a stand-alone title. I can’t wait to pick up the other two books in this series, Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth, published by Bethany House.
About Strait of Hormuz
ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-0-7642-1138-6
ISBN (Hardback): 978-0-7642-1145-4
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-4412-6279-0
336 pages
November 5, 2013 from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Marc Royce is a recently fired United States agent asked to participate in a secret assignment to interrupt the plans for an Iranian nuclear terrorist threat through the narrow Strait of Hormuz.
The mission takes him to Switzerland, through Europe and into the Middle East.
Mr. Royce is joined by Kitra Koban, a beautiful Israeli woman with connections that will help Marc unwrap the intelligence information and make decisions that go against the agency’s commanders. His love interest in Kitra is challenged every step of the way as the suspense builds.
With potential for global disaster, the clock is ticking as new individuals become players in the race to stop this threat before it is too late. From the first scene to the last, mystery and intrigue ran through every chapter. I found myself never quite sure which of the characters I could trust. I enjoyed how faith joined characters from enemy countries for a common goal.
I highly recommend this book by Davis Bunn and encourage you to check out his many other titles. Read Chapters 1-3 of Strait of Hormuz for free. Click Here
Mr. Bunn is also hosting an incredible sweepstakes. But Hurry!
Sweepstakes!
To celebrate the release of Strait of Hormuz, Davis Bunn is hosting a big giveaway contest on his Facebook page.
- Grand Prize is his and hers luxury watches ($845 MSRP)
- First Prize is a $150 Amazon gift card (just
in time for your holiday shopping).
Entering is easy. Either click this link http://woobox.com/ipi8wk to go directly to the app and input your name and email address. Or go to Davis Bunn’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/davisbunnauthor and you’ll see signs and arrows that point to the app.
Times is almost up for this amazing giveaway! Increase your chances of winning by entering once per e-mail address per day through November 29 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Get bonus entries by sharing the contest with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers (just follow the prompts on your screen after entering).
Pictured: Davis Bunn and his wife, Isabella Bunn.
Davis Bunn is a four-time Christy Award-winning, best-selling author now serving as writer-in-residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Defined by readers and reviewers as a “wise teacher,” “gentleman adventurer,” “consummate writer,” and “Renaissance man,” his work in business took him to over 40 countries around the world, and his books have sold more than seven million copies in sixteen languages.
Strait of Hormuz is the series finale of the popular Marc Royce Adventures. Library Journal named Lion of Babylon (Book 1) a “Best Book of 2011.” Rare Earth (Book 2) won the 2013 Christy Award for best suspense novel and was a CBA top 20 best-seller.
If you want to learn more about Davis Bunn, here are links to his social media pages:
Website and Blog: www.davisbunn.com
- Blog Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/DavisBunn
- E-newsletter (to receive subscriber-only giveaways & previews of his upcoming novels): http://www.davisbunn.com/news.htm
- Facebook Author Page: facebook.com/davisbunnauthor
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/davisbunn/
- Twitter: @davisbunn – http://twitter.com/davisbunn
What’s REALLY EXCITING about Davis Bunn, is that he has agreed to be the keynote speaker at our upcoming Northwest Christian Writers’ Renewal Conference April 11-12, 2014! We have the privilege of learning from this incredible author during his workshops and keynote presentations.
Join me at the conference. Or at least I hope you’ll pick up a copy of this book. You will be glad you did.
Happy reading!
Gigi
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
A reason to cheer!
Christmas is near!
With family and friends so dear!
One Holy night!
Now the world is right!
With Jesus we’ve nothing to fear!
Okay – my English teacher Mom would be proud of that poem. She was a master at writing a variety of poetry lines. I really miss my mom. She had a way with words and was an encourager.
At Christmas time, it’s hard when we have loved ones who have gone before us. Both my husband and I miss our Mom’s and I miss my Dad too.
But if I choose to focus on that, I will miss the wonder of Christmas.
He came as a baby – just for me and for you!
He gave of his life – just for me and for you!
He sits at the right hand of the father and intercedes – just for me and for you!
Oh the Wonder of it all!
I’ve been wondering a lot lately.
Pondering things of life. Wondering about the “why” of the tragedy in Newton. Wondering what God thinks of it all.
I believe HE WEEPS.
The wonder of God is that He came as a man who cried at the loss of his friend, Lazarus.
He weeps with you too.
In the next few days as relatives arrive, packages are wrapped, and cookies are baked, will you join me in the WONDER of CHRISTMAS?
This is the tree in the center of my home town -Anaconda, MT
OH The WONDER!
Speaking of WONDER….
I hope you get to read Margaret Feinberg’s new book which is released on Christmas Day! How WONDERful!
It is titled “Wonderstruck”
I recently received the insider’s scoop about Margaret’s new book. Here are some highlights from the interview:
Where did the inspiration for the Wonderstruck book and Bible study come from?
Have you ever had one of those seasons where everything goes wrong, and when you think it can’t get worse, it somehow finds a way? Most people who have worked in ministry have experienced those seasons—some may be in one right now.
My husband, Leif, and I had just gone through one of the roughest years of our lives. In the aftermath, as we processed the pain and loss, I had an unexplainable desire in my heart. I began praying for the wonder of God. In essence, I said, “God reveal yourself, your whole self to me. I want to know you as Wonderful. I want to know you as I’ve never known you before and see you in places I’ve never recognized you before.”
God did not disappoint.
What do you mean by “the wonder of God”?
Sometimes talking or writing about wonder feels like tying kite strings to clouds. It’s ethereal, and you can never quite get a grip on it. But if you look in the dictionary, the two main definitions of wonder are: “being filled with admiration, amazement, or awe” and “to think or speculate curiously.”
Those definitions come together beautifully in our relationship with God. That’s why I define the wonder of God as those moments of spiritual awakening that create a desire to know God more.
In other words, the wonder of God isn’t about an emotional experience or having some cool story to tell your friends, but the wonder of God makes us want more of God—to go deeper and further than we’ve ever been before.
Why are you calling people to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK?
If you look in the Gospels, what you’ll discover is that those who encountered Jesus were constantly left in wild amazement. They were awestruck by the teachings of Christ, the healings of Christ, the mind-bending miracles of Christ. Within the Gospel of Luke we see words like “awe” and “wonder” and “marvel” at every turn. If this is the natural response to encountering Christ, how much more should it be for you and I—who are invited to live in relationship with Christ as sons and daughters of our God Most High? We even created a free PDF that looks at some of these Scriptures. For a free copy, email us at wonderstruck@margaretfeinberg.com and we’ll send you one.
You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff. I’ve seen the book for as low as $7.57 ($14.99 retail) on Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wonder-struck-margaret-feinberg/1110904808? ean=9781617950889 for all you savvy shoppers.
I’m excited to hear what makes you WONDERSTRUCK!
Bless you,
Gigi ]]>
- Recognize the presence of God in the midst of your routine
- Unearth extraordinary moments on ordinary days
- Develop a renewed passion for God
- Identify what’s holding you back in prayer
- Discover joy in knowing you’re wildly loved
To learn more, watch the Wonderstruck Video, here: https://vimeo.com/53953257
I have to say I’ve seen the WONDER of His love this year in the smile of my first grand daughter – Avery Lynn Murfitt!
She was born on October 25, 2012 and I just can’t get enough of her!
The Wonder of A New Family
Steve, Gigi, Tom, Dana, Zane, Kelsey and Avery
Imagine what God thinks of each precious child He creates. Oh the WONDER!
Follow Margaret’s snarky, funny, and inspirational posts on Twitter [www.twitter.com/mafeinberg]
Facebook [www.facebook.com/margaretfeinberg]
Margaret’s blog [www.margaretfeinberg.com].
You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff.
I’ve seen the book for as low as $7.57 ($14.99 retail) on Barnes & Noble [http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wonder-struck-margaret-feinberg/1110904808?ean=9781617950889] for all you savvy shoppers.
God Bless your heart with the wonder of His love!
So where have you seen the wonder of God in your life?
Gigi Murfitt
Author of Caregivers’ Devotions to GO and co-auther of My Message is C.L.E.A.R. ]]>
Everything: What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus
I don’t even know where to begin to tell you how impactful and timely this book has been for me.
I scribbled on nearly every page as I saw something of myself in each story.
I took copious notes asking myself some tough questions.
I love everything about Everything.
Fellow Everything booklaunch team members have also shared the impact of this book on their lives.
Here’s a cool photo Renee Ann Smith created on Pinterest.
Source: rannsmith61.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest
Truly, Everything is a life-changing book.
I’ve lived in the Great Yesterday most of my life, constantly looking back, so much so that my spiritual neck has whiplash. Quote by Author, Mary DeMuth
I should have written that line for myself.
I admit that I’ve been one to spend too much time looking back. (Maybe that explains my years of physical therapy on my neck!)
Too much reliving (and often regretting) my past.
So much thinking of yesterday that I miss out on today.
Too many “what if’s” and not enough “what next.”
I don’t want to look back. I want to live in the now.
I look forward to my future with great expectations of goodness–for my marriage and family, and my career.
Do I really need to figure out why things happened the way they did?
Or am I ready to just settle into the wonderful life God has given me.
It is time to remember God chose me for such a time as this. To live in this now.
To be married to Steve Murfitt.
To be mom to Zane and Gabe and mother-in-law to Kelsey.
To be “Nana” to the new babygirl due to arrive any day.
To be an author and speaker willing to share how Jesus is….My Everything.
This is all part of the plan for me all along.
God is rebuilding me and putting together the broken pieces of my life.
To make a new mosaic from my story that will shine for His glory.
To write a new book to draw people to Jesus.
Let’s make a deal and stop looking back.
God has so much planned for our today. And even more for our future.
God Bless you my sweet friend. I love EVERYTHING about you.
Gigi
Mary has a great FREE study guide here http://www.marydemuth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/EverythingBibleStudyGuide.pdf
If you are interested in joining me as we walk through this life-changing book, leave a comment and we’ll get a group started.
Buy the book today (October 23rd) and get some sweet FREEBIES
http://www.marydemuth.com/2012/10/everything-releases-buy-it-this-week-get-over-240-in-freebies/
Especially lately, I’m challenged with this question from Mary DeMuth’s new book Everything – What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus (October 16, 2012).
I’ve been dealing with physical issues that have felt overwhelming at times.
Last week I learned I have arthritis in my back. (Big OUCH)
I’m not holding on to that diagnosis because I know that Jesus is my healer and I want to cooperate with Him to walk this out. So when Jesus asks me if I want to be well, my answer is YES, I will do EVERYTHING to cooperate to be whole.
I’ve experienced incredible healing in my soul as Jesus became my EVERYTHING twenty-two years ago when our son Gabe entered the world with multiple congenital birth defects. I learned to trust that Jesus would help us to teach Gabe how to live a successful life – even with short arms, crooked legs and a severe hearing loss.
As part of Mary’s launch team for her new book, we were challenged to make a short video to explain why Jesus is our EVERYTHING. So here goes!
I hope you’ll make Jesus your EVERYTHING too.
God Bless your heart with Everything He has for you.
Read a few sample chapters here! http://nelsonfree.com/
Tell me how Jesus is your EVERYTHING – leave a comment. {HUGS}
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
