Panning for precious stones is an exciting adventure.
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!
Happy Saturday my friend.
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
Hello friend. Bless you tonight!
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
Happy Monday to you, my friend.
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.
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For Email Marketingyou can trust
I was delighted to present the devotional this month at our Northwest Christian Writer’s Association meeting.
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/
I’m speaking today at The Secret Garden in Sumner, WA
The women from Lifepoint Foursquare Church will be celebrating Beautiful Things.
I’m excited to share my testimony of how God has made beauty from the ashes of the “stuff” of life.
The theme is based on the song by Gungor – Beautiful Things.
Check out the song on iTunes. Click the photo of the album and it will take you to the iTunes list of songs. Click on Beautiful Things for a short preview of the song.
Album Cover for Gungor's Beautiful Things
Come back and I’ll share photos later this week!
God Bless you with Beautiful Things
Gigi
It is Saturday, December 31, 2011 and the New Year is an hour and a half away here in Hayden, Idaho where Steve and I are visiting with our Aunt Nina. She cooked us T-bone steaks and we enjoyed a quiet meal together.
We took a spur of the moment road trip to comfort her after her son Max died earlier this week.
So we end this year on a rather sad note – yet my thoughts are on eternity where Max will suffer no more.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer in November and he took his last breath on Tuesday, December 27th.
My son Zane with Cousin Max Krakenberg
Max was larger than life.
His voice boomed loud and strong.
His smile was wide and beautiful.
He served his country in Vietnam.
Max will be missed by his family who loved him.
Nancy, Kathy, Dennis and Max
As we say “Goodbye” to 2011 we also say “See you on the other side” to cousin Max Krakenberg.
I look forward to celebrating Max’s life with our family on January 13, 2012 where we will share memories of a man who lived a BIG life and will be missed.
I think about this Scripture tonight as I pray for all who are grieving the loss of a loved one this year. For all of us who look forward to when Jesus returns.
Revelation 21:4-5 New International Version (NIV)
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
As I contemplate 2012, I look forward to the New Year when the book I co-wrote with my son, Gabe, is released. (My Message is C.L.E.A.R. – Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities – see www.GabesHOPE.org for updates on the release date.)
I look forward to a continued season of personal growth and change.
Growth of my faith and love for God through the study of His Word.
Growth in my marriage and family relationships by continuing to seek God’s best in all areas of my family life.
Change of my body as I try to get back in shape and take better care of myself!
As you say goodbye to 2011, what are you looking forward to in 2012?
I pray you will achieve your goals in the New Year and that the Spirit of the Living God will set you on the path of God’s will.
God's Blessing on Your 2012
God Bless Your New Year!
Gigi
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas that sometimes causes stress and strain on relationships, I think we all could use an extra dose of peace.
So in God’s perfect timing, I received this message today.
I’m sharing a devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley – one of my favorites!
How to Experience Christ’s Peace
“My peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
Jesus spoke these amazing words just hours before His crucifixion. His peace isn’t dependent upon external circumstances, but rather, it transcends them. Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths:
God is in control of everything. Without this assurance, the world is a scary place.
He loves me and will see me through every circumstance, no matter how difficult or painful it may be.
To have Christ’s peace, I must surrender my life to Him. When I hold onto my ways and plans, I’ll experience turmoil.
I have a limited perspective and understanding of my circumstances and God’s purposes for allowing them. His goals for me are greater than my immediate comfort.
The Lord promises to work all things out for my good. He is continually working to transform my character into Christ’s image.
I must live in sync with God, walking in the Spirit and promptly confessing and repenting of sin.
Scripture is my foundation for peace. It increases my trust in the Lord’s goodness, assures me that He keeps His promises, and reminds me of His sovereignty over every situation.
Sadly, many Christians live their whole lives without consistently experiencing this incomprehensible peace.
Perhaps faith and submission are the most challenging issues.
But only as we surrender control of our lives to Christ and trust in His plans for us will we discover tranquil rest for our souls.
- Washoe Creek – Anaconda, MT One of my favorite peaceful places
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
God Bless you with PEACE in your heart,
Gigi
- My HOPE Tree
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.
I love the lights on our Christmas tree.
We have two trees in our home but I’ve especially enjoyed my HOPE tree.
After we established Gabriel’s Foundation of HOPE (www.GabesHOPE.org), we let people know of our desire to bring HOPE to individuals and families living with the effects of disability.
As a kind gesture of support, we began to receive ornaments and other gifts displaying the word HOPE.
I created this tree to display the gifts and it remains in my formal living room all year long.
I also decorated my cubicle at work with the overflow of gifts.
Now, four years later, we have quite a collection of HOPE objects.
Why HOPE?
Because HOPE gets me through the difficult times in my life.
Of all the forces that make for a better world, none is so powerful as hope. With hope, one can think, one can work, one can dream. If you have hope, you have everything.” Sloan Kettering Memorial
My hope is found in Jesus.
- the one we are celebrating each Christmas.
- the one who came as a baby
- the one who broke the chains that held me bondage to ugly sin
- the one who gives me life everlasting
- the one and only
Hope lights up the horizon in my dark nights.
Where would I be without HOPE?
I took photos of the ornaments on my HOPE tree as well as the gifts I have displayed throughout my home and at work too.
I added them to my photo share site. Enjoy!
Click here to view these pictures larger
HOPE reigns in my heart. HOPE shines in my home. HOPE defines my eternal destiny.
God Bless your heart with HOPE
Gigi