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Gigi Devine Murfitt

I Speak Dragon!

by Gigi November 6, 2011

written by Gigi

Monday night, November 7, 2011, I spoke dragon at our Northwest Christian Writer’s Association meeting at 7 pm at Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, WA. www.nwchristianwriters.org
No need to bring your fire extinquisher. It was not the fire-breathing dragon type stuff. I haven’t quite perfected that skill yet.
During the Write Start portion of the evening program, I shared my experience with Dragon Naturally Speaking, speech recognition software program created by Nuance.

This software is SO cool! Click on the link to check out the version I currently use which is the Home edition. (Scroll down on the above sale link).

Dragon speech recognition software makes it easier for anyone to use a computer. You talk, and it types. Use your voice to create and edit documents or emails, launch applications, open files, control your mouse, and more. Quickly and easily capture your thoughts and ideas while Dragon helps you get more done faster.

My son, Gabe, started using this when he was in junior high school. Imagine how much easier it is for him to type due to his limited finger control. The product has come a long way baby since the edition he first used and now it works so slick! So I bought a copy for myself.
The Dragon Home version is reasonably priced at $99.99 and works well for all your writing needs. (even email and web searches!) Right now they are running a holiday special for $74.99!
If you spend long hours typing, this product will be of great benefit to you. I know for me personally, it has saved my neck from the stiffness and pain I often get when I’m on the computer for long periods of time.
This video explains it way better than I can! Check it out to learn more.

With Christmas coming up, this might be just the gift you are looking for!
Have a blessed week.
Gigi

November 6, 2011 0 comment

Teamwork

by Gigi October 26, 2011

written by Gigi

I love to watch the videos and read the books published by Simple Truths.
I give them as gifts to friends who really enjoy the encouraging messages.
As Steve and I work to make the next twenty-five years of our marriage the best years, teamwork is important.
It separates the winners from the losers.
If we aren’t on the same team, we won’t get to the destination God has planned for us.
Getting your team to work together toward a common vision is the fuel that allows your team to reach their goals and envision new goals that well exceed common expectations.
Whether you consider your family your team or you work with a team of co-workers or classmates, I think you will enjoy this short movie to inspire you today!

Although the video shares the teamwork of the Blue Angels, I’m applying some of the tools to my marriage.

Center point – Focus on shared values for our future.
Align with our common purpose.
Sacrifice individual gain for my mate’s greater good.
Tap into the strengths of my mate.
Rest, Reflect, Recharge – complete a detailed maintenance program – maintain peak performance. This How We Love group we are attending is definitely a recharge-maintenance program. (www.HowWeLove.com)
Communicate openly and honestly. Take time to clarify procedures. – We are learning better ways to communicate.
Walk the Talk – Do what we say we believe.
Attitude = altitude. – Looking at our marriage with a positive attitude will help us gain the altitude we desire.

I’m ready to gain new altitudes for Team Murfitt.
How about you?
God Bless Your Heart
Gigi

October 26, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

Eternity is Only a Breath Away

by Gigi October 20, 2011

written by Gigi

I’ve been contemplating eternity today.
Actually I’ve been thinking about it all week.
I read the touching FaceBook post my writing friend Kim wrote shortly after her husband took his last breath as he lay next to her.
I read an email from my sweet friend Cheryl, just moments after she received a phone call that her mom had passed away.
A devoted husband. A loving mother. Gone in the blink of an eye.
Today marks the 4th anniversary of the day I held my mom’s hand and watched her chest rise and fall for the last time.
So surreal. Such a sadness and joy all mixed up together.

Mom holding Gabe

Sadness at the thought of not hearing the clanking of her spoon as she stirred the coffee she shared with great conversation.
Sadness because I miss her smile and her laugh that always added to an encouraging word.
Sadness when I wish she was here to listen to my broken heart and give me advice in these changing times.

Mom and me at my wedding 26 years ago

Joy in understanding that in the instant she breathed her last breath she was escorted into Heaven because she loved Jesus.
Joy in imagining her dancing with my dad without the limp she walked with for seventy long years.
Joy in knowing I will one day see her again.

An encouraging word before my big day

I’m not going to take today for granted. How about you?
In an instant. In a breath. In a moment. It could be gone.
Take a deep breath and smile as you thank God for another day.
God Bless Your Heart!
Gigi

October 20, 2011 0 comment

Gigi How We Love

Rooting for Healing…

by Gigi October 13, 2011

written by Gigi

I’m excited to be headed back to Montana with my son Gabe. We both have speaking engagements this weekend.
Friday, October 14th, Gabe is speaking his C.L.E.A.R. message at the Philipsburg schools.
Gabe will be sharing his story right where my husband Steve attended school for elementary through high school.

Philipsburg School

On Sunday, October 16th I’ll be sharing a message titled “Courage and Care” with a group of women at an afternoon tea. If you happen to be in Philipsburg on Sunday, join us at the Granite County Museum at 4:00 PM.
It is always fun going back to our roots.
We are certainly learning about how those roots affected our ability to love in the How We Love small group study Steve and I are attending with a great group of people.
This week we discussed my most common love style – the Avoider.
As the eighth of ten children, it is not surprising that this is my dominant love imprint!
My second highest imprint is PLEASER style.
Makes sense. I avoid conflict at all costs so I am a people pleaser. It is hard for me to say “no.”
Can I say I’d just like to dig that root up and plant something a little bit healthier?
Through the How We Love book, I’m learning new skills to do just that.
I hope you have taken the time to take the How We Love Test.
If not, click here and take it. http://www.howwelove.com/hwlstylestest/HWLLoveStyleTest.aspx
Come back and tell me what your dominant love imprint style is. I’d love you to leave a comment on my blog.
It will be fun to dialogue about how this has affected our lives.
I’ve got a couple blogs drafted to share with you the jewels I’ve mined as I’ve dug up this root. So come back to learn more next week.
I’ll be flying the friendly skies tonight. That gives us more time to hang in Missoula and Philipsburg with my family.
I’m really looking forward to walking around the University of Montana Oval and kicking up a few leaves. Oh so many memories.

University of Montana Main Hall in the fall.

I love fall in Montana. And I love learning better ways to express my love.
God bless you today with an understanding that God wants to help you learn how to love.
Gigi
The How We Love book can be purchased at Amazon.com by clicking on this link:

October 13, 2011 0 comment

Gigi How We Love

Journey to Figure out How We Love

by Gigi September 30, 2011

written by Gigi

Relationships can be both wonderful and difficult – sometimes all in the same day. How we love one another can often times be a challenge.
I’m excited about a new journey Steve and I are taking with a City Group from our church led by Mark and Audrey Alman.
We are going through the book titled How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich (published by WaterBrook Press) with five other couples and six single young men and women.
Earlier this year my counselor recommended this book and I’ve been digesting it one bite at a time.
I’m learning and growing.
I see my communication style in a fresh new way. I’ve found help to iron out some of the difficult areas of my relationships.
I like it so much I’ve been giving it as birthday or anniversary gifts to the people in my life.
Friends, siblings, parent-child, co-worker, in-laws, you name it, your relationship can be more effective after learning these strategies.
This book truly has the capacity to change your life.
Over the next eight weeks I’m going to share what God is showing me about my communication and love styles.
Some things were no surprise, but I’ve learned a few new things about myself.
I hope to encourage you to take a look at your styles.
I pray this new knowledge will be put to work to make your life rich with clear communication.
You deserve a life filled with life-giving relationships.
How about joining me on this journey through How We Love?
You can purchase the book by clicking on the Amazon link below. It contains a workbook to help you apply the life changing principles.
These principles will equip you to break free of negative patterns and enhance your relationships.

But even more interesting are all the tips and tools available on Milan and Kay Yerkovich’s website.
Click here to learn more about this amazing ministry. www.HowWeLove.com
I’ll post my thoughts about our first meeting soon.
In the meantime, how about going to the website and taking the test that gives you an idea of your love style. I am anxious to hear about your results.
Here is a link to this test.
http://www.howwelove.com/hwlstylestest/HWLLoveStyleTest.aspx
It doesn’t take long to take it. At the end you can print out a graph showing your love styles.
Come back to my blog next week and I’ll share more about my results.
God Bless your heart as you learn how you love…I hope you’ll join me in this journey.
Gigi Murfitt

September 30, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

He is Good!

by Gigi September 19, 2011

written by Gigi

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:5

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

God truly is good…all the time.

Even when I’m left fatherless at age seven? Yes, God is good.
Even when I feel abandoned and misunderstood as a teenager? Yes, God is good.
Even when my life choices lead to great pain and sorrow? Yes, God is good.
Even when our son is born with severe congenital birth defects? Yes, God is good.
Even when my loving, caring mom falls deep into depression and dementia? Yes, God is good
Even when life transitions are prickly and challenging? Yes, God is STILL good.

God is not evil. Satan is evil.
I trust God.
His mercy and truth are everlasting.
God Bless your heart with trust in our Good God.
Gigi
https://gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post came from the September 20^th devotional in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

September 19, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

Quiet Strength

by Gigi September 16, 2011

written by Gigi

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Are you stressed out? Worried sick? Worn out? Just plain tired?
I feel that way during seasons of change. It takes me awhile to adjust.
But then I remember to rest in assurance that God will give me rest when the world wants to hand me turmoil.

With rest comes peace.
With peace comes joy.
My worry for the future is given over to the peace giver.
Then His power flows through me and the peace flows like a river.
The Bible tells me in Isaiah 30:15 that “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”
Quiet confidence works for me.
How about you?
Today I’m praying that your weary soul will find rest. In Him.
God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi
https://gigimurfitt.com/
I am thankful for the way this book has guided my daily quiet time. It seems to be just right for the season. The idea for this blog post came from my devotional journal titled God Calling by AJ Russell published by Barbour Publishing. This blog post was transferred from my other blot and was originally written 9/15/2010

September 16, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

Book Review: The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

by Gigi September 14, 2011

written by Gigi

I was privileged to receive a complimentary advanced reader copy of The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Click on the book cover to view at Amazon.com where you can check inside the book for a sample

I didn’t read book one (The Brotherhood) in the Precinct 11 series, but I don’t feel I missed a beat in picking up on the story line in The Betrayal.
I would have enjoyed learning a little more about what happened to Detective Boone’s wife and child in the first book. I want to know how he met and fell in love with Haeley.
From the beginning I knew there was something not quite right with the way the whole assassination attempt of the key witness in the biggest sting in Chicago history went down. The book title hinted that someone was going to betray the main character.
The plot took a few twists as Jerry B. Jenkins led us on a journey to discover which character leaked the information on where they were going to hide the police department’s key witness. If someone gets to this key witness, the case will be toast.
There were several times when I thought it could be any one of the characters. I was never really sure until the end.
I enjoyed the relationship of Detectives Boone and Jack Keller. They worked well together as they solved this difficult case of figuring out who the betrayer of their trust might be. Trusting the wrong person could prove to be fatal.
Danger, suspense and intrigue kept me turning pages.
If you enjoy suspense, crime investigations and a little romance added in, I think you’ll enjoy reading it too.
I like the fact that Jerry’s comes from a long line of family members who are (or were) police officers. I’m sure the stories his family told him helped bring the authenticity about the police department to the story.
I enjoyed The Betrayal – A Precinct 11 Novel and plan to go back and read The Brotherhood while I wait for Jerry’s next book.
Watch for more book reviews in future blog posts. Please leave your comments below.
Thanks much.
Gigi Murfitt

September 14, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

When Faith Fails

by Gigi September 13, 2011

written by Gigi

So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. Hebrews 3:12 (The Message)
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!” Mark 9:24 (The Message)

Believing can sometimes be difficult when the circumstances of our lives are far from what we expected.
We want to have faith for something different but the scene is playing unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
So what does God ask of us in this situation?

To trust.
To believe anyway.
To look beyond our circumstance and see His power.
To believe He is our Helper and our Savior.
To trust Him as Lord over every single one of our challenges.

Ask Him like the father did in Mark 9:24. “Hey God, I’m having my doubts. Can you please help me in my unbelief? I want to believe but I’m struggling right now.”
He hears your cry for help in your unbelief. His power will help you believe more and more.
Just ask and trust He’s working on it.
Absolute trust.
Can you do it? I think you can and I’m praying for you now.
God bless your heart that cries out to God for strength and power. Just ask Him.
Gigi
https://gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post came from the devotional book God Calling by AJ Russell published by Barbour Publishing. I highly recommend it as a daily devotional tool to spur you on in the things of God.

September 13, 2011 0 comment

Gigi

A Generous Giver

by Gigi September 10, 2011

written by Gigi

Good morning friend!
I hope you feel God’s love for you today. He is a generous giver of love.
I am reposting some of my blogs from the season of my life where I journaled through the God Calling Devotional by AJ Russell.
It was such a sweet season and as I re-read my journal, the message touches my heart again. God’s word is like that! It is alive!
I’ve been busy finishing the manuscript for my son Gabe’s book – My Message is C.L.E.A.R. – Hope and Strength in the Face of Life’s Greatest Adversities – so I haven’t been blogging as much lately.
It has been an amazing journey writing the book with Gabe. I can’t wait for you to read it.
But now I am back at blogging again!
Today I share my thoughts on being a Generous Giver.

Day 252 A Generous Giver

For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. John 6:33

Gifts: Life, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

Could you use some of these gifts?
We receive them from the most generous gift-giver of all – Jesus.
They are available to us when we stay grafted to the Vine.
He came that we might live life abundantly.
Staying connected is the key.
Are you living an abundant life filled with joy and peace?
Good for you. That makes me smile.
If not, then tap into the source of abundant life by connecting with Jesus through the Bible, prayer and hanging out with other like-minded people. It’s the best gift ever.
We can’t make ourselves loving and kind. At least not long term. We need to plug into the love of Christ which flows through us and out to those we love.
Plug in my friend. There is an abundant source of life and love waiting to touch your heart. It is real. It is good. It makes life worth living.
God Bless your heart with the generous gift of joy and peace.
Gigi
https://gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post came from the September 11 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.
I pray for you every day….let me know of your particular need in the comments below.

September 10, 2011 0 comment