Tag: faith

Wildflowers from Winter Blog Tour

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

Life is full of seasons.

Some are warm and exciting and filled with joy. A time when everything feels like a carefree, bare-footed summer.

Some, though, are cold and barren and lifeless. A time everything feels like a gray-skied winter. 

You ready for something cool about nature?

The snowiest winters produce the most wildflowers in the springtime. 

God reveals truth through nature all the time.

And this is truth.

He can use those winter seasons in our lives to bring about beauty.

This is one of the themes in my debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, which hits shelves on Tuesday, May 8th.

This is the common theme in the real-life stories people are sharing today. Every single one involves a winter season. Every single one ends with hope. And hope is an incredibly beautiful thing. 

What if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

-Laura Story from “Blessings” 

The Wildflowers from Winter Blog Tour 

Amber Mauldin: according to her friends, she is passionate, courageous and committed

Becky Doughty: a warrior princess, her weapon of choice is a pen and she loves the battle, even on days when she’s left flat on her back with missing limbs…. 

Camille Eide: inspirational writer, church secretary, bass guitarist, passably devoted fan of classic rock, muscle cars and Jane Austen

Cara Putman: author, homeschool mom, university lecturer and attorney:

Cheryl McKay: screen-writer of The Ultimate Gift, award-winning author, newlywed, Facebook-junkie, and avid scrapbooker

Erica Vetsch: wife, home-school mom, history nut, multi-published author
Gabrielle Meyer: writer, mom of four, history lover & small town girl
  • Wildflowers from Winter: A painful experience after the birth of her daughter led to panic, fear and doubt, but Christ entered her heart and brought forth a bountiful harvest from the darkest of winters. (plus a giveaway of my debut)
Heather Day Gilbert: homeschooling, Black-Ops playing mom, writing novels about love after marriage–living beyond the vows
Holly Hassenzahl: Holly was my maid of honor, is one of my best friends, and also happens to be the face of Robin Price! 
  • Wildflowers from Winter: Hope after Infertility (she didn’t have time to write a post, but her entire blog is one giant Wildflowers from Winter story)
Jeannie Campbell: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and The Character Therapist
Jennifer Hale: a hopeless romantic living in a Thomas the Train world

Jessica R. Patch: loves laughing, coffee, and naps

Julia Reffner: homeschooling mom, passionate Jesus-lover, writer of redemption stories

Julie Sunne: blessed wife and mother of four, Special needs advocate, Outdoors nut
Keli Gwyn: romance junkie, walk taker, and sweet-tea drinker
Krista Phillips: momma of 4 girly-girls, Euchre addict, Sandwich writer

Lindsay Harrel: writer, editor, and joy-filled Jesus follower

  • Wildflowers from Winter: When she was 19 years old, her mom died after a long battle with cancer. Thankfully, that’s not where the story ends. 

Lindsey Bell: stay-at-home mother of two, nonfiction author, and follower of Jesus

Meadow Merrill: wife, mother of five fabulous kids, journalist in Maine, and aspiring author

Melissa Tagg: nonprofit PR girl by day, writer/blogger/caffeine enthusiast by night

Michelle Delp: avid reader, gardener, and nurse

Sherri Wilson Johnson: writer, speaker, former homeschooling mother, and wife
  • Wildflowers from Winter: With Mother’s Day coming up, here is a special story about a mother and how God turned a sad time into rejoicing.
Sherrinda: God lover, Jesus follower, Spirit chaser, and a writer of fun, faith, and forever love

Wendy Paine Miller: deep thinker, conversation starter, laughs from gut

…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  Isaiah 61:2b-3a
 
He truly does make beautiful things out of the dust…

Let’s Talk: Have you experienced this theme in your life? Feel free to join the blog tour! All you have to do is blog about your story and post a link in the comment section!

You can read all the blog posts on Twitter by following the #WildflowersfromWinter hashtag.

If these real-life stories have piqued your interest, my debut novel is available for preorder on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, and other retailers. It’s getting really encouraging reviews so far! 
 

The Hunger Games and Sacrifice

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

When I saw this trailer for the first time, I got all emotional. 

It struck a major chord.

Especially that scene. The one where Prim’s name is picked.

All of a sudden, she’s destined to go to the arena and fight to the death. 

And we see this little girl – this skinny little bit of a girl – and we know she doesn’t stand a chance. She’s not strong enough. She’s going to die.

Then comes that emotionally charged moment.

When Katniss, Prim’s older sister, screams, “I volunteer!”

You see, somebody has to go. A tribute is required. Prim is destined. 

But Katniss takes her place.

And all of a sudden, there is hope. Because while Prim was weak and didn’t stand a chance. Katniss is strong. We know she could win. 

Katniss takes Prim’s place. 

Katniss sacrifices herself so Prim can live.

Does this sound familiar to anyone else?

Let’s Talk: Have you watched or read The Hunger Games? Does that scene make you as emotional as it makes me?

All For Glory

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

God is passionate for His glory.

Scripture tells us that He is zealous for his holy name. (Ezk 39:25) 

I have a confession.

This used to make me a little uncomfortable.

Because when it comes to us, seeking our own glory, being intensely interested in our own fame and honor, is…well…off-putting. We usually call these people egomaniacs or narcissists. 

I was using the motivations of the human heart to understand God and it wasn’t working. 

But then, one Sunday morning, our worship arts pastor said something that stuck.

God’s glory is our good.

I’m pretty sure I spent the rest of the sermon pondering that truth. Rolling is around in my mind and in my heart.

God is jealous for His glory because His glory is good.

His glory fills us with awe and wonder. 

His glory leads us to repentance and faith. 

He deserves all praise and all honor. And in the act of giving Him what’s due His name, we are brought to life.

Because the zeal He has for His glory goes hand in hand with the passionate consuming love He has for us.

Let’s Talk: Have you had any epiphanies lately? Has anyone said anything that struck you as profound and filled with truth? If so, please share!

On Friday, I’m announcing something I’ve been super excited about. It’s one of those things that could be really GREAT or it could flop. Won’t know until I try! Make sure to tune in for the announcement!