Day 294 A Love Feast

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live. Isaiah 55:3

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door I will come in to him, and will eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Our hearts long to hear that knock of God. He initiates. We respond.

Put on your listening ear and you'll hear His voice. It's that simple. No merit of mine. Just an ear bent to hear the sound of His gentle knocking.

I'm in Las Vegas today.

• A noisy city.
• A busy city.
• A city full of people God created and loves.
• A city full of hurting souls who can't hear God's knock through the noise.

Oh how I pray as I walk down the Las Vegas strip. I look into faces that speak back to me of a wishing for something more. My heart aches.

The knock.

The open door.

The celebration and the feast.

Not a feast on food, money, sex, alcohol or whatever else found here in Vegas.

Oh but a glorious, tender feast of companionship with God where I am filled with Divine sustenance.

This is truly a love feast of dining with the King of Kings.

I pray today that you incline your ear, open the door and come join the party.

God bless your heart.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The theme of this blog post was taken from the October 21 devotion in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Today I pray for my niece Allyson and her fiancé Shawn who are getting married this weekend here in Las Vegas where they both live and work. It's so fun to see my Murfitt nieces and nephews and in-laws. There is nothing more fun than time with family.

I pictured Allyson playing with my nephew Chris in a play pen at my wedding reception. Man, I feel old watching this beautiful petite redhead become a bride.
Savor every moment. They slip by way too fast.

Day 293 No Burden Bothers

"Walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10

Today's devotion made me think of my beautiful Mom.

On this day three years ago she moved into her heavenly mansion.

I smile when I think she no longer carries any burdens.

It makes my heart sing to imagine her dancing on the heavenly streets of gold.

Mom walked as a light for others.

She bore many sorrows in her eighty-six years. Yet she accepted God's will and gave thanks when it felt burdensome.

Mom was a beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.

As an English teacher she taught many.

As a woman who smiled in the middle of her struggles she taught many more about joy in the midst of difficult seasons of life.

Mom's home was always open with a hot cup of coffee and a listening ear.

Her warm smile lifted heavy burdens from the hearts of many who called her "Ma".

I really miss her smile.

But I'm thankful for the legacy of her smile – a family trait passed through generations.

So today as I think of her I smile.

God bless your smile too.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The theme for today's blog came from the October 20 devotion in God Calling by AJ Russell

Day 292 You Are My Joy

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! Matthew 25:21

Do the simple things.
    It makes God smile.

Acknowledge another person with a sincere hello.
    It makes God smile.

Be available to those in need.
    It makes God smile.

Even in His agony on the cross, Jesus smiled at those who were simple doers of the Word in their daily lives.

Faithful service to others brings joy to God's heart.

You, dear servant, are the joy in His heart.
    You make me smile.

God bless your servant heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/
The theme for this post came from the October 12 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 280 Love Me More

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,… 1 Peter 1:8

I love Him more and more and it brings me inexpressible joy.

God loves you more than you could ever imagine.

He created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother's womb.

His bonds of love tie me close to Him. He has such love for you and me.


And I have great love for Him.

• The love of me -- the sinner toward Him -- my Savior
• The love of me -- the rescued toward Him -- my Rescuer
• The love of me -- the sheep toward Him -- my Shepherd
• The love of me -- the little girl toward Him -- the Father

Even in the difficulties of my life journey – Oh how I love him more and more.

My prayer for you is that you feel His love more and more too and that your life is filled with unspeakable joy.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The idea for this blog post came from the Oct 9 devotional in the book titled God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 269 The Secret Path

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18

Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. He accepted the difficulty and discipline of life in order to share with the lives of His followers.

Today's devotional touched my heart. I know we all have experienced suffering or difficulty in one way or another. But when we walk through it with Jesus we find comfort because He knows what it is like to suffer.

Jesus shared in our human suffering.

The two women who asked AJ Russell to publish their journals as the God Calling devotional book often write just what I need to hear. I quote what God spoke to them in today's journal entry:

"Beloved, you are called to save and share in a very special way. The way of sorrows if walked with Me, the Man of Sorrows, is a path kept sacred and secret for My nearest and dearest, those whose one desire is to do all for Me, to sacrifice all for Me, to count, as My servant Paul did, "All things but loss so that they night gain Me."

In my walk with God through the challenges of life on this secret path, I have found His unconditional love.

I feel accepted by my beloved Christ.

I have experienced forgiveness beyond understanding.

He has been my strength.

I hope He is your strength too.

God bless your heart with strength as you walk this secret path.

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the September 28 devotion in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 262 See the Father

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? John 14:8-9

Do you see the Father when you look at Jesus?

Our Father is the creator of the universe.

Sometimes we see the loving, caring Jesus but we have a difficult time seeing the Father God who reaches down to touch us through Jesus.

Is it perhaps because our own earthly father did not treat us with unconditional love?

Is it because we felt abandoned by our dad and we believe God will abandon us too?

Is it because we never knew our biological father?

Remember Jesus and the Father are ONE.

Jesus only did what the Father told him to do.

All the unconditional love we see in the caring and nurturing Jesus who went to the cross on our behalf is the Father love of God too.

I pray you will see the Father.

SEE is a theme for me this week. Yesterday in my Bible study we talked about how God sees us for who we really are and loves us. He sees our tears and even stores them for us. He sees our potential.

He sees YOU.

I do too. I see you reaching out and grabbing his hand.

God bless your heart.

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the September 21^st devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 261 Taste and Trust

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

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post came from the September 20^th devotional in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 157 How Men See Me

But my God shall supply all of your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:39

Do you believe God supplies your need? Have you asked Him?


Is your want different than your need?

I try to focus on how God supplies the needs of others and it builds my faith.

But it is the never ending supply I've seen in my life that has made my faith strong.

Even in the lean times He has been faithful.

Life is hard.

There are things we don't understand. But I still choose to believe God is good.

It is when I see who He is in my life that my faith comes alive.

There is not one man - but God - who could be these things to me.

For me, I see God as…

The God – Friend

The God – Father

The God – Savior

The God – Healer of my broken heart

The God – Counselor

The God – Supplier of all of my needs (not necessarily all of my wants)

God Bless Your Heart with rich supply

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 6 devotional entry in the book God Calling by AJ Russell. I'm posting a few of the older entries I made in my journal this week. It's always good to go back and see what God was saying weeks, months and years ago. That's why I encourage you to journal. I can always find a nugget of God's wisdom somewhere on the pages of my journal as I pour my heart out to God and listen for His response in prayer.

Day 256 Quiet Strength

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
http://www.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.

Day 255 When Faith Fails

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.

He hears your cry for help in your unbelief. His power will help you believe more and more.

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
http://www.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.

Exciting Fall for Writing and Speaking

God is doing amazing things in my life with regard to my writing and speaking. Over the summer I completed a Writer's Digest course where I submitted 35,000 words from my latest manuscript for critique.

The biggest lesson I learned was that I need to be more authentic in my writing. I heard it from so many people - most importantly GOD - that I'm changing my manuscript a bit. No, I'm changing it a lot!

Rather than skim over some of the challenges I've faced in my life story, I'm sharing from my heart and telling more of the journey to wholeness and healing.

It's scary. I'm afraid. But I'm working it through.

The other cool things happening on the writing and speaking front involve a writing conference I'm attending this month and an intensive speaking class and one day workshop I'll participate in next month.

Here are the details of the one day workshop open to members and nonmembers who want to improve their craft:

October 9, 2010: One Power-packed Day, 2 Incredible Choices!

Both sessions run from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

BILL BUTTERWORTH - Finding Your Speaking Voice (http://www.billbutterworth.com/)

In this one day event, Bill will cover Putting Together a Successful Presentation, Humor, Storytelling, and How To Be More Persuasive in Your Speaking. The intent is to help you take your speaking to the next level.

Bill Butterworth’s extraordinary ability to blend humor, story-telling, wisdom and practicality has made him one of the most sought after speakers in venues throughout North America. Through his wit, warmth, insight, and realism, he brings help and hope to his audiences everywhere. Because of his remarkable abilities, Bill was awarded The Hal Holbrook Award by the International Platform Association, whose past and present members include Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Bob Hope, and Elizabeth Dole. They consider him one of the select few to be named a Top Rated Speaker.

In the writing world, Bill’s latest contribution is a series of business books with the overall title On The Fly. The first two books are called On The Fly Guide to Balancing Work and Life and On The Fly Guide to Building Successful Teams. They are being published by WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House. Besides the On The Fly series, Bill has written over a dozen books including The Promise of the Second Wind and When Life Doesn’t Turn Out Like You Planned.

REBECA SEITZ - The Publicity Process & Powerful Strategies

Part 1: Wanted: First Time Published Writers Who Have No Idea What To Do Next. What does it mean to publicize a book? How does a literary publicist let readers know your book is coming? What can you do to join in the process? Which things should you do and which will your publisher accomplish? For those who are just beginning their trek into the world of literary publicity, come have your questions answered and learn the process that most books follow from acquired manuscript to publicized book.

Part 2: Powerful Publicity: Building Book Sales. Do you have two or more books just sitting on bookstore shelves? Perhaps you’ve wrestled with the disappointment of not hitting the best-seller list right out of the gate and yet you’re certain this is what God created you to do—write. Agents and publishers have warned you if your sales don’t increase, you’ll be hard-pressed to continue finding book contracts. What can you do to help increase sales of your books? Publicity!

Rebeca Seitz, President of Glass Road Public Relations and author of five novels, has assisted a wide variety of authors from debut novelists to New York Times best-sellers. She’ll share strategies that you can employ to raise awareness for your books among consumers and get those sales numbers climbing. Also, if you’ve tried publicity tactics in the past but experienced lackluster results, be sure to bring your stories to this workshop! Rebeca will help you determine what didn’t work and why so that you can begin practicing effective, powerful publicity.

http://www.glassroadpr.com/about/seitz.php

NCWA Member Rate - $115 – Non-Member Rate $135 - includes lunch and snacks

Location: Northshore Baptist Church, Bothell WA

http://nwchristianwriters.org/events.html

I hope you feel God's touch on your life today.
 
God Bless Your Heart
Gigi

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.

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

http://www.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.

I Found My Voice!

Happy Tuesday.

I owe a sincere apology to my readers for the sporadic entries in my blog lately.

I still enjoy my mornings as I work through the daily devotional in God Calling but I'm not taking the extra time to type them into my blog.

Instead, I'm spending my typing time on the manuscript for my current book – Hope in Hard Times – Stories to Build a Strong Foundation for Life's Difficult Seasons. (or something like that)

I have been enjoying the work on this manuscript even though I've changed it so many times over the last five years. God has used this re-writing time to really speak to me about some things in my life.

Wow. And in the process I'm finding my authentic voice.

As I re-read my stories, I started noticing that some of my difficult seasons were a result of my failure to speak up for myself and be honest about how I was feeling.

Instead, out of fear of man's opinion, I went with the flow of what someone else thought I should do. I wasn't true to myself. I didn't want to rock the boat so I remained silent. I was miserable.

While re-writing my stories, God has opened my eyes to this pattern.

I shared these pages with editors and other critique partners. They agreed that I need to get real in my writing if I want my reader to relate.

I meet every Friday with my friend Cheryl who is an amazing visionary counselor. She listens to my stories and shows me the times where my voice is not speaking truth.

Now I'm going back over the manuscript with a new voice – more authentic and free – telling it like it really is, rather than what I think you want to hear.

I can't wait for you to read it.

This book has been a mechanism of God's healing and it revealed to me that He has been there all along. I just didn't always acknowledge His presence and follow His voice.

And you know what? I'm changing the dance of the way I communicate to my friends and family every day too. I want to be more authentic in every area of my life. It is revolutionary. Really.

So now you understand the sporadic blog posts. I'm having way too much fun re-writing my manuscript with a new and fresh voice.

Watch for my book to be published this fall. I'll be sure to let you know when it is released so we can celebrate authentic stories together.

Maybe I'll even help you find your voice too.

I appreciate you!

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

Day 225 Not Punishment

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

There are days when I have to admit that I wonder if my present circumstances are a result of my past sin choices. But God shows me otherwise.

Yes, there are definite consequences to some of our choices that change the outcome of our lives. But too often we dwell in the pit of our pitiful choices rather than walk it out and make the best of it in spite of our past.

God doesn't camp there reminding us of our ugly choices. Because of grace, He removes our wrong doing and flings it as far as the east is from the west.

That's far.

Give Him your past.

Trust Him. Listen to His guidance. Follow it.

God's plan is revealed in our daily walk with Him.

Two-by-two – me and Jesus.
Listening.
Learning.
Growing.
Full of peace and joy.



God Bless your heart with grace and peace and joy.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for the blog post came from the devotional for August 15 in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

August 15 is my best friend Jeanne Nystrom's birthday. Happy Birthday girlfriend! This one's for you. You are a treasure to me and I celebrate you today.

Day 210 Gratitude

As the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord. 2 Chronicles 5:13

May the Lord give you the gift of a brave and thankful heart that praises Him all day long.

It is so easy to focus on our troubles. Even in the middle of hard times we must look for causes for thankfulness.

Our thanks become a sweet fragrant offering to the Lord.

In every happening of your life seek diligently for something glad. After awhile it's not difficult to see it.

I give thanks for a fun weekend with my husband and a safe drive home. I give thanks for my family. I give thanks for my job.

I give thanks for you today. God Bless your heart with an attitude of gratitude.

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the July 31 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 209 Faith Rewarded

For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Romans 4:3

Think of the Fathers of the Faith who have taught us to be filled with faith, trust and hope in the one true God.

Abraham had faith when God told him he would have a child even when it seemed impossible in his old age. Then he obeyed when God told him to offer his son Isaac on the altar of sacrifice.

His faith was accounted to him for righteousness and Isaac lived when a ram took his place on the altar. Because of his faith, Abraham became the Father of many nations.

Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land. He believed God's promise even when he was being chased down by the Egyptian armies.

Then as the people grumbled in the desert Moses still believed. The Israelites made it to their Promised Land because Moses had faith.

These two men obeyed what God told them to do even though they could not see what was ahead of them.

God rewarded their faith.

Oh Lord. I want to believe with hope for things I have not yet seen. Help my unbelief that creeps in as fear and doubt and worry.

I want to keep my eyes on God and believe by faith that my prayers will be heard. I know in my heart they will be answered. So I hang on by faith until they are...even when.

I love you Lord.

God Bless your heart with faith.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the July 30 devotional entry in God Calling by AJ Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 206 My Consolation

And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people. Leviticus 26:12

Oh Lord, come near and be with us in our daily trials and tribulation. Come walk with us so we can feel you close.

Be with us in our joys and laughter.

Be our comfort and our guide.

Help us be strong.

Did you know that Jesus finds comfort in hanging out with you? Did you realize that you are one of his "peeps"?

Take a walk today and invite God to join you.

You will be a joy in His heart.

And you are a joy in mine. God bless your heart today.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The theme for this blog post came from the July 27 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell

Day 197 Walk Humbly

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I want so badly to walk humbly and to consider others better than me. I love to encourage people and I try not to be selfish.

But I have to admit that selfish ambition and vain conceit have reared their ugly heads in my life. They show up as a fear of what others will say about me and have caused me to do things I never dreamed.

In this season of writing I'm working on the story of my college years. Wow, that was thirty years ago. Where has the time gone?

 

I saw a pattern in my journals as I captured my story. More often than not I was worried about what others were thinking and I was not honest with my true feelings. I wanted people to like me so I did what they wanted me to do. I lost my voice.

In the process I also lost a sense of self worth which didn't help when I was in relationship with controlling and insecure people. And boy was I confused!

I've been spending a lot of time with the Lord lately trying to gain some understanding of what I have lost because I didn't speak up when I should have. I'm trying to regain my voice which was stiffled in a crowd of noise called a large family.

I'm learning to stand tall and be honest with myself and with others. It has taken thirty years but I'm getting there.

I'm so very thankful that God drew me in to a close relationship with Him. He has given me a community of people who seek the best for me. I am encouraged by the authenticity of our relationships.

I have to tell you that writing this book has been a humbling experience. Especially as I write it with an honest heart hoping that someone out there might learn from my story. I really want my reader to learn how much God loves them – even when they haven't always done it right.

So thankful for God's grace today.

God Bless your humble heart.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the July 18 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 195 Refuge

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

There have been seasons of my life where I have spent more time in the Lord's secret place – simply enjoying the fact that I know God loves me and I can trust Him. It is my refuge.

I had lunch with my precious friend Cheryl today. She encourages me to laugh and let the joy in my heart flow when sometimes life circumstances tamp it down. It is good to have a friend like that to share the secrets in your heart.

I trust she will take my concerns in prayer to the throne room of God's heart. Our friendship is a safe place of refuge.

We also had dinner with our good friends Marty and Jeanne. We have journeyed together through the process of transitions in life and we can laugh and cry over the challenges that come with transition.

There is safety in having good friends I can trust.

But I know my safest place is in the strong tower of God where I am guarded. There is nothing that will prevail against His strength.

God bless you with a safe dwelling in the Lord's high tower.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The idea for this blog post came from the July 16 entry in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 194 Songs on the Way

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Protect me from trouble Lord. Give me a new song in my heart. Help me hear your directions for my life.

This devotion brought several people to mind today

• My son Gabe: At times his life is lonely. Much like the lives of the disciples when they were alone in the dark and friendless. Even in their struggle, their singing never stopped.
• My friend Marty: For this talented songwriter I'm asking the Lord to send new songs his way. The world needs to hear more of his music.
• My friends Karen and Murray: I'm asking for a new song in their heart while they transition and wait for the right job to come their way. Bring them a job soon, Lord.
• My niece Melissa as the doctors try to understand her recent health issues. I pray for her to find her safe hiding place in Jesus.

I'm praying for you too. I'm asking for a touch from the Lord today. He can be our hiding place in times of trouble.

What song do you need in your heart today? Ask the Lord and He will give you a song of deliverance.

God Bless your heart with song.

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the July 15 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell

Day 196 Peace be Still

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26

I'm passing through another storm. It is called transition.

In this empty nest (that now has one little bird back home) I'm rediscovering myself and my husband, Steve. Sometimes the winds howl and it's rather scary. Other times it's peaceful and calm.

I wonder what storm you find stirring up your life?

• Health issues?
• Financial woes?
• Relationship challenges?
• Unemployment?
• Home repair needs both physical and emotional?
• Transition?

Jesus is in your boat.

He will be with you as you pass through the storm. His power in you through the Holy Spirit is enough to rebuke the wind and wave tossing you about.

God Bless your heart with peace. Be still.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog came from the July 17 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 193 True Success

Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. Joshua 1:3

I want to be sure that every place I set my foot is where God wants me to be. I spend time with Him praying, studying the Bible and listening so I know where next to set my foot.

I've already taken detours from the path of God's will and stepped out of line. Let me tell you it is NOT fun.

This week I'm writing the section of my book about the stormy season of my journey. I'm retelling the story of my college life through my late twenties.

As I write the story my heart swells. I remember how God was there with me through the roller coaster ride of life. He wasn't sitting up in heaven pointing a judgmental finger at me. He was with me encouraging me to get off of the wild ride because He had a better plan. But the noise of the world prevented me from hearing His voice. He picked me up when I fell.

I have some scars from a few harsh detours. But now these scars are reminders of how gracious God is and how He never left me. He redeemed these years and set my foot on the path again.

Oh Lord, Thank you that you have kept me and protected me.

When my life is surrendered to the One who loves me more than I will ever know, I find true success.

My prayer for you today is that God shows you the steps to take toward the success He has planned for you.

God Bless your heart with true success.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog came from the July 14 entry in the devotional book God Calling by AJ Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 188 Painful Preparation

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the things that happen in our lives.

Why are there hurting people?

Why are babies born with disabilities?

Why is there sickness and disease?

Why didn't you get that job?

Why were you chosen in the lay off?

The "Whys" can drive one crazy.

When our son Gabe was born with multiple congenital birth defects the "why" questions swirled through my mind like a tornado.

I learned from a letter I received from my friend Dianne Bratz that it really is best to trust and give my "why" questions to the one who replies "Be still and know that I am God."

I realized early on that God gives me the grace to handle everything that comes my way. I may not understand why it is so but I receive the mercy and grace from God to handle it. He gets me through every trial.

I can't do it on my own.

I think back through the past twenty years of raising our Gabriel. I know that everything that has happened in my life has been used by God as preparation for the work He has laid before me.

Our nonprofit ministry – Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE - to families dealing with disability would not have been created if not for our personal experience with disability. I learned from my mom's disability that resulted from a high school accident. I learned from my brother Bob who was born 70% deaf. I've grown up with a compassionate heart for those who suffer. My own suffering is helping others through my ministry and my writing.

http://www.gabeshope.org/

I pray today that you will let God use the fiery trial you face as preparation for the work He has in store for you to serve others through your story.

I pray today that we will bring Glory to Christ as we choose to seek Him for the grace to carry on. He'll give you the power to overcome the trials as you trust and obey.

God Bless your heart with a vision of how God will use you to help someone who may benefit from your life story.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The theme for this blog came from the July 7 entry in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 184 Spiritual Fullness

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

The heartsick can be satisfied. The faint can be healed. The weary can be rested in the fullness of Christ.

Where else can we go but to God when we seek to be satisfied?

As a deer longs for a water brook to quench its thirst, so our thirsty soul longs after God.

I remember when the words to this Scripture came alive in my heart. I was playing guitar on the song team at a Walk to Emmaus retreat. I definitely do not consider myself a good singer. I can carry a tune and I can strum a guitar – that's about it. But I really enjoyed participating as a member of this song team.

The team leader asked me to sing a solo of the popular song "As the Deer" penned by Martin J. Nystrom.

I was vaguely familiar with the song but I learned to love its words and sound. I practiced several times hoping I'd sound decent. The song team leader helped me mark my sheet music to clue me when to breath. I was so nervous I was holding my breath. I certainly didn't want to pass out on the altar at the church.

We were in an old Methodist church with beautiful stained glass windows. The sound of the organ and guitars filled the room. After several rehearsals of the song I was ready. "As the Deer" was on the agenda for the afternoon session.

We moved into the talk room where we heard from pastors and lay people who shared their stories and encouragement. Before each talk the speaker chose a favorite song. One of the pastors asked us to sing "As the Deer".

The song leader looked at me and said, "Gigi, you're on."

"But wait! My song sheet with my notes is in the sanctuary. I can't do it without those breathing notes. I'll sound terrible in this tiny room."

"Just pray and ask God to help. You'll do just fine."

"Turn in your song books to 'As the Deer'. Gigi will sing the first verse and we'll join in on the chorus." She began to play the piano.

My voice cracked and I got through the first verse. I looked at the banner on the wall.

There was a white cross with a colorful crown leaning on the cross bar. Below the cross big letters spelled out the theme of the weekend "Our God is an Awesome God."

I got to the verse that said "You are my friend and you are my brother, even though You are a King."

The cross reminded me of the sacrifice. The crown reminded me of the royalty of our Awesome God who loves me as a friend. I'm a child of God and He is my brother.

The reality of it all swept over me and I burst into tears right in the middle of the song. I couldn't go on.

The song team leader took over and invited the whole group to join in song. We worshipped for a long time and it was beautiful.

Every time I hear that song I'm taken back to that weekend.

Several years later my husband and I became best friends with Marty and Jeanne Nystrom. Marty wrote that song during a time in his life when he was seeking spiritual fullness. He was on a twenty-one day fast when the words and music flowed on the piano keys. It was so cool how God used it to touch my heart at that retreat.

We all hunger and thirst for the things of God. I pray today that you realize He is a King and You are His brother. Drink deeply in this truth.

God Bless your heart with fullness of spirit.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the July 3 devotional entry in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 182 Attack Fear

And Moses said…Fear not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show you today.” Exodus 14:13

Life simply presents itself with issues that can cause fear if we let it take hold.

The economy brings fear of losing our investments.

Our health issues bring fear of major illness.

Job concerns bring fear of cutbacks.

Family relationships bring fear of rejection or hurt feelings.

What sorrow or difficulty brings fear to your heart?

I have a solution for you.

God’s Word encourages us to stand still. We can trust God to help us remain calm in the midst of the storm.

Laughter and Love – two great weapons against fear.

As we face the challenges of the day, how can we sharpen our weapons of warfare against fear?

Just like Jesus, we can use the Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God. Taking Scripture and speaking it aloud to our fear will make it turn tail and run.

God Bless Your Heart with Love and Laughter

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog was taken from the July 1 God Calling book by AJ Russell

Day 176 God’s Friendship

For who has despised the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10

Even in the small stuff God is big. He turns the gray hues of ordinary boring days into bright and beautiful moments – if we see Him in all things.

Like the huge moon in the sky sprinkled with wispy clouds last night.

Combined with the smell of fresh summer air my day was transformed as I slogged home from a very long day at work.

There is rest for my weary, worried, fretful life when I remember I have a relationship with God. The same God who created the Universe.

Scripture tells me He calls me a friend. He's a friend who is available at all times.

I stand in awe and worship my King who has time to be with me when I ask Him to come into the little things of every day life.

God Bless your heart with friendship with God. It is yours for the asking.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 25 entry in the devotional titled God Calling. I've enjoyed the past 176 days as I watch how God takes the words of this devotional and shows me where it applies to my life. Another reminder that God's Word is alive and active.

Day 175 When Guidance Tarries

You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24

Today's devotional was a God S-T-O-P for me. I needed to be reminded that God does guide us with counsel.

I've been praying with my friends who have been asking God what to do regarding employment since they were laid off several months ago. It is a rather bizarre situation because they don't have their permanent green card to work in the USA.

They are limited to the types of jobs they can apply for. They've been here ten years and contributed much to this country. They don't want to go back.

They are seeking wisdom and guidance from the Lord for the next step.

The clock is ticking on how long they can stay. Money is running out. The way does not seem clear. Confusion about what to do can make one wonder if God is really listening.

He is listening. He has heard.

Sometimes we simply need to go forward one step at a time. No fear. No panic.

He gives us just enough light for the step we are on.

An attitude of faith will receive a reward just as surely as the obedience to follow a clear step guided by the Lord. Trust goes a long way with the Lord.

Sometimes in what seems to be silence, God is simply asking us this question.

"Do you REALLY trust me?"

He wants you to know He loves you and will never leave you or forsake you.

God bless your heart with peace as you wait for His guidance.

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the June 24 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Beth Moore refers to a God S-T-O-P as a time when we Savor The Observable Presence of God. The letters in S-T-O-P help me remember that God is with me always and he'll show me every day when I stop and observe His presence. He is present in the small things and in the big things too. If you've never listened to Beth's teaching I HIGHLY recommend it. http://www.lproof.org/ is where you can order some of her weekly teaching CD's or you can purchase her books and Bible studies at any bookstore.

Day 173 Your Red Sea

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

I've got a secret. Life is not for wimps.

As we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary today Steve and I recounted the major events of each year of our marriage. It has been an amazing ride. It has at times been a roller coaster and other times it has been smooth sailing.

I know I can trust that God will get us through the next 25 years too. God is faithful.

This morning I prayed with my friend and counselor, Karen. She has been such a great encourager and has pushed me hard to be bold as a lion as I move into the next season of my life. I thank God every day for her ministry to me and my family. I dare even think where I'd be without her prayer and counsel.

Karen and Murray are standing at the border of the sea - well actually the USA-Canada border. Their papers have been sitting on someone's desk for three years. They have been here working and raising their family for ten years. But a work lay off is sending them back to their homeland of Canada. No papers. No job. No USA for them.

None of us want them to go. We love them so much. God is using them mightily.

So we pray.

The message we got from the Lord as we prayed for this situation was to remember the Red Sea. When the situation looked horrible and the Egyptians were closing in on the fleeing Israelites it seemed hopeless. But they did as they were instructed and headed toward the Red Sea.

The waters parted and they escaped on dry ground. They passed over to their Promised Land.

We are asking God to open the eyes and ears of the immigration specialist holding their file. We want them to see this particular application and approve it. The time is running out. They have to leave the country by Juen 30th when their current papers expire. Will you pray with me for Karen and Murray?



But God is faithful! Can you believe that "coincidentally" this devotional entry in my God Calling book would be about knowing God parts the waters for us. I love those God stops!

Is there a situation that feels like roaring waters standing right in front of you? Is it big enough to keep you from what God has promised? Do you need your red sea to part?

Tell me what you need us to pray about. Let's join together and watch the waters part as we pass over to our own Promised Land.

I want you to know He is faithful. Go forward fearlessly. Tell me all about it because I want to sing His praises.

God Bless your fearless heart.
Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the June 22nd devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 172 See as I See

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

So many people in my life are in transition. It can be a stressful time if we let it.

My great-nephew Kohl finished pre-school and is preparing for kindergarten.

My great-niece Jade completed elementary school and is looking forward to junior high.

My niece Laura's years in middle school are over and she'll move on to a new high school.

My nephew Joe graduated high school and is heading to college in the fall.

My niece Brooke graduated from the U of Montana and is now a member of the working class.

My niece Trisha will add another family member when she is induced tomorrow. We'll welcome a new baby boy to the family.

As we move from one season of our life to another we can take on burdens that are not meant to be ours.

In this season of busyness and transition it's easy to miss what God wants us to see.

How about giving the burden of transition to the Lord. He'll make it light and give us rest for our souls.

God Bless your heart with rest.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 21 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 164 God Inspired

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? Psalm 121:1

We've been invited to several graduation parties. The excitement in the eyes and the hearts of these young people is contagious.

They have their whole life before them with thousands of decisions to make that will change the course of their life.

Where do they go for help in those decisions?

Friends? Mom or Dad? Siblings? Grandparents? Aunts or Uncles? Teachers? Pastors? The list of people with advice for their life goes on.

Oh how I hope these young eyes will look up. I pray the first person they look to is the Lord.

Where the help is sure.

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite Psalms of Ascent. I want to encourage you today with the words to the whole Psalm.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

 ² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

 ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

 ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

 ⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

I share these verses as a heartfelt blessing from me to you and a reminder that the Lord loves every hair on your head as He watches you come and go every step of the way.

God Bless your heart with God inspired steps on the journey through life. As my sister Patti always says, "I love your guts."

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 13 entry in the devotional – God Calling – by AJ Russell.

Day 155 Divine Patience

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4

Living a life pleasing to God is difficult. My selfish desires, motives, actions, words and thoughts would be enough to drive any Dad crazy. But God has Divine Patience. He is molding me into the woman He created me to be.

He is the potter. I am the clay.

I've walked with God at my side for fifty-two years. He has patiently walked one step at a time like a young dad walking with his toddler. It takes patience as the young one learns the way.

When I fall down I cry "Daddy" and He picks me up. He holds my hand as I learn to walk in His way. The more I cooperate with Him the easier it gets.

His grace allows me to keep moving forward step by step.

He is patient and strong. He teaches me Divine Patience.

God Bless your heart with patience,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 4^th devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell

Day 150 The Devil’s Death Knell

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me. Psalm 50:23

I was intrigued by the title of this devotional by A.J. Russell. "The Devil's Death Knell"

Imagine the sound of a bell rung slowly, associated with solemnity or mourning, used to announce a death or funeral. [The definition of a knell per the Encarta Dictionary]

Then imagine that's what the devil hears when we praise God. He hears the bell slowly reminding him of his death.

The most effective weapon against the evil one is prayer and praise.

I learned this long ago watching my mom live with intense pain. Her back was shattered in an accident when she was sixteen years old.

In an attempt to stabilize her spine, surgery fused her shin bone to her lower back. Eight cesarean section surgeries caused new scars and more pain from adhesions.

The scars on her body resembled a railroad map.

But Mom's life was filled with joy and strong faith that God would get her through the next day. She was a prayer warrior who rarely complained. She loved to harmonize in praise and worship even in the midst of the pain.

Her prayer and praise with a joyful heart was definitely the enemy's death knell.

So my favorite weapon of warfare is also prayer and praise.

What is your weapon of warfare?

God bless your heart with praise today.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The theme for this blog post came from the May 30 devotional in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 149 Forget

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind…I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13, 14

Regret nothing. Forget your past.

Too many of us carry the heavy burden of the past with us every day. God gave us twenty-four hours in a day. That's all the weight we should carry.

You'll face the coming twenty-four hours tomorrow. You can't do anything about the last twenty-four hours. So live for today.

A man on a march on earth carries only what he needs for that march. Would you pity him if you saw him [also] bearing the overwhelming weight of the worn-out shoes and uniforms of past marches and years? And yet, in the mental and spiritual life, man does these things. Small wonder the [the] poor world is heartsick and weary. P 160 God Calling by AJ Russell

We do live in a heartsick world don't we?

We spent the day on the Columbia River near the Gorge Amphitheater. We went to a place called the dunes where hundreds of young (and us old folks) spent the day on the beach.

It was a beautiful sight with the craggy rock reflecting on the water. The sun was out and a few clouds danced across the sky.

I took this photo when a rainbow formed inside a cloud. It was absolutely gorgeous.

I was immediately reminded that God made this beautiful place for me to enjoy. I was thankful for His creation.

At the same time I had an ache in my heart. I watched hundreds of people with two missions only. To get a sun tan and to get drunk.

I watched and wondered how many of these precious people really knew how much God loves them. I lived for the same things at one time in my youth. It is one of those seasons of my life I try to forget. It might have been fun but it was definitely not good for me.

Sometimes I find myself looking in the rear-view mirror of life and picking up some of my old "stuff" and carrying it with me today. It is because I did things I regret.

So I prayed for each one as they walked by our spot on the beach. I asked God to show them that he loves them more than they could ever know. And I asked that they would live with no regrets and learn to give the regrets they already have to the one who wipes the slate clean.I pray you'll breathe in the rich blessing of today and forget what lies behind you.


God Bless your heart with joy and peace.

 Gigi

 http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

 The idea for this blog post came from the May 29 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 148 Test Your Love

And be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Are you content in knowing that the love of God is with you always? Has that truth been tested?

I will say that God has passed the test in my life. I have felt His presence in some very difficult seasons.

Although my dad died when I was a little girl and my mom went to be with the Lord three years ago I felt God's presence in my grief.

In my young adult life, I walked through disappointment and betrayal and a marriage that ended in an annulment. God never left my side even when I turned my back on Him.

I grew up in a family of ten children with a single mother. We experienced much financial hardship. But God provided time and again.

In the shock of giving birth to a child with severe congenital birth defects and raising Gabe to adulthood, I have known God's presence and experienced His peace in so many ways.

Life has not always been easy. God's love has been tested.

But like a best friend who makes time for me no matter what is going on in her life, God is there. He has passed the test.

Dare I even think what a mess my life would be without Him at my side? I try not to even go there.

Today I pray for the knowledge of the truth that He will never leave you or forsake you. Be content with such things.

If God seems distant in your circumstance, take time to sit quietly and pray. Ask a friend to pray with you. Open your eyes and see. He's there.

God bless your heart with contentment, peace and joy.

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the May 28 entry in the God Calling book by AJ Russell.

Day 147 Roots and Fruits

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Outside my front door I planted a garden of beautiful flowers. I love the surprise in the spring as each shoot makes its way skyward. Before I see the evidence of my planting, the seed or bulb has worked to ground itself deep in the soil.

I have one peach colored lily that towers toward the sky. It is nearly four feet tall. Over the last month it has been strengthening the root system that keeps its long and lanky stem from falling over in the wind. In the next few weeks the gorgeous flowers will bloom.

This particular lily has been in my yard for a few seasons. Its root system is well established. I planted some new bulbs this year and their above the ground growth is far behind this established plant. They are working to be rooted and grounded while tiny shoots have emerged. The deeper the root grows, the stronger the plant. I wait patiently.

Both the establishment of deep roots and the above ground growth are necessary for a strong and healthy plant to grow and bloom into spectacular color.

So it is with our faith. When we take time in prayer, reading the Word and fellowship with other believers we establish deep rooted faith. It does not wither when strong winds and storms push against it. The fruit of deep roots is healthy.

What are you doing to dig your roots deep? A few moments in the Bible each morning is a great start.

I am praying that you find time to dig deep.

God Bless your heart with deep roots and beautiful growth that changes lives.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog came from the May 27 devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Thank you to all who send Birthday wishes to me today. A hug sent out to my Sister-in-Law Linda Murfitt Clemes who shares her birthday with me today. Happy Birthday Linda!

Day 146 Claim More Power

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

What are you asking of God? Are you asking it in Jesus name?

I know thousands of us are asking God for a miracle healing for Cashy Michael Hyde who is in SLC Children's Hospital for treatment of a brain tumor. This little guy isn't even two years old yet. The fan page on Facebook is growing daily and the fervent prayers are written there by people who know him well and people who are only there because God put it on their heart to pray.

I ask, in Jesus name, for healing for Cashy and for peace for his entire family. I ask in Jesus name because it is the name above all names. It is the name that will be spoken when every knee bows and every tongue confesses that He is Lord. I ask in Jesus name because there is no name more powerful.

My prayer for you, my blog friend, is that you will pray in His powerful name for the issues in your life today.

I hope you will seek Him daily, moment by moment, for all of your needs. Not just when a crisis arises.
Don't make him a vending machine God that you only come to when you have a dire need and you plug in a prayer or two and wait for whatever falls.

He created you for relationship. He loves you with an everlasting love. He knows the number of hairs on your head. All the days of your life were written by Him before one of them came to be. He tells us all of this in the Bible.

You were created to do a mighty work for the Kingdom of God right here and right now.
He doesn't want you to sit on the sidelines and watch. He's asking you to put on the full armor of God and get in the game.

As you seek Him for everything and pray without ceasing, soon you'll experience His grace and there will be an outward manifestation of His Power in your life.

I weep for you today. I'm not sure why, but the tears flow as I pray and ask for God's touch in your life. I give my tears to the one who collects them. I give them to the one who will one day wipe away every tear. I give them to Jesus.

I hope you will email me or post a comment if you need me to join you in prayer for anything going on in your life today.

God Bless your heart in Jesus mighty and powerful name.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The theme for this blog post is taken from the May 26 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Today, Wednesday, May 26, 2010 I send extra prayers out to wish my niece Meghan Goodheart a very Happy Birthday.