On the Move

I'm moving!

Don't get too excited. I'm not going anywhere, but my blog is.

I will be consolidating my blog posts to my website at http://www.gigimurfitt.com/ where I've been posting a few blogs this month.

After a review of my website and blog, I decide it best to post in one place.

Some of you have subscribed to this blog. If you want to receive updates from my website please let me know.

I won't be posting here anymore - I'll be posting on my website instead.

Thanks for your support on this blog - the posts will be migrated over to my website soon so you'll be able to search the archives there for any of the blogs that are located here.

I'm busy working on Gabe's book so my blog posts are sparce. But that's okay. There is so much information out there I don't want to over load you.

God Bless Your Heart.

Come on over to my website and leave a few comments if a post touches your heart.

Gigi Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

Blog Fast

This week I enjoyed my morning quiet time working through the God Calling devotional but I didn't post my blog notes. 

It was a crazy busy week of preparing to teach Ladies Bible Study, praying for a friend and traveling to Portland. 

Now that I'm home I think I'll turn on the fireplace and type out my journal notes while I listen to the wind and the rain.  I'll date them on the actual dates I wrote them in my journal so we stay in sync with the calendar.

That wind is crazy tonight!  It's like it's Good Friday or something and the world is feeling the effects of the death of our Savior.

BUT..Sunday is coming!  I LOVE Easter!

God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi

Day 38 Light Ahead

Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

There are usually several gold nuggets of truth in each of the devotional messages in the "God Calling" book by A.J. Russell. Today was no exception. I could have written several blogs taking off in one direction or another.

This one is about trusting God hears our prayers. It is a rich reminder of the love God has for me and how He desires to answer my prayers.

I realized that the cries of my suffering have pierced the ears of God. The cry from deep in my heart is a trusting cry going right to His Divine Ear.

Life is full of so many things. Some wonderful. Some difficult. When I open my child-like trusting eyes to everything God is doing and the promises He has made to me I find peace.

Even while I'm waiting for an answer to my prayer. Even in the midst of the difficult circumstance. I know that it may only be a few more steps before I see the work He is doing.

As I keep walking – even when my path seems dark because of my difficult circumstances, I hang on to Him – the Light of the World.
What happens next is what is so amazing about my God.

He uses that season of difficulty. He has showed me how when I keep walking with Him He will use me as a light to guide others who may walk that same path.

In my darkest days I never dreamed God would use those times in my mentoring, my writing and my Bible studies to hold the hand of another in need.

He knows the answer to our problem before we even ask. Keep walking. Don't turn from Him. Soon He will show you how your story will bring Him glory and will be the light ahead on someone else's dark path.

Let it be so.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog came from the Feb 7 entry in the book "God Calling" published by Barbour Publishing and edited by A.J. Russell. An excellent devotional book full of wonderful blessings from God.

Today I want to bless my sister Marilyn on her birthday. She is indeed a light to others.

Also today we celebrate my great-nephew Quin Tuckman's birthday. He is a nice young man who is a light to the family.

Our good friend Nate Nystrom turns 23 today. He is a fine young man we are blessed to know.

I'm posting my blog early today so I can go get ready for Superbowl Sunday – come on over!

Day 37 God’s Longing

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

There is a longing of the Eternal heart of God to spend time with you. He doesn't want you to come to him only when you need something. Sometimes we treat God like a vending machine where we give only to get something back. I don't believe that's the way it works.

Think about those who followed Jesus. Some followed Him so they could be healed. Others wanted to learn from Him.

Oh how He loved those who spent time at His feet. Not to receive a healing or a revelation. They were there just to hang out with Jesus.

I hope you will take the time to sit before Him. Just hang out for awhile.

I know the longing I have in my heart to be loved was taught to me by the very One who formed my heart in his hand. Just as I long to spend time with my loved ones, He longs to spend time with me.

I want to be loved for who I am, not for what I can give to those who love me.

God's longing for your love is the same thing.

Why don't you go spend some time with God today? I can see Him smiling as He sits waiting patiently for you.

To the listening ear He speaks. To the waiting heart He comes.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post was taken from the book "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 34 If Men Oppose

Be not afraid, only believe. Mark 5:36

I wonder if you might be looking at a wall that is blocking your progress.  Is there something in your way?  Maybe it's time to believe that God can move it for you. 

What moved the walls of Jericho?  Was it man?  No!  Was it machinery? No! It was the sound of praise coming from people who believed what God told them to do and then they did it.

It sounded crazy to march around singing songs and praising God.  But they didn't reason with their own minds.  They obeyed what God called them to do.

All the walls that lie before you can be taken down by God - with a word....with a shout.  It is as simple as that.  God's word is powerful.

But just maybe the walls have been left there on purpose to prevent you from going where God knows it would not be good for you.  Maybe what you are looking at is really not an obstacle or the opposition of man, but the plan of God to shift your focus and move you to a different place. 

Or maybe he has a big plan to use you right where you are but you are so busy trying to knock down the wall that you can't hear Him.

Just maybe if we always believed with certainty that God governs the hearts of Kings and governments we'd relax a little.  The plan would unfold and we'd see the power of God at work.

Your faith and God's power.  The only ingredients you need to move mountains.

Be not afraid.  Only believe.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this post was taken from the book "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 32 Another Start

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-15

Oh Lord. I am ever thankful that the wisdom written all throughout the Bible. The promise of a fresh start has been so life-giving to me.

Oh yes, I admit my past failures. But it’s nice to know I don’t have to keep looking back. God wants me to move forward.

For a time in my life I hid one particular past failure. Why? Perhaps it was fear of man. For sure it was pride.

Shortly after I graduated from college I married the man I had dated off and on for five years. (The off and on pattern should have been a clue but I ignored it.) We had a huge wedding. I sewed almost all of the thirteen bridesmaid/flower girl dresses. It was quite a production.

But this beautiful fairy tale wedding ended six months later in a painful annulment. Both of us had deeply hurt the other in our selfishness and pride.

We sought the council of priests and friends but in the end I made up my mind it would never work. My heart had wandered away and I did not want to turn back.

This was one of the most difficult seasons of my past. I moved to Dallas, TX to start over.

But I told no one in my new home about my failed marriage. I was too embarrassed (or prideful) to tell the truth. I wanted my new friends and coworkers to like me. I thought they would think less of me if I told the truth about my failed marriage.  I was full of pride.

Because of the guilt and shame I worked hard to somehow make it up to God by volunteering in the Sunday school class room and going to Mass several times a week. I went through the long process of obtaining an annulment in the Catholic Church. I worked hard at looking good.  It didn't suit me well.  It was ugly.

Oh how the enemy loves it when we choose this way over the truth.  This cover up left me in bondage for years.

So God wants us to give it all to him and receive His forgiveness without looking back.

I’m so thankful that He has given me another start through Christ’s life and the forgiveness offered by His Grace.  It is powerful.  It is life changing.

If you need another start, I hope you will come clean with God and move forward.  If you need to talk to someone about your situation please feel free to email me so I can encourage you in your walk.

I'd love to help you find a new start where mercy and forgiveness runs deep.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the February 1 devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 31 Suffering Redeems

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I remember the first time I heard this verse. It was music to my soul. It was not long after our son Gabe was born and I was uncertain of what our future held. This verse helped me see the light on the horizon during a dark time. It was the light of hope.

When Gabe arrived, we had no prior knowledge that there was anything wrong. The shock of his deformed arms and legs was overwhelming. We had no idea what the future held for our new baby boy. It was frightening.

I have to admit I entertained thoughts that maybe God was punishing me for the sins of my past. I wondered if He was making me suffer through my future.

But this verse in Jeremiah 29 told me that God's plan for me (and for Gabe) was good. He didn't have any plan to harm me. His plan is to give me hope.

Seventeen years after Gabe was born we established our nonprofit organization to help other families walk through the issues and challenges of living with a disability. We named it Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE because God's promises to give us a hope and a future. He has redeemed our story to help other people. Our foundation is secure in Him.

I know now without a shadow of a doubt that God redeems. He takes what the enemy means for evil and shows us how to work it for good.

I hope that whatever you are going through you'll consider the truth that God's plan for you is good. Over and again in the Bible we are reminded of His promises.

Everything we go through is redemptive. God will use it to teach. God will use it to help others.

It is all beyond our comprehension because man does not think like God does. So it is by faith we choose to believe.

I'm so glad this has been my choice. Will you make it yours?

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

You can learn more about our nonprofit organization at http://www.gabeshope.org/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 31^st devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing. I hope you'll pick up a copy of this encouraging book.

Day 30 The Soul At War

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

This has been so true in my life. God has been faithful. He doesn't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. He has always been faithful to speak to me but there have been times that the noise of the world made it difficult to hear His directions.

Oh sometimes I heard but chose to ignore it. It was during those times it felt like I was truly at war in my soul.

But God knows how much I can take. He has always pulled me back into His will. It's a matter of whether I want to turn to Him or not.

Over the years I have found that the more time I spend in the Bible and prayer, the more clearly I hear His warning when I'm headed off path. More often than not the Bible study I'm working through hits on an issue I need to hear about at that time in my life. This is when I feel His love and experience Joy and Peace.

It's so cool when that happens.

This devotional also recommends planning a retreat to spend quiet time apart from the distractions that steal my joy. It is on retreat that I get rested and refreshed – physically, mentally and spiritually. This allows me to carry on what God has called me to do. It calms the soul at war with the flesh.

My favorite place to retreat is at my sister Kathy's house. I enjoy fellowship with her and my brother-in-law Denny. I stay in the room downstairs with the big down comforter on a king size bed. There is a desk for me to do my Bible study and writing. At night we sit in the hot tub under the Montana star filled sky.

Oh yeah. And she always bakes me oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

I think I better go book a ticket.  I hope you'll find a place of retreat too.

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 30 entry in the "God Calling" devotional edited by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 28 Low Ambitions

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

God longs to be gracious to You. He is waiting to bless your ambitions to serve others. He gives You the grace to do the job.

Ask the Lord today. How best can I serve?

We tend to think more on how we can BE served by others than on how we can SERVE. I've found that when my focus turns to what I can do for others, God supplies more than I need.

I must examine my ambitions to be sure they will bring me peace. Striving never brings peace or happiness.

But rest in God's plan does.

Think about those worldly ambitions of movie stars or athletes like Brittney Spears, Barry Bonds or Tiger Woods. Compromising themselves, taking steroids, losing their sense of self, seeking happiness in things that don't last – all in an effort to succeed.

They play a very dangerous game with the life God has given them. They end up weary and burdened and deeply disappointed.

But in turning to God we find a whole list of things God is. (quoted from this devotion in the God Calling Book page 38 - January 28)

God Is…..

• Joy of the weary
• Music to the heart
• Health to the sick
• Wealth to the poor
• Food to the hungry
• Home to the wanderer
• Rapture to the jaded
• Love to the lonely

God is whispering to you. Turn off the noise of the world and hear…"Come to Me. I'll give you rest."

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The idea for this blog post was taken from the daily devotion in the God Calling book edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Hey! I've added a new gadget - Immediate reaction buttons. Click one.  Suggest others in the comments section.

Day 27 Height of the Storm

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

Dear Lord, thanks for the reminder that in the height of the storm we can come to You. It was when the storm was at its worst that You spoke. Your word calmed the raging sea.

Lord, speak now to the storms attacking my friends who have sent me prayer requests. Calm the fear. Heal the body and the mind. Restore the turbulent relationship. Bring protection and provision. Speak Your Word and bring peace.

Remember how the disciples thought Jesus had forgotten them because he slept during the storm? They were wrong. He had not forgotten. He had waited for the height of the storm and then he responded.

Why? Perhaps it was then the disciples most realized their need for the joyful dependence on Him. Maybe they were trying on their own and totally forgot they had a Savior in their boat.

When I was in college I nearly drowned in the ocean at Mission Beach, San Diego, CA. I had just learned to body surf and the waves were strong. I was trying to make my way to the beach and I was quickly losing the battle. When the waves were the strongest I called out for help and my cousin Dan heard my desperate plea.

I'll never forget how grateful I was for his muscular arm around my neck as he pulled me to safety.

In the same way, I will never forget how the arms of Jesus rescued me from the raging waves of my selfish choices. In my desperation He heard my call.

I hope you realize that He isn't sleeping. He's waiting to hear your cry.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 27 devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 25 Way of Happiness

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

I really want to be used to serve God. This verse reminds me of the importance to take care of my body so I am healthy as I serve.

Unfortunately the way to happiness is sometimes through my lips. Now I've got several pounds of Christmas fudge to remove from my hips before my niece's wedding next month.

So no more fudge for me. It is off on my walk I go.

This devotional also reminds us that "complete surrender of every moment to God is the foundation of happiness; the superstructure is the joy of Communion with Him." P35

So I'm working on surrendering the moment right before that fudge hits my tongue and asking God for the willpower to stop. This self discipline helps firm up my foundation of happiness.

I sure hope there is fudge in heaven.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Devine Murfitt

The idea for this blog post is taken from the January 25 devotion in the God Calling book edited by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 18 Faith - Works

"Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

"True righteousness before God is linked to genuine faith in God. A proud person relies on self, power, position or accomplishment: a righteous person relies on the Lord." (The Nelson Study Bible Pg 1522)

Pride. Boy did I learn the hard way that relying on self didn't get me very far. Some of the worst decisions I've ever made were made with no trust that God could help me get to where I needed to be. I simply didn't want to believe His way was better so I ignored it.

Too often I went my own way and I found out the hard way which avenue was better.

Mighty deeds are accomplished when I live by faith in God. Not by faith in Gigi. Trusting that God's way is better becomes a necessary weapon in my arsenal against evil. It is the way I overcome the challenges of everyday life. It is a gift God gives me daily. It gets me through the tough times. I simply can't do it on my own. I've tried too many times on my own power. If just doesn't work. So I need to live by faith.

When I turn to God and get to know Him through prayer and Bible reading, my faith grows. And that faith gives me the power to do God's work. Because I want to be used by Him to accomplish His will in this nutty world. Genuine faith goes a long way.

God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi Murfitt


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 18 Devotional in the "God Calling" book compiled by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

 

Day 17 God’s Rush to Give

"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

This is one of the first Bible verses I memorized. It has helped me so many times when I've been going my own way. That's usually when I end up on a detour heading in the wrong direction.

God is rushing to give me what I need in every area of my life. I need to be still and listen so I can learn God's will for me. Then I need to be quick to do it. Trusting Him it is good medicine for worry and fret. His way is SO much better than mine!

I started to worry a bit today. I have to admit that I'm feeling vulnerable now that my Caregivers' Devotions to Go book is actually available for sale. Thinking about people paying to read my stories is rather scary. What if what I wrote doesn't inspire my reader? Will anybody want to read it?

I can easily take a worry detour but God is reminding me to get back on His path of trust.

This morning when I was praying I had a peace come over me about my book. I know that I'm doing what I've been called to do. I'm not going to lean on my own worry or fear about what people might think of what I wrote.

I set a goal many years ago to write this book.  I kept checking in and asking God for direction.  Over and again I sensed His instruction as I wrote each story.  I know I can trust God to use it all for His glory.

I loved the ending of this devotional from the God Calling book. "Persevere, Oh! Persevere. Never lose heart. All is well." 

Thanks for the reminder God. I needed it today! I persevered through the publishing of this book.  I did not lose heart. And all is well!

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

Caregivers' Devotions to Go can be ordered at my publisher's website at http://www.edmbookstore.com/  in the devotions to go section. I think the book will bless you!

The theme for this blog post was taken from the book "God Calling" by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 16 Friend in Drudgery

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Drudgery. I looked it up in the dictionary to get a better word picture because drudgery is not a word I commonly use. It means dull, menial, distasteful or hard work. All of those words can be part of our day. God is our friend in the drudgery.

So often we only look for God to appear in the big things in our life. But He is there in the day to day, dull or menial things too. He stands by as a friend in the hard work of every day life. He joins us in the things we need to persevere through. There isn't anything too hard for God. He is God over all.

So hang on. Understand that He cares about every little piece of the puzzle. He's big enough for the hard stuff as well as the small stuff. Spend some time sitting quietly before Him and ask Him to be the Lord of ALL. Ask Him to be your every day friend.

That is where I get my joy. Even when life is hard and there are some things I don't understand. I know that nothing is too difficult for God. He sticks closer than a brother and I trust His plan.
~
I continue to pray for the people of Haiti as rescue workers attempt to deliver aid. The effects of the earthquake hit closer to home when my son Zane emailed to tell me the sister of one of his college friends died in the rubble of the orphanage where she worked. My heart goes out to the Hightower family of Port Orchard, WA who lost their 22 year old daughter Molly. She was serving a year in Haiti helping the disabled and volunteering at an orphanage. I'm asking the Lord to be Lord over all that their family is going through. Please keep this family in your prayers.

I'm also praying for Chris Sahlman who just arrived in Haiti last week to serve at another orphanage. Thankfully Chris is okay and so are the children he works with. However, they are waiting for aid. He said the hardest part is the smell of death.

Oh God, I pray you will send ministering angels to meet the needs of everyone in Haiti today. Be merciful Oh God. I admit I don't understand it all. But I know You are there to help. Show yourself big. Let beauty come from these ashes – as you promise us in Scripture. (Isaiah 61) Thank You God that You love every one of us and you catch our tears in Your bottle. (Psalm 56:8) I trust in Your everlasting love that never fails. I ask for wisdom and revelation about where best to help. Heal our land Lord Jesus. Amen.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the devotional book "God Calling" by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 15 Relax

"Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18

This world is ever changing isn't it? The busy fast paced life can be scary some times. Why do we forget the power of Christ? Has fear or busyness stolen your peace?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we used the power of Christ every day of our lives? I think we'd relax! I know we'd have peace.

Have NO fear. Don't despair. Change is good when God's in charge of our lives.

Remember that God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He's got it covered when everything around us is changing.

Have you ever wondered why you are so busy? Is it perhaps because of fear?

I remember when our son Zane had surgery on his thyroid. He was only fifteen months old. It was scary. I stayed busy at work so I didn't have to deal with my fear as we approached the surgery. Thankfully everything turned out okay but I took no time to relax!

The same thing happened when Gabe was born. Our world was turned upside down and I was afraid of the future. So for a little while I buried myself in work. Steve did too. It was an easy escape in an attempt to make our uncertain times go away. But the reality was that my busyness didn't make it go away. It simply buried it only to resurface again.

In another season of my life that was particularly difficult, my mom was not doing well and I was arranging doctor appointments for her while trying to work full time and take care of our boys. At the same time Gabe needed surgery to repair his deformed ear canal. My sister was struggling and I was trying to get her some help. In the frenzy of trying to stay on top of it all I kept fear at bay by staying busy. Once again I buried my fear in a pile of paperwork.

I heard a great quote the other day by Joyce Meyer related to being busy. Joyce created a meaning for each letter in the word B-U-S-Y. Buried Under Satan's Yoke. That is where I was. I was living under a yoke of bondage.

Then one day a friend took my hand and placed it in the hand of Jesus and I gave him my busyness and my fear! I learned how much easier it was to live under God's power. I started to relax and enjoy life. Peace returned and life was good.

The next time you find yourself feeling too busy, or too afraid I hope you will take some time to relax and let the peace of God wash over you. Give him your burden's and receive His power!

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the January 15^th entry in the God Calling devotional by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 14 Mighty and Marvelous

"I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:13

When I have chosen to walk with God there is a profound sense of security.  The Holy Spirit comes into my life and the result of his work is mighty and marvelous. 

But too often I've chosen to go my own selfish ways.  My thoughts, words and actions are all selfish.  I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my day.  It can be a real struggle.  There is no peace or joy.  I've been down some pretty painful detours.  Been There.  Done that.  And now I'm writing a book about it!

When I choose to die to my own selfish ways on a daily basis, everything just seems to work out.  I move out of the way and God moves in.  He gives me the grace for the day and just enough light for the path I'm on.  Even in the midst of the struggles I have joy.  Even when I don't understand it all I have peace.

Sometimes all the things in this world are hard to understand.  It's a very weird place.  But daily God can give us the power to be victorious in this time and place.  When I walk with Him and listen for His voice and obey His commands, I get to see how glorious his teachings are.  They are unbelievably mighty and marvelous. 

Dying to yourself is worth it because "every blow to self is used to shape the real, eternal, imperishable you." (P24) We are being shaped for eternity.  Some days I just can't wait for heaven.  But I've got work to do here on earth.



Have a wonderful self-less day. 

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi Murfitt

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from page 24 of "God Calling" by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Happy Birthday to my niece Chelsea Beckwith who turns the big 2-0 today.  No longer a teen Chelsea.  We love you.  God's Blessing sent your way!

Day 12 Thanks for Trials

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today I'm thankful for trials because they have made me more flexible. Flexibility is important in our mind as well as our body. I've never been very flexible in my body and often have back pain because I don't stretch my muscles after exercise. Stretching indeed makes me more flexible and it is good for me.

God has used the trials in my life to stretch my faith. We all go through trials and sometimes they really hurt. If you haven't faced a trial you just might be dead. Life is full of trials. Our parents will age and die. A sibling might get sick. Relationships often go wrong. Divorce happens at breakneck speed. Jobs are lost. Financial difficulties arise. Children are born with disabilities. Marriage is not easy. Family members make poor choices. I could fill up this blog with a list of trials.

When things are hard I reach for God's hand rather than trying to do it on my own. For me, these trials have been fertile ground for God's seed to grow. In the midst of tough times I learn from the Bible, pray with friends and fellowship with other believers who can lift me up when I'm weary. I never have to go through it alone.

Lately it seems my prayer journal is loaded with prayers requests from people who are going through tough times. The enemy of our souls is in a full blown attack on our marriages and our children. Several of my friends are dealing with difficult issues involving their children's life choices. Parenting is definitely not for wimps. It is full of trials. But God is asking us to give thanks even in the middle of these struggles.

When I pray with my friends I give thanks for the things I believe God will do in the lives of these families. I don't dwell on the trial but I believe for the victory. I am reminded of the incredible power of Jesus which helps us triumph over every issue in our life. While giving thanks, the focus shifts and hope arises.

What trial are you thankful for today? Do you need me to pray with you for something going on in your life? I hope you'll share it so we can thank God together and believe in hope that God will work it out for good.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt

www.GigiMurfitt.com

The idea for this blog came from the "God Calling" book by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 11 The Ache of Love

"And the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." John 10:4

This particular devotion is chock full of wonderful things to ponder. I hope you have a chance to pick up a copy of "God Calling" by A.J. Russell (Published by Barbour Publishing) so you can work through each day's message on your own. I work through a devotion in my journal in the morning and let it simmer all day long while I work and play. Then in the evening I write my blog post.

I've found that I really hear from God on things I'm working through when I spend time meditating on it during the day. I'm a thinker. I mull things over in my brain before I am willing to talk about them. It drives my husband crazy because he's always wondering what I'm thinking. But I find it best to spend time thinking and meditating before I formulate a comment or opinion. Otherwise I speak too soon and get myself in trouble. My foot doesn't taste very good when I have to open my mouth and insert it.

With such a rich devotion today I had a hard time choosing what to blog about. I've come up with a bullet list of things so you can take them and meditate on them on your own.

• God has unlimited stores for my needs.
  
• Seek God's Truth and you will find it.
  
• Even in silence God is present and speaking to you.
  
• Jesus is the light of the world. Sometimes he gives you just enough light for the day.
  
• When we get to heaven we will get the whole revelation of everything that went on in our lives. Rest in knowing that.
  
• Today's marching orders are all you need. God gives you the strength for today. Come back tomorrow for more strength. Day by day.
  
• Don't let the babble of the world crowd out God's voice.
  
• You have been hurt. God sees the pain. He leaves the scar as a reminder. God likes to use scarred lives.
  
• Don't freak if you are being disciplined. It's inevitable.
  
• Trust God always. Never rebel.

My favorite quote from this devotion brought tears to my eyes. "The trust given to Me (the Lord) today, takes away the ache of rejection of My love, that I suffered on earth, and have suffered through the ages. "I died for you, My children, and could ye treat Me so?" (P21 God Calling by A.J. Russell)

I have to ask. Do I treat Him like I know He died for me? Oh God forgive me when I take your sacrifice for granted. Let me never forget the ache of love.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

My friend Karen recently gave me the words to an amazing song by Sara Groves. It came to me at the perfect time to minister to my heart as I work through the transition to the empty nest – where this mamma bird misses her baby birdies a whole bunch – and Steve and I are learning a whole new language as we work it all out. The song is on Sara Grove's "Add to The Beauty" CD. The song title is "When It Was Over". I encourage you to download the song on iTunes. The chorus is my favorite:

Love wash over a multitude of things.

Love wash over a multitude of things.

Jesus save us from a multitude of things.

Make us whole.

There is a love that never fails

There is a healing that always prevails

There is a hope that whispers it loud

A promise to wait while we're working it out

So come with your love and wash over us.

Oh life is so much fun when God's love washes over me! Thanks Karen, this song ministered to my heart more than you know!

The idea for this blog was taken from the book "God Calling" by A.J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing. I've been blogging each day as I work through this devotional book. I highly recommend you purchase a copy for you and one for a friend.

PS. For those of you who get an email of my blog forgive me if you get multiple posts. I'm trying to work out some issues with spacing and I think it might be sending it out again. If you have ideas on how to stop this please let me know! And accept my apology if you receive more than one email.

Day 10 Influence

"I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

Abundant life. Plentiful. Copious. Rich. Isn't it what we all want? How many different ways do we try to achieve abundant life on our own? Jesus came for the very reason to give it to us – as a free gift. Free to those who will open it. Free to those who believe. There is nothing I want more than to know that my loved ones live abundant lives because Christ has come into their world and influenced them.

God came to me. When I gave my life to Him he gave me eternal life. This life altered my whole existence. Even the words I speak and the influences I have were affected when God came near. Everything has an eternal impact as it springs from Christ in me. I need to be careful what I do and what I say because it could change a life forever. Every person I meet can be influenced for eternity.

Wow, that's a weighty thought isn't it? But it's true. The Gospel of Grace is available to all. And how we love one another brings Grace on the scene. I want to live a life of influence every single day of my life. So I think I'll continue to walk in grace. How about you?

As we begin a new week I pray grace and peace over your life. I pray you will ask the Lord to use you powerfully to influence one person tomorrow. I'd love it if you would share with a comment on my blog that one person God put in your path.

Have a blessed week. God bless your heart!

Gigi

www.GigiMurfitt.com

PS – Sending a shout out to my friend Julie Anderson. We celebrated at her 50^th birthday party tonight with an award ceremony. (Her actually birthday was in December but that gets all mixed up with Christmas so her kids held her party tonight. Good thinking!) All of her friends and family spoke highly of her ability to make people laugh and to be a loyal friend. Happy Birthday Julie – I celebrate you.

(The idea for this blog was taken from the book "God Calling" by A.J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing)

Day 8 Love Bangs the Door

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever." Psalm 125:1

I thought the title of this devotional was rather strange. Love Bangs the Door. But what it said to me was that sometimes when the door bangs shut on something in my life, it is the love of God closing it so He can open a different way for me. Paul learned the lesson of the closed door when he said "our light affliction, which but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (P18 God Calling) Sometimes the trials we face are nothing compared to the plan God has in store for using it for His glory.

"Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace in difficulties." When I read today's message I immediately thought of my mom. In the midst of some harsh difficulties she had peace. Most of the time. As she got older her peace turned to anxiousness. What caused the change?

After many conversations with her I believe at some point she stopped trusting that God promised to work it all out for good. Fear crept in. She lost her joy when she focused on what was wrong rather than what was right.

Focusing on the negative gets us in trouble every time. I'm not saying we should ignore the challenges as if they don't exist. But I believe when we trust the acceptance of God's will for us we have peace and joy and we will not be moved.

In my own life I've had seasons where I started to lose hope. Just recently I received word that an agent chose not to represent me. Sure I was disappointed but it's not the end of the world. I will not lose heart. By faith I choose to trust that God is for me and not against me. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. Over and again I believe that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28) I ask every day what my next move will be. I listen quietly for the next door to open as I continue to write with hope.

God Bless your heart. Have a great weekend!

Gigi Murfitt

www.GigiMurfitt.com