Katie Ganshert, Author at Katie Ganshert

Another Year, Another Word

Posted on January 2, 2012December 31, 2011 by Katie Ganshert

I love reflecting on the old year. I love anticipating the new. And my favorite way to do this is with two words.

One that summarizes the old. One that predicts the new.

I started doing this two years ago after being inspired by fellow blogger Tamika Eason.

If you want, you can read my 2010 New Year’s Post and my 2011 New Year’s Post.

Here’s a brief recap:

2009’s word: Growth

I grew a lot. As a believer and as a writer.

2010’s word: Surrender

I learned what it means to surrender my dreams to Him and find freedom and joy on the other side.

2011’s prediction: Anticipation

Which has been pretty accurate. Much of 2011 has been spent anticipating the release of my debut novel.

But I think there is a better word. One that is more all-encompassing.

2011’s word: Trust

Because in 2011, I quit my job.

I won’t lie. It was more than slightly terrifying. People would often say, “You’re so lucky you can afford to do that.” But here’s the thing.

We couldn’t!

We lost half our income. An income that helped pay the bills. We also lost the benefits that come with being a teacher. Namely, cheap health insurance. Yet the more we prayed, the stronger we felt God calling us in this direction.

So we crunched numbers. We changed our lifestyle. We turned into minimalists. And we stepped out in faith. Trusting that where God leads, He’ll also provide.

In 2011, we decided to adopt.

Which is also more than slightly terrifying. Especially in light of the job quitting. But we couldn’t ignore God’s prompting. So we filled out the application. We were accepted. And now we’re on a road that will lead to our future son or daughter. We chose to trust. Even though financially, it makes no sense.

In 2011, God has shown himself as Yahweh-Yireh (Provider) in our lives.

We’re trusting He will continue to do so as we trust and obey.

2012’s prediction: Change

This time next year, not only will I will be an author with one book on the shelves and another on the way, Ryan and I will be getting ready to fly to the opposite side of the world to unite with the newest member of our family.

Change is in the air.

Let’s Talk: If you had to summarize your 2011 in one word, what would it be? What do you predict 2012’s word will be?

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 23, 2011December 19, 2011 by Katie Ganshert

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

Be blessed as you celebrate this Christmas. This baby. This King. This God who put on flesh to rescue His beloved creation. Emmanuel.

I’m taking a break next week to enjoy the holidays. See you in 2012!

Let’s Talk: How do you celebrate Christmas? Tell me about your traditions!

We’re Expecting! (With a Twist)

Posted on December 21, 2011December 21, 2011 by Katie Ganshert

God sets the lonely in families. This is what Psalms 68:6 tells us. And this is the promise Ryan and I are clinging to as we step into the unsettled, slightly unknown waters of adoption.

If you were to ask us six months ago if we’d ever adopt, we’d probably respond with something like, “We love the idea, but it’s not for us.” It felt like too much work. Too much money. Too much time. Too much risk. Too much unknown.

It’s amazing what God can do with two hearts in the course of six months.

Because here we are. Adopting. Our hearts united. Filled with excitement and anticipation to meet our newest son or daughter.

The orphan crisis is a global one. It’s not a problem unique to America, or Ethiopia, or China, or any other country. But everywhere in the world, there are children without parents. We strongly believe we should go where we’re called. And after much prayer and research, we feel called to the Congo. It’s a country ravaged by war, poverty, and AIDS. It’s a country with a great need. A country with many orphans.

Sadly, adoption is expensive.

There is a plethora of legal, travel, and medical fees involved. When all is said and done, our adoption will cost somewhere around $25,000. We know that sounds crazy. But we also know God has a special heart for the orphan and He calls us to take care of them in their distress. We are choosing to trust that where He leads, He will also provide.

Only how can He provide if we don’t extend an invitation for people to come alongside us on this journey?

So here it is. Our invitation.

If you’re feeling led, there are several ways you can help us bring one of these little ones into our family:

Consider donating. We have a savings account set up for our adoption. All money will go directly into this account and every little bit helps. We have a PayPal Donate button on the side bar. If you’d rather send a check, please shoot me an email (katie@katieganshert.com) and I will happily give you our address.

Commit to praying. This is huge. We will need prayer warriors. Prayer for our child in the Congo. Prayer for us as we jump into the insane busyness that comes with adoption. Prayer for peace, provision, and protection.

We are planning to have a trivia night/silent auction in June. More details on this will come. But if God has blessed you with a service you can provide or a gift you can give, please consider donating this for the auction.

A significant cost will involve two round-trip plane ticks to the Congo. So if you have air miles, we would be happy to take those off your hands!

This is a crazy journey. One we’d love for you to be a part of. One I’ll be blogging about right here. In fact, I’ve already started. You can follow our adoption journey by clicking on the link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and hear our hearts. Thank you so much for your love and support. It means the world to us.

Be blessed this Christmas season. We’re hoping that around this time next year, we’ll be preparing to welcome a new member into our family! We can’t wait to share that moment with all of you!