Katie Ganshert, Author at Katie Ganshert

Friday Faves

Posted on October 12, 2012October 11, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

Chin-Grabbers for Everyone:

Why You Need to Finally Face the Fear of Failure by Tim Sinclair
Do you have goals or dreams? Then consider this a must-read post. I especially like it because facing fear is a big issue in my upcoming novel, Wishing on Willows.

God is in the Right Now by Melissa Tagg
Wise, wise words about the significance of today. God doesn’t time-travel. He works in the present.

When You’re Up Against a Glass Ceiling by Lina Abujamra
Have you been striving for that one thing but can’t seem to accomplish it? Simple, yet sage advice from Lina.

Mopping Haiti and My Heart is Hot by Jen Hatmaker
Here’s what I want to know? Is it possible to read a Jen Hatmaker post and NOT get teary? Both of these made me want to go to Haiti. Adopt from Haiti. Do something with Haiti. The least we can do is sponsor a child. And in case you doubt sponsoring a child does all that much, check out the second link.

Sandpaper People by Robin Dance on (in)Courage
We all have difficult relationships in our lives. Can you imagine the difference it would make if we believed God was accomplishing a Kingdom work inside us through the difficulty?

Redefining Success by Jessica R. Patch
What is the meaning of success? Perhaps it’s not what we think it is.

Wow by Olivia Ryan
Olivia is a new friend from church and even though this post is a few weeks old, I have to share! Because oh my goodness, is it ever powerful! Especially if you are a woman who has ever or is struggling with infertility OR you believe you deserve something you don’t already have.

Here’s a snippet: “Oh how we long to be ‘happy’! We think we know what will make us happy too…but isn’t it so true that when you get what you want you soon become unsatisfied again?”

Can I get an Amen?

This post goes hand-in-hand with Wednesday’s post, It’s All Extra. God gave us everything on that cross, everything. Yet so often, He chooses to give us beyond everything. Is that not cause for rejoicing? Should we not dance and shout and celebrate this glorious, joy-giving God?

Chin-Grabbers for Writers:

When Should I Launch My Author Website? by Thomas Umstattd on Author Media.
It might be earlier than you think. “Results take time. Plant early. Hoe often.”

Does an Author Need to Have a Big Ego? by Chip MacGregor
According to Chip, failure does not test our character nearly as much as success does. So….should I start praying for God to test my character? 😉 Seriously, there’s a lot of great stuff in this post.

Something’s Gotta Give on Seekerville
How do you make time for what’s important? What do you do when you’re afraid to fail? Here is some very practical advice.

Let’s Talk: Any good posts you’d like to share from the week? Any cares, concerns, or celebrations?

It’s All Extra

Posted on October 10, 2012October 8, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

In church on Saturday evening, I sang these words…

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bow to none but heavens will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer’s crown
No burden great can hold you down
In strength you reign
Forever let your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake!
Come and rise up from the grave

And the only thing I could think was that it’s all extra.

In light of the cross and His obedience and the empty tomb and the torn veil…

All the rest is like this really amazing, but unnecessary bonus.

My husband and my son. Our house. Ryan’s job. Our health and our church, family and friends and my writing career.

It’s all just extra.

Because what Christ did on that cross? That is everything.

He defeated death.

He broke the chains and offered redemption for all that is broken and lost.

People most especially.

So often we think we need, or God forgive us, deserve something more.

Like a spouse or a child or a book deal or a promotion or a certain level of comfort and prosperity.

But man….

I know this sounds cliche and all kinds of cheesy, but the only thing we really need–the one thing we certainly don’t deserve–is Him and that empty tomb.

That is life and joy and freedom.

Everything else–every good and perfect (or perfecting) gift–is simply proof of His generosity.

Oh Lord, that You would plant this truth in our hearts. May we come awake.

Let’s Talk: Do you ever fall into the trap of thinking God is holding things back from you?

Finding the Time

Posted on October 8, 2012October 7, 2012 by Katie Ganshert

When people find out I’m an author and I write novels, they usually want to know how in the world I have the time.

I mean, I have a kid at home. I have a husband. We’re adopting (which is a time-consuming endeavor). I’m involved at church.

When do I have the time to sit down and write words?

Beth Vogt wrote a post a few weeks ago that featured a quote from Lucille Ball. “I think knowing what you cannot do is more important than knowing what you can.” And the post completely resonated.

Because THIS is why I have time.

There are so many things non-writing mama’s probably do that I just…..don’t.

I don’t iron.

I don’t garden.

I don’t dust unless absolutely necessary.

I don’t scrapbook.

I don’t volunteer at my son’s preschool.

I don’t do MOPS or other mommy-groups.

I don’t buy new blinds for my son’s room even though his have been broken for two months.

I don’t garage sale or refinish furniture or cook gourmet meals or go all-natural. We’re all about preservatives in this household.

I don’t keep a meticulous home or do cross fit (all the rage, I hear) or paint my nails or watch TV.

I do laugh and play with my child. I do love on my husband. I do make family dinners (even if it’s only grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and oven-cooked french fries). I do spend time with God. I do socialize on occasion. I do keep my house livable.

Realizing all the things I cannot do and accepting these limitations is why I can write novels.

Let’s Talk: What are some things you choose not to do? What do you do in place of them?

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