Author: Katie Ganshert

I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it.

Because I have an idea that will hopefully:

• Bring God glory
• Bless others
• Create buzz 

There is something incredibly beautiful about these stories. 

God bringing beauty from pain. God bringing life from that which feels dead.

So many people have stories like this. And every single one touches something deep in my heart. It’s no surprise, then, that I would explore this theme in my debut novel. It’s no surprise that the very title speaks to this truth.

That the snowiest of winters bring about an abundance of wildflowers come springtime.  

Nature’s testimony that God can use what seems dead and cold and lifeless to bring about something breathtakingly beautiful. 

While reading your comments, an idea was born….

An idea that would celebrate the work God has done and is doing. I want us to shout it from the rooftops. And I want to offer much, much hope to those who are currently going through a barren season in their life. 

The Idea

Every Friday in April, a guest is going to share their real-life “wildflowers from winter” story. 

Four amazing women who I greatly respect and deeply admire. Four women who are living testimonies that God can bring beauty from the deepest of hurts. I can’t wait for you to read their stories.

The Celebration

Then, on May 4th, I’m inviting you to share your “wildflowers from winter” story.

Not on my blog, but on yours. If you don’t have a blog, no worries. You can post your story on Facebook.

I will gather all the links and put them together in one blog post.

Everyone who participates will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com (winner’s choice). 

To be entered, all you have to do is:

• Write about a time God brought beauty from a painful situation in your life or in the life of somebody you know.
• Include a link to my blog or my Wildflowers from Winter book page (your choice). 
• Publish your post on Thursday, May 3rd or Friday, May 4th. 
• Email me the link (katie@katieganshert.com) or paste the link in a comment. 
• If you don’t have a blog, you can post your story on Facebook and link to my blog.

I have some copies of my book I’d be happy to give away on blogs. So if you’d like to host a give away when you post your “wildflowers from winter” story, just let me know! 

Spreading the Word 

There are people who are grieving or depressed or hurting and they wonder if life will ever be good again. This could be a great opportunity to lift our voices and offer them hope.

There are so many amazing stories out there. Real life stories that need to be told.

Would you consider telling yours?

And would you  help spread the word?

On Facebook. On Twitter (#WildflowersfromWinter). Even emailing this post to friends or family. 

Easy Tweet suggestions:

• Has God brought beauty from something painful in your life? Offer hope to others: http://bit.ly/HrFmid #WildflowersfromWinter
• Celebrate hope and healing on May 4th! God can bring great beauty from pain: http://bit.ly/HrFmid #JesusTweeters

I hope this will be a great time of celebration. Make sure to tune in next Friday to welcome our first guest as she talks about hope after abandonment.

Let’s Talk: How about a blast from the past? Remember 3 C’s? I’d love to read any cares, concerns, and celebrations you have today. If you have any questions about this post, please ask them here.