Category: Faith

The Hunger Games and Sacrifice

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

When I saw this trailer for the first time, I got all emotional. 

It struck a major chord.

Especially that scene. The one where Prim’s name is picked.

All of a sudden, she’s destined to go to the arena and fight to the death. 

And we see this little girl – this skinny little bit of a girl – and we know she doesn’t stand a chance. She’s not strong enough. She’s going to die.

Then comes that emotionally charged moment.

When Katniss, Prim’s older sister, screams, “I volunteer!”

You see, somebody has to go. A tribute is required. Prim is destined. 

But Katniss takes her place.

And all of a sudden, there is hope. Because while Prim was weak and didn’t stand a chance. Katniss is strong. We know she could win. 

Katniss takes Prim’s place. 

Katniss sacrifices herself so Prim can live.

Does this sound familiar to anyone else?

Let’s Talk: Have you watched or read The Hunger Games? Does that scene make you as emotional as it makes me?

Creating Buzz and Spreading Hope

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

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

Because I have an idea that will hopefully:

If you read my post this past Monday about keeping things simple, then you can understand why this makes me so excited.
 
Inception
 
In early February, I published a post titled Beauty from Pain and I asked readers to share a “beauty from pain” story in their life. To say the comments left me encouraged and uplifted would be a giant understatement.

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.
 

All For Glory

Posted on by Katie Ganshert

God is passionate for His glory.

Scripture tells us that He is zealous for his holy name. (Ezk 39:25) 

I have a confession.

This used to make me a little uncomfortable.

Because when it comes to us, seeking our own glory, being intensely interested in our own fame and honor, is…well…off-putting. We usually call these people egomaniacs or narcissists. 

I was using the motivations of the human heart to understand God and it wasn’t working. 

But then, one Sunday morning, our worship arts pastor said something that stuck.

God’s glory is our good.

I’m pretty sure I spent the rest of the sermon pondering that truth. Rolling is around in my mind and in my heart.

God is jealous for His glory because His glory is good.

His glory fills us with awe and wonder. 

His glory leads us to repentance and faith. 

He deserves all praise and all honor. And in the act of giving Him what’s due His name, we are brought to life.

Because the zeal He has for His glory goes hand in hand with the passionate consuming love He has for us.

Let’s Talk: Have you had any epiphanies lately? Has anyone said anything that struck you as profound and filled with truth? If so, please share!

On Friday, I’m announcing something I’ve been super excited about. It’s one of those things that could be really GREAT or it could flop. Won’t know until I try! Make sure to tune in for the announcement!