Friends, I want to introduce you to one of my favorite authors. Catherine Galasso-Vigorito is a truly inspiring and uplifting writer who you need to know! I am honored to welcome her as the first in my posts in the Inspiring Women Series for 2013. This is the first of two parts. This is a wonderful guest post for the New Year and next week I will be sharing Part two which will be an interview! I found Catherine’s book “A New You” a few years back and fell in love with her wonderful style of sharing faith based wisdom. Catherine has just released a brand new book called The Open Window: 8 Weeks To Creating An Extraordinary Life which I am hoping to read soon! Details are below. It is my honor and pleasure to introduce you to the lovely Catherine Galasso-Vigorito.
“But this thing I did command them: Listen to and obey My voice,
and I will be your God and you will be My people;
and walk in the whole way that I command you, that it may be well with you” (Jeremiah 7:23).
There was once a man who brought love, joy and hope to everyone around him. Although the man had his share of challenges, he was always optimistic, and daily looked for ways that he could be a blessing to other people.
One afternoon, an acquaintance who had observed all the good the man had done in his community, questioned him, “How are you always so helpful and happy? What is the secret to your continual joy and optimism?”
The man smiled at his acquaintance. And with an angelic-like voice, the man spoke, “My mother was a great positive force in my life. When I was a young boy, my mother asked me to make her a promise.”
“Well,” the man continued, “I probed, ‘Mom, what is it? What do you want me to promise?’ But, my mother wouldn’t say anything until I gave her my word that I would always carry out what she asked.”
The acquaintance hung on the man’s every word, waiting in anticipation, anxious to hear the rest of his story. “So,” recalled the man, “I assured my mother that I would do as she requested and she looked at me with love in her eyes and said, ‘All I ask is that you promise me that you’ll start your day with God.’
With tears in his eyes, the man declared, “Carrying out the promise that I made to my mother has completely changed my outlook on life, for starting the day with God is the secret to my joy.”
Each day is a gift. So let’s spend a few minutes each morning giving thanks to God. Let us devote time praising Him, pondering on the great things God has done in our lives, and all the joys, friendships, and opportunities that await in our futures. In the Bible, there’s a narrative of two sisters named Mary and Martha. One day, Jesus stopped by their home to visit. Instead of visiting with Jesus, Martha was actively working around the house; while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him talk.
Martha objected to the fact that she was left to do all the work and was frustrated that her sister, Mary, was not helping her. Hence, Martha went to Jesus and complained, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10: 38-42). What Mary chose to do was of more importance. For all that was needed to be done, was to sit at His feet and hear His Word.
Accordingly:
· Take time to pray: God loves you. He hears your prayers and wants to give you the desires of your heart. Today can be a new beginning. Thus, ask boldly and believe for new blessings in the days to come. God is leading you forward to your breakthrough, and He is with you every step of the way. John 14:14 says, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
· Meditate on God’s Word: Choose a short passage and throughout the day think about its meaning. You have the potential to accomplish great things, and you’re close to seeing your dreams come to pass, so don’t give up now. Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful…”
· Call to mind past experiences of God’s faithfulness: If God has brought you through difficulties before, God’s goodness will carry you through successfully again. God has not finished His work; He has more in store for you. Hebrews 10:32 says, “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”
In spite of what you are facing, trust that God will come through for you. Do your part, giving your best effort, and then put your confidence in Him. For with God, all things are possible, even during a moment in time when your hopes and dreams for your life seem distant.
A dear friend of mine recently had some medical tests and the results were cause for concern. After he heard the adverse health news, he refused to give into worry. Rather, he followed the doctor’s recommendations and remained his same positive self, keeping his thoughts and words faith-filled and optimistic. A few weeks later, when my friend returned to the doctor’s office for an examination, he was told that his new tests came back normal. The doctor said, “Whoever your angel is, keep him! And continue doing what you’re doing!” Overjoyed, my friend exclaimed with thankfulness, “What I do, is pray to God every morning.”
Daily, take hold of the peace, joy and victory that God can provide. Trust His capable hands. Praise and bless everything and everyone. There are amazing possibilities ahead. And this joy will last and last and… last.
The Open Window 8 Weeks To Creating An Extraordinary Life
America’s bestselling author and inspirational columnist Catherine Galasso-Vigorito brings practical Biblical advice and true, modern-day stories to serve as illuminating encouragement in the face of life’s challenges.
Filled with encouraging true stories, rich Biblical passages, and pragmatic words of wisdom, The Open Window provides workable suggestions and concrete ways to help deal with the challenges of life. This unique devotional offers strengthening principles for difficult circumstances, as well as stories of encouragement that reveal how times of adversity can become windows of opportunity—if we can see that a window is open.
Featuring eight weeks of daily guidance, The Open Window will show how, with faith and trust in God, one can take focused steps to look beyond present difficulties and find the Light that is shining inside. In a captivating voice, Catherine Galasso-Vigorito shares personal moments from her own life as intimate examples of persistence. Recommended for individual or group study.
*Free Downloadable Teachers Guide available Here: Turner Publishing-Guide
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Enthusiastically, Dawn 
4 responses to “Start Each Day with God {Inspiring Women Series: Catherine Galasso-Vigorito}”
Your blog is beautiful. Your post is very inspiring. The cover of the book is lovely.
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Oh. my. goodness!!! I almost freaked out at the kitchen table over here. Years ago, one of our local newspapers used to carry her column and I used to look forward to and LOVE reading it. She was SO encouraging and inspiring. I was pretty sad when the newspaper no longer carried her column. I wondered what had happened to Catherine. Ummm…should it surprise me now that YOU, my BBFF, should begin the new year with a blog featuring Catherine? And a resounding NO! was heard along the East coast!Happy New Year, sweet friend, and thank you for the inspiring post today. Just amazing. ❤
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Great post.
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You have a wonderful blog!! I'm your newest follower from the “Social Weekend” blog hop – this is my blog if you wanted to follow back: godsgrowinggarden.comThanksAngie
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