Moments with God Giveaway with Thais VanGinHoven; A Cancer Survivor

Here I am in Michigan–snowed in again!

A perfect day to make a big pot of hot soup, some crusty, hearty bread and curl up with a good book.

In the pot?

Hamburger Soup; a veggie-laden savory contribution from my friend Pam that was published in my latest book.

On the bread board?

Homemade honey-whole-wheat. Hot out of the oven with a tad bit of butter.

In my hands?

A wonderful book by a cancer-survivor and lover of God, my sister-in-love, Thais VanGinHoven.

Thais VanGinhoven is a breast cancer survivor. She is also a mother, dental hygienist, writer, speaker, artist, and friend.

Her pursuit is to bring glory to the name of God through her daily life and the telling of her story. She believes that as long as she is alive God must not be finished with her yet. Thais lives in southwest Michigan.

Okay…that was her professional bio. Now for the real scoop!

Thais (pronounced Ty-ese as in Thai food) is the oldest sister of my husband Todd. The “funnest” Aunt around, as my kids say, she can often be found on some wacky adventure, quietly riding her horse or encouraging a hurting soul.

Quite the cook, like all three of Todd’s sisters, she makes the absolute BEST appetizers—usually laden with some fancy cheese (an Ehman trademark) and bakes one killer white-chocolate raspberry cheese cake (also in my latest book). She has a knack for decorating, for making you feel as if you’ve known her all your life and for turning tragedy and adversity into opportunites for growth.

Perhaps this amazing lady ‘s life philosophy can be best summed up by the sign that hangs in her quaint 1880’s farmhouse (the former Heinz Pickle Farm’s overseer’s residence):

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-pressed body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, ‘Whoo-hoo! what a ride’ “ :-)

Thais recently published her first book Moments With God; Diaries of a Cancer Survivor.

I’ll never forget the day we got the call.

Thais had breast cancer, but it didn’t have her. Not for one moment!

Fast forward 8 years. She has lived through not only the cancer, but also an unwanted divorce that cost her the dream house she lived in and her comfortable, county-club lifestyle.

Soon after she found herself alone, she suffered a severe brain injury from a fall and had both her adult children move states away just as her divorce was final.

Thais was forced to start her life over again, finding and adjusting to a new “normal”.

Through it all, she kept a journal. That journal is now her book!

To be entered to win a signed copy of this encouraging volume along with a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card (to buy your own journal or to use at their coffee house) simply leave a comment here today.

Tell us, if YOU could write a book, what would it be? Fiction? A memoir? A self-help book?

I FIRMLY believe everyone has a story within them. What would yours be? Or what would you write about if you could? If time is tight, simply say “I’m in!”

And would you please hop over to Thais’ site too and leave a comment on her blog?

I would so love that!

But be sure to leave your comment here too for the giveaway!

I’ll see you back here on Wednesday!

Cancer-kicking Blessings,

123 Comments

  1. What an amazing faith story Thais has to share – I can’t imagine the struggles she has been through. And to share those struggles and use them to become a better person…wow; strong! If I were to write a book, I think it would be for young children. I love to rhyme and make things up; it would be fun to put all those things down on paper for little ones.

  2. Well, mine would be a God’s help book (not self-help) as I think I’ve finally come to the realization that I cannot do it without Him. Every time I’ve gone through a tough time, I’ve thought “Does God want to use me through this to help others?” But apparently, I’ve not been ready yet… After my Dad’s suicide, I turned away from God. Through all the major clinical depression, I kinda reached out to him and then went back to depending on myself. Now, through my husband’s infidelity, and fighting back from the brink of divorce, I have finally come to realize that I can’t do it without HIM! With him as my focus, is the only way I will be able to survive. I think I got it now! Is this it Lord? Please tell me there isn’t anymore. But help me to keep my focus on you and continue to give you all the glory for all I have come through. I’d love to read about your sister-in-law’s story. I’m not sure how He wants to use what I’ve been through, but I am willing. -Dory

  3. I would love to read Thais’ book! I enjoy writing and am waiting for God to lay the right topic on my heart. Possibly image of ones self through Gods eyes instead of through the eyes of the world.

  4. If I was to write a book it would be my prayer journel book on how I incorporate the bible verses with my prayers to God. And how he transformed my life, supernaturally thru Christ in my life. This is encouraging my spirit within me, Thank-you for the chance to win the book, each day we can choose to live the life Jesus has called us to, in Him. Blessings!

  5. I would write a fiction book-I’ve always enjoyed writing but just for me….nothing I’ve tried to publish….yet :)

  6. Thank Go we don’t all write books, but my thoughts go like this:
    My latest book would be…! What I have is a list of book titles: “foxhhole friends”, “did a christian just do that?”, “Am I living in a parallel universe”. I find that sarcasm works now and then.

  7. This sounds so incredible! Such an inspiration! I’m so excited to be entered to win this! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the opportunity! Have a Very Blessed Day!!!

  8. Love it! I would love to write a book helping women see their incredible worth in Christ and how they can reach their full potential for him in whatever God has called them to do. :)

  9. I have lots of memories to tell how God’s hand has been in our lives, but I’m not a real good with putting things down in a book form. Just not lead to write one yet. I’d love to read Thias’ book on her walk with the Lord through her life with cancer.
    Joann

  10. If I were to write a book (which I have been told often that I should), it would likely be a memoir book about my life, and the struggles I have gone through and survived but for the GRACE of God. :) Thank you for sharing with us about Thais’ story.

  11. Mine would end up being a comedy about the crazy situations I have found myself in over the years, that we can finally look back and laugh.

  12. I’ve always enjoyed children’s books and have commented on how I wish I had the talent to write them. Books can be such a great way to bond with your child. Thanks Karen for sharing your sister-in-law’s story with us this definetly sounds like a story we should all read!

  13. I am struggling with a recent separation from my husband, raising 3 kids the youngest has behavioral issues and he is a toddler. I would love to win this book!

  14. Good morning! I really would love a positive book in regards to someone who has an illness. I’m struggling to get through my mom’s cancer and my husband’s hepatitis C…please pray for my mom, Barbara, and my husband, John. Thank you.

  15. Please count me in for the give away. What a beautiful introductory story to Thais’ testimonial book. I’d love to share this book with my sister who is courageously battling breast cancer (stage 4) right now.
    I think if I ever write a book it could be called, “Hold on For the Ride, and Don’t Forget Your Toolbox”, It would be a combination of personal stories, encouragement for the weary, and suggestions for those in the body of Christ who want to know how to keep on keepin’ on.

  16. I am so very proud of you, Thais. Your preseverence, strong faith (and growing every day). You are a true testament to anyone going through adversity. Keep up sharing your story with the world. Love Erin (your sister)

  17. I would love to read more about this Christian sister. I fight my way out of depression every day. Some days I do better than others, but I am always trying! It isn’t always apparent to others how hard I’m trying. But seeing no action on my part doesn’t mean there’s no desperate attempt going on inside. Thank you for the encouragement I’ve already received here today.

  18. If I had the chance to write a book, it would be a children’s book. I was blessed to be able to home school my children and I think it would be fun to write about all the precious moments we had together.

    I would really love to read this inspiring book! Count me in! Thanks so much for sharing!

  19. I have had thoughts of writing a book about the ordeals we’ve been through with our adopted daughter… struggles with high functioning autism, self-injury, depression, allergies and most recent medical issues. It will need to be in the future because we are still in the middle of some of it. God is walking with us through these trials.

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