Things that have made  a difference in my life... 

As you travel down the path God has put before you, look for opportunities to bless others.
God wants you to share your heart, your wisdom and your experiences to help to others.

Testimonies
Written by the Artist in 2003

One of my past Sunday School teachers and a dear friend speaks at Christian Women Conventions.  There are some stories that Kim Crabel has shared that I’ll never forget that has really made a difference in my life. One of them was about her son. She said that when he was little she noticed something was wrong so she asked, “Trey, what’s the matter?”  Like most kids, his response was, “Nothing.”  Trey didn’t realize that talking about his problem might make him feel better. And if he would only talk about his situation his mother might be able to give him some valuable advice.

Kim realized that Trey had a hard time opening up and he might be willing to talk if she approached him in a more caring and spiritual way. So she put Trey on her lap, wrapped her arms around him and asked, “Trey, what hurts your heart?”  By approaching her son this way he opened up to share with his mother what was bothering him.

Sometimes we have things that concern us about our loved ones but it may be uncomfortable to talk about it. If we pray about something and it stays with us after a period of time, I believe God will show us when and how to talk about it. Kim's story helped me realize that we need to let our feelings out. It also helped to know how to open the door to conversation when someone is hurting. Ask for God’s advice and direction, then follow through with what He puts on your heart. 

Even though I terribly miss my parents, I can be at peace knowing that they are both safe in the loving arms of Jesus. One of Mom’s favorite songs that she loved to sing around the house was, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken, By and By Lord, By and By? There’s a Better Home a Waiting, In the Sky Lord, in the Sky.”

Above all things that I could ever ask for, I pray that my loved ones and those of you reading this letter have taken the time to do the most important thing in your life. Have you got your Eternal Life in order? If not, I pray that you will hear God speaking to your heart through these words. 

A year before cancer took his life, Dad was in the hospital waiting to hear from Dr. Hammer in the Springfield, IL Hospital.  I thank my Father in Heaven for the opportunity He gave me to lead my Earthly Father to Christ. It totally took me out of my comfort zone but I knew that this was not about me.  It was about being used as an instrument on Dad’s behalf and for those who Dad would soon leave behind.

I was at home in Georgia doing my morning workout while I was in prayerful thought for Dad waiting for a phone call to hear what Dr. Hammer had to say so that I could make the necessary arrangements to go be with him. In the middle of my exercise, I was stopped in my tracks. God said to tell Dad, “There’s something more important than what the doctor’s have to say…..and more important than what’s wrong with you…… and even more important than how long you have to live…..and that’s whether or not you know Me.” 

I was hoping that I had called him before the doctor came in but it was God’s will that I call right when the doctor was breaking the news. I broke down and could barely speak by now, and was shaking like a leaf, but I had to tell him what God said. I also told him, Daddy, don’t you want to know that when your time is up here on this earth that your home will be waiting for you in Heaven? I can’t bear the thought of loosing you and not knowing that you have things right with the Lord.” 

Even though Dad’s answer was YES with no hesitation, I was asking God to let me know that he was not just responding this way to go along with what I was saying. I needed to know that Dad was answering God’s calling and not mine. So at that very moment Dad let me know that he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart. I offered to call him back after the doctor left so that he could concentrate more on his decision. But he said, “You know what? The doctor just left!” I knew that this was God’s way and Dad’s way of letting me know that he wanted to be saved and he wanted it right now! What an experience and awesome gift that the good Lord blessed us with!  I guess we can look at Dad’s cancer as a blessing in disguise to save his soul. I would never have wanted him to suffer but had he never experienced something this emotional he might not have ever come to know the Lord as his personal Savior.   

My heart aches for any of my loved ones who refuses God’s love and forgiveness. The bible tells us that the unsaved will enter the gate of Heaven when they die to hear God say, “Depart from Me, I know you not,” and they will spend Eternity in hell. Your body dies, but your spirit will live forever. Your spirit will leave your body when your time is up, and it’s up to you whether you spend eternity in Heaven or hell.    

The beautiful things created by God was where Dad found his Sanctuary. I feel the same way. I love to go and worship and learn in the church but I’m also inspired by the great outdoors. I can’t go outside without feeling the presence of the Lord. Anytime I’d spoke to Dad before about being a Christian he told me that he prays the same as anyone else but he does it when he’s down on his property. He said he was as good a person as those that went to church. What he didn’t realize since he couldn’t read and didn’t have an understanding of what it takes to be a Christian is that you can’t get to Heaven by being a good person. All you have to do is repent (acknowledge your sin ask God for forgiveness) and ask Jesus into your heart. (Claim Him as your Lord and Savior so that when your life expires on this earth, you will enter the gate of Heaven to spend Eternity.

During those earlier days, I blamed myself for not knowing how to witness to Dad without offending him. What I didn’t realize is that during those times, along with everyone else who had a burden for his salvation, is that these days were only for planting the seeds. The harvest time would come only when Dad was truly ready for it and in God’s perfect time.

Remember that the only earthly possession we can take to Heaven is our children, our parents, our friends, our neighbors, and even strangers who we have led to Christ. Our life is not our own. If you are lost and miserable Jesus can take your burdens away if you only ask Him to. Let go of the control over your life. Suffer no more. Let go – and let God take control. Feed your faith and starve your doubts to death.  Study the bible alone with God and with other Christians, go to church with your family, and it’s very important to spend time with God daily in prayer.

Everyone on this earth has sin in his or her life. But the bible tells us that Jesus was bruised, beaten, crucified, and died a cruel death on the cross to pay the debt of our sins. Forgiveness is a free gift and it only supplies good benefits. There is only one gate to Heaven and the path is narrow. Without God, there is no hope and there is no future for an Eternal Life. With God, there is hope and there is a future. Being a godly example for our families is the greatest gift that we could ever give them. The things that mean the most are the things that money can’t buy. Forgiveness is the key. 

Remember that unless we are willing to forgive those who have wronged us or hurt us, Christ will not forgive us. Forgiving and being forgiven is the greatest thing that we can do to be an example for others, especially our own children. Forgiveness brings a peace, a freedom, and a joy that passes all understanding that only God, Himself, can supply. Unforgiveness creates hard feelings, hard hearts, bitterness, loneliness, bad examples, and even health problems. Physical problems are a result of emotional problems.

We need to spend quality time with God. Don’t just give Him your left-overs.  You can pray when your driving down the road or when you’re taking a walk, but God also wants us to be still. He is with you wherever you are, but He also wants us to go to a place where there is absolutely no distractions so that He can have our undivided attention. Once you ask Jesus into your heart He will never leave you nor forsake you. He wants to be your best friend and He cares about you.

Something that I've come to understand recently has helped me with a problem that I’ve had since I was a child. I’ve always been tender hearted and emotional. On many occasions I’ve had the ability by the Grace of God to turn the other cheek when someone has hurt me. But, on many other occasions I have acted out on my emotions (in the flesh instead of the Spirit.) I have said and done things that were totally out of the will of God. There were times when I felt I had the right to hurt someone back for hurting me. I was wrong. Acting out of my emotions is the same as acting out in the flesh (in a worldly way.)

The devil uses my emotions to hurt myself and to hurt others. When I take it upon myself to get even with someone for hurting me, I am not being a Godly example. Revenge is Mine, sayeth the Lord.”

Emotions stem from fear, worry, anxiety, anger, frustration, disrespect, doubt, and depression. These things are not of God. Emotional instability is a flesh problem. It’s a person controlled by the flesh and not the Spirit. Before I get into a conversation with anyone I must make a decision to be ruled by my spirit and not by my flesh (not by my emotions.) I must walk in love; I must forgive; I must not hold a grudge or be sarcastic.

Bad emotions produce bad decisions. Is having an emotional problem going to ruin my life? No… But, having emotional problems is going to lead me to bad decisions, and bad decisions are going to ruin my life.

The choices I make and the decisions I make are what determine the outcome of my life. What has been done to me is not what determines the outcome of my life. It’s how I respond to it and the decision I make after it happens to me. Example: The same thing could happen to 2 different people but they respond in 2 different ways.

God has created me to master my emotions instead of my emotions mastering me. I don’t have to live on an emotional roller coaster. Instead of feeling that I have to control everything around me, I can learn how to control everything in me. The things that people say won’t matter anymore.

How do I get my emotions under control? My thinking controls my emotions. Depression is not a feeling first. It’s a thought first. It comes to me in the form of a thought – I’m not going to make it…I’m not worth living. As I meditate on that thought, that thought becomes an emotion. At that very moment, take that thought captive.

My words have greater authority than my thoughts. Speaking words – subdue thoughts. When a negative thought comes to mind or someone is hurting me with his or her actions or words, take those thoughts captive by saying, “I am healed by the stripes of Jesus. No weapon formed against me is going to prosper.”

I HAVE TO STOP THE THOUGHT PROCESS THAT IS DESIGNED BY THE DEVIL to produce an emotional response. When I think I’m not going to make it, say, “No, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Take thoughts captive with words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit.    Romans 8:6 tell us…. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace. (Peace is a feeling of calm, cool, whole, freedom, nothing missing and nothing broken.)

I have said things out of anger before and regretted what I’ve said. I will never have to deal with that again. The devil will use my emotions to destroy my life.    John 6:63 ”It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I speak to you, they are spirit and they are life.”  (Being emotionally ruled will profit nothing except financial ruin, emotional turmoil, anger, anxiety, frustration, loss of control, worry, pain, suffering, depression, doubting, fear, and sickness. But being spiritually ruled will give life and peace.)  

Dr. Charles Stanley was preaching about "Success Blockers" recently. It was a divine message from God as a gift to share with Ralph, not only to teach us, but also to encourage us to live our lives differently than the way we’ve been living and to even pray differently. 

It was one of those "light-bulb" moments. Dr. Stanley explained, "When we live in fear and doubt it is a form of bondage that we put ourselves in that sets us up for failure." Isaiah 41:10-11 says, “Fear is a roadblock on the way to success.”  God wants us to have dreams and to be successful and He will make our dreams come true. But we have been setting ourselves up for failure with doubt and fear and negative thinking and even negative praying. We both have a hard time with this and I explained on the way to church how this has come natural to us because it was instilled in us as children. I know that fear is the opposite of faith, but to be different, is against our grain. Only God can change it. 

I asked Jesus in my heart when I was 10 years old in the 6th grade at New Liberty Baptist where Lonnie Tipsword was preaching at a revival. In fact, it was the same night that my 5-year-old niece, Cathy Allison, and her cousin, Tina Allison, had already gone to the Alter of the church to be saved. Even though I asked Jesus into my heart and repented of my sins and felt the Spirit of the Lord that night, I feel I was so young to fully understand what it meant to be a Christian. I have broken nearly every Commandment in the Bible in some way. I feel that I have treated His precious blood so carelessly.

I realized that I have made a mess of my life. Even though my values were Christian grounded, I was still able to do and say things that I knew were wrong. I couldn’t live that way anymore. I was so miserable. I had to look over my past and ask God to forgive me of any sin that had not, yet, been confessed. When I spoke with the pastor and asked him to pray with me as I rededicated my life I was amazed at the load that was lifted, and how easy it was to get rid of it. I'm ashamed of my sin but I know that God doesn’t even see it anymore. When I ask Him to forgive me of my sin, He said, “What Sin?” just like the song. He forgave me and forgot about it as if it never happened.

Can we be this forgiving? If we can’t, then our prayers will be void. Not only is forgiveness the right thing, but also it’s a healthy thing – spiritually, physically, and mentally. Don’t misunderstand and think that I am saying that forgiveness means what someone did to you is OK. Their sin is between them and God. 

Take care of any unfinished business and get things right with the Lord. If there's someone that you need to go to that you have wronged, do the right thing and God will free you from any bondage you may be feeling.  

Rhonda Jackson, a mission friend in Honduras, shared a recent experience when she was with a group in La Ceiba sharing the gospel to a group of young boys by a fence.  A 65 year old woman was listening from a distance and kept creeping closer and closer.  She had a very hardened face but had real interest in what they were sharing.  When they invited anyone to pray and invite Jesus to live in their lives, the woman said, "Si," right away and prayed the prayer of repentance.

They gave her a Bible asked if there's anything else they could pray about. She held up her two hands that were crippled with arthritis and asked that they pray for the great pain she was in.  Rhonda said, "As I started to pray, the Holy Spirit told me to ask her about resentment and unforgiveness.  I told her that some times, but not always, when a person has arthritis, there is a spiritual root causing the arthritis and it is unforgiveness and bitterness.  I asked her if there was anyone that she needed to release forgiveness to before we prayed for God to heal her.  She right away said, "Yes, the man that killed my two sons."  

Rhonda said her heart just ached for her. She went on to cry with her and explain that God still requires us to give up those things and let Him take the responsibility for the person that has wounded us.  She was ready to give it up and wanted to repeat a prayer of forgiveness for the man. "As I was praying, I remembered that the Word also tells us to bless our enemies, so I included in the prayer a blessing over the man and prayed that he too would come to know Jesus Christ. She hesitated a moment before repeating after me and then did it. It was the most precious thing. Afterwards I told her that we would now pray for God to heal her. We started praying and after awhile, I asked her, "is it better?"  She said "si" and I said "a little better or a lot better" and she said, "it is gone" and held up both hands and stretched out all her fingers -- the arthritis was GONE!!  It was a glorious moment. God is big and is doing great things in all the earth. We give Him all the glory and I am so blessed to be His!!" says Rhonda. 

If you are already a Christian, I hope these stories have encouraged you in your own walk. If you do not have things right with the Lord then follow your own heart. Please call me if there’s anything you don’t understand or if you need someone to pray with you. Or call your own Pastor or a mentor that can answer any questions you may have. Just be sure to seek Wise Council from someone who will council you as the bible instructs.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts and experiences with you. Please share this letter with anyone who could benefit from our testimonies.

With all my love, Joyce Girgenti

Testimonies
Written by the Artist 8-4-05

My Eye Doctor’s in Memphis and Augusta have warned me about a disease in the back of my eyes that can cause me to go blind. They told me what to look for and if it starts to surface, get to the doctor immediately. If the disease takes my vision, there’s nothing they can do to restore it. Both times it was mentioned, I disregarded it and knew that my eyes are in God’s hands.

God was showing me that I don’t love Him as much as I should. If I did, I would TRUST Him more. Before I opened Chapter 25 “Transformed by Trouble” where Rick Warren says in his book that God has a purpose for every problem, I started experiencing the things I had been warned about. I was seeing double and I started to loose my vision. I realized at that moment I could do nothing but TRUST  him. 

I called Ralph at work to come and take me to the doctor. Although my vision was very blurry by this time, I thought about what I wanted to look at if this was, possibly, the last thing I will ever see. As much as I’m moved by God’s creation, I’m surprised I didn’t go outside to see what I could see since his handy-work is always medicine to my soul. But, I felt God had a message for me in Rick’s book! I had no idea what this chapter was about but I asked God to please let me see what he wanted me to see. Ironically, it was just what I needed. Rick said in this chapter, “God uses every circumstance to develop our character.” He also mentioned in a recent chapter that God will not allow anything that he can’t use for good. Satan will do everything he can to destroy us and even people will intentionally hurt us, but God will not allow it if he can’t bring something good out of it. 

Within 30 minutes, my vision was a total blur. I asked God, “Are you telling me that I will be more useful to you blind than I am with my eyes?” God was preparing me for what was about to be a life changing experience that only He had control over. I closed my book and just cried out, “God, please don’t take my eyes! ” The first thing that crossed my mind was,  “There were so many paintings that I’ve, yet, to do!”

I didn’t want to burden family, long-term. And, I didn’t want to let down the ladies at Peachtree City Baptist Church. I was asked to be their Guest Speaker at their banquet the very next day. They had been planning for this event for months. I was covered with an unusual peace that I knew was beyond my own ability and strength. I just sat there for little while and meditated on what I had just read and what I was experiencing. When I opened my eyes I could see! In that very moment, God restored my vision, completely!

The following Saturday I was asked to be a guest speaker in Charlotte at Thomas Kinkade’s 20th Anniversary Celebration. I was asked to share my recent experience so I took my book for a visual. I also shared chapter 9, “What Makes God Smile?” This chapter spoke volumes to Ralph.

The author mentioned the film Chariots of Fire and the Olympic runner, Eric Liddel. Eric said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I  RUN,  I feel God’s pleasure.  Later he says, To give up  RUNNING  would be to hold me in contempt.”

Ralph has never understood my great desire and determination to paint since it hasn’t made sense, financially, yet.  He said, “God really spoke to me in this chapter. I finally understand why it’s so important for you to paint. I took the words RUN and RUNNING and replaced them with PAINT and PAINTING. I finally understands why this is something that you can’t give up!”

Mr. Kinkade didn't know me until that night, and of course neither of us had any idea of what the other was going to speak about. He was schedule to come on stage right after I spoke, but his flight was a little late. The Thomas Kinkade Gallery owners were just as surprised as I was at the first thing he mentioned when he walked out on the platform. It was about a book that he had been reading in a 40-day study along with his church in California. He said it had really been making a difference in his life. Guess what it was. Yes, "A Purpose Driven Life." This was truly a “God Thing.” I’m sure everyone thought that we had planned what we spoke about.

No words can express how awesome it is to experience God’s mighty hand at work. Mr. Kinkade and I had nothing to do with this evening coming together as it did. God orchestrated every detail to show HIS audience, that evening, that he really does work everything together for good and that each individual there was created for a purpose. It wasn’t until after this event that I realized, had I not lost my vision for that short period of time, my testimony would not have been near as meaningful. In fact, I’m pretty certain that the experience I had was the only reason I was asked to share my testimony. I will be eternally grateful that I can see. I suppose God felt my testimony would be most powerful by healing my eyes. I will try to be more obedient to trust God more in all areas where I struggle. I will also try to spend my days looking with Spiritual Eyes to see what God has prepared for me. I celebrate each new day as I delight in him and what he has so graciously restored.

I've come to realize that God was not just using my paintings to teach and minister others, but they were also to minister to me. I’ve spent weeks, and sometimes months, on a painting while asking God to use me to speak to the heart of his children, not realizing that the message was as much for me as it was for anyone else. (Read I Corinthians 15:58)

God has taken an uneducated, unworthy, ordinary, and shy country girl with low self-esteem from Southern Illinois and told her, “This, you can do for me.” You see, He not only gave me a gift to paint to minister to His children visually but He has equipped me with a testimony, a voice of experience, to share with others along the way. However large or small the groups are, even though its far from my comfort zone, the Holy Spirit gives me the words to say.

Each person on earth is created for God’s pleasure whether we are doing something that we find pleasurable or whether we’re going through a difficult trial. It’s during those trials that we are the most impressionable. We must be like Jesus, never in a hurry and always about our Father’s business. Serving the Lord with a glad heart and ready to put a smile on our Father’s face. We must put on the whole armor of God and serve Him as we are designed to do. As a soldier in the Lord’s army, we must not waver when the going gets tough. We must watch for every opportunity to Win One More For Jesus!

God is watching every move we make, especially the attitude of our heart. What we do for God pleases him, but what He is most concerned about is a personal and intimate relationship with Him. There should be a balance between serving God and spending quiet time with Him. He longs to have our undivided attention every day. To get to know someone, the more time we spend with them the better we get to know them. We want to know God and His thoughts and His will for our lives, but He also wants to know us. We can only do this by spending time with Him in His word, in prayer, in fellowship with other Christians, through the pastor, and in our circumstances.

Carole Camak, a Sunday School Teacher, book author, and speaker says, “When difficulty enters my life, I have the practice of asking two questions. The first being, “Lord, did I do anything to bring this on?” In other words, am I being confronted with my own unacceptable behavior? If God reveals that this is the case then I only have to confess my sin and receive his forgiveness. Of course, I may have to suffer the consequences of my action while learning a costly lesson. Next, if the Holy Spirit does not make me aware of anything I’ve done, then I rest in HIS plan and allow Him to be magnified in my life.” (Read I Cor. 6: 19-20)

I’ve seen God use every one of my difficult experiences to help others. I’m sure there have been times that I didn’t even notice. I couldn’t have been as helpful and my testimony would not have been as powerful had I not experienced similar hardships. I’m reminded that my suffering and my rejection is nothing compared to what Jesus experienced on this earth and on the cross to pardon my sins. (Read Galatians 3:20)  God didn’t say it would be easy but the rewards are great. He wants us to live victoriously. We will experience some of our rewards here on earth and others will be waiting for us in Glory. We must run the race and keep our eyes on the prize, which is Jesus Christ.

I love the Lord with ALL my heart and ALL my soul and ALL my mind. (Matthew 22:37) So, of course, the enemy has tried to break me in every way imaginable to keep me from spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through my paintings. (Read II Cor. 2:11) Satan wants me to give up and quit fighting the good fight but I will not! Without a shadow of doubt, I know this is my calling. (Read I Cor. 16:9)

Like most artists, I paint what comes from deep within my heart and what I am passionate about. We artists take the risk of critical judgment by painting our deepest thoughts. We set ourselves up for either the support of our critics or rejection and persecution. But, we follow the dream that is deep within our heart to be used as a vessel to get a message out. We trust that the support will follow with those who believe in the same message illustrated in a particular painting.    

 I BELIEVE the Bible is the infallible Word of God and I BELIEVE and claim the
5 Statement Pledge that Beth Moore has taught though “Believing God”:

God is who He says He is !
God can do what He says He can do !
I am who God says I am!
I can do all things through Christ !
God's word is alive and active in me !

No matter what happens to me or my loved ones, or what people say or do, 
I have made a choice and I will not waver..... 
    I'M  BELIEVING  GOD !
Will you claim it for yourself ?

Joyce Girgenti

Testimonial Journal
Written by Friends and Supporters

Michael Brantley wrote February 5, 2005 

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy your paintings. Being an engineer, I am very detail oriented. As I view your paintings I am impressed with the amount of detail that is evident in everything you paint. No matter what the subject is there seems to be a little something extra in your work that is missing in other art that I have viewed. Your paintings portray values that are much needed in our country today. The composition and color selection blend to give a calming effect no matter what the subject. 

Let me conclude by saying that I have highly recommended your work to many of my friends. Anyone who purchases your art receives a blessing.


Claudia Mazzola from Evans, Georgia, wrote February 2005:

First of all, let me start off by saying that all of Joyce Girgenti’s paintings are beautifully detailed, Spirit-filled works of Art from the Heart!

The print I have of hers, “Mamma’s Little Man”, is one of my favorites. At first glance of this print, you’ll think to yourself how beautifully done it is. But then you’ll find yourself being drawn back to it over and over again (much like a good book you just can’t put down) looking at every detail and searching for the meanings behind them. At least that’s what happened to me. As a mother of two sons, I feel like Joyce reached down into my heart and captured my innermost thoughts and feelings for them. In this print, she depicts the past joys, the present prayers, and the future hopes and dreams a mother has for her son’s life. It also depicts her adoration and especially her love for him. However, most of all, “Mamma’s Little Man” depicts the mother’s love and dependence on God and His great love for her (Because as we know children are truly a blessing from Him)!

All of this is what made this print come alive to me. I just love it and I know other mothers will as well!!!

Thanks, Joyce for being the sensitive and loving artist you are and for using your God-given talents to touch others.

Aurora, Glenn, and Hunter Hubbard from Martinez, Georgia wrote February 2, 2005 

I am excited to be able to encourage others to purchase a limited edition print by Joyce Girgenti. 

I purchased “Magnolia Memories” several years ago as I am inspired by the elegant beauty and symbolic stages of a child’s life from birth to his/her wedding day and how throughout the past, present, and future, Jesus’ love is portrayed. 

My husband and our son recently purchased “Momma’s Little Man” for me as a Christmas present.  I was overwhelmed with emotion as my son explained the meaning of this print – how it reflects his love for me and mine for him and above all, Jesus’ love for all of us.  This print and all Joyce has done through her works of art, brings even those who may not know Him, to a face-to-face view of Jesus, albeit subtle.  Human nature is made up of curiosity and all her prints arouse interest by all who see it.  Once viewed, they too will purchase…and not just one time.  They will become repeat buyers.  

Patricia Gilliland from Martinez, Georgia, wrote February 2, 2005  

I have been a friend of Joyce Girgenti’s for quite some time.   My first “had to have” print was of Everlasting Promises.    This particular church has been an all time favorite of mine.   I had previously purchased a watercolor of this church from a local artist, and it’s gorgeous, but something was missing.    When I first laid eyes on Joyce’s Everlasting Promises, I then knew what was missing.   A story, a meaning, a love.   A meaningful love story.   A husband and a wife, the joining of their families, their life together from beginning to end, serving under Christ.   Wow!

Then came the day that Joyce told me about Momma’s Little Man.   I remember being in her studio, listening to her tell of what she envisioned for this painting.    I knew then that this would be my second “had to have” print.   

I am a mother of two small boys and the love a mother feels for her child in indescribable.   When I look at my print, I get lost in the picture.   Remembering my children as infants and praying that one day, they too, will find that special someone to propose too.   I am a sentimental person at heart and love family heirlooms.   My problem is wondering which child I will give the painting too.   Will it be the first son to get married, or the first son to have a son of his own?

Each painting in Joyce’s collections has a special place in my heart.   Just ask my husband, who continues to ask, “now exactly where are we going to hang this one”?  Each hang with pride in our home and I’m honored and excited each time I get to show the paintings to all who walk through my doors.



Jamie Wyatt from Fayetteville, Georgia, wrote February 4, 2005  

Dear Joyce,
I am pleased to recommend you as a talented, God-inspired, artist. I have personally seen how many lives your "Legend of the Dogwood" print has touched, through the "multiplication" of people who have been introduced to your art, which honors the Lord. The print has invited lots of conversation during the years it has hung in my kitchen. I received it as a gift from my niece.

When I set out to find out more about the print, and about the artist, it led to my speaking to you, and to your being asked to speak and share your art with several women's groups. Now, many of my friends own your art, and their friends and acquaintances are also blessed by it. The blessings continue on!

I also have your "Magnolia Memories" and several other pieces. They are beautiful to look, when you take them at "face value" as lovely art work. However,  their "hidden" Christian messages make them even more special to me.

Thank you for blessing my life through your art.


Jamie Barnett from Birmingham, Alabama, wrote November 2003: "I so enjoyed meeting you and talking with you today.  I loved all your artwork and so believe in what you are doing.  So many people believe that you have to have the title "Missionary", "Minister" or "Evangelist" to be able to spread God's word and love to people effectively.  I believe that people like you have a much greater impact on the lost that would not darken the doors of a church, etc.  There is a lost and dying world out there that is hungry for God's love and His word.  Your art is a wonderful medium in which to convey such. Thank you for being faithful to God's call on your life..." 


Julia Donoho from Salem, Illinois,
wrote: “I have so enjoyed the print of "Rise Up, Oh Nation, and Follow Me" and "Legend of The Dogwood". Both of these have touched my heart. I especially like the one of how Jesus sees our nation today. I am amazed at the symbolism and detail that went into the painting. It had to be a God inspired creation!

I have had the opportunity to share your art with many people. It never fails that they will find something else in the picture that hasn't been noticed yet. Many have been blessed by the message in them and that you would include the name of Jesus in them. 

I pray that God will continue opening doors for you that will allow you to share this awesome gift and message with others. He has put something so precious in you...His love, a desire to share it, and a wonderful creative ability to express it.”

Virginia Rhodes from Evans, Georgia, wrote: “Thank you for being such an extra special person. Your painting puts love and joy in my heart. It makes my house so special!”

Susan Williams from Advance, North Carolina, wrote: “You are such a blessing and an inspiration to me. Christ’s love shines though you. God is really working through you and I’m praying many lives will be touched (I know mine has) and all the glory will be to his name! He is using you in such a special way!”

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain. I Cor. 15:58

Connie Rhyne from Gastonia, North Carolina, wrote 11-17-02: “I enjoyed talking with you today at the Christmas Show. Our hearts were moved as you shared Jesus with us through your art. We all had goosebumps and shed tears, there was a real presence of the Holy Spirit.  I bought my daughter "My Little Sleeping Beauty" and she loves it. I am looking forward to the new print for my son. I came home and called a friend, Brenda White, and told her of your paintings and the testimony each one tells. Brenda is over or ladies' ministry. I hope she will get to meet you on Thursday. I also shared with her you spoke to ladies' groups and shared your testimony. My friend who was with us doesn't attend church but she was so touched as you shared the stories behind the pictures. She said, "If she comes to Bethlehem, I want to be there."  God bless you!”

Rhonda Jackson, Destino del Reino, Honduras wrote 8-10-2004:  Mrs. Girgenti donated one of each available print for the homes, school, and church being built in Honduras. She also paints the large originals to represent what each home is named after. The paintings are to inspire the children who’ve been taken from their families and their homes, to encourage them that God has brought them here to do great and marvelous things in their lives.

The first home is “The House of Joseph.” She painted two large scenes: The first represents Joseph as a young boy with the coat of many colors and the second is Joseph as the Prince of Egypt. Joseph is surrounded by his jealous brothers in both scenes. But, the second painting shows their humility for discovering that that their young brother was still alive and doing great and marvelous things.

The second house is “The House of Moses”. The first painting will be of Moses as an abandoned baby, floating in a basket on the water. The second will be of Moses parting the Red Sea.

“I just can't thank her enough for her paintings on our wall. It is amazing and everyone is so excited about them. I love her and am thankful for her WONDERFUL love and spirit for the Lord Jesus and for sharing her talents with us.”

April Meredith from Valdese, North Carolina, wrote December 2004: "Your ministry truly is a blessing.  You show us, through all of your paintings, the beauty of God's love, that He loves us all.  He is everywhere, in everything we do.  You have reminded me to never give up hope, and to lift my head. Thank you so much for sharing your faith, and your testimony with our family.  Isn't it awesome that when sharing the love of Christ, you can touch a life, and that person can tell another person and soon you have touched hundreds that you've never even met?  That is part of the beauty of your ministry.  You touch the hearts of those of us who meet you and then we want to share that joy.  Thank you for being a mighty woman of God."  


(What started this ministry?  What Inspired Joyce to Share Her Faith in Her Paintings ? )  

I share my story to: Encourage everyone to use their gifts for the Lord. ( as unto the Lord…Col. 3:23 ) To lead the lost to Christ. ( Matthew 5:13-16 ) To inspire those, at home and the workplace, who already know Him. ( I Cor. 3:6-11 ) And above all, to put a smile on my Father’s face no matter what men may think of me. He is the One and Only One in my audience that I strive to and desire to please. (Hebrews 11:6-7)

ART  BY  CATEGORY


Family Heirloom Collection


Golf Collection


Landscapes, Seascapes, and Garden Scenes


Botanicals

photo: Bill and Gloria Gaither
Gaither Art Festival and other Art Exhibits
and Speaking Engagements


Information for Friends of BETH MOORE
How Your Church Can Support This Ministry
       

Ready-Made Frames and About Giclées



Memphis Landmarks

Copy Order Form to Place Order

What Inspired the Artist to 
Share  Her Faith in Her Paintings ?

About the Artist

Inspired Brushstrokes Front Page


The Artist

Joyce Girgenti Studio # (219) 841-9743
Inspired Brushstrokes, 2277 Lake Street, Portage, Indiana  46368

To make a purchase on available (framed or unframed) art, copy Order Form and mail with check.
The artist can create your own personal scene with your photographs or even a combination of pictures 
to pull together an unforgettable memory or something you envision.