Synopses & Reviews
Review
“When you are ready to participate in the game of life by showing up for practice, a wise coach is a great asset. Catherine’s book can be the coach that guides you on the path to your spiritual renewal. If you are ready to participate and learn how to be a winner, read on.” —Bernie Siegel, MD, author of Faith, Hope, & Healing and A Book of Miracles
“As always, Catherine’s beautiful prose and compelling spiritual insights combine to both delight and inspire.” —Nicholas Perricone, MD, bestselling author of Forever Young and The Wrinkle Cure
“With great enthusiasm, Catherine helps guide us down a clear pathway of spiritual renewal through heartfelt stories from the everyday lives of those who’ve discovered life’s blessings, despite their circumstances.” —Meredith McIver, The Trump Organization
Review
“When you are ready to participate in the game of life by showing up for practice, a wise coach is a great asset. Catherines book can be the coach that guides you on the path to your spiritual renewal. If you are ready to participate and learn how to be a winner, read on.” —Bernie Siegel, MD, author of Faith, Hope, and Healing and A Book of Miracles
“As always, Catherines beautiful prose and compelling spiritual insights combine to both delight and inspire.” —Nicholas Perricone, MD, bestselling author of Forever Young and The Wrinkle Cure
“With great enthusiasm, Catherine helps guide us down a clear pathway of spiritual renewal through heartfelt stories from the everyday lives of those whove discovered lifes blessings, despite their circumstances.” —Meredith McIver, The Trump Organization
From Publishers Weekly:
Taking an in-depth look at the meaning behind the phrase “when God closes a door, he opens a window,” Galasso-Vigorito (A New You) guides readers through an eight-week commitment to overcoming setbacks and finding unexpected possibilities created by them. The study challenges readers to set goals, make some positive changes, and discover new purpose for their lives. Using scripture, inspirational stories, insights from nature and personal experiences, the former Miss Connecticut and syndicated columnist cheerleads the reader along with tales of others who had doors slammed in their lives, but who went on to discover and embrace other opportunities. Each week is a different “window” offering thoughts on themes like change, courage, perseverance or thanksgiving. The windows contain thoughts for each day - almost like reflective panes -- about overcoming challenges behind doors now closed and embracing the light shining from a new direction. Some editing is needed, however. Illustrative examples at the beginning of chapters, too numerous and unrelated, can distract from the very helpful advice and growth steps sporadically included amid bulleted points, activity suggestions, quotes, and commentary. Agent: Claire Gerus, Claire Gerus Literary Agency (Dec.) —Cevin Bryerman
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Catherine Galasso-Vigorito is the author A New You and God Will Do the Rest, and is founder and CEO of A New You Worldwide. She is nationally recognized for her acclaimed syndicated weekly column, “A New You,” featured in the New Haven Register and in newspapers nationwide. Catherine lives in Branford, Connecticut, with her husband and two daughters.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Recognize “Closed Doors” as Golden Opportunities
Window One – Get Ready: Change Is on the Way!
Day one: Today is the day to begin to discover your purpose.
Day two: Accept the unknowns with confidence.
Day three: Yesterday’s pain will open a window to a future filled with hope.
Day four: Let God’s plan transform your life.
Day five: Believe in yourself and start loving you.
Day six: Make time for what matters most.
Day seven: In the face of change, take care of your physical health.
Window Two – Have Patience and Await God’s Direction
Day one: When God says, “Wait,” wait.
Day two: Put aside all anxious thoughts and pray.
Day three: The secret of patience is doing something else in the meantime.
Day four: Remember that difficult times, too, shall pass.
Day five: God has a special timetable for His plans to manifest.
Day six: Can’t go on? Have a little more patience and try just once more.
Day seven: Take life the way it comes and you will be truly blessed.
Window Three – Fortify Yourself with Courage
Day one: Confront that giant and you will conquer it.
Day two: Be determined to follow your heart and you’ll win the race before you.
Day three: Learn from mistakes and fail forward.
Day four: Small voice within guides you to bigger things in life.
Day five: Defeat may test you, but it doesn’t have to stop you.
Day six: The words you speak are like a miraculous wand.
Day seven: God wants you to live by choice, not by chance.
Window Four – Let God’s Will Become Your Reality
Day one: You’ll know your calling by heart.
Day two: Awaken and tap into your vast potential.
Day three: Accept the great life that is waiting for you.
Day four: Let down your nets of faith and be filled with an overflow of blessings.
Day five: Destiny unveils the purpose for your life.
Day six: Quitting is not an option.
Day seven: The blessing is within your reach.
Window Five— Rally Your Supporters and Look for Help
Day one: Saving grace will come from above.
Day two: You really benefit yourself, when you love and lend a hand to others.
Day three: Humor enriches your life and lessens burdens.
Day four: Help is available to you right now.
Day five: Life experiences, good and bad, mold character.
Day six: A great attitude paves the way for great results.
Day seven: Departed loved ones are never far away.
Window Six – Never Give Up
Day one: Windows of opportunity usually swing open on the hinges of adversity.
Day two: Dreams come true when you work for them.
Day three: Tune out the naysayers, for great things wait beyond the barriers.
Day four: Don’t quit when obstacles rise up before you.
Day five: If you take the first step, God will do the rest.
Day six: Reach forth with fortitude and take your gifts out into the world.
Day seven: Regardless of challenges, you can live your dream.
Window Seven – Share Your Strength with Others
Day one: Learn to overcome with God’s strength, not just your own.
Day two: A little love and kindness go a long way.
Day three: Setting a good example benefits generations to come.
Day four: You gain strength by serving others.
Day five: The written word can provide the inspiration for success.
Day six: Take God’s hand and He will lead you to victory.
Day seven: The will to excel conquers obstacles.
Window Eight – Give Thanks for God’s Blessings
Day one: Give thanks daily and your spirits soar.
Day two: Every thorn in life has a purpose.
Day three: Take residence on: Happy Valley Road.
Day four: Rejoice and praise God in advance, and find rest.
Day five: Angels dwell in homes filled with love and thankfulness.
Day six: It’s time to give thanks and live your dream
Day seven: Step into the fullness of your destiny.
Afterword