A few years ago, I had genetic testing done.

In addition to finding out I have a few enzymes missing, I found out I am 71% Irish/English. My great-grandfather came from Ireland to the United States, but I had no idea I had that much Irish in me. Throughout my adulthood, I have been told by complete strangers how “Irish” I look. I have even been asked where I’m from because of my “accent.” When I said Ohio, they laughed and said, “No, it’s not an Ohio accent I hear.”

I have never been to Ireland, but I sure want to go! I started reading more about Ireland and things to do there. One interesting article I read had to do with the Blarney Stone found near the top of an old castle. You must hang upside down and kiss it to receive the gift of gab. The gift of gab is defined as the ability to speak with eloquence and wit.

I need to kiss that rock!

 The Irish American Mom, quotes John O’Connor Power, an Irish politician, “Blarney is something more than flattery. It is flattery sweetened by humor and flavored by wit. Those who mix with Irish folk have many examples of it in their everyday experience” (John o’Connor Power 1846-1919).

I love to talk, but write? Uh, not so much. I want to speak with eloquence and wit. But, I’m not sure that is me. Sometimes I write like I talk, too. Ugh! So, when God called me to write I felt obligated to explain to Him that I was not a writer. He seemed unconvinced.

I wrote and taught a Bible study twelve years ago on Revelation. It was okay and my class liked it. Soon after that I felt led to write a Bible study on the book of Ephesians. I included Spiritual warfare since it is covered in Ephesians 6 and I titled it The Few, the Humble, the Church: A Study in the Book of Ephesians and Spiritual Warfare. I self-published it eleven years ago. Since I was inexperienced in marketing, I did my best to get it into churches and bookstores. I got very discouraged when it proved to be difficult.

I knew I was supposed to keep writing, but I really had no interest in it. I avoided it for many years, until 2017. The Lord led me through the book of Hebrews during my quiet time. When I wanted to move past it, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to write a Bible study on it. I didn’t want to!

“Who will read it?” I asked. “What’s its purpose?”

He replied, “I can’t do anything with it if you don’t write it.”

“Okay, fine!” I said, relenting.

It has been quite a ride writing this study. I have learned so much from Him and His Word. I began small Bible studies as well as attending writers conferences, and I have recently become a chapter president for a critique group called Word Weavers, International. My sister was an immense help in reading and working through it as I wrote each chapter.

The title of the book is Jewels of Hebrews. Each chapter is named after a beautiful gemstone, like amethyst, ruby, emerald, or sapphire, plus many more. You will also STUDY the Bible! I take you through the Torah, or Law, the Prophets, and the New Testament as we study Hebrews. It is a mixture of reflection, teaching, and fill-in. I pray God will use it to set people free and reveal His Son to everyone who reads it.

The back cover for the book reads: You are a treasure hunter on a mission to find hidden jewels. Your guide, Stephanie Pavlantos, has gone before you and now joins you on an expedition to unearth a hidden gem from each chapter of Hebrews. When you open your beloved Bible and dive deep into the book, you will find a rare diamond, ruby, sapphire, and other gems. You will explore the rich history of the early church and the connections the book of Hebrews has to the Old Testament. The supremacy of Yeshua and his royalty will be revealed as the Jewels of Hebrews are discovered one chapter at a time. Learn about these jewels and the meaning of their color as you find relatable and practical applications for modern times. Get ready for a life-changing journey! Yeshua is eager to reveal the Jewels of Hebrews to you and crown you his prince or princess. 

It was recently picked up by Mt. Zion Ridge Press and will be released on Dec. 1, 2020. I praise God for calling me, and for using the book He inspired me to write.

Lord willing, I will be able to gab with you through my book while you read and study God’s Word. I may not be the most eloquent or witty, but my desire is to teach you about Jesus (Yeshua) through my studies.

What have you accomplished through the Lord’s grace as you’ve answered His calling?

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping me accomplish Your calling on my life as I rely on Your leading. Help me to recognize Your calling, and to respond positively, so You can accomplish everything You desire to do through my life.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2020: The Gift of Gab: Stephanie Pavlantos: All Rights Reserved