I just have to share this email I got from my friend Amy! Earlier in the week, I was doing a radio inerview for my new book Generation NeXt Marriage. I sent an email to a few of my friends to have them call into the show...fun. Later that day Amy sent me this...
Oh Tricia ~
(Let me preface what I'm about to say by telling you that today was a snow day—no school. When it snows here, the world stops. So annoying)
OMG…I should have had my question already prepared…It all happened so fast.
I dialed the phone like a zombie—the email told me to… I never expected anyone to pick up on the first ring. Then when she asked what I’d like to ask you, it was total deer in the headlights. I froze. So I asked some stupid generational question…then she said okay, hold on…and I thought to myself, "come on think of a good question".
Of course, I couldn’t think of anything so I started flipping through the book…2 seconds later I was on the air and said the first thing that popped into my head…then as you started to answer my daughter burst in the door crying because her brother had just thrown a snow ball down her back…then for some reason the car alarm started honking.
Total chaos…I don’t think I heard any of your answer…all I could think was “I hope this isn’t coming through the phone”.
I kept trying to move away from the kids, but they and their loudness kept following. Very interesting experience to say the least… how did the rest of it go?
Ha, ha...too funny!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Valentine's Day
Yesterday I did a few radio interviews. Greetings to those who tuned in from WMBI Chicago and from all the states who listen to Family Life Radio!
One of the questions I was asked concerned Valentine's Day, which is fast approaching. First the interviewer asked me if we have any Valentine's Day traditions, and actually we do. (Or at least I'm hoping it will become a tradition!)
John and I used to go out for Valentine's Day, but the crowds were crazy, the service wasn't that great, and the food took forever to get. Plus, it felt like Prom as we waiting for a table with teenagers all dressed up and starry-eyed. So, the last two years John has made dinner for me at home. He's cooked from scratch and then he paid the kids to dress up and serve us! It was SO fun. He made Fettuccine Alfredo both times ... He got the recipe from a friend who saw it on a cooking show!!!
Anyway, I was thinking about this and I was wondering if there were any FUN Gen X inspired Valentine ideas? Then I knew if anyone could come up with them it would be YOU. Send your ideas to me at bookmarketing@triciagoyer.com and I will post them. The post with the most comments will WIN Generation NeXt Marriage ... and a personalized Gen X mug ... and a Gen X bumper sticker! So think up the most creative Gen X Valentine's Day idea you can come up with ... maybe it includes big hair, leg warmers, and Tina Turner????
Let your imagination go crazy!
Whoever has the most comments on their post on Feb. 13th will WIN! Too fun!!!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. (Last week's winner was Beth B!)
One of the questions I was asked concerned Valentine's Day, which is fast approaching. First the interviewer asked me if we have any Valentine's Day traditions, and actually we do. (Or at least I'm hoping it will become a tradition!)
John and I used to go out for Valentine's Day, but the crowds were crazy, the service wasn't that great, and the food took forever to get. Plus, it felt like Prom as we waiting for a table with teenagers all dressed up and starry-eyed. So, the last two years John has made dinner for me at home. He's cooked from scratch and then he paid the kids to dress up and serve us! It was SO fun. He made Fettuccine Alfredo both times ... He got the recipe from a friend who saw it on a cooking show!!!
Anyway, I was thinking about this and I was wondering if there were any FUN Gen X inspired Valentine ideas? Then I knew if anyone could come up with them it would be YOU. Send your ideas to me at bookmarketing@triciagoyer.com and I will post them. The post with the most comments will WIN Generation NeXt Marriage ... and a personalized Gen X mug ... and a Gen X bumper sticker! So think up the most creative Gen X Valentine's Day idea you can come up with ... maybe it includes big hair, leg warmers, and Tina Turner????
Let your imagination go crazy!
Whoever has the most comments on their post on Feb. 13th will WIN! Too fun!!!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. (Last week's winner was Beth B!)
Monday, January 28, 2008
I was tagged...
Exactly one month ago today...nothing like being timely!
Gina from Writer...Interrupted tagged me with this MEME: http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/2007/12/28/my-life-as-a-book-meme/
And here are my answers!
If your life was a book, what Genre would it be and why?
Sci-fi, because how God has worked is out of this world!
Would it be a stand alone or a series?
Series. It's may prayer that my life will touch many more lives ... I mean stories ... and keep going.
What would the title of your life’s book be?
The Creator and the girl.
What’s the spiritual theme of your book?
The Maker of all pours love onto one unsuspecting young woman, forever transforming her life ... and guiding her to an eternity far away.
What would your goal be?
For the girl to understand the love of the Maker and dedicate herself completely to Him.
What’s the motivation for your goal?
True happiness, joy, passion, peace is found in the love relationship with the Savior.
Who’s your hero?
Jesus.
What’s your conflict?
Life, sin, struggles ... wanting perfection but not getting it until heaven.
Who’s your antagonist?
Satan.
Where are you in your life’s book? (The beginning, middle, end, have you reached your black moment, are you into your resolution?)
It ends when I finally see the Lover of my Soul face to face ... no wait ... that is just the beginning!
Is there a happy ending?
Yes.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Gina from Writer...Interrupted tagged me with this MEME: http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/2007/12/28/my-life-as-a-book-meme/
And here are my answers!
If your life was a book, what Genre would it be and why?
Sci-fi, because how God has worked is out of this world!
Would it be a stand alone or a series?
Series. It's may prayer that my life will touch many more lives ... I mean stories ... and keep going.
What would the title of your life’s book be?
The Creator and the girl.
What’s the spiritual theme of your book?
The Maker of all pours love onto one unsuspecting young woman, forever transforming her life ... and guiding her to an eternity far away.
What would your goal be?
For the girl to understand the love of the Maker and dedicate herself completely to Him.
What’s the motivation for your goal?
True happiness, joy, passion, peace is found in the love relationship with the Savior.
Who’s your hero?
Jesus.
What’s your conflict?
Life, sin, struggles ... wanting perfection but not getting it until heaven.
Who’s your antagonist?
Satan.
Where are you in your life’s book? (The beginning, middle, end, have you reached your black moment, are you into your resolution?)
It ends when I finally see the Lover of my Soul face to face ... no wait ... that is just the beginning!
Is there a happy ending?
Yes.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Friday, January 25, 2008
"This Close"
I can't believe I did it, I lived without Internet for 24-hours. It's true. On Tuesday I went up to write with two friends. We were in a condo on the top of a mountain, and Internet was not an option. I'm glad to say I got a lot of writing done, but I was amazed by how much I missed in such a short time! Waiting in my in-box were lots of media requests for my new book, Generation NeXt Marriage. I've already done two, and I have a lot more to follow. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to talk about marriage in our generation!
I also found a very important interview request from a national teen magazine about teen pregnancy. Ooops. Thankfully I was able to make the connect. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
I also discovered Heath Ledger died. I discovered this when I was driving down the from the mountain and I called a friend to talk to her about something else. This is SO sad. One of my favorite movies is A Knight's Tale. Mostly I think about his salvation--his eternity. It's sad to think that his greatest days are behind him. This rekindles my desire to pray for Hollywood--for true hope, peace, and joy for those who seem to have everything this world offers.
Oh yes, and just as I was coming down from the mountain, I talked with a producer from a Fox morning show. Leslie and I were "this close" to traveling to New York for a mother/daughter segment. That would have been so cool! Of course, I've been "this close" before. I've talked to the producers from Dr. Phil, from Dr. Keith Ablow, now from the Mike and Juliet Show. The latter seems like a super great show, and I hope we make a connect in the future.
It's so amazing, really, that all these requests are coming in. My word for the year is "Influence." God has given me a voice and a platform, and my heart's desire is to use it to tell people about Him. Anyone who will listen! So, can you pray with me about that? That I will have the opportunity to be a positive, uplifting influence, and I will be able to encourage others to take the next positive step in their relationships with others ... and mostly with God.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
I also found a very important interview request from a national teen magazine about teen pregnancy. Ooops. Thankfully I was able to make the connect. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
I also discovered Heath Ledger died. I discovered this when I was driving down the from the mountain and I called a friend to talk to her about something else. This is SO sad. One of my favorite movies is A Knight's Tale. Mostly I think about his salvation--his eternity. It's sad to think that his greatest days are behind him. This rekindles my desire to pray for Hollywood--for true hope, peace, and joy for those who seem to have everything this world offers.
Oh yes, and just as I was coming down from the mountain, I talked with a producer from a Fox morning show. Leslie and I were "this close" to traveling to New York for a mother/daughter segment. That would have been so cool! Of course, I've been "this close" before. I've talked to the producers from Dr. Phil, from Dr. Keith Ablow, now from the Mike and Juliet Show. The latter seems like a super great show, and I hope we make a connect in the future.
It's so amazing, really, that all these requests are coming in. My word for the year is "Influence." God has given me a voice and a platform, and my heart's desire is to use it to tell people about Him. Anyone who will listen! So, can you pray with me about that? That I will have the opportunity to be a positive, uplifting influence, and I will be able to encourage others to take the next positive step in their relationships with others ... and mostly with God.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Back then...
Some times in writing, my first attempt is to take the easy way out. I was trying to do this with the book I'm currently writing, Blue Like Playdoh. This book shares much of my life journey, and I tried to tell it in sweet, devotional thoughts. My editor didn't go for that. He wanted me to journey back. To revisit my questions and my fears. To be THERE, without the benefit of 20/20 vision.
It was crazy. I took myself back to the days when I had three little kids and no writing credentials. I didn't spend much time with God, and I had no idea of where my life would be headed. There were more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams.
"There" (about fifteen years back) has been hanging around with me, and in my Bible Study I came across a great quote by Beth Moore, "Sometimes we don't know why we're on a certain road with God until miles have made their way to the soles of our feet." Beth More, Stepping Up Workbook, p. 13.
Where is God taking you today? What road are you on? Eighteen years from now you might have a clue, but for now you too may have more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams. But keep walking God's way. Keep moving your feet forward. Take one more step closer to Him today. There's a purpose to the road, and a Savior who's walking with you.
It was crazy. I took myself back to the days when I had three little kids and no writing credentials. I didn't spend much time with God, and I had no idea of where my life would be headed. There were more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams.
"There" (about fifteen years back) has been hanging around with me, and in my Bible Study I came across a great quote by Beth Moore, "Sometimes we don't know why we're on a certain road with God until miles have made their way to the soles of our feet." Beth More, Stepping Up Workbook, p. 13.
Where is God taking you today? What road are you on? Eighteen years from now you might have a clue, but for now you too may have more questions than answers, more worries than fulfilled dreams. But keep walking God's way. Keep moving your feet forward. Take one more step closer to Him today. There's a purpose to the road, and a Savior who's walking with you.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
How to be married...
As a little girl growing up the in the 70s and 80s, I often thought of my future groom. I dreamed about the wedding, but sometimes I forgot about the marriage to follow. There are days I'm awed with the fact that I'm 36-years-old ... and that I've already been married 18 years! At times I feel like the unsure newlywed who felt like I was playing house.
During the 80s, there were lots of songs about love. I clearly remember the episode of Days of Our Lives when Bo and Hope slept together and the song, "Friends and Lovers" played. I thought it was the most romantic thing in the world. Of course, I didn't think much about commitment or years and years of being with just one person. Love was more of a feeling, than something real. And ... like most people in my generation, I followed that feeling and ended up sleeping with my boyfriends. I didn't think much of it, which saddens me now.
Yet, once I found the man I wanted to spend my life with, I grew serious. I'm not alone. For Gen Xers, divorce skyrocketed during our growing-up years. We grew up in families with stepmoms and half-siblings and living every other weekend with a different parent—how could this not affect our marriages? I can relate. That was my life, I didn't want the same for my family. I wanted to do things better.
And you know what? Looking around, I see that there are a lot of people like me. The generation that once bore labels such as ‘slacker’ and ‘grungy’ has gone G-rated. Once we got serious bout life, family now means the most to us. And marriage matters. We don’t want an OK marriage. We want one filled with love, commitment, and care.
When writing my book Generation NeXt Marriage, I wanted to connect with fellow Gen Xers in a medium we would all understand ... 80s music. Here are some chapter titles: White Wedding (sung by Billy Idol, of course), Together Forever (by Rick Astley, remember him?), and I Think We’re Alone Now (the song sung by Tiffany—the teen idol every girl wanted to be). Does that take you back?
In addition to sharing how God has molded me in marriage, I also included comments from other Gen Xers. And you can be sure we don’t dance around the issues, it’s soul-bearing stuff.
Does this sound like a book for you? If so, it may take you a few days to order in your copy from Amazon.com, or to run down to your local bookstore. In the meantime, here are some tips to tide you over until then:
Top tips:
Discover your God-given dreams together. Couples are happiest when we’re following God’s purposes for our lives. Be your spouse’s biggest fan.
Find Balance. Put first things first. Plug in the most important stuff into your calendar first, then fill in around it.
Nix the Unrealistic Expectations. Marriage is different than dating. We cannot change the other person. Look in the mirror first. Love your spouse anyway.
Don’t be afraid to fight. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings.” It’s better to engage than to give up. Author Madeleine L’Engle once said, “There are a lot of marriages today that break up just at the point where they could mature and deepen.” Pain makes us take note at the problem. We are forced to pray and repent and try again.
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
New Holiday
Today, I am making a new holiday! Yes, I decided that on my own, and I think you'll want to add it to your calendar.
BE A FRIEND DAY.
I got started thinking about this when I read the 'thoughts from the editor' from the Feb. 08 Issue of Christian Single (which is a great magazine that I read even though I'm not single!) Anyway, the editor, Larissa Amanlt was talking about the struggle of trying to keep up with all her friends ... and the problem of added one more. Yet how can we say no to one more friend? I know I can't. Here is what Larissa said:
"I'm learning something here that's coming as quite a shock--friendship is not all about me. It's not cramming my schedule with people who make me feel full, but it's stepping out on a limb for someone who might need it more than I do ... realizing that a small piece of my time could make a difference in someone else's life gave me a change of heart."
So on BE A FRIEND DAY the task is to schedule time with someone new--someone God has placed on your heart. It can be going out for a cup of coffee or just chatting on the phone. Either way, be the friend ... be the difference!
And ... if you have a few minutes email THIS FRIEND and let me know how it went. I'd love to hear!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
BE A FRIEND DAY.
I got started thinking about this when I read the 'thoughts from the editor' from the Feb. 08 Issue of Christian Single (which is a great magazine that I read even though I'm not single!) Anyway, the editor, Larissa Amanlt was talking about the struggle of trying to keep up with all her friends ... and the problem of added one more. Yet how can we say no to one more friend? I know I can't. Here is what Larissa said:
"I'm learning something here that's coming as quite a shock--friendship is not all about me. It's not cramming my schedule with people who make me feel full, but it's stepping out on a limb for someone who might need it more than I do ... realizing that a small piece of my time could make a difference in someone else's life gave me a change of heart."
So on BE A FRIEND DAY the task is to schedule time with someone new--someone God has placed on your heart. It can be going out for a cup of coffee or just chatting on the phone. Either way, be the friend ... be the difference!
And ... if you have a few minutes email THIS FRIEND and let me know how it went. I'd love to hear!
Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.
Monday, January 21, 2008
My Thinking Cap...
Have you every heard the phrase, "Time to put on your thinking cap." Usually, when we hear this we know that something's coming that will mentally challenge us, and after serving God for eighteen years, I can honestly say the most mentally challenge thing I've faced is changing my thinking--of setting my mind on God and allowing Him to transform my mind and thoughts.
Changing our thinking is hard because it involves changing how we see the world and our place in it. Even though I was seventeen when I gave my heart to the Lord, I was pretty set in my ways. I knew what I liked, who I liked, and I saw the world one way. Thankfully, God doesn't expect us to change overnight. Transformation is a process. The journey through life is ... uh, a journey. We won't arrive until we take our first step into heaven.
This morning I was reading the second chapter of Mark and I realized I'm not the only one who had trouble changing my thinking. During Jesus' time on earth there was one group that struggled with this the most. Before Jesus came, the job of the religious leaders were to be big know-it-alls. They knew "the keys" to making God happy, and this involved a series of rituals and duties, prayers and public display. And more than any other group, they didn't want Jesus bucking the system. Their minds were set, and anything different than what they knew to be true was something they opposed with everything in them. Mark 2:18-23 shares Jesus' response to their concrete thinking:
18 Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?”
19 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. 20 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
21 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
22 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”
Jesus knew these men needed a new way of thinking. Their old ideas (old wineskins) were rigid and were unable to hold what he was about to do--what he was already doing. He was literally telling them, "Change your thinking, for I'm going to blow your mind!"
Jesus' statement to these leaders made me stop and think of my life. Are their any areas where my thinking is rigid? Are there any old, concrete thought patterns that need to be blasted out of the water? It's something I'm prayerfully bringing to God, because more than anything I don't want my old thinking to keep me from being filled up with as much of Jesus as I can!
Changing our thinking is hard because it involves changing how we see the world and our place in it. Even though I was seventeen when I gave my heart to the Lord, I was pretty set in my ways. I knew what I liked, who I liked, and I saw the world one way. Thankfully, God doesn't expect us to change overnight. Transformation is a process. The journey through life is ... uh, a journey. We won't arrive until we take our first step into heaven.
This morning I was reading the second chapter of Mark and I realized I'm not the only one who had trouble changing my thinking. During Jesus' time on earth there was one group that struggled with this the most. Before Jesus came, the job of the religious leaders were to be big know-it-alls. They knew "the keys" to making God happy, and this involved a series of rituals and duties, prayers and public display. And more than any other group, they didn't want Jesus bucking the system. Their minds were set, and anything different than what they knew to be true was something they opposed with everything in them. Mark 2:18-23 shares Jesus' response to their concrete thinking:
18 Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?”
19 Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. They can’t fast while the groom is with them. 20 But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
21 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.
22 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”
Jesus knew these men needed a new way of thinking. Their old ideas (old wineskins) were rigid and were unable to hold what he was about to do--what he was already doing. He was literally telling them, "Change your thinking, for I'm going to blow your mind!"
Jesus' statement to these leaders made me stop and think of my life. Are their any areas where my thinking is rigid? Are there any old, concrete thought patterns that need to be blasted out of the water? It's something I'm prayerfully bringing to God, because more than anything I don't want my old thinking to keep me from being filled up with as much of Jesus as I can!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Milt Wolff
When I finished my first two books of the Spanish Civil War, I sent copies to a very special man. I was more nervous about this man reading them than any other. Not only did he live the story, Milt Wolff was the last commander of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. A few days ago I heard of his passing. This is what the New York Times had to say on this amazing man.
This is his obit in the New York Times of today:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/obituaries/17wolff.html
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Way to go Robin!
I just wanted to give a big Yahoo to my friend, Robin Lee Hatcher, for a wonderful review from Publisher's Weekly. I was blessed to give my input on this story as we brainstormed ... and look what a brilliant writer like Robin can do with that! Go Robin!
From Publishers Weekly
Meet Katherine Clarkson, heroine of Christy Award-winning novelist Hatcher's latest enjoyable, if not literarily distinguished, domestic tale. Katherine seems to have, as the title suggests, the perfect life-her two grown daughters are both pregnant, and her devoted and handsome husband Brad has just been named Humanitarian of the Year for his work at In Step, a ministry that rehabilitates houses for low-income people. Then disaster strikes-a beautiful young woman who once worked for Brad publicly accuses him of mishandling the ministry's finances, and of having an affair with her. When Brad denies both accusations, Katherine struggles with whether to believe him. She wrestles, too, with the fact that her church community largely abandons her in the wake of the scandal. Meanwhile, Katherine's two daughters clash over how to respond to their parents' crisis. Hatcher (Whispers from Yesterday) is a dab hand with dialogue, which is one reason her characters are so well drawn: readers will feel empathy with all members of the family. Hatcher also gets kudos for creating, in Katherine's best friend, a sympathetic non-Christian character, something all too rare in faith fiction. This will be a surefire hit with Hatcher's many fans.
From Robin:
I can live with being not "literarily distinguished" when I get "a dab hand with dialogue" and "well drawn" characters and sure do pray that "surefire hit" is prophetically correct.
From Publishers Weekly
Meet Katherine Clarkson, heroine of Christy Award-winning novelist Hatcher's latest enjoyable, if not literarily distinguished, domestic tale. Katherine seems to have, as the title suggests, the perfect life-her two grown daughters are both pregnant, and her devoted and handsome husband Brad has just been named Humanitarian of the Year for his work at In Step, a ministry that rehabilitates houses for low-income people. Then disaster strikes-a beautiful young woman who once worked for Brad publicly accuses him of mishandling the ministry's finances, and of having an affair with her. When Brad denies both accusations, Katherine struggles with whether to believe him. She wrestles, too, with the fact that her church community largely abandons her in the wake of the scandal. Meanwhile, Katherine's two daughters clash over how to respond to their parents' crisis. Hatcher (Whispers from Yesterday) is a dab hand with dialogue, which is one reason her characters are so well drawn: readers will feel empathy with all members of the family. Hatcher also gets kudos for creating, in Katherine's best friend, a sympathetic non-Christian character, something all too rare in faith fiction. This will be a surefire hit with Hatcher's many fans.
From Robin:
I can live with being not "literarily distinguished" when I get "a dab hand with dialogue" and "well drawn" characters and sure do pray that "surefire hit" is prophetically correct.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
This isn't your mother's marriage!
Generation NeXt Marriage: The Couples Guide to Keeping It Together!
A marriage book for today's couples!
In Generation NeXt Marriage, Tricia talks about our marriage role models, our struggles, and what we're doing right as a generation. The book also offers creative ways to hold our marriages together.
Do you still find yourself humming the love songs of the 80s and 90s?
Do you still believe that every marriage should be between soul mates?
But...do you wonder how you can succeed at love and marriage when the generation you grew up in didn't?
Marriage isn't what it used to be–it can be better than ever.
If you are a Gen Xer, your marriage has challenges and potentials that no other generation has known. A Gen Xer herself, Tricia Goyer offers realistic help to achieve the God-honoring marriage you long for. She includes…
•Ways to protect your marriage despite the broken relationships modeled in your youth
•Stories, suggestions, and confessions from fellow Gen Xers facing the "What now?" question of real-life marriage
•Advice from the ultimate marriage survival guide: the Bible
•Stats, quizzes, sidebars, and study questions related to this "relationally challenged" time in history
•Practical helps for negotiating kids, work, sex, money, and dirty laundry–sometimes all in the same evening
If you are part of a generation of adults who don't want to bow to their culture or live and love like their parents did . . . this book is for you.
GX Marriage first chapter
Endorsements
Buy the book here
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
For Teen Girls!
My Life Unscripted Video Trailer Contest!
Watch the video for the contest here!
Here's the scoop!
Attention TEENS! Want to win an iPod?
I'm hosting a video trailer contest! My Life, Unscripted uses the metaphor of screen writing to challenge young women to "script" their lives, rather than be blown along by the next emotional drama or temptation! (Been there, done that!) A teen girl you know could be one of three lucky contestants to win an iPod!
How to enter:
Make a short (or not-so-short) video trailer sharing concepts from the book: My Life, Unscripted -- such as: how you've overcome temptation, or survived peer-pressure, or dumped the Loser boyfriend, or restored a relationship with your parents, or found your strength in Christ!
Be creative -- interview your friends (or even better, make them wear dorky costumes) and add some cool music. Then just post it on GodTube (video must be approved by GodTube before it is broadcasted, which takes a few hours) or YouTube! You also must include three things in your video:
1) the book title: My Life, Unscripted
2) the author: Tricia Goyer
3) and these words: "Check it out!"
After you finish the video, email your name, age, video link, and your address to: bookmarketing@triciagoyer.com
The winning videos will be the top three with the most views as counted on GodTube or YouTube on March 31, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. This contest is open to young women ages 13-19. So go ahead, tell your friends, your teachers, your youth leaders --and your parents friends to check it out!
Three winners will receive an iPod Nano 4G
(**small print: Videos with inappropriate content as decided by Tricia Goyer will be disqualified (G-rated please). For your best chance to win, only upload videos to either GodTube or YouTube. Choose one. We will not add totals from more than one site together.)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Generation NeXt Marriage PODCAST
This is from CWAHM's Moment newsletter!
* Interview with Tricia Goyer , discussing her newest book, Generation NeXt Marriage: The Couple's Guide to Keeping It Together.
Jill has a great site and blog. If you're a work-at-home mom (or dad), be sure to check it out!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Is this you or someone you know?
Athena Hall (she's our area coordinator for MOPS) sent this to me...I just had to share!
http://www.doublesharpevideo.com/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html
http://www.doublesharpevideo.com/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Will Power!
My friend Amy will be guest blogging about the CFBA fiction pick of the week!
This week's CFBA selection is this funny little gem of a book. Just perfect for all of you ladies (and I'm sure a few of you men--of which I'm sure do not read my blog) who are facing THE resolution this January. You know THAT resolution...the one about snugger jeans and someone named Will Power!
I know I could loose 10 (20) pounds...but we're not talking about me here, we're talking about Marilynn's new book! I really enjoyed this quick read, and unfortunately I could totally relate to Tracey's obsession about her weight. It's something I've always struggled with...I LOVE FOOD! I am a (part time) caterer and love to try out new recipes, but I'm also frugal and just HATE for fabulous food to go to waste. Painful. I often tell my friends that if I just stopped finishing my children's food for them, I could easily lose 10 pounds!
But, then there are the new foods and recipes that the picky (fabulous) little ones don't like...I of course need to eat their portions too. (NO, not all in one sitting).
And...don't forget about eating out. Restaurants are always a good excuse for making exceptions and eating just one more bite.
Anyway...you can see my dilemma.
What it all boils down to is that gluttony is a sin and needs to be dealt with accordingly. Like hiding it under a baggy shirt and pair of jeans. (Seriously-I jest)!
And that obsessing about our weight is really just so pointless. It is such a distraction from all those other things that REALLY do matter.
Whoops...okay, finished...on to Marilynn's book!
About the Book: Superwoman doesn't live here!
I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait...did I say welcoming?
One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there's some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn't even know about!
And then there's my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can't stand me.
I'm about to lose my mind! So it's high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!
The Sassy Sistahood: They get by with a little help from their friends.
About Marilynn: Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a
deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.
Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.
Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.
Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.
Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.
To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her through her WEBSITE.
Read an excerpt of Happily Ever After
Buy the book here
This week's CFBA selection is this funny little gem of a book. Just perfect for all of you ladies (and I'm sure a few of you men--of which I'm sure do not read my blog) who are facing THE resolution this January. You know THAT resolution...the one about snugger jeans and someone named Will Power!
I know I could loose 10 (20) pounds...but we're not talking about me here, we're talking about Marilynn's new book! I really enjoyed this quick read, and unfortunately I could totally relate to Tracey's obsession about her weight. It's something I've always struggled with...I LOVE FOOD! I am a (part time) caterer and love to try out new recipes, but I'm also frugal and just HATE for fabulous food to go to waste. Painful. I often tell my friends that if I just stopped finishing my children's food for them, I could easily lose 10 pounds!
But, then there are the new foods and recipes that the picky (fabulous) little ones don't like...I of course need to eat their portions too. (NO, not all in one sitting).
And...don't forget about eating out. Restaurants are always a good excuse for making exceptions and eating just one more bite.
Anyway...you can see my dilemma.
What it all boils down to is that gluttony is a sin and needs to be dealt with accordingly. Like hiding it under a baggy shirt and pair of jeans. (Seriously-I jest)!
And that obsessing about our weight is really just so pointless. It is such a distraction from all those other things that REALLY do matter.
Whoops...okay, finished...on to Marilynn's book!
About the Book: Superwoman doesn't live here!I marry a gorgeous executive, have a baby, lose all the weight (most of it), and move to a fine house in the suburbs with a welcoming new church. Wait...did I say welcoming?
One teeny waaah! and new mothers and their crying babies are exiled to a separate room. At least there's some enlightening conversation. Like about my husband and issues I didn't even know about!
And then there's my aptly named mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, who can't stand me.
I'm about to lose my mind! So it's high time for a visit to the Sassy Sistahood for some much-needed advice about men, marriage and motherhood!
The Sassy Sistahood: They get by with a little help from their friends.
About Marilynn: Marilynn Griffith is mom to a tribe, wife to a
deacon and proof that God gives second chances. While best known for her colorful novels about friendship, family and faith, Marilynn is also a speaker and nonfiction writer.Her nonfiction has been included in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S SOUL and several other devotionals and magazines. Currently, Marilynn is editor of the SISTAHFAITH:BELIEVING BEYOND SHAME anthology. She is also the founder of Faithchick.com, a blog for faith fiction readers.
Marilynn is the author of six novels dealing with issues such as teen pregnancy, AIDS, abstinence, stress relief, single parenting and marriage. Her recent fiction titles include TANGERINE and IF THE SHOE FITS.
Marilynn has served as Vice President and Publicity Officer of American Christian Fiction Writers. She speaks to youth, women and writers about believing beyond boundaries and daring to reach dreams.
Marilynn lives in Florida with her husband and seven children whom she taught at home for seven years. When not chasing toddlers, helping with homework or trying to find her husband a clean shirt, she can be found scribbling furiously on her next novel.
To book Marilynn for media interviews, speaking engagements, Serious Fun fiction parties or book club call-ins, please contact her through her WEBSITE.
Read an excerpt of Happily Ever After
Buy the book here
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Want to Vote?
Here is a message from Chris Well from CCM...
Hey, ChristianMusicPlanet.com just launched its first "CMP FanAwards," which includes four BOOK categories -- FICTION* author/book,and NON-FICTION author/book ...
Please tell your readers to click on over and vote for you!
Deadline: January 31
Go here to vote: http://tinyurl.com/2sa9e4:
(Please don't mock us for naming the category "Fiction Book/Novel" ...in another survey, we asked CCM readers for favorite "novel" and alarge number of respondents did not understand we meant a book that was made up.)
Chris
Chris Well
http://www.studiowell.com/
Hey, ChristianMusicPlanet.com just launched its first "CMP FanAwards," which includes four BOOK categories -- FICTION* author/book,and NON-FICTION author/book ...
Please tell your readers to click on over and vote for you!
Deadline: January 31
Go here to vote: http://tinyurl.com/2sa9e4:
(Please don't mock us for naming the category "Fiction Book/Novel" ...in another survey, we asked CCM readers for favorite "novel" and alarge number of respondents did not understand we meant a book that was made up.)
Chris
Chris Well
http://www.studiowell.com/
Reminder of My Place in Time...
I received this email from one of my WWII Veteran friends who shared his story with me when I wrote my Stories of Liberation series...
Dear Tricia,
Hope all is well with you out there in Kalispell, Montana. Has Winter caught up with you folks?
Sixty-three years ago tomorrow January 6, was my twenty-fifth mission in combat. Our cause was Independence, Liberty and Freedom. In the history of the good old United States of America that has always been our cause and it will continue. This to you is not only a reminder but a gift to you and all peace loving people.
This is an excerpt from my book.
Marion
MEMOIRS FROM MY POW INCARCERATION
Becoming a Prisoner Of War is not only a physical situation, but it is the greatest mentally degrading situation any human can endure. It was our descent into hell. [Since our plane had been shot down] there was great uncertainty and anxiety as to our survivability. This was enemy held territory, this was the war zone. With this the second day, the uncertainty grows even greater. We knew our co-pilot and engineer gunner had died from this incident, but we did not know the status of our bombardier and navigator. Under the point of a gun life as a POW has to go on.
We of McConnell's crew, the “Four Horsemen” of the 91st B. G. we named ourselves, had to go on. We were taken by a guard on a ton and one half truck not knowing the destination. Later as we went along, we were going through Prum, Germany. At a Y type road intersection our driver was told by the guard to slow down and stop. A German couple came out into the street. They were about 40 years of age, speaking German to the guard, they wondered who we were. The guard told them we were POW American Fleggers. The couple said good, they put the bomb there let them dismember it and dig it out. Then on a real friendly type expression and speaking good English they wondered if any of us were from New York City? Of course the radio operator spoke up and said he was. Between them there was no relationship or friends known from New York. Sounded like they were of dual citizen relationship, American and German. They could speak better English then the guard and told us [our job that day would be] to dig up the bomb. Through them and the guard we non-com enlisted men pleaded the Geneva Convention. The guard put extra emphasis on the situation by firing his gun up into the air.
Our pleading came to no avail. They brought two shovels and a pick and with the emphasis wave of his gun, the guard meant business. He then went off to a distance of 100 feet in case it exploded. The bomb was a 250 lb. type, unexploded, probable dud. It had gone through a six inch wood plate on the barn structure, through 3 or 4 inches concrete driveway approach to the barn and buried itself 5 feet into the sandy ground. To us it was as dangerous as flying a mission.
We took turns digging in the sandy soil as we got down to where it lay. With finger dexterity we removed sand from around it, we had it setting on a pedestal in the center of the hole. The bomb had a large split down the side with powder leaking out into the hole cavity. Thank God, our waist gunner Rhiney Strecker was an armament experienced military man. He knew how to defuse that bomb, which he did. We all stood around that hole close in, it would kill all of us in case it exploded. I guess it could be called a form of suicide. That was our allegiance to our country and to one another, that is why I always say we were closer then brothers. Rhiney and Nichols (BTG), got down in the hole and handed the bomb out to Merritt (ROG) and I.
We asked the guard what did he want done with it, he said over in the creek about 100 feet away a stream of water about 12 inches deep was flowing past. With that satisfaction of the people and the German guard, we were ordered into the truck. Time was about 4:30 P. M. January 7, 1945, it was getting dark. Tired and hungry was the order of the day. Little did we realize this is the way it would be many times in the future.
This was all war zone so therefore not many German civilians present in homes. They all retreated Eastward with the German Army. As we went down the road in the truck toward an unknown destination. We four setting toward the front of the truck bed on what appeared to be mail sacks, the guard setting between us and the back edge of the truck, gun at ready. As I sat down [I felt] something soft against my back in one sack . I had flattened it a little bit but it made no difference. I was able to maneuver it around without notice to the guard, got my hand in the sack and behold it was a 10 inch fruitcake some German mother or girlfriend was sending to a German soldier fighting for his fatherland. I told my buddies and we side tracked that sucker. It was dark now we could get by without notice. We had not eaten since the evening before and I passed out cake by the handfuls.
We all spoke in quit tones so guard did not know what is going on. We filled our pockets with cake as we went along and soon arrived at our destination. We even had cake for the next day. Our situation convinced us there was a God and I am sure for myself and others prayers were said that day. God heard our prayer.THIS WAS THE EVENING OF INCARCERATION SECOND DAY
Gerolstein and Prum Germany were almost in a straight line East and West. The same roadway, railroad and streams ran along side of these two cities. Our destination was Gerolstein, Germany location of camp compound not too appealing it was an old large barn set off the main road about 100 feet. When we arrived there it was occupied by 50 American Infantrymen captured from the “Battle of the Bulge”. We four were the only airmen. The soldiers had been POW’s since the Bulge. That was on December 16, 1944 this was January 7, 1945.
Upon entering the gate our greetings stood out with an American soldier’s dead body displayed for all to see in the center of the barnyard. We were in good physical condition compared to the soldiers. We did not know if this soldier died or was shot, later we found out he was shot. These Wehrmacht soldiers were from the war front and had seen a lot of carnage and they were heartless, but who would know, but us.
The old barn was soon noted as “The Hell Hole Barn”. For sleeping accommodations we were assigned a three by three by four foot cubicle. You had to climb past other soldiers on the way up. These cubicles were stacked four high about twelve feet to the top one. To sleep there was no blanket from the cold, just bare boards. Thank God we still had on our electric heated suit inserts. There was so much suffering, men became like animals, no caring or consideration for others. There was dysentery, lice and heated arguments among the men. Survival of the fittest it was called.
After a couple days the cake had run out and we became hungry again. The German guards told us if we volunteered to dig out bomb victims bodies from the bombing we did on Christmas Eve we would get food. To eat we volunteered. The next evening we four airmen and four Infantrymen were taken to Gerolstein under guard and we dug out bodies. Due to the cold about 20 degrees above zero the bodies were frozen stiff, no odor. There were town officials to receive the bodies.
[For our dinner] there were lots of goodies, cake and cookies, some schnops. We ate well and filled our pockets with goodies for our compatriots back at the Old Barn. We did this for about four nights 8, 9,10,11th . Little did we know when we would eat again.
When we got back in early morning a German guard and an American soldier got into an argument, not understanding one another because of language differences the guards shot the soldier. They put his body out in the middle of the Barnyard for display they meant business. The guard who shot the soldier was asked name [so that] later [we could] turn him in, he yelled his name was Eisenhower. Of course it was not the German soldier’s real name.
THE BARN HELL HOLE
The German’s were having problems with the railroad running through town where Allied bombing had occurred and asked for volunteers to repair the track. We were promised food if we work. Two of we four, horsemen plus six soldiers went out working only at night. It was only about a quarter of a mile to work area. As we understood the situation, there were broken spikes and plates. We could get by with a lot in the dark. A lot of the broken plates we hide under the track, half spikes placed in ready made holes had no holding power. It was our way of sabotage. You get a group of Yanks together and this is what you get. We were still fighting the war. Our work caused more problems for the Germans.
We got by three nights, the fourth night as we approached the work area over to the side stood a SS Trooper with rifle. Before we could do any labor he came over and showed us the sabotage we had done. Without prompt he shot a few times in the air then swinging his gun butt he beat me up and one of the soldiers knocking us out cold. He told the guards to rouse [us] and take us back to the Barn. How we were returned to the barn I will never know. We came too our senses in early morning the next day in severe pain and head ache and were told we were lucky to be alive. He could very well shot us dead, why yet in my mind remains a mystery.
THE END OF LIFE AT BARN HELL-HOLE
We were there only four more days and on January 19, 1945 they started force marching us east along the same road from which we came. In 15 to 20 degree temperatures, 10 inches of snow, no food, scooping up snow and imagining it was a kind of food we like. As we went along a very disheartening trek, sleeping in fence rows and forest like hogs.
We were going to another unknown destination for 80 miles we came to Stalag XII-A Limburg, Germany. A trek of four days arriving on January 23, 1945 Limburg was an Infantry Stalag mostly American captured POW’s. We did get some food that evening and next morning. Our Radio Operator had walked in his felt liner shoes for most of the distance. They did hold up in great style. It so happens a soldier had died at Limburg overnight, and guess what, he had the same size feet our Radio Operator wore. Old George was really delighted with more rigid footwear to walk.
It began to look like we would not have a permanent home. Because of anxiety, lack of food, proper rest our energy physical level was diminishing fast.
THIS WAS THE 16TH DAY OF INCARCERATION
For some reason the Luftwaffe came into Limburg the next day January 24, 1945 and took us out of Stalag XII-A. Then we started another force march approximately 90 miles in the evening down to Oberursel for interrogation, then to Wetzlar, Germany Dulag Luft. Why we started walking to Dulag Luft on the evening of January 24, 1945 we would never know. It was another bad march. We arrived in the morning of January 28, 1945. We were imprisoned in small cubicles four feet wide by six feet long, it was not built for comfort. The bed was narrow, thirty inches wide by six feet long hinged on one side to tilt against the wall. The heated building was 66-68 degrees, a lot better than sleeping outside on the ground. They gave us one blanket to sleep on the board slats and use for cover. We four were put in separate cubicles, were not allowed to see one another, we did not see another person unless they walked past for interrogation.
Next morning we were given a slice of moldy bread, at noon a bowl of watery soup in the evening a slice of moldy bread, at least we had food. This is the place we were told, where the German seek information on our mission. On January 29, 1945 was my day. Due to my name being Hoffman (Hoofmun) my treatment was more severe. I could understand some German (not letting them know) and the guards delighted in getting me in for interrogation purposes. They prodded me with bayonets enough to draw blood and try to scare me into talking more readily, more freely. The first thing was to get me to sign the Red Cross Form, I refused.
With my name Hoffman I was accused of being a traitor to my country, Germany, a conspirator and threaten to be shot like a spy. It was part of a scheme to drive you to a low mental attitude, to break you and gain any information used to their good. Little did I know how near I was to a breaking point after three psychological visits to the interrogator. Yielding no information to interrogator, I would repeat my name, rank and serial number, he would get extremely mad. He was a good actor of course he held the best hand of the deck of cards. When he brought me in to his office he said I want you to verify what I will show you. He brought out this book about three inches thick. He showed me my mothers maiden name, the name of everyone of my seven brothers, six sisters. He ask why were you not flying your own plane Margie this day? Maps of where our 91st BG bomb storage dump was. It always seem to me that there was a spy from our home town in America had radioed all information about me and family. Back in my hometown there were those who belong to the German Bund before the war. They would've known the answer to these questions. On about February 4, 1945 with interrogation finished, we four were taken forced march to a holding camp at Dulag Luft Holding Camp at Wetzlar near Frankfurt.
THIS WAS THE THIRTY FIFTH DAY OF INCARCERATION.
While there we had one fairly good meal a day. But it was not to last. We spent only ten days to two weeks there. The Americans had a staff helping the Germans to control we 100 POW’s. The American Colonel Stark was a puppet of the Germans plus his staff of enlisted men, who appeared to be well fed. Everyone got rotated on a regular schedule to our share of KP duty. There was eight of us [that] became suspicious of the way the Dictator Colonel Stark made things happen. There were some of our POW [who] witnessed what was going on but did nothing about it. Question, who was getting the leftovers? To uncover the situation, six of the eight of us tried for second helpings one day and find out who was getting all the Red Cross Parcels? We got caught.
For punishment we were paraded before the rest of the camp POW’s, made to pulverize coal for the stoker furnace feeder and other menial jobs. We endured the punishment and we soon convinced the rest of the POW’s what the permanent party was doing. They were living like kings plus privileges from the Germans to live out the war. We had exposed the conspiracy. The attitude of the prisoners here was not good after finding out what was going on.
One foggy morning a young fellow with a bad mental attitude we had counseled with decided he had enough and went over the fence. The Germans did not hesitate, they shot him dead. Others around him said he had acted strange. The actions of this young man came across all of our minds. How much could we take of this inhumanity to mankind.
It was here we heard the big guns off in far distance, the sound was sustenance enough. We knew someone was coming and would free us if we just hung on.
ON OUR FORTY FIFTH DAY OF INCARCERATION
About February 18th, 1945 the Colonel to protect his own ass was getting rid of us trouble-makers, from there with 50 other Airmen, we were sent forced march with four guards down to Frankfurt, where we nearly got killed from English bombing raid in railroad marshaling yard while setting in a railroad car waiting for transport South.
AND THE STORY GOES ON...
Thank you Marion for letting me share some of your story!
Dear Tricia,
Hope all is well with you out there in Kalispell, Montana. Has Winter caught up with you folks?
Sixty-three years ago tomorrow January 6, was my twenty-fifth mission in combat. Our cause was Independence, Liberty and Freedom. In the history of the good old United States of America that has always been our cause and it will continue. This to you is not only a reminder but a gift to you and all peace loving people.
This is an excerpt from my book.
Marion
MEMOIRS FROM MY POW INCARCERATION
Becoming a Prisoner Of War is not only a physical situation, but it is the greatest mentally degrading situation any human can endure. It was our descent into hell. [Since our plane had been shot down] there was great uncertainty and anxiety as to our survivability. This was enemy held territory, this was the war zone. With this the second day, the uncertainty grows even greater. We knew our co-pilot and engineer gunner had died from this incident, but we did not know the status of our bombardier and navigator. Under the point of a gun life as a POW has to go on.
We of McConnell's crew, the “Four Horsemen” of the 91st B. G. we named ourselves, had to go on. We were taken by a guard on a ton and one half truck not knowing the destination. Later as we went along, we were going through Prum, Germany. At a Y type road intersection our driver was told by the guard to slow down and stop. A German couple came out into the street. They were about 40 years of age, speaking German to the guard, they wondered who we were. The guard told them we were POW American Fleggers. The couple said good, they put the bomb there let them dismember it and dig it out. Then on a real friendly type expression and speaking good English they wondered if any of us were from New York City? Of course the radio operator spoke up and said he was. Between them there was no relationship or friends known from New York. Sounded like they were of dual citizen relationship, American and German. They could speak better English then the guard and told us [our job that day would be] to dig up the bomb. Through them and the guard we non-com enlisted men pleaded the Geneva Convention. The guard put extra emphasis on the situation by firing his gun up into the air.
Our pleading came to no avail. They brought two shovels and a pick and with the emphasis wave of his gun, the guard meant business. He then went off to a distance of 100 feet in case it exploded. The bomb was a 250 lb. type, unexploded, probable dud. It had gone through a six inch wood plate on the barn structure, through 3 or 4 inches concrete driveway approach to the barn and buried itself 5 feet into the sandy ground. To us it was as dangerous as flying a mission.
We took turns digging in the sandy soil as we got down to where it lay. With finger dexterity we removed sand from around it, we had it setting on a pedestal in the center of the hole. The bomb had a large split down the side with powder leaking out into the hole cavity. Thank God, our waist gunner Rhiney Strecker was an armament experienced military man. He knew how to defuse that bomb, which he did. We all stood around that hole close in, it would kill all of us in case it exploded. I guess it could be called a form of suicide. That was our allegiance to our country and to one another, that is why I always say we were closer then brothers. Rhiney and Nichols (BTG), got down in the hole and handed the bomb out to Merritt (ROG) and I.
We asked the guard what did he want done with it, he said over in the creek about 100 feet away a stream of water about 12 inches deep was flowing past. With that satisfaction of the people and the German guard, we were ordered into the truck. Time was about 4:30 P. M. January 7, 1945, it was getting dark. Tired and hungry was the order of the day. Little did we realize this is the way it would be many times in the future.
This was all war zone so therefore not many German civilians present in homes. They all retreated Eastward with the German Army. As we went down the road in the truck toward an unknown destination. We four setting toward the front of the truck bed on what appeared to be mail sacks, the guard setting between us and the back edge of the truck, gun at ready. As I sat down [I felt] something soft against my back in one sack . I had flattened it a little bit but it made no difference. I was able to maneuver it around without notice to the guard, got my hand in the sack and behold it was a 10 inch fruitcake some German mother or girlfriend was sending to a German soldier fighting for his fatherland. I told my buddies and we side tracked that sucker. It was dark now we could get by without notice. We had not eaten since the evening before and I passed out cake by the handfuls.
We all spoke in quit tones so guard did not know what is going on. We filled our pockets with cake as we went along and soon arrived at our destination. We even had cake for the next day. Our situation convinced us there was a God and I am sure for myself and others prayers were said that day. God heard our prayer.THIS WAS THE EVENING OF INCARCERATION SECOND DAY
Gerolstein and Prum Germany were almost in a straight line East and West. The same roadway, railroad and streams ran along side of these two cities. Our destination was Gerolstein, Germany location of camp compound not too appealing it was an old large barn set off the main road about 100 feet. When we arrived there it was occupied by 50 American Infantrymen captured from the “Battle of the Bulge”. We four were the only airmen. The soldiers had been POW’s since the Bulge. That was on December 16, 1944 this was January 7, 1945.
Upon entering the gate our greetings stood out with an American soldier’s dead body displayed for all to see in the center of the barnyard. We were in good physical condition compared to the soldiers. We did not know if this soldier died or was shot, later we found out he was shot. These Wehrmacht soldiers were from the war front and had seen a lot of carnage and they were heartless, but who would know, but us.
The old barn was soon noted as “The Hell Hole Barn”. For sleeping accommodations we were assigned a three by three by four foot cubicle. You had to climb past other soldiers on the way up. These cubicles were stacked four high about twelve feet to the top one. To sleep there was no blanket from the cold, just bare boards. Thank God we still had on our electric heated suit inserts. There was so much suffering, men became like animals, no caring or consideration for others. There was dysentery, lice and heated arguments among the men. Survival of the fittest it was called.
After a couple days the cake had run out and we became hungry again. The German guards told us if we volunteered to dig out bomb victims bodies from the bombing we did on Christmas Eve we would get food. To eat we volunteered. The next evening we four airmen and four Infantrymen were taken to Gerolstein under guard and we dug out bodies. Due to the cold about 20 degrees above zero the bodies were frozen stiff, no odor. There were town officials to receive the bodies.
[For our dinner] there were lots of goodies, cake and cookies, some schnops. We ate well and filled our pockets with goodies for our compatriots back at the Old Barn. We did this for about four nights 8, 9,10,11th . Little did we know when we would eat again.
When we got back in early morning a German guard and an American soldier got into an argument, not understanding one another because of language differences the guards shot the soldier. They put his body out in the middle of the Barnyard for display they meant business. The guard who shot the soldier was asked name [so that] later [we could] turn him in, he yelled his name was Eisenhower. Of course it was not the German soldier’s real name.
THE BARN HELL HOLE
The German’s were having problems with the railroad running through town where Allied bombing had occurred and asked for volunteers to repair the track. We were promised food if we work. Two of we four, horsemen plus six soldiers went out working only at night. It was only about a quarter of a mile to work area. As we understood the situation, there were broken spikes and plates. We could get by with a lot in the dark. A lot of the broken plates we hide under the track, half spikes placed in ready made holes had no holding power. It was our way of sabotage. You get a group of Yanks together and this is what you get. We were still fighting the war. Our work caused more problems for the Germans.
We got by three nights, the fourth night as we approached the work area over to the side stood a SS Trooper with rifle. Before we could do any labor he came over and showed us the sabotage we had done. Without prompt he shot a few times in the air then swinging his gun butt he beat me up and one of the soldiers knocking us out cold. He told the guards to rouse [us] and take us back to the Barn. How we were returned to the barn I will never know. We came too our senses in early morning the next day in severe pain and head ache and were told we were lucky to be alive. He could very well shot us dead, why yet in my mind remains a mystery.
THE END OF LIFE AT BARN HELL-HOLE
We were there only four more days and on January 19, 1945 they started force marching us east along the same road from which we came. In 15 to 20 degree temperatures, 10 inches of snow, no food, scooping up snow and imagining it was a kind of food we like. As we went along a very disheartening trek, sleeping in fence rows and forest like hogs.
We were going to another unknown destination for 80 miles we came to Stalag XII-A Limburg, Germany. A trek of four days arriving on January 23, 1945 Limburg was an Infantry Stalag mostly American captured POW’s. We did get some food that evening and next morning. Our Radio Operator had walked in his felt liner shoes for most of the distance. They did hold up in great style. It so happens a soldier had died at Limburg overnight, and guess what, he had the same size feet our Radio Operator wore. Old George was really delighted with more rigid footwear to walk.
It began to look like we would not have a permanent home. Because of anxiety, lack of food, proper rest our energy physical level was diminishing fast.
THIS WAS THE 16TH DAY OF INCARCERATION
For some reason the Luftwaffe came into Limburg the next day January 24, 1945 and took us out of Stalag XII-A. Then we started another force march approximately 90 miles in the evening down to Oberursel for interrogation, then to Wetzlar, Germany Dulag Luft. Why we started walking to Dulag Luft on the evening of January 24, 1945 we would never know. It was another bad march. We arrived in the morning of January 28, 1945. We were imprisoned in small cubicles four feet wide by six feet long, it was not built for comfort. The bed was narrow, thirty inches wide by six feet long hinged on one side to tilt against the wall. The heated building was 66-68 degrees, a lot better than sleeping outside on the ground. They gave us one blanket to sleep on the board slats and use for cover. We four were put in separate cubicles, were not allowed to see one another, we did not see another person unless they walked past for interrogation.
Next morning we were given a slice of moldy bread, at noon a bowl of watery soup in the evening a slice of moldy bread, at least we had food. This is the place we were told, where the German seek information on our mission. On January 29, 1945 was my day. Due to my name being Hoffman (Hoofmun) my treatment was more severe. I could understand some German (not letting them know) and the guards delighted in getting me in for interrogation purposes. They prodded me with bayonets enough to draw blood and try to scare me into talking more readily, more freely. The first thing was to get me to sign the Red Cross Form, I refused.
With my name Hoffman I was accused of being a traitor to my country, Germany, a conspirator and threaten to be shot like a spy. It was part of a scheme to drive you to a low mental attitude, to break you and gain any information used to their good. Little did I know how near I was to a breaking point after three psychological visits to the interrogator. Yielding no information to interrogator, I would repeat my name, rank and serial number, he would get extremely mad. He was a good actor of course he held the best hand of the deck of cards. When he brought me in to his office he said I want you to verify what I will show you. He brought out this book about three inches thick. He showed me my mothers maiden name, the name of everyone of my seven brothers, six sisters. He ask why were you not flying your own plane Margie this day? Maps of where our 91st BG bomb storage dump was. It always seem to me that there was a spy from our home town in America had radioed all information about me and family. Back in my hometown there were those who belong to the German Bund before the war. They would've known the answer to these questions. On about February 4, 1945 with interrogation finished, we four were taken forced march to a holding camp at Dulag Luft Holding Camp at Wetzlar near Frankfurt.
THIS WAS THE THIRTY FIFTH DAY OF INCARCERATION.
While there we had one fairly good meal a day. But it was not to last. We spent only ten days to two weeks there. The Americans had a staff helping the Germans to control we 100 POW’s. The American Colonel Stark was a puppet of the Germans plus his staff of enlisted men, who appeared to be well fed. Everyone got rotated on a regular schedule to our share of KP duty. There was eight of us [that] became suspicious of the way the Dictator Colonel Stark made things happen. There were some of our POW [who] witnessed what was going on but did nothing about it. Question, who was getting the leftovers? To uncover the situation, six of the eight of us tried for second helpings one day and find out who was getting all the Red Cross Parcels? We got caught.
For punishment we were paraded before the rest of the camp POW’s, made to pulverize coal for the stoker furnace feeder and other menial jobs. We endured the punishment and we soon convinced the rest of the POW’s what the permanent party was doing. They were living like kings plus privileges from the Germans to live out the war. We had exposed the conspiracy. The attitude of the prisoners here was not good after finding out what was going on.
One foggy morning a young fellow with a bad mental attitude we had counseled with decided he had enough and went over the fence. The Germans did not hesitate, they shot him dead. Others around him said he had acted strange. The actions of this young man came across all of our minds. How much could we take of this inhumanity to mankind.
It was here we heard the big guns off in far distance, the sound was sustenance enough. We knew someone was coming and would free us if we just hung on.
ON OUR FORTY FIFTH DAY OF INCARCERATION
About February 18th, 1945 the Colonel to protect his own ass was getting rid of us trouble-makers, from there with 50 other Airmen, we were sent forced march with four guards down to Frankfurt, where we nearly got killed from English bombing raid in railroad marshaling yard while setting in a railroad car waiting for transport South.
AND THE STORY GOES ON...
Thank you Marion for letting me share some of your story!
Monday, January 07, 2008
Confirmations...
I love getting fun confirmations that God is at work. A few weeks ago, I taught at "Writing Club." I teach writing to homeschoolers once a month and they LOVE it. They were saying they wish I did it every week! (One kid said every day. :-) Some of those kids have been meeting monthly with me for almost four years! It's so awesome to see their writing progress!
Then there was a phone message from a local friend. She sent a few of my books to her unchurched sister. Well, the sister didn't know what to think of 10 Minutes to Showtime when she got it last year. And then this year they read A Valley of Betrayal in her book club. Well, I guess now she is so excited about my books that she gave 10 Minutes to Showtime to ALL her friends for Christmas. VERY cool.
It just reminds me that God is working even where I can't see it!
Then there was a phone message from a local friend. She sent a few of my books to her unchurched sister. Well, the sister didn't know what to think of 10 Minutes to Showtime when she got it last year. And then this year they read A Valley of Betrayal in her book club. Well, I guess now she is so excited about my books that she gave 10 Minutes to Showtime to ALL her friends for Christmas. VERY cool.
It just reminds me that God is working even where I can't see it!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Office must-haves
My name is Tricia and I confess ... I have office envy. I've been talking my some of my novelist friends lately and they have pretty nice offices ... A comfy chair? A lamp? A mini fridge??? Sweet!
I share my 12 x 12 office with four other people. We have five computer stations, and all MY mess. As the bill payer, calendar scheduler, mail sorter, homeschool teacher, and (yes) writer, I usually have a few piles. (Currently, I have two on the floor and one of the desk.)
Now that I just finished another novel, I can sort, organize, and whip the office back into shape. In fact, it's safe to say my family can tell how close I am to deadline from the size of the piles ... 0-2 feet and counting. :-)
What are my office must-haves? I LOVE my color laser printer, my docking station for my notebook computer, my two large filing cabinets, and my various sorters and stackers filled with research, notes, contracts, and paper products. I also have a view of the Rocky Mountains (3 miles away as the crow flies) that's to die for.
The thing is that many people think they need a private office to write. They don't. They think they need to be totally organized before they start page one. Not true. Because the truth is that the BEST office must-have is a person who has a prayer on his/her lips and who plunks their butt in the chair and sets a goal ... even a small one. You'd be surprised how many of my books were written in 30-minute increments!
Go ahead. Try it!
I share my 12 x 12 office with four other people. We have five computer stations, and all MY mess. As the bill payer, calendar scheduler, mail sorter, homeschool teacher, and (yes) writer, I usually have a few piles. (Currently, I have two on the floor and one of the desk.)
Now that I just finished another novel, I can sort, organize, and whip the office back into shape. In fact, it's safe to say my family can tell how close I am to deadline from the size of the piles ... 0-2 feet and counting. :-)
What are my office must-haves? I LOVE my color laser printer, my docking station for my notebook computer, my two large filing cabinets, and my various sorters and stackers filled with research, notes, contracts, and paper products. I also have a view of the Rocky Mountains (3 miles away as the crow flies) that's to die for.
The thing is that many people think they need a private office to write. They don't. They think they need to be totally organized before they start page one. Not true. Because the truth is that the BEST office must-have is a person who has a prayer on his/her lips and who plunks their butt in the chair and sets a goal ... even a small one. You'd be surprised how many of my books were written in 30-minute increments!
Go ahead. Try it!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
From the inside out...
Yesterday, I finished my novel Sweet September (Guideposts). It is an amazing story about acceptance. And about coming to terms with the course God has designed for you. It's also a story about realizing that sometimes we need to stop looking at the destination (of striving to get "someplace") and instead discover joy in the journey. It's realizing that the hardest times are those that transform us and bring us closer to the ones we love and the One we love. (And isn't that the same lesson we often learned by the time the credits rolled on shows like The Brady Bunch and Leave it to Beaver?)
I don't know why I strive to do, do, do as if doing makes God happy. I don't know why most of the time I'm so focused on the destination (a finished book, a cleaned house) that I miss zeroing in on the moments.
Today I was reading the Sermon on the Mount, and I was surprised to (re)discover that there is only one "do": "God blesses those who work for peace" (vs. 9) The rest of them are "who are" phrases:
God blesses those ...
who realize their need for Him
who mourn
who are gently and lowly
who are hungry and thirsty for justice
who are merciful
whose hearts are pure
who are persecuted because they live for God
(Matthew 5:3-10 NLT)
All these things can be summed up by the words of one of David's prayers: "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart that I may honor you" (Psalm 86:11 NLT).
To be all the Creator desires us to be--to become a son or daughter who brings Him pleasure--we need to be two things: teachable and repentant. Only if we seek God's teaching, will we BECOME who He desires. And only when we repent will our hearts be PURE once again--a clean slate for Him to work with.
Of course to "be" these things there is one thing we must DO. We must realize we (as the favorite song says) are weak, but He is strong. We seek Him, knowing His teachings will transform us and His cleaning will change us--from the inside out.
I don't know why I strive to do, do, do as if doing makes God happy. I don't know why most of the time I'm so focused on the destination (a finished book, a cleaned house) that I miss zeroing in on the moments.
Today I was reading the Sermon on the Mount, and I was surprised to (re)discover that there is only one "do": "God blesses those who work for peace" (vs. 9) The rest of them are "who are" phrases:
God blesses those ...
who realize their need for Him
who mourn
who are gently and lowly
who are hungry and thirsty for justice
who are merciful
whose hearts are pure
who are persecuted because they live for God
(Matthew 5:3-10 NLT)
All these things can be summed up by the words of one of David's prayers: "Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart that I may honor you" (Psalm 86:11 NLT).
To be all the Creator desires us to be--to become a son or daughter who brings Him pleasure--we need to be two things: teachable and repentant. Only if we seek God's teaching, will we BECOME who He desires. And only when we repent will our hearts be PURE once again--a clean slate for Him to work with.
Of course to "be" these things there is one thing we must DO. We must realize we (as the favorite song says) are weak, but He is strong. We seek Him, knowing His teachings will transform us and His cleaning will change us--from the inside out.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Historically Accurate, Politically Incorrect
I don't want to beat my one-star review to death, but many of you had VERY good points. (Thanks for all who emailed me!)
Some thought the guy hadn't read the book. Some said he had no write judging me when he couldn't spell. Others pointed out that he gave many one-star reviews. And a few (my husband included) noted that a lot of his negative reviews mentioned Communism ... which is an element of this novel.
I don't know why I didn't pick on this communist link myself. You see, this is something my editor and I actually discussed ... and that is taking the risk of being historically accurate, but politically incorrect.
You see, A Valley of Betrayal starts in 1936. It's in the middle of the Great Depression AND many (75%) of the men and women who volunteered to fight in Spain against fascism were communist. Of course, now we see what has happened in China and Russia (the whole former Soviet Union), and we know communism is not cool. But back then ... in 1936 ... Communism was very popular. The communist leaders had soup lines, provided for their members, fed the masses, and they fought against fascism. (They were the first to give their lives to fight the Nazi regime in Spain.) The Communist Party also allowed black men to fight, live, and serve alongside white men without segregation.
In my book, two characters are part of the Communist party. My goal in the novel was to show that The Spanish Civil War was not a fight between good against evil (like World War II with the US against Nazi Germany). Rather it was two sides--neither good--that fought to claim a country they knew would be vital to the war to come.
Through my characters, I show WHY people in 1936 would lean towards communism. Also, through the story, I show that neither side acted saintly. (Far from it.) Yet, I also showed that no matter what forces are fighting around us, we as individuals can choose to serve God and to help others. In fact, sometimes God places us in these situations so we can grow in Him.
Last year, I received flaming, unkind comments from a few members of The Abraham Lincoln Brigade society because they did not believe that a Christian woman could write about the ALB volunteers and their communist ideals. Then yesterday I noticed that one-star review and (with the help of friends) I noted the other comments from this reviewer concerning his negative attitude toward communism. I later had one of the ALB society members (who is an atheist) write a review, telling me what a fine job I did on the novel, which was HUGE. I doubt the one-star reviewer would ever change his opinion, but maybe if he had read more than 40 pages (if any at all), he could have known how I showed--through my characters--that communism wasn't all it was believed to be.
So in the end, I suppose I have done my work. I have written historically accurate material and have I have shown historically accurate ideals and beliefs through the lives of characters. Yes, today these thoughts and ideals might be politically incorrect, but hopefully the story will help readers understand history a little better and human nature a little better. I know I understand it better after writing about it ... and after seeing the responses I get!
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