Get Expelled - The Movie - Super Trailer

Don't miss this movie!

Adult children...who me?

I got a new book in the mail for one of my cool friends Allison Bottke--Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children.

First, I realized when I got it that I have an adult child. Cory is 18--how crazy is that????!!!

Second, I thought that Allison probably had good advice for those of us who also have younger kids. So I asked, "Allison, what can parents do NOT to begin the enabling pattern?" This is what she said:

Allison: One thing, and there are many, is that parents are so rushed these days that it SEEMS easier to do things for their children that the child should (and could) be doing for themselves because the parent(s) are in a hurry. Things like dressing themselves, tying their own shoes, feeding themselves, and picking up after themselves. There are "age appropriate" tasks that children should be doing for themselves but instead mom or dad swoops in and does it for them - starting the child on the road to a confused mindset of what they should and/or should not be doing on their own.

Pretty soon it's mom or dad doing their homework for them, or driving them to school because they wouldn't get up when their alarm rang, or buying them a new pair of jeans because they didn't put their own in the dirty clothes basket and they have to wear these jeans on this day or they will be ostracized ... etc. etc. I'm sure you get the picture.

The key is that children MUST be allowed to do things for themselves AND MOST IMPORTANT - to accept the consequences for not doing it - or doing it wrong .... when mom or dad swoop in and do it themselves because it's easier or faster or less stressful for THEM - they are doing a HUGE disservice to their child that may have catastrophic consequences when the child grows up.

Tricia: Thanks Allison. That is so true and helpful! This is a book worth checking out! For more advice from Allison go to: http://www.sanitysupport.com/



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.

Tech Savvy...and safe!

Focus on the Family ran this article I wrote on how to help your children be tech savvy and SAFE!

Technology doesn't have to be a frightful menace for today's parents; it can be an important ally. Parents brave enough to enter their child's digital world can discover priceless opportunities. "Since my daughters are on MySpace a lot, I decided to sign up," Wilson says. "Now I know what they're interested in, and what they're hearing and seeing. I also like to send them messages and leave comments on their pages. They do the same back to me. It's one more way to let them know I love them and want to be a part of their lives."

MySpace, however, can expose your children to questionable content and online predators, so carefully consider the benefits and dangers of this site before allowing them to use it. Instant messaging is another way to connect with your kids. Michele Huey of Pennsylvania is an IM buddy to her son, a junior in college.

"When my son started college," Huey says, "he downloaded AOL's Instant Messenger on my computer. He's the only buddy I have, but we connect nearly every day. We've had some heart-to-heart conversations . . . and it has brought us closer."

Read the rest here

What are some things you do?

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.

The Mom Song Sung to William Tell Overture with Lyrics

This is cool! I've met Anita before. I love that she's famous now for being REAL! And check out the great interview with CBS...you can find it on youtube too.

Thoughts on Generation X by Mike Dellosso

Here is an excerpt from Mike's blog, Wide-eyed Fiction:

Gen Xers want authenticity. We're sick and tired of a plastic world where everyone's happy and everything's wonderful and peachy-nice. Real life isn't like that. We know it and everyone else know's it so let's just be real about it. That attitude is filtering down into our writing.

What we're seeing is a new generation of writers (Gen Xers) coming on the scene writing about life as it really is. Sure there are triumphs, sure there are happy times and love and joy, but there's also misery and shame and hurt and guilt. People are flawed and sinful and, let's face the truth, everyone struggles with something.

And that's the kind of characters we're finding more and more in today's books. People who may or may not be Christians but are real people. They have problems, struggles, weaknesses, sins that have dug nails into them and won't let go. Say goodbye to the days of perfect little Christians conquering the world around them with light and goodness. (Hey, that's good stuff and it does happen sometimes but for the rest of us, we struggle just to keep our flashlights on). Gen Xers are writing about people who are challenged and sometimes fail and sometimes grow. Like the characters in the Bible, their flaws are exposed for all to see (or read about).

And I think it's refreshing.

Read the rest here

Your thoughts?


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 Cindi Choppes who left a comment on the GenX Parenting blog! Thank you for un-lurking! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

Ask and you may receive...

Lately in addition to balancing writing, homeschool, baby care, and life ... I've also been planning a missions' trip to the Czech Republic. Yesterday I heard amazing news. It's so exciting, and well ... I'm just going to have to fill you in.

Here's the story:

I've visited the Czech Republic twice--once in 2000 and once in 2002. I can't describe how I fell in love with the country and the people. John was with me the second time and I told him, "Honey, can't we move here and be missionaries?" At the time it wasn't feasible, but that little seed was planted in my heart.

Fast forward to 2007. I was in Sunday School when this sweet looking young woman sat next to me. I introduced myself and she did too. I noticed her accent right away. She said her name is Sona and she was from the Czech Republic. We talked a little, but because I serve in children's church every week I wasn't able to connect with Sona to tell her how much the Czech Republic meant to me.

Then ... last fall I started teaching Experiencing God. Sona was in my class. (If you haven't taken that Bible Study you MUST.) Anyway, through the class my love for the Czech Republic came up. Sona also shared how she's prayed for three years to be able to return to her country to share her faith.

Well, one week the topic was about International missions. Henry Blackaby was talking about looking within your own church. He said that if you have Internationals within your congregation you should ask God why they are there and if you should reach out to their home countries.

That week I was sweeping the church after the Wed. night supper when the idea struck my heart that we should plan a short-term missions trip to the Czech Republic. I ran over to Sona, who was washing dishes and I said, "Sona, we need to go to the Czech Republic next year for a short term missions' trip." Her eyes widened. A smile filled her face. I've been praying about the VERY thing all week!

So, since November I've been checking out different opportunities ... and I found MANY! There were things we liked about each, but yesterday I connected with a project that is a PERFECT fit for our group! I'm so excited. (More details to come!)

Of course, now I know of many, many opportunities--more than one team can do. So that is where YOU come in. If you are interested in a short-term missions trip in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, PLEASE let me know. I can pass on information. There are WONDERFUL opportunities and ministries that are in need of workers for teaching English (if you speak it, you can teach it!), children's outreach, youth outreach, construction and MORE!

Email me! fromdustandashes@hotmail.com


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.

Another family photo...or two!

Okay, these are the last...I promise!

More great characters...more great stories behind these photos!




My grandmas's aunt with a guitar.

My grandma with uncle Joe. Aren't they sweet!

Uncle Vince, great grandma, and grandma

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 I Write...

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.

Just a mini update!

I don't have time to write a long blog. So I'm gonna do highlights ... and then you'll understand why there are not extra minutes!


1. From Wed-Sun a.m. we were at the Montana Christian Athletics Association state tournament. After watching dozens of games and cheering (loudly) our girls WON. They got first place! The boys lost two and won one ... Cory didn't get to play due to his torn ACL, but he cheered loudly.

2. Cory got nominated for the Christian Character Award! This is the second year and we were thrilled.

3. I was the "team mom" and I purchased candy for the boy's team to give to the girls team. I also bought t-shirts that the boys team decorated in our hotel room. Some even painted their faces in support of the girls! (The photo is of Cory with his friend Isaac.)

4. While on the road I heard the my sister-in-law is on COMPLETE bed rest for her pregnancy, so I volunteered to take two of her four kids. Brianna (4) is now with my other sister-in-law, but I'll have Samantha 1 1/2) for ... up to four months while Sandy is down. The boys (7 and 3) are with friends. Please pray the baby stays in and develops like he/she should ... and that Sandy can handle the bed rest and missing her kiddos.

5. I had an article to write ... that I finished today. And I need to finish the outline and first two chapters of Blue Like Playdoh by Thursday. I'm trying to get used to working with a baby around. Thank goodness for naps! (Although Samantha is super cute and tons of fun.)

Okay, gotto go make dinner.


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. Congrats to Rowena who STOPPED LURKING last week...she left comments on my shoutlife page! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

4 things MEME

Four things about me that you may or may not know in no particular order.

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. babysitter
2. housekeeper
3 McDonalds
4. Writer


B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. 13 Going on 30
2. The Sound of Music
3. The Parent Trap
4. Grease

(C) 4 places I have lived:
1. Weed, California
2. Redding, California
3. Anderson, California
4. Columbia Falls, Montana

(D) Four TV Shows that I watch
1. House MD
2. Heroes
3. Kyle XY
4. Divine Design

(E) Four places I have been:
1. Paris, France
2. Banff, Canada
3. Boston, Massachusetts
4. Prague, Czech Republic

(F) People who e-mail me (regularly)
1. Amy
2. Lesley
3. Melissa (my publicist!)
4. Kristen

(G) Four Favorite foods
1. Dark Chocolate
2. Anything Mexican
3. Grapes
4. Apples and peanut butter

(H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Hawaii (with my family)
2. Prague (with my family)
3. Chicago (with my family)
4. New York (with my family)

(I) Four friends I think will respond:
1. Lesley
2. Amy
3. Loring
4. Leslie

(J) Things I am looking forward to this year: (2008)
1. losing weight
2. finishing my book Blue Like Playdoh
3. going to Prague for a missions trip
4. going to San Diego in October


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.

Okay, just a few more photos.

My grandma and I found this photo of my great-uncle Joe. He was in the US Army during WWII. This is a photo of him doing a funny pose in his uniform.

Also attached is my son Cory's senior photo. (18-years-old, committed Christian, never been kissed, wants to be a youth pastor ... anyone out there got sweet girls??? I'll take applications.)

What we couldn't believe is how much my son Cory Joseph (named after this favorite uncle who passed away when I was in 6th grade) looks like him!

Same hair. Same ears. Same smile. Same nose.
Talk about strong genetics!























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 Susan who left a comment on my CCM page! Congrat's Susan...send your mailing address to my assistant amy@triciagoyer.com!

In the spirit of Valentine's Day...

I though I'd share this funny little story! Enjoy!


A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, observing his wife, looking at herself in the mirror.

Since her birthday was not far off he asked what she'd like to have for her birthday.
"I'd like to be six again," she replied, still looking in the mirror.

On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of Lucky Charms, and then took her to Six Flags theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall of Fear, the Screaming Monster Roller Coaster ... everything there was.

Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down.

He then took her to a McDonald's where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake.

Then it was off to a movie, popcorn, a soda pop, and her favorite candy, M&M's. What a fabulous adventure! Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked, "Well Dear, what was it like being six again?"

Her eyes slowly opened and her expression suddenly changed. "I meant my dress size!"

The moral of the story: Even when a man is listening, he's not always going to get it right.


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.

Looking back...way back!

Last week was the rooster post...and it got me thinking...


My great-uncle sent photos of my great-great grandparents (my Grandmother' s grandparents) to her. My grandmother' s whole family is from Mexico, and we've spent the day talking about her childhood. She grew up in No. California in a box car. Her mother never did learn English.

It helps me to remember this--to remember where I came from. Grandma had an outside toilet and no hot water. Half of the box car had their beds. The other half had their kitchen and a small table.

I feel spoiled.

Don't they look like fun, interesting people? (I think the guitar and costume were borrowed :-)




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.

Romance is in the air...

My favorite Valentine's Day experience was two years ago. My husband told me that instead of going out he was going to do something special. He said I had to wait upstairs, and he'd come and get me when he was ready. From the sounds of pots banging and the scents coming up the stairs, I knew he was cooking for me. An hour later I was called downstairs to find a beautiful dinner ... and my three pre-teens dressed about and acting as our wait staff and our entertainment! It was a great evening and one I'll never forget!

Now it's your turn. What was your favorite Valentine's memory?!

Whoever submits my favorite story (as chosen by me) will receive some yummy chocolate!

Awaken My Heart by DiAnn Mills

Ooohhhh...a night away for Valentine's Day! Right-on DiAnn! Author DiAnn Mills has teamed up with her publisher, Avon Inspire for a fabulous give-away. Details here!

About DiAnn:
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.

DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems of today from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.

Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer’s Book of the Year Awards 2003 – 2007. She is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader’s Choice award for 2005 and 2007.

DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer’s Guild.

She lives in sunny Houston, Texas, the home of heat, humidity, and Harleys. In fact she’d own a Harley, but her legs are too short. DiAnn and her husband have four adult sons and are active members of Metropolitan Baptist Church.

About the book: Awaken My Heart
1803, The Colony of TexasJourney back to the early days of southwest history when the Spanish ruled the vast territory of Texas and padres instructed the people in the ways of God. Step into the world of handsome vaqueros and brightly dressed dark-eyed maidens. The time is 1803. This is the era of Marianne Phillips and Armando Garcia, two people separated by race and culture but destined for love. Marianne is the daughter of a wealthy American rancher, a man who will do anything to please the Spanish and secure his land. Armando is a Mexican peasant, a rebel according to the Spanish. He has committed his life to helping the poor rise from poverty and the oppression of the ruling Spanish. Armando and Marianne . . . Two unlikely people who have little in common. Or do they?

Open this book to a romance that will live in your heart long after the story is told. Curl up in a serape and listen to the strum of a Spanish guitar. I invite you to read with your heart and become a part of a love story that only the hand of God could orchestrate.

Q and A with Diann:

You’ve been writing historical fiction for a long time. What interested you in the 1803 time period?

I love Texas history, and I have an appreciation for the courageous men and women who built this state. Early Texas is a mixture of Native American, Spanish, black, and various European descents. Each race offered us a rich cultural heritage, a heritage that we should be proud.

What is it the theme of Awaken My Heart?

The theme is courage: courage to stand up to political and social factions that vie against God and what He desires for His people.

Armando Garcia is a rebel type of character. Do you think this type of hero applauds rebellion?

Not at all. Armando had much to learn about the difference between his own desires and what God required of him. Once he realized his stand needed to embrace truth, he was on the right road.

Marianne Phillips has a streak of rebellion in her. How was it channeled?

Marianne kept much of her rebellion inside because she knew God expected her to honor her parents, and in many instances, her father’s wishes. Once she saw that she had to make a choice between obedience to her father and obedience to God, she found strength to do that which was right.

What do you want your readers to understand about Weston Phillips?

Weston Phillips had the potential to be a good and kind man. He had the intelligence to build a large ranch and the ability to accumulate wealth, but selfishness took the reins. Once the reader completes the novel, he/she will understand Phillips much better.

What is your biggest challenge in writing?

Always the characterization. I crave three dimensional characters that will experience growth. Understanding and acting upon their motivation takes time! Sometimes I simply have to “live” with them for awhile.

How do you develop your characters?

Through time, patience, people-watching, viewing them through unusual situations, brainstorming, and consulting many books about the psychology of personalities. And that’s just the beginning!

How much of yourself goes into a character?

I attempt to keep myself excluded from the process, but I admit that an opinion or a trait appears now and then.

What is your next project?

I’m currently writing a romantic suspense for Tyndale, the second book in the Behind the Sunglasses Series. I’m also preparing various historical fiction proposals.

How can you encourage fledging writers in their craft?

To read in the genre in which they want to write.
To read the books written by those authors they admire.
To read books about the craft.
To write everyday.
To become active in a writer’s group.

How can readers contact you?

My website is http://www.diannmills.com/. Feel free to sign up for my newsletter. Thanks!



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.

Historical Scavenger Hunt!

It’s a Historical Scavenger Hunt!

Playing is easy. Get the list of clues at http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/. Then visit the links below to learn about the authors and their books—you’ll find the answers to the clues in the Q&A posted there! Once you have all 18 answers, send an email to review@ChristianReviewofBooks.com to be entered to win:

Six autographed books!

A Whisper of Freedom by Tricia Goyer
The Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
The Sovereign’s Daughter by Susan K. Downs & Susan May Warren
The Rogue’s Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren
On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang

What kind of research did you do to learn about this little-known war?

I read tons of books. I talked with historians who gave me amazing information. I even interviewed some of the veterans who are in their 90s! God gave me unexpected surprises, too. For example, out of the blue God brought an elderly man in my life who knows about the exact planes I wanted to write about. He gave me so many details and those details really brought those scenes to life. God is good!

How did you develop the idea for this series?

The idea kept growing and growing as I wrote it. The little seeds I planted in the first book blossomed into amazing things I never expected--adventure, intrigue, love. I felt as I was learning the story as I wrote it. It was exciting and fun.

At the end of your Spanish Civil War Trilogy, which of the characters had you most connected with?

Oh, do I have to pick? I'd say Sophie because she ended up in a strange land and discovering that God had more in store for her than she ever imagined. She allowed God to use her. She built friendships and discovered true friends in the process.

Visit these sites for the rest of the clues!

http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
www.novelinspirations.com/blog
http://www.julielessman.com/
http://sovereignsdaughter.blogspot.com/
http://ruthaxtellmorren.blogspot.com/
http://www.maureenlang.com/







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 have roosters in my kitchen.

Okay, not real roosters, but ceramic ones. Roosters on plates. A rooster clock.
The thing is ... I don't like roosters. But my grandma does. And when she moved in with us four years ago she brought her feathered friends with her.



I don't notice the rooster much any more, and when I do they make me smile. Some day Grandma won't be around and the roosters will go. Then again, maybe I'll keep them, because they'll remind me of her.

Lately, I've been thinking about the little things that I let bug me. Roosters did for a while, but I'm over that. Dirty dishes in the sink did, but now I really don't notice them. The more I let God work in my heart, it seems, the more I get my mind focused on what's most important. My house used to be perfect, not it's not. I used to be uptight and tense when things weren't in order--now I choose to care for others above things.

Maybe you don't have any roosters hanging around. But maybe you have something that really bugs you. Should it? That's what I ask myself. Will this matter in light of eternity?

Speaking of eternity, I'm planning a missions' trip to the Czech Republic soon. I also know of some awesome opportunities volunteering in a family camp in Slovakia. So, if you're interested let me know and I'll pass on the information!

After all, it's the eternal things that could. And THAT'S something to cockle-doodle-doo about!

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 Radio Interviews...

Lately, I've been on the phone A LOT. I've actually been doing 2-3 radio interviews A DAY for my book Generation NeXt Marriage. It's been fun!

Many of you who read the blog are published authors, so I'm including a list of dos and don'ts when it comes to YOUR radio interviews.

And for those who aren't authors yet ... don't get freaked out. Radio interviews are fun. The interviewer calls your home and you get to chat about your book. And then lots of people hear about it and go buy it. How easy it that?!

For radio interviews:
Do ... put it on your calendar.
Do ... check your calendar the night before, in case it's an early interview. (I've almost missed a 6:00 a.m. interview once!)

Do ... get the dogs out of the room.
Do ... get the kids out of the room.
Do ... get them both far enough away so their complaints will not be heard by the radio interviewer.

Do ... turn off call waiting on your phone.
Do ... confiscate every other phone in the house.
Do ... turn off your cell phone.

Do ... call the emergency number included with your confirmation IF you do not hear from them within 1-2 minutes of the scheduled time ... especially if it is LIVE. Sometimes they have the wrong number. Or maybe your home phone line is dead. (Something that happened this week that I didn't realize it until I called the station on my cell to check on why they hadn't called.)

Do not ... check your email at the same time.
Do not ... have any other distractions except the voice on the phone.
Do ... tell them if you cannot hear them clearly.
Do ... have the volume turned up on your phone, because sometimes they are hard to hear.

Do ... have your favorite statistics (for non-fiction) printed up and sitting next to you.
Do ... have a copy of your book with you. (So when they say, "On page 93 ...)

Do not ... ask your assistant to call in for a call in show ... unless she is already prepared with a REALLY good question :-)

Do ... come up of "key phrases" ahead of time. Things you want to get across.
Do ... have a copy of your publishers' suggested interview questions and know how to respond.
Do ... have short stories or illustrations that can sum up the principles you want to share for your non-fiction.
Do ... have the same stories ready for your fiction. Interviewers love them.

Do ... have a smile on your face.
Do ... laugh and enjoy yourself. You'll come across well.

Do ... listen to your interview when you're done (if possible) and see what worked and what didn't.
Do ... have a professional critique your interview, if possible.
Do ... listen to their suggestions for improvement.

Do ... send a thank you card to the station when you are done.
Do ... add them to your contact list, and make a note of what type of interviewer they were.

Do not say ... "in my book" 50 times. Let them rave about you.
Do ... be ready for any question. And if you don't know that answer either 1) do your best or 2) say "I wish I knew the answer for that, but what I can say is ..."

Do not ... worry about this before your book is published, just enjoy the writing ... which is what writing is all about!

And check out what's going on over at GenX Parents blog...love and relationships Q & A...and win a book!

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.

3:16 Numbers of Hope, Teen edition

is in stores now!



To celebrate I'm giving away two copies! Leave a comment and I'll draw 2 winners on Febuary 29th.

About the book:
Based on the beloved verse of John 3:16, Max Lucado brings insight to help teens apply this important teaching to their lives.

3:16 is certain to be one of Max's most important titles ever. The book is packaged with a white silicone bracelet with 3:16 printed for a dramatic effect and will be a tremendous conversation starter and outreach tool for teens.
Max offers his unique and simple storytelling for this important message while Tricia Goyer (that's me!) writes teen responses to Max's message, guiding teens to fully understand how this verse can impact their lives. From confession to praise, these responses are sure to bring an insightful look into the personal faith of teens.

Buy the book here


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.

What are you passionate about?

Your husband? Hopefully.
Your kids? Yes.
God. YES!

What about the stuff you do in your daily life? Can you honestly say you're following your passions?

This is a quote from Debbie Macomber's book Knit Together. If you haven't read it I highly recommend it. It's about Debbie's journey to becoming a NY Times Best-selling author. The thing I loved the most was seeing Debbie's heart for God.

“Passion shouldn’t always be equated with fun. But if what you’re doing doesn’t spur you to experience joy or a sense of accomplishment, or provoke something inside you that makes you want to keep going, it’s time to take a step back and reexamine what you’re doing and whether the purpose you’re pursuing is really the purpose God has in mind.”

If you take a step back and examine your pursuits, what do you find?

Think about the things you do day-to-day. Are there things you're doing because you didn't want to say no? Are there things you could pass off to someone else in order to pursue your passion?

I can't tell you I LOVE 100% of my moments writing. Or LOVE 100% the business part of writing. But I'm passionate about spreading God's Word through words. I love it! How about you?


Winner, Winner, Winner!
123 Pizza Stopped Lurking! Send me an email with your name, address and which Tricia Goyer book you'd like!



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'm so NOT a boomer!

Don't get me wrong, I love that I made the list--a blogger to watch in 2008, but people will think I'm OLD!

http://virtualwomansday.blogspot.com/2008/02/baby-boomer-women-bloggers-to-watch-in.html


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.

Check out my star players!

Go Team!

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.

Chill Out, Josey!

My good friend Susan May Warren has created a character in her Josey series that just makes me giggle. Of course, I see nothing (yeah, right!) of myself in newly-married Josey. I'm so thankful I've got everything together! Hey, maybe Josey could use a copy of Generation NeXt Marriage...I'll have to talk to Susan about that! :)

Seriously, Chill Out, Josey is a fun and often thought-provoking read. Josey proved to be an interesting window into women's insecurities (none of which I share!) and motivations. I want to be a good wife, a good friend, daughter, mother, sister...but how do I go about accomplishing that lofty goal? What are my motivations, how do I see myself? Are my perceptions based on truth or myth? Also, the book made me think about fear. Not the scary horror story kind of fear. But fear of what 'might' happen, fear of rejection, fear of not being accepted. As women (and I'm sure men too), we tend to act or react out of fear. How do we reconcile our fear with the love of God?

You'll have to read the book, to see what I'm talking about! :) Infact, leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of Chill Out, Josey for your very own!


Also, Susan is hosting a contest of her own...but hurry, it's almost over! Go here...

Chill Out, Josey
Russia? Not again. Josey's finally living the good life - she's got the man, the (almost-perfect) wedding, the two-story Cape-Cod house of her dreams. That is until her man drags her back to Moscow! Josey knows she has the guts to follow her own dreams across the world, but she's not so sureshe can play the perfect wife while her husband chases after his. Josey's set on having the perfect life…even in a world without hot water, decent take-out and size-two leather fashion. But can she find the courage to tell her man the secret that will change their lives forever?

Read the first chapter here

Buy the book here

Susan's Website here



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.

Seeing Jesus...

This morning I was re-reading God Came Near by Max Lucado, and this stood out to me:

"Christianity in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing more than imitating him who we see. To see His Majesty and to imitate him, that is the sum of Christianity." p. XVII

I know a lot of disciplined people who are not followers of Christ. They eat right. They exercise. They organize their day and make the most of their time, finances, and talents. They reap the rewards of their discipline in numerous ways.

Personally, I choose to do what I do because I see Jesus. To me areas where I'm undisciplined are areas where I'm self-seeking instead of Christ-seeing. I desire to be discipline because I want to imitate what I see in my Lord. And amazingly Jesus is faithful to guide and to strengthen me.

About three weeks ago I started First Place and I'm excited how God is there when I chose to get serious. I've lost 8 lbs. so far. (And I'm telling you this because I want ALL of you to keep me accountable.) Also, so far this week I've exercised three times already. Yeah!

When I eat healthy I feel God's pleasure. I'm thankful for the food God's given me, and I don't feel out of control.

When I exercise I have more energy for my family and for my writing. I'm awed by my body. Awed by how it works.

In the past I've been led to be more disciplined about Bible study, prayer, what books I read, what movies I watch.

Now, what about you?

1) What disciplines did Christ model that you would like to emulate?
2) Has there ever been a time He’s asked you to become more disciplined in one area of your life? How did it transform you?

I'm eager to hear what you have to say!



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.