Marriage Meme and winners!

This was great fun. Thanks so much to all you shared about their spouse! If you're just now tuning in - check out this post for the meme details and some GREAT answers. Such wisdom ... and laughs.

The winners are announced below and here is my two cents!

How did you meet your husband?
My mom attended his parents' church. I remember playing with his sister when he was young, but he doesn't remember that.

What first attracted you to him?
He brought a teddy bear to my baby. How could I not be attracted to that?

How long have you been married?
20 years

What’s something you learned about him after you were married that surprised you?
He doesn't clean. He doesn't make a mess either ... but I thought he'd pick up after me. LOL.

What do you argue about the most?
Our dog Jake. I love the dog ... he's not so fond of him.

What quality in him do you admire most?
His love for God. His caring heart.

What is the hardest part about being married?
Having to compromise. I like to plan my life ... but I can't do everything I want to do all the time. :)

What’s the best part about being married?
Having someone to spend life with and share the joys and sorrows.

What has changed about you the most since you’ve been married?
Well, I wasn't a writer. I was just a teen girl in love. LOL

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other wives about creating a happy marriage?
Respect him and cheer him on.

What's the one piece of advice you'd give to your children about creating a happy marriage?
Spend time together having fun. Don't get stuck in the rut of everyday life.

And the winners are (chosen at random): 

Sharon Mayhew
Susan Stitch
Cprice at Stand
Tammy at Encouragement for the Day
Anna at My Thoughts

Please contact my assistant Amy with your mailing address and she'll get your books in the mail ASAP!

Homeschool starts today!

One in 11th grade, and one in teething class.

My Students!

This morning I'm remembering this post from a while back ... and thought I'd share it with you too!

In the choice to homeschool, I chose a challenge that still makes me ask myself, What was I thinking? at least once a week. There are days I’d rather climb into bed with a coffee and a good book than figure out another lesson plan. There are even days I’d rather scrub the toilets or clean out my fridge. It’s then I’m forced to my knees. Okay, God, can you show up today in a big way? I need you. We need you. And He does show up because, I think, God likes being needed.

I have needed Him a lot, to give me wisdom and patience and guidance as I trained tender hearts and filled young minds. I needed Him to guide my days and our school schedule. I needed Him to form me into the type of person who would be a good role model for my kids, who were watching me and learning from me 24/7.

The only way I could teach them at home and survive day by day was to allow God to form in me some of that love, joy, and peace that comes from His Spirit. While I don’t believe homeschooling is for everyone, I believe that God led me to this choice in order to make me more aware of my moment-by-moment need for Him.

What in your life makes you NEED God?

Excerpt © Tricia Goyer, Blue Like Play Dough

"What type of job are you going to pursue?"

When I was twelve years old I had a traumatic experience with my bicycle. I was headed home and on the handebars I carried two large, heavy sacks. Part of the ride home took me down a long, steep hill. I didn't think anything of it as I headed down ... but soon I found myself flying through the air and landing on the asphalt with a thud. Ouch! I was scraped up all over. What was the culprit of my accident? Books. I'd been to the library and I'd checked out as many as I could carry home. The books had been heavier than me, obviously. I had skinned knees and elbows to prove it.

Looking back, I didn't grow up in a reading home, yet in 6th grade we moved within a few miles of the library. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I especially liked Little House on the Prairie books and Nancy Drew novels.

Fast-forward twenty-five years, and I'm a multi-published author. My love of books has become my career. I love what I do, mostly because I've loved books for so long. My job is a natural outpouring of who God created me to be.

In your teen years a question you're often asked is, "What type of job are you going to pursue?" Maybe you have an answer. Maybe you have no idea!

My encouragement to you is to think back to what you've always loved. Is it art? Music? Animals? Playing school? Cooking? God has created each of us with unique gifts and talents. We can usually "see" these in our youth. We know what we like without worrying about colleges or "success" in life.

After you take time to consider what you love most, pray about how you can use your God-given talents to impact the world. God places these things inside of you for a reason. He has a plan that will impact people and will bring joy to your heart as you work. Sometimes the best way to discover what those gifts are is to look back and remember what you first loved. What you spent your childhood enjoying is a good indicator of what you'd love spend your life pursuing.

The Greatest Generation

Ten years ago I was on vacation with two friends when I first heard about the 11th Armored Division--the men who liberated Mauthausen and Gusen concentration camps. So intrigued by the history of these men, I wrote two novels about them, From Dust and Ashes and Night Song. In the course of writing these books, I attended two of their WWII reunions. I interviewed them, looked through their photo albums and cried with them as they shared their experiences about being young kids fighting a big war. A few weeks ago I got to see many of my veteran friends again as I attended their 68th, and last, reunion.

I can't tell you how much it meant to me to go. My friend Michelle went with me to be a traveling buddy, a sidekick, to help with Alyssa and assist at the book table. My friend (and fellow author) Cara Putman went too, to also interview some of the guys. She was an amazing help at the book table also.

Walking into the hotel and seeing the men in their 11th Armored caps brought tears to my eyes. I know their history. After being with them, I understand their friendship. I know that although they looked weak and feeble they were once young and very brave. Actually, they are still brave. Many traveled to their last reunion despite their failing health. Others came knowing that many of their friends were now gone. They came and confronted painful memories. I saw glances of knowing as they looked at each other across the room. Only their friends there could truly understand, having experienced what they did, too.

Many people label these men (and women) as the greatest generation. I was reminded again how true that statement is. Raised in a time when the United States was a Christian nation, they have lived lives dedicated to God, country and others. After the war, their hard work didn't end. They came back and attended school, started businesses, and created a foundation of community for their children and grandchildren. Some of the men, in their 80s and 90s, still work and give. They know they could have lost their lives on foreign soil, and they don't waste a day wishing the world was different. They know WE are the difference.

At the reunion, I spent time with wives too. I talked to some of the women who were home during the war. One woman talked about being in high school and every week seeing a flag at half-mast ... knowing that they'd lost yet another young man from their community. The women cared for our country during the war. They raised families afterward. And some of them now physically care for the men they promised to love in sickness and in health. For most, those years of health have passed, but their dedication and love hasn't.

I interviewed these veterans again. I spoke to some who attend the reunion for the first time in 30 or 40 years. Knowing it was the last one they had to come and say their final goodbyes. I talked to men who drove tanks, who fought from foxholes, who supplied the troops with fuel and ammunition, who cooked on the front lines. Their faces may fade in my mind over time, but their stories will always be with me.

I have to admit that tears are flowing down on face as I write this. First, because there were many of my veteran friends who didn't make it to this reunion. Arthur, Charlie, Roy, Pete, John ... you were missed. You are remembered. But I'm also thankful I got to sit by Bert and hear his stories again. I'm thankful that Tony was around watching out for me. I'm thankful for the hugs I got from LeRoy and that I danced with Darryl. I'm thankful for talking to Chet and Phyllis and so many more.

I'm also crying because I'm so grateful for the opportunity to know this men. My own grandfather died before I had a chance to hear his stories. I missed out for sure, but God gave me 100 adopted grandfathers. I care for them and they care for me. When I walked among them I was appreciated. I gave voice to their inner memories. I brought their stories to life. And they do think of my novels as THEIR story. Each one feels the novels are about him. I love that. I want them to feel loved by the words on those pages.

One man, Gerald rereads From Dust and Ashes and Night Song twice a year. He told me again I got it right. I took his words to heart. They deserve to have their stories told right.

I can't believe there will be no more reunions with these men. Tears come again when I realize I won't see them again, this side of heaven. When I left the reunion that last day some still lingered in the hotel lobby. They had suitcases by their sides and a far-off look in their eyes. They couldn't believe it was the last reunion either, but they all decided it would be. They're getting too old to travel. They're hoping their children and grandchildren will pick up where they left off. Will still meet and remember.

The last moment of my time with them was spent saying goodbyes. One of the guys I had the hardest time saying goodbye to was Tony. He grew up in New York and told me about getting care packages from his mom during the war. "I'd open the box and it would be filled salami and cheese," he'd say with a chuckle. Tony is New York though and though, but his tough exterior crumbled on the last day.

"This doesn't seem right it being the last one," Tony said in our last moment together. There were tears in his eyes.

"I know Tony, it doesn't." I gave him a hug. "But I'll keep writing stories. I'll keep tell people to remember." Hearing those words seemed to give him a little peace.

As he hurried over to the shuttle, loading up for the plane ride home, I said a prayer for thankfulness. I don't know what I deserved to be honored to get to know these men, but I'm forever grateful.

Next year, I have another book coming out about the 11th Armored Division. It's a contemporary novel titled, Remembering You and it's about a granddaughter who takes her grandpa to Europe to go to all the old battle sites. It's a story that means a lot because like the character in the novel, I've changed knowing these men. I'll remember. I'll also live life a little more thankfully as a way to honor all they accomplished for me ... for all of us.

THE ROCK

Guest Post by Heidi McLaughlin

I was in love again. I mean this time the stars twinkled with brilliance, the rain smelt sweeter and I had never known the daffodils to be so yellow. After the death of my husband this was my second chance at happiness and I couldn’t wait to get that big, sparkling rock onto my finger. But a different surprise was waiting for me at the Rock of Gibraltar.

When my children and I planned a family trip to Spain, they were generous and gracious enough to notice that Jack and I loved spending time together. One day my daughter said, “Mom, we all thought it might be nice if you brought Jack along on our family trip to Spain.” Once the arrangements were made, Jack and I planned an engagement in Spain on New Year’s Eve.

The day we were touring the Rock of Gibraltar, the reality of telling my children about the upcoming engagement let me paralyzed with questions.  How would they react? Why had I not prepared them more? Was I ready to become the mother of five children?  How would this affect my relationship with my own children?  Did I even want to get married just as I was beginning to enjoy my single life? Toward the end of the day I finally mustered up enough nerve to tell them my good news.

I knew they would be surprised, but I was not prepared for the shock and disbelief in their eyes. At 2:00 in the morning, there was a knock on the door, and my daughter whispered, “Mom, please come downstairs. We all want to talk to you.”

There was my family, sitting with tear stained faces in a circle in the living room. While I was tossing and turning in my bed, they had been sitting here for hours trying to come to terms with what they heard that night. I had taught my children to talk to me about everything that was difficult for them; to communicate honestly about what was troubling them.  I was grateful that I had a family that loved me enough to overcome their tiredness, the emotional awkwardness, the pain and misery to begin a very necessary, urgent, and emotionally fragile talk. For the rest of the night we questioned each other: When does grieving end?  What is the right time to re-marry? Is there ever a good and right time for anything?  How did they fit into this new picture? How do we move forward from here?

When the sun rose over the beautiful Spanish mountains, we all hugged and kissed each other and crawled back into our beds to savor a few more hours of sleep.

Here is what our family discovered about blending two families:

1.    It’s painful.   Whether it is a divorce or death, each person is grieving their former life.

2.    Communicate your questions, doubts and fears. Don’t pretend everything is fine when it actually feels like razor blades have shredded your heart.

3.    Choose to accept the new people in your life. Eventually the right feelings will follow.

4.    Choose to forgive. The razor blades will not stop until you have forgiven the people who have hurt you.

5.    Go to a Solid Rock-Jesus Christ. He is the only one who will help you with the other 4 steps when you go to Him in prayer. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

6.    Wait with expectation and watch how God will heal your hearts, help you to accept one another and begin the process of blending in love.

Our family found that God is the only one who can heal our hearts and give us the wisdom and practical steps to blend two families. It’s never easy, but with God we can.

Don't miss my interview with Heidi on Living Inspired.

~

Heidi McLaughlin believes that there is nothing more gorgeous than a woman who knows she is loved. An international speaker and published author, she uses humor, real life stories and biblical truths to inspire women to become beautiful from the inside out. She will make you laugh and she may make you cry – but she will always inspire you to know your magnificence and full potential.  Her favorite activity is sitting across from a woman over a freshly brewed cup of coffee and exchanging heart connection stories.
Heidi is the author of BEAUTY UNLEASHED: Transforming a Woman’s Soul. Her next book called SAND TO PEARL: Making Bold Choices to Enrich your Life, will be released in January, 2011.

Heidi lives in the beautiful vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia. She is married to Pastor Jack and they have a blended family of 5 children and 9 grandchildren. When she is not working, she loves to curl up with a great book; or golf and laugh with her husband and special friends.  

Audience of One

Guest post by Ronie Kendig

Angst and uncertainty can strangle an aspiring—or even a multi-published—author. In a world that defines success in terms of the most toys won and/or the size of an advance, it’s easy to get caught up in seeking the next big thing. I, too, have been guilty of this. But each time, God brings me back to a point of transformation in my life: The Audience of One.

That term is thrown around a lot in Christian circles. Write for an Audience of One. Sing for an Audience of One. Edit for an Audience of One.

Yeah, yeah. I get it.

Actually, no I didn’t. Not in the way I should. The concept God wanted me to understand and embrace was not in terms of earthly success, which is where I’d pinned the value of that phrase. Not in terms of getting that first (or second, third . . . ) contract. Scoring that first contract is satisfying, but then there’s hurdle of marketing and launching the book, then it’s the hope of successful sales followed closely by another contract. And the cycle repeats itself, leaving the author feeling dissatisfied—or worse: empty—and grasping once again for the elusive threads of success to find meaning in writing.

A question rumbled through my mind: When you write, why  are you writing?

“I’m writing so the book will get published so it will reach those who need it.”

Great. Valiant, noble motive. But what about God?

“Oh, sure. I’m writing so He can touch their hearts.”

Yeah? What else?

“Huh? What do you mean, what else? Isn’t writing so those who hurt can find healing right and just? So that those who search can find God? Isn’t that what it’s all about?”

It’s not the main point. That should come later. This question tumbled through my mind for months. I avoided it. The question returned, until late one night, while up and reading a friend’s manuscript, I was also Instant Messaging with a dear friend of mine. I bemoaned the stagnate state of my career (that’s how I saw it), and she had the audacity (and I love her for it) to remind me of the Audience of One. Gratefully, she was one of the few people who understands me, so I admitted: “I don’t get it. Honestly, I don’t.”

At that exact point, I glanced at the Word window I had open—and at the words of a friend’s manuscript. In it he had written a pivotal line. It went something like this: God does not give us our gifts so that we can find meaning in success or power, but for the sheer pleasure of seeing His child use that gift.

That was it. The greatest gift is not the contract or success (although they’re both very nice), but the true prize is the gift itself. That’s where I found freedom!

~

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, mother of four, and avid writer. Her espionage thriller, Dead Reckoning, (Abingdon Press, March 2010), and the first in a military thriller series, Nightshade, released July 2010 from Barbour Publishing. In addition to speaking engagements, Ronie serves as the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year coordinator, assistant to the appointment coordinator for the national conference, and volunteers on the conference planning committee. Ronie is a monthly columnist at Novel Journey and she can be found online at www.roniekendig.com.

Thursday on Living Inspired: Deb Kalmbach on living with an alcoholic spouse!

Please join me on Thursday as we chat with author Deb Kalmbach. She'll be sharing her story with us about living with an alcoholic spouse. We'll hear how she found the grace to love her husband through his illness and how her husband was able to stop drinking. Don't miss Deb's redemptive story of the power of forgiveness.

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

About Deb: Deb is the author of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage (co-authored with Heather Kopp) and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has been a contributor to many books, including The New Women’s Devotional Bible and Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, and many other publications.

Deb married Randy Kalmbach at 19. They thought all they needed was love—and the possessions they could fit in their metallic blue VW bug! What they didn’t realize was how much it would take to live with adversity, disappointment and heartache. They never imagined their journey taking them into the depths of addiction with Randy battling alcoholism for almost 30 years before he experienced the miracle of sobriety.

Deb isn’t just theorizing when she gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Her own brokenness has given her great compassion and insight for others who are hurting. With her vibrant and engaging manner, she speaks profoundly about God’s faithfulness and how to embrace a God-honoring life in the midst of almost unbearable circumstances. Deb and Randy are grateful beyond words for their 40 years of “not-so-perfect” marriage. For more about Deb, please visit her website: www.debkalmbach.com

They make their home in rural Washington state with their two lively Jack Russell Terriers, Kramer and Kosmo (yep - they even have their own blog!). Their grown sons, Chris and Jeremy, and a daughter-in-law, Jen, live on the Seattle side of the North Cascades Mountains.


About Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage: A recent study indicates that Christian marriages don't fail as often as secular marriages -- they fail more! Debbie Kalmbach, the wife of a recovering alcoholic, understands the longing to leave but offers Christian wives solid reasons to stay in a difficult marriage. This is not a "how to save your marriage" but more a guidebook for wives on how to save their ability to love, to honor their commitment to their husbands, and to maintain their faith in God while in marriages that may never live up to their dreams. Debbie tackles tough questions such as "Why won't he go to counseling?" "Can I change him?" and "What do I do when I don't feel in love anymore?" with a warm, compassionate approach sure to encourage and inspire every struggling wife.

Win a copy of Deb's book by leaving a comment {HERE}! Don't forget your email address - the winner will be notified via email.

Purchase a copy of Because I Said Forever here.

Patience is a virtue.

Guest post by Martha Ramirez

"Rejections are often gifts of direction." --Paul Young

This quote is hanging on my refrigerator under a Footprints magnet. It is one of my favorite quotes and when times get tough, it helps get me through that ripple in the road.

5:30 a.m. the alarm clock rings for Hubby. I contemplate if I should rise and shine, and fire up the good old laptop, but instead I yawn. Exhaustion whispers that I need to sleep in longer. Just a little longer. After all, my four-year-old has bionic ears and somehow knows when I get up. Thus, my plans are now not what they seemed to be.

6:30 a.m. rolls around and I peek open an eye. I decide to get up and start what I finished. And of course by this, I mean where I left off in my writing, but first I go through my emails. It generally takes me an hour to go over them. During this time I also read up on agent's and author's blogs and enlighten my brain some.

So here I am, just about to dive into my writing, when a little hand tugs my arm and interrupts me. "Hug, Mommy, hug."

I smile and allow myself a short break, even though I haven't accomplished much yet.

Ah, the story of my life. The day pretty much gets interrupted by this loving hand that demands a hug or a walk to the park.

But back to the point of: "Rejections are often gifts of directions."

Writing and caring for a family is a difficult task, but perseverance somehow finds a way into my heart. Tackling a writer's journey is not easy. That is why there are so many who quit. Where there is a will, there is a way, and God certainly has His timing for the way.

Patience is a virtue. Waiting to hear back from submissions definitely tests your patience but then again, so does my four-year-old.

Mommy, writing, and wifey duties can take a toll, but somehow it all works out. I find that if I start my day off in prayer, everything seems to take me in the direction where it should be.

Life is a Journey meant to be enjoyed. May yours bring you great joy!

P.S. If you ever need some up-lifting, I have some encouragement on my site below. (Click on the encouragement link.)

www.MartzBookz.com
www.MartzBookz.blogspot.com

In the coming weeks ...

As I inch toward some deadlines, I've invited some guest bloggers to share about their life journeys--writing, parenting, marriage, faith or community.

In the meantime, don't forget to enter to win a Victory Prize Pack in the contest for the Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington book launch and blog tour. I have LOVED your stories. Thanks so much for sharing.

And ... be sure to participate in the Marriage Meme for a chance to win Generation NeXt Marriage or Generation NeXt Parenting book. So much fun reading about your different marriages.

We moved into a new house last week - I love the way Alyssa's room turned out. 

And don't miss Thursday's Living Inspired: Ready to throw in the towel on your marriage? Not yet! Talking to Deb Kalbach, author of Because I Said Forever.

Marriage Meme ... let's share!

Copy this meme and paste it into a post on your blog. (With your own answers!)  Link back to this post, {http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/marriage-meme-lets-share.html} Then leave a comment here or use the Linky tool to link your blog to this post, so I know you're participating and I can pop over and read your meme. Don't forget to tag your friends with this also. And - if you're not a blogger, that's okay too - just answer the meme in the comment section and be sure to leave your email address.

On Thursday the 27th I'll choose 5 winners who will receive a copy of Generation NeXt Marriage and Generation NeXt Parenting. 

• How did you meet your husband?
• What did you first notice about him?
• How long have you been married?
• Share something you discovered about him after you were married that surprised you?
• What do you argue about the most?
• What quality in him do you admire most?
• What is the hardest part about being married?
• What’s the best part about being married?
• What has changed the most about you since you've been married?
• What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other wives about creating a happy marriage?
• What's the one piece of advice you'd give to your children about creating a happy marriage?

Have fun!

On Writing - interview with Veronica Heley

Murder by Mistake is your 11th book in the Elie Quicke series. How did you get the idea for this series?

I started in crime many years ago, before going on to write in other genres. A division of HarperCollins wanted a traditional mystery series to take a Christian world view out into mainstream. It took me months to think up how this could be done, to get to know and understand Ellie and then, just as we got started on the series, this part of  HarperCollins was sold off and I transferred to Severn House – where I remain, very happily, to this day.

After a few years of writing Ellie, Severn House wanted me to think up another series with a different protagonist, to run in tandem with the Ellie Quicke Mysteries. Thus was born the Abbot Agency series, whose protagonist is a business woman, and nothing like Ellie, except that they both try to live a Christian life. FALSE MONEY, the fifth of these, is due out early next year.

Tell us about the challenges of writing a book series.

Early on we decided that the crimes Ellie investigates would be local, set in a suburb of London. This defines the territory, ie, no gun battles or organised crime but plenty of human frailty.  
In some series the protagonist doesn’t develop: think of Morse, Miss Marple, Poirot. But Ellie does grow and becomes a stronger, wiser woman as she meets the various challenges that come her way. One of these days she might even be able to say No to her bullying daughter, whose sub-plot is a constant in the series.
One problem that arises in a series is that of keeping track of names of characters and streets. I keep lists of these – not for publication – but to jog my memory .

The key to great mysteries is tension. How do you keep the tension high?

You start with a problem on page one, add complications throughout, and end up with a solution. Quite often I find Ellie is working against time, which helps to maintain the tension.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

By the time one book is through copy-editing and into the proof stage, I am well on the way with the next story, and don’t have time to look back. I have to produce two books a year, plus the odd short story. I’m always looking forward, not back.

You live in England. Do you think writing/reading is viewed differently in the UK than the US?

I really don’t know the answer to that question. (Except that we’d say ‘from’ where you say ‘than’!)
The struggles of aspiring writers are much the same. Most people travelling on the Underground are reading – which is good. Paperbacks seem to be doing well. There are a lot of book reading clubs – which is also good. There aren’t many e-Readers or Kindles to be seen yet. 

How would you describe your perfect writing day?

I’d get the house tidied, the garden watered, breakfast cleared away. I’d hope there were not too many e-mails to deal with, and see my husband off out for the day. I’d have breaks for chocolate, coffee, and a quick walk to the shops for food. Later there’d be another break to meet a friend or husband for coffee in the afternoon. On ideal days, the editing of yesterday’s work would go easily, and the next bit of story would flow without a tangle in the plot. I’d arrange for a supper which is easy to prepare, and play a game of patience with real cards – not on the computer - while I thought about the next day’s work. I’d limit myself to an hour of TV or, preferably, read a few chapters of a book. Prayer time and bed. 

About Veronica:
Veronica Heley will be celebrating the publication of her 66th book in the UK this Christmas, though the USA publication date will be a couple of months after that. She’s been in the business now for over 30 years, having her first crime fiction book published in l977 – recently re-issued in 2008. She’s written a straightforward biography of St Paul, some historical fiction, many articles and reviews, masses of children’s and resource books, and learned how to write story-boards for cartoons. She enjoys giving talks and teaching about writing.

She is married to a retired probation officer who sometimes gives her ideas for stories, and has a married, musician daughter. She is active in her local church and community affairs, likes to break for coffee with friends and does the garden when she has time. She has been a member of a book reading club for 40 years, but has decided that life is too short to read depressing literature any more.

Thursday on LIving Inspired with Tricia Goyer: Homeschool Maven Amanda Bennett!

Please join me on Thursday as we chat about homeschooling!

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.

Don't miss this week's show with homeschool maven Amanda Bennett! She has written over sixty homeschool curriculums and is perhaps busier than even I am. (Is that possible?) Plus she's a total hoot! Hear how she got started homeschooling, how she made it her business and learn a little about the woman behind the whirlwind who is Amanda Bennett! Join us on Thursday at 3:00pm Central.

About Amanda: Amanda Bennett is the author of more than 60 books, popular conference speaker, wife and homeschooling mom of three. She has had quite an interesting journey in life so far, from receiving her degree in engineering, to working as an engineer and professional researcher, to eventually going home to raise their three children. She has learned about parenting the hard way – practicing on their children and remembering that a sense of humor is an important survival skill. Her story is full of ups and downs, just like yours.

With more than seventeen years of homeschooling experience, Amanda has a wealth of tips and ideas to share and encourage homeschooling parents. Two of their children have finished college, one is a veterinarian and one helps manage their family tree farm. Their youngest child is still being homeschooled through high school, and life at their house is never boring.

Her groundbreaking unit studies have become very popular with homeschool families around the world. Amanda’s new Download N Go unit study/lapbook series, published by The Old Schoolhouse, has been a huge hit with the K – 4th grade crowd.  As a result of her unique and effective unit studies, Amanda travels to speak at conferences and retreats, sharing tips, ideas and encouragement to help others along the way. Visit her website, www.unitstudy.com, to learn more about Amanda and her books.

“While I have learned so much about teaching children in these years of homeschooling and writing, I have also stayed busy trying to learn how to live, love, and be the parent that the Lord had in mind. Writing these studies is a labor of love – one that I can’t believe that I get to do day after day. I write to help children discover His creation and sense the wonder and excitement that learning offers. I write so that children can know what it is to anticipate days of learning adventures!”   Amanda Bennett
Amanda has generously offered two copies of Birthday Bonanza to give away this week. Leave a comment {HERE} for your chance to win! Birthday Bonanza is only available with a purchase and can not be purchased separately. Cool! 

About Birthday Bonanza:  Would you like to jump start your children’s excitement and interest in their studies?

Give them a birthday boost . . . a FUN enlightening celebration they’ll never forget!

Day 1: Let’s Spend Today Learning About ME!
Day 2: What the World Like When I Was Born?
Day 3: How Am I Special?
Day 4: This Is My Life . . .
Day 5: Celebrate Me!

A birthday is such a special occasion—for any child. So who wouldn’t be thrilled to enjoy a week long birthday celebration? Really! Why not use this opportunity to help your children learn more about themselves and their own “birthday” history while preparing for a fun celebration of their very special day?

Weave daily lessons and lapbooking together with eye-pleasing pages and exciting, interactivity-based learning! With Birthday Bonanza, you may start a new birthday tradition at your house. Help your children discover how truly special they are!

    * How did I get my name and what does it mean?
    * Who else was born on my birthday?
    * How many days old am I today?
    * What did the night sky look like on the day I was born?

This study is not available for individual purchase, only as a BONUS item
with the purchase of the 38-week bundle.

Take a peek inside or read reviews about Birthday Bonanza

What your nighstand says about your spouse ...

We all know men and women are different, but this occurred to me in a humorous way during our recent move. When packing, I came across a reminder of our differences/priorities when viewing the contents of my nightstand vs. John's:

John's:
Tripod for camera
pellet gun
rope
travel money pouch
batteries (lots of batteries!)
grooming set
yo-yo
extension cord
USB cable
Charger
2-G picture card

Tricia:
3 diapers
travel lint brush
fancy mesh bag (to be used as a future gift)
2 belts
needles and thread and scissors
4 pacifiers
Wyoming shot glass (I need to send to my dad)
3 pill boxes I bought in Paris (to give as gifts)
a greeting card signed by John's family when we moved
a decorated rock (from my Czech friends)
package of new Sharpies

I'm pondering what this says about or personalities. What do you think?

Also, what about you? How do the contents of your nightstand compare with your husband's? Or your purse vs. his wallet?

Win a Victory Prize Pack!

The blog tour for Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington begins on Monday. To celebrate, I'm giving away 5 Victory Prize Packs!

If you don't already know, Victory Heights is about the brave and tireless women who stepped up during WWII and did the work that needed to be done. To be entered to win one of the prize packs finish either (or both) of these sentences:

1. The bravest thing I've ever done was ...
2. ( enter name here) is the bravest person I know because ... 

On September 10th, I'll be sending 5 winners a copy of Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, Song Bird Under a German Moon, and the winner's choice of either Generation NeXt Marriage or Generation NeXt Parenting.

Looking forward to your answers!

On Writing with Alison Strobel Morrow

Tell me about your new book The Weight of Shadows. How did you come up with the title. I love it!

I wish I could take the credit for it, but that actually goes to Dudley Delffs, who was head of fiction at Zondervan at the time that we came up with it. Usually the title comes to me along with the first kernel of an idea, but for some reason I just could not think of one for this book. I called it "Guilt" as a working title, and when I turned it in I told my editor I was open to anything since I hadn't had any luck. A few weeks later Dudley suggested wrote me with that title, and I was blown away. It was perfect, and absolutely nothing like any title I ever would have come up with. I have a trend of two-word titles (Worlds Collide, Violette Between, Reinventing Rachel) and that title went in a great, different direction.

How do you write dialogue and make sure you get it right?

I rely on a handful of tools. I read everything out loud. I think about the kinds of words people use when they're chatting, versus the words they use if they've rehearsed what they want to say or want to sound smarter or more knowledgeable than they really are. I think really good dialogue is dependent on an author knowing their characters inside and out. Not just their education level, but their social standing, their family of origin, what they read, the music they listen to, where they grew up, where they live now...all that affects word choice, cadence, all that stuff. Get all that right and you've got dialogue that really rounds out characters and makes for not just believable conversations, but conversations that don't remind you that you're reading a book.

Why did you chose to write about domestic violence and abuse.

The kernel idea I started with was, "What if you carried a burden of guilt that no one else knew about? What if you carried it for years? How would it affect you in the long term?" I thought it might lead to someone welcoming pain as a means of penance for their hidden guilt. Combine that with someone who is desperate for love, who will do anything for a family--and the concept of domestic abuse seemed to fit very well.

Coupled with that is the fact that domestic abuse doesn't show up a lot in Christian fiction, and I thought it would be a good topic to bring to readers' attention. Unfortunately I know a number of women who were either in DV situations or currently still are in them--it's just so heartbreaking, so gut-wrenching to hear their stories and hear how warped their sense of self-worth and reality are. There are a lot of reasons why women end up in abusive relationships--penance for guilt is not necessarily a main one--but it was a clear cause that I thought would help readers to start to understand the reasons why women stay. DV victims are really misunderstood. I think there are a lot of assumptions about their education level, their intelligence. But the truth of the matter is that any woman from any background can end up in an abusive relationship.

What is a book you've read recently that you loved? What do you look for in a book?

I'm in the middle of God Alone is Enough by Claudia Mair Burney, and it's phenomenal. Burney is one of my favorite writers. Lisa Samson's The Passion of Mary-Margaret was also excellent; read that a few months ago and it's still "with" me.

I'm a sucker for books that completely transport me. Books that make me suddenly look around and think, "Where the heck did the last five hours go?!" are the ones I buy and read over and over. I tend to seek out books that tackle "big" issues, that make me think, that challenge me, but I don't mind a more "fluffy" book when it's an engaging story. (You can only take those heavy books for so long without breaking them up with something lighter!)

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I really study Lisa Samson's books when I read them, along with Jodi Picoult's, Terry Pratchett's, Diana Gabaldon's, and William Gibson's. They're each masters in a different area (Lisa = communicating faith, grace, and mercy; Jodi = figurative language and lyricism, plotting; Terry = humor and social commentary; Diana = setting and place; William = narrative and description)

What's next for you?

Books, books, and more books, thankfully! Reinventing Rachel releases Sept. 1, The Heart of Memory releases in March, and the currently titled "Trouble Child" releases next September. Also, my husband and I have written two childrens books, the first of which comes out August 1 (though Amazon is shipping it already!); the second comes out next spring. We refer to them as "spiritual formation for the toddler set."

Soon we'll be doing some more structured homeschooling with our oldest daughter (5 in December), and in my free time I'm learning crochet and writing some proposals so I can hopefully get some more books contracted. It's busy over here, but we love it. God is blessing us so much. I'm so grateful for this life and this opportunity to write.

For more about Alison, please visit her website: www.AlisonStrobel.com

Tomorrow on Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer: Cheryl Ricker

Please join me on Thursday as we chat with author and poet, Cheryl Ricker. Her beautiful book of poetry, A Friend in the Storm, has just been published by Zondervan. We'll be chatting about poetry, family and life. Don't miss this show and leave a comment {HERE} for your chance to win a copy of Cheryl's book!

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.


About Cheryl: Cheryl Ricker is a prize-winning poet who resides in southeast Minnesota with her husband and sons.

Born and raised in Canada, Cheryl graduated from York University in Toronto with a degree in Creative Writing.

Her passion to draw people closer to God led her to Christ For The Nations Institute, Dallas, where she expressed her evangelistic heart by ministering on the streets, on stage, and in prisons.

While visiting a young mother with terminal cancer, Cheryl discovered she could share peace, assurance and comfort through personal poetry from Christ’s point of view.

After five years of writing and praying, Cheryl’s poetry was turned into a life-changing, Zondervan gift book.  A Friend in the Storm is available in stores this August, 2010.

With fun, flair and transparency, Cheryl writes and speaks about God’s big-picture hope.  She’s passionate about helping people in pain keep their eyes on Jesus so they will experience Him in a deeper, more personal way.

For more about Cheryl or to purchase her book, visit her beautiful website.


About A Friend in the Storm: Author Cheryl Ricker reaches into the depths of human suffering from the perspective of Christ speaking to the reader in soothing poetic truth. This elegant gift book lightens the heart and soul of anyone facing difficult circumstances, leading them through their suffering into the arms of a faithful loving God.

Each two-page spread includes a poem, as well as reflections written by Christian leaders, along with healing Scripture verses. An elegant foil-stamped fabric binding makes this the perfect gift.

The Ultimate Friend

A few weeks ago I was blessed to hear Gary Thomas, author of Sacred Marriage, speak at a FamilyLife staff conference. One of the things he said really stood out to me, “Most of our frustration with God is that He’s not making life as easy as we think it should be.” I had to give that a big, “Amen.”

Do you ever think: “God, I’m trying to serve you, and I attend church every week (well, almost every week). I’m trying to raise my kids to love you. I read my Bible at least three times a week … couldn’t you help me out here?”

I’ve thought this as John and I have dealt with so many things during our move to Arkansas. There are things I expected to struggle with, like the pain of leaving our two oldest kids, our extended family, our church, and our friends. I expected dealing with the cultural differences and even the struggles of moving, packing, unpacking.

What I didn’t expect were other things, like our house not selling. Like seeing our savings deplete as we paid dual payments. Like trying to adjust to living on a smaller budget. Sometimes I’ve wanted to say, “God, can you just give me/us a little break here?” Okay, to tell the truth, I’ve said it/prayed it often.

The fact is, there are always going to be difficult times. Life is hard. Challenges come. We will never “arrive” at being settled and comfortable and completely happy.

And actually, that’s a good thing. When we are unsettled and uncomfortable and, yes, even unhappy it’s then we discover we need Jesus even more than we thought.

Another thing Gary Thomas said ties into this. “God knows it’s not easy being us. He knows we live with sin, with loneliness, with injury and sickness, and with the sin of others.”

As moms, God knows we struggle with a dirty house, with a to-do list, with kids that don’t listen/obey, and with a wonderful husband that we discovered (to our disappointment) is not perfect. Sometimes we may think, Really, Jesus? You can’t do one favor for us when we really need it?

There are a few other ladies in the Bible who thought the same thing. There was a time when Mary and Martha really needed Jesus. Their brother was dying and they wanted Jesus to come. They entertained Jesus in their home. They hung out with Him. They saw Him heal others. Yet when they needed Jesus most, He stayed away. They had to face Lazarus’ death alone.

“Jesus didn’t explain himself or make excuses,” Gary Thomas says. “Jesus wept. That’s what friends do.”

We too are Jesus’ friends. John 15:15 reads, “I no longer call you servants, I call you friends.”

When Jesus didn’t show up when Mary and Martha wanted, they discovered Him in a new and different way. When He didn’t show up as Healer, they discovered Him as Raiser-of-the-dead.

“The difficulties will feed the friendship. We’ll learn to discover God in ways we had never experienced before,” Gary Thomas says. “The more we embrace that we have a Friend in our difficulties, the more we will feed every relationship we have.”

As Gary spoke, this got me thinking. One thing that helps me is when I have a friend who I can turn to during hard times–someone who understands. I have friends who I used to talk to about my toddlers, and now we discuss our teens. When I first moved to Little Rock, the group of women I connected with first were women from my Unpacking the Boxes Bible Study–women who’d also just moved here. We talked about missing “home” and trying to find “home” again. Even though these women didn’t solve my problems, it helped that they were there, they loved me, and they understood. Even better than those friends, God gets it.

Gary Thomas concluded with this, “We will face times of sin, loneliness, injury and sickness and the sin of others with or without God. Why not face it with a Friend who is above all friends–who gets us?”

I’m thankful for that. I’m awed I have a FRIEND who I can turn to … and who I’m turning to more and more through all life’s challenges.

What about you? Are you going through tough stuff? I know you are because everyone is. Don’t you want to go through it with a Friend by your side? It makes all the difference.

Originally posted on MomLife.

What I did last week - 11th Armored Division Reunion!

What fun! Last week I got the privilege of attending (and doing a little research) the reunion of the 11th Armored Division. The 11th Armored have made many appearances in my novels over the years. (Check out the Liberation Series!) Here are a few quick photos and I'll write a longer update soon. Oh and make sure to check out the bottom of the post for a fun giveaway!

You may or may not know that the Spanish Civil War is considered to be the pre-cursor to World War II. A few years ago when I was researching for Arms of Deliverance, I can across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to the skills he picked up as a veteran of the Spanish Civil War. I scratched my head. Huh? What was the Spanish Civil War and what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the 1930s? I soon discovered that thousands of of American volunteers joined the fight, half of whom never returned home.

The Spanish Civil War Chronicles tells that story. 

 If you'd like a Spanish gift pack, including a copy of the first book in the Spanish Civil War Chronicles, Valley of Betrayal, leave a comment. Tell me what you know about the SCW. If you are like I was, and have never heard of it before - tell me that too. :) I have four gift packs to giveaway. The winner will be announced on the 16th.

Guest Blogger: Love for my Unlovable Teen

By Lisa Cherry

“You just don't understand! He is my life now! Don't take him from me! I can't live without him!” wailed my 15 year old daughter Kalyn. She was right about one thing. I didn't understand.

October 22, 2002 had progressed like most any other for our model Christian family. We were close, hard-working, tight knit, fun, and stable. As the mom of my larger-than-average brood of nine, I felt my life was exciting, fulfilling, and grand. That is why what happened to us was such a shock.

An $800 cell phone bill had brought our day to a screeching halt. As the phone numbers were identified with a middle-aged man from our church, the possibility of a billing error was considered. We launched a family investigation.

Kalyn entered our bedroom hesitantly. She sat in the green rocker at the end of our bed, and at first denied any role in the calls. But something did not feel right. Dad pressed his questions just a little harder. A look came over her face that I did not recognize. With cold, distant eyes she broke her stiff silence. “I made the calls. It was all my fault.”

So began our family's multi-year nightmare. Kalyn journeyed through the aftermath of what we were to later discover was teenage sexual abuse. She had become a statistic—one of the one in four girls sexually abused by age 18. Denial, rebellion, depression, suicide threats, cutting and eating disorders filled her teenage life. As her mother, I travelled the sea of anger, hurt, despair, fear, and torment. My beautiful, fulfilling life was transformed into what seemed like scenes from a bad B-rated movie. Never were we more tempted to give up and give in!

Kalyn’s behavior was so extreme that each day was a battle. Angry, irritable and hostile, she saw us as her personal enemies. None of the other children wanted to even come near her if they passed her in the hall. She resisted every form of motherly direction. It was just too much, and one day I came to the end of my mothering rope. I ran to my bedroom, locked the door, and threw myself on the bed. Deep, racking sobs shook my body as I cried out to God in my pain. Unthinkable words rose from my wounded soul. God, I can't feel any feelings of love anymore for my own daughter!

Me, not love my own child? How could my mother's love fail me? My own thoughts sent me deeper into despair.

That day marked a new chapter in my faith journey as I plunged deeper into the awesome healing power of my Heavenly Father's covenant of love. He spoke His words of hope so clearly to my heart. “Lisa, now you will understand the force of My love working through your weak vessel. It is supernatural. I will agape love your daughter through you. And remember, Lisa, My love never fails (1 Corinthian 13:8).” I grabbed onto my Father's words of hope!

How is my family today? We are healed and set free by the miracle working power of our King! Kalyn is a 23 year old bride-to-be, and together we have written a book about our mother-daughter journey to the edge of destruction and back. Kalyn's Secret: Every Parent's Battle to Save Their Children was released in bookstores on July 17. Truly, what the enemy meant for evil, our God is working for good.

As we share our family's story and what we learned, God is mending wounded hearts. And even more, He is awakening and equipping a new generation of parents and Christian leaders to be strong in battle for the hearts and souls of their kids. Can you hear His call? Do you need His healing power?

______________________________________________

Lisa & Kalyn Cherry - have weathered the storm of extreme teen crisis. On the victory side of their pain, this vibrant mother daughter team sounds an alarm and offer hope to parents and leaders of today's youth. Lisa is a conference speaker for Acquire the Fire/Teen Mania Ministries. She and her husband, Doug, founded Victory Christian Center, REALITY Youth Center and Frontline Families Ministries of Carbondale, Illinois. http://www.kalynssecret.com

______________________________________________

Jill Eileen Smith's The Wives of King David series

Jill's lastest release Abigail follows the bestselling *Michal* and continues Jill Eileen Smith’s rich story of David’s wives.Abigail is the third wife of King David and her journey is one of heartache and shattered dreams, but in the end she grows stronger for what she has endured and her relationship to David takes an interesting turn.

What price must she pay for true love?

Her days marked by turmoil and faded dreams, Abigail has resigned herself to a life with a man she does not love. When her husband Nabal’s foolish pride angers David and his men, she boldly steps forward to save her family—and David, the would-be king, takes notice.

Circumstances offer Abigail a second chance at happiness with the handsome David, and she takes a leap of faith to join his wandering tribe. But her struggles are far from over. How can she share his love with the other women he insists on marrying?

“With skill honed by years of historical research, made sharper still with a gifted passion for storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith crafts the story of Abigail in a way that takes us deep into the heart of King David and into the heart of a woman determined to follow God’s will, no matter the cost to her—or to the man she loves.”—Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of From a Distance and The Inheritance

“Smith’s writing swept me back to ancient days and brought Abigail and David’s love story vividly to life.”—Deborah Raney, award-winning author of Almost Forever and the Clayburn Novels

“A rich tapestry of an era filled with love and longing that rings true across the centuries.”
—Siri Mitchell, author of Love’s Pursuit

About Jill: Jill Eileen Smith has been married for 33 years to her beloved engineer husband, Randy, and together they have three adult sons. Two sons live in California pursuing a film career, and one lives at home finishing an English degree. She was a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom for 12 years so the transition to almost-empty-nester has been tough! She is most grateful for technology, particularly Skype. Jill lives with her family in Southeastern Michigan.

From Jill ... Ten random things about me:

1.  I am a third-born, married to a third-born, and we have three sons.

2.  My maiden name and married name are the same.

3.  I collect refrigerator magnets of places I’ve been.

4.  I was a high-school valedictorian.

5.   My hubby and I used to be camp counselors.

6.   Randy (hubby) used to take me drag racing in his '66 Mustang.

7.   Traveled to most of the continental U.S.; plus Canada, Hawaii, and
Israel.

8.   Used to sing solos in church.

9.   Catered food for a music video production for my kids.

10. I love Bible trivia questions

Learn more about Jill at her website www.jilleileensmith.com.

Writing tips from Susan Page Davis!

Susan, thanks so much for agreeing to be on my blog today. I picked up a copy of The Crimson Cipher at ICRS ... let's talk about that!

What inspired you to write The Crimson Cipher?
I had an idea of writing a wartime story about cryptographers. As I began to research, the women who worked on military ciphers during World War I grabbed my attention. The more I read, the more I knew I had to tell this story.

What tips do you have for those who want to write historical suspense?
This genre is different from others, and you have to focus on the action and the danger. You can’t include all the things you would in another type of story. It was a learning curve for me, and I can see mistakes more easily in others’ work than in my own. That’s where my critique partners have been a tremendous help.

How do you manage more than one deadline at a time?
Some weeks are horrible for me. Seems that as I’m racing toward a deadline, that’s when I get handed a galley to go over or a content edit on another project. Basically, I keep a writing calendar with the minimum that must be done on each project blocked out for every day. If something else is added, it goes on the calendar. I also talk to my agent every time we sign a contract about how much time I need for that project. I thrive on being busy, but there’s such a thing as overbooking yourself.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned so much about our country’s history. I believe this era (1900-1917) is an overlooked period. We study about World War I and how America was late to join the Allies, but we seldom see accounts of what was going on here in our country during that time. I was shocked when I learned how much sabotage, fraud, and outright terrorism was going on in the United States. I also learned about the many unsung heroes who helped protect us.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I haven’t had time to read a lot of fiction lately, but I recently finished Deeanne Gist’s Maid to Match (loved it). Dee isn’t really a new writer, though. I’ve ordered some of Tim Downs’s books because I want to read his work before I go to the ACFW conference in September, where he’ll be the main speaker. He’s new to me. A couple other CBA authors I enjoy and recently read books by: Nancy Mehl (Simple Secrets—very good) and Margaret Daley (Cowboy Protector—another great Love Inspired Suspense from Margaret).

What are you working on now?
I’m writing another book for Summerside Press (publishers of The Crimson Cipher). This one is titled Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island. It will be their first Love Finds You book set in Canada, and it’s set during the Prince of Wales’s royal tour of Canada and the United States in 1860. It’s a lot of fun, and different from my other books. My two teenagers and I spent a week in PEI in May while I did some on-scene research. It was wonderful to see the actual rooms where the prince’s ball and other events were held, and I must say, PEI is gorgeous.

Thanks for sharing Susan!

Susan Page Davis is the author of 30 novels in the romantic suspense, historical romance, mystery, and contemporary romance genres. After more than 50 years in Maine, she recently moved to Kentucky with her husband Jim, who is an editor, and the two youngest of their six children. Susan is a past winner of the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest and the ACFW Book of the Year. For more about Susan, please visit her website at www.susanpagedavis.com. To connect with her on Facebook, go here.

TOMORROW on Living Inspired: encore show with Suzanne Woods Fisher

To listen to the interview: go here and click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen. Thursday at 3:00 pm Central.


Don't miss our guest on Thursday - talented author Suzanne Woods Fisher. Suzanne is currently the only author writing both fiction/non-fiction Amish books. She has a ten book contract - wow. That's huge. :) Suzanne also has her own show here on Her Insight Network - Amish Wisdom on Thursdays right after my show - 4:00 pm Central! Besides talking about writing Amish books (I too am writing a three book Amish series) we'll be chatting about Hong Kong and Guide dog puppies. Hmmm.... the Amish, Hong Kong and puppies. Sounds a little random - don't miss this one. :)
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is an author, a wife, a mother, a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a cook and a gardener…the latter two with inconsistent results. A former contributing editor to "Christian Parenting Today," Suzanne's work has appeared in many magazines, including "Today’s Christian Woman," "Worldwide Challenge," and "Marriage Partnership."

Her first novel, "Copper Star," a World War II love story, was published by a small press and received three literary awards. It opened the door to a literary agent. The agent knew of Suzanne’s connection to the Plain People—her grandfather was raised Plain—and introduced her to an editor at Revell, a division of Baker Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was Suzanne’s first book release with Revell. It’s a non-fiction book of true stories about the Old Order Amish and was chosen as a book selection by Doubleday, Crossings, and Book of the Month 2 Clubs. It is also a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award.

“The Choice,” a novel about a young Amish woman, is the first in a three-book series, is in its third printing and is an ECPA and CBA bestseller. Wal-Mart chose “The Choice” for its January Inspirational Book Shelf, and it was the Main Selection for Crossings Book Club, as well as Doubleday, BookSpan, and a large print edition for Literary Guild. In August of 2010, Suzanne will release another non-fiction book, “Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom for a Simple Life.” In October 2010, “The Waiting” will release; it is the second in the ‘Lancaster County Secrets’ series. Six other books—both fiction and non-fiction—are contracted to release over the next two years.

Another new venture for Suzanne is “Amish Wisdom,” a weekly radio program in which she interviews all kinds of interesting guests who have connections to the Amish. You can listen on-line at www.toginet.com/shows/amishwisdom. And you can always find Suzanne at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Don't miss Suzanne's latest release: Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life. If you want to know a people, know their proverbs. These small, concentrated packages of insight allow outsiders to peek into a fascinating closed community. In Amish Proverbs, a collection of more than 200 proverbs uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Amish people. Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with readers through life's joys and sorrows.

Greetings from Arkansas ...

... where I'm learning what summer, heat and humidity are all about! Thankfully there is an invention called "air conditioning" that is keeping this Northern girl cool.

There has been a lot to celebrate in the last few months. First, at the end of June John, Nathan, Alyssa and I traveled to St. Louis to attend the International Christian Retail Show.

Alyssa was thrilled with the book show!

The trip started out by attending The Christy Awards where The Swiss Courier was a nominee for the historical fiction. Here is what one of the judges said about The Swiss Courier: "... A nail biter. I have read much about this time period and ...For me, this is a winner!"

I also did three booksignings, and I loved meeting fans as I signed Songbird Under a German Moon, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, and The Swiss Courier.

Mike and I at a book signing at ICRS

My co-author Mike Yorkey and I at The Christy Awards

Unfortunately, The Swiss Courier didn't win ... the award went to the amazing Lynn Austin for her novel Though Waters Roar. Congratulations Lynn! Here is a complete list of winners.

Awards and book releases are great, but nothing is more wonderful than a new addition to our family! Our oldest son Cory married a wonderful young woman named Katie. Katie is bubbly, fun, adorable, and she loves Jesus with all her heart. What could be better than that? We flew to Montana for the wedding and God gave us a perfect day. Here are a few photos.

The Goyer Family

Cory and the groomsmen

Cory and Katie

My new daughter-in-law Katie!