I've been holding my breath ...

I've been holding my breath as galleys for Praying For Your Future Husband have been mailed out. Robin and I felt God's presence as we wrote this book. Waiting to hear what other people thought was like waiting for Christmas. It's been awesome to get reports in. We love to see other people getting excited about the book, too! Here is what a friend of mine, Gena wrote. Reading her words made our day!

I wanted to be married from the time I was little; I was in love with being in love. By the time I was 18, I wrote a “list” like so many wistful young girls do. My list was all about me. My unknowns love would take care of me, love me, be romantic, have a certain color hair and be at least a certain height. Yes, he would be a Christian like me, but oh, the attributes of that list. I laugh now at the silliness of it all. But throughout even those immature days, where God was slowly growing and changing me, His daughter, He was also shaping my destiny, my future husband. In the background, far from my eyes, God was building up and preserving Paul, my future lover and partner for life. God knew we would unite and serve Him, bringing Him glory and praise forever. Our great God had our six children all planned out from the start. He knew the trials and errors we would face, the foolish arguments and silly upsets, the good times and the sad. He had a purpose for us to fulfill as a family serving Him in a national homeschooling ministry He would give us 11 years into our marriage. He had couples for us to minister to, families He would bring us to speak to of Christ. Oh what a blessed life He had planned! If only I knew then what I know now. I wouldn’t have worried so much. I wouldn’t have cried so many tears and sank into despair as a basket-case 18 year old, wondering if I would ever find my Mr. Right, wondering if the day would ever come I could end my  “old-maid-syndrome”, so I reasoned. Had I been able to peel back the curtain and see what was to come, how rich my life was to be, I could have just relaxed and spent that energy simply waiting and praying for the soon-to-come man God had selected for me. And I did pray for him! I loved him even before I met him. I petitioned the Lord to care for him, to protect him. And then I’d start my worry-cycle all over again.

I love the book, “Praying for Your Future Husband,” by Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer. Because we speak with – and recognize the needs of - so many homeschooling parents, I can see the benefit of such a book for moms everywhere who are dealing with their own young homeschooled girls so interested (obsessed?) in finding their Mr. Right. This book is a reminder of purity, faithfulness, loyalty and true love. The writers themselves have opened up to the reader their own histories and have offered transparency and honesty; they know that of which they speak. Their mission in this book is a call to prayer for the future husband, but even more importantly, the understanding first of the urgent need to get one’s own heart right with the Lord. I read example after example of girls who called on the Lord on behalf of their husbands long before they were even introduced to them, some starting to pray for them even as young girls. Though they could not see the faces, they prayed mightily for their husbands’ hearts – hearts that would be in love with their Savior first, hearts that would be drawn one day to themselves, secondly. That is marital loyalty and faithfulness right there.

Homeschool moms would do well to read this book, and perhaps share it with their mature daughters. Moms, read “Praying for Your Future Husband” and make a game plan now to start praying for that future husband for your daughter. And even for that child in your womb, start praying that the Lord would bless and protect that future spouse of the wee one within you. As your child grows, urge them to pray for who God will bring them, too.

Bravo, Robin and Tricia. You’ve made me smile and remember my own “deep and desperate” prayers as a young girl. You’ve reminded me how blessed I am to have Paul, 22 years later, too. Yes, by the age of 19, God brought me that man for my heart. I had no reason to lament and languish until that time. How I wish I would have spent those days fretting more wisely. Having this book to guide me along that path would have been a real plus. May many others find “Praying for Your Future Husband” helpful in their own journeys the Lord has set before them. Five stars. --- Gena Suarez, Publisher, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

It still feels like a gift to me.

Growing up I never thought, "Someday I'd like to travel." I loved reading. I loved visiting new places in books. But the idea of me traveling to another country was, well, foreign to me.

I grew up in Northern California, so going to Oregon was common. I stayed around the same 150 mile radius my whole life except for an occasional vacation to the Oregon coast or the San Francisco bay area. Once my family even went to Disneyland. That was a very big deal.

Now, traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I've been to Europe four times and I've visited six different European countries--for mission trips and to research my books. I've been to Canada often, but living near there in Montana that doesn't really count. I've been to nearly 3/4 of the states--for research, conferences, or speaking events. I love the Mexican food in San Antonio, the museums of DC, the winter weather or Orlando, the fall colors of Maine--and so much more this country has to offer. I love visiting tourist spots but I also like finding the places only locals go to get a true taste of what life there is really like.

The best part of travel is that it still feels like a gift to me. Since it wasn't something I strove to do or I expected, every trip feels like God saying to me, "I have someplace you're gonna go ... and you're going to love this." After I dedicated my life to him as a seventeen-year-old, He's given me many amazing gifts, and travel is just one of those things. It makes me think of Jeremiah 29:11:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

All through my teen years I fought God. Even though I grew up learning about Him, I preferred to do things my way. I hardly went to church, never read my Bible, and refused to listen to Christian music because it was lame. (Or so I thought.) Instead, I dated lots of boys, watched the worst movies possible, hung out with my friends, and indulged in the pleasures of the moment. I thought I'd find happiness there. I was wrong. Instead, true happiness was found when I offered my complete self to God. Not only did He give me peace, joy, and love. He gave me an amazing husband, great kids, an unbelievable career, and as an added bonus the ability to travel and experience the world.

Growing up, I expected to live in the same town my whole life and work as a school teacher because I love kids. Now that I'm an adult God gave me more than I could have imagined. His dreams for me were bigger than I ever dared imagine. He gave me a hope and a future ... and I can't wait to see what He continues to have in store.

I'm forever thankful for the day I decided to give my everything to Him, and I can't wait to see where our "forever together" will continue to lead me! What about you? What are you 'forever thankful" for?

Life Ready Woman

In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!

Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!!!

Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.

Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:

1. 2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
2. 2 Life Ready Woman DVD packs. $149 value each (Two different people will receive this gift.)
3. 5 The Life Ready Woman books. (Book will go to 5 people.)

To enter click one of the icons below then tell your friends. Winner will be announced on March 2nd on the MomLife Today website.

MomLife Today provides encouragement, advice and resources to help YOU with your daily Momlife! Because…every MOMent counts!

Thursday on Living Inspired: Lisa Bergren

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.


I'm thrilled to be chatting with this week's guest and my good friend, Lisa Bergren. Lisa is the author of the popular God Gave Us series. We'll be chatting (and catching up) about Lisa's most recent releases God Gave Us the World and also her recent YA fiction novel, Waterfall.

More About Lisa: Lisa Bergren is the author of more than 35 books that have sold over two million copiescombined. She's written fiction, Bible studies, devotionals, nonfiction for women and children's books. Her most recent releases are God Gave Us the World, a children's book in the bestselling God Gave Us... Series, and Waterfall, the first in her teen fiction series, The River of Time. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three children.

For more info, please visit Lisa at her website, www.lisatawnbergren.com.

More about God Gave Us the World: Little Cub’s trip to a special museum exhibit, “Bears Around the World,” sparks a flurry of questions from the young polar bear who is just beginning to learn about life beyond her North Pole home.


As Mama Bear shares with her about the different types of places that God has put the various types of bears, with their different kinds of fur and food, Little Cub begins to wonder: Why didn’t God make us all the same?

With Mama’s loving guidance, Little Cub is taught to see the vastness of God’s wonderful creation; His abilities as an amazing, inventive Creator; His desire for us to care for our world, and especially the important lesson that…

“Every bear has a special place in God’s great, big world.”

This adorable story offers young children who are discovering their place in God’s big world an opportunity to learn about the wonder of diversity, the gift of creativity, the importance of caring for His gifts, and how each child-each creation-is special to God.

More about Waterfall: Gabriella has never spent a summer in Italy like this one.
Remaining means giving up all she’s known and loved…and leaving means forfeiting what she’s come to know…and love itself.

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Bentarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives with their parents, famed Etruscan scholars, among the romantic hills. Stuck among the rubble of medieval castles in rural Tuscany on yet another hot, dusty archeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds… until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

And thus does she come to be rescued by the knight-prince Marcello Falassi, who takes her back to his father’s castle—a castle Gabi has seen in ruins in another life. Suddenly Gabi’s summer in Italy is much, much more interesting. But what do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

For a chance to win either one of Lisa's new books, leave a comment {HERE} along with your address and next week we'll select two winners at random to receive Lisa's books. Be sure to leave your email address and which book you'd like to receive.

When to self-publish ...

I received a note from a missionary in India who's written character-building stories that reaches the demographic she's trying to share the good news of Jesus with. She said that an American publisher told her there was no need for that type of project in the US and she was wondering what her next step should be. Here is my answer ...

Hi Friend,

Thank you for your note! What you're describing is something that works PERFECTLY for self-publishing. It's a project not needed by the US market, but you see a great need.

1. How accessible is the Internet? If it is accessible, then an e-book would be perfect. You can write up your book, save it as a pdf file, and then post it on your website or blog. One example of an ebook I wrote is the study guide for Life Interrupted. You can find it here.This is a project my publisher didn't want to put the money into producing, but I wanted to have available for teen mom support groups. I get no money off this, but it's a great resource!

2. Another thing you can do is make an e-book and email it around to other organizations who might be able to use it. Offer it to them for free and then make a way for them to send a donation if they feel led.

3. Make copies and just start circulating them. Leave them around town. Visit schools and pass them out. Put contact information so people can contact you if they'd like more copies.

I hope that helps!

Twelve million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2011.

 Chances are you know one of them.

 I am excited to tell you about a book that can change your life. Whether you are facing cancer or some other crisis, Cancer Journey: A Caregiver’s View from the Passenger Seat shows you how one woman managed to replace fear and depression with peace and joy during her husband’s eight year battle with stage IV lung cancer.

Purchase one or more copies of Cynthia’s book from Amazon on February 22 and receive bonus gifts and discounts from many of today’s teachers and experts on health and well being (including me).  Your Amazon purchase on February 22 will also help the author become an Amazon Bestseller and provide hope and encouragement to the millions of people living with a life threatening disease.

How it Works: 
1. On Feb 22 go to http://www.caregivercancerjourney.com/special.asp
2. On this page you can view the bonus gifts.
3. Click the Amazon link to place your order.
4. Type in your Amazon receipt #.
5. You will receive a reply email with coupon codes and access to free gifts.
Although you can purchase the book at any time you MUST order on Feb 22 to receive your coupon codes and bonus gifts.

Please share this link with anyone who might benefit.  http://www.caregivercancerjourney.com/special.asp
P.S. Even if you don’t want the bonus gifts (unlikely), the book alone is well worth the price.

How to Ruin Your Kid For Life, A Top Ten List

There are all types of lists for parents. If you want a list to ruin your kids forever, here's a list for you.

1. Give your kid everything he wants. Don't deny what will truly make him happy. Overvalue money and things in his eyes.

2. Dress your child in designer clothes, no matter the cost. Show her that her outward appearance matters most of all.

3. Place your child's needs over that of your spouse's. If he cries, run to him immediately. If he interrupts, give him your full attention.

4. Entertain your child throughout the day. If she wants to play tea, put your plans aside. If she wants to watch her favorite movie for the 100th time, forget your idea for going for a walk and getting some sunshine.

5. Plan your menu around your child's desires. No child should have to eat something he doesn't like. If, by chance, you want to make something other than macaroni and cheese or peanut butter and jelly, feel free to cook your own meal, just as long as you have time to fix what your child likes.

6. Sign your child up for as many extracurricular activities as she desires, even if it means giving up your evening plans on a regular basis. Don't worry about trying to gather around the dinner table either. He can only be in the Junior Soccer League for so long, and you don't want him to miss out.

7. Don't discipline your child when she acts up. Everyone should learn to express herself in her own way. If she demands something, then applaud her efforts. At least you know that she will not be a pushover or a doormat in this world.

8. Don't worry when your child fights with neighbor kids or even when he is a bully. Life is not fair and someone always has to be the underdog. At least your child is learning to elbow his way to the top at a young age.

9. When your child has a disagreement with her teacher, always choose your child's side. Don't show up when the teacher wants to discuss your child's problems. The teacher will want to take a course of disciplinary action and that'll hurt your child's feelings.

10. Don't share your faith with your child. After all, you don't want to offend. Give your child the option if she wants to hear Bible stories and don't pressure her to memorize Scripture verses. She might get disheartened if she doesn't get it right the first time and you'll ruin her self-esteem. More than that, you don't want her to know there's a God who runs the universe, makes the rules, and determines eternity. The thought is too hard and your child might not understand.
More than that, she won't be self-dependent and strive to be a good person.

Do you see your parenting shine in any of these areas?
Congratulations! You're on your way to succeeding at your goal. Keep up the good work and you'll have a very happy child ... and just take a moment to consider what type of an adult your child will grow up to be--one that will stand out about the crowd, without a doubt!

MTV's Teen Mom

The MTV show Teen Mom (spun off from 16 and Pregnant) is the hottest thing out there. You know it's big when these teen parents grace the majority of the magazine covers at check out stands.

Recently, during a radio interview I was asked what I thought about the show. Of course I was happen to give my opinion. :)

I think it's SAD! I think it's wrong for a show to exploit teen parents like this. I've watched the majority of the shows and my heart goes out to the young people.

What I don't like is the TV camera getting caught up in their drama and angst. There have been fist fights, shouting matches, tears. Lots of tears. Yes, it's reality, but can't we do better?

What I would LOVE to see is a show that would help these young parents.  An Extreme Makeover of their life and circumstances. People could be brought in to give them guidance on their education and parenting classes and job training and relationship counseling and ... a listening ear.

Why are we so fascinated with seeing these teens fumble? Should we make stars out of them because their problems make for good TV?

While I can't be a personal mentor to all these young people (I wish I could), I'm going to do my part in reaching out to the young parents God put in my path.

Won't you do the same? These young parents need you. Your loving care could be the first step in the makeover of their lives.

Staying sexually pure.

I had a young woman recently write me through my website. She's eighteen and a university student and wanted to know how to stay pure. She said that people give advice to guys, but they're not the only ones who struggle with sexual desires. I'm glad she pointed that out. I agree! This is what I wrote her. Maybe it will help you, too:

Dear Casey,* (name has been change)

Thank you so much for your note. I LOVE that you're asking this question. The first thing that popped into my head was ... stay away from boys. Don't go on any single dates. Ask friends to keep you accountable! :)

All those things are good things, but there's a deeper issue and that's the desires of our hearts. You're so right, girls DO have sexual desire. We want to be held and kissed and be intimate. It's not just the guys who are thinking about those things. Girls also want to be loved, appreciated, and made to feel they're attractive. We want to see a sparkle in a guy's eye when he looks at us. The truth is. That never stops. Ideally when we get married all our desire is to be toward our husbands, but I've even struggled with wanting to feel attractive to other men too ... we all want to be adored!

The things is, what we do with our bodies starts with our minds and hearts. We think it. Then we dwell on it. Then we want to act it out.

When I struggle with something, it's because my heart isn't where it should be. My first priority is to love Jesus with everything in me--to ask Him to satisfy me. To realize that I may be "missing out" but in the end I'll get the best.

Those rules are good boundaries, but too many times we set them and then we like to dance on the line. We like to stick our toes across and see how far we can get. Instead, it's better to ask Jesus to show us His way. After Bible reading, prayer, and counseling with adults you respect (and live righteous lives) your decisions will be just that ... your decisions and boundaries. Pray and ask God to change you from the inside out. Pray Psalm 139:23-:24 and ask God to search your heart. If you find your mind wandering where it shouldn't be, pray 1 Corinthians 2:14-16. Ask for God to give you the mind of Christ.

Also, remember the God who created the universe can strengthen you (Isaiah 40:28:31). He can help you through this!

Finally, pray for your future husband. Pray for his purity, his strength, and his desires to be saved for you. I guarantee that if you're praying for him to be strong it will encourage you to do the same. In fact ... I have a book I co-wrote with Robin Jones Gunn, Praying for Your Future Husband. Hopefully it will be a good guide to help you until you marry "The One."

Made To Crave by Lysa TerKeurst

I knew that I needed to read Made to Crave for the mere fact that it sat on my nightstand for three weeks untouched. I looked at it every day. I picked it up a few times, but I kept putting it back down. Why? I knew I needed to read it. I knew I'd be convicted. I knew I'd be forced to make changes when I read the heart-words tucked deep inside.

Yesterday, I finally started reading it, and I was right. I needed it. I was convicted. I'm going to have to make some changes. As I poured my personal reflections answers (there are questions at the end of each chapter) onto the page, I found out some things. As much as I was resistant to change, I realized I want to make changes. I also discovered that, thankfully, I don't have to make changes alone.

The whole point of Made to Crave isn't what I'll be giving up. It's about what I'll be gaining--a deeper relationship with Christ. I'm looking forward to this journey ...

About the Book: Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the 'I'll start again Monday' cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal -- and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the 'want to' in making healthy lifestyle choices.



About the DVD series: (GREAT to use with your small group or Bible study group!) If you want to maximize your experience and bring these teachings to life in a way you’ll never forget, you’ll want to order the full set of resources. Adding the DVD teaching series and the workbook will motivate you to get healthy without feeling deprived, lose the weight in a permanent way, and find the peace your body, mind and soul desires. This DVD study can be done in a group or by yourself. For reviews about the DVD series, go here.

About Lysa & Proverbs 31: Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.


Lysa wrote the book Made To Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.

As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa's website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com

eMentoring

Yesterday one of my Twitter friends emailed and told me her husband came home and asked for a separation. I don't know this woman personally. I don't know her situation, but my heart broke. Anytime two people who committed themselves to each other for life go their separate ways my heart breaks. Yet the truth is there are times in each of our lives we feel ready to give up. We want to throw in the towel and just be "done." Unfortunately, done is never done. If you walk away, leave, or even find someone else all the old hurt and pain is still there. Heartbreak happens after heartbreak.

If you're in a challenging place in your marriage, one thing worthy of checking out is FamilyLife's e-mentoring.

e-Mentoring offers one-on-one help and hope. There are caring volunteers just an email away to offer help for you and your spouse.  (Or just you if your spouse is not interested at the time.)

e-Mentoring can be one-time help, or continued support. And the awesome part is it's FREE.

Of course, maybe you're at a good place in your marriage and would be interested in helping others. You can sign up for that too at the provided link. All of us need help from time to time, and this may be your season to give it.

How to Ruin Your Writing Day

1. Look at the New York Time's Bestseller list. Or better yet the Top Ten Christian books. Consider how happy those authors' publishers are and how much more effective they are at spreading the good news of Jesus.

2. Compare your daily word count with those folks that write a new book every month.

3. Pick up that Pulitzer prize winning novel. Read it side by side with your most recent offering.

4. Look through other authors' websites and compare. Especially note those that have flash video and cool gadgets.

5. Start editing the book you just finished. Tell yourself you're not going to turn it in until everything is perfect.

6. Put together your ideal media/publicity package that you'll pour money into once your book hits the New York Times Best-seller list.

7. Read Amazon reviews, especially everything under 4-stars.

8. Picture your book as a movie. Pick out who would represent your characters. Imagine how sales numbers will skyrocket when it's released.

9. Do your taxes. Make income goals. Read your royalty statements.

10. Stare at the blank page.

This week on Living Inspired: Joanna Weaver

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.

I'm so excited to have my close friend Joanna Weaver on the show this week. Joanna is the beloved author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spririt. We'll be chatting about her new book, Lazarus Awakening - dont' miss the show. You will love Joanna's funny sense of humor and sassy spirit.


More About Joanna: Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife.

Find out more about Joanna and her books at her website, www.joannaweaverbooks.com.

More about Lazarus Awakening: Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts

We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well.

Using a flexible 8 or 10-week companion study, Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. As we journey through the life, death, and resurrection of Lazarus, Weaver shows us how to unwind grave clothes – both our own as well as others – so that we can learn how to live resurrected.

For a chance to win a copy of Lazarus Awakening, please leave a comment {HERE}. Two people will be chosen at random to receive the book and notified next week via email.

Four things to pray for your kids.

Sometimes as a mom, I get overwhelmed with all I should be doing for my kids' spiritual development. I should be reading the Bible with my kids, teaching them Scripture, training them on character qualities, helping them understand prayer. The list goes on and on.

Equally important are my prayers FOR my kids ... but when I start considering all I should be praying for, this list is even longer than the first!

After praying about it (what a concept!), I came up with four foundational things to pray for my children daily. Yes, there will be additional things to add on, but this a great place to start. To make these things easier to remember, think of the song Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.

Head. Pray your children will always lift their heads to look to the Lord, and when they're too hurt or discouraged, pray they'll allow God to lift their heads.

“But you, God, shield me on all sides; You ground my feet, you lift my head high.” Psalm 3:3*

Shoulders.
 Pray your children will learn to let God carry their burdens.

“Pile your troubles on God's shoulders—he'll carry your load, he'll help you out.” Psalm 55:33

Knees. Pray your children will get on their knees before God often.

“Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.” James 4:7

Toes. Pray your kids will be connected to a community of believers who will keep them on their toes.

“So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul. Hebrews 3:12

If you like this list, share it with a friend. Can you see all of us around the world praying for our children as we sing … “Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. Head ...”

*All Scripture is taken from The Message

Seven Bible Study Ideas for Busy Moms

Having sixteen years between babies, I forgot a lot. With my baby girl, I'm remembering. Remembering that I can't even take a shower without peace, let alone get an hour of Bible Study prayer and journaling that I was used to. If you want time to study God's Word but don't find it possible with little ones, here are seven ideas.

1. Have Scripture emailed to you. For many years I read through the Bible on a reading plan. Here are some plans that get emailed to you.  You can chose to read the whole Bible through the year, but I'd recommend starting with the New Testament first. Also, if you get behind, don't let the emails pile up. Delete the old ones and get back on track. It's about reading God's Word and spending time with Jesus ... no guilt allowed!

2. Keep a Bible open on the kitchen counter. Yes, it might acquire spaghetti sauce stains, but I don't think Jesus will mind. If it's there and open you can read God's Word and whisper thoughts and prayers to Him as the bread is toasting or the pasta is boiling. God's ears are attuned to kitchen prayers just as much as ones whispered on your knees in a quiet morning.

3. Watch Christian sermons on YouTube. Some of my favorites are videos of Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Rob Bell (Nooma). I've pulled them up on my computer while I'm folding clothes instead of turning on Good Morning America or The View--much more uplifting!

4. Keep a devotional book in your bathroom. One of my recent favorites if Nothing is Impossible by Women of Faith. I've discovered I can read a devotion and meditate on the Scripture verse it in the time it takes to blow dry my hair.

 

5. Have a Bible Study time with your kids. For years I used Keys for Kids. It's online and it's FREE. The best part is the kids loved it and they kept me accountable!

6. Ask your husband to be your Bible reading partner. About seven years ago John and I started reading the Bible together before he goes to work. We read though the Bible, but we don't try to stick to a Bible reading plan. (Tried that and it just stressed us out!) Instead, we just keep a bookmark in the Bible and pick up where we left off last time. We each take a turn reading a chapter out loud if we have time. If not we split a chapter and each read half. We don't stress if we can't get it in, but we enjoy it when we do. It also gives us great topics of conversation throughout the day.

7. Join a Bible Study. I know, I know this can be a challenge, but it can also be a great joy. I joined Bible Study Fellowship this year because they provide great studies and have an amazing children's program. Not only do the moms get to hear God's Word, the children do too. There is weekly homework, but it takes 15-20 minutes a day on average. I fit this in by waking up earlier than normal ...  or by asking my husband to watch the baby for a few minutes. It's hard for him to say no when I tell him I need to study the Bible!

Those are some things I've done. Now ... what about you?

Over-sexualization of young girls.

redbook.com

Have ya'll read this article in Redbook about the over-sexualization of young girls? Very interesting.

I put the cute pair of jeans on my 10-month-old baby girl and realized something was wrong. They fit over the diaper but the legs were way too tight. It was only after I looked closer I realized I'd bought skinny jeans. Skinny jeans for a 10-month-old baby ... SERIOUSLY!

I love having a baby girl again, but looking ahead I know the battle I'll have to face concerning clothes and attitudes toward young girls. I remember bathing suit shopping with my middle schooler and finding only sexy bikinis. I remember Leslie summer clothes shopping during high school and both of us being so discouraged. The only shorts we found were short-short. The only tops showed more than they covered. So I have to ask, why? Why do we try to sexualize young girls?

Don't get me wrong. I don't think my daughters need to wear Amish dress and bonnets, but I do like for them to be girls. I hate the fact that retailers fill their shelves with clothing that's more sexy than sweet. What to do?

1. Don't cave. If it takes ordering a sensible bathing suit online do it. Even if your daughter wants to "look like the other girls" don't give in.

2. Watch her media choices. I've been appalled how many "tween" shows have junior high kids kissings. And the problem is that kids younger than junior high watch and learn.

3. Don't overdue "princess." Dress up and movies are cute, but the "it's all about me" fluff has got to go.

4. Talk to your daughter about how beautiful and special she is. Share how she's created by God and precious in His sight. It's not about our outward appearance, it's about our heart.


Books I recommend:
Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate




How to Be God's Little Princess (not yet released, but available for pre-order)

Gentle Passages: Guiding Your Daughter into Womanhood

Also, if you have teen girls, check out Praying for My Future Husband that I co-wrote with Robin Gunn

Trust Yourself

Guest blog by Mary Byers

 I was talking with a group of moms recently and the topic of summer came up. Some moms were looking forward to the break of the regular school year routine; some were dreading the intensity of having kids underfoot all day; and some were worried about the challenge of protecting their kids’ daily routine as the weather warms up and opportunities to do things outside increase.

As I listened, I was struck by the fact that our mothering experiences are as unique as we are. Because our individual circumstances vary, so do our experiences as moms. The number of children we have, how helpful our partner is (if we have one!), special needs in the family, etc. all influence The Mother Load. Consequently, what’s right for your family may not be right for the family next door. And vice versa. I was reminded that we have to stick to our guns when it comes to doing what we know is best for our family.

Acting on what you know is hard, however, for two reasons. First, many of us are filled with self-doubt. “Am I doing this right?” “Is there a better way?” “I haven’t had any training in this mothering business, so how do I know what’s right?” We ask ourselves these questions regularly. A better question is: What do I know? Focus on what you know about each of your children, and it will be easier to guide them.

It’s also hard to act on what you know because many of us spend time comparing ourselves to other mothers in order to get a glimpse of how they’re handling this mothering adventure. Then, based on outward appearances, we adopt their values for our family. And then we wonder why things aren’t working like they should be. It’s fine to look to other mothers for advice. But ultimately, you must have the courage to act on what you know about your family. It’s the only way to succeed as a mother and it’s the most powerful parenting advice you’ll ever receive.

~~

Author Mary Byer's books, How to Say No ... and Live to Tell About It, The Mother Load and Making Work at Home Work, reflect Mary’s own philosophy of living a life that reflects your priorities. With wit, humor and insightfulness, Mary challenges you to take control of your circumstances, to become more confident in the roles that you play, and to discover new energy for the things that are important to you. For more information about Mary and her books, please visit her website at www.marybyers.com.

Zebra Socks

thebigzoo.com

I should have anticipated what life was going to be like on my wedding day when John revealed that instead of wearing the perfectly suitable black dress socks that came with his tux he was wearing very bold zebra stripped socks.

John should have anticipated, too, when I was horrified. Mortified! What if someone saw? How dare he. I'd worked so hard to get everything just so.

That pretty much summed things up. I tried to get everything "just so" and John added an element of fun. It used to make me mad. I was uptight and I wanted to look good to those around us. Didn't he know his goofy ways just messed things up? Things I was trying to proudly display.

Thankfully, I've eased up over the years. I've realized that life doesn't revolve around looking good in other people's eyes. In fact, when I tried to display my life with too much perfection I was unapproachable. (I've given up trying.) Why would anyone want to be around someone who has everything together?

Over the years I've learned to laugh, and I realized my home, my kids, my work aren't an extension of me. I've found out what's in my heart matters more than how I dress or if my kids are wearing name brand clothes and have their hair brushed. Or if my husband is wearing zebra socks.

When did the change happen? It wasn't overnight.

Why did it change? Because I sought freedom from Christ. Freedom from sin and worry and feelings of insecurity. No, more accurately, because Jesus revealed Himself to me in quiet moments and whispered that freedom was possible.

I tried to make everything look good because I wanted to prove myself. For many years, I was ashamed of being a teen mom. Even though I was forgiven by God, I carried around my sins like a rotten sack of potatoes.

Through time in God's Word and through prayer, Jesus showed me He saw me as whole and beautiful. When I let friends into my life, they reminded me they loved me just as I was--for me--not for my image or kids or home or work.

I learned to laugh and discovered it was nice and freeing. What a gift the laughter was, I'm thankful I've learned to appreciate it.

What a gift God's Word is when I take the time to open it up daily and allow Jesus--the Word--to work in my heart.

As for the zebra socks ... we still have them around and they are sure to bring a smile.

Update - Living Inspired: Patti Lacy (and NOOK giveaway!)

I'm sick and Patti had a scheduling conflict. :( 

So we're canceling Thursday's interview and running an encore of Kristen Anderson's interview. It's great. Be sure to tune in. 

Find out more about Kristen here - and just click on the player in the upper right corner of the screen to listen to the show! (p.s. you can still enter Patti's NOOK giveaway!)

###

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.

Join me on Thursday as I interview author Patti Lacy. Her latest release, The Rhythm of Secrets, is receiving wonderful reviews. We'll be chatting books, the writer's life and getting a peek at the woman behind the novels.
 
More about Patti: Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw. She has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, Illinois, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. For more information, visit Patti's website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites. Patti's longer bio here.

More about The Rhythm of Secrets: Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era. Purchase a copy here,

The Rhythm of Secrets is Patti's third novel and praise for her writing is pouring in:
"The 'secret' is out--Patti Lacy is easily one of the most gifted authors in Christian fiction today, and her stunning new novel, The Rhythm of Secrets is absolute proof. From the delicious jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the seedy underworld of Bangkok, Thailand, embark on a journey that transcends the mere pages of a book to become a riveting life experience. No longer a 'well-kept secret,' Patty Lacy is a master storyteller who speaks to the soul with a powerful and unique rhythm all her own, weaving a tale so rich with emotion that story and reader become one." --Julie Lessman, author of The Daughters of Boston series and A Hope Undaunte

"Patti Lacy is known for riveting tales that span continents, decades, and lives. The Rhythm of Secrets is another great Patti Lacy story, this time of a woman whose past secret lives have caught up with her. Captivating, heart-rending and heart-expanding, The Rhythm of Secrets is a vibrant journey across time in search of the greatest truth of all: grace." --Tosca Lee, author of Havah: The Story of Eve and Demon: A Memoir

Enter the Rhythm of Secrets NOOK eReader Giveaway:

Patti and her publisher, Kregel, are giving away a NOOK prize package worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!!

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

* A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi
* $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

But, wait there’s more! Come to the Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party on February 16th!

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at her Party on FB February 16th! She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, & iTunes!). Don’t miss the fun at Patti’s FB Author Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, & 8 pm EST)!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews: (and meet some new friends!)

Researching Duet

Tim Cahill once said, “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” Of course, the BEST journey  is when you can take a good friend over the miles with you … and research novels in the process!
  
My friend and co-writer Ocieanna and I have researched and written two novels together over the last few years. Both novels started with a glimmer of an idea, two packed suitcases, and a desire to make history come to life within the pages of our novels.
  
Our first novel, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana took us to Lonesome Prairie, of course, which is near Fort Benton, Montana. A month prior to our visit, we contacted the Fort Benton historical society.
  
TIP: Whether you travel to your research destination or not, a local historical society is a great place to find eager volunteers and great information about your novel's setting.
  
When we arrived at Fort Benton, we met a great volunteer, Hank, who provided information about Lonesome Prairie and helped us make copies out of research books. Hank also told us about an elderly gentleman Keith Edwards whose parents were some of the first settlers in Lonesome Prairie. We decided to give Keith a call to see if he was available to talk.
  
TIP: Follow up on leads. It may seem strange calling someone out of the blue, but most of the time people love talking about their lives and sharing information.
  
Our interview with Keith turned out to be the highlight of the trip! At 93-years-old his mind was sharp and he told story after story about his growing up years. Many of his stories made it into the pages of our novel.
  
After interviewing him, we loaded Keith up in the car and drove to the former homestead site where Lonesome Prairie took place.
  
TIP: When researching go on-site if possible and take everything in, not only the sights but also the scents, the sounds, and the feel of the place All this will help you bring the place to life in the pages of your novel.
  
Because we had such a great time on our first trip Ocieanna and I were excited when we got to do it again. For Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington we traveled to Seattle to research Rosie the Riveters during WWII. We interviewed five women who had been former riveters. We also travelled to the Boeing Air and Space Museum where we received help from their research librarians.
  
TIP: One of the best places to find information is in periodicals of the day. Look in magazines, ads, and read advice columns from the time your book is set. Remember, it's the little details that make a big difference.
  
Speaking of the little details, one last benefit of researching with a co-writer is that you both come away with unique insights and perspectives. Teamwork brought our books to life … and made the journey double the fun!

Vicki Hinze's Just Desserts” Contest

This week we're switching the post topics around (Tuesdays are normally a family or parenting post) so that I can tell you about a great new book and a chance to win a 100 smackers to a high-end cooking supply store! Enjoy.

To celebrate the release of her latest release on February 8th, Vicki is having a some fun.

Vicki Hinze, under the sponsorship of The Book Club Network, is seeking the best dessert recipe to celebrate her latest release Deadly Ties (Multnomah, Feb. 8). The winner will receive a free copy of the book along with a $100 gift certificate to a high-end cooking supply store.

The “Just Desserts” contest is free and open to anyone. Dessert recipes, sweet or sugar-free, should be sent to Fred@thebookclubnetwork.com by Feb. 11. A reading group in the TBC network will have a cook off of the top three recipes to pick the winner.

Hinze takes on the global issue of human trafficking in Deadly Ties. Main character Lisa Harper is looking for her mother with security expert Mark Taylor, who’s loved her from afar, when Lisa is abducted and becomes one of several young women being trafficked to Mexico. This is the second in a series about the Crossroads Crisis Center, featured in Hinze’s Forget Me Not.  Fans of Terri Blackstock, Dee Henderson and Iris Johansen will enjoy this gripping romantic thriller where both characters and readers learn that when everything else fails, faith stands fast.

And to start the fun off here is a GREAT recipe courtesy of my good friend and bestest assistant Amy.

 I adapted this from the Barefoot Contessa recipe for a Crostata, known also as a Gallette.

This is my fallback dessert. Everyone who has eaten at my house has had this yummy comforty delish dessert!

Crostata

For Pastry:
2 cups flour
¼ sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ pound butter (2 sticks)

For Filling:

You may use this or substitute any fruit.
1 ½ pounds apples
or any fruit (berries, plums, mango)
2 TBS. flour
¼ cup sugar or more to taste
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Make pastry. Combine flour, butter, sugar, salt and cut together with pastry cutter. Mix with ¼ cup ice-cold water until dough just holds together. Turn dough out onto well floured surface. Form into 2 disks, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Preheat oven to 450.

Make filling. Mix all filling ingredients and set aside. Roll out dough into circle. Place filling on dough center. Fold edges of dough up over filling, leaving the center open. Pleat edges to make circle. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or more. This is especially important for berries.

Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle with raw sugar and/or cinn/sugar mixture.

Cook on parchment paper lined cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes before moving. Makes 2.

For more of Amy's yummy recipes, please visit her blog, Sprightly-AmyAnne.

Ten Ways To Ruin Your Day For Good

1. Buy another home organization book that will point out all the areas in your life that aren't up to snuff. Pick up a couple of those home decorating magazines, too, just to compare.

2. Go clothes shopping and find a dressing room with a 360 degree mirror. Notice how the outfit looks on the mannequin compared to how it looks on you. Bring along clothing catalogs like Victoria's Secret for extra comparison.

3. Long for more leisure time. Dream about a tropical beach, no rain, no missed deadlines, no people sucking the life out of you. Just sunshine, a cool drink, and time to focus on yourself.

4. Fill up your Amazon wish list. Add in electronic gadgets that will make your life easier, cosmetics, jewelry, your favorite movies and treats.

5. Look at your high school pictures. Remember your 26 inch waist. 
Pull out the old cheerleading uniform from 1989 and hold it up to you just to see.

6. Watch the cooking channel and imagine what you could make if you only had that kitchen. Or if you only had the money to buy everything at the farmer's market or organic grocery.

7. Watch a chick flick. Take note of how the romantic hero cherishes the girl and says all the right things. Take note of how he looks without a shirt, too.

8. Look through the Christmas cards you received last year. Notice everyone's smiles. Read though the Christmas letters twice to discover how everyone else's family is vacationing, buying new houses, getting promotions, and producing model-beautiful children/grandchildren.

9. Write out your to-do list. Be sure to note things you've been meaning to do over the last ten years and still haven't done. Schedule your calendar to squeeze in everything you should be doing.

10. Put your Bible back on the shelf. Your prayer journal, too. You don't have time for it. If you start to feel guilty just hold up that to-do list you just wrote! God will understand.

R E S P E C T

My husband John and I have led numerous marriage small groups and there has been a common thread among them all--women have a hard time understanding "respect."

What does that mean?
Can you give examples?
I thought I was being respectful, but obviously not.

When I talk about respect on my blog or radio show, I've gotten the same questions. So ... I thought I'd ask some men their thoughts. What a concept!

Here are some comments from a few of my Twitter/Facebook friends.

1. Prays for me regularly. Listens to me and let's me share the ups and downs of my day and doesn't always try to resolve the issues ;) Jeff

2. When she offers me the biggest slice, I know she respects me. When she eats the center right out of the middle of the cinnamon roll, I don't think she does. Chad

3. To save gas she will do shopping on her way home. But she will not spend willy nilly. Any big purchases we both talk over. Even though I am not out in the work force per say I am made to feel that my money counts tOo. Anonymous

Daniel Darling, Senior Pastor of Gages Lake Bible Church and author of iFaith said, "The way my wife treats my life work shows me respect." I asked him to elaborate, and this is what he said:

Cue Aretha Franklin.

Men need respect like women need love. It's the fuel that drives them. Most people think respect means titles, authority, and treating a guy like a king. But what a guy really craves is to to know that his wife believes in him. With that, a man can do anything and it will drive his love for his wife. I think this is especially true when it comes to a man's life work, his calling. God wired men to work, not just to provide, but to make an impact, to create and build and be something. Work is his life. He is conquering more territory, moving up, doing something.

But when a women tears down her husband, it chips away at his confidence. Men act tough, but down deep they crave the confidence of the women they love. When a man comes home and is greeted like a hero by his wife and kids, he can soar.

I'll use an example. When I was in college, I was dating this girl. Good Christian girl, pastor's kid. But when I told her of my passion to write, she said, "I just don't think I can handle that. I really envisioned marrying someone who was a pastor." And when I was with her, I always felt less, like I didn't measure up. Fast forward a few years and I'm dating Angela. Angela, from the beginning, believed in me, thought what I did was noble, was proud of me. Well, we've been married eight years. And when she makes me feel like a hero (even though I don't always act like one). I soar and it motivates me to love her and provide and protect her more.

Funny thing? I ended up being a pastor after all.

 The best way a woman can help her man step up and be a man (a real problem in many marriages) is to show him that she believes he can do it. To encourage him up, rather than tear him down. This doesn't mean endless flattery. You can be real and honest and speak truth and still do it up. In other words, "I know you can be a great father, etc."

I love all these comments. They've given me things to think about. The input from these men will help me respect my husband better. I hope it'll help you, too.

Thanks guys!

More about Character Names!

Last week I talked about where I get my character names for my novels. You can read that blog post here. Just for fun, I asked some of my writer friends for their input on where they get their character names. Here is what a few said:

Stephanie Whitson 
www.stephaniewhitson.com
www.footnotesfromhistory.blogspot.com

I often walk old cemeteries and collect names so that I know I'm using "era-appropriate" character names. After a visit to a cemetery, I make a list of last names, men's names, women's names, etc., and then re-combine them, trying to do my best to make certain that I don't consciously name a fictional character after a real person.

Imagine my surprise when a reader once told me that the heroine of Sarah's Patchwork, Sarah Biddle, is buried in a cemetery in my home town! My "re-mix" yielded the name of a real person.

I breathed a sigh of relief that my Sarah Biddle is a wonderful person. At least if the real Sarah's descendants ever come across my book, they won't think I was "dissing" their ancestor.

Maureen Lang
http://www.maureenlang.com/
http://maureenlang.blogspot.com/

I needed a character name for a mentally handicapped child in The Oak Leaves, and the first appropriate name that came to mind for a character who would forever behave like a child was Royboy. I remembered it from my childhood, not from a handicapped child, but from a neighbor. Everyone called Roy by Royboy, just because it had a great ring to it, I guess. Thinking I'd long since lost contact with this neighbor, I went ahead and used it for my handicapped character. Wouldn't you know it a couple of years after the book released I had an email from the real Royboy's sister, asking me if her brother had inspired the name . . . He's all grown up now (at last called simply Roy) but to a sister at least he seems to have been a fitting inspiration for the character. We had a laugh about it but I heard when she told him he was honored to have been remembered rather than offended, so all's well that ends well.

Allie Pleiter
alliepleiter.com

I have a great story about how the heroines got their names for MASKED BY MOONLIGHT and it's sequel MISSION OF HOPE. After Masked by Moonlight was written but before it was published, my brother named his daughter Georgia (what are the odds?). My brother has another (older) daughter, Nora, so I had no choice to but name the sequel's heroine Nora. My niece Georgia was very young when "her" book came out, but she was old enough to recognize her name, so she went through the copy I sent her and circled her name in red crayon on all 200+ pages! When I asked my SIL if she wanted me to send her another copy, she said "Absolutely not! This one's priceless!" BTW both nieces have used their namesake books as serious show-and-tell fodder. As they live in Washington DC, the bar is pretty high for impressive show and tell stuff.

This week on Living Inspired: Judy Baer (and she's giving away a KINDLE!)

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.

I'm excited to have my friend and fellow author Judy Baer on the show this week. Judy has written over 70 books (wow - now that is something to aspire to!) and we'll be talking about the highs and lows of a writer's life. Judy is a lovely woman - don't miss Thursday's show. (Judy's giving away a KINDLE - scroll down to the bottom to find out how to enter!)


More about Judy: Judy was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people—either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with fresh hay and oats for the horse she imagined would arrive. Unfortunately it didn't come, at least not until she was an adult. After she was unexpectedly given three horses, she bought even more and began raising foundation quarter horses.

She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with majors in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as a Christian writer. Her first book was written with a toddler on her lap. Judy would type a few words and say "Now, Jennifer." He two year old daughter would hit the space bar so Judy could continue writing. It was't the fastest way to work but it was a very cozy time.

In 2001 Judy became a certified professional life coach. In 2008 Judy completed her Master's program. She studied in the areas of writing and coaching. Now certified in three coaching disciplines, Judy coaches primarily professional and aspiring writers. She is also a faculty advisor in the Department of Human Development at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis, MN. She is married, lives in Minnesota, has two daughters and three step children.

She is the author of more than 75 books. She grew up in rural North Dakota and has done many of the things her Hilltop characters experience. Please visit www.judykbaer.com for more information and to keep up with the Hilltop characters on her blog!

More about Judy's latest book, An Unlikely Blessing: An Unlikely Blessing is a heartfelt story about a new pastor and life-long city dweller Alex Armstrong, who reluctantly accepts his first assignment, a two-point parish in the wilds of North Dakota. Hilltop Township, a farming community, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose—lovely and prickly all at once, much like the people who live there.
Unlikely

Alex quickly finds that this lovely place is in quiet peril. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet: Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing the farm. Alex believes that part of why God called him to Hilltop was to help turn things around, and steps in with ideas for saving the Owens' land. But can even God's minister help save this rural community?

There are a lot of firsts for the new pastor—the annual Hunter's Breakfast, julebukking (also called Christmas fooling), King Oscar's fish balls, and the melody of the musical saw. And the new, single pastor creates remarkable excitement among the unmarried women in the community. If you could die of hot dish overdose, Alex would be a dead man. Whether performing weddings, counseling his flock, or herding cattle by snowmobile, Alex soon discovers that his new church home has as much to teach him as he will teach them. Day by day, he falls more in love with the people of Hilltop Church. People may leave Hilltop, but Hilltop never leaves them.

For a chance to win a copy of Judy's An Unlikely Blessing, leave a comment {HERE} along with your email address. We'll choose the winner at random and notify via email!


Prolific author of over 75 novels, Judy Baer, is launching her new Guideposts series, Forever Hilltop, with a KINDLE giveaway! The first book in the series, An Unlikely Blessing is available now wherever fine books are sold. Read the reviews here. 

In celebration of the release of An Unlikely Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.

One lucky winner will receive:

• Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter just click on one the icons below and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy's blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress

For more information please visit the Litfuse website, www.litfusegroup.com and click {HERE}!