I've perfected the pout.

I've been known as someone who tends to get her way in marriage. I know how to ask the right way or hint at the right time. I've perfected the pout. But as the years have passed, I've realized maybe getting my way isn't always the best thing. (Shocking, I know!) I've learned that there are times my husband is right. I've also learned not to press and urge--that it's better John and I come a mutual decision and we both have peace about whatever steps we're taking.

I can give many examples of when I've regretted getting my way. There was a couch we had for years that was very cute, but also very uncomfortable to sit on. My back is still paying the price.

Then there is the puppy I just "had to have." I begged and pleaded for weeks until my husband gave in. To say that dog is trouble is an understatement. Our dog Jake is four years old and if we leave him alone in the house uncrated he'll destroy everything in sight. If we don't watch him he still wanders off and leaves stinky tootsie rolls in my closet, AND if there is any access to the kitchen counter (like a chair scooted up against it), he has no problem finishing off any food we have up there. He's a little dog and once he ate a whole cake!

I could bring up more examples, but you're getting the picture. My husband warned me about the couch. He warned me about the breed of dog, and I hate to admit he was right about both.

Of course there are those decisions where I KNOW I'm right. In some cases I've even felt called by God. Adoption is one of those things. I was interested in adopting seven years before John. To give myself credit I didn't urge him or push. Instead, I just mentioned it, prayed, and let God do the talking. I figured if it was God's will He'd be able to let John know. (And He did.)

For the big things I understood that we both needed peace before we stepped forward, but lately I've been realizing mutual peace works with the smaller things, too.

Recently there was a housing decision that I felt was a good move for us, but John wasn't quite sure. Instead of trying to talk John into my point-of-view I said simply, "I appreciate your thoughts on this and I don't feel we should make any decisions until we both have peace." I felt so proud of myself at that moment! If I would have had a gold star I would have pinned it to my chest.

A few days later John told me he also had peace about the decision and I was happy. My happiness didn't come from getting my way. It came from doing things GOD'S way and reaping the rewards.

Now if the decision was wrong, we're both wrong ... and I'm not the one who gets the lifted eyebrow that says, "I told you so."

Thursday on Living Inspired: Matt Bell a.k.a "Matt About Money"! (and a $100 Visa Card 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.

Don't miss this week's show! Guest Matt Bell will be on talking about his latest book, Money & Marriage. Whether your newly engaged or just celebrated your 30th wedding anniversary, you'll learn something about finances and marital bliss from Matt!  
And be sure to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of his book. We'll choose one winner at random next week and notify you via email. Also, be sure to see below, Matt has a fun Nest Egg Giveaway with a GREAT prize!

More about Matt: Matt began his career as a radio journalist, with his work featured on National Public Radio, the NBC Radio Network, and several other networks. His reporting earned national awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and United Press International.

Today, Matt is a full-time personal finance writer and speaker. He is the author of two books: "Money, Purpose, Joy" (September 2008) and "Money Strategies for Tough Times" (April 2009), both by NavPress. Matt has been quoted in USA TODAY, U.S. News and World Report, the Chicago Tribune, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, has written for ChristianityToday.com, and has been a guest on WGN-TV and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows.

Matt holds a Master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from DePaul University, where he wrote a thesis about the emergence of America's consumer culture and its influence on people's beliefs and behaviors.

Matt lives with his wife and their three young children in the Chicago area. Visit his website and blog at www.mattaboutmoney.com.

More about Money & Marriage: Money & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged or Newly Married Couples

In this thorough and practical guide, financial expert Matt Bell helps engaged and newly married couples navigate the merger of habits, flaws, and attitudes about money so two can truly become one.

His writing is full of helpful advice, Scripture, and practical steps to gaining financial freedom together as a couple. Learn to use money in a way that minimizes disputes and maximizes marital happiness.

Matt Bell's (a.k.a Matt About Money) Money & Marriage has just released (NAVPress) and is a great resource for engaged or newly married couples. Read the reviews here.

Matt says about the book, “I wrote “Money & Marriage” because I believe in marriage. I’m sure it isn’t news to you that money is a very common source of stress between spouses. It’s even a primary factor in many divorces. I wrote this book with no less of a goal than to save many marriages from disaster, and to help all couples use money in a way that strengthens their relationship and increases their joy.”


To celebrate Matt has put together a Nest Egg Giveaway with a prize package worth over $250!

One winner will receive:
•    A Free 1 Hour Financial Session
•    A $100 Visa Cash Card
•    A signed copy of Matt’s Money, Purpose, Joy and Money Strategies for Tough Times

To enter just click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And hurry - the contest ends April 11th. The winner will be announced on Matt's blog on April 13th. 

Be sure to pick up a copy of Money & Marriage – important principles whether you're newly engaged or just celebrated your 30th anniversary.

If I had one dollar for ...

If I had one dollar for every person who spoke to me after an event, or wrote me a note on Facebook, or sent me a short tweet telling me they wanted to write, I could pay for a beach house in Hawaii or a flat in Paris.

Many want to share stories and impact others with their words, but don't know how to start, so here's the run down in 10 easy steps:

1. Figure out what you want to say. Do you want to entertain people, motivate them to change, help them with a hard problem?

2. Know why you want to say it. Has God given you a message He wants you to share? Do you want the fame and fortune (which is not very realistic)? Is it because other people tell you that you have a story to tell?

3. Decide what you're willing to sacrifice in order to write. Is it TV? Is it shopping? Is it the quiet during your child's nap times or Saturday mornings with your family?

4. Make a choice if it's worth it. Either jump in with both feet or don't even dip your toe in. Dipping your toe in will only frustrate you. To succeed as a writer you need to be fully committed.

5. Know how successful people do it. Check out books at the library on writing processes, become a student of putting the words on the page. Think of learning to write like learning to bake a cake from scratch. You can get a recipe that tells you the steps or you can play around in the kitchen with the ingredients. If you do the latter you'll most likely end up with a cake, but you'll face a lot of trial and error and much time and effort. Their are many "recipes" for writing. Check them out and find the perfect recipe for you.

6. Write. After you do steps 1-5 then you have to put words on paper. DO NOT worry about your marketing plan, your writing income, traveling for book signings, or if you should use a pen name. Don't even think about those things until you have something publishable. I get questions about all these things (and much more) and people haven't put five sentences together on the page. Before you worry about your whole writing career and it's impact, just write.

7. Know your markets. Unless you're planning to self-publish you have to figure out who's going to buy your words. Every magazine and book publisher has writer's guidelines. They tell you exactly what they're looking for and what they need from you to consider your book. You can find these guidelines through Writer's Market or Christian Writer's Market.

8. Get a supporting cast. Find people you trust to keep you accountable, to be critique partners, to pray with you. The business of writing isn't done alone.

9. Keep trying. Rejection is just part of the game. Successful writers aren't those who got accepted their first time out there. They are the ones who kept trying.

10. Trust God's timing. He has prepared the market, the audience and the season for you. His timing is perfect even if the wait is longer than you think. He sees the finished book on the shelf!

I remember my first big ah-ha, common sense moment.

I was around 10 years old when I was at the grocery store with my mom, my mom's friend, and the friend's three-year-old son. The friend had put a package of decorated cupcakes in her shopping cart and for five minutes the boy screamed. He wanted one. Now.
   
The other mom kept explaining that they were for after dinner. She threatened and she pleaded with him to stop, but he continued to whine. Finally, at the checkout line the boy's whines exploded into tears. I still remember my shock when the mom got the cupcake out of the package and gave it to her son.
   
“There, are you happy now?” she asked. He was (at that moment, at least). He ate the cupcake with a frosting-and-sprinkle-decorated smile.
   
Even though I was a kid myself, my common sense told me she'd just encouraged his horrid behavior. When I had kids, I understood the problem better. The mom had been embarrassed. She was no doubt tired from a long day. It was only one cupcake, right? What would it hurt? Yet that memory molded my own practice with my kids. Even though I “gave in” at times when I shouldn't, common sense won out the majority of the time. Common sense told me that if I allowed that behavior when my son was four there would be BIGGER problems when he was fourteen.
   
Common sense means telling our child “no” when she asks for a snack before dinner—even if it means she's going to throw a fit. It means praying with your child and reading a book before bedtime, even though you'll miss the first ten minutes of your favorite show. It means actually looking at your child and answering when he is talking to you, even if the email/Facebook message piques your interest more.
   
When common sense is mated with our sense of responsibility as a mom, two key ingredients of Mommy Sensibility are in place. But like the little ones in our care, Sensibility must be unwrapped, appreciated, understood and nurtured. And with nurturing, our Mommy Sensibility grows.

My friend and homeschooling guru Amanda Bennett says, “As a mom, it took some time and bad consequences of me not acting on a bit of intuition to finally learn to listen for that still small voice and act on it. From the choice of my child's friends, to heading in to the pediatrician when that certain look in my child's eyes gives you an impression that it just might be an ear infection, to seeing his hesitation about joining in with other kids at the co-op, and knowing when it is time to check out what's going on.”
   
As a mom, when does your Mommy Sensibility kick in?

We love the Czech Republic.

The real truth is that our family left part of our hearts half way around the world. We love the Czech Republic. This love started with my first visit there. God has brought Czech friends into our lives. He gave us an amazing foreign exchange student, Andrea, who we call our Czech daughter. We took two mission trips there and Leslie went back for one month to visit Andrea.

This year our two teens Leslie and Nathan are going back on a missions trip! Can you help pray for us and possibly consider supporting us? 

Please send an email to amy [at] thegoyers.com and put "Czech"  somewhere in the message. We'll add you to our prayer list, and if you're interested I can give you information on additional support. 

KNOW that we will only ask you to do what God puts on your heart. YOUR prayers are want we need most!

Here is a video about the Czech Republic that MY family is featured in. See if you can find us!

(Here is a photo of our family to help you out. We are all in the video except Katie (my daughter-in-law) and Alyssa (our baby girl).

   

You are not alone in your struggles

Recently I received an email from a 14-year-old I'll call Sarah. She said she'd made some stupid decisions. She's fourteen and after fooling around with a guy she feels lousy and doesn't want to do it again ... but she usually does. She wanted some advice.

I immediately thought of the book Nobody Told Me by Pam Stenzel and Melissa Nesdahl. This book says everything I want to say about teen sex and purity and so much more! I asked Melissa to help me craft a note to Sarah and this is what she came up with:

Dear Sarah*,


I am so glad that you took the time to write. You are not alone in your struggles and so many will benefit from your honesty.


First of all, “fooling around” with guys has me concerned about your physical health. Dealing with the emotions and boundaries are critical, but first we MUST talk about your body.


Many teens do not realize that ANY genital contact – hand, mouth, or genital to genital contact – place you at risk for disease. Now, if you are like most teens you are thinking I look fine. I feel fine. And, I’ve noticed nothing down there. I’ve escaped that risk. 


NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH.


One in four teens have at least one STD and, sadly, 80% of the people infected with sexually transmitted diseases HAVE NO SYMPTOMS. That is four out of five! STDs are spreading like wildfire because students do not realize they are infected and it is going from person to person to person.


Since you are a female, infection places you at higher risk for damage. Infertility in our country has gone through the roof largely because of internal damage to girls’ bodies resulting from STDs. This is not just about “the heat of the moment.” This is about your future marriage and ability to have a family. Please see your regular family physician or OB/GYN for complete bacterial and viral disease testing.


I am thankful that you want to set up boundaries. Because you CONTINUE to place yourself in dating situations you are going to struggle. Part of setting up healthy boundaries is going to mean STAYING OUT of dating relationships and all one-on-one situations with the opposite gender right now. I’d suggest waiting to date again until you are 16 and then group date through the rest of high school. It will keep you in much safer situations.


In the meantime, please do a few things- 1) read NOBODY TOLD ME for added encouragement from your peers going through the same situations and rising victorious in recycled virginity. 2) Write a letter to your future spouse. This forward thinking exercise will help you to see beyond today. 3) Also, think through the character qualities that you want in your future spouse. What top 10 things are a “must?” What won’t you tolerate? Thinking through these questions will help you be selective when you start dating again so that you only date people with marriage potential…rather than dating just to date. 4) PRAY!


Sarah, God made you. And, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 He tells you this, “"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body." You are struggling emotionally because your actions are outside of your Maker’s will.


But, here is the amazing thing. If you truly repent and TURN FROM YOUR SIN, God places your sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He forgives you. Now you need to forgive yourself. In doing so, you will feel new respect for yourself and love for your Savior.


Your past actions DO NOT have to be your future ones. You CAN choose recycled virginity from now until you marry. One day you will have to tell your future spouse about your past, but you will be able to say that you were tested and have remained pure ever since. That shows INCREDIBLE character that you can be proud of.


Today you get to decide. Will you choose character so that you attract a Godly man of character one day? Or, will you continue to be used, abused, and placed at risk. Your Creator says you are worth far more. Choose healthy boundaries so from this day forward you can live out His best.


I BELIEVE IN YOU! 

Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your heart and this great information. I highly recommend Nobody Told Me. Also, pick up a copy of Praying for Your Future Husband for a young woman you love. You can pre-order now!

Why you should (really) listen to your husband

My husband John is a self-proclaimed computer geek. Do you know what that means? Lots of talk abut cpus, ram, network access, accessibility, blah, blah, blah.

For years hearing him talk about all these things drove me crazy. 1. I didn't know what he was saying, 2. I didn't care. I would try to be patient when John talked through a computer issue at work but I'm sure my face spoke the truth.

Then a couple of years ago I started to think differently. First I realized that John processed problems by talking them out. I also realized that when I gave John space to talk it helped him decompress.
Once he got the words out, they were off his mind and he could spend the rest of the time focusing on our family ... and me.

The more I started listening (really listening), the more connected John felt toward me and the more time he had for us. I still didn't understand, the cpu/ibs/abcdefg talk but it didn't really matter. I was meeting one of my husband's needs.

Recently, I've not only been a patient listener, I've been a thankful listener. God has blessed me with a smart, capable, and hard working husband who trusts me and wants to spend time sharing what matters to him. I'm thankful that we have each other to turn to and talk to. I'm thankful that we don't have to understand each other completely to listen and care.

I have a hard time when people ask what I'm working on.

I usually pause and stumble over my words, "Ah, um, well ..." The reason why is that as a professional writer and I'm usually working on more than one book at once. It's very common, actually to be working on four:

The book I'm promoting.

The book I'm editing.

The book I want to write next.

The book I'm writing.

If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or my blogs you probably have seen this. One moment I'm talking about my awesome Amish book that's coming out. Five hours later I'm sharing photos from my WWII veteran friends and talking about my fall release. Before you know it I'm going to be talking ALL about the Titanic or the Alaskan gold rush, hint, hit. It's crazy, I know, but there are days I work on all four projects.

Maybe books are like kids. They are all different, you love them all, but there are ones that demand more attention then others during certain seasons of life.

Thursday on Living Inspired: Cara Putman

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 good friend Cara on the show this week. We'll be chatting about her new books and how she balances writing, family and her career as an attorney.We'll also be talking about Cara's miscarriage and how she got through that difficult time.

More about Cara: Cara Putman is an author and attorney who lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. A homeschooling mom, she has written eleven novels, two repackages, and a Complete Idiots Guide since 2006. In the first half of 2011 she is writing two novellas and a full-length novel for Barbour. A lover of history, she has written seven novels that are set in the United States during World War II. She loves doing the research to get the details right and bring that time period to life. Many of her contemporary novels have an attorney as a main character, allowing her to bring her experience as an attorney to the stories. Her first novel Canteen Dreams won the Carol Award for short historical in 2008, and Sandhill Dreams was a finalist in the same category in 2009. You can learn more about Cara and her books on her web site and facebook.

More about Cara's latest books: For a chance to win a copy of either Stars in the Night or Ohio Brides, {LEAVE A COMMENT HERE}. Next week we'll choose two winners randomly and notify via email. Please let me know which book you'd like and your email in the comment section below.


Stars in the Night: Stars in the Night is a historical romantic suspense set in Hollywood during 1942. When Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears in Hollywood, Audra flies there to find her, but has to identify her body instead. Determined to find the killer and bring him to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States as the stars sell war bonds. When Robert's ex-wife and another woman are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to her sister's. Is the killer is the man she's falling in love with? And can she identify the killer before he targets her?

Ohio Brides: Three Ohio women seek God's promises for peace on the 1940's home front. Josie is a new bride struggling with dreams unfulfilled. Evelyn serves with the WAVES, but feels unappreciated. Kat becomes a professional softball player amidst criticism. Can each of them find love in such times of trial? This volume contains A Promise Kept, A Promise Born and A Promise Forged.

A Sense of Responsibility

One hundred years ago most people got their parenting advice from family or neighbors. In the good ol' days mother DID know best because she was one of the few providing input. Old wives’ tales came from old wives…and one listened to them because there was no such thing as Google, or blogs, or parenting magazines. (Not to mention Twitter, where I can get advice from a “friend” in 140 characters or less!)
   
Today voices come at us from every direction, and common sense is often figured out by what idea/suggestion/tip most experts agree with. I don't know about you, but I'm often afraid to trust my gut unless I check out three sources, read five blogs, chat with my closest circle of friends, and post a question on Facebook, just to make sure my gut is right. But should it be that way? Is it only possible to be responsible if we're in step with status quo?
   
Writer C.E. Stowe says, “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” Or as my friend Kim, mom of two preschool-aged boys, puts it: “Doing what I should do, not what I want.”
   
I love that! Yes, sometimes it's hard to do what you know you should. Do you have an area of your life you're battling between what you should do and what you want to do? What helps you make the right choice?

I asked God to show me His heart

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He led me to teach a post- abortion Bible Study. His heart, I discovered, is for women to know they are forgiven, loved … no matter what mistakes they've made in their past.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He asked me to help start a crisis pregnancy center in my town. His heart, I discovered, is for women who are fearful and scared when they learn they are pregnant.
His heart is for the children of these women—for their future, their lives.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He pointed to the teen moms in my community. I helped launch a support group for them. Showing them how to be better moms impacts them and their children. Showing them Jesus transforms their eternity.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He introduced me to World War II veterans. Their stories needed to be shared with generations. Their courage and faith needed to be remembered.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He turned my eyes to my children. He reminded me that my influence on them is greater than any other in their lives. He reminded me that my love can change everything. I felt led to teach them at home, to be that influence.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He opened my heart to writing stories and articles. History is filled with His-stories. He wanted me to use the written word to reach the hearts of people I won't meet until eternity.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He opened my eyes to the needs of orphans. I saw children who longed for a home and a family of their own. I opened my home … and will continue to open it as long as He allows.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He connected me with people from the Czech Republic—a country where few have giving their lives and hearts to God. He took my family and I to the Czech soil and connected us with heart friends.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He led me to cheer on my husband, to share his dreams. I've acted out skits and have developed puppeteering skills. I've joined in my husband's passion of getting the gospel into kids' hearts.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He led my husband and I to move 2,000 miles to support a ministry that serves families. He remind me that marriage-joy impacts a community ten fold and marriage-pain crushes families and friends.

So I asked God to show me His heart, and He led our family to a multi- ethic church. His heart is for His church, His people, to connect and to love no matter what race. His heart is for us to get a taste of heaven on earth.

So I asked God to show me His heart and He led me to write blog posts like these. I most likely don't know you. I don't know your circumstances as you read this, but GOD brought you here to read these words. He wants you to know He's there. Just call on the Lord day or night. Depend on Him. Trust Him.

Have you thought of asking God to show you His heart? The path may not be easy. I can guarantee you'll be pushed out of your comfort zone.  

Your body will be weary, your faith will be tested. Yet when you know God's heart … You'll experience His work THROUGH you. You'll know Him as you've never known Him before. And you'll see lives transformed for eternity … because that's what His heart is all about.

How to help teen moms!

I get emails all the time from people asking how they can start a Teen MOPS group. Well, here's some info.

How to start a Teen MOPS group ...

If you've followed me for any time on Facebook or Twitter you'd heard me talk about Teen MOPS. Teen MOPS is a support group for teenage mothers. It's part of MOPS International (www.mops.org).

Basically Teen MOPS is a support group for our youngest moms. I started a Teen MOPS group in Kalispell, Montana in 2000. After moving to Little Rock last year, I started a group here, too.

If you'd like to find out how to start a Teen MOPS group, go here: http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=86&srctype=menu

Teen MOPS groups are run similarly to MOPS groups. There is food, a game, a short devotion, a speaker or activity, and discussion groups. Groups can meeting weekly or bi-weekly. Our group here in Little Rock runs weekly. We do this because it was hard for young moms to remember which week as “on” and which was “off.” Our meetings start at 6:30 with dinner. The meeting itself starts at 7:00 and ends at 8:30. (You can get a better idea about our meetings from the free curriculum that is mentioned below.) We have leaders' meetings every other month.

Teen MOPS is run by volunteer leaders. They can be women with young kids or older kids. We've had volunteers that don't have kids yet. Volunteers can be retired women or women in college. We even have high schoolers who help with child care and other needs we have. I got involved in Teen MOPS because I was a teen mom … but you don't have to be a former teen mom to volunteer. Women who volunteer do so for various reasons. You just need to come to the meetings with an open heart and outstretched arms.

At our meetings we provide a dinner for our moms. We provide childcare and we have a “baby store.” Young moms earn MOPS dollars for coming, bringing a friend, going to doctor visits, etc. Every meeting they can take home diapers or clothes.

After I started a Teen MOPS group I realized there was a need for a book just for them. That's why I wrote Life Interrupted. http://triciagoyer.com/nonfiction.html#LifeInterrupted

I also wrote Free Curriculum for leaders. You can download it here: http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/LifeInterruptedDG.pdf

If you're interested in starting a Teen MOPS group:

1. Contact MOPS International for information about a charter. http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=86&srctype=menu
2. Talk to your church or a local crisis pregnancy about starting the group. Pick a meeting space.
3. Set a schedule and write out your mission and goals.
4. Talk to folks about volunteering. To get the word out I posted announcements in bulletins, talked on local Christian radio, and spoke at local groups. Local MOPS groups also give awesome help and support! I've gotten some great volunteers from these groups.
5. Get funding. Local churches can help. Small groups or other community groups can help too. (I run our group on less than $100 a month. We get people to donate food, donate childcare, donate doorprizes, etc. I also get folks to buy and donate copies of Life Interrupted to our group.)
6. Make a brochure and send it out. I send it to hospitals, doctors, social service agencies, schools, churches, etc.
7. Plan the meetings. Teen MOPS groups usually run on a school year schedule from September – May.
8. Advertise. Put up posters. Send press releases about your group to newspapers and community calendars.
9. Pray. (Actually pray with each step!)
10. Be patient. When Teen MOPS starts it may take a while to grow a group. We often start with 2-5 girls each meeting.
11. Love on the girls. You can plan and plan but your love is what will keep them coming back!

Well, that's a quick overview. Feel free to write me if you have other questions! It's an amazing ministry. I'd love to see a Teen MOPS group in every town!

Winning Him Without Words.

As someone who was raised by a Christian mother and a step-father who did not serve God I know the difficulties that can bring to a marriage. If you're in that situation, or know someone who is, please check out this book. I'm going to have one of the authors Lynn Donovan tell you about it ... also if you leave your name/email at the end of the post I'll be giving away a free book!

A note from Lynn:

When I began blogging five years ago, I had no idea what a crazy and fantastic journey God had in store. It’s been a wild ride filled with rich blessings and you are one of them. Thank you.

Who would have guessed that God would take my little website and turn it into a ministry for the thousands of men and women who are unequally yoked? But indeed, our God has great plans and five years later, my passion to serve this community is stronger than ever.

My co-writer, Dineen Miller and I watched the Lord take this ministry a step further this year with the launch of our book, Winning Him Without Words. This is a book written from our personal experience and from a deep place in our hearts and it presents 10 Christ-centered keys to thriving in a spiritual mismatch. Readers are encouraged to commit to Christian community, to release their spouse to God’s capable hands, to believe their marriage is blessed, to pick and choose their battles, and to continue their pursuit of a growing faith and to love their spouse with fresh enthusiasm.

In the book I share, “It matters not how we came to be in our crazy, mixed-up and unexpected marriage situations. What matters is that God desires that we honor our marriage commitment and fulfill our marriage vows through His power and His strength. There were many years of confusion, sadness and unfulfilled expectations, but I discovered it’s possible to love, live and thrive in an unequally yoked marriage.”

Both Dineen and I are Christian women who continue to live and thrive in our spiritually unequally yoked marriages and we believe that God wants every marriage to exude peace and love.

Chapters include:
• Know You’re Not Alone: (Lynn) Recognizing that we aren’t the only person living in an unequally yoked marriage is a key aspect to restoring hope. Having Christ in our lives enables us to view our husbands as the wonderful man God created, regardless of your different beliefs.
• Don’t Save Your Husband – Save Yourself: (Lynn) The best thing I ever did was to get out of the way so that Jesus could be Jesus. I relinquished control and turned my man completely over to Christ and an unexpected, peaceful freedom emerged in our marriage.
• Trade Perfection for Authenticity: (Dineen) I came to understand that many of my disappointments had come from expectations I’d placed upon him to fulfill needs he wasn’t even aware of. In the end, all I really accomplished was a heart full of resentment.
• Keep Your Armor On-You’re at War! (Dineen) Instead of putting on the label of martyr in a spiritually mismatched marriage, we need to put on the label of missionaries. We need to think of ourselves as soldiers on the front lines of our marriages. Other chapters include parenting children in an unequally yoked marriage, praying into the life of your spouse and scriptures to encourage and strengthen you.

Winning Him Without Words empowers readers to create that environment in their homes and thrive as God works.

About Winning Him Without Words:
Winning Him Without Words: 10 Keys to Thriving in Your Spiritually Mismatched Marriage by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller. Published by Regal Books. February 2011. Trade Paper, 224 pages. $14.99.
You can find more information at our website and enter the drawing for the Marriage Trio. www.winninghimwithoutwords.com

Looking for a book to read?

Some of my favorites! (And we all know that becoming a good writer requires lots of reading!)

While Morals Sleep Jack Cavanaugh
The Shack W. Paul Young
When Morning Comes Marlo Schalesky
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe C.S. Lewis
Vienna Prelude Brock and Bodie Thoene
The Orchid House Cindy Martinusen
Redeeming Love Francine Rivers
The Last Sin Eater Francine Rivers
The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers
The Victory Club Robin Lee Hatcher
Atonement Child Francine Rivers

What are yours?

Thursday on Living Inspired: Keri Wyatt Kent

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 Thursdays' show, I'll be chatting with speaker and author Keri Wyatt Kent about her new book, Deeper Into the Word: Reflections on 100 Words from the New Testament.

About Keri: A Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of Breathe and has written for both the Daily Herald (Chicago) and for Willow Creek Community Church. Keri speaks often on spiritual formation. She lives with her husband and two children in Illinois.

For more information about Keri visit her website at www.keriwyattkent.com.

About the book: A Fresh Look at the Words Within the Word

"We don't use words well because we coax them into meaning what we'd like them to mean rather than what they did mean. The only way to become a Bible Christian is to learn how the Bible uses words, and Keri Wyatt Kent will guide you into how to do just that. God bless this book for what it can do for Christians."
--Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor of Religious Studies, North Park University

Words matter. God cares about them and so should we. Going a little deeper into the Bible's words can make an old passage new again, enriching your understanding of God's message to his children. Why was this word chosen rather than that one? What does it imply in its original language that you can't see in English? And without knowing Greek, how can you learn to explore the details of God's Word for yourself?

Keri Wyatt Kent provides a fresh encounter with the most important words of the New Testament. Deeper Into the Word can be used as a daily devotional or as an easy-to-use reference tool. Either way, you'll find yourself excited by the wonders of God's amazing Word.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, leave a comment{HERE} along with your address. One winner will be selected at random next week and notified via email.

Do you have Mommy Sense and Sensibility?

Mommy Sense and Sensibility is a mix of common sense, sensibility, and a search for a sense of direction...with some type of 6th sense thrown in. More than that, Mommy Sense and Sensibility often only makes sense to us. We feel we are supposed to head in one direction, even though our neighbor chooses a different path. There are common Sensibility traits, but when it comes down to it, God gifts us with what we need for ourselves, our family, and the unique journey He has for each of us. 
   
Thankfully, He's also given us three tools for our journey: “God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible,” 2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message). As moms, what could we possibly need more than these three things? Personally, I need all three...every day! Every minute!
   
This is what my friend Cara says about that:
Being bold means I stand up to my kids, stand up for my kids, and fight for their interests when needed. Being loving means I do my best to help them to be secure in the knowledge that while I may not like their actions I will always love them. It also means being willing to do the uncomfortable things like discipline so that they can become the people God has called them to be. Being sensible means following a budget even when it’s not fun, saying no to every whim and desire a kid expresses so I can say yes to the important ones. ~Cara, mother of three
How have you been bold today?
How have you been sensible?
How have you been loving?

I'd love to hear!

It's hard to believe ...

It's hard to believe our baby girl Alyssa is almost 1.
It's hard to believe we've been in Arkansas for nearly a year.
It's hard to believe my son is married and has a baby on the way.
It's hard to believe God blessed us by growing our ministries in Arkansas. John's a children pastor once again. I started a Teen MOPS support group in this new place.

With each of these areas there's been a learning curve.

I've learned how to be an "older" mom. I've learned to take naps with my baby. I'm much more relaxed as a mom. I'm more fun, too.

I've learned how to live in the South. I've learned to smile more and hug more. I've learned to love Chick-fil-A. I've learned to enjoy mild winters.

I've learned to transition into being a parent of a married son. I let his wife tell him when he needs to get up or be nice :) I've learned to choose my words wisely.

I've learned to enjoy my daughter-in-law and grow our relationship by spending time together. Soon I'll get to learn what being a grandma is like, and I'm excited!

I've learned to continue to support my husband's passion. I've learned to praise his ideas and be a sounding board as he tries to figure out how to meet the needs of children in inner city Little Rock.

I've learned how to mentor Teen Moms of a different race and social background. I've learned how to connect with leaders who talk with a twang.

In the next year there will be more learning curves, and that's okay. Just because things are different doesn't mean they're bad ... just the opposite. Every challenge in the last year has made me a better, more capable person. I've also turned to God time and time again.

You see, a learner needs a teacher. Life, transitions, and people unlike myself teach ... but the greatest teacher of all is God. He is the one I can turn to any time day or night. He knows the answers. He supplies the strength. He brings the insight, the peace, and the promise of good things to come.

What do you need to learn today? There is a good God who can help you with that.

Hurry, hurry. Now, now...

Urgency is when “now” cries out louder than, “let's think this through.”
  
There's only one spot left, you better sign up.
    Or ... But Mom, everyone else is doing it.
    Or … There's someone else interested in this puppy if you don't take it.
    (I've personally fallen for all three of those!)
   
With urgency, we don't use our common sense because it takes too long to figure out what would be the most sensible thing to do.
   
Too often I've prayed for God to give me wisdom, without realizing that He already has. Like Luke 12:57 says, “You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense...” (The Message).
   
The opposite of urgency is being intentional. Being intentional takes a little time, a little focus, and a lot of prayer. It's admitting there is way too much good stuff to focus on, and if we don't choose our family, we will lose.
   
Two actions have helped me to take a step back when urgency comes knocking:
1.     Let me talk to my husband about that.
2.     Let me pray about that.
   
John is a good sounding board for me, and when I ask him about something, usually his first question is, “If you're going to add that, what are you going to cut?”
   
My answer, “Um, uh...” Maybe adding that new activity isn’t such a great idea.
   
Before I was married to John, I was a single mom. During that time my mom was my parenting partner. She was the one I turned to when I needed help, advice or encouragement. She wasn't there every moment, but her input helped me to check to see if I was on the right path.
   
When I got the green light from my husband and from God then I was able to step forward with boldness—like when I helped to start a pregnancy care center in our town. Even though it took away time from my kids, it also developed the passions and talents God placed inside me. I didn't realize it at the time, but my kids benefited, too. From little tykes, they volunteered by helping and serving. Caring for others became a way of life, and the values they learned continue to shape their goals and decisions.
   
Over the years, as my kids have grown, I've come to my senses. (Or at least that's what I try to tell myself!) I've learned to trust more—trust myself, my husband, and God. I've learned to watch a few things too, like my expectations, my attitude, my schedule. I'm better at paying attention to my kids' needs, their desires, and their joys.
   
I've also become more confident that God didn't place me in this role so He could get a good laugh as I flubbed up and figured things out. I'm learning that “Mom” doesn't have to be overwhelming when I tune into the common sense that God has given me. I'm learning to make decisions according to what makes most sense for my family, at this time.
   
I've also learned that even if others disagree, I can handle it. I'm a big girl, and God is an even bigger God. I don't need to please other people all the time, or even most of the people most of the time, but it has been a process. One that I'm still in the middle of.

What goes around, comes around.

One of my dad's favorite sayings is "What goes around, comes around." I'd like to ask you to help me out ... and in turn I have GOOD GIFTS that will come around for you.

Please post my video for Beside Still Waters on your Facebook, blog, or website.



Here is how to do that.

Pick up a custom embed code at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhNTOiOF_uA
and Embed the code into the HTML screen of your blog/website.

Or just click SHARE when you're at YouTube and post it straight to your Facebook wall, blog or Twitter.

After you post it, please send a note to my assistant Amy: amy [at] triciagoyer.com

Please include the link to your Facebook, blog, or website. We're going to compile a "thank you and check out this cool person" list. We're also having a FUN giveaway.

For everyone who posts the video they will ...

1. Get a free Amish calendar (while supplies last)

2. Be entered into a drawing.

• 30 of you will receive a Leiva's coffee gift ... made especially for Beside Still Waters.
• 10 of you will receive a signed copy of Beside Still Waters
• 5 of you will receive both a signed book and the coffee
• and ONE lucky person will get TEN signed Tricia Goyer novels, including Beside Still Waters, coffee, and a calendar! How fun is that?!

Thank you for helping me spread the word about Beside Still Waters. May you enjoy the gifts coming your way!!

He's a rock star!

My husband spent three days last week manning a booth at a homeschool convention, selling books and telling shoppers about my stories. He's a rock star, yes I know.

I wasn't around the booth too much. I spoke four different times. I had a few meetings. I was in and out, but when I was there I was amazed. My husband KNEW my stories.

Yes, John has read my books, but it wasn't only his explanations of the plots that impressed me. He shared more than that. He talked about the places I've visited, the men and women I've interviewed. He talked about some of the cool research facts behind the books. And, best of all, he talked about my stories with passion. (And as a bonus that passion sold a lot of books!)

Sometimes in the dailyness of life the things John and I talk about are things like if we have enough milk to last until the next day or how much is in the checkbook. It did my heart good to realize that the story of "us" is more than those daily things. John knows me. He knows my books. He listens as I share the cool things I discover in the writing process. My passion has become his. Too many times we don't appreciate this "knowing." Too many times I've focused on the little things John does that bug me without looking back at the volumes of history that make us, well, US.

I'm thankful that my husband knows my stories. Mostly because it made me appreciate OUR story even more.

Story Ideas

 Writers are always thinking, always alert, always looking.

One idea is to create a Writer’s Notebook. Make sure it is small enough to carry with you. Spiral-bound works best. For the next week make it a presence in your life. Carry it with you where you go!

On the inside cover of your notebook write: Story ideas. Spend 10 minutes each day jotting down ideas that could possibly make a good story. When an idea comes to you – from a newspaper story, television, schoolwork, or mall – jot it down. For example, you meet a new neighbor and it gets your mind thinking:
What would it be like to move into a new town?
What if this person moved from another country?
Another planet?!
What conflicts could arise?
All these notes are ideas that could later be worked into a story. BUT . . . you don’t need to write in complete sentences. It only needs to make sense to you, something to jog your memory. Jot down your thoughts without worrying if they are “good” or “bad.” This is only for you!

Think of five of your favorite books or movies. Write down the main story idea for each. (Example, Heidi: a young girl is orphaned and is forced to live with her grandfather who doesn’t want her there. The Sound of Music: a young nun doesn’t fit in with convent life and is forced to become a tutor for seven children who’ve lost their mother.)

Now consider, how can you use the major conflicts in your favorite books or movies for your own story? How can the emotions you feel when reading/watching show up in your novel?

Thursday on Living Inspired: Rick Tunis author of Do You Love Me?

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.

This week's guest is Rick Tunis. We'll be talking about his book, Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep. Rick is a pastor, speaker and founder of Bread of Life Ministries. Be sure to tune in and hear about this inspirational man and his mission!

More bout Rick: Rick Tunis is a seasoned pastor, international speaker, and founder of Bread of Life International. He has shared his passion for famine relief with CBS Evening News, Charisma magazine, and as a guest on Daystar’s television program “Celebration.” He earned a B.A. in biblical studies from Southern California College and an M.F.A. from Columbia University. He is currently working toward his M.Div. with Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.

Rick has been married for 28 years to his wife, Nancy.  They are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Colleen and Patty.

Visit Rick's website for more information: www.ricktunis.com

More about Do You Love Me?: Many Christian believers know that they are saved sheep in Christ’s fold but are unable to maximize their potential calling to become effective shepherds of  others. As a result, many will experience years of frustration, a sense of an unrealized calling and limited usefulness in the Kingdom of God. The purpose of this book is to encourage believers to get their calling and make the transition from sheep to shepherd through sustained faithfulness to Christ and obedience to God’s Word.

This is a book for a broad range of Christian readers. Do You Love Me is filled with graphic personal stories about faith, falling away, returning home, and getting a calling to shepherd others. It can provide value and added punch in the Christian higher education arena for classes on spiritual formation and courses on discipleship. Anyone who is hungry for more of what God has planned for them will want to devour Do You Love Me? Feed My Sheep.

For a chance to win a copy of Ricks's book, please leave a comment {HERE} along with your mailing address. My assistant Amy will contact the winners next week via email.

I sensed something was wrong...

My son Cory was only four-months-old when I sensed something was wrong. Very wrong. I'd gone to the doctor two days prior and told him Cory wasn't behaving normally.
   
“He's not nursing. He's crying often. He's stiff and…well, something's wrong with my baby.”
   
“It's just colic. Don't worry about it,” the doctor had said with an annoyed tone. Then, without another word, he rushed off to meet his next low-income patient.
   
Just colic? I had heard about this mysterious illness when I eavesdropped on mommy conversations. The symptoms were clear. Wailing (baby), whimpering (mom), distended tummy (baby), dark circles under eyes (mom). It made sense, I guess. I trusted the doctor. He'd been doing his job for a dozen years, compared to me doing this mommy thing for little more than a dozen weeks.
   
Two days later, Cory was sicker. His fever spiked, and he lay limp in my arms. My mom drove us to the emergency room where we discovered Cory had spinal meningitis and was flown to the nearest children's hospital. Fear over my son's condition battled with my anger. What hadn't the doctor listened to me? Maybe because lots of babies had colic. Or maybe because I was a teen mother—only seventeen when Cory was born. Yet, even though I was a teen, I wasn't clueless. (Well, not totally—and not about this.) I knew something was wrong—I'd sensed it deep down.
   
Thankfully, Cory recovered with the care of doctors and much prayer. He's a strong, healthy guy now, and he's had no long-term affects, but I can't say the same about me. That encounter was a defining moment in my motherhood journey. All moms have these moments. The first trip to the emergency room, the first broken arm or lost child. It's on the other side of these moments that we feel deserving of a giant gold star that we can plaster on a spit-up, juice-box decorated t-shirt. A star that reads, “I survived a mommy moment and all I got for it was this dumb star.”
   
Experiences like this help us realize this title of Mommy has changed us forever. It's up to us. All of it. Even though we can't see our Mommy Sensibility, we know it's there—just like the thousands of tiny splatters from a child's wet sneeze all over our face.

Clutter cutter...

I love the television show Clean Sweep. In the show the contents of a whole room are placed into a person's driveway, and their “things” are sorted into piles: Keep, Maybe Keep and Toss. One of the aspects I love about the show is the way junk is fretted over. Seriously, do you really want to keep those mismatched potholders, that torn and stained rug, or that Duran Duran cassette from 1987? If you have to ask, “What is this?”, “Where does it go?”, or “What does it do?” perhaps it should be TOSSED.
  
The “unknowns” are easy decisions. The harder items to toss are the ones with a memory, an emotion, attached. Like: IneedthistuffedanimalIgotatthecarnivalinsixthgradewhenthecuteguynextdoorwonitforme!   
  
Yet, the truth is, maybe we need to look at our lives/schedule the same way we look at the clutter around out house that collects into little piles or big stacks.
  
Do I have things cluttering my mind, heart, or time that need to be cleaned out?
  
I remember one day when my husband encouraged me to do a clean sweep. A busy mom of two toddlers and one school-aged child, I was overwhelmed and exhausted by life. John could see it was taking a toll on me. When he asked me about my day, I muttered and moaned. I had a great husband, a budding career and good kids...so why was I so frustrated?
  
John asked me to sit down with my schedule and list everything I was doing. It was a long list! I wrote down cleaning, caring for kids, cooking, schooling, dance class, sports activities, gardening, Bible Study and writing—just to name a few. Then John asked me to use my common sense:
  
“Is this something you love? Something you feel called to? Something that benefits you or the kids?” (What he was really saying is: Where are you? Who are you? What are you doing?)
 
“Leslie has to go to dance class...it's, uh, good for her. And she...” I stumbled over my words. As I thought about it, Leslie wasn't interested in dance class. She liked the costume, but she didn’t pay attention in class or practice, and she really didn't click with the other kids.
  
As for Wednesday night cooking at church—many of my friends volunteered. To cut that would mean more work for them. Plus, what would they say?
  
And the garden? Well, my neighbor had one. Would I be okay seeing her harvest a crop while I had to run to the store? (Of course the reality was I didn't have a green thumb, and my garden had more weeds than produce.)
  
“Uh, um...” I have to admit this was a moment when I learned that maybe common sense wasn't so common. I was in over my head and I needed to pay attention. John wanted to help, wanted to offer advice. I'm sure it wasn't the only way to solve my problem, but it was a great start.
  
As I went over my schedule, everything, everything, ranked as a priority. I had given it all equal weight. The things I didn't like took up just as much time as the things I found joy in...and soon the joy had become lost in the clutter.
  
My wise husband urged me to think through a few questions:
    What things was I doing because I couldn't say no?
    What things had worked for a season, but no longer worked for our family?
    What things could I hand off to someone else?
  
As I thought about my needs—and my kids’ needs—as I listened to my heart and my gut, I started making better decisions. Before I took on new responsibilities I considered who I was MOST responsible for—my kids. My common sense grew, and I learned to think through why I wanted to do something and where it would fit. Once I started cutting things, I discovered I really cared about the things that were left. It made sense to me!

Think about it:
What things am I doing well?
What no longer fits?
What will matter five years from now?
Where should my family's focus lie?

I was looking for love in all the wrong places.

I felt like I was sneaking out and getting away with something. I was on the top of a mountain at a ski resort with two dozen teen girls. We were having a retreat, and I was the speaker. We spent time playing games, having a spa day, and as we sat in front of a cracking fireplace I told these amazing young women about my high school years and all the mistakes I'd made.

“I was looking for love in all the wrong places. I ended up pregnant ... twice. I thought I'd never find a godly man who would want to be my husband, but God had other plans,” I told them.

I looked around at the faces of the teens as the sat and listened to my story. Part of me wished I had a better story to tell. I wished I'd done everything right. But afterwards, as I spoke with some of the young women, I was thankful God had led me there. Some of them had already made many mistakes and had gone too far with their boyfriends. Many, like I had, doubted if there would ever be a godly guy who'd love them. I was glad to tell them that no matter what they'd done, God had good plans for them … just like He did for me.

My life changed when I accepted Jesus Christ's free gift of salvation. I was a new person—someone who had no more sin and all the potential of Christ in me. Things changed again when I surrendered everything to Jesus. For many years I thought I had to figure out how to serve God. I taught Sunday School, I led Bible Studies, I cooked for church dinners, only to feel overwhelmed and frazzled. Yet, when I really surrendered myself and asked God to show me how He wanted me to serve, He led me to an amazing ministry—speaking to teen girls and teen moms. I discovered that my greatest failures gave me a compassion for these young women. I understood where they were coming from because I used to be where they are.

And that's what's amazing about God. First he saves us, then … as we give our everything to Him … He sets us to serve in the work He's planned for us to do. Ephesians 2:7-10 talks about this:

“Saving is ... God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” Ephesians 2:7-10 (The Message).

After all my mess ups, it's amazing to know that God had good plans for my life. He's done more amazing things than I could ever imagine! The thing that it took, though, is understanding who I was and who I am. I was a sinner, saved by grace. I am a child of God who is amazed by how He's transformed my life. I am also someone who loved to connect with people. And in an amazing way sharing the ways I've screwed up my life has allowed me to connect with others in ways I hadn't though possible.

God knows me better than anyone else. He loves me more than anyone. How could I have ever doubted He could make something good out of my life? The best decision I ever made was to give Him everything. And as I continue to connect with teen girls, I tell them that.

Be her friend.

Do you know a struggling young woman or a teen mom? Be her friend. 

Take her to coffee. Listen as she shares her heart. Encourage her. Point her to where true love is found ... in Jesus.

Tell her to pray for her future husband ... it'll help her to think of what she longs for in a new way. My co-written book Praying for Your Future Husband is for young women who've done everything right, and those who haven't. It offers hope despite wrong choices. You can pre- order it before the May release.

If you know a teen mom ... help her on her journey. She needs help, hope, encouragement, advice, and a helping hand. Buy her a copy of Life, Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Teen Mom. It'll speak to her heart from someone who's be there.

Finally, share your story. We've all messed up. God has helped us in numerous ways. Speak to her and tell of His goodness. Remind her that someone loves her more than she can imagine, and then give her a hug and tell her you love her, too.

Homeschoolers - Give your heart a “refill”!

For years I struggled as a homeschooling mom. I thought I was the only one facing all the struggles, the questions, the weariness. Thanks to The Old School House I've heard about cool webinars they're do. You have to check this out ...

Come recharge your heart at the Schoolhouse Expo.

The Homeschooling with Heart Expo will give you tips, tricks, and tools to enhance all phases of your homeschool journey, from the preschool and elementary years to high school, college, and beyond. Whether you are downloading one of the many freebies you receive with your ticket purchase, listening to a seminar given by one of our qualified and interesting speakers, or chatting with a seminar attendee, your heart will be uplifted during the Spring Schoolhouse Expo, May 16–20, 2011.

In addition to the privilege of attending approximately 20 live, hour-long sessions, you will receive a one-year membership to the Homeschool Legal Advantage and a free will, valued at $65 and 21 downloadable gifts worth more than $200; access to MP3 files of the sessions, for future reference; door prizes; access to a virtual vendor hall jam-packed with the market’s most outstanding vendors; and a whole lot of fun!

Along with our wonderful sessions on practical and inspiring homeschooling topics, this spring the Schoolhouse Expo introduces two new fabulous tracks:

The High School track offers practical and informative sessions by speakers whose expertise lies in the area of higher education. Encourage your high school student to join us too—we have some great things in store! If you currently are teaching a middle school student, this track should prepare you to successfully homeschool through the high school years.

Our second unique session track is the Entrepreneur/Work at Home track. Are you interested in exploring family opportunities for home-based businesses or working at home? You’ll be informed and inspired as you hear from individuals who have practical tips and success stories to share with you!

Enjoy an impressive lineup of 16 dynamic speakers: authors, teachers, business owners, and researchers, from the comfort of your own home -- sipping tea or coffee, while wearing your pajamas!

We want you to join us, May 16-20!

Give your heart a “refill”!

Register today!

Baby, It's Cold Outside. Seven ideas for connecting on cool spring nights.

Spring is peeking out from under the covers of cold, but there are still days when winter rattles the clouds and refuses to be whooshed away so easily. If it's still too cold to go for along walk with your husband in the evening light or sit on the porch watching the sunset don't worry. Here are a few things you can to to connect.

1. Cuddle. No TV. No kids. (Send them into the other room with a movie and popcorn.) Recline against each other. Spend time enjoying each other's presence. Chat about the day.

2. Browse through a bookstore. Don't worry about what you're going to buy. Stroll through the bookstore and just look. Laugh at the crazy titles and clever plots, or go to the children's section and reminisce about your favorite books as a child.

3. Make dinner together. Pick out something you wouldn't dare to try on your own. Hopefully it'll turn out tasty, but cooking together and sharing the experience is half the fun.

4. Take a long shower ... together. I won't going into explaining this one, but you get the idea.

5. Get out the lotion and massage each other's hands and feet. Massage slow. Enjoy the contact. It'll remind you how sensuous simple touch can be.

6. Go on a drive and explore. Turn on your favorite oldies music (80s songs anyone?) and drive down parts of town you haven't been to in a while or new developments.

7. Plan your next vacation. It's okay to be completely unrealistic, honest. Sit side by side on the computer and look at villas in Italy or condos in Hawaii. It doesn't matter if it'll take ten years to save up for it ... dream. Consider the world as a place to explore together.

Book Trailers

To trailer or not to trailer ...

Mike Yorkey and I invested a nice chunk of change into a book trailer for our book, "The Swiss Courier." We decided to invest in a book trailer after LifeWay chose The Swiss Courier as their "Buyers Pick" and asked for a video for their website. I first considered just filming us talking about the book... but I knew that a well-scripted and interesting book trailer could tell more in less words.

We think it's a FANTASTIC trailer. Many people (more than my mother :) have commented that it's the best they've ever seen. You can check it out here:


Kelli Standish from Pulsepoint Design did our trailer and we think she rocked it!

I have three other trailers.
For my WWII Liberators Series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvCRWHcrEos
For my Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War Series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idzbqB9z9ysThey were cheaper and simpler, and I like them, too (but not as much as The Swiss Courier trailer!)
For Beside Still Waters (I love this one - another awesome job by Kelli!)

What do I know about sales from these trailers? Not much. People did write and tell me they saw the trailer and were buying the book ... but I'm not sure if they also connect with my Tweets or Baker's ads or Lifeway's Buyers Choice flyer, etc. I'd like to think the trailer played a part. I also thought it was cool when my Facebook friends "shared" this trailer on their pages, too. A bonus!

I do different things for each book ... and I make the choices after prayerfully considering marketing and promotions. When Mike and I made the decision to do the trailer I felt peace about that decision. I felt it was the right thing to do, and I thought it turned out great.

I believe there are so many things we can do ... we need to trust God, do our best, and strive to reflect Him and the stories He gives us well.

Thursday on Living Inspired: Anita Lustrea - What Women Tell Me

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 Thursdays' show with the fabulous Anita Lustrea. Anita is the co-host of Moody's Midday Connection. We'll be chatting about her new book, What Women Tell Me. Should be a fascinating interview.

More about Anita: Authentic. That’s the word heard over and over when women describe Anita. She is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats, and an amazing communicator as co-host of the award winning Midday Connection radio broadcast. Her deep desire is to communicate freedom to women and help them nurture and care for their soul.

Anita is the co-author of “Come to Our Table: A Midday Connection Cookbook” and “Daily Seeds from Women Who Walk in Faith”, a Devotional for women.  Her first solo venture as an author releases in November, 2010, “What Women Tell Me: finding freedom from the secrets we keep.”

Anita and her husband, Mike Murphy, a pastor, along with her teenage son John live in the Chicago suburbs. When she’s not traveling or speaking, you can find her reading and drinking a venti hot tea at her local Starbucks. www.anitalustrea.com

More about What Women Tell Me: Real Women.  Real Stories.  Real Healing.  That’s what you’ll find inside the pages of “What Women Tell Me”. When issues of loneliness, friendship, mothering, domestic violence, and body image are raised, women want to pour out their hearts.  That’s been the case as women have tuned in to Moody Radio’s Midday Connection, the radio program Anita hosts.  In What Women Tell Me, Anita tells her story along with the difficult stories of other women.  Her prayer is to be an agent of healing in the body of Christ.

For a chance to win a copy of Anita's book, please leave a comment {HERE} along with your mailing address. My assistant Amy will contact the winners next week via email.

My kids hear the big ones.

Have you taken time to share your God-stories with your kids? The times God's showed up in your life big time?

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I've had a few over the years, and my kids have hear the big ones, but I started thinking about the "smaller" things--the time an unexpected check showed up in the mail at just the right time. Or when a friend and I started praying for her pregnancy because we each had a dream (I dreamt I was watching her give birth, and she dreamt she was having a baby). And yes she was pregnant with a miracle baby!

Psalm 144:4 says, "One generation shall laud Your works to another and shall declare Your might acts." I love that. Our kids need to know how God worked in our lives ... so they can expect Him to do the same in theirs.

Think about stories you can share:

• A moment of fear
• When you were down to the last penny
• When you were lost (I have a Paris airport story I still cringe to talk about.) 
• When you felt like giving up 
• When you never thought Mr. (or Mrs.) Right would show up 
• When you were tempted 
• When you felt dirty because of your sin 
• When you were overwhelmed 
• When you didn't know how to help another person 
• When you were sick

Those are just a few ideas to get you started. And if you have godly parents or grandparents around encourage them to share their stories too. Our kids need to know to trust God and expect He'll show up.

When they do, they'll have a few stories to share with their kids, too!