It's Real Life

Top 10 Reasons Why Sexual Activity is Physically, Emotionally, and Socially Dangerous!

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

No one doubts that sexual activity is physically, emotionally, and socially dangerous. What are the risks? Here is . . . The Top 10 List 10. The risk of death. More than 600,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the United States since 1981, and as many as 900,000 Americans may be infected with HIV. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are

Nehemiah Bible Study and Giveaway!

2012-01-27T11:30:00.000-07:00

Join Kelly Minter on Wednesday, February 1 from 11 AM to 12 PM CST at the Facebook launch party for her new Bible study series, Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break. Nehemiah's heart was so broken for those in need that he left the comfort of his Persian palace to help them. This study challenges women to let God break their hearts for a hurting, lost world and move them in compassion to lead

Good idea + Acts of Faith + God's Energy = Amounts to Something

2012-01-27T06:48:00.001-07:00

Faith is a verb. Have you ever thought of that? Many people talk about "having faith" but true faith is lived out. Like 2 Thessalonians 1:11b says, "Pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something" (The Message) Or to say that in another way. Good idea + Acts of Faith + God's Energy = Amounts to Something One of the hardest

31 Free Things To Do With Your Spouse For Fun!

2012-01-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Every since my son Cory was a toddler I prayed for his future wife. I prayed for someone who would love God and love Cory with all her heart. God answered my prayer with my amazing daughter-in-law Katie! Katie is my guest blogger today sharing 31 Free Things To Do With Your Spouse For Fun. She not only loves God and Cory...she's super smart, too! by Katie Goyer Shovel the driveway together

This Week On Living Inspired: @SusanMayWarren on #Marriage and #Fiction

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

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. For your chance to win a copy of Susan's new book The Shadow of Your Smile, be sure to go to the show page and leave your name and e-mail address! (Also - see below for Susan's GREAT giveaway!) This week I'm thrilled to be chatting with my good friend, Susan May

Rainy Day Activities

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

credit Winter storms may rage outside, but that doesn’t mean your kids have to be B-O-R-E-D. Here are 10 ideas to keep you and your kids entertained during those bad weather days! 1. Stage a circus. Help your kids pick their own roles and find their own props, then give them 15 minutes to come up with a show for you. Better yet, put various roles into a hat and let them draw: lion

Chasing Mona Lisa is available now! I'm celebrating with a iTouch Spy Pack Giveaway!

2012-01-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Chasing Mona Lisa is the continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The Swiss Courier). This time the duo are on a relentless quest to save the most famous painting in the world - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway! One passionate protector will receive: iTouch (The must-have

Winners of the 2012 Big Book Giveway!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

You guys read some fantastic books this year! Congratulations to the following winners of the 2012 Big Book Giveaway! You will each receive 3 book prize pack. Please e-mail Christen at Litfuse your mailing address and be watching your mailbox for goodies! Tara A Nest in the Rocks FarmGirl797 Nichole Phantom Paragrapher Bethany Smith Shelly Carri Barbara R. Melanie

Marriage tune-up

2012-01-19T09:39:00.001-07:00

Originally posted on Focus on the Family We heard the news via email. Another husband and wife we knew were getting divorced. They seemed like the perfect couple. They both had thriving careers and great kids. There was no infidelity, and no financial woes burdened them down. They’d just grown apart. They’d become more like roommates than committed partners. Now they were going their

Thrusday on Living Inspired: Gregg Murset and Joanne Kraft

2012-01-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

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. For a chance to win a copy of Joanne Kraft's Just Too Busy, be sure to stop by the show's website via the link above and leave a comment with your e-mail address! I'm really excited this week to be able to talk to Gregg Murset and Joanne Kraft! Gregg Murset is

On starting over ... My parenting is different because I'm different.

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have kids ages 22, 19, 17 and 1, and often people ask me if my parenting different this second time around. Yes. Yes it is. Overall I'm far more patient with Alyssa. I know that little ones require time and attention--lots of it. I'm more lenient, too. When it's nap time I snuggle with her on my bed, we giggle and sing songs until she drifts off to sleep. I know this isn't the "let her go

I can't tell you how many times a week I hear, "How do you do it all?"

2012-01-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

My answer is, "I don't." But from the smiles, nods and looks I get I don't think people believe me. Honestly people, I can't do it all. Or as they say in the South, "Bless your heart" for thinking I do. Some things I haven't done lately. Put away my laundry. Dealt with the pile of mail in the kitchen. Painted my fingernails. (Haven't done this in a year.) Returned some calls. (Yeah, need

Want some quick cash or an iPad2? Check out these fun giveaways from @SuzanneWFisher and @SusanMayWarren

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

First - I have to let you know that the Chasing Mona Lisa campaign starts on Monday! My co-author, Mike Yorkey, and I are chomping-at-the-bit-excited about this book. Chasing Mona Lisa is the follow up story to our 2010 release, The Swiss Courier. Here's a sneak peak at what's coming. Now on to those giveaways ... Enter to win an iPad2 and RSVP for the Facebook Party! Enter 1/3 -

Amish Wisdom: Elizabeth Younts and Cindi Ferrini

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

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 I will be talking to Elizabeth Younts and Cindi Ferrini -- you don't want to miss this show!! Both of these lovely ladies will be giving away a copy of their books! For a chance to win either a copy Seasons: A Real Story of an Amish Girl or Balancing

The Wonderful People I Interview...

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I received an email today from a historian I met from the Big Sandy Montana Historical Society, telling me a man my co-writer Ocieanna Fleiss and I interviewed had passed away. Keith Edwards was born in Big Sandy Montana and died across the street from where he was born. He was 93-years-old and his parents were some of the first homesteaders in the area. I was thinking today that if it wasn't

Got .25 ¢?

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

Even a 25 cent notebook can carry a testimony of God's work in your life penciltalk.org I have a bad habit of leaving journals lying around. I love to jot down my thoughts, observations, ideas, Scripture, but I may leave my journal in the kitchen, or on the bedside table, or tuck it away with my devotional books on a shelf. When I say journal, I mean notebook. I do have a fancy leather

Thursday On Living Inspired: Kurt Bjorklund and Betsy St. Amant

2012-01-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

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 this week to be talking to Kurt Bjorklund and Betsy St. Amant! Kurt Bjorklund is currently the senior pastor of Orchard Hill Church right outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His book Prayers for Today is a collection of classic and contemporary prayers,

Rewind: Top Posts of 2011

2012-01-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

What I Wish I Knew About Men Before I Got Married Men can't read your mind. If you "hint" at wanting help, they will not get it. Asking sweetly works much better[...] I Ask 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

The 2012 Big Book Giveaway!

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

The end of 2011 has come and gone. I'm cleaning out the Goyer book depository! I'd like to gift a few lucky people with a three book prize pack! Leave a comment below with and let me know the best book you read in 2011 and what you liked about it. (Maybe the book wasn't your favorite, but it still has you thinking?) I'll choose 10 people to win a pack of books! Contest ends 1/15/12. (be sure to

New Years Resolution Solutions

2011-12-31T07:31:00.003-07:00

Last night my husband, daughter-in-law, and I were talking about New Years Resolutions. "I make New Years resolutions every year and follow them for about four days," Katie said. "Then another week goes by and I often forgot I made them!" Photo by Jessica McCollam www.jessicasvisionsphotography.com I can 100% understand that! Today as I think about New Years Resolutions a few things are on

Thursday on Living Inspired: Christine Jeske - Into the Mud

2011-12-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

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. Merry Christmas! I pray that you are having a wonderful holiday with family and friends. This week we'll be running a GREAT interview with Christine Jeske. She talked about her book Into the Mud and micro-missions. More about Christine: Christine Jeske has spent

Extragavant Service

2011-12-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you've been given an extravagant gift? For my family and myself it was this week. Because of a ministry and friendship connection--and the extravaganza love of a couple--my family and I are spending a week together in a luxury condo at a ski resort ... for free (a resort only 30 minutes from where we used to live!) I'm not talking about luxury. I'm talking LUXURY. From

12 Pearls of Christmas | Jesus is the Reason by Rachel Hauck

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Merry Christmas from all of us at Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoyed these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you missed a few posts, I hope you'll be able go back through and read them on this blog over the next few days. If you'd like to keep up with Pearl Girls and our new book project,

Are you willing for God to change your life's direction if He wishes? Joseph said, "Yes."

2011-12-25T05:49:00.001-07:00

This week half the family is staying home (the Stoltz half) and the other half of the family is heading to Montana (the Goyer half). Both John and I are “set the GSP” and GO type of people. We like to know how far it is to our destination and how long it will take to get there. When we stop for gas, we hate to see the time

12 Pearls of Christmas | The Panhandler's Breath by Robin Dance

2011-12-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND just for

Christmas Mourning

2011-12-24T06:51:00.002-07:00

Me with my sister Lesley As I sit here there is a pile of presents under the tree. My family still sleeps, but a smile fills my face guessing the joy and laughter that will fill this house in a few hours when we gather around to hear the Christmas story, worship Jesus, and open presents. Well, most of the family sleeps. My

Christmas Enchiladas

2011-12-23T21:52:00.002-07:00

Every year for as long as I can remember we've have a special Christmas dinner—enchiladas. My sweet Mexican grandma would make them the day before Christmas Eve. Only as an adult did I realize the hours and hours she put into making them. This year my grandma is 82 and she's slowed down. We kept begging her to make

12 Pearls of Christmas | Inside Out Christmas by Debora Coty

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

MEME Winners!

2011-12-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

And the winners from the Remembering You holiday Meme are: Denise Manley Teresa Shively Heather Riggleman Ms. Kathleen Carolyn Hebert Carri Schutter Rhonda Ritty Bonnie Way Sherry Groovy Aline Gomes Thanks so much for all who participated! Please send your mailing address to amy@triciagoyer.com! And MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

When I think of Christmas, I remember family gatherings around my grandparent’s dinner table. I also think of times my family spent together, creating our own special memories. For example, one year I received a tape recorder. On Christmas Day, my mother, father, brother and I recorded stories, changing our voices to fit our various roles. While I no longer have the tape of our recordings,

Let's get "Real"! (and giveaway)

2011-12-22T08:41:00.003-07:00

Recently a friend showed me a unique book that is just beautiful. Author Shelley Malcolm and photographer Terilee Dawn Ouimette teamed up on a collection of photographs and essays called Real. Check it out: Real - The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo. More about the book: Shelley Malcolm uses the image of hands to reveal much of what we have in common, as well as, like fingerprints, that

12 Pearls of Christmas | Simple or Sparkle? by Tracey Eyster

2011-12-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Living Inspired: Randy Alcorn

2011-12-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

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. Merry Christmas! I pray that you are having a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I'll be running encore shows for the next two weeks. This week we'll be running a GREAT interview with the inspirational and best-selling author of over thirty books - Randy

12 Pearls of Christmas | Enjoy the Ride! by Susan May Warren

2011-12-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

12 Pearls of Christmas | A Glimpse into Christmas Future

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

12 Pearls of Christmas | Let the Baby Grow Up this Christmas by Shellie Tomlinson

2011-12-19T07:54:00.001-07:00

12 Pearls of Christmas | The Snowflake Party by Deborah Raney

2011-12-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Mornings with Jesus 2012 (BOGO friend giveaway)

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Click to purchase Earlier this year I was asked to contribute to Guideposts 2012 devotional, Mornings with Jesus. I was honored to be asked... When I first heard the title I thought the writers would be focusing on the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But the more I started praying and digging into God's Word, the more He reminded me that the whole Bible is about Christ. He was there

12 Pearls of Christmas | Why I Decorate for Christmas by Elizabeth Musser

2011-12-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND just for

Mornings with Jesus 2012 (BOGO friend giveaway)!

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click to purchase! Earlier this year I was asked to contribute to Guideposts 2012 devotional, Mornings with Jesus. I was honored to be asked... When I first heard the title I thought the writers would be focusing on the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But the more I started praying and digging into God's Word, the more He reminded me that the whole Bible is about Christ. He was there

Life After Death

2011-12-16T09:11:00.001-07:00

The death of renowned atheist Christopher Hitchens has me thinking about death—of what we'll all experience when our time on earth ends. Years ago I met a hospice nurse named Penny. Her job was making the last days of terminally ill patients as comfortable as possible. “That must be so hard,” I told her once. “So sad.”

12 Pearls of Christmas | Where is Comfort and Joy Found? by Sandy Ralya

2011-12-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom" from some of today's most beloved writer's (Tricia Goyer, Babbie Suzanne Woods Fisher, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Sibella Giorello and more)! Please follow the series through Christmas day as each contributor shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND

Kim Kardashian's 72-day marriage ...

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

It seems that everyone is surprised--yet no one is surprised really--by Kim Kardashian's 72-day marriage. There are many things I've wanted to say about that, but I didn't want to just add to the noise. When talking with a friend yesterday, I finally narrowed it down to what I wanted to add to the conversation. My friend, you see, has a family member who just got married in the last year. "

12 Pearls of Christmas | Advent by Sibella Giorello

2011-12-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

This week on Living Inspired: BJ Hamrick and Stan Williams

2011-12-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

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. We'll be chatting the first half hour with BJ Harmick from Real Teen Faith. Then in the second half of the show we'll hear from Stan Williams, an international award-winning video producer, filmmaker and show creator. More about BJ:

12 Pearls of Christmas | A Christmas of Kindness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Want to write non-fiction? Build your platform!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend approached me. She had a few friends who wanted to write a non-fiction book and wanted advice. This is what I suggestion. 1. If they already have a speaking platform and an audience who is eager and waiting for the book, then my suggestion is to write for that audience and fill the need. BUT most people have a great idea without an audience. 2. Publishers now want you to

12 Pearls of Christmas

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 3rd Annual Pearl Girls™ 12 Pearls of Christmas blogging series! We've gathered several of today's most beloved authors to share their Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along beginning tomorrow (Wednesday the 14th) through Christmas day as Tricia Goyer, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Rachel Hauck, Sandy Ralya, Sibella Giorello, Susan May Warren and more, share their heartfelt

A Remembering You Holiday MEME (a chance to win one of 10 four book prize packs)!

2011-12-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

My latest book, Remembering You, is a story about a girl and her grandpa (and well, there's much more to the story, but for the purpose of the MEME, we'll leave it at that!) and what better way to give a shout-out to our elderly relatives this Holiday than sharing our thoughts about them! So … I'm bringing back the MEME! Here's how it will work…post and answer the below questions on your blog

Creating a Peaceful Holiday with Grace and Flexibility

2011-12-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I had Gayla Grace on Living Inspired - if you missed that show, you can listen to the podcast here or on iTunes for free. As we were chatting on the show I knew I needed to have her on the blog too! Enjoy! “The news isn’t good. The factory will be closing in less than 90 days and my job will end. I’m sorry.” My husband’s unexpected words brought tears to my eyes as we began the

What if she'd said no?

2011-12-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

(Repost from 2007) Last weekend we put out a new nativity set that my Grandma purchased for us for our Christmas gift this year. It's a beautiful set, and I love that it's the centerpiece of my dining room. Of course, I had to pause as I was setting up beautiful Mary. In fact, it made me think, "What if she'd said no?" This morning this thought came to me again as I was reading Called and

Merry Christmas ... A Goyer Year

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

New Goyers: Clayton William born June 30th to Cory and Katie. He's the cutest little bug ever. And we got a five generations photo! Alyssa became an official Goyer on September 6th! She's precious and very loved. Places we've visited: Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, Miami. Why? Mom had a writer's cruise and we were “forced” to tag along. Czech Republic. Why? Leslie had a mission's trip with

The flicker of an old flame

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Originally published on Focus on the Family. I worked at my desk, noting flakes of snow fluttering down outside my office window. In the windowsill, a family photograph warmed my heart. The “you’ve-got-mail” chime sounded, and I glanced at my email. Scanning the name, my heartbeat quickened. Steven. My first boyfriend. My first kiss. My first everything. I opened the email: Hi, Trish, I found

Thursday on Living Inspired: Recording artist Sara Groves and Stepparenting with Gayla Grace!

2011-12-07T13:00:00.001-07:00

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. The first half hour I have the privilege of chatting with the amazing Sara Groves about her new album. We'll hear a little bit about what inspires her and what's next for Sara and her family. Then during the second half hour we'll talk

It’s a meet-up I’ll never forget.

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today I have a special story to share. Earl Williams was kind enough to share his personal Pearl Harbor story with me. This story was one of those that inspired my novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights. I'm thankful for Earl and for the other men who served! My Pearl Harbor Story By Earl T. Williams Colonel, USAF (Retired) credit:navy.com On December 6, 1941, I was an Army Air Corps Sergeant

Teens: when things are difficult...

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

credit:figment I often get emails from those who read my blog with parenting questions. I'm no expert, but I've dealt with quite a few issues in my 22 years of being a mom. Recently I received and email that was facing a very difficult situation with her teen son and she was certain their relationship was broken forever. I thought my note to her might encourage you, too: Hi Roxie*, Thank

Facing the Truth

2011-12-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Originally published on Thriving Family. It was a story I did not want to tell. But as Sanctity of Life Sunday approached, my pastor asked me to share my story with the church — the story I had kept secret for many years. My abortion story. And while I understood this message could help other women find forgiveness, I also knew it meant I'd have to tell my kids — something I dreaded. My kids

Thursday on Living Inspired: Homeschool devotions with Anita Mellot and Exploring the old west with author Miralee Ferrell

2011-11-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

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. We're back to our regularly scheduled show this week and have two wonderful guests lined up. The first half hour we'll be talking to Anita who has written recently published the widely praised School is Where the Home Is: 180 Devotions for Parents. Based on her

Learn to be a writer ... Secrets from the author's chair

2011-11-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked for my favorite writing books. I've read many, many over the years and here are some I highly recommend. Read 5 of them and I guarantee you'll be 100% ahead of most writers out there!! The Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stewart The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction by Ron Benrey The Making of a Christian Bestseller by Ann Byle Writing the

Winners from the Remembering You KindleTouch Giveaway & Facebook Party!

2011-11-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

First of all - thank you all so much for coming. What fun. Loved chatting with you all on Facebook and live. Here is the list of every one who won something at the party tonight: Congratulations to Marla Johnson! You've won a copy of Remembering You and a Starbucks gift certificate. Email your mailing address to amy {at} litfusegroup.com! Congratulations to Amber Greeson Horton! You've won

My Biggest Fan

2011-11-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

If you've been involved in the blogging world for any time it would be safe to say that our neighborhood is filled with women's voices. Yes, there are men who blog--and do a fine job at it--but the majority are moms of young children who have finally found an outlet for the one million thoughts dancing around in their heads as they raise, guide, cherish, and lead their children ... and love

When Life Doesn't Go As Planned

2011-11-28T08:19:00.001-07:00

Nothing is going like planned. Life wasn't supposed to be like this. At age fifteen I planned on going to college to be a school teacher. I planned on living in the same small California town I grew up in. After having Cory, getting married, and having more kids, I planned on settling down in the (somewhat) larger California town that we lived in. John would get a good job. We'd buy a

Christmas. Cards or letters?

2011-11-24T08:11:00.001-07:00

Every year I try to write a Christmas letter to go with my Christmas cards. But this year I wanted to celebrate the TWO new additions to our family! If you're looking for inspiration for a Christmas card or another important announcement, check out The Little Card Company. I asked April--one of the owners--to share a little about it. April: The Little Card Company was founded in 2010 by three

Happy Thanksgiving - encore show of Living Inspired with Holley Gerth and Roper

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

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 hope you are enjoying your friends and family. If you have a moment to listen to Living Inspired today I've got an encore presentation of the interview with Gayle Roper and Holley Gerth. Enjoy and happy feasting! The first half hour we'll be chatting with author

Thankful

2011-11-24T04:56:00.001-07:00

Thankful! Isaiah 53 (The Message) 1 Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this? 2-6The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered,

The story behind the story...

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

With each of my novels I write the story behind the story to put on my website. It gives a little more background on the story's birth and the real-life stories that inspire my books. Here is the backstory for Remembering You. I was also interviewed by Guideposts about the Veteran's I've interviewed over the years. Watch that video here. In the last ten years since I started interviewing

What a Girl Wants, What a Boy Needs part 2

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out Part 1 from last week! Dads and Daughters A dad’s relationship with his daughter will shape her life. A girl looks to her father in order to understand her own value. Here are specific needs every dad can meet: A Girl’s World. “Sometimes dads put the responsibility on the mom for raising their daughters. Instead dads need to enter their daughters’ world,” says Dr. John

Being A Missionary

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

As most of you know John and I moved to Little Rock March 2010 to join FamilyLife. What you may not know is that in our hearts we considered this a missionary move. We made a conscience decision for John to move from a cooperate setting to a ministry one. The less money he is making in this new job confirmed that our focus was on expanding "God's mission" rather than an upward career move.

Win a Kindle for yourself ... and one for a friend! Remembering You Giveaway

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce that Remembering You has released and available wherever find books are sold. This novel is near and dear to my heart. For more about the story behind Remembering You, visit my book page. To celebrate I've teamed up with my publisher, Guideposts, for the Remembering You Giveaway! We're giving away a KINDLE Touch for you ... and for the friend of your choice. How fun is

Reach the world right where you are!

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Guest blog by Susan Meissner (Be sure to tune into Living Inspired today at 3:30 PM CST to hear my live interview with Susan!) Every day, two million people around the globe are searching for God, for meaning, for hope, for love. And they are looking on the Internet, using search engines like Google to find the answers. If you’re like me, you want them to get the right answers. Global Media

Thursday on Living Inspired: @TameraAlexander and @SusanMeissner

2011-11-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

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 on the show I'll be talking to Tamera Alexander and Susan Meissner - two wonderful authors. We'll be taking a peek at the women behind the books. We'll find out a bit about their own stories, as well as hear about their newest books. Mark your calendars

Newsletters: Connecting with your readers

2011-11-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

One question I get often as how I create my email newsletter. For years I did it on my own, but in the past six years my assistant Amy Lathrop has been doing it for me. Because Amy does such an amazing job she started Litfuse Publicity Group - a full service marketing, publicity and author services company. For more information visit the Expertise page at the Litfuse site. Amy and her team at

What a Girl Wants, What a Boy Needs part 1

2011-11-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Moms look at their daughters and think, “a little me.” They smile understandingly at the importance of pink, fuzzy pajamas and painted toes. The same thing happens when a father sides up to his son. Men know what brightens a boy’s day—dodge ball, dugouts and dirt, of course. Yet relationships become more complicated when it comes to parenting a child of the opposite sex. A mom yelps in horror

Spiritual Heritage, Family Style

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

I count it a blessing that my children come from a family of faith, with grandparents and great-grandparents who have followed Christ for many years. My husband, John, and I want our children to understand their spiritual heritage and to know that faith isn’t just a Mom and Dad thing. So over the years, we’ve created opportunities for them to connect with extended family and to learn about

A Veteran's Day Thank You from Tricia Goyer

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

One of my WWII veteran friends Jim Meyers who passed away A message for my veteran friends: Two Holocaust Survivors at the Gusen Memorial, honoring the American Veterans My World War II Veteran friend Wilfred McCarthy My Grandma with my Uncle Joe a World War II Veteran

This week on Living Inspired: Shannon Ethridge and Carla Coroy!

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

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. If you're married, single or a mom - you won't want to miss this weeks' show. Our first guest will be Shannon Ethridge, she'll be talking about Every Woman's Battle and Every Young Woman's Battle. Then during the second half hour we'll be talking to Carla Ann

Want a fun Christmas Tradition?

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas for the Goyers mean large family gatherings. My husband John came up with this fun, and interactive idea. Below is the Scripture passage of the birth of Jesus. Notice some of the words are underlined. Each of the underlined words have a “sound effect” that go with them. Instructions: Write out the words and the sound effects on slips of paper and have family members draw them from

Are you watching the current season of America's Next Top Model?

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our family is ... not because we think the program is true, trustworthy, or lovely ... but rather because we know one of the contestants is all of those things. I'm currently working on a book with Top Model Shannon Stewart. Shannon is best known for her appearance on ANTM's first season (2005) ... and now on the All Star Season. In the first week of competition of Season 1, Shannon landed in

FREE book: Songbird Under a German Moon

2011-11-05T08:30:00.000-06:00

To celebrate the release of my new novel, Remembering You, my publisher arranged a free Kindle download at Amazon for one of my previous historical fiction novels. For a limited time you can purchase Songbird Under a German Moon absolutely FREE. AND you don’t even have to have a Kindle to get it! Download Songbird Under a German Moon HERE Here are the links to the pages for this awesome

Are you enjoying fall?

2011-11-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

Here's a beautiful poem about autumn from my friend Charlotte Adelsperger. I hope you enjoy it! Prayerfully I Walk Time alone in an autumn wood, I stroll on a mosaic carpet of moist multicolored leaves-- rust brown, yellow, crimson. I ponder the deep red patches, scattered every step of my way. Silently they speak of our Savior's redemptive, sacrificial blood--- blessing each pace on the path

A Passionate-About-Life Man is a Sexy Man

2011-11-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

… are you helping your husband follow his dreams? I came upon a realization yesterday as I hugged my husband. I’m a bit rounder than I was when we got married. So is he. We both have more wrinkles. His hair is speckled with gray. (My hair would have more speckles, too, if it wasn’t for Clairol.) We’re both still pretty young, yet our bodies are softening in all the wrong places, and the

Thursday on Living Inspired: Robin Dance from Pensieve

2011-11-02T14:00:00.000-06:00

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 a blogger I've long admired on the show. Robin doesn't mince words and she's not afraid to say it like it is. I was recently intrigued by the latest series she ran on her blog called 31 Days of Parenting Teens & Tweens. Good stuff. She has

How it all began ...

2011-11-02T06:30:00.000-06:00

Now that my latest WWII novel, Remembering You, has released I'm reminded of how it all began... On October 9, 2000 two friends and I rolled into the town of St. Georgen, Austria. The Danube looked gray, not blue, as did the sky. The picturesque village was no different from dozens of others I had seen on European travel videos. The square, plain houses that lined the road reminded me of a

Homeschooling Fears

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-06:00

When I first started homeschooling I was afraid of a few things. 1. My kids would get on my nerves. 2. My kids wouldn’t get enough socialization. 3. My educational weaknesses would be my kids’ educational weaknesses. Now in my 17th year of homeschooling, I can say that all of those have come TRUE. 1. My kids did get on my nerves. There were times I’d escape into my bedroom for three

God is many things, but He is not silent.

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

His followers cannot see Him, but all they see around them is evidence of Him. His voice does not echo in their ears; instead it resonates in the hearts of those who pause to listen. Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. Psalm 50:3 NLT For many years I tried to ignore God. I wanted to do my own thing.

Teens and Their Supernatural Pursuits

2011-10-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

Guest post by Melody Carlson Have you even wondered why some teens are drawn toward things like Ouija boards or psychics? Or why séances are still popular at sleepovers? Does it just have to do with Halloween and that spine-chilling need for a good scare? Or could it be something more? And, as a Christian, should you be concerned? Those questions, as well as some confused reader letters,

Mornings with Jesus

2011-10-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

Reposted from Guideposts The seven Mornings with Jesus writers reflect on their relationship with Jesus—how it grew and changed as they delved into Scripture and wrote the devotions for the book—and what they learned about Him. Many of the Mornings with Jesus writers felt connected to the Old Testament as they researched passages for their devotions. As Camy Tang was writing, she said that

Thursday on Living Inspired: Amanda Bennett!

2011-10-26T06:30:00.000-06:00

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 interview with the amazing Amanda Bennett! We'll be talking about homeschooling, curriculum, Veteran's Day and catching up with Amanda and what's she's been up to since she was on last on Living Inspired. For a chance to win one of

What's most important?

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I was the guest blogger over at my friend Joanna Weaver's (author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and two other fabulous titles) blog. She's running A Year With Oswald series. Check it out and sign up to receive the series and join the discussion. I'm inspired by her authenticity and friendship. VERSE: Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world--" John 18:36 OSWALD: "

Patchwork of Hope Contest!

2011-10-21T14:47:00.003-06:00

While I'm toodling about the Amish countryside on the Along Wooded Paths book tour, I thought I'd tell you about my AWESOME NEW AMISH CONTEST!!!! All the details below - and if you want to help spread the word and add my contest button to you blog, just copy and paste that code in my sidebar! Thanks -------> In Along Wooded Paths, the brand new novel in Tricia's Big Sky Amish series, young

Thursday on Living Inspired: Get {w}hole with Lisa Whittle!

2011-10-19T13:30:00.000-06:00

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 my interview with Lisa Whittle lives in North Caroline where she is a busy wife and mother of three. She is also a author, speaker, an advocate for Compassion International. In addition to writing her own books, she also writes for writing Women of

Insider's Peek

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-06:00

Now that I just finished my 4th Amish novel, I started working on Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska. I'm co-writing it with my friend Ocieanna Fleiss and we just traveled up to Glacier Bay last month for research! You can find photos here. This is the snippet so far, but since it's still a work-in-progress things might change. I just thought you--my friends--would want the inside scoop!

Winners announced from Tricia Goyer's Along Wooded Paths Facebook Party and Live Author Chat!

2011-10-18T19:07:00.008-06:00

First of all - thank you all so much for coming. What fun. If you're looking for the answers to the trivia contest - those are below. :) Also - be sure to visit the contest page of my website to find out all about the new Patchwork of Hope Contest! Here is the list of every one who won something at the party tonight: Congratulations to Mindy Brenner! You've won a copy of Along Wooded Paths

Will I SEE you tonight?

2011-10-18T13:17:00.001-06:00

I'm super excited about Facebook Party and Live Author Chat Webcast event tonight (10/18). I do hope you can join me. First we'll be hanging out on Facebook for a meet and greet - I'll be hosting a fun trivia contest, sharing the story behind Along Wooded Paths and a sneak peek at Book Three, Beyond Hope's Valley, and giving away tons of fun stuff. Then we'll head over to my website where

Would you like to be an influencer for my new books?

2011-10-17T06:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends, Many of you have asked about being an influencer for my books. Here are some ways YOU can influence the success of these books. I’m convinced that word of mouth is what sells novels, so I’m excited about your chatter! Some creative ideas: Post a review on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Shelfari.com, Goodreads.com, Epinions.com, Libarything.com, and/or CBD.com. Post your

Pick up the Beside Still Waters eBook for ONLY $3.99!

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Have you heard? The first book in the Big Sky series, Beside Still Waters, is ONLY $3.99 (eBook version only)! It will be available from 10/11-10/17. Don't miss this great opportunity to see how it all began for Marianna. Read what the reviewers are about Along Wooded Paths here. AND SAVE THE DATE! Join me on October 18th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST, 8:00 EST) at my Facebook Author

Thursday on Living Inspired: Hear the real life story behind Along Wooded Paths!

2011-10-12T13:30:00.000-06:00

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 on Living Inspired hear the true story behing my Amish Big Sky series. Don't miss the encore presentation of my interview with my dear friends Ora Jay and Irene Eash. This three book series (Along Wooded Paths and Beside Still Waters are available now)

My prayer and encouragement for my fellow Christian writers:

2011-10-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Ephesians 6:13 Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In

What does homeschooling look like?

2011-10-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

Good question! For every season it looks different. Homeschooling changes as kids grow. Here is how our homeschooling world changed over time: Elmo Board books Play food Cherrios Playdough Magnetic Letters Wooden Blocks Storybooks Crayons Counting Safety Scissors Legos Chores Bible Stories Nature Walks Library Trips Addition Flash Cards Puzzles Worksheets Skits Zoo Visits

Along Wooded Paths - Save the Date!

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm celebrating the release of Along Wooded Paths with a Fabulous Facebook Party and Live Author Chat! This is the second book in my Amish Big Sky series with B&H. Along Wooded Paths picks up where Beside Still Waters left off and follows Marianna Sommers as her heart contemplates two directions. Read what the reviewers are saying here. So join me on October 18th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00