it's real life

May 4, 2007 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

How is God using you?

In my recent newsletter I asked this question:

When do you feel God’s pleasure? What gifts has God given you? How do you share His truth with your world? For all of us it’s different, and that’s the great part. God uses all of us in unique ways … I’d love to hear how He uses you! Email me at the address at the end of the email. If I share your story on my blog I’ll send you a special gift! I can’t wait to hear!

I’ve received some AWESOME replies and I thought I’d spread the encouragement…

This one is from Lorene…

Tricia,

I sense God’s pleasure when I portray woman of varying backgrounds through drama. On Easter morning I was Pilot’s wife. Next Sunday, I will present the final thoughts of a Romanian missionary before she is matryed for her faith. Then soon after that I will be a witch who turns into a princess by meeting the King (Jesus.)

I sense God’s pleasure because He is all about transformation and using us in whatever station in life we may find ourselves. Whether we are on our death bed, or alive and well and allowing him to change our ugly into beauty or in a influential position in a place of employment, God can work all things for His glory when we ask Him too.

Besides all that, I love acting and praise God that He has a spot for me to use this gift.

Blessings!

Lorene

April 16, 2007 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

Hi from San Antonio

It’s like 100 degrees here–okay, not really, but it seemed like it!

Over the weekend I signed like 300+ free books for librarians. It was awesome! I love librarians!

If you’re wondering why I took the trip from San Antonio, it’s because of TLA. The Texas Librarians Association. I came down and hung out with my awesome friends from Moody Publishing. They hooked me up with two book signings, and I’ve never seen so many fun people excited about my novels!

My husband, John, came with me and he videotaped part of the signing. He also talked to people in the aisles about the novels. He was so great. The librarians loved him, too. How could they not?

Saturday night I also hung out with my husband, an awesome salesman from Moody, and one of my too-awesome marketing people. We ate dinner in a Mexican restraunt that was so loud we had to shout to talk. Then we walked along the Riverwalk and got caught in a rain/hail storm. By the time we got back to our motels we were totally soaked.

When it rains it pours! And I’m meaning the whole, wonderful day.

April 11, 2007 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

My “Real Life” Writing Space

This last weekend one of my writer’s loops asked everyone to share a photo of their writing space. They have no idea what they started.

To say my space was over-packed with books and “stuff” would be an understatement. As a writer AND a homeschooler I love have lots of resources at my fingertips. I wanted to take a picture, but it was waaayyyy too messy. So I started cleaning …

Right off I knew I had to find a place for all the books I didn’t need at this moment in time. My best bet, I figured, was to only have current research/homeschooling books in my office. My idea was to get plastic bins and “pack up” what I wasn’t currently using. (It took ten bins!)

Of course, where would I put the bins? My ideas was under my TALL bed. Perfect. The only problem was that there was already stuff underneath it. Mostly sleeping bags and suitcases.

Of course, those things should be in the garage, right?

So … Saturday John and I cleaned out the garage to make room for the sleeping bags and suitcases. (Did I mention it was my Anniversary. What a guy!)

Once those were put away, there was room for the bins of books.

And then ALL the books in my office had to be resorted and organized.

In the end, my office is the cleanest EVER. And … ta-da, finally I had my photo to post on the loop! (See above.)

Of course, if it’s this clean, I just HAD to take more than one photo!

This is a photo with one of the “natives.” I homeschool in the same room where I write. I’m sure he’s doing his work and NOT playing video games.

Cory and Nathan’s spots. They took the photos on the wall.
This is the view from were I sit and write. There is an field behind our house. Those gray bumps in the distance are the Rocky Mountains. You can’t see the peaks because of the clouds.

This is a view of the office from my doorway.

This is a view from the bookshelf of our four chairs. Yes, this is how I write, with three kids within 10 feet of me. And two dogs at my FEET!

Here is the organized bookshelf.
Speaking of dogs …

And here are those two dogs I mentioned. Lilly is a seven-year old “Blue Heeler knocked up a Sheltie.” And Jake is a 5-month old, “Pomeranian slipped through the fence and became friends with a Scottie.”

March 26, 2007 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

Weed…

I grew up in Weed.

No, not on weed, but in it-Weed, California to be exact.

I graduated from Weed High. And I was a cheerleader for three years. Can you imagine chanting, “Weed High is the best high, is the best high you can get!”?

When I speak to groups, sometimes I tell people that growing up chanting about “Weed High” is the reason for my wayward teen years. It gets a good laugh, but that’s not the truth. It was my own sinful heart. Weed wasn’t the problem-neither the city nor the drug. Actually, I was looking for love in all the wrong places. I was looking for boys to fill the God-shaped hole in my heart. As if a fifteen-year-old football jock could ever do that!

My heart was broken more than once during those years, and I remember times when I questioned if life was even worth living at all. Wasn’t there someone, somewhere, who would love me completely?

Then, I found him . . . when I wasn’t even looking. In fact, I had given up on true love completely. I was 17 and pregnant, and I was sure I’d never find Prince Charming. Who would be interested in a chick with a baby?

The God showed up on the picture. I don’t know when He started pestering me. Looking back, I guess He’d always been there, loving me all the same. Yet as I considered my future, my baby’s future, I realized He was what I’d been missing all these years.

So I opened my heart to God. I had no choice, because it was during those depressing days that I realized His love was the only thing that could satisfy. And you know what? It’s been an ongoing romance ever since. God has shown me His love in numerous ways, and I grow crazier in love with Him day-by-day. In fact, my heart warms just thinking about Him.

And you know what? God is hopelessly in love with you too. Wait, that’s not right. God is hopefully in love with you. Hopeful that you too can have an on-going romance. And do you know how I know that? Because it says so in my favorite Scripture verse:
Zeph. 3:17: “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (NIV).

Can you imagine that, God singing over YOU?

That’s right. No matter who you are, how you’ve screwed up, or where you’re from, God is mighty to save you. Even if you’re from someplace called Weed.

Okay, especially if you’re from someplace called Weed.

And…today’s stops on the A Valley of Betrayal blog tour:

http://southernbellewriter.blogspot.com

http://jlcary.blogspot.com/

March 8, 2007 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

It’s March already?

I can’t believe it’s March already.

Somebody, please tell me that there has been a mistake. It’s REALLY only January 10th, and two months have not passed since I made my New Years Resolutions … the ones I quickly forgot about.

Of course, not that my resolutions HAVE to center on the New Year. In fact the personal, internal struggles I faced on January 1 are the same ones I still deal with now. And the same things I dealt with July 8, 2006. And the same things I dealt with December 6, 2005. You get the picture.

So what’s up with that? Why do each of us have personal struggles we find so HARD to overcome? I was thinking about this, when I read this quote from Beth Moore.

“I’ve experienced trials that I finally was forced to acknowledge as the absolute will of God. My life has never been easy . . . and I have finally confronted the fact that it will probably never will be. Yet, in the same, breath, I can readily proclaim that my life has been good. Part of the still-limited maturity I have gained is the result of realizing that good does not equal easy. Rarely has God removed from my life circumstances or people that force me to my knees. Many of my trials must have been ordained by Him because of the results they rendered.”–Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, p. 77

Wow, I’m going to repeat Beth’s Words: “Rarely had God removed from my life circumstances or people that force me to my knees.”

Sorry, there are some things God refuses to touch with His magic eraser, no matter how much we beg. Instead, it’s a wonderful chance to again come to God on our knees.

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s time to get out those kneepads! They work every month of the year, after all.

P.S. I HIGHLY recommend the Beth Moore on-line Bible Study: Living Beyond Yourself. You can find more information here: http://www.lifeway.com/lby/

And…another stop on the blog tour

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/ACP6HUA1KLRGO/ref=cm_blog_pdp/105-7469114-2165215

February 15, 2007 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

I’ve Been Tagged…

by Lena Nelson Dooley to tell 6 weird things about myself…

Weird? I am sooooooo not weird, odd maybe, but not weird! 🙂

Okay, here goes it…

1. I don’t like talking on the phone. I like email much better. Most of the time when someone calls I let the phone ring–bad, I know!

2. I love (I don’t know if love is a strong enough word) People magazine. I subscribe even. I find people so interesting … I love reading about people’s quirks.

3. I almost never paint my nails or have them done, BUT I can’t type if I cut my nails. I need them long to work, go figure.

4. I love to read people’s facial expressions and try to figure out what’s going on in their heads. Most of the time I’m right.

5. I’d rather wear sweats and t-shirts any day than dress up. Comfy rules. Fluffy socks are the best.

6. I have to have something to drink when I’m at my computer. No, not THAT kind of
drink . . . Coffee, Diet Pepsi, and Zipfizz are my top choices. (Red Bull if the deadline is urgent!)

Okay, Tag you’re it: Gina, Cara, Leticia, Amy, Julie Carobini, Jessica, Lesley,

Oh, and don’t forget to leave comments on the blog for a chance to win your very own copy of Vally of Betrayal…one for you and one for your sweetie!

August 29, 2006 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

This Is My Life

Today, I don’t have time for a long post because in a few hours the social worker will be arriving to start the homestudy concerning about adoption.

For those of you who don’t know, my husband and I are in the process of adopting a baby girl from China. And this homestudy is another step closer in bringing her home.

Of course, I have to admit that this homestudy has unnerved me more than I thought it would. The 13-pages of questions was difficult enough, but the idea of a person coming into to study our home and life . . . well, it’s hard to put it into words.

So I’ve thrown myself into the only thing I could tangibly do–my house got a total cleaning. Every closet and drawer has been touched. My office, for the first time in months, actually looks like someplace where books could be written.

I know, you don’t have to tell me. Our approval for this adoption will not hinge on whether the clothes in my closet are organized by color and season (although they now are). In fact, as a friend told me last week, “If your life isn’t acceptable now, a week won’t make the difference.” She was right.

Still, what else could I do? John and I have put sixteen years into our life, our kids, our home. We’ve loved lots and we’ve attempted to follow Jesus. In the end that is all we can do. In the end that has to be enough. And my hope is that by focusing on our heavenly home, our earthly one will be up to par.

And either way, even the hamsters now have clean cages. And, I think I have a few more minutes to tackle the goldfish bowl . . .

April 26, 2006 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

Random Thoughts about Family and Writing

Keeping “Family First” is tough when it comes to writing. The hardest part is not getting frustrated trying to do it all! Sometimes I get impatient with my family when I have a deadline. Other times, I’m sluggish because I have to work when I want to be having fun with my family. It’s a tough balancing act.

Of course, my dedication to writing isn’t all bad. When I first wrote, I did it while my kids were napping or after they went to bed. It was “my time” away from the cooking, cleaning, and diapers.

Once the kids got older they had to learn that “mom had work too.” I wasn’t always there to entertain them. This actually turned out to be a good thing. As the kids got older, they knew how to entertain themselves. And since all three of them were home together every day, they were always busy creating forts or producing skits. They became best pals!

Having kids who know how to keep themselves occupied is huge. I have a lot of friends whose kids need to be entertained. They have to have mom there, providing them with things to do or shuffling them from one activity to another. So in the end, my writing time has become a great benefit to my family.

I also feel it’s beneficial for my kids to see Mom doing big things. It gives them confidence in their own interests. If mom can think up an idea, work hard, and produce a book . . . why can’t they follow their dreams?

My writing also expands my kids’ vision. For instance, my kids hear me talk about my travels and/or the people I interview. Expanding our horizons and connecting with others become common place.

Then again, there is another person effected by my writing. My husband John has always been my biggest cheerleader. He believed in me long before anyone else. Even today he listens to my ideas and gives me great feedback. He’s put up with my trips (to writing conferences, speaking events, book conventions), and he understands when I sometimes get too carried away at the bookstore ($$$!). Also, as I grow as a writer, I also grow in all areas of my life. I honestly feel I’m a better wife due to the lessons I’ve learned on this writing path.

And personally, I feel I’m also a stronger person because of my path to publication. Writing has opened new doors for me, and it has helped me become more confident. Writing makes me happy . . . and a happy wife is a good wife and mom.

Also, I feel this career is in line with the Proverbs 31 woman. (Who can forget her?) Whether she was reality, or a mere symbol, who this woman was in Christ made the difference in all areas of her life. The Proverbs 31 woman not only focused on her family, she also used her creative talents for God’s glory . . . and her husband and children rose to call her blessed!

Also, as children of God, we NEED to feel like what we do fulfills our God-given dreams. These dreams matter. In my opinion, too many women pour so much into their families that they no longer feel there is any of “them” left. Even taking one small step, followed by another, helps us to feel like we’re making progress in following God’s dreams.

Of course, balance is everything. I’ve really had to learn when to stop for the day. I usually keep my writing to afternoons. My kids get my mornings (through homeschool) and my husband and family get my evenings. Once my husband’s home for the day, I’m around. I cook dinner and spend time in the evenings with him. I’m sure I could get a lot more accomplishing (writing-wise) if I turned everything over to him and ran upstairs for free writing time, but my marriage is too important for that.

I’ve also had to come up with “management tips” for life.

1. I plan all my errands for one or two days. Running to the store, post office, etc. everyday would be a BIG time killer.

2. I’ve trained my kids to take part in household chores. My oldest son does all the floors and trash removal. My youngest son sets and clears the table and puts the food away. He also cares for our pets and gathers all the dirty laundry. My daughter does all the dishes and keeps the kitchen clean. It’s great training and a big help for mom!

3. I hire someone to come in a clean for four or five hours every few weeks. It’s been so worth the cost—both for writing time and my peace of mind.

Balancing family and writing is never easy, but I try to keep my priorities straight. They old saying goes, “You’ll never get to the end of your life and say, I wish I would have worked more.”

Finally, my writing benefits from these priorities too. When it comes to putting words on the page, I just do it. Since I have kids I have to sit down and produce. There’s no letting my mind wander, no playing around on the computer. And I actually think that because of this I get a lot more done than others I know who have all day to write.

My family is also my inspiration. They have shown me how to love, how to cry, how to rejoice. My writing would be flat and lifeless without those I love most.

April 3, 2006 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Running a Tight Ship

I had to laugh the other day at a comment my son’s friend made. As I buzzed around the kitchen directing the two 16-year-old boys as they unloaded the car from Costco, Cory’s friend said, “Yeah, things are a little more relaxed at my house.”

“Are you saying that things are uptight around here?” I asked jokingly.

“Nah, you just run a tight ship.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, because he was exactly right. Although, personally, I’d never put it in those terms before.

To me, running a tight ship means doing things right the first time. It’s working together as a family to help our home run smoothly. It’s also living with the mindset that we serve God, and not people, valuing His opinion above all.

Running a tight ship also relates to my personal goals, including my writing. At the start of every day, I consider all the things I need to work on, and then I seek God’s wisdom (though reading His Word) and strength (through prayer). I then narrow the lists and lists of things to do, down to my top five or six.

Today these include:
Write the next few posts for my guest blogger spot at God Allows U-Turns.

Brainstorm ways to launch my new website Unforgettable Stories of World War II.

Walk at least two miles.

Take my grandma shopping for a new chair for her bedroom.

Read at least two chapters in one of my reseach books for my next novel.

Try my hand at making homemade New England Clam Chowder for dinner.

Work on the next level of paperwork for our adoption. (Check out my Gen X Parents Blog to read our adoption announcement.)

Narrowing down my “goals” into doable steps works for me. So does trusting that God’s plan for my day, and my life, is perfect.

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 26:3 reads, and this underlying trust is the one thing that allows me to do all these things, to run a tight ship, with inner strength and joy.