#WalkItOut

October 30, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Praying God’s Word For Yourself and Your Child

Through the years I’ve seen how important it is to pray God’s word over and for my children. I’ve also watched how God moved in my kid’s hearts and lives when I shared the scriptures with them. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to read through the Bible each year and journal what God speaks to my heart through His word.

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Lord, I am so thankful that you always watch over my child, even when she lies down in sleep. May my child always sleep peacefully with the knowledge of your care.

Is it your goal to read through the Bible in 2019? More than that, do you want to apply God’s will to your life and the life of your child? I’ve created some resources for that!

Daily Bread

First, my book Praying Through The Bible in One Year allows you to do both!

Praying Through the Bible in One Year is a Scripture Reading Plan and Guided Journal to help you read and apply God’s Word to your life.

My desire is for this journal to guide you as you seek God and His truth. It’s divided into three parts.

*Praying Through the Bible in One Year* interior pages.

1. A Scripture Reading Plan. This plan takes you from Genesis to Revelation. Reading four or five chapters a day, you’ll read through the whole Bible in one year! Each week has five days of reading, leaving the weekends for catch-up.

2. A Daily Scripture. Pause on these verses, read them closely, and consider how they can impact your prayers for your kids.

3. A Prayer Prompt. Through these prompts, you’ll focus on ways you can pray for your kids. Blank space is provided for you to continue the prayer or to write down other meaningful Scriptures that you read during the day’s reading.

Leave a Legacy

Second, I created a free course to help you master the skill of journaling through the Bible to create a Legacy Bible for your own children.

Join me as I guide you in sharing God’s Word with your children or grandchildren through the pages of your own journaling Bible. Through this free, 6-week course you’ll discover how to share your own personal reflections through the pages of God’s Word.

It’s such a meaningful way to pass on heartfelt prayers alongside your favorite Scripture passages, leaving a heritage of faith. Each journal entry will be a treasured gift to future generations.

Find Community

There’s no doubt about it, we need each other. God created us for community. That’s why I started a group for us to connect and share how He is moving in our lives through His word when my podcast The Daily Bible Podcast began. Every morning we post the daily verses and the word of the day, and we talk about how the Spirit spoke to us regarding that passage. Find it here!

Worth The Effort

Finally, I want to encourage you not to give up. The journal isn’t dated because I know how much pressure that can bring. Life happens. If you get off track one week, just pick up again the next week. God is more concerned with your desire to read His Word and connect with His heart than He is with your ability to complete a weekly task.

This is your journal concerning your prayers for your kids. If it takes you two years to read through the Bible, that will be wonderful! Know your efforts, whether over one year or two or more, will be worth it.

Pick up a copy for yourself and share with friends! May God’s Word transform each of us this year!

Order Praying Through The Bible in a Year here.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

October 23, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Pursuing Purpose In Your Fall Schedule

While January 1 is truly the beginning of the new year, September and October always feel like a fresh start to me. By September in the Goyer house, we’ve just started homeschooling. I’ve usually started a new prayer journal, and we’re settling into a new (earlier) bedtime routine. While summer is fun, by the end of August everything within me longs for routine. Over the years, I’ve learned a few ways to pursue purpose in my fall schedule.

1. Cut out anything you’re doing because you felt guilty or didn’t want to say no. Or even things that are “good” but aren’t exactly what you’d consider your purpose. Even though something may have sounded like no big deal, it’s time to be realistic about how that decision impacts your day-to-day life. You don’t have time to pursue purpose if you’re too busy. Sometimes pursuing “good” things means you miss out on the best things!

2. Become purposeful about chores. Create a simple chore list for yourself and your kids. Fold the laundry right out of the dryer instead of piling it on your couch. On Sunday afternoon, jot down five meals you’re making for dinner that week and make sure you have the ingredients. Every night, have everyone spend five minutes picking up random stuff before heading to bed. A little purposeful planning ahead goes a long way.

3. Decide on one simple step to take toward fulfilling a dream that God’s placed in your heart. Following your purpose comes from design, not default. Want to write a book? Turn off Netflix and write for thirty minutes a day. Want to complete a 5K? Find a race, sign up, and then jog around your block. The little steps, done consistently, add up over time.

4. Purpose to read the Bible every day… and do what it says. If I can point to the thing that’s transformed my life the most, it’s this idea. I’ve read all the way through the Bible at least six times, and I attempt to spend at least ten minutes a day reading God’s Word. I’ve also dared to follow what God asks me to do: love others, serve the poor, and care for the widows and orphans. I talk about all of this in my book Walk It Out. I would love for you to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend and learn how to walk out God’s mandates in your own life.

If you’re looking for some encouragement in being more purposeful about spending time reading the Bible each day, check out my podcast! My friend Michelle Hill and I delve into God’s Word each day, focusing on a different keyword from the daily reading. We would love to have you be part of the community! Find us here on Facebook or on your favorite podcast streaming site. We also have a page for our listener community here!

My hope is that by seeking purpose in your fall routine you’ll be more available to step out and follow God in new ways. Pursuing purpose isn’t just about making our lives easier. It’s about becoming available to join God in His work within our heart, our home, and beyond!

October 16, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

These 7 prayers to say for your children can help be a springboard for your prayer life. Do you need new words to guide your heart as you seek God for your family? Let these prayers guide you.

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

I often pray for my children…

That they are healthy.

That they are safe.

Oh, that they are obedient.

The other day I was reading the Bible, and I came upon Philippians 1:9-11:

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
For I want you to understand what really matters,
so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—
the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—
for this will bring much glory and praise to God. (NLT)

As I read it I thought: This is a perfect Scripture to pray for my kids. And they are perfect prayers to say for your children.

I’ve broken this prayer into seven days, and I found other Scriptures to pray too. Won’t you join me?

Sunday: Pray for love that overflows

Lord, may the love of _______ increase and overflow for those in our family and for everyone else. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Monday: Pray for growth in knowledge

Lord, may _______ grow to love your Word. May the heart of _______ trust your commands. May _______ seek good judgment. Fill _______ with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. (Psalm 119:66, Colossians 1:9)

Tuesday: Pray for understanding of what really matters

Lord, may _______ know your will and understand what is right because of your law. May _______ not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be transformed into a new person through changed thoughts and through knowing your perfect and pleasing will. (Romans 2:18, Romans 12:2)

Wednesday: Pray for a pure and blameless life

Lord, may _______ keep firm in faith, staying pure and blameless, until the end. May the good work you started in _______ carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. May _______ hold firmly to the word of life, so life’s labor will not be in vain. (1 Corinthians 1:8, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 2:6)

Thursday: Pray for the fruit of salvation

Lord, may _______ be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. May _______ delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. And because of your word planted deep, may whatever _______ do prosper. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Friday: Pray for righteous character and for a life in Jesus

Lord, may _____ be a peacemaker who sows in peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness. Lord, may your name be honored because of the life of _______. I know this is only possible because of your grace. May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control flow out of the life of _______ because of your spirit within. (James 3:18 2 Thessalonians 1:12, Galatians 5:22-23)

Saturday: Pray for glory and praise to God

Lord, may _______ produce much fruit so that you may be glorified. May the life of _______ be for your praise and glory, because of hope put in you. (John 15:8, Ephesians 1:14)

As parents, it’s important to pray for our kids, and I’m so thankful that God has given us His Word as a foundation to do just that! He has given you prayers to say for your children!

Enjoy this free printable 7 Prayers to Say for Your Children:

I hope these prayers to say for your children are as helpful to you as they have been for me! Do you have any that you would like to add? Let me know!

~Tricia

More Resources from Tricia Goyer:

Prayers the Changed History (pre-order today!)

Praying for Your Future Husband (for teens girls)

Whit’s End Mealtime Devotions (for families)

Balanced (for busy moms)

September 25, 2020 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

Here are the Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes. It’s been such a blessing to connect and share these voices and stories with you friends. Enjoy!

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

1. Brooke Tilghman Wife to Todd, Mom of 8, Pastor’s Wife, Mrs. Voice … Loves a Good Thrift

We all see the goodness of God in many ways. For my new friend, Brooke Tilghman, she’s recently seen the goodness of God in an over-the-top way. Wife to Todd, mom of 8, and pastor’s wife … last fall Brooke encouraged her husband Todd to go to an open audition for The Voice. And just last week, Todd Tilghman was crowned the winner of the popular singing show…https://triciagoyer.com/104

2. Rachel Swanson The Unexpected Journey of Purpose

I’ll be talking with my friend, Rachel Swanson, author of the new book, Refine and Restore: Revive Your Heart, Release Your Purpose. We’ll be talking about her book and also how God took her on an unexpected journey. He gave her this desire to write, but it has turned out far differently than she ever imagined. Including her first book, Big and Little Coloring Devotional that ended up hitting the bestsellers list! I just love how God has a plan for us, we just need to take those steps. Even though the steps don’t always lead where we want them too or where we think they need to go, God will refine and restore us along the path. https://triciagoyer.com/084

3. Walking Out Hope for the Congo with Diana Waring

Friend, you’re not going to believe this story. When Diana Waring reached out to me I KNEW I had to have her as a guest on my show. We bumped up this episode because EACH OF US can make a difference. There is a people group who is facing genocide. Your prayers can change everything! …https://triciagoyer.com/117

4. Susan Merrill Connect with your Kids through Journaling

How well do your kids know you? I’m not talking about knowing which kind of coffee creamer you like (which my kids know which kind of creamer I like in my coffee). They may know what it means when you slip on jeans and put on make-up instead of your normal sweatpants. I’m talking about something deeper. I think sometimes it’s really hard to let our kids know our hearts—what’s going on inside and what really matters…https://triciagoyer.com/walkitout-podcast-083-susan-merrill/

5. Amanda Bacon & Anne-Renee Gumley Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions.

Not only do we have social media distractions, but we also have distractions of trying to keep up our house, making ourselves look good, making sure we’re doing what other moms around us are doing. I think so many times we’re missing out on what is important in our families. I’ve been a mom for over thirty years and in that time I’ve learned the things that are important, as well as those things that are not important. Today we’re going to be talking about the things that are important and the things that we need to be focusing on…https://triciagoyer.com/082

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

6. Renewing of the Mind with Barb Raveling

While she’s been a Christian for over forty-six years, it was only recently that Barb Raveling began to gain control over her thoughts and renewing her mind. She’s authored books such as Renewing of the Mind Project and I Deserve a Donut. What I love most about Barb is when she decided to write a truth journal to make decisions and to really turn those lies she was telling herself into truths and focusing on God he life began to change. https://triciagoyer.com/067

7. Gather Ministries with Jennifer Camp

As you will see in Jennifer’s journey, this is nothing she ever planned. This is nothing she aspired to. Sharing all that God was doing in her and through her it really was that step of faith to trust that God was calling her to this. I know that you’re going to love this conversation because I loved it…https://triciagoyer.com/walkitout-podcast-070-jennifer-camp/

8. Sheila Walsh A Life of Prayer

Many know the name Sheila Walsh, and we’ve all been blessed through her Bible teachings and heart-hitting lesson, but the beautiful messages we are drawn to come from a place of brokenness. And in that brokenness, Sheila found comfort and strength through prayer. As we chatted, Sheila shared the misconceptions she had about prayer and her battle with depression that she calls, “a dark winter to the soul.” Sheila relates from the heart of someone who has faced dark pain, and yet still turns to God … even if it’s just with the simple whisper of, “Jesus.”…https://triciagoyer.com/088

9. Sharon Jaynes The Power of a Woman’s Words

All of us can think back to our childhood and the words that built us up or tore us down. How did others’ words impact you? Personally, the words spoken to me told me that I could “do better.” Yes, a B is fine … but why wasn’t it an A? And I’ve struggled with that all my life … always trying to “do better, do more.”… https://triciagoyer.com/122

10. Stand All the Way Up with Sophie Hudson

I used to be someone who hated confrontation. Arguing was uncomfortable, and I worried stating my mind would make people mad. And then I became a mom of kids who needed me to fight FOR them. To go against labels and to find solutions. To not let people give me a “no” when my kids needed a “yes.” I’ve learned through the years it was good to be strong and to stand up for those without a voice. I started looking around and paying attention. I started calling out injustice … even if it made me uncomfortable because what may be my “uncomfortable” might be completely life-changing for someone else. And that’s what this episode is all about. This truly has been a year of HARD changes, and we can either wallow in self-pity or we can look around to see what others are facing. When we stand up, pay attention, and reach out … we often find that all the things we were concerned about don’t often see as big in the end. I know you’ll love laughing along with me and Sophie, even as we tackle tough topics… https://triciagoyer.com/126

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The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

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July 1, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

When God Asks You To Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Has the Lord ever asked you to step out of your comfort zone? If so, take heart! He will give you the grace to obey.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

In everyone’s story comes a defining moment when life takes a turn. I didn’t see the twist coming, and looking back it almost seems too ordinary an event to be considered “the moment.” But as I ponder all that has happened since then, I have no doubt that everything changed one quiet, early morning in 1999—the morning I knew God was saying “Step out of your comfort zone.” The morning I said yes to what I knew God was asking me to do.

I was twenty-eight years old, married, a mother of three, and had just signed a book contract. In the few years prior, I had attended a Bible study for women who’d had abortions and faced the pain and shame of my past. Now once a week I was teaching a post-abortion Bible study and seeing women from all walks of life find freedom in Christ. Freedom from regret. Freedom from self-loathing. And freedom from hiding and the feeling that God could never forgive them or use them.

In this window of my life, I was walking with new confidence as a beloved daughter of God, my pastor approached me.

“Tricia, I feel God asking me to help start a crisis pregnancy center in our town, and knowing your heart and story I want to know if you can help,” he said.

Gulp. I told Pastor Daniel I’d pray about it, knowing full well that answer was a delay tactic. I had no intention of doing any such thing–I was in my comfort zone.

My life was full. I was homeschooling our kids, writing every morning before the rest of the family woke up, and leading a Bible study. My life had reached a wonderful balance of service to my church, to my community, and to my family. I couldn’t envision taking on one more thing. Yet, the next morning, as I pulled out my Bible to do my morning devotions, something stirred in my heart. Looking back, I realize the Holy Spirit was reminding me that I actually needed to pray about Pastor Daniel’s request.

I’m a little embarrassed now but my prayer went something like this: “Dear God, I thank You for what You’ve done with my life. I told Pastor Daniel that I’d pray about this crisis pregnancy center, but please show me how to tell him that I don’t have time for that. I’m homeschooling my kids and teaching them about You. I’m writing articles and now a book, and my words are going around the world, teaching others about You. So this is something I just can’t do …”

Immediately a thought entered my mind that I knew wasn’t my own: “What about the young women who feel just like you did—scared and uncertain of where to turn? Don’t you remember the women who reached out to share love with you during your darkest time? Where would you be without them? And what are you going to do about the young women who need love and truth right within your own community? How are you going to help them as you were helped?”

Double gulp. I knew what God was asking me to do. He was asking me to step outside my comfort zone.

He had a dream and a purpose for me. Both were greater than anything I had ever imagined. And that dream and purpose wasn’t just about what He wanted for me but also about what He wanted for the women in my community.

I knew following them would change everything. It came down to this:

Did I believe God’s Word enough to do what it said?

Did I trust that God would keep His promises?

Ephesians 3:16 says, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit” (NLT). And that was my prayer too.

I had to trust that if I did what God was asking, He would provide from His unlimited resources everything that I needed, starting with inner strength. He would give me the strength to step out of my comfort zone and follow His directives.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Maybe you’ve been there–facing down the purpose God has called you to and feeling afraid. How will I do it? How will this work? Let me encourage you, God is right there in your story. He won’t just ask you to step out of your comfort zone, He will be right there with you. He’ll empower you to walk out the things He has created you to do. You can trust in Him.

What purposes do you feel God is calling you to?

(The above post is an excerpt from Tricia Goyer’s book Walk it Out. )

You can read more here: WALK IT OUT

April 17, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Walk it Out #96: Why Motherhood Matters with September McCarthy

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Why Motherhood Matters with September McCarthy

Today on Walk it Out, my guest is my friend, September McCarthy. In this episode, September and I tackle how to handle schooling kids at home with success. We talk about morning time routines, giving our kids BIG goals, setting the mood for our home, and teaching our kids to have godly character. But even though we talked a lot about kids, September’s heart is tender for moms. I love what she had to say on this blog, Finding Your Way Back from Overwhelmed.

Why do we wait to feel overwhelmed before we do something about it? Women tend to put others’ needs before their own, and in the end, it backfires, causing us to resent our investment and the tiresome result. We talked earlier about being sowers, but God has also called us to be seekers — we are to be intentional in noticing and reaching out to the other women in our lives. We all have opportunities, every day, to reach into another woman’s life and hold her up while she works to regain her footing. Those of us who are feeling a little relief or perhaps have learned something along the way, well, we should be offering up a hand, a heart, a word or two to give that other mama a bit of relief and confidence in her calling. I like to call this the “no-judgement call.” Where women feel safe in reaching out and reaching in, knowing we have all been there, done that, and not one of us will ever claim to have attained perfection. And if you need to be on the receiving end of help, wave your white flag high for help. Raise it, wave it, and ask. We are called to ask for help. There should be no shame in the plea.

I hope you enjoy this chat. There are so many great ideas that September shares. I also pray you do two things:

Reach out to another mom if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Think about another mom who you can reach out to with a kind word of encouragement today.

Either way, you’ll be blessed!

Meet September McCarthy

September McCarthy is the wife to one amazing builder and a home educating mother to ten beautiful children. She is the founder and director of the non-profit ministry, Raising Generations Today. September is also the author of {Why} Motherhood Matters, with Harvest House Publishers. September writes with a heart of compassion for broken lives and shares hope in her words to women in every season of life.

You can order {Why} Motherhood Matters HERE.

About the Book:

{Why} Motherhood Matters

Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference?

Take heart. Whether you’re struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, September McCarthy’s story offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own mothering journey.

As a mom for 25 years who continues to raise young children and love her young adults, September imparts words of wisdom and grace in key areas of Christian parenting, including…

faith—getting honest with your family about your need for Jesus
wellness—learning to take care of your kids…and yourself
education—raising a new generation with creativity and character
relationships—speaking to the heart of your children in unique ways

In these pages, you’ll find sweet anecdotes and gentle guidance for those moments you need both a breather and a lifeline. Motherhood is an incredible labor of love—and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know.

Walk It Out Scripture

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 1 Corinthians 3:10

See more of Tricia’s Favorites here!

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor

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Disclosure of Material Connection. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

April 10, 2020 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Walk it Out #95: Marriage Triggers with Amber Lia

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Marriage Triggers with Guy and Amber Lia

Our world has turned on its head in the past couple of weeks with the pandemic, and a lot of spouses are now working in close quarters—feelings can soar during these stressful times. Have you felt triggered lately? Is your anxiety over world events bringing strife in your relationships, especially with your spouse?

Imagine what your marriage could be if you were completely in tune with each other’s greatest struggles, needs, desires, and hurts. How much closer you could be as husband and wife if those topics that cause instant arguments could become the very topics that lead to your most meaningful conversations? Imagine being the safest place on earth for each other. Today on Walk It Out, I’m talking to Amber Lia about her book Marriage Triggers.

Who is Amber Lia?

A former high school English teacher, Amber Lia is a work-at-home mom of four little boys under the age of 13. She and her husband, Guy, own Storehouse Media Group, a faith and family-friendly TV and Film production company in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not building sandcastles with her boys on the beach, or searching for Nerf darts all over her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her blog at Mother of Knights.

You can order Marriage Triggers HERE.

About the Book:

Marriage Triggers walks you through 31 of the most common marital issues that sabotage great relationships. Issues such as poor communication, lack of spiritual leadership, busy schedules, and different parenting styles.

Amber and her husband Guy break down many of the external and internal triggers that start fights in many couple’s relationships. Each chapter highlights a different trigger. They write with honesty and Biblical truth to help couples get their relationship on the right track.

Are you ready to break out of the cycle of reactionary outbursts, cold shoulders, and pain-filled resentment toward your spouse? Are you hungry for peace and joy to be the markers of your marital relationship? You’re going to love today’s conversation.

Walk It Out Scripture

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2-3

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amber Lia

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Connect with Tricia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

See more of Tricia’s Favorites here!

Walk It Out Episode #95 Marriage Triggers with Amber Lia! Such a great episode on the importance of exchanging your triggered responses in marriage with a gentle answer! You don't want to miss it! Enjoy!

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October 28, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

The Grumble Free Year Podcast Series: Jill Savage

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Today on this special episode of The Grumble Free Year Podcast, Jill savages talks about how to control our expectations and gives us tips for reducing our grumbling as parents.

Jill Savage is an author and speaker who is passionate about encouraging families.

A graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN, Jill’s holds a bachelors degree in music education. After teaching piano and voice privately for 15 years, Jill now considers motherhood the most important job she will ever do.

Jill’s enthusiasm for the profession of motherhood is contagious. Founding Hearts at Home, in 1994, Jill now speaks to thousands of women each year about their priorities, their passions, and their purpose. Jill’s honest, vulnerable, and encouraging style makes her an effective communicator. In fact, readers say reading a Jill Savage book is like sitting down and having a cup of coffee with a girlfriend.

Her marriage survived the discovery of her husband’s infidelity and they now share their story openly as authors and speakers to help others who are walking through their own dark season. Their “No More Perfect Marriages” book and No More Perfect Marriages events are helping thousands find the marriage they long for.

Jill lives in Central Illinois with her husband Mark. They are the parents of five young adult children and the grandparents of three.

Connect with Jill: JillSavage.org | NoMorePerfect.com

Mentioned in this Episode
No More Perfect Moms
No More Perfect Marriages
No More Perfect Kids

October 14, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

What Does God Ask of Us?

So many times we want God to reveal Himself to us. We question if He is real. And if we do believe in Him, we expect Him to really put Himself on display in big ways.

What I’ve discovered the 27 years since I’ve become a Christian is that I’ve learned more about God by focusing on the priorities—the main things He asks us to do—in the Bible than any other way.

It seems the Bible is made up of a lot of rules, but actually, when we focus on the few most important things, the rest are taken care of.

When we do what God has already asked us to do, He will reveal so much more about Himself and His ways. I learn about Him by turning to Him, depending on Him, thanking Him, and loving others.

What does He reveal? His loving heart. His willingness to provide for us. And His concern for people in this world. As I follow Him in these ways I am changed and the world is impacted for God.

What Does God Ask of Us?

1. Believe in Jesus.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household,” Acts 16:31.

Understand because of your sin you deserve to be separated from God for eternity, but through the sacrifice of Jesus you can be saved from punishment and can spend eternity with Him. All you need to pray is, “Jesus, I believe in you. Please take my sin and give me eternity with you instead.” It’s that easy.

2. Put living for Jesus first in your life.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” Matthew 6:33.

This means daily seeking Jesus, reading the Bible, loving others as Jesus did, and trusting He will care for your needs.

3. Read the Bible.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

When we read the Bible, we learn more about God and His ways. We learn how to live life more effectively. When you sit down to read the Bible pray, “Lord, help me to understand.” Also, ask someone who has been reading the Bible for a while to help you to understand better.

4. Become involved in a local Bible-believing church and seek friendships with Christ-followers.

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near,” Hebrews 10:25.

We are not meant to follow Jesus alone, but we gain help and encouragement from other believers. When you join with other Christ-followers regularly, they will be there to help and support you, and you can do the same for them.

5. Forgive others.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37.

People will hurt us … a lot. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. It means turning it over to God and allowing Him to handle the situation. God doesn’t take sin lightly, trust that.

6. Live your life with thankfulness, not complaining.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation,” Philippians 2:14.

When we spend our day thanking God for all we have, instead of complaining about what we don’t have, everything changes, starting with our attitude and our view on life. We will notice the difference in our attitude during the day and others will, too.

7. Pray all the time.

“Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Pray without ceasing just means when you’re thinking about something over and over, it’s a good sign that it’s something you can pray about. Ask God to help the situation and give you wisdom on how to handle it.

8. Love others.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails,” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

When we love others as God asks us to they benefit and we do too.

9. Care for the widows and orphans.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world,” James 1:27.

A symbol of being a Christian is not doing all you can to take care of yourself, but doing all you can to take care of others.

These things don’t sound easy, do they? The truth is that everything God asks us to do is impossible unless we turn to Him and ask Him for help and strength. If you want to obey God in these ways, ask Him to help you. We cannot live as a Christ-follower in our own strength.

The first step is to pray this prayer:

Jesus, I want to follow you in these ways. Please help me, and please bring people in my life to show me Your ways.

Now, I want to pray for you:

Dear Jesus, you see my friend and you see his/her desire to live as you ask. Please help him/her today to draw closer to you and desire to do these things. And as he/she does I pray you will reveal yourself in amazing ways. Amen.

I can’t wait to hear how God is going to reveal Himself to you! Please let me know.

Download the printable here!

P.S. Want to hear more about what happened in my life when I chose to do what God asked me to? My book Walk It Out is only .99 on Kindle right now!

You can purchase a copy HERE.

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September 19, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Sometimes Love Grows {Adoption Hope}

Sometimes Love Grows

In my 25 years as a mom there have been many homecomings as I brought my children home for the first times. When Cory was born, I was a 17-year-old single mom, and we returned to my parents’ house. With Leslie and Nathan, John and I lived in low-income housing while he was in school. There was no designer nursery, but I did have room for a bassinet next to our bed.

We adopted Alyssa as a baby. She was six days old, and we knew for two and a half months that she’d be coming. Yet again there was no nursery, no crib set, nor any wall hangings. We brought Alyssa home just a few days before our family moved 2,000 miles from Montana to Arkansas. The first days of getting acquainted with our new daughter were spent in the front of a U-Haul.

In 2013, we had another homecoming. We adopted five-year-old “Sissy” and two-year-old “Buddy” from the foster care system. Instead of two months of preparation, we had two days. Bunk beds were set up, and dresser drawers were filled with clothes, but how can you really prepare for two children who’ve faced trauma, lived in numerous homes, and have already set up walls around their hurting hearts? John and I had gone through months of training, but then there was the moment when there were two kids sitting in car seats in the back seat. Could we really do this? Would love come?

I’d like to say the love was instantaneous, but that’s the thing of fairy tales. When it comes to welcoming in new foster or adoptive kids sometimes love grows one day at a time. Love is a choice—a choice that’s made even in the middle of fits, or crying in the night, or anger that flows from gazes. Anger that other people caused, and anger that is now my job to ease.

Sometimes, love grows one day at a time #adoption @TriciaGoyer

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With my newborns, the love seemed to be instantaneous. With these older ones, it’s something that builds and grows. And that’s OK. Love is a verb. And a love that grows is just as beautiful as love that emerges.

Have you thought about adopting but question if you’ll be able to love them as much as your biological children? It’s a good question to ask.

Love may not happen within minutes or days, but when you give of your home, your family, and your heart . . . love finds its way in ordinary times and on ordinary days.

Sometimes Love Grows

Maybe you’ve been reading and wondering, could love grow in our hearts for another child? Maybe right now you’re feeling the whisper in your heart to learn more. I know that whisper. I know that feeling. That’s why I’m excited to be a speaker in the upcoming Adoption Summit. The Adoption Summit is completely online and a great way to get all your questions answered and more. Learn from educators, guest speakers, and parents just like you who wondered–is adoption for me?

Click HERE to get your FREE ticket!

Here are other blogs I’ve written about our adoption journey:

How to Adopt for {Almost} Free

Choosing to Adopt: One Couple’s Story

Adoption {She Said}

Adoption {He Said}

The Sad News About Adoption in Our World

Meet the New Goyer Children (our announcement in 2013!)

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July 21, 2019 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

25 Ways to Breathe Life Into Your Day

Do you go through your day drained and exhausted? As a mom of ten kids, I understand. There is always so much to do, it’s hard to slow down … let alone stop to catch a breath. But as moms we need that. We need refreshment. We need joy. We need to find ways to breathe life into our days.

Here are ways to do that:

Recharge

Recharging is taking our focus off of all the tasks and doing something that we enjoy. It’s filling up after being poured out. It’s engaging our bodies, our minds and our senses. Here are some ways to recharge:

1. Take a walk

2. Enjoy a cup of tea

3. Listen to your favorite soundtrack

4. Tend your garden

6. Take a nap

7. Listen to an inspiring podcast

8. Listen to a Psalm on the Bible App

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#WalkItOut

Daily Bread

Leave a Legacy

Find Community

Worth The Effort

7 Prayers to Say for Your Children

As I read it I thought: This is a perfect Scripture to pray for my kids. And they are perfect prayers to say for your children.

Sunday: Pray for love that overflows

Monday: Pray for growth in knowledge

Wednesday: Pray for a pure and blameless life

Thursday: Pray for the fruit of salvation

Friday: Pray for righteous character and for a life in Jesus

Saturday: Pray for glory and praise to God

More Resources from Tricia Goyer:

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

1. Brooke Tilghman Wife to Todd, Mom of 8, Pastor’s Wife, Mrs. Voice … Loves a Good Thrift

2. Rachel Swanson The Unexpected Journey of Purpose

3. Walking Out Hope for the Congo with Diana Waring

4. Susan Merrill Connect with your Kids through Journaling

5. Amanda Bacon & Anne-Renee Gumley Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions.

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

6. Renewing of the Mind with Barb Raveling

7. Gather Ministries with Jennifer Camp

8. Sheila Walsh A Life of Prayer

9. Sharon Jaynes The Power of a Woman’s Words

10. Stand All the Way Up with Sophie Hudson

The Top Ten Walk It Out Podcast Episodes

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

“Tricia, I feel God asking me to help start a crisis pregnancy center in our town, and knowing your heart and story I want to know if you can help,” he said.

Double gulp. I knew what God was asking me to do. He was asking me to step outside my comfort zone.

​I knew following them would change everything. It came down to this:

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Why Motherhood Matters with September McCarthy

Meet September McCarthy

You can order {Why} Motherhood Matters HERE.

About the Book:

Walk It Out Scripture

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with September McCarthy

Connect with Tricia

Special thanks to this week’s sponsor

Marriage Triggers with Guy and Amber Lia

Who is Amber Lia?

You can order Marriage Triggers HERE.

Walk It Out Scripture

Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:

Connect with Amber Lia

Connect with Tricia

What Does God Ask of Us?

1. Believe in Jesus.

3. Read the Bible.

5. Forgive others.

7. Pray all the time.

9. Care for the widows and orphans.

Now, I want to pray for you:

Sometimes Love Grows

Click HERE to get your FREE ticket!

Here are other blogs I’ve written about our adoption journey:

25 Ways to Breathe Life Into Your Day

I knew following them would change everything. It came down to this: