Tricia Goyer

September 20, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How Prayer Changes the Future for Adoption

I’d like to think I’m an expert pray-er. I can clearly see how my prayers changed things. For example, I’ve had seven kids—not birthed from me—running around my house who are examples of that. Yet, the way that my prayers changed the future is different than you think.

God is not a genie in a bottle.

My prayers weren’t effective because I figured out the right words to make God do what I wanted to do. I used to think that. As a young Christian, I’d try all sorts of things:

praying in the morning
praying at night
praying on my knees
praying out loud
journaling my prayers

I wouldn’t admit it out loud, but I believed deep down if I said the right things, at the right time, in the right way, that God could be swayed.

What I’ve since discovered is God has good plans for my life. He has hopes for me and a future.

The number-one thing that changes when I pray . . . is me.

Prayer opens up the connection between me and God. Prayer softens my heart to His will.

My prayers change the future because as I connect with Him, I’m willing to submit my will to His. As I submit and walk in His ways . . . my future is different than the path I would have taken myself on in my own according. And the future is changed.

Prayer changes the future because:

I connect with God.
I submit my will to His.
I walk in His ways—not the ones I try to figure out.

I have dozens of examples of this, but I’ll quickly share one: adoption. Around 2000, I started praying for God to give me His heart. Soon I became interested in adopting. God tells us so many times to care for the widows and orphans.

My husband wasn’t on board, so I continued to pray (not nag). In 2007, John brought up the idea to me (yes!), and we filled out paperwork to adopt from China.

By the time we submitted our paperwork in 2008, the adoption Chinese program changed drastically, and the opportunity to adopt a healthy baby girl was no longer an option. By 2009, when I discovered I’d not have a Chinese baby anytime soon (or ever), I was crushed. I cried (I’ll admit it), but I also prayed for God’s will.

“Lord, give us the child YOU desire. I know you placed adoption on my heart for a reason.”

I’m telling the complete truth when I say that the very day I relinquished my will, I received a phone call about a birth mom looking for a home for her baby. March 2010, Alyssa joined our family—a nine-pound bundle of joy.

Even after bringing Alyssa home, I continued to pray for God’s will. (Lord, are there more children that you have for us?)

In 2012 Bella and Casey joined our home from the foster care system. Later on, God placed Lauren, Jordan, Maria, and Florentina into our lives. I love my children! I couldn’t imagine life without them. More than that, I know God placed adoption on my heart for a reason; it just didn’t look the way I thought.

Prayer changed the future because:

I connected with God, and I discovered His heart.
I submitted my will to His, and I relinquished myself to His path.
I walked in His ways, . . . and He led me where I never expected.

Today, consider changing your future forever.

God has good plans for your life. He knows you’ll only be willing to step out into the future when your heart is changed through prayer.

How Prayer Changes the Future for Adoption

As you submit yourself to His heart and His will, expect to walk down paths different than you ever expected. You’ll learn how prayer changes the future for adoption. Also, expect to have a partner in the journey. God—yes, the God of the universe!—will be stepping out in front of you along the way and leading you in His plans.

As we continued to pray God continued to lead. Today, we have ten beautiful children. We are so blessed. And it all began when we let God changed our future through prayer.

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August 23, 2023 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children

What does it mean for a parent of a family to effectively lead young children?

The answer to that question has come to me through years of trial and error (mostly error). As a young mom, I didn’t give leadership much thought — I was just trying to get through the day. But as my kids grew beyond the toddler years, I realized something important: Kids do what they see. They believe in what is prioritized at home. That meant I was a leader. I had to lead young children whether I liked it or not.

My leadership grew right along with our three kids. Then, when those kids became teens and young adults, my husband, John, and I adopted seven children and started all over again. Seeing what worked — and what didn’t — the first time around made me more confident as a leader the second time. Also, seeing my older kids as adults confirmed what we did right.

6 Ways to Effectively Lead Young Children

Setting Family Priorities

The values and priorities you model in good times and bad are likely to become the values and priorities your kids adopt as adults. These are the things they will pass down to their kids, too. So we want to make sure they pick up the right things! Here are six ways I have found to effectively lead little ones:

1. Trust

Yes, it really does matter if you go out for ice cream after naptime if that’s what you promised. It’s easy to follow a leader we trust. Kids are quick to follow when they know you care about them, consistently meet their needs and keep your promises. The more instances where we do what we say, the more our children become willing to follow. Also, trust built in the early years forms a strong connection that will help kids to turn to you in the tumultuous teen years.

2. Belonging

What is your family all about? What makes you a special group of people? Let your kids know they are an important part of your family. Be sure to point out their best qualities, and let them see how you need them and they need you. Of course, words are not enough. Make your child a part of the team by giving them simple chores, such as setting the table, sorting the laundry, or pulling weeds in the yard. Point out how their small efforts benefit the family as a whole.

3. Focus

Where you place your focus will direct how your family spends their days. John and I worked together to determine what things were important for our children’s futures. Then we decided how to make those things important now. Because we want our children to have a relationship with God as teens and adults, we have a time of daily Bible reading and prayer with our kids now. We attend church and serve other Christians by volunteering in children’s church. We collect baby items for our local teen-mom support group to model helping those in need. These small but consistent acts demonstrate that we put God first as a family and build a strong foundation for our children’s future faith.

4. Flexibility

As children grow, priorities change. It’s important to set routines, but it’s also important to be flexible. Nobody enjoys being around a rigid leader. If something you did last year doesn’t work this year, be willing to try something new. Different strategies may work with different personalities of children, so be prepared to change things up.

5. Boundaries

Leadership isn’t just about where you go, but also what you protect. I’ve learned to say no to a lot of good things to protect the best things. For us, we value family dinners, evening togetherness, and reading together. To do these things, we’ve had to say no to a lot of outside activities. We believe that, at some point in the future, it will be more important for us to have a family bond than for each of our kids to be part of a different activity that fills up our evenings. There is plenty of time in our children’s future for them to pursue leisure activities, but these childhood years — with everyone together — are fleeting.

6. Perspective

Finally, as parents, it’s up to us to create a vision for the type of family we want to be. That’s why my husband and I explain to our kids that the things our family focuses on may look different from what other families are emphasizing. This also provides us with opportunities to talk to them about how the priorities of those who follow God should look different from those of people who don’t.

Maybe your focus is on debt-free living rather than extravagant vacations. Perhaps you choose to give to your church instead of buying brand-name clothes. Use these practices to talk to your children about the charge to believers found in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Ask your children to join you in making these decisions, teaching them what God’s Word says.

Start Strong!

Being a family leader means choosing where you want to lead; once you make good choices, you’ve already done half the work. There are so many decisions we have to make on a daily basis as parents, but when you make solid decisions based on God’s Word while your children are young, it will be easier to lead well in the seasons to come.

2 Parents + 8 Kids + 1 Grandma = A house full of chaos, mess, and noise!

And between homeschooling, writing, and leading a Teen MOPS group — I definitely get frustrated and cranky at times.

But you know what bothered me the most? Hearing my kids complaining. It drove me crazy until I realized I could teach them something better.

I could teach them gratitude. We could learn to be a family that’s grateful and thankful. Together we could become Grumble Free.

Would a year be enough to teach us all to focus on God’s goodness through every opportunity?

We found out in our Grumble Free Year and now you can read about how we faced whining and complaining head-on and became a stronger family because of it!

www.thegrumblefreeyear.com

Download your free GFY Scripture Color Sheets!

August 14, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours Today!

Believe me when I tell you – homeschooling success can be yours. Let me tell you how I made it work for our family and how you can, too!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

18 (short!) years. That’s all I had. And with some of my adopted kids joining our family late in life, I knew I had even less than that with them. I wanted to pack my children’s lives with meaning. I wanted to give them the best life I could. Because someday, I want to stand before God and be able to say I had done all I could to raise my children to love and follow Him.

But something was holding me back. As I lay awake at night, it was like a weight sitting on my chest… the possibility of homeschooling.

I realize now, that weight was fear. I was scared that homeschooling would require me to kiss my dreams goodbye. That if I homeschooled, my kids would emerge into adulthood as weird, socially awkward creatures that people would roll their eyes at and say, ” Oh, they must have been homeschooled.” Most of all, I was afraid homeschooling would turn my life upside down.

In many ways, it did.

My dining room table was suddenly taken over by books and papers, and my thoughts became consumed with worries about curriculum, homeschool co-ops, and conferences. I worried, “Am I even qualified to do this?” My school-aged kids were home all the time, so I had no time for myself.

But as the days passed into months, and months to years, I started to notice a few things:

My kids were playing outside when other kids were stuck at their desks all day.

My kids truly loved learning and viewed the world as their classroom. They loved the Lord and were excited to serve Him.

These kids raised at home weren’t socially awkward – in fact, they loved talking to adults and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

I felt like I knew my kids – really KNEW them.

I was confident I could give them each the individual attention they needed to be successful. Homeschooling had made it possible for me to reach them despite their different levels, abilities, and challenges.

Not only that, but I found I did have time for myself – time to write and publish books, serve moms in my community, and host a podcast.

So, I guess you could say that homeschooling did turn our lives upside down. But, 10 kids and many years later, I realized the truth:

Homeschooling didn’t turn our lives upside down. It turned our upside-down lives right-side-up.

Now, I want to offer the same gifts to YOUR family: the rich gifts of home education.

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours!

They say bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving towards the thing you fear anyway. Maybe you’ve got fears, concerns, and questions. I’m here to tell you that’s OK. In fact, it’s actually very normal.

“For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”

Luke 14:28

You are right to consider the cost, and that’s exactly why I designed the Homeschool Success Course with you in mind. I know the cost and I know that the gift of a homeschool education to your children and your family is worth it. And I’m here to help you!

I’ve put my heart and soul into developing a course for you that outlines the most important aspects of homeschooling:

Creating a positive home environment where your children will thrive and learn.
Inviting your kids to join you on their education journey.
Understanding the basics of homeschooling laws and what it really takes for your kids to graduate and go on to college.
Discovering your gifts as a homeschooling teacher.
Finding extra help for special-needs kids.
… and more!

Homeschooling Success Can Be Yours

You can bypass the stress, confusion, and exhaustion I experienced in the early years. You can skip straight to the meaningful, fun adventure that comes with schooling your kids at home! Because I care, I’ve compiled my best tips and tricks, making it easy for you to give your family the rich gift of homeschooling.

Don’t Wait!

You can proceed confidently and wisely. You can start your homeschooling journey with an entire toolbox of knowledge and inspiration.

Can you imagine what life will be like when you create a positive homeschooling environment where your children thrive and learn? And where you feel peace as a homeschooling mom?

Let me show you how! Learn more about The Homeschool Success Course now!

August 7, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

How to Budget for Back-to-School Expenses

Budgeting for Back-to-School Expenses

I hate to say it, but back-to-school expenses are coming. Summer has been flying by and, depending on where you are, the school year is quickly creeping up on us. Here in Georgia, school started the first week of August!

I know for me, last year was hard. Maybe that was because it was the first school year for our family of five–I wasn’t exactly sure how to budget for it. Or maybe it was because there really are so many various and unexpected school-related expenses that happen during the year.

That’s why I believe it’s important to make sure you have at least $100 of wiggle room in your budget each month for the school year and especially back-to-school expenses. I know that sounds like a lot of money (and it definitely is.) However, chances are, when you look back over last year’s budget, you’ll notice that you come very close if not over the $100 a month for all those last-minute purchases.

How to Find Extra Cash for Back-to-School Expenses

Here are just a few ways that can hopefully help you figure out how to find an extra $100 (or more!) in your monthly budget for back-to-school expenses:

1. Cell Phones

Regardless if it’s just you and your spouse or the whole family on your phone plan, paying for cell service can be a little crazy. That’s why if you haven’t already, I highly suggest you switch over to a company like Republic Wireless (who I personally use) or Ting (several of my friends use them and love them).

You still get to have an awesome smartphone but without the high cell phone bill (mine is only $25/mo with data!).

2. Insurance

Yeah, I know, you don’t want to talk about this subject because it’s one of those “necessary evils.” However, if you haven’t called around lately to gather new quotes for your different insurance needs, I highly suggest you do. You could save yourself hundreds of dollars a year just from a simple phone call.

3. Subscription Services

It’s happened to me before. I completely forget that I have a subscription service deducting money from my bank account. It’s like I put it on autopilot and fail to evaluate if it’s a necessary expense or not.

The next thing to do is check for any recurring subscriptions, maybe now is the time to evaluate if they are still necessary. Spend a little time going through and canceling the unnecessary ones. This should add a little more wiggle room to your budget for those back-to-school expenses.

4. Be Inconvenienced

I’m a firm believer in the fact that sometimes, we are just paying way too much for convenience. It’s possible that if we allow ourselves to be inconvenienced, we could save $1,000’s of dollars a year!

One of my favorite ways to be inconvenienced is by not using paper towels. A few years ago, we switched from using paper towels regularly to using bar mop cloths. That one small change has resulted in saving us hundreds over the years! We only have to buy one roll of paper towels twice a year (for draining meats like bacon or ground beef.) Honestly, it has affected us very little.

So, look around your home and find little ways that you could save money by simply being “inconvenienced.” You could end up adding a whole lot more to your school budget than just a $100 a month!

What to Do with Your Savings

Those are just a few ways that you can cut your expenses before the start of the school year. But the key to not going broke this school year is to remember that once you add that wiggle room to your budget, as a result, you must make sure that you add a line item accounting for that.

For instance, let’s say you cut your cell phone bill from $100 to $30 a month (yes, that’s totally possible with Republic Wireless or Ting.) Now you have $70 of wiggle room in your budget that must be accounted for.

Now you’d want to add a line item like “School Miscellaneous” or something with $70 as the total.

Example:

Mortgage: $1,000
Utilities: $200
Car Payment: $400
Insurance: $150
Cell Phone: $30
Groceries: $500
School Miscellaneous: $70

Then whenever those random, “Hey we need each child to bring in a snack for our upcoming event on Thursday” happens, you’ll have the money ready to go in your budget. Just make sure that you account for that expense and deduct the total from your category for back-to-school expenses.

Hopefully, this helps you if you’re getting geared up for the back-to-school season. Even if this isn’t a stage of life you’re currently dealing with, send this onto a friend that is in this season to give them a boost!

What is a piece of advice that you could offer someone else for not going broke during the school year?

{More about Jessi Fearon}

Jessi Fearon is the founder of the popular personal finance blog, Real Life on a Budget, where she shares her family’s real-life on a budget in order to inspire others to learn how to manage their money better. Jessi’s work has been featured on Buzzfeed, Rockstar Finance, TIME/Motto Magazine, Money Saving Mom, and The Penny Hoarder. Jessi resides in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia with her husband Pat and their three children Conner, Collin, and Charlotte and a rescue dog named Belle.

Additional Resources

How to Avoid Going Broke This School Year
Saving Money with Groupon Coupons
7 Tips for Living on $7 a Day
Restoring the Art of the Piggy Bank Savings
30 Cheap & Fun Date Night Ideas

May 1, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 12 Comments

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

6 Ways to Find Joy in Your Day {Printable!}

As a homeschooling mom, I’ve had kids at home for 32 years. This means noisy days, busy days, and these kids-are-giving-me-a-headache days.

I’ve been homeschooling for 28 years and still have another seven years to go! Does that seem overwhelming? It would have been if I hadn’t discovered something amazing: JOY!

Over the last year, God has spoken to my heart and encouraged me to find joy in everyday living.

Joy, even though the laundry is piled high.

Joy, even though the kids are cranky.

Joy when work deadlines are pressed.

Joy when I have a headache when my feet hurt, and when I just want a nap. (Which happens often!)

But how do you find joy in your day?

Here are 6 ways … and a Scripture verse for each!

1. Thank God for each new morning.

A thankful heart goes a long way. Daily when I wake God, instead of looking at everything I have to do, I thank him for who I am and what I have.

Thank you, God, that I’m your daughter, and I have a place in your eternal home.

Thank you, God, that I’m a wife and mother.

Thank you, God, for the pile of laundry and all the clothes you’ve provided for us.

Thank you, God, for the dishes still in the sink from last night. We went to bed with full bellies.

2. Turn on worship music.

I love listening to worship music as I read my Bible and journal in the morning. I put on popular Christian songs as we homeschool. I also listen to Christian music as I write. I love using apps like Spotify or Amazon Prime Music to help me find great music. I also sing along! Singing songs of joy helps sorrows (and frustrations) to disappear!

3. Ask God to remind me what His kingdom is all about.

In life, I want to be comfortable. I want my house to be Pinterest-worthy. I want my kids to shine. But when I think about God’s kingdom, He helps me understand Kingdom Work. Opening my door to neighbors. Sharing God’s truth with young moms. Calling a friend who’s going through a hard time. Playing a board game with my kids instead of putting away the laundry. The Kingdom is about people and hearts–not tasks!

4. Seek the Holy Spirit.

When did I ever start thinking that I have to handle life alone? God has given us His Holy Spirit to fill, work through, and give us peace. Stopping to pray and ask for God’s Holy Spirit to help me makes a huge difference. The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none.

The Holy Spirit gives me joy when I have none. @TriciaGoyer

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5. Join the kids in praising God.

The best thing about having three little kids is that they LOVE to praise God. We have “Jesus dance parties” often. We put on kids praise song, clap our hands and dance and sing. They love it, and seeing their joy makes me more joyful.

6. Thank God for troubles.

The honest truth is that without troubles, I wouldn’t need God. If everything went smoothly in life I wouldn’t pray or praise as often. When I thank God for troubles, I remind myself that He has everything in control. As the Scriptures say, troubles are an opportunity for joy!

I hope you print and use these Scriptures in your day. I’ve found them very helpful.

Download here.

How about you? What do you do to find joy in your day? What’s your favorite Scripture about joy?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray for my friend. I pray that she may find joy in you. I pray that Your Word will draw her heart to you. I thank you for your Holy Spirit that can plant joy deep in our hearts, even when there are struggles all around.

More Resources

14 Ways to Create a Joyful Family
How to Joyfully Share a Life
3 Ways to Lose Guilt and Find Joy
Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer
When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper
A Faith That Will Not Fail by Dan Lord

March 4, 2023 by Tricia Goyer 15 Comments

Writer’s Desk: Tricia Goyer

Tricia Goyer is an award-winning author and podcaster, wife, mother and grandmother, family lifestyle expert, and national speaker. She has written more than eighty books, which have sold over three million copies. She is considered a leading authority on relationships, family, and faith topics. She has been featured in publications such as USA Today, The Washington Post, and the New York Times, and has appeared on numerous media outlets.

Connect with me here on my website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and sign up for my newsletter here.

More about Beyond the Gray Mountains

Marianna Sommer always dreamed of a simple Amish wedding, but there’s nothing simple about marrying rock star Ben Stone. She loves him—but what about her traditions? Worse, suddenly Ben has questions—the kind that have him putting their wedding on hold.

Ben loves Marianna, but he has regrets—and fears—that are suddenly getting in the way of his happy ending. He doubts he’s going to “hear from God” in the high mountains like Marianna’s father suggests. But sure, he’ll go…

But he might not return. Because high on the continental divide, trouble finds them. Now, it’ll take a miracle for Ben, Abe, and Abe’s brother, Ike, to make it down alive. Maybe Ben will hear from God after all…but if he does, can he become the man he needs to be to save them…and keep Marianna’s heart?

When a runaway horse with a bloody saddle shows up, not only is the media alerted, but Marianna fears she’ll lose them all—her uncle, her father, and her beloved Ben. Suddenly she doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home.

But is there more to Ben than she knows? And when she discovers his secrets, what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves?

Purchase a copy of Beyond the Gray Mountains.

Preorder a copy of the next two books in the series, here.

New to Big Sky? Start here!

Q&A with Tricia Goyer

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I first started writing in 1994. I was only 22 years old and pregnant with my third baby. While sitting in the church nursery one Sunday chatting with a friend, Cindy, I got the epiphany that I wanted to become a Christian writer. Cindy was also a young mom. We got to know each other, and Cindy told me about her writing dream. Something struck a chord in me. I had grown up loving to read, but I never considered writing. We encouraged each other. We attended our first writer’s conference at Mt. Hermon in Northern California. Since that time, I’ve written over 80 books. It’s been a long road, but I have been so blessed to be able to walk it with wonderful friends, family, and mentors along the way.

Where did you get the inspiration for the Big Sky Amish collection?

I remember first reading Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder in sixth grade. As one who struggled with reading as a child, everything changed when I read that book. I was swept away by the close family ties and their simple life. I wished I could walk across the prairie with Pa or ride along in a covered wagon.

I didn’t consider writing about “the simple life” until an editor asked if I’d like to write Amish fiction. I prayed, and I pondered the idea. I also met with friends who had moved their Amish family from Indiana to Montana. I was hooked as I learned more about the Amish community in Montana!

Beyond the Gray Mountains is the first book in the Big Sky Amish Series, but it follows the storyline of my Big Sky series. The books in that series are Beside Still Waters, Along Wooded Paths, and Beyond Hope’s Valley.

The true story of Ora Jay and Irene Eash, who left their Amish community after losing two daughters in a buggy and semi accident, was the basis for Beside Still Waters. The couple started a new life in a small Amish community in Montana. Ora Jay and Irene faced many challenges and hardships in adjusting to life in this new place. Still, they also found strength and comfort in their growing relationship with God.

I learned Ora Jay and Irene’s story through my daughter Leslie. After hearing their story, I was amazed by their resilience and how their deep faith bloomed even during difficult times. I worked closely with the couple to ensure I captured the Amish community in West Kootenai well. With Beyond the Gray Mountains, I was excited to return to West Kootenai and continue the story of Ben, Marianna, and their family and friends.

I’m also incredibly excited about a unique setting I added to this book. In Beyond the Gray Mountain, some of my characters venture into the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana, which covers 1.5 million acres. This harsh and secluded location in the Rocky Mountains has wooded trails and cliffs, lakes and rivers. I knew this would be a unique and exciting setting for this novel. (Not to mention the grizzlies, wolves, elk, mountain goats, and moose that live there—one of which shows up in this novel!) My even characters even see the Chinese Wall, a 12-mile-long, 1,000-foot-high cliff—one of Montana’s most stunning features.

I’ve always wanted to hike, fish, camp, and watch animals in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and I ventured there through the pages of this novel. Also, one of my friends, Rebecca, was an outfitter in the Bob Marshall for twenty years, and she made sure I got every detail right. I hope I can someday venture into that wilderness on horseback in real life!

Anything that you’ve never been asked before but wished you had been?

Does this question work? “Hey, Tricia, I have a condo at the beach. Would you like to use it to get away to write for a while?” Yeah, I didn’t think so.

What did you do before you were a writer?

Well, I was a very young mom! I attended my first writers’ conference when I was 22 and pregnant with my third child. I started writing and homeschooling around the same time. I suppose the “before” was high school. 🙂

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April 21, 2022 by Tricia Goyer 4 Comments

Writer’s Desk with Tricia Goyer

Tricia Goyer is a USA Today bestselling author of seventy-five books and more than 500 articles. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award finalist. She won the Retailer’s Best Award in 2015 and has received starred reviews from publications such as Romantic Times and Publishers Weekly; she is also a member of the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. In addition to her roles as wife, mom, and author, Tricia volunteers in her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana and currently leads a Teen MOPS group in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is also the author of this blog.

Q&A with Tricia Goyer

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

I love watching America’s Test Kitchen. It’s my favorite cooking show, even the episodes from fifteen years ago.

TG: Why did you write Heart Happy?

I had planned to write a book on generosity and hospitality, which got shelved because of Covid. As I prayed about what to write instead, I saw that so many people struggled with trying to find happiness amid chaos. During the pandemic, we had so much stripped away. No longer able to cover my unhappiness with busyness, I was forced to find ways to nurture my soul. As I dug through the layers of pain, shame, and regret, I realized that my busyness had allowed me to keep God at bay. As I searched to discover my heart happy, I found tools that I believed could help others too.

TG: Did you have any surprises or learning moments while writing this title?

I was surprised that there were so many layers that had kept my heart unhappy. Each chapter was formed as I considered what keeps our hearts separate from God.

TG: What do you hope readers take away from your book?

I hope readers will see that the most important thing we can do each day is getting our hearts “happy in the Lord.” Even in the middle of chaos, we can pause and find God there. I need to find my “happy heart” before the day starts. If I don’t, my whole family suffers, and I do too. If I rush into my day without spending time with Jesus, worries, fears, and frustrations are quick to overwhelm me. If I don’t take time to fix my thoughts on God, my mind jumps from disturbances to distresses, and soon it becomes too much.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

I love to wake up early. I get up and make a cup of coffee or tea, and then I sit down with my Bible and a devotional book. Then, after reading, thinking, and praying, I pull out my writing. When my heart is full of God, then the writing flows. Sometimes I’ll write for one or two hours and then even go back to bed.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

Before I fall asleep, I think through my writing priorities for the next day. It’s then that I set my goal for my actual writing. Then, because I already know my priorities, I work on that first the next day.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

I love earl gray tea. I also love coffee and a bit of creamer. I drink hot drinks when I write all year long.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

Please don’t be mad, but I don’t struggle with writer’s block. With a house full of people, every moment I have to write is a gift, and I see it that way. There’s always something to write. And if I do get stuck with specific words, I pray.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer, or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

I write very messily to start. I’ll note whatever thoughts come into my mind. I don’t judge them. Instead, I write them down. I write for the first few months, moving around the book, and adding ideas here or there. Then, when I have about half of the book written in chunks, I go back to the beginning and fill everything in.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

The most common mistake is that writers give up too soon. They get discouraged and don’t keep going. I write for many months before I come up with anything worth sharing. I believe new writers think that everything needs to look fantastic right from the start. I’ve learned that it isn’t the case.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

It takes 20 years to be an overnight success. Agent and publisher Steve Laube told me this about thirty years ago. It was a great reminder not to give up. Good things take time.

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*Due to shipping costs, the giveaway for the physical copy is open to US mailing addresses only.

More about Heart Happy

Heart Happy: Staying Centered in God’s Love Through Chaotic Circumstances takes readers on a journey to discover where their true strength, peace, and joy come from—the Lord—no matter what life offers up. Tricia Goyer—author, podcast host, volunteer, homeschooling mom of ten children, and caregiver to her grandma—understands what it’s like to be pulled in different directions with the longing and intention to do all things well. In the midst of chaotic circumstances (which all of us face), she’s found uncomplicated but effective practices for nourishing the soul—because everything stems from the heart.

This hope-filled guide will inspire you to stay tethered to the Lover of your soul. By taking time to make your heart happy in the Lord, you’ll grow closer to the Heavenly Father, fostering true transformation from the inside out. Heart Happy will help you discover the beautiful life you’ve always hoped for through a connection with God that never seemed possible … until now.

Purchase a copy of Heart Happy

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April 4, 2022 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Your Guide to Finding True Happiness

Today I’m sharing your guide to finding true happiness. If you’re anything like me, you’ve struggled with this. What is true happiness? Where does it come from? Let’s look at what God says about finding true happiness, friend.

What True Happiness Is and Is Not

Looking back at my childhood, I can’t say we were a happy family. My mom, stepdad, brother, and I co-existed. We rarely had family dinners around a table. Instead, dinner was served on the kitchen counter, and we sat in front of the television. Most of my family didn’t bother attending my science fair or seeing me cheer. It just wasn’t important. But, of course, that meant that I wasn’t important.

At the time, I believed that to be “happy,” I needed the attention and approval of others.

Finding True Happiness

I do remember a few fun family vacations. Once, my grandparents joined us. We went to the Ice Follies and the zoo, but those moments were like sparkling moments set among the mundane. It wasn’t until I was an adult with my children that I realized how different things could be. We enjoy family meals almost every night and spend time at the lake or going on evening walks. We serve in church together, which is a lot of fun.

Yet no family can be happy all of the time.

Our family has faced the deaths of loved ones, and we’ve had times of hardship and struggle. Yet, even then, we still have each other. My husband, kids, and I have an underlying contentment and connection—happiness even—during hard times. Realizing this, I began to understand that true happiness isn’t about what we have or do. True happiness is about where we are walking. Who we are walking with.

Do you want to know this type of happiness—a deeply settled feeling that tells you all is well, even during the chaos or pain of life?

Finding True Happiness

It wasn’t until I understood the truth about “happy” that I saw why things were different in my home than in the one I grew up with. True happiness stems from the internal, not the external, and it’s found throughout the Bible. Happy is translated as blessed, and the root is “to be straight.”

So to be truly happy is to get our hearts “straight” or “right” in the Lord.

“Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments,” we read in Psalm 112:1 (NRSV). The whole chapter is so beautiful I’m going to share it here:

Happy are those who fear the Lord,

who greatly delight in his commandments.

Their descendants will be mighty in the land;

the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Wealth and riches are in their houses,

and their righteousness endures forever.

They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright;

they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.

It is well with those who deal generously and lend,

who conduct their affairs with justice.

For the righteous will never be moved;

they will be remembered forever.

They are not afraid of evil tidings;

their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.

Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid;

in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.

They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor;

their righteousness endures forever;

their horn is exalted in honor.

The wicked see it and are angry;

they gnash their teeth and melt away;

the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.

Finding True Happiness

What is true happiness? To be truly happy is to get our hearts “straight” or “right” in the Lord, and then all good things stem from that.

If your heart longs to be happy, it’s time to turn to Jesus. With Him is true happiness is found.

Heart Happy shares how I went from hurting and struggling through chaos and disappointment to living in the abundance of joy Christ died to give me. I want the same for you, friend. That’s why I share from my heart about how He walked alongside me through my pain and helped me see that He was ready and willing and ABLE to handle all my fears and doubts. He could take all the crazy and heal my heart from the inside out, so I could smile again. And He wants to do the same for you.

Join me in finding your Heart Happy life today!

Looking for more on how to find true happiness?

In this talk with my friend Rebekah Hargraves we chat about her book Lies Moms Believe … and wow, there are a lot of them! And you know what? Those lies can keep us from finding true happiness in Christ! I know you’re going to love my conversation with Rebekah. We share the lies that we often have to dig out of our hearts.

Listen here https://triciagoyer.com/lies-moms-believe-and-how-to-refute-them/

January 31, 2022 by Tricia Goyer 7 Comments

My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

Today I’m sharing my review of the movie Redeeming Love. Like many others, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the transition from book to movie. With such an important message it’s no wonder the movie is drawing lots of commentary. Let’s talk about the movie and how it might be a great retelling of a timely message from God to His people.

My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

I saw Redeeming Love last night. I’ve previously read the novel by Francine Rivers. And, reading through the Bible 7-8 times, I’ve read the book Hosea numerous times, too.

For those who aren’t familiar with the biblical narrative, Hosea is a prophet of God who is asked to physically portray a message of repentance to a woman named Gomer. The name Hosea means “salvation,” and his life was a prophecy to the nation of Israel. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute who continued to return to her sin. Yet even then, Hosea would go to her and “redeem” her, repurchasing her from the darkness she had surrendered herself to.

Hosea’s life was a prophecy to the people of Israel, a statement that although God will bring judgment to sin, He will also always bring His people back to Himself through His love. The cycle of repentance, redemption, and restoration is evident in this story.

In 1991, my friend Francine Rivers published a book that follows this storyline. Although I started it many times, I only finished it last year because it’s a brutal story. In it, Angel is sold into prostitution as a child, and as an adult, she’s tried to escape, but she finds herself right back where she started: in prostitution.

Through the pain, Angel has lost her soul. There is no hope for a future until a man named Michael Hosea comes and tells her that God told him to take Angel as his wife.

I will not go into all the details, but this story is HARD and heartbreaking. With the tenderness of Christ, Michael loves Angel, yet she rejects him again and again.

Seeing Michael’s heartbreak is difficult. I wanted to shout, “Just accept his love! Why won’t you accept his love?” And that is when it hit me. This is Christ and me. So many times, I’ve tried to do things my way, yet Jesus is right there just wanting me to accept the love He has for me. THIS is what made me cry when I watched Redeeming Love. I saw Christ’s love displayed for me so clearly. But I’m getting ahead of myself …

My Review of the Movie Redeeming Love

I want to go back and say that I’ve known about this movie for the last four years or so. (Maybe longer.) You see, Frani is a good friend of mine. Over the previous eighteen years, we’ve both been part of a group of writers who have gotten together every summer to Plot, Pray, and Play. So I’ve prayed for this movie for many years, and I honestly think it turned out amazingly beautiful. Hard, yes, but amazingly beautiful. There isn’t one scene I would change. I know the purpose of every scene and why it’s essential to the story.

More than that, I know Frani is a woman of Scripture and prayer. On days when we were playing and plotting, Frani often sat pouring over Scripture at the dining room table. When she writes about a topic in fiction, Frani wants to know every place God speaks on that topic before writing one word. And you know what? God displayed what He had to say about redemption through the real-life story of Hosea marrying a prostitute.

When it comes to people speaking against this movie, their main concern is the sexual content, and I want to address that. (Let me remind you, this story is about a prostitute!)

First, the sexual scenes that hint at Angel’s abuse are AWFUL. Like my husband John told me, “No one should call those scenes pornography or worry they’ll bring arousal. Instead, what they bring is complete heartbreak.” Enough abuse is shown that Angel’s pain is clear, and it’s not pretty.

Second, there are scenes of married love–these are the hot and passionate ones. And do you know why they are essential to this story? Because as someone who was used and abused, sex was not a gift for Angel to give or receive until she allowed herself to love and be loved. When Michael and Angel, man and wife (finally!) come together, that’s how it’s displayed: as a beautiful gift. As healing. As hope.

Now you may say, “Well, that shouldn’t be shown in a movie.” My response is, “Okay, then close your eyes if you don’t want to see it.”

Actually, I had to go to the bathroom, and I missed the big sex scene. That works, too! (It’s funny how the timing worked out. I just really had to go.)

Yet when I asked my husband John about it later, he had something insightful to say,

“To deny the positive sexual experience is to accept the negative.”

Is that profound or what?

As horrible as sexual abuse is, married love and sex are beautiful. The fact that someone can find healing after such abuse is a true miracle. And that’s the whole point of this story: redemption.

True love, God’s love, can bring healing to the darkest of places.

Now, if you choose not to see Redeeming Love, that’s fine. It’s your choice. But I want you to know the heart behind this movie and this story. So then, if you choose to watch, you’ll see Francine’s heart. But more importantly, you’ll see God’s heart. No matter what you’ve done or how you’ve hurt Him, God’s love is faithful, and He longs to redeem you and make you His own. Now that’s a beautiful story.

-Tricia Goyer

Here is the trailer that might help you decide:

https://youtu.be/6Z-0C02cqFo

July 31, 2021 by Pamela Black Leave a Comment

The Story Behind A Valley of Betrayal

Today I’m sharing the story behind A Valley of Betrayal. The Spanish Civil War started July 17, 1936, and is widely considered the dress rehearsal for World War II. The history is fascinating and inspired my Spanish Civil War Series which looks through the eyes of those who might have lived through those turbulent times.

The Story Behind A Valley of Betrayal

A few years ago, when I was researching my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to his skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about.

The Story Behind A Valley of Betrayal

Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides, and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.

From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who have volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders were supported troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted of thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side, half of which never returned home.

The Story Behind A Valley of Betrayal

Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for.

Fayon, Spain – July 26, 2014: Recreation of the battle of Fayon ( Zaragoza ), passed during the Spanish Civil War in 1938. In the photography they appreciate groups of soldiers, recreating the above-mentioned battle.

Loyalists

The Loyalists—also know as the Republicans, were aided by the Soviet Union, the Communist movement, and the International Brigades. If not for the weapons and volunteers from these sources, their fight would have ended in weeks rather than years. While many men fought side by side, their political views included liberal democracy, communism, and socialism. The Catholic Basque Country also sided with the Republic, mainly because it sought independence from the central government and was promised this by Republican leaders in Madrid.

Nationalists

The Nationalists, or Francoists, were aided mainly by Germany and Italy. The Nationalists opposed an independent Basque state. Their prominent supporters were those who believed in a monarchist state and fascist interests. The Nationalists wished for Spain to continue as it had for years, with wealthy landowners, the military, and the church running the country. Most of the Roman Catholic clergy supported the Nationalists, except those in the Basque region.

During the Spanish Civil war, terror tactics against civilians were common. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind A Valley of Betrayal.

A Valley of Betrayal

For reasons beyond her control, Sophie finds herself alone in the war-torn Spanish countryside. What was once a thriving paradise has become a battleground for fascist soldiers and Spanish patriots. It doesn’t take long for Sophie to realize just how far from home she really is.

Caught in the middle of what is quickly becoming a bloody battleground, she receives tragic news, but remaining in Spain is her only option. The route to safety is blocked and fighting surrounds her. On her darkest night, Sophie takes refuge with a brigade of international compatriots. It is among these volunteers, through the use of her fiancé’s camera and her art, that she pledges to make the plight of the Spanish people known around the world.

A Valley of Betrayal is book one of a three-book series and is perfect
for women who like reading romantic novels inspired by historical periods, international fiction, or literature inspired by the Spanish Civil War written by Hemingway, Dos Passos, and George Orwell.

If you enjoy A Valley of Betrayal, check out the other books in the series – A Shadow of Treason and A Whisper of Freedom.

July 21, 2021 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Congratulations to the Realm Awards 2021 Winners

I’m wishing heartfelt congratulations to the Realm Awards 2021 Winners. Last weekend (over my 50th birthday!) I attended the Realm Makers Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, with my husband John and son Nathan (author of Bask). I hope you enjoy learning about the winners and take a look at what they have to offer!

Congratulations to the Realm Awards 2021 Winners

Fifty is a landmark birthday and I chose to spend mine at the Realm Makers Conference last weekend. It was a great decision. My husband John and I joined our son Nathan in St. Louis for a fun-filled weekend of sci-fi, writing, and even sushi. I was able to hear the legendary Frank Peretti speak as well as Steve Laube who I’ve admired as one of the best in our industry for decades. All-in-all, it was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday and I am excited to dig into the load of new books I brought home.

Congratulations to the Realm Awards 2021 Winners

I hope you’ll take a minute to check out the great authors and creators who won in all the categories. I’m hoping to attend next year and maybe you’ll join me?