This is cool! I've met Anita before. I love that she's famous now for being REAL! And check out the great interview with CBS...you can find it on youtube too.

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Lately in addition to balancing writing, homeschool, baby care, and life ... I've also been planning a missions' trip to the Czech Republic. Yesterday I heard amazing news. It's so exciting, and well ... I'm just going to have to fill you in.

Here's the story: I've visited the Czech Republic twice--once in 2000 and once in 2002. I can't describe how I fell in love with the country and the people. John was with me the second time and I told him, "Honey, can't we move here and be missionaries?" At the time it wasn't feasible, but that little seed was planted in my heart.

Fast forward to 2007. I was in Sunday School when this sweet looking young woman sat next to me. I introduced myself and she did too. I noticed her accent right away. She said her name is Sona and she was from the Czech Republic. We talked a little, but because I serve in children's church every week I wasn't able to connect with Sona to tell her how much the Czech Republic meant to me.

Then ... last fall I started teaching Experiencing God. Sona was in my class. (If you haven't taken that Bible Study you MUST.) Anyway, through the class my love for the Czech Republic came up. Sona also shared how she's prayed for three years to be able to return to her country to share her faith. Well, one week the topic was about International missions. Henry Blackaby was talking about looking within your own church. He said that if you have Internationals within your congregation you should ask God why they are there and if you should reach out to their home countries.

That week I was sweeping the church after the Wed. night supper when the idea struck my heart that we should plan a short-term missions trip to the Czech Republic. I ran over to Sona, who was washing dishes and I said, "Sona, we need to go to the Czech Republic next year for a short term missions' trip." Her eyes widened. A smile filled her face. I've been praying about the VERY thing all week!

So, since November I've been checking out different opportunities ... and I found MANY! There were things we liked about each, but yesterday I connected with a project that is a PERFECT fit for our group! I'm so excited. (More details to come!) Of course, now I know of many, many opportunities--more than one team can do.

 So that is where YOU come in. If you are interested in a short-term missions trip in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, PLEASE let me know. I can pass on information. There are WONDERFUL opportunities and ministries that are in need of workers for teaching English (if you speak it, you can teach it!), children's outreach, youth outreach, construction and MORE!

Email me! fromdustandashes@hotmail.com

 

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends! Last week's winner was Cindi Choppes who left a comment on the GenX Parenting blog! Thank you for un-lurking! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

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Time Management 101: Marketing and Speaking

Just a smidge of what I do in regards to marketing and my speaking schedule.

Marketing:

1. I’ve hired a nearly-fulltime assistant to help with marketing. She posts to my blogs, formats my newsletters, sends out packages, etc.

2. I fit my radio interviews, etc. into my calendar. I also schedule in things like email interviews, mailing signed books, etc. I don’t have specific days, but rather specific slots to meet the need.

Speaking:

1. I used to speak two times a month. Now I limit that to four times a year. It takes me days to prepare, days to travel, days to “get back into life.” At this season in my life I need to give time to my family first. This is out-of-town stuff. This doesn’t count in local engagements, which I will take if they fit.

Tricia Goyer was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003. In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion and her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance. She has written hundreds of articles, Bible Study notes, and both fiction and non-fiction books. Visit her at Triciagoyer.com or http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

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I don't have time to write a long blog. So I'm gonna do highlights ... and then you'll understand why there are not extra minutes! 1. From Wed-Sun a.m. we were at the Montana Christian Athletics Association state tournament. After watching dozens of games and cheering (loudly) our girls WON. They got first place! The boys lost two and won one ... Cory didn't get to play due to his torn ACL, but he cheered loudly. 2. Cory got nominated for the Christian Character Award! This is the second year and we were thrilled. 3. I was the "team mom" and I purchased candy for the boy's team to give to the girls team. I also bought t-shirts that the boys team decorated in our hotel room. Some even painted their faces in support of the girls! (The photo is of Cory with his friend Isaac.) 4. While on the road I heard the my sister-in-law is on COMPLETE bed rest for her pregnancy, so I volunteered to take two of her four kids. Brianna (4) is now with my other sister-in-law, but I'll have Samantha 1 1/2) for ... up to four months while Sandy is down. The boys (7 and 3) are with friends. Please pray the baby stays in and develops like he/she should ... and that Sandy can handle the bed rest and missing her kiddos. 5. I had an article to write ... that I finished today. And I need to finish the outline and first two chapters of Blue Like Playdoh by Thursday. I'm trying to get used to working with a baby around. Thank goodness for naps! (Although Samantha is super cute and tons of fun.) Okay, gotto go make dinner. Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends. Congrats to Rowena who STOPPED LURKING last week...she left comments on my shoutlife page! Send me your book choice and mailing address!

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Last week was the rooster post...and it got me thinking...


My great-uncle sent photos of my great-great grandparents (my Grandmother' s grandparents) to her. My grandmother' s whole family is from Mexico, and we've spent the day talking about her childhood. She grew up in No. California in a box car. Her mother never did learn English.

It helps me to remember this--to remember where I came from. Grandma had an outside toilet and no hot water. Half of the box car had their beds. The other half had their kitchen and a small table.

I feel spoiled.

Don't they look like fun, interesting people? (I think the guitar and costume were borrowed :-)




Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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Okay, not real roosters, but ceramic ones. Roosters on plates. A rooster clock.
The thing is ... I don't like roosters. But my grandma does. And when she moved in with us four years ago she brought her feathered friends with her.



I don't notice the rooster much any more, and when I do they make me smile. Some day Grandma won't be around and the roosters will go. Then again, maybe I'll keep them, because they'll remind me of her.

Lately, I've been thinking about the little things that I let bug me. Roosters did for a while, but I'm over that. Dirty dishes in the sink did, but now I really don't notice them. The more I let God work in my heart, it seems, the more I get my mind focused on what's most important. My house used to be perfect, not it's not. I used to be uptight and tense when things weren't in order--now I choose to care for others above things.

Maybe you don't have any roosters hanging around. But maybe you have something that really bugs you. Should it? That's what I ask myself. Will this matter in light of eternity?

Speaking of eternity, I'm planning a missions' trip to the Czech Republic soon. I also know of some awesome opportunities volunteering in a family camp in Slovakia. So, if you're interested let me know and I'll pass on the information!

After all, it's the eternal things that could. And THAT'S something to cockle-doodle-doo about!

Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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3:16 Numbers of Hope, Teen edition

is in stores now!



To celebrate I'm giving away two copies! Leave a comment and I'll draw 2 winners on Febuary 29th.

About the book:
Based on the beloved verse of John 3:16, Max Lucado brings insight to help teens apply this important teaching to their lives.

3:16 is certain to be one of Max's most important titles ever. The book is packaged with a white silicone bracelet with 3:16 printed for a dramatic effect and will be a tremendous conversation starter and outreach tool for teens.
Max offers his unique and simple storytelling for this important message while Tricia Goyer (that's me!) writes teen responses to Max's message, guiding teens to fully understand how this verse can impact their lives. From confession to praise, these responses are sure to bring an insightful look into the personal faith of teens.

Buy the book here


Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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Your husband? Hopefully.
Your kids? Yes.
God. YES!

What about the stuff you do in your daily life? Can you honestly say you're following your passions?

This is a quote from Debbie Macomber's book Knit Together. If you haven't read it I highly recommend it. It's about Debbie's journey to becoming a NY Times Best-selling author. The thing I loved the most was seeing Debbie's heart for God.

“Passion shouldn’t always be equated with fun. But if what you’re doing doesn’t spur you to experience joy or a sense of accomplishment, or provoke something inside you that makes you want to keep going, it’s time to take a step back and reexamine what you’re doing and whether the purpose you’re pursuing is really the purpose God has in mind.”

If you take a step back and examine your pursuits, what do you find?

Think about the things you do day-to-day. Are there things you're doing because you didn't want to say no? Are there things you could pass off to someone else in order to pursue your passion?

I can't tell you I LOVE 100% of my moments writing. Or LOVE 100% the business part of writing. But I'm passionate about spreading God's Word through words. I love it! How about you?


Winner, Winner, Winner!
123 Pizza Stopped Lurking! Send me an email with your name, address and which Tricia Goyer book you'd like!



Stop Lurking! Every week I will draw names for a free Tricia Goyer book from those who comment on my blogs. Winner's choice! Tell your friends.

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I have to sit down and work. I have to make goals. I have to meet goals.

I've also found out that the more discipline I have in life the better my writing goes.

I learned that when I have the discipline to eat right and exercise I sleep better, wake up with energy, and I can get more done. If I don't eat right, I feel sluggish and I need naps ... lots of them. I got a recumbent bike that allows me to exercise and read at the same time. Perfect!

Of course, discipline/joy that helps me the most is having daily quiet time. When I take time to read, pray, praise, journal my heart is on-fire and my mind is ready to work.

Over the last 8 months or so I've been disciplined in using the calendar in Outlook. I schedule everything: Bible reading, exercise, writing time, interviews, making dinner, phone meetings--everything. It also helps me as I fill in my to-do list. When I put everything into their own slots I get a realistic look at what I can accomplish--instead of being disappointed at the end of the day because I didn't accomplish as much as I hoped. Also, if another "to-do" comes to mind, I plug it in. Sometimes I schedule it days, weeks, or even months out. I've discovered that when I do this I don't have to worry about that "to-do" anymore because I know I have a plan and it will get done. It also feels good to check things off!

I also make church service a priority. Not service, the noun, but service the verb. My husband and I volunteer in children's church every week and every Wednesday I'm part of a small group study. It helps me to interact and give and serve. We also have a couples' small group every Monday night in our home. The six other couples are our best friends, and it's a great time. It is good to connect with real people!

Of course, being disciplined is HARD WORK. It's easy to make plans, but it's harder to follow through. My eating was good today. My exercise was not. I didn't have quiet time, because I had to take my grandma to the doctor. Some days are better than others, but it's a good reminder that this is a process. We are on pilgrimage, and I trust when I'm working at it day after day, then I will grow closer to God as I disciple myself and as I seek His strength in all these areas.


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I just have to share this email I got from my friend Amy! Earlier in the week, I was doing a radio inerview for my new book Generation NeXt Marriage. I sent an email to a few of my friends to have them call into the show...fun. Later that day Amy sent me this...

Oh Tricia ~

(Let me preface what I'm about to say by telling you that today was a snow day—no school. When it snows here, the world stops. So annoying)

OMG…I should have had my question already prepared…It all happened so fast.

I dialed the phone like a zombie—the email told me to… I never expected anyone to pick up on the first ring. Then when she asked what I’d like to ask you, it was total deer in the headlights. I froze. So I asked some stupid generational question…then she said okay, hold on…and I thought to myself, "come on think of a good question".

Of course, I couldn’t think of anything so I started flipping through the book…2 seconds later I was on the air and said the first thing that popped into my head…then as you started to answer my daughter burst in the door crying because her brother had just thrown a snow ball down her back…then for some reason the car alarm started honking.

Total chaos…I don’t think I heard any of your answer…all I could think was “I hope this isn’t coming through the phone”.

I kept trying to move away from the kids, but they and their loudness kept following. Very interesting experience to say the least… how did the rest of it go?




Ha, ha...too funny!


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