Welcome to the blog of author Tricia Goyer!

Monday, June 30, 2008

SHADOWS AT THE WINDOW by Linda Hall


SHADOWS AT THE WINDOW:

Shadows at the Window is the second in my ‘shadows’ trilogy. The women in these series of books must deal with and work through the ‘shadows’ in their pasts before they can make peace and find love in the present. In the first of the series, Shadows at the Mirror, the main character doesn't know anything about her past. It’s a mystery she must uncover.

In this release, Shadows at the Window, main character Lilly Johnson knows her past all too well, and it’s one she’d rather forget. Because it’s so abhorrent to her, she’s made up a series of lies that she tells her fiancĂ©. But, the past has a way of catching up with the present, and when people in her past show up, her first inkling is to run. But, that would mean leaving everything behind, and that’s something she’s not willing to do now.

BIO:

Linda Hall is the award-winning author of fifteen mystery and romantic suspense novels and many short stories. Her latest release, Shadows at the Window (July ’08) is a Romantic Times Top Pick for the month, and the first in her shadows trilogy, Shadows in the Mirror is a winner in The Word Guild’s Canadian Christian Writing Awards. It is also a finalist in the Reader’s Choice Awards.

In addition, both Sadie’s Song and Steal Away were short listed for the Christy Award. Steal Away was a Daphne finalist, the Beacon Award winner for Best Inspirational Novel, the Winter Rose Award Winner for Best Inspirational Novel, and was given the Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers.

Linda is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the American Christian Fiction Writers, The Word Guild and the Crime Writers of Canada.

Most of her novels have something to do with the sea. Linda grew up in New Jersey and it was there that her love of the ocean was born. In 1971 she married a Canadian and has lived in Canada since then. She has worked as a news reporter and feature writer for a number of years and also has written curriculum for adult literacy programs.

In 1990 she decided to do something she’d always dreamed of doing, she began working on a novel. Since that time she has written fifteen.

Linda and her husband enjoy sailing, are both very involved in CPS (The boating safety group in Canada) and both have achieved the highest level in that organization, namely Senior Navigator.

She and her husband have two grown children and three (soon to be four) wonderful grandchildren and they make their home in the Canadian maritime province of New Brunswick. (Just drive to the end of I-95 and turn right.)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 30)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Another author chimes in today with his terrific response to the question, Wayne Thomas Batson! Here's what he had to say!

Don't just write about what you know. I know, I know...you've heard other author's say it; you've heard your teachers preach it: write what you know. And the theory behind that advice is good. Write about what you know because you have the inside info, the details, and the experience to write about that topic or field. You play county soccer? Good, now go write a story about a character who plays county soccer. You have piano practice every Thursday? Wonderful, now go write about a character who plays piano. Now that's fine advice if you're writing for an audience of one or two. Will it work to get you published? Uh...not so much.

Read the rest here!

--Wayne Thomas Batson, author of the Door Within trilogy, as well as Isle of Swords. Visit him online at his blog here.


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Thursday, June 26, 2008

Writing Conferences

I recommend that all wanna-be-authors attend Christian Conferences--for teaching, for community, and for contacts. Here are some coming soon! (I thought I'd posted this earlier...but I see that I haven't. Sorry some of these have already past or are going on now...but keep them in mind for next year.)

CONFERENCES:
June 4-7, 1008. Write to Publish Conference.

June 13-14, 2008. Dayton Christian Writer's Conference. Englewood, Ohio.

June 16-21, 2008. St David's Christian Writer's Conference. Grove City, PA. Featuring Sally Stuart, Jane Kirkpatrick, Robbie Hess and Lisa Crayton.

July 13-17, 2008. ICRS- Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL. More info: See some workshop information below.
WHILE AT ICRS-
July 14 and 15, 200, 8 AM to Noon. Get Published Now - Directed by Linda Gilden. In this fast-paced, two-morning workshop, Linda Gilden and personal mentors will work with you one-one-one to edit and rewrite your original piece of work. Completed articles will be compiled into an anthology published following ICRS.
8:00 am - 12:00 Noon

July 14-17, 2008. Publishing Connections Conference presented by CLASServices www.classervices.com. Call 800-433-6633.

July 14 & 15, 2008, 1 PM to 5 PM. Book Proposal Blitz - Directed by Tama Westman. What do you need to get your book proposal crafted, written and ultimately sold? This hands-on workshop with Tama Westman will help you refine and polish all aspects of your book proposal in just 2 afternoons so you can pitch your book idea with confidence, knowing you have a polished proposal to present. Bring your laptop, your work-in-progress and let's get busy in a blitz to success! Dan Penwell, AMG Editor, will start our workshop off with a bang with critical information for a successful book proposal. Dan will briefly share his tips on How to Make an Editor Sit Up and Beg!

August 7-9, 2008. Greater Philadelphia Writer's Conference at Philadelphia Biblical University.

September 8-12, 2008. Maranatha Christian Writers Conference. Muskegon, Michigan. More info:

September 29-October 2, 2008. Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference. North East, Maryland

November 7-8, 2008. Write2Ignite! A Christian Children's Communicators Conference.

March 29, 2009. Christian Cruisers Club Writers Cruise. Will set sail from Miami, FL. Destinations include San Juan, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, U.S.V.I. and St. Martin/Sint Maarten, N.A.

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 29)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Terri Blackstock had this to say: My one bit of advice would be, "Don't get it right, get it written." I heard someone say this years ago when I was struggling to get started. At the time, I wrote the first three chapters over and over, editing and polishing, then I'd lose interest in the rest of the book and not finish. This piece of advice changed everything for me. Once I decided to write the whole first draft without judgment, and without going back to rewrite, I was able to keep my momentum building and finish a book. THEN I could begin rewriting. But once I get the first draft down, rewriting is easy. No matter how much rewriting is needed, I know I can do it because I've already written the whole book once.

--Terri Blackstock, author of the Restoration series, Newpointe 911 series, Cape Refuge series, and many more novels. Visit her online at her website here.

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Are you interested in writing your first novel?

Here are seven EASY steps to get you started.

1. Check out my blog:
www.mywritingmentor.blogspot.com

2. And this blog:
http://stuartmarket.blogspot.com/

3. And this website:
http://www.spiritledwriter.com/

4. And join: www.acfw.com

5. And join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TWV2/

6. Also, I highly recommend these books:
The Christian Writer's Market
The First Five Pages
Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction

7. Finally, (which I would highly recommend) you can order CD Workshops from here: http://www.mounthermon.org/writers/forms/CD_Order_Form_06.pdf


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

Friday, June 20, 2008

The truth is writers should be readers.

Are you? What do you read?

What I read:

Magazines: Today's Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Focus on the Family, Discipleship Journal, Women's Day, Good Housekeeping, etc. And People (Yes, you read that right).

Newspaper: Our local paper daily. Sometimes USA Today.

Non-fiction: Recently Andrew Murray's books Absolute Surrender and The True Vine (finished this morning), Sit, Stand, Walk by Watchman Nee and lots of other classics. This is my FAVORITE category, and I read these more than any other.

Memoirs: Girl Meets God. White China. 90 Minutes in Heaven. The Middle Place. A Romance Education.

Fiction: The Shack was my latest. I started Pride and Prejudice.

Travel: Currently, The Czechs in a Nutshell and Prague: Then and Now.

I'm also partial to cereal boxes, food labels, the small print on anything.

I read at least thirty minutes a day while I ride on my exercise bike.

And when I travel.

At lunch.

And in the bath.

And when I'm tired of writing for the day.


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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 28)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

Matt Bronleewe: Besides being a successful novelist, Matt is also an acclaimed producer (Plumb, Rebecca St. James, Leeland). It's interesting to have the perspective of someone involved in more than one creative art.

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

It sounds so cliche, but it's the truth: Be true to yourself. But what does that mean? It means don't write something just because you think other people will like it. If it doesn't inspire you, chances are it won't inspire other people either. Every day, I can't wait to sit down and start typing, and that gets me through the hard places along the winding road. I couldn't do that if I was trying to guess what people wanted. They'd probably want Chick Lit or something and I'd just butcher it anyway, so I'm way better off writing what I LIKE, which is THRILLERS. Forget "write what you know". Write what you LOVE. Write whatever gets you fired up enough to stay up all night fueled by nothing more than Mountain Dew and Twinkies and a blinding passion to find out what happens to your characters next. And write, dang-nab-it, write!! Stop telling all your friends about the book you're GOING TO WRITE, the one you're going to bang out after the entire world has stopped in silence long enough for you to get inspired and WRITE!!
Read the rest 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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

So cool!

My inbox overfloweth with all the comments about my segment on Moody Midday Connection concerning Generation NeXt Marriage. If you missed it, you can listen to the podcast here:
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_programarchive.aspx?id=11156

And if you loved it ... (or even liked it a little) I'd really appreciate it if you sent feedback at: midday@moody.edu

They love hearing comments about shows, and I love knowing you enjoyed the show!

Now I'm off to the dentist ... can you see the forced smile :-)

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.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 27)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Sharon Hinck: I think two qualities are important in serving God – whether through writing or other callings: Availability and Authenticity. Show up. Be real.

--Sharon Hinck, author of the Sword of Lyric series (NavPress), Secret Life of Becky Miller series (Bethany House), and Symphony of Secrets (Bethany House). Visit her online at her website 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.

Monday, June 16, 2008

My 20 Wishes...

Greetings from SUNNY Montana, which is nice. Very nice, since there was snow last week.

I just got back from a week away in Florida with my husband. John went to a Microsoft Conference and I wrote in the hotel room ... and, of course, occasionally hung out at the pool. You should see the PILES of stuff waiting on my desk!

I'm currently juggling three late summer/fall book deadlines, AND I'm leading a team of 19 adults and teens to the Czech Republic July 27th-August 11th. Add one high school graduation, one huge 16th birthday bash, one child's knee surgery, a media tour, and lots of FUNDRAISING and I've discovered a new favorite drink ... CranENERGY. :-)

Anyway, back to the 20 Wishes ...

Here are mine:

1. That we would get the $15,000 we still need for our missions' trip. We've raised over $30,000 so far!!! (It's expensive to take 19 people to Europe for 19 days.)
2. That we will make heart-friends with the Czech people.
3. That we will welcome knew brothers and sisters into God's kingdom during the trip.
4. That we will be a blessing to the Czech church, and we will be blessed.
5. For blessings on our adoption from China. And that I'll be patient during the long wait.
6. For our future daughter, whoever she is.
7. That my son Cory's knees will heal fast and that it will be clear it's God's doing.
8. That Cory will grow in his faith during his summer internship.
9. That John and I will step into the roles of friend/mentors and that Cory will step up to the plate and make wise decisions for everything concerning his future.
10. That Leslie and Nathan will also grow in their faith.
11. For Andrea our soon-to-be foreign exchange student. That she will have safe travel here in August and fit into our family well.
12. For my husband's children's church curriculum to find a way to reach churches and communities.
13. For God to do something big in me and in the message and words of my book Blue Like Play-doh.
14. For God's hand on the two novels I'm working on.
15. For better sales for my current books-in-print ... so their message will touch hearts.
16. For better sales for my current books-in-print ... so I can continue to write more.
17. For national media opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.
18. For peace and trust in God in all circumstances.
19. For discipline, will-power, and self-control in taking care of myself--God's temple.
20. That I may surrender to God for all!

Okay, looking back, I suppose these "wishes" are great prayer request, too. I covet your prayers!

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

Interview

Hi there!

I just wanted to remind you that I'll be on Moody's Mid-Day Connection Today!

If you don't get it on your local radio station tune in here:
http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx

You can listen LIVE at 12:00 p.m. CST. (Or 11:00 a.m. Montana!!)

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

Friday, June 13, 2008

Meet Kathy Carlton Willis

I thought Kathy had some great advice...I totally agree with her about outsourcing! I have found that by hiring a virtual assistant and having someone come in to cook and clean a few times a week, I'm freed up to write, write, write!

Take it away Kathy...

Many are surprised I spin as many plates as I do. They advise me to let some drop. But the thing is, each one allows me to do the others better. I learned to face it a long time ago that I just love fiddling with words, whether it is writing, editing, speaking, publicity or other. So that's why I started Kathy Carlton Willis Communications...it lets me spin all those plates at once.

That said, there are many things I've learned to stop doing-or say "no" to doing:

+ I no longer have the Superwoman complex. I don't HAVE to do all things, I just need to do what I do WELL. This has really freed me from the expectations I used to have on myself, and freed me from the guilt trips others tried to place on me.

+ I don't shop as often as many women do (groceries or other). By limiting the amount of shopping I do, and streamlining it, I'm not behind a cart...I'm
behind the computer.

+ I set mini-goals and I don't check e-mail until I check off a task. Otherwise, I can rabbit track all day long and not have anything accomplished. Interruptions disrupt creative processing, whether it is writing, editing, pitching angles for PR, or whatever. By allowing myself to focus on the task at hand, I have better quality control, and it gets done in a more timely manner. THEN I check e-mail before going on to the next task. Same thing for answering the phone. I check caller ID and if it isn't a business call, I don't take the call. I allow them to use my voice mail if I'm in the middle of a task. I live in a parsonage, and so this is an important one. The church members are learning that my husband loves to take calls from them; they do not have to call me at home to take a message for him!

+ I delegate to others what I don't have to do. I have part-time or by-the-project help: a virtual assistant, an in-town assistant, a housecleaner and an accountant. I don't have to know how to do math to know it's better to pay someone else less per hour so that I can make more per hour on a different project. I don't have to be the one stuffing envelopes, which frees me to more
creative thinking for my projects.

+ I'm a pastor's wife, and I serve in a variety of capacities at church, but I don't allow myself to be buried by the "ought to" mentality many try to place on PWs. I know what I'm called to do, and my God, my husband, and my church welcome me to serve in those capacities, but I "just say no" to chores not a part of my calling, my giftedness, or my schedule. This is a big one. I used to think I had to be at everything and then I realized my husband doesn't come to work with me, and I don't have to go to work with him! I am faithful to church, but I don't have to travel with him to meetings.

This is a great topic!

Kathy Carlton Willis, TWV1 moderator
freelance writer, editor, book doctor, speaker, writer's coach, publicist and
MORE!


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

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 26)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Bill Meyers...Bill's books and films have won 40 national and international awards. He's the co-creator of McGee and Me, and the author of books such as Blood of Heaven, The Seeing, and the forthcoming The Voice.I'm thrilled he stopped by to give his response to the question:

My advice for writing? Easy. Write. Write every day. If you want to be a writer, write. Don't talk about it, don't dream about it, don't read about it (they all help but only a little). Write. Don't wait for inspiration or look for excuses. Do it whether you feel like it or not. Carve out two hours before work and write. Or carve out two hours after the kids are in bed and write. If not two hours one. If not one, thirty minutes. If not thirty minutes, fifteen. If not fifteen look for something else to do. I never think of writing a book, just writing for six hours, six days a week and eventually it turns into a book, or short story, or article. But it never would happen if I didn't write, re-write and keep writing.

--Bill Myers, author of The Voice, The Seeing, The Forbidden Doors series, and much more. Visit him online at his website 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.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

What are YOUR 20 wishes?

A friend passed this along to me...and of course, I'm sharing it with you!

Debbie Macomber has a great interview up on CNN right now that I thought everyone here might enjoy!

Way to go, Debbie!

I love the premise of her new book, where a character writes a list of her twenty greatest wishes. And I love the Set Your Wish Free web site Debbie has set up. Reading some of the wishes that have already been posted was a deeply moving experience.

If you were to write a list of your top twenty wishes, what would they be?

So I ask you...what your 20 wishes?

I'll post mine soon!


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.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 25)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"


Here is what Jan Stob had to say:
I would tell aspiring authors to read.

Read the classics. Read books on writing. Read books in your genre. I can't tell you how often I meet prospective authors who are writing fiction yet state that they don't like to read fiction. This is a huge red flag for me. I want to know that the reader has read their competition and has a grasp on the market. I want them to be reading classics and comparing different writing styles. Reading will not alter your ability to have a unique voice. It will enhance your unique voice and help you find ways to make it stronger.

--Jan Stob, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Tyndale House Publishers.


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.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Sparkpeople

This isn't about writing, but...I like to pass on great resources.

Need to lose weight? Want encouragement? Need recipes for healthy foods? Need someone to help you track your goals?

My sisters and I joined Sparkpeople last week and we LOVE it. So far I lost three pounds. If you want to know more watch this short video. (Honestly, they are not paying me to say this ... I really love it!)

This short clip tells you more about the site:
Also, be sure to check out my page! And, if you join, ask me to be a friend ... we can encourage each other.



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

Friday, June 6, 2008

Home to Heather Creek



I thought you would be interested in the new Guideposts original series, Home to Heather Creek!

About the series: Charlotte Stevenson’s world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise’s children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska. More

Check it out!!!

I wrote Book #2, Sweet September!
Harvest time at Heather Creek Farm is an exciting time, but the kids don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. One day while he’s wandering through the fields, Christopher stumbles across an old piece of metal buried in the ground. He doesn’t know what it is, but he hides it in the shed.

That night, the garden by the house is uprooted. Who could have done such a thing? Charlotte is determined to find out, but is distracted when she gets news that Sam is failing school. The sullen teen is indifferent and won’t study. He starts spending a lot of time with Pete. Though she loves her son dearly, Pete never finished high school, and Charlotte is afraid he’ll encourage Sam to do the same. How can she help him get back on track?

A gripping story that examines the Stevenson family’s history as well as its shaky future, Sweet September will bring you deeper into the loving community of Bedford and the deep ties of love that bind this broken family together. As they forge new connections, you’ll be entertained, inspired, and reminded that God’s grace can make all things new. Buy the book here.

This book was a lot of fun for me. A departure from the rigorous historical research and a chance to try my hand at something contemporary.

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.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 24)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"


Amanda Bostic shares her insight: There’s so much good advice already posted here, but the one thing I would add is to make sure you know what your hook is. If you can’t distill your story into one or two sentences that immediately pique someone’s curiosity, the idea probably needs to stew in your creative juices for awhile longer. What makes your story stand out from everything else that is coming across an editor’s desk? And from all the other books on the shelves? Keep finessing and dreaming until you hit on that element that makes your novel fresh, unique, and so compelling that it can’t be passed by.

--Amanda Bostic, Associate Acquisitions Editor, Fiction, Thomas Nelson.

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.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Check this out!

If you like Tricia Goyer...we recommend...go here to see!

Can you think of any other match ups???

Tell me who you think should go with how and I'll enter you in a drawing for a free book!



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

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Advice for Novelists (Part 23)

C.J. Darlington, co-founder of TitleTrakk, is running a great series on her blog: She started a series of blog posts in which industry professionals (editors, agents, publicists, authors, etc.) share their responses to this question:

"If you could say one thing to aspiring novelists, what would you say?"

Andy Meisenheimer: It's tough to come up with one thing without cheating. (Yes, I'm looking at you, Steve Laube and Andy McGuire.) And tough to come up with something that hasn't already been said.

But I do have one thing that I think is very important when it comes to the lifestyle of being an aspiring novelist. Communication is cheap, and as a result, there's plenty of recycled wisdom and free praise to be had, especially online. Disconnect from the web and spend your time at your local library. Read and savor the brilliant writers of the past fifty years. Read the rest here.

--Andy Meisenheimer, Acquisitions Editor, Zondervan. Visit Andy online at his blog 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.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Fuel for the Fire!

“God created you . . . every little detail about you. He gave you life and special gifts to fulfill a unique purpose in this world . . . a mission He planned just for you. God knows you better and loves you more than anyone ever could. He is your wise Father and faithful friend who takes great joy in you.”

“However humble our circumstances or undramatic our talents, our true purpose has been revealed. We are meant to be this person at this time and place. Not only for ourselves, but for you and other people—we are meant to make this particular contribution to the world. And so we must do it well. Do it with faith and patience, with all our strength and passion. And in so doing discover who we really are.” -- Marjorie Holmes

“We forget in this day of instant satisfaction that none of our talents come full-grown. It’s only as we cultivate them that they begin to mature and multiply. The more we use them, the more others are blessed through them. Soon we discover that God has given us a multitude of gifts and equipped us with endless resources.” – Hope McDonald

“There is only one way to bring peace to the heart, joy to the mind, and beauty to life; it is to accept and do the will of God.” -- William Barclay

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