Making wise decisions that impact the future.

In the eighteen hundreds two families from New York State and their descendents were studied by a researcher named Dugdale. What he found further illustrates the truth of Psalm 112:1-2.

1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. 2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.

Max Jukes and his brother married sisters. They did not believe in Christian training. They had 1,026 descendants. Three hundred of them died very young. Many others had poor health. At least 140 of them served time in the penitentiary for an average of 13 years each; 190 were public prostitutes; and there were 100 drunkards in the group.

Over a hundred-year period the Juke’s descendents cost the state $1,200,000. With inflation and more liberal welfare programs today, these two brothers and their families could easily cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Contrast the misery experiences and caused by the Jukes family with another record:

Jonathan Edwards became a Christian and married a girl of like belief. After graduating from Yale in 1720, he became a preacher. From their union, he and his wife had 729 descendants. Among them were 300 preachers, 65 college professors, 13 university presidents, 60 authors, 3 congressmen, and a vice president of the United States. Except for Aaron Burr, a grandson of Edwards who married a girl of questionable character, the family did not cost the state a single dollar.

The mark difference between the two families was the basic training of the children which include both philosophy and practice.

Being Available to God part 1

Being Available to God

Thirty-six years ago there was a single, young woman about to give birth. She was young and didn’t know how she could afford a child without her parent’s help. She hadn’t talked to her former boyfriend in months. She had no idea how to reach him. How to tell him she was having his child.

This young woman attended church some, yet her dialogue with God was stilted. How could God let this happen to her? What would her life be like now?

A baby girl was born, and upon holding her child this young lady knew things would be okay. Perhaps this baby was a gift, not a burden as she supposed.

This woman raised her daughter the best she could, and while she wanted to give her child more than she had . . . history has a way of repeating itself. When the daughter became a young woman she found herself in the same situation—living at home, pregnant, scared.

The daughter knew she could raise this child. After all, her mom had done it. But what would her life be like? How could God let this happen to her?

If you haven’t guessed already. I was the daughter. Born to a single mom, and as a teenager becoming a single mom myself. At age seventeen God gave me a son. My boyfriend was out of the picture, and I faced raising a child alone with little education, no money, and maybe according to the world, little hope for my future.

Now if you take this story at face value, I am nothing more than a statistic. According to government research, most daughters of young mothers go on to be teen mothers themselves. They face lives of hardship, living on welfare for the most part—becoming a burden rather than an asset to society.

Yet, I am not a statistic. And you know why I’m not a statistic? Because God doesn’t do them.

Did you hear that?

God doesn’t do statistics. In fact, He likes to blow them out of the water.

You see, God has a history of seeing something that no one else does. Like seeing a king in a shepherd boy named David, seeing an apostle in a young zealot named Paul, and seeing a mighty warrior in a frightened no-body named Gideon.

God has X-ray eyes that see right through any outward characteristics or any national statistics. His X-ray eyes scan down to the heart.

And what did God see? He must have seen something worthwhile. Because . . .

At age 37, I’m a multi-published author of magazine articles, Bible study notes, curriculum, and fifteen books. My book for teenage mothers was nominated for a prestigious award. I’m a national speaker, traveling to share God’s good news.

While in my twenties I helped to launch a Crisis Pregnancy Center, helped start numerous abstinence programs, and launched support groups for Teen Moms.

Now, if I were not a believer, all these would be things I could really tout. But honestly, I can say that it doesn’t have to do with me at all.

It’s about:
A BIG God with BIG dreams.
A God who has made an agreement with me that is eternal, final, and sealed.
A God who is constantly look after my safety and success.
A God who is be strong in my weakness.
A God who sees the future, sees the past and has a perfect plan for me.

Well, I guess the whole truth is that I do have something to do with it. It’s only a little something, but I guess it makes a pretty big difference. See God can be all those things in my life, only if I let Him.

There is one thing I must do . . . and that is Be Available.

Of course, I didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Here I am. God use me.” I didn’t just clear my schedule and wait for God to show up.

Rather, the steps towards my availability were a work-in-progress. They started on the day I was six months pregnancy and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I like to look at that as Day One.

In those nineteen years from then to now, I’ve learned a lot.

#1 The first thing I learned about being available to God is sometimes being available means stepping away from status quo. For me that meant moving 1,000 miles away. Seriously, 1,000 miles.

You see, after I gave my heart to the Lord, I birthed a beautiful son. Not too long later, God gave me an amazing, Christian husband and two more children. Then He asked us to move . . . (in a round about way.)

First, God put us into a community of like-minded people. Our friends longed for a simple life away from the hurry and worry in California.

Next, He placed a desire in our hearts to raise our children in a better place. A place called Montana. We’d talk about it with our friends, we’d dreamt about it, and hoped that many someday it would come true.

Then, we decided to pray. My husband and I got on our knees and prayed that IF it was God’s desire He would make it clear. John was just graduated from college, and I was raising three small children under the age of 5.

We knew we’d be leaving our families, leaving our friends, leaving everything we knew. We had no job in Montana, no money to move, in fact we’d never even been there before! Still, we had a desire. One we couldn’t shake.

At the time, my husband sold computers on commission in a small store. He’d usually sell 1-2 a week. He went to work the next day after our joint-prayer, and sold 11 computers! Enough to pay off our current bills, enough to move and live on. It was the confirmation we’d been looking for.

So we did it. We packed up our three kids and moved. Our families thought we were crazy. They were sure we were joining some commune or something. We saw Kalispell for the first time as we drove in will our stuff. Within one week we were renting a house. Within three weeks, my husband had a far better job than he had in California. Within six months we’d purchased our first house. Within one year we were plugged into an amazing church and ministering to children in ways we’d always dreamed of.

That was lesson #1. We serve a BIG God with BIG dreams.

You have to believe this. If you don’t believe in a BIG God with BIG dreams there’s no use being available. But when you trust that fact. Trust God completely. Trust His dreams, THEN you can also trust Him to lead you to the right path.

Seeing God-at-work. Seeing what He did with our lives when we were available made me hungry for more. I wanted to experience God at work like that again.

Henry and Mel Blackaby says, “Watching the activity of God from a distance can never compare with the thrill of being full involved in the Spirit’s active work.”

You have to want God. Not want to work for Him. Or learn about Him. But want Him. You have to want to experience Him at work in your lives. You have to be hungry for what only He can give—a hope and a future.

Sweet September blog tour...and CONTEST!

Catch the buzz at these awesome blogs! Many of the bloggers have copies of Sweet September to give-away! (hint, hint!)

Make sure to check out the fun contest below!

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.

Contest!!!!!

Since Sweet September is all about family, Tricia wants to meet yours.

Leave a comment on this post sharing who your favorite family member is (think beyond hubby and kids) and why.

You'll be entered into a drawing to win William-Sonoma’s Pumpkin Harvest Loaf Pan & Quick Bread Set.

YUM!

Go here to enter and CATCH THE BUZZ!

I was so ashamed.

I had my son Cory when I was 17-years-old. One day I was an honor roll student and cheerleader. The next day I found out I was going to be a teen mom.

I was so ashamed. Everyone knew and teen pregnancy isn't something you can hide. Yet finding out I was pregnant also made me grow up. It made me think about life and what I was going to do with my future.

Before I found out I was pregnant I had no plan. I dated different guys and I drank on weekends with my friends. After I knew I was going to be a mom I knew I had a child to care for.

I broke up with my boyfriend. He decided he didn't want to be a dad. My parents helped me as much as they could. I lived at home and I took classes from a "community school" to get my high school diploma.

I graduated with my class, and I registered for college. It was also during this time I met someone new.

John Goyer was the son of a pastor. He was kind and caring. He loved me and my son. We started dating when Cory was two weeks old and we were married when Cory was 9-months old. We are still married today, and we have two more children. In fact, I had three children by the time I was 22-years-old.

Marriage is not easy for anyone, but John and I made a commitment for life. We've struggled at times (like when an old boyfriend emailed me and messed with my emotions!), but overcoming our struggles have brought us closer. I'm 37-years-old and I've been married 18 years! A success if I say so myself.

More than that, John believed in my dreams. I wanted to be a writer, and he encouraged me. I attended writer's conferences and I wrote while my kids napped. We were dirt poor, but John made my dreams a priority.
I still don't have a college education, but I trained myself to be a writer at home. I read books on writing and sent out queries and proposals. I received many rejections at first, but I didn't give up.

In 1997 a literary agent noticed my talent. I was still unpublished, but Janet Grant took interest in me. Today I'm the author of 300 articles for national publication. I'm also the author of 15 books for publishers like Random House, Harper Collins, and Focus on the Family.

We should do all we can to prevent teen pregnancy ... BUT we should also offer hope to teen moms. Teen pregnancy is not the end. In fact, it could be a key moment when a young woman makes positive decisions to live a better life for herself and her baby.

Working to eliminate teen pregnancy!

What's the buzz echoing over the airwaves? The media attention over the fact that Bristol Palin, daughter of Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin is pregnant at 17-years-old.

With the buzz, two questions are on our minds. If a teen finds herself pregnant are the parents to blame? Or should we point our fingers at the teen’s own bad choices?

We ask because the issue hits home. If someone like, Governor Sarah Palin, who has her act together well enough to be on the Republican ticket is facing her daughter’s teen pregnancy, what hope is there for the rest of us?

If you don’t want your daughter to be one of the one million teen girls who find themselves pregnant every year, consider this:

1. Be a Role Model. Our kids often follow where we lead. Consider your life. Are you living with integrity? Are you only having sex within the bounds of marriage? The saying, “Do what I say not what I do” never works.

2. Talk about what love is. Love is not sex. Going “all the way” with someone doesn’t prove your love. (No matter what they show on television.) True love is shown through life-long commitment and by valuing the other person. Remind teens that they are the one responsible for setting sexual limits on a relationship. Remind young women, “Sex won't make him yours. A baby won't make him stay.”

3. Remind kids it CAN happen to them. Having sex, even so called "protected" sex, can lead to pregnancy. It can happen even to kids from a good family. The only way to 100% prevent pregnancy is to not have sex.

4. Emphasize that even “good girls” get pregnant. Having a good report card, being a good person, having an important parent, or being conscientious will not protect you from pregnancy. According to teenpregnancy.org, 1 in 3 young women get pregnant at least once before they turn 20--good girls included.

5. Let your daughter know that most teens wished they had waited. Sex before marriage can not only lead to pregnancy, but there are other health concerns, such as STDs. There is also emotional baggage. According to teenpregnancy.org, 60% of teens “wished they had waited longer” to have sex.

6. Encourage your teen to plan her actions BEFORE the situation arises. Talk about set boundaries and not putting herself in situations that will cause her to compromise those decisions. Help her make good plans for her future and stick to goals.

7. Talk about media’s wrong messages. The media (television, radio, movies, music videos, magazines, the Internet) are chock full of material sending the wrong messages. Just because we see everyone in Hollywood having sex and having babies, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Babies are a responsibility, not a fashion accessory.

8. Encourage secondary purity. Teens can say “no” even if they’ve said "yes" before. Today your daughter can make the right choice and choose abstinence.

9. Realize parents can only do so much … but make sure it’s done! As a parent, you cannot be around your child 24/7. Yet, we can do our best to prepare our daughters. Don’t wait.

10. Let you kids know you are available to talk about every issue in life. It's also important for parents to open up a two way conversation, not a one-way lecture. Parents can do this by turning the above topics into questions such as: What are your boundaries? Do you think sex proves you love someone? What do you think of the messages media gives out?

Let your voice be heard...
Does the fact that vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's unwed teenage daughter is pregnant alter your opinion of her as a White House hopeful?
Answer here


Need help talking to your teens? My Life, Unscripted (Thomas Nelson) is a book for teen girls, encouraging them to script their lives instead of being caught up in the drama and emotions of the moment.

A former teen mom, Tricia Goyer is also the author of Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom

Request-A-Book!

New Contest...Request-A-Book and Win a gift card to CBD!

Want to help me out? I'd love to get my books into more libraries--YOURS!

To participate in Request-A-Book all you have to do is check out your local library (you can probably do it on-line even) and see if they carry any Tricia Goyer books. If they don't, simply fill out your libraries Request A Book form or give the request to your librarian. And, if they only have a few Tricia Goyer titles, then request one or two they don't carry.

When you're done, send me a little note via my contact page on my website (here) to let me know.

I'll enter your name into a drawing for a $25 gift card to CBD (www.christianbook.com)! Fun. Easy.

You can find a list of my books and ISBNs here.The contest ends 10/15/08! Winners will be announced in the next newsletter and on my blog!

TWITTERdom

I've been doing a lot of writing lately, at 160 characters at a time. Twitter is sort of like blog, but only shorter. It's a way to keep track of what your friends are up to. It's also a great way to meet new friends.

You can check out my profile at:
http://twitter.com/triciagoyer

If you're at all interested at what I do all day ... that will tell you!

That Girl

I just had to brag on my son. I knew you'd all appreciate it. This is a poem 19-year-old (never been kissed) Cory wrote. This is a photo of him with the girls he interned with at church this summer--his friends. Isn't the poem sweet?


That girl, by Cory Goyer

That girl
I don't know her hair color
I don't know her smile
I don't know her laugh
I don't know the color of her eyes
Or her favorite song
I don't know her passions
I don't know the thing she hates
I don't know her face
I don't know where she likes to hide
Or the twinkle in her eye
I don't know if I know her
But I know she is that girl

I would give my life for that girl
I would give up everything for that girl
I would die for that girl
I would live for that girl
I would love that girl
I would care for that girl
I would take care of that girl
All for that girl

I know she is beautiful
I know she is smart
I know she is wonderful
I know she is funny
I know she is amazing
I know she is mine
I know she is that girl

She may not know it yet
For I surely don't
She may mat not love me yet
But I know she will
Because I know I will love her
With all that I have
She may not even know me yet
But she will know me more than anyone

She may has a past
Wrong things
Regrets
Sorrows
But I will not see these things
I will wipe away her sorrows
I will not remember her wrong doings
I will not regret
Because if everything
She has ever done
Will lead her to me
Then I thank her past

So God I pray
I pray for that girl
I pray you let me wait
I pray you let her wait
I pray for her safety
I pray for her happiness
God lead me to that girl

Guest Blogger...Mother Inferior, Dena Dyer!

I think this what Dena talks about here applies no matter your age!


The Swimsuit Blues
by Dena Dyer

Here's a little end-of-summer reflection to (hopefully!) brighten your afternoon:

The other day, our workplace had a cookout/swim party. Because my kids love to swim and my spouse was helping at the grill, I was the designated swim-parent.

Oh, joy.

So I had to get into my suit for the first time in a year. It was not a pretty sight. Since I’m nearly forty, my suit is a “smart” suit, which means it’s made of forgiving fabric and is black with vertical—not horizontal—stripes, for obvious reasons.

Unfortunately, the help stops there. My arms and thighs, God bless ‘em, are fully exposed. And can you say “whiteout”? I needed to apologize to my fellow swimmers for burning their retinas with my paleness. Oh well, at least the pool changing area had no mirror.

You know, on four out of five days, I feel pretty good about myself. After all, I’ve lost over fifty pounds since having my second child (yes, I ate for two—or was it five?—during pregnancy). I could tone up, but who has time when they’re juggling home, family, and work? I’m lucky if I can squeeze in a walk twice a week.

But speaking of squeezing, as I stuffed my post-pubescent body into the Spandex sausage-casing, I rethought my fitness regime. By the time I got one leg through its hole, I was vowing to do one hundred leg lifts a day. After hoisting my other leg up and through, I decided to perform several hundred sit-ups before breakfast. And after sucking in, pulling the swimsuit over my belly, and sticking my arms through, I decided that was workout enough.

Swimsuit season always makes me reconsider my “absolutely not, never, no way” stance on plastic surgery. After all, who couldn’t use a little nip and tuck here and there?

And I’m not alone. The numbers of women who’ve gone under the knife has increased to such an extent that a prominent Miami plastic surgeon has written a children’s book explaining why Mommy is getting a nose job and breast implants (really!).

It’s called My Beautiful Mommy and is written for readers ages 4-7. The book describes a mom explaining how she’ll appear after surgery. The daughter asks, “Why are you going to look different?” and the mother replies, “Not just different, my dear—prettier!”

Yikes!

But maybe the author is onto something. Why not create a whole series of books to help kids understand their mommies:
• My Cellulite-Free Mommy, for kids whose moms have had liposuction. (“Not just firm, my dear—less pockmarked!”)
• My Stylish Mommy, for children whose moms regularly spend way too much on accessories. (“It’s from your college fund, darling—can you say, ‘Prada’?”)
• My Tabloid Mommy, for those with moms on the front page of Star magazine (“I’m just wearing this towel over my face until we get in the car, sweetums.”)

Actually, when I stop beating myself up long enough to consider the costs, not to mention the risks, of plastic surgery, I come to my senses. The only reason I’d consider it is because our culture places such a high value on outer appearances, and I tend to get swept up in all the midriff-baring mania.

The things I read and watch--whether they’re lies on the front of a tabloid magazine or the truth from God’s word---determine the state of my heart. So when I immerse myself in His truth, I remember that God adores me, whether or not my arms are toned. He delights in me more than I can fathom, even though I will never have “abs of steel.” He loves every single part of me, from the stretch marks on my thighs to the tiny dark hairs sprouting on my chin.

And you know what else? My hubby and two sons don’t care what my measurements are, or how perfect I look. They love me simply because I’m me. In fact, they constantly tell me how nice I look. The other day, I woke up with some serious bed-hair. As I sat at my computer in a torn t-shirt and faded sweat pants, my sweet, thoughtful and obviously vision-impaired four year-old said, “Mommy, you’re pretty in your day clothes, your pajamas, or even on a date.” :)

And that, my dear readers, is worth ten Prada bags, fourteen tummy tucks, and at least a thousand sit-ups.
----------------------
copyright 2008, Dena Dyer


Want more info? Visit my website: Mother Inferior

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this devotional, stop by my website and sign up for my newsletter!

Spread the Bread!

"Do you know a TEEN writer or artist?

The global nonprofit organization, Spread the Bread, (www.spreadthebread.org) is launching a new teen eZine called Planet Bread. They're looking for teen writers and artists with submissions that share real-life messages/stories of HOPE, INSPIRATION or GRATITUDE, using their world as their lens.

Contributors can decide how theyd like to communicate their submission: feature article, opinion piece, poem, cartoon, photograph, blog, video or something else?

The eZine will be launching the last week in October.

For more information,e-mail: planetbread@gmail.com and put "eZine launch" in the subject line.

Teens build houses!

My two oldest just got home fom Mexico! They traveled there after leaving the Czech Republic and one of the things they did was build a house for a family. The program is called Homes of Hope.


Leslie building house in Mexico.


Cory building a house in Mexico.


In this photo Leslie is helping to lift a wall.


Special gifts from the team.


The house builders with the family they built the house for!


shingle girl


Cory hauling trusses


Brother and sister teamwork


Leslie nailing up drywall


Cory painting

Do you hate gym class?

Check out this great website!

http://www.ihategymclass.com/I_Hate_Gym_Class.html

"My Favorite Memory" contest

Earlier this month I announced the "My Favorite Memory" contest and asked you to send in your favorite childhood memories to be entered to win 1 of 10 copies of my new book Sweet September!


Over the next few weeks I'll be posting those entries on It's Real Life. What a treat it has been to read the stories!

Here is the first one entry...

Christy:
My favorite childhood memory is really a collection of memories. My mother's brother played bass in a country/western band in the 1970s, so many of our weekends were spent in bars and supper clubs listening to them play.

I was an only child, and my parents took me with them far more than leaving me home with a babysitter. I always felt incredibly grown-up to sit with them at a table. If I happened to see someone I knew from school, I felt even more excited. Because of Uncle Leon, all the guys in the band knew me on sight, and that gave me a little bit of cachet. I knew nearly every song in every set by heart, but my favorite was Mac Davis' Oh Lord It's Hard to Be Humble, and I requested it nearly every weekend. When I would walk up to the stage, you could nearly see the guys sigh in consternation. I loved dancing with my parents to the fast songs like Peppermint Twist. One of my favorite freeze-framed mental images of my dad is him in a pearl-button snap Western style shirt shaking it to Amie. I loved watching my parents dance because the love between them was palpable. Even better was when Dad would scoop me up in his arms, and we'd all dance together. By the end of the evening, I had overdosed on Shirley Temple cocktails and would fall asleep in the backseat to the sound of my parents quiet conversation. To me that was family and love and fun all rolled up in one.


It's not too late...Submit your own favorite childhood memory here and be entered to win 1 of 10 copies of Sweet September!

Contest ends August 31st. The winner's will be announced September 5th!

Cardboard Testimonies

Very Powerful!

My Life, Unscripted

Is featured this month...

check it out here: http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/blitz_life.html

What would yours be?

What do teens want from Christian fiction?

I stumbled across this survey in Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Brian Michael Zick operates as a relatively unknown illustrator, writer, and teenager. He showcases his work on his website. Living as a homeschooler, his interests vary from computers, and reading, to skateboarding. He also expresses a strange interest in letters and fonts.

Christian Fiction And Teens
What do teens want from Christian fiction? Or perhaps the better question is: Do teens read Christian fiction?

A friend and I asked twenty-five teens at the Catalyst, a skateboard ministry and youth group at New Hope Church in Sierra Vista, to answer my second question. We also asked “Why not?” to those who answered negatively.

Survey results from New Hope church (please note that many of the teens at the skate ministry are from the neighborhood and not Christians who attend the church):

“Do you read Christian fiction?”
Yes - 5
No - 20

“Why not?”

Don't read - 7
I dunno - 6
Never been introduced - 2
Can’t read - 2
Don’t feel like it - 2
Only read Playboy- 1

That only five of those surveyed read Christian fiction is a little disconcerting. So I had my friend run another survey at Battle of the Bands (for homeschoolers), Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista. With the second survey, my friend also asked for a comment from those who responded.
Survey results from Veterans Memorial Park:

“Do you read Christian fiction?”

Yes - 6

Comments:
Like it because it’s tense with a spiritual message - 2
Very encouraging - 1
Only thing to read in the house - 1
Read one book and liked it - 1
Like C.S. Lewis because it appeals to non-Christians as well as Christians, and it has a good message- 1
Christian fiction is reading material that you can actually get something out of rather than just entertainment -1

No - 8
Comments:
No comment - 2
Never got into it - 1
Too busy - 1
Don’t care for it, like classics better - 1
Don’t read as much anymore - 2
Can’t find any good books - 1

This time, six out of fourteen teens read Christian fiction—a bit more promising. It seems a higher percentage of teens in the Christian/homeschool community read Christian fiction than those we surveyed at the church.

Conclusion

Although Christian fiction offers many great books, based on my survey only 28.2 percent of teens read these books. Authors and publishers need to get the books to teens, because teens aren’t coming to the books. Hopefully one day more teens will pick these books up and read.
Though teen fiction is in the bookstore, that doesn't guarantee teens are going to read them. Whenever I go into a bookstore, most of the teens I see browsing around are in either the graphic novel department or looking at game guides. So it appears most teens aren't even hanging out in the section where they'd stumble upon Christian fiction.

A good marketing plan to get teens interested in books would be using word of mouth, or even discussing novels at youth groups, or creating a new kind of book. Like maybe Christian Manga. “Manga” is Japanese for comics, and Manga generally fills 90% of the graphic novel section. There are many kids who only read this style of writing.

I've never seen a Christian Manga graphic novel, but maybe someone has come up with an idea first. It takes a dedicated artist and talented writer to come up with something interesting, but I believe there's a need for this style of fiction.

Christian Manga: a new genre?



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.

A new adventure begins...

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione
(Multnomah Books - June 17, 2008)
by
Chuck Black

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chuck Black first wrote Kingdom’s Edge to inspire his children to read the Bible with renewed zeal. This captivating expanded parable led him to write the Old Testament allegories, Kingdom’s Dawn and Kingdom’s Hope. Chuck added three more titles to the series, Kingdom’s Call, Kingdom’s Quest, and Kingdom’s Reign which were released in May of 2007.

Chuck is a former F-16 fighter pilot and currently works as an engineer for a firm designing plastic consumer products. He has a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and served eight years in the United States Air Force. Chuck and his wife Andrea have six children and live in North Dakota.

It is Chuck’s desire to serve the Lord through his work and to inspire people of all ages to study the scriptures in order to discover the hope and love of a truly majestic King and His Son.


ABOUT THE BOOK

A dangerous new order threatens the mission of the Knights of Arrethtrae. Only loyalty to the King can bring victory!

As the Knights of the Prince await His triumphant return, they are steadfast in their mission to take His story into the kingdom and recruit as many as are willing. But when a new and dangerous threat is revealed, their mission is jeopardized.

Sir Kendrick and his young charge, the impetuous Sir Duncan, are sent on a mission to discover the identity and origin of a secretive new order known as the Vincero Knights. They travel to the city of Bel Lione where Lord Ra has been enticing young people in the kingdom to join his festivals, after which many choose not to return home. Their families keep quiet for fear of repercussion.

When Sir Duncan disappears while trying to discover the truth of Lord Ra’s castle, Sir Kendrick attempts to find and enlist the help of a mysterious warrior. Time is short for he must save Duncan and call upon the knights of Chessington to join in the battle against the evil Lord Ra.

Journey to Arrethtrae, where these knights of noble heart live and die in loyal service to the King and the Prince. These knights are mighty, for they serve a mighty King. They are...the Knights of Arrethtrae!

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE

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Robin Jones Gunn answers back...

Last week, Courtney asked this question on the post "You Asked...about Robin Jones Gunn":

Dear Robin Jones Gunn,I love the book I promise. But my friends and I are wondering if Todd and Christy ever have kids.

Here's what Robin had to say...

Hi Courtney,
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed “I Promise”! I started writing another series about all these characters called “The Katie Weldon Series”. The first book in that series is “Peculiar Treasures” and the second book, “On A Whim” will be available fall of 2008.

Please come by my website: http://www.robingunn.com/. You can sign up to receive my email newsletter. I often offer drawings for free books to readers in the newsletters so watch for those drawings!

May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you close to His heart, Courtney. You are one of His Peculiar Treasures.



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.

Who I Am Makes A Difference www.makeadifference.com/BR/

So powerful..yet so simple!

Sometimes we forget...

My kids are VERY creative. Being homeschooled, they usually had 2-3 hours of school work and the rest of the time they goofed off ... or entertained themselves. Creativity is the result. They write songs, write stories, read, and do video productions ... just for fun.

Also, they've recently "taken over" their youth group's drama department. This week Cory, Leslie, and Nathan are doing a skit on the theme "I am Bold." Nathan (14) has amnesia and he is very timid. The other two tell me that he's actually an accomplished and well-known person, and they enourage him to Be Bold.

The point of the message, of course, is to remind us who we are in Christ. Sometimes we forget.
Okay, most of the time we forget.

Anyway, here are a few of the illustrations the kids came up to to prove Nathan's success. I thought they were great!

Do Hard Things!

See...you don't have to be old and serious to make a difference!

ALEX AND BRETT HARRIS founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today, at age 19, are among the most widely read teen writers on the Web.

The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family's webzine Boundless, serve as the main speakers for The Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured nationally on MSNBC, CNN, NPR, and The New York Times, as well as in publications like WORLD magazine, Breakaway, and Ignite Your Faith. Their first book, Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, will be released on April 15, 2008, by Multnomah Books.

Sons of homeschool pioneers Gregg and Sono Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett have a passion for God and for their generation. Their personal interests include politics, filmmaking, music, basketball, and soccer. And food. They like food.

When they're not traveling around doing conferences, Alex and Brett live with their parents and three younger siblings near Portland, Oregon, where they attend Household of Faith Community Church. They plan to enter college together in the fall of 2008 -- and continue to write, speak, and blog.

What is a Rebelution you ask? If this is all news to you, The Rebelution is "a teenage rebellion against low expectations." It is not just another youth ministry. Though it is not at all legalistic, it does not indulge teens in their usual laziness and consumerism. It is rooted in the Gospel itself and in God's eternal purpose in sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It speaks to teens as young adults who are expected to shoulder real responsibility for making their own family, church and nation godly and strong. It asks teens to stop living like guests in their own homes and instead take their place on the family team. It's battle cry is Do Hard Things. Think about that.

Win a copy of the book for yourself...or your parents! Leave a comment on this post!



About the book: The next generation stands on the brink of a "rebelution."

With over 16 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to "do hard things" for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today. Read an excerpt.

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.

Look who won an iPod Nano!

Check out the My Life, Unscripted Video Contest for teens here! And go here for the contest rules.


Lauren
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.phpviewkey=01e7a8efd20ad9c25089

and

Ruthcel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9uzTLQMZyI

We'll be giving away one more on December 31, 2008...details to follow.

Another Video Contest Entry

My name is Ruthcel Mariño, a B.S. Nursing student from the Philippines. My friend forwarded your newsletter to me a few months ago and that's how I found out about the contest. At first I was afraid to join because I don't really know much about making videos but when I searched our area I found out I have a cousin who knows a little in video editing and agreed to help me edit the video so that's how I found the courage to have my own video. I've read your book, though I didn't actually finsih it but it was really nice. It made me think about my life and what I did to my life. You are a really good writer.

Anyhowz, I saw in the announcement that the deadline is March 31, i hope that I am not yet too late.


NAME: Ruthcel
AGE: 18
VIDEO LINK:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9uzTLQMZyI

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.

I'm not ignoring you... I promise!

Hello Friends!

I found out last week that the contact page on my website does not work. Has never worked.

Yep. That's right. If you've ever left a comment on my website, it is now floating around cyberspace La La land, unread and unretrievable.

The good news is that it works NOW! So comment away...I'll be waiting. :)

Also, the blog tour for Generation NeXt Marriage began yesterday!

Here are the first few stops:

3/24
Julie at The Surrendered Scribe
http://thesurrenderedscribe.blogspot.com/
http://christianwritersforum.com/Blog/

Martha at Our Family’s Adventures
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Martha

Katrina at Callapidder Days
http://callapidderdays.blogspot.com/

3/25
Rebecca at Ripples and Reflections
http://www.rebeccabarlow.blogspot.com/

Angie at God Uses Broken Vessels
http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/

Gina at Portrait of a Writer…Interrupted
http://portraitofawriter.ginaconroy.com/

FUN!


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 is Grateful Gramma! She left a comment on the It's Real Life blog! Congrats! Send your book choice and mailing address to my trusty assistant Amy (amy@triciagoyer.com)!

Fiction by Teens

The Froggy Prince continued...
by Alexa Schnee

Alexa is sixteen year old homeshooled, aspiring author. She participates in tap dance and plays the violin (though badly). She loves hanging out with her animals and reading books that make her laugh.

Installment One here

Installment Two here

Installment Three here

Installment Four here

Installment Five here

Installment Six here

Installment Seven here

Installment Eight here


Last installment: Have you ever heard of the word “irony”? It could be used very often in this story. Irony means “humor based on opposites” or “when disparity seems comical”. Doesn’t that sound exactly like this story? Isn’t ironic that as soon as Amelia is about to admit her true feelings towards the frog he has left? Isn’t it ironic that as soon as Amelia is about to search for the frog the big game comes up? And isn’t it ironic that after treating our frog so badly, Amelia felt as though she was the one that had been abused?

She couldn’t concentrate on her game. In warm-up, she had accidentally hit the referee with the ball. In the first quarter, she had passed the ball to the third little pig instead of her teammate. At the end of the half, she had made an incredible shot, but it was into the other team’s basket.
Her parents were disappointed about the frog leaving. Her mother had even mentioned that he was such a nice talking animal that she would be happy if had decided to live with them forever. The king had agreed saying that he had been such a polite lad, uh, frog.

Amelia shuddered. If only she had just told the frog how she had really felt earlier! Then she wouldn’t feel like such a bad person. She would try to push the frog out of her mind and get on with the game.

When she walked out onto the court, she noticed that the crowd had lessened considerably. Obviously she wasn’t going to get that basketball scholarship. She couldn’t help but look around to see if the frog was there. She glanced over by her parents. They sat alone; Charming hadn’t even bothered to show. Her parents waved at her.

The players got ready for the toss. Amelia was just about to jump when she heard a croakish voice calling her name.

“Come on, Amelia!” the voice cried.

Amelia froze. The ball came from the referee’s hand like slow motion. She turned her head to see the frog in the bleachers. The other players whizzed by her, all she could focus on was that croakish voice…

“Time-out!” the coach called after seeing Amelia frozen in space.

She quickly ran off of the court.

“Oh, you came back, uh,” it was at that moment that Amelia realized that she didn’t know his name.

“It’s Henry,” the frog croaked. “Yes, I’m back.”

“Henry,” Amelia said, liking the sound of his name on her lips. “I am sorry for what I did. You are not just a frog, and I have known that in my heart. If there is anything I can do to make it up to you—“

“A kiss,” Henry said simply. “Once the game is over, I would like a kiss.”

BLAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Just then, the buzzer blared loudly. Amelia nodded her head towards the frog and jogged back onto the court. As the second half officially started, Amelia began to feel rejuvenated. She could do this, she knew she could!

The game began to pick up pace. Amelia was now making three pointers and passing the ball. She kept on going, even though you could tell the whole team was getting tired. Whenever she began to feel sluggish, she would hear Henry cry out her name and it gave her new strength.
Finally, it came down to the last three seconds. If Amelia could make this shot, they would win the game, and Amelia would get her basketball scholarship.

The whistle blew.

The ball was passed to Amelia.

She took a shot…

And she missed.

The crowd that was left erupted in one loud sigh of disappointment. Amelia hung her head. How bad she had wanted to win! She looked up at her parents. They waved at her. She looked at Henry. He smiled.

It was okay that she had lost.

She walked over to him. Her face still wore a beaten look, but it grew happier when she reached him. She scooped him up gently in her cupped hands.

“Thank you, Henry,” she said, then gave him a soft kiss on the head, and…

Nothing happened.

Henry had expected to become a handsome prince, or at least, human. But he soon found that he hadn’t changed at all. He was still warty, he was still green, and he was still a frog.

Amelia saw the frown on his face.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, concerned.

“Oh, nothing,” Henry shook his head. “It’s just I thought that I might become something that I’m not.”

“Well, I like you the way you are,” Amelia smiled.

Henry couldn’t help but smile back.

Henry and Amelia lived together for a very long time. Henry’s dad was promoted to the coach for the Fairyland Hoopsters, and offered Amelia a scholarship. Although she was grateful, she declined and found that she was much more suited to being a lawyer. Henry got a job as a translator for those that needed to know how to speak frog. They lived together along with Amelia’s mother and father, who fully respected and loved the new member in the family.

I once told you that this story might not end with a “happily ever after”, it being a story with much irony, much imperfection and many choices. However, I think I can say that it is true.

Yes, indeed, they did live happily ever after.

The End

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.

Join the Rebelution

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.

Fiction by Teens...

The Froggy Prince continued...
by Alexa Schnee

Alexa is sixteen year old homeshooled, aspiring author. She participates in tap dance and plays the violin (though badly). She loves hanging out with her animals and reading books that make her laugh.

Installment One here

Installment Two here

Installment Three here

Installment Four here

Installment Five here

Installment Six here

Installment Seven here

Installment Eight:

Charming looked relieved.

“Oh, that’s a relief,” he said quickly. He sheathed his sword and took Amelia’s hand. Amelia smiled.

“I am not just…” the frog started, but he lost his courage half-way through. Maybe Amelia and Prince Charming were right. Maybe he was just a frog. The only thing that he could do that other frogs could not was talk, and to be honest, that hadn’t done much for him either.

“Charming, should we go and check out my basketball court? I want to show you my lay-up.”

“Of course, Sugar Plum!” he said, and they quickly left the room.

Our frog just stood there. He did not follow, or engage in pleasant conversation as he could have. He did not smile or laugh at Amelia’s jokes. He just stood there. Puzzling.

Could it have been that he did not care for Amelia anymore? Was he tired of her? She had never been very nice to him. Whenever he had tried to be a good frog and do what she had asked, it always seemed like she did not care.

Then, the realization hit him hard, like an old gym basketball.

She did not care.

Amelia did not care about our frog whatsoever. The reason she had treated him badly was that she just didn’t care at all.

At that moment, our frog made a decision. He would leave.

He hopped down the marble hallways, thinking about so long ago in his childhood, when his dad was teaching him to play basketball, hoping that his child would make it onto the high school team.

He remembered when he felt like he just couldn’t do it, he tell his dad he couldn’t, and his dad would pick him up and shake him softly. “You are not just a frog” he would say, then set him back on the court.

He hopped down the stairs, this memory bringing pain to him. Where he would go he did not know. But he did know that he would go some place where he was not just a frog.

And he did.

Now, this story could be over. I could tell you that our frog was found in The Seven Dwarfs Getaway Spa or he got a job teaching other young frogs to play chess...but that would not be true. I could tell you that Amelia went off to college and became the greatest basketball player of all time. But, that also would be a lie.

I could tell you that I just won a million dollars, but sadly, that is not true either.

Amelia knew our frog was not just a frog. In fact, Amelia knew in her heart that he was much more than a frog, almost much more than a human being. He was a special soul, she knew. He cared for every creature on the planet, and didn’t even know he did.

So that’s why what she had said to him did not sit well with her. She could not stop thinking about how she must have hurt him. This may surprise you, because Amelia has never really shown much compassion so far. But, I will tell you something. Every heart has a little bit of good and a little bit of bad. Sometimes there is more good than bad, or bad than good, but there is always that small amount of good that can change a person for the better.

As soon as she saw Charming off, she raced up to her room, thinking about what she was going to say to the frog. She stepped into the room, assuming that the frog was behind the closet door. Sitting on the bed, she began her apology speech.

“Mr. Frog? Are you listening? I just wanted to say that I know that you are not just a frog. Actually, you’ve become more of a friend to me. I have enjoyed having someone to talk to; even if it is all about me and I’m sure it bores you. It’s just that, dang it! I have never had to live with anyone before, and I’m used to getting my way. From now on, I will try to be more considerate and think of you.”

There was no answer from behind the door.

“Oh, come on, I said I was sorry,” Amelia said, mad that he did not at least acknowledge her attempt at being thoughtful.

There was no answer from behind the door,

Quietly turning the door knob, she opened the door to find the closet was empty. There was no warty frog in sight.

Amelia sighed.

The frog had left her.

{End of Installment XII}





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.

Fiction by Teens...

The Froggy Prince continued...
by Alexa Schnee

Alexa is sixteen year old homeshooled, aspiring author. She participates in tap dance and plays the violin (though badly). She loves hanging out with her animals and reading books that make her laugh.

Installment One here

Installment Two here

Installment Three here

Installment Four here

Installment Five here

Installment Six here

Installment Seven:

So, Prince Charming came, and reader, as I am sure that you are excited to know how this meeting between our frog and the prince will go. So, I will tell you this part of the story.

He arrived in a carriage very much like any other person would, but as you could expect, it was no ordinary carriage. It was the most amazing, beautiful, expensive carriage ever invented. It was a 1597 Mustang. It came up to front of the castle, where Amelia and the king and queen were waiting. The prince stepped out of his incredible machine into the loving arms of Amelia.

“Charming! I missed you!” Amelia cried hugging him. He returned her embrace and quickly strode over to the king and queen.

“Mr. King, Mrs. Queen, how lovely to see you again.” Charming bowed at the waist, his blonde hair bobbing. “Mrs. Queen, is that a new hairdo? It looks lovely!” He kissed her hand softly.

The queen giggled giddily, and then stopped when the king gave her a look.

“Shall we retreat into the parlor?” she asked, somewhat embarrassed.

“What an excellent idea, Mother,” Amelia nodded, taking Charming by the arm. “I’m sure Charming would love to tell us about the adventures he’s been having.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to bore you,” Charming said modestly. “But, okay.”

Now, I bet you are wondering, where is our frog? Why wasn’t he there to greet Prince Charming? It is because reader, he is stuck in a most unpleasant spot. He is back in the closet. Amelia had made it clear on the first day that he had moved in with them that she did not want him hopping about when Prince Charming came to visit, so as she said she would, she, quite literally, threw him into the closet. Our frog sat on the floor of the dark closet contemplating on how he was going to get out. He wasn’t going to let Charming steal Amelia!

Unfortunately, there is only a small amount of things a talking frog can do. For example, a talking frog can hop, and talk, and maybe catch some flies. But as you know, our frog didn’t like flies so this was an unnecessary skill. But one skill that I have not mentioned was that, a frog can croak, and the croaking can be quite loud if needed. So what did our frog do?

“What a fascinating story,” the queen said. “Snow White must be very grateful.”

“I never did get any thanks,” Charming replied. “She was off fighting in those dreadful galactic wars before she could even say goodbye to Grumpy.”

Amelia laughed loudly.

“Are you coming to Amelia’s basketball game?” the king asked. “Her team is looking awfully good this year.”

“Oh, Daddy, it’s not my team,” Amelia smiled, though she knew it basically was.

Coach had based her team around the star player, which had turned out to be Amelia. For the first time, Amelia began to wonder if the other girls felt left out. What did they really think of her being the “star player”?

The thought quickly passed through her mind. She had more important things to worry about. This was Charming’s special day. Everything had to go exactly perfect.

CROAK!!!

At first, Amelia thought that she was hearing things that were not there. Maybe she had gotten used to the frog’s croaking and she was beginning to hear it everywhere. Or maybe the furniture that they were sitting on had creaked. But the look on Prince Charming’s face showed Amelia that he had heard it also, and that it wasn’t just creaky furniture.

“What was THAT?!” Charming asked standing up in a gallant pose.

“It was just the creaky furniture I am sure,” Amelia said quickly.

CROAK!!!

“There it was again!” Charming cried. He now reached for his sword, ready to kill the rather loud and annoying creature that might be threatening his princess. He started to make his way towards the door; causing Amelia to grab his arm is desperation.

“I am sure that it is just the settling of the house!” she made another excuse, but Charming’s mind was made up. This beast was threatening his future in-laws and the love of his life. It reminded him of last season’s championship football game, which he of course, was the team captain. When he broke that linebacker’s arm it had clean snapped. And now, he was planning to do this to the creature’s spine.

Running swiftly up to Amelia’s room with Amelia not far behind him, he burst open the closet door to find our frog. They looked at each other for awhile, with Charming’s sword raised above his head, and our frog bravely facing him.

“Don’t hurt him!” Amelia said quickly. “If you do, something bad might happen to me.” She stepped in front of our frog. “He is living with me.”

There was a moment of silence in which Charming was trying to figure out why a frog might be living with Amelia. He thought, and thought, and thought, and then finally an explanation came to him.
“You got a pet? How wonderful!” he exclaimed, wishing that he had gotten her a pet frog instead of her having to go out and buy one herself.

“I, most certainly, am not a pet.” A voice came from the floor.

“Who said that?” Charming demanded. “Speak now or face the wrath of me and my sword.”

Amelia slapped her face in disbelief.

“It is I, the frog,” our frog said. He hopped up to Charming with a smile.

That must have jogged the Prince’s memory because at that moment he cocked his head to think again. That voice, and that frog, it seemed all so familiar. In fact, he vaguely remembered a frog in high school…

“YOU!” Charming cried. “You were on the chess team! And the Glee Club, and the Boyscouts, and the-“

“We get the idea.” the frog’s smile faded.

Charming turned to Amelia.

“Is he your new, frogfriend?” he asked in utter horror.

Amelia, for one of the first times in her life, was extremely confused. How could Charming know who this frog was? How could he know that the frog was a nerd? And what the heck was a ‘frogfriend’?

“A ‘frogfriend’? Amelia questioned.

“I think he means a boyfriend,” the frog said quickly.

Amelia looked at the frog.

The frog looked at Amelia.

They both let out a loud laugh.

“Oh no, Charming! He’s just staying with me. There is nothing between us. Besides, I mean, well, he’s just a frog.”

Just a frog…

Just a frog…

Just a frog…

The words echoed throughout Amelia’s room. The funny thing was, the only one who seemed to notice this was the frog. Have you ever heard the expression, “blind as a bat”? I’m sure you must have because it is a very common expression. It means that someone can be either literally or figuratively, blind to their surroundings. I think that this applies to Amelia very much. She is blind to the people around her and what they are thinking. Amelia, pardon the expression, is as blind as a bat concerning the frog. She has no idea that it might offend him by saying he was, “just a frog”, because as you know, he is not an ordinary frog.

End of installment.


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.

Christian Dating Bubble

Hear Pastor Mark Driscoll's sermon on “How does a Christian date righteously; and what are the physical, emotional, and mentally connecting boundaries a Christian must set while developing an intimate relationship prior to marriage?”











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.

Get Expelled - The Movie - Super Trailer

Don't miss this movie!

Your questions answered...

Sarah asked this question: I'm having trouble with a friend, I’ve struggled with school for a long time and I don't like being called stupid. Most of my friends know this, but this friend does it anyway. She is always insulting me and saying mean things to me. how to I tell her to stop without being mean?


Leslie answered:

I've totally been where you are! ...and it's not fun when your friend makes fun of you all the time! You need to just tell her that if she wants to stay friends with you, she needs to stop insulting you. -It might be hard, cuz she's your friend and all, but if she treats you like that, she isn't really your friend!



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!

Fiction by teens...The Frog Prince part 6

The Froggy Prince continued...

by Alexa Schnee
Alexa is sixteen year old homeshooled, aspiring author. She participates in tap dance and plays the violin (though badly). She loves hanging out with her animals and reading books that make her laugh.

Installment One here

Installment Two here

Installment Three here

Installment Four here

Installment Five here

Installment six:
The next few days continued as the first. Amelia was still reluctant at the concept of our frog, but she was also beginning to warm up to him a little. There were certain things that made her feel good to be around the frog. I guess it was the way he listened to everything she said with fascination. She could have said that sky was blue, and he would have been amazed at her revelation. Or, the way he liked to listen to her read her speech and debate arguments. He never criticized her. He never told her she was wrong. He just listened.

But there were things. There are always things. Amelia couldn’t stand how our frog always treated everyone the same. He always treated people with respect. For once she would like it if he would get mad at her. Whenever she would force him to do something that no one would like, he accepted it. In fact, the main reason she made him do those things was to see if she could get a rise out of him.

The frog watched her play basketball, and although he felt like he should say something to her he wondered what he would say.

“Your parents are right, you should be a lawyer?”

No one wants to listen to their parents. No, instead he held thoughts inside and hoped that no one would know what he really thought.

Eventually, the day of Prince Charming’s visit came. Now, we have heard a lot about Amelia and a lot about our frog, but what about Prince Charming? How does he fit into this tale? Well, reader, I’m certain you have noticed something about our characters so far. I am sure that you have seen that each of these characters have strengths and weaknesses and good things about them and bad things. That’s what being a human, or a talking frog, is all about.

Amelia is a smart, interesting, beautiful girl with all the potential in the world to become someone great. And yet, she continues to treat our frog badly. Our frog is a sweet, loving soul, but he relies on Amelia for his happiness. The king is a great ruler, yet he has a little bit of a temper. The queen is beautiful, yet she not quite the smartest person in the world. Not one of these characters is perfect.

Prince Charming is no exception. No matter how charming he could be, Prince Charming could never be perfect. Amelia seems to think he is. But as you will soon know, she will be surprised. And reader, as I have mentioned before, our frog has something that the prince could never possess.

Do you see how this tale is coming together? Do you see how everything is beginning to intermingle? If you don’t, reader, you soon will, and you will soon see how everything is beginning to fall into place.

{End of Installment VII}


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.

Pam interviews Robin Jones Gunn!

Last week on we met Pam...and she had a few questions for Robin.

1. What is your inspiration?

I love watching and listening to people from around the world. I feel inspired to tell a variety of stories whenever I hear from someone how God has drawn them closer to His heart. I love reading and listening to classical poetry to get inspired on how to fit words together and make them sound beautiful. Above all, it’s God’s tender Holy Spirit who inspires me to fall more and more in love with Him.

2. How does God work through your writing?

Many readers have written to me over the years to say that God used one of my stories to bring them to Christ. Some readers say they opened their heart and lives and asked Christ to come in and be to them the Savior and Lord He longs to be to each of us. Some have said that they were struggling with making a right decision in some particular area and one of my stories gave them the motivation at the heart level to make the right decision. Others have told me that they simply felt they grew closer to Christ after reading one of my book.

3. What’s your favorite jelly bean flavor?

Coconut

To learn more about Robin check out her website!

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.

Meet Lauren...

She interviewed Robin Jones Gunn last month, well she's back today to share a little bit about herself.

Have you watched a good movie you'd recommend? Or listened to a good song? Or read a good book? What did you like about it? Why?

I like a lot of movies and most songs (but the sound track for Across the Universe is very good).

To date or not to date? How far is too far? How do you know when you've found Mr. Right? Send me your questions OR offer advice!

Too far is when you feel uncomfortable, and are past your moral goal for that date. If you don't want to kiss that night, and you get in a situation where you might kiss and you feel uncomfortable, then you kiss. That is too far. How do you know when you've met Mr. Right?

Do you have any tips for healthy food? Exercising?

Some good tips for exercising is doing it with a friend. They laugh and have fun with you. For health food, just eat what is recommended. A good web site to see how much you personally should eat is http://www.mypyramid.gov/ this is great because it personalizes just for you!

How do you deal with body image in a world that obsessed with thin and sexy? What advice do you have for others?

I work out and eat well so when I think I'm "fat" I know I am actually not, because I am doing what is good for my body. Also, I go to church. honestly, if I weren't a Christian I don't know what I would do about body image.

What is your favorite .... (fill in the blank). Here are some to get you started. Bible verse, Color, Food, TV show, actor?

Bible verse: John 11:35 Jesus wept. I love that because it truly shows that God came to the earth to be there for us.
Color: yellow
Food: sweet potato casserol
TV show: Scrubs

What is something you want to learn to do? Where is some place you want to go? Do you set goals for yourself? What do you hope for your future?

Learn to do: Sky Dive
Place to go: Australia
Goals: I set small and big goals. A small goal is to finish my homework tonight so I can watch a TV show. A large goal is to make good enough grades to get into college with a scholarship.

What does being a Christian look like in the real world? How do you cope? What do you struggle with? How do you connect with God day-by-day?

In the real world people are mean to people who believe in God. I cope by praying all day long. I struggle with not going into the trends like showing my mid-driff, or cursing, or gossiping. Day-by-day I read my bible and pray. My best friend is also a Christian and my small group goes to my school. Also, on Tuesday mornings at 6:30 am (EARLY) haha, FCA is a group that meets at my school. There I can hang and talk with other Christians who care about the Lord as much as I do.

Tell a joke. Share a cool saying ... the sky's the limit!

He died for me I live for him
next time you think your perfect, try walking on water

Do you struggle with parents? Friends? a boyfriend? Siblings? Do you have any questions about relationships you'd like answered?

Parents: I don't really fight with my dad, we get along well. My mom and I fight sometimes.
Friends: I get annoyed with them sometimes, but we don't fight, I keep to myself
Boyfriend: I don't have one
Siblings: I don't fight with my sister, when we do, its only because we are fighting to fight. haha

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.