The Porch Light copyright by Revka (2006-2010). All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Although I don't blog here regularly any more, I haven't forgotten you special people who have laughed and cried with me throughout the times I've made public on this blog. You hold a special place in my heart, and even though it's not on Christmas Day, I wanted to make sure that I wished you and your family a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Sometimes the holidays are hard. If that's the case for you, I'm praying that this season brings you three of the greatest treasures life can hold - love, joy, and peace.

I find that my family brings me much joy, and it has been a long time since I have shared any photos with you. I'll bring this brief greeting to a close with some pics of happy memories made with my family over the past few days. Much love to you all.


Melted Snowman Christmas cookies - the recipe and instructions are at Smashed Peas and Carrots (love that name!) and was found through a link at A Dusty Frame. Thanks, Lizzie! This was a fun activity for all of us, and the cookies were both adorable and delicious.

Pookie Bear decorating her cookies

Miss Muffet and Buddy Bear - he just wanted to watch and play with his blocks

Miss Muffet and Baby Bear

It snowed today, which is a rarity where we live. Daddy played outside with Pookie Bear, Baby Bear, and Buddy Bear while Miss Muffet and I sensibly played inside where it was warm. :) Looked like we missed out on some fun, though.

Pookie Bear

Buddy Bear - I couldn't find his mittens so he's wearing his sisters' purple mittens but he doesn't care

Baby Bear throwing a snowball at her Daddy just as he took her photo

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Monday, October 18, 2010

Blog Tour: The Waiting

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Although The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series by Suzanne Woods Fisher (click the link to read my review of the first book - The Choice), it stands alone. Once again set in the Amish community, The Waiting is a sweet story of love, consequences of choices made, and forgiveness. This well-written book is easy to read and entertaining, yet it has a depth of message that goes beyond simple entertainment.

The Official Blurb
Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught be two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.

A must read!

Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!

Learn more about Suzanne and her books at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com!
The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.



One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation
* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.



Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

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Thursday, October 14, 2010

Pregnancy Dreams - Great for Creative Writing

I don't normally dream on a regular basis. Perhaps it's just that I don't remember my dreams. If I do remember dreaming, it's usually because I had a nightmare. Thankfully, I don't often remember details of the dream - just that I had a bad dream.

When I am pregnant, however, what normally happens doesn't apply. I often have vivid and crazy dreams that stay with me even after I've woken. Sometimes these dreams are disturbing because they contradict all of my beliefs and values. Others are sweet. My dream last night made tears come to my eyes. I thought it could possibly make a great story or even a book.

Here are the last couple of scenes, although some details are missing.

She was walking up the worn stone steps when a voice stopped her.

"Mrs. Amir."

Her heart seemed to stop beating and for one short second she felt frozen in place. Slowly, she turned around to see the quiet detective from the plane.

"You are leaving." His words were a statement, not a question.

"My husband died years ago," she choked out. But she knew that did not matter. Realizing the futility of any attempt at flight or self-defense, she stood quietly facing him, waiting, knowing that the law gave him the right as he pulled out his weapon and put four bullets in her forehead.

**********************************************************

Jake talked to his sister.

"Any time you and (her husband's name) want to do something by yourselves, let me know. I'll watch the kids for you."

Troubled, she studied his face intently as she tried to decipher the reason behind his offer. "But what about you? You should be getting out yourself. I know a few girls that I think you would like. There's..."

His voice was a little hoarse as he interrupted her. "No, thanks. I'm not interested. Not now, and not ever."

She knew him well enough not to pursue the subject further.

As his sister left the room, his mind drifted back to the day he left (name of country). Although they had never spoken of love, he had known she loved him. He loved her, too, with all that was in him, and he'd never forget the scene that met his eyes as he approached the house to pick her up for the beginning of the long journey to his home. He had been too far away to do anything but watch in horror as she crumpled to the ground and the echoes of four shots assaulted his ears. In that instant, he knew that the unspoken dreams they shared would never be realized and he would always be alone, for the kind of love he had for her would allow room for no other woman in his heart.

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Thursday, September 09, 2010

Reviving Memories - a Look Back Through This Blog

So I actually posted something other than a book review last night. It reminded me how much I enjoyed blogging, and I started going through my blog's archives. I was amazed at how much I had forgotten, and I'm glad I have a written record for my cherished memories.

Here are some of my favorites:

And I was reminded of the great friends I've made through blogging:
  • Karen - she has become one of my closest friends and though we don't often get to see each other IRL, we keep in touch by phone and email
  • Lizzie - what an encouragement she is to me
  • Holly - Her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help me at one of the lowest points in my life has earned her my undying love; she has proved to be a true friend on more than one occasion
  • Jen (New Zealand) - she won a piano CD I gave away and we developed a rapport; she has always been an encouragement to me
  • Jen from My Derbe - this is another precious lady who lifted me up when I was so far down I thought I'd never get up again
  • DramaMama - her comments are always refreshing and encouraging; I love her story about being locked in her house LOL
  • Jan - she's the one who told me about Windows Live Writer and PhotoShop Elements
  • Frank - his blog is now gone, but I still treasure our conversations and exchange of ideas, even if I did once embarrass myself by calling him Steve
What great memories this all brings back for me. What are some of your favorite blogging memories?

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Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Homeschooling No More (and) Completing Our Family

Hi, y'all! I was looking at my poor blog and realized it was high time I posted something other than a book review. While I love reviewing books, I don't want The Porch Light to be just a review blog.

Life, as always, has been incredibly busy. I will make time to post photos - soon, I hope. But in the meantime, a written summary will simply have to do.

After I did a miserable job of home schooling last year ('09 -'10_, Mr. Incredible and I decided the girls needed to be in school this year ('10 -'11). With that in mind, we enjoyed ourselves this summer.

The highlight of the summer was when we rented a cabin in Gatlinburg for 3 days and took the kids to Dollywood. We bought Play Another Day (2-day) tickets through the cabin rental agency. They were the same price as the normal 1-day tickets, and they made our lives so much easier. Instead of having to cram everything into one day, we were able to call it quits when the kids got tired, knowing that we would be able to come back the next day.

Everyone had a great time, even Buddy Bear. He didn't want to ride many rides, but he still had fun watching his sisters.

Pookie Bear surprised us by choosing to ride a couple of the more exciting rides. She was so happy that she was tall enough to ride almost anything she wanted.

Miss Muffet and Baby Bear were disappointed they couldn't do everything their older sister could, but they were consoled by the large number of rides that they were tall enough to experience.

Toward the end of the summer, Grandma, Mama (great-grandmother), and Papa (great-grandfather) got the three girls and took them to their great-uncle's place at the beach for a week. Robert, Buddy Bear, and I were able to go down that Friday and Saturday, and it was so relaxing.

Now school is in session, and we're adjusting to the new routine and lifestyle. The girls are enjoying school. Baby Bear, my mischievous one, has been in time-out a couple of times and also had to stand at the wall at recess one day. She kept jumping up out of her seat and talking without permission. I wasn't exactly surprised she got in trouble, but we read her the riot act and let her know that she must obey at school and that trouble at school means trouble at home. She hasn't been in trouble since the middle of last week.

Pookie Bear and Miss Muffet are doing just fine. I think Pookie Bear has made the smoothest transition.

In July, we found out that we are expecting our 5th (and final) child. I'm due March 13, and I am sooooooo excited to be completing our family.

While it has always seemed that one child was missing, I really don't like being pregnant, nor am I in love with labor and delivery. I do, however, love my little tykes.

I just passed the 13 week mark, and I think I'm finally starting to feel a bit better. I hope it's not just a temporary state.

I just hit the highlights, but this post is still plenty long. I'll try to blog here more often. (Let's be clear that I'm not making any promises, though!) I miss the outlet I have here, and I miss interacting with you guys.

How did your summer go? Anything exciting happening your way?

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Monday, August 30, 2010

Blog Tour: Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Trcia Goyer is another author whose books I enjoy reading. I was happy to be selected to review Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington co-authored by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanne Fleiss.

Sadly, I didn't find this book as appealing as Mrs. Goyer's other books. I did enjoy the period and the basic story. I also liked that the authors were able to create a collaboration that didn't read like a collaborative effort. I didn't come across any jarring change in writing style or tone. I just missed the depth that I had become accustomed to in Mrs. Goyer's other writings.

Mrs. Goyer and Mrs. Fleiss did a great job of creating an authentic settings for their story. I do think they took the time needed to conduct the research necessary for writing a story set in that period.

In summary, if you are looking for a light read, you would probably enjoy this book. If you're looking for a story with depth, this is not the one you want.

Want to read other reviews? Visit the blog tour post.

Want to buy it? It's available on Amazon.com.

About Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington: The war has stolen Rosalie’s fiancĂ©, Vic, from her forever. But rather than wallow, Rosalie distracts herself by cramming her days full of activity—mainly by shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy.

When a reporter dubs her “Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter,” even more responsibility piles up. Her strong arms bear all this, but when intense feelings surface for Kenny, the handsome, kind-hearted, and spiritually unwavering reporter, the fear of losing another love propels Rosalie to leave.

It’s only when Rosalie realizes that God has brought her to this place—and this person—for a reason, the sparkling grace of God compels her to let go of her own strength and lean on His, as well as open her heart to love.

About Tricia Goyer: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough.

She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005.

In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.

She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more on Tricia visit www.triciagoyer.com

About Ocieanna Fleiss: Ocieanna Fleiss is a published writer and has edited six of Tricia Goyer’s historical novels. She lives with her husband and their four children in the Seattle area. For more about Ocieanna visit her blog.

Contest info: Tricia is giving away 5 Victory Prize packs during the blog tour. Details are available at her blog.

Please share the contest on twitter and Facebook. Here is a sample tweet or post you could use:

TWITTER:

The latest in the Love Finds You series, Victory Heights, could win you a Victory Prize Pack from @TriciaGoyer. http://ow.ly/2nfSK


FACEBOOK:

The latest release in the Love Finds you series, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss is in stores now! Check out the reviews and win a Victory Prize Pack here: http://ow.ly/2nfSK

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Blog Tour: Licensed for Trouble

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Susan May Warren long ago made it to my "favorite authors" list. And after reviewing the PJ Sugar series, PJ (the heroine) is certainly one of my favorite characters.

After reviewing Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble, I fervently hoped I'd have the chance to review the third book, Licensed for Trouble. I was delighted to be chosen for this book tour, and the story did not disappoint.

The second book in the series leaves PJ after she has made some important discoveries about herself and her faith. Licensed for Trouble picks up pretty much where Double Trouble left off.

This third book is no less entertaining or thought-provoking than the previous two books. PJ remains the funny, danger-prone girl with the penchant for finding mysteries to solve. Mrs. Warren continues to weave in spiritual truths that are profound yet do not seem preachy.

Since Mrs. Warren's series typically only include 3 books, PJ Sugar may be history. I hope not because this series is the kind that could stretch out forever and I would never tire of it. If you can't tell, I wholeheartedly recommend the PJ Sugar series and Mrs. Warren.

Enter PJ Sugar's "Sweet" Giveaway

Licensed for Trouble, Susan's brand new PJ Sugar novel, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re giving away a Kindle!! You can enter using Twitter, Facebook, or e-mail using the icons below.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a A SWEET Kindle prize package that includes:

  • A brand new Kindle (Free 3G, 6”, Latest Generation)
  • The entire PJ Sugar series by Susan May Warren
To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 2nd.

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Licensed for Trouble here!

About Licensed for Trouble:
PJ Sugar receives shocking news that she's inherited the Kellogg family mansion. Though she has no idea why, the timing is perfect-PJ has clearly worn out her welcome at her sister's house. Unfortunately, the mansion is in shambles, and PJ is short on cash. Rescue comes in the form of Max Smith, a mysterious handyman willing to trade his services for PJ's investigative skills. But PJ already has a full docket with cramming for her PI license and nurturing a growing romance with her boss, Jeremy Kane. Can she take on Max's case without dropping the ball?

Find out more about book one, Nothing But Trouble and book two, Double Trouble.

About Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at:
www.susanmaywarren.com

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Blog Tour: Scars and Stilettos by Harmony Dust

DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of this book for review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review, and my review was not influenced by my receiving the book for free.

I can't speak for anyone else, but there have been plenty of times I wondered why anyone would choose to become a stripper or worse. I felt that Scars and Stilettos - The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer by Harmony Dust was the perfect book to give me the answers to some of my questions.

I'll share my thoughts with you in a moment. First, here's the official summary.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fear of being abandoned keeps nineteen-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive and cruel relationship. She thinks she has hit bottom-tens of thousands of dollars in debt, struggling to get by, and so controlled by her boyfriend that she doesn't protest when he begins openly sleeping around. Things can't get worse . . . until someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next three years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a fully-nude strip club.

Scars and Stilettos is Harmony's stark, honest, and ultimately hopeful story of how God found her in that dark, noisy place and led her out. She has since married, completed an MA in social welfare, and now leads Treasures, an organization helping women in the sex trade discover their true worth.

"Harmony wrote her story so that you and your friends may get help out of whatever dark tunnel you find yourself in. . . . once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and you will want to get a copy for every person you know." -Holly Wagner, from the preface

MY REVIEW:
Although Harmony did not give graphic details regarding every area of her life, there was plenty of honest narrative for me to find it hard to read some parts of the book.

I found it hard to comprehend how people could/can treat a child in such a way, how time after time circumstances placed Harmony in situations that resulted in her being exploited, how no one cared enough about Harmony to tell her what she desperately wanted to hear: that she had value as a human being and was too good for that life.

Although difficult for me to read at times, I am glad I did read Scars and Stilettos. It gave me a chance to look behind the facade of sex and glamour to see the hurts that propelled Harmony down such a destructive road. Her story has widened my horizons and given me a greater compassion for girls who are still in her position.

I am thrilled that Harmony has chosen to use her new life to reach out to those who are still where she once was, and I pray that her ministry is used of God to transform the lives of many to whom no one else would be willing to witness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Harmony Dust is founder of Treasures, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that reaches out to women in the sex industry to show them they are loved, valued, and purposed. Find out more about Treasures, Harmony, and her book at www.IAmATreasure.com or http://www.ScarsandStilettos.com. Check out Harmony's Press Page for magazine articles and videos about her work with women in the sex-trade industry.

LEARN MORE:
Visit the LitFuse blog tour to find out what other bloggers have to say.

CONTEST
!
Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift card for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!) All you have to do to enter is either tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/scars-and-stilettos-blog-tour.html

TWEET THIS:
(and be sure to use the hashtag #HarmonyDust to be entered into Amazon.com gift certificate drawing)
Scars and Stilettos-story of ex-stripper #HarmonyDust & her work now to reach out to those still in the sex industry. http://ow.ly/1WrGD

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Monday, May 31, 2010

American Hero


A cap, a flag, a medal, too,
And an empty place at home.
He gave his life for me and you,
Defending his native loam.

In time of peace and time of war
He pledged us his very best.
Our nation's colors he proudly bore
On his shoulder or his chest.


Though tired, forlorn, and oft alone,
He steadily stood his watch.
With courage high, he did not moan;
His mission he would not botch.

The threat of pain or even death
Could never his set course sway.
And at the end with dying breath
"It was my duty," he'd say.


"He chose his doom - an unmarked tomb,"
The ungrateful ones still scoff
While in his house is an empty room
And a hat he can not doff.

Instead, he sleeps, his duty done.
He defended home and land.
He fought until his course he'd run.
In his honor now we stand.

~Revka Stearns

the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii


American cemetery at Normandy, France


Memorial Day flags at veteran's cemetery

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Friday, May 28, 2010

Blog Tour: Life in Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson as told to Tricia Goyer

DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of this book for review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review, and my review was not influenced by my receiving the book for free.

As someone who has struggled with the urge to commit suicide, I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to review Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson as she told it to Tricia Goyer.

Let me give you the official spiel, and then I'll tell you what I thought of the book.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After her fatal choice... extraordinary hope.

Why does my life have to be so painful?
What's wrong with me?
It's not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won't hurt anymore.
Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen's world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have a bottom.

One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven...and peace.
Fear coursed through me. I squeezed my eyes tighter.
It's going to be over now. The pain is going to end. I'll be in heaven soon.
As the train whistle blew, the vibration of my body stilled.
The sound stopped. The wind stopped. The train stopped.
Am I dead yet?
Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt... but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.

But Kristen's story didn't end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.

Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

My Review:

I'll be very open and tell you that Life, In Spite of Me came at a good time for me. I was more than a little overwhelmed, was exhausted, and was feeling very unappreciated. It's at times like those when my thoughts tend to turn dark.

As soon as I received my package, I tore it open (I'm always excited to get new books) and started reading. I couldn't put the book down. It simply overwhelmed me because I could identify with so much of Kristen's story. The loneliness and sense of isolation, the feelings of futility and inevitable defeat, the crushing weight of overwhelm - I've experienced them all.

As I read, I felt hope once again as Kristen's story, although it started out sadly, was ultimately joyously triumphant. Several of the letters Kristen wrote spoke directly to me. One particular one broke my reserve enough for my eyes to tear up, even though others were present in the room with me. If I'd been alone, I would have been sobbing.

I think that every parent should read this book. Kristen's family had no idea of some of the things she had been through. She was very good at masking her inner life and the despair she felt.

I think that anyone contemplating suicide should read this book. You are not alone. There is still hope.

I think that anyone who knows someone who is contemplating suicide should read this book. You may find new ways to help your friend.

I think that anyone who works with teens should read this book. You may find it helpful in dealing with your teens.

Life, In Spite of Me is available at Amazon.com and other places where books are sold. A Google search will help you find a place to purchase it.

Want to Read What Others Thought?

Visit the Life, In Spite of Me blog tour at LitFuse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough.

She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005.

In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.

She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more info, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

Enter to Win Your Choice of Any 5 Books by Tricia Goyer:

Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo
(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide)

And/or

Leave a comment here http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-am-so-excited-to-announce-that-life.html for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Life, In Spite of Me.

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Sunday, May 09, 2010

Happy Mother's Day


After having 4 little ones of my own, I understand my mother much better.

  • I understand why she sent us outside to play when we were having (very noisy) fun inside.
  • I understand why she lost her temper and yelled at us when we had done for the millionth time what she had repeatedly instructed us not to do.
  • I understand why she got frustrated when she was the one picking up our (HUGE) messes - yet again.
  • I understand why she always gave us the best of whatever we had and took the leftovers for herself.
  • I understand why she pawned special items from her mom and grandmother when we were more than a little short on money. (Mom, I still remember that china bride doll, antique pitcher, and very old copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin with regret and will never forget the expression on your face as you got in the car to see how much you could get for them.)
  • I understand her love for each one of us has endured despite disappointments and hurts.
  • I understand that I will always be her child - a part of her.
To all of you other mothers: Happy Mother's Day and God bless you.

To Mom: Thanks. I love you.

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Saturday, May 08, 2010

I'm Exhausted, but I Accomplished a Lot

These past two weeks have been very stressful as I have worked long hours to finish as many client projects as possible before taking a week long break from my business.

This past week was absolutely insane. From Monday through Friday, I did the following:

  • 4 Blueberry Delight custom blog design packages from start to finish
  • 1 custom HTML page, including all the coding and graphics
  • 1 navigation bar and contact form
  • 1 ecommerce website - final content and product insertion
  • 1 database transfer
  • 3 hours of transferring Word docs to pdf format and then inserting them into a website
  • 2 hours of maintenance
  • 4 hours of training clients how to use their sites
Of course, my house was a complete disaster since working 10 - 12 hour days leaves no time for anything else. So today, I concentrated on housework:
  • 8 large loads of laundry were wash, dried, folded/hung up, and put away (There are still around 5 large loads of dirty towels, bedding, and work uniforms.)
  • the girls' room was finally completely cleaned
  • 2 loads of dishes were washed, dried, and put away
  • vacuuming was done
  • and I can't remember what else...
I'm ready to drop. But I still need to finish the dishes and the laundry, clean the bathrooms, vacuum/sweep/mop that floors that need it, and dust. I think I'll do that on Monday.

After that, I'm taking a break and enjoying my family.

How about you?

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Friday, April 09, 2010

Reality Check Brings Humility


Have you ever thought you were really good at something? Then you had the opportunity to step back and see or hear yourself doing that thing and realized that you weren't as good as you thought.

My church started streaming our services on Ustream. I play the piano nearly every Sunday and sing specials almost as often. So I've spent a good portion of the morning trying to find my clips in the new video archives. I found myself on several of the videos, and I have now gotten a good dose of humility.

As a piano major in college, I had no illusions about my skills. I was average in the realm of pianists and often listened with awe and a touch of envy as the more talented pianists played. If I had ever practiced, I think I would have been a step above where I was, but I never did dedicate myself as I should have.

I can honestly say that I have learned a lot since I left college. I am a better pianist today than I was then and am much more able to communicate through the songs I play. However, I still know that I am not anything special as a pianist.

Singing, however, is a bit different. I never had formal voice training, although that's one of the things I desperately want to do. I think I'll have to wait a few more years. But people still compliment me on my singing and tell me I have a beautiful voice.

While I knew my voice was not professional quality by any means, I did think it was pretty good. Then I found the special I sang just this past Sunday night.

Oh, boy!!! Listening to and watching that was humbling! Shaky notes, pitch problems, thin quality on the higher notes. I cringed. And I have now gotten a good dose of reality. I'm not "all that" when it comes to singing!

Will I quit singing? No. But I will be aware of my weaknesses and work to improve them. I'll also be quicker to give the glory to God for using me in spite of me.

I have a feeling some of you might ask for the links, so here are two.

Sunday night 4/4/10: singing and playing "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name" - wait for the commercial to finish and then click the progress bar until it gets close to 25:10
Sunday morning 3/14/10: playing "He Hideth My Soul" - wait for the commercial to finish and then click the progress bar until it gets close to 9:25

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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Blog Tour: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Debut novelist Sarah Sundin has nothing about which to be ashamed of in her first published book.

The Official Blurb: Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

My Review: Hold on to your seat because this book is going to blow you away. A Distant Melody is a masterful blend of historical fact and romantic fiction attractively packaged in well-written prose.

This was one book that kept me engrossed from page one all the way to the end. I read a lot of books and often find myself skimming over bits or entire sections because they are boring. I don't remember that happening one time with this book. Mrs. Sundin's tale weaves a spell that is hard to escape.

The characters, main and supporting, have a depth that makes one become emotionally invested in the story. The story itself includes so many historical facts and rich details that there is no doubt that the time period was well-researched.

My only tiny nitpicking criticism would be that the very last section of the story was a bit of a stretch for me to believe, although I have heard of people acting like the characters in the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Distant Melody and look forward to the next two books in the series. This was a fantastic novel, first or otherwise, and I'm anticipating great things from Mrs. Sundin in the future.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

Want to know what other bloggers think? Visit the blog tour post for links to additional reviews.

Win your own bit of nostalgia. Enter the Netflix and Nostalgia contest no later than April 25, 2010.

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Netflix and Nostalgia Contest

THE CONTEST:

Enter the  Netflix and Nostalgia contest from author Sarah Sundin!If you like WWII fiction, you'll be happy to know that A Distant Melody, Book 1 in Sarah Sundin’s exciting Wings of Glory series, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re offering one Grand Prize winner the chance to get NOSTALGIC!

THE PRIZE:

The Winner of the ‘NETFLIX® & Nostalgia’ giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including:

  • A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription
  • $25 Starbucks® gift card
  • A box of See’s Famous Old Time Chocolates®
  • A jar of homemade strawberry jam
  • A Big Band music CD
  • A Mini B-17 Model airplane
  • Vintage stationery and pen
  • British specialty tea
  • WWII style playing cards

To enter just click on the icon above! Contest will be live April 5th and run through April 25th!

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Blog Tour: Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

WHAT ERA? CONTEST
!
Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and why?
Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!
You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds' hearts may find the answers...in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

MY REVIEW:
Tricia Goyer is another author that I found through the Litfuse Nest Blogger program. I've reviewed several of Mrs. Goyer's books, including The Swiss Courier, Every Sunrise, A Whisper of Freedom, and Generation NeXt Marriage. Each book has confirmed that Mrs. Goyer is an author worth reading.

Songbird Under a German Moon is another winner for me. The romance of a bygone era lives and breathes within its pages, and the mystery is intriguing, making you want to keep reading so you can find out what really happened. Some of the plot twists were not complete surprises, but they were exciting nonetheless. The characters felt human, and the details included in the story showed that Mrs. Goyer took the time to thoroughly research her subject.

If you like romantic fiction set in the WWII era, you'll enjoy reading Songbird Under a German Moon.

FIND OUT WHAT OTHER BLOGGER THINK:
You will find links to other bloggers' reviews at the blog tour post.

PURCHASE THE BOOK
:
Songbird Under a German Moon is available in your local bookstore, at Wal-Mart, and everywhere you shop online.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime.

She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005.

In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.

She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Find out more about her and her books at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

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Monday, March 08, 2010

Daisy, Daisy ...

Give me your answer, do.
I'm half crazy
All for the love of you.

I swear I have never sung the chorus of "A Bicycle Built for Two" as often in my life as I have since we acquired our dog Daisy! Nearly every time I say or think her name, I begin singing, which is really beginning to annoy me despite the fact that I do like the song.



I never wanted a dog, but of course the children did and were continually asking for a dog. I always referred them to Daddy, and his answer was always no. A neat, reliable system. I just didn't count on Pookie's prayers.

I should have known from past experience that her prayers were likely to be answered. She prayed for a brother (and announced to her teachers and friends that I was having a baby boy a couple of months before I was even pregnant - boy, was that interesting!) and got one. She has prayed for other things we had no intention of getting for her and has received them. A dog proved to be no exception.

Daisy appeared at our house one on a Monday. Next thing I knew, the children were playing with this strange dog, petting her, and trying to get her into our backyard - something which I absolutely forbade. When she was still hanging around the next day, the kids did get her into our backyard and gave her food.


When I spoke to Mr. Incredible on the phone, he told me to make the kids get her out of the backyard. They did, but they continued to leave food for her under a tree just outside our backyard gate.

On Wednesday, Daddy relented and said that if the dog was still hanging around we should put her in our backyard and try to find her owner. Of course she was still around. After putting her in the backyard, I searched online and called the local animal shelter to see if anyone was missing a dog fitting her description.

The animal shelter told me that there was only one dog reported missing that might be the dog in our backyard. After receiving my permission, the shelter called the owner of the missing dog and gave her my contact info. She called within minutes. Our conversation convinced me that the dog in our backyard might actually be her dog. I gave her our address and she immediately came to find out if we had her dog.

The kids were ecstatic when the lady said that we didn't have her dog. That night, the kids were more thrilled when Daddy told them that we could keep the dog if we couldn't find her owner.


We haven't found her owner, and Daisy is now a member of our family. Although I didn't want a dog, if I had to have a dog, Daisy is the kind of dog I would have chosen: calm, well-mannered, intelligent, good with children, quiet, patient, and even-tempered. She rarely barks and appears to like everybody in our family equally well.


Why is she now named Daisy? That was the name of the missing dog, and the girls decided that's what they wanted to call their dog. So now I have that song permanently stuck in my mind.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Blog Tour: Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble

Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of these books. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

After reviewing Get Cosy, Josy and The Great Christmas Bowl, I quickly added Susan May Warren to my "favorite authors" list. Her books are witty and humorous, yet realistic in both character and plot. I was very excited to be given the opportunity to review the two "PJ Sugar" novels she has published so far.

Both Nothing But Trouble and Double Trouble met my expectations which I had formed based on the books I had previously reviewed. The books are written in Mrs. Warren's signature style, which includes plenty of witty dialogue and engaging narrative. What I didn't expect, although I probably should have, was that I would so deeply relate to P.J. Sugar, the heroine of this series.

In Nothing but Trouble, P.J. Sugar returns home from a 10-year exile which was brought about by her poor judgment and others' outright lies. Although she had become a Christian during her exile, P.J. lives with regret and pain from past decisions, carrying the baggage with her, never seeming to be able to escape her past or her proclivity for trouble. Throughout the highly entertaining story, PJ discovers important truths about becoming a new creature in Christ and letting go of past baggage.

In Double Trouble, PJ is pursuing what she believes to be her life's purpose - becoming a Private Investigator. Through hilarious mishaps, PJ solves the case and finally figures out who (and with whom) she wants to be. I found encouragement in PJ's newfound knowledge that you are not bound to your past nor does it define you.

If you are looking for a hilariously entertaining yet thought-provoking story, you will love both of the PJ Sugar books. Honestly, you'll love any book written by Susan May Warren.

Want to know what others think? Visit the blog tour post for links to others' review.

About Double Trouble:
With one solved case under her belt, PJ Sugar is ready to dive into her career as a private investigator. Or at least a PI's assistant until she can prove herself to Jeremy Kane, her new boss. Suddenly PJ's seeing crime everywhere. But is it just in her head, or can she trust her instincts? When she takes on her first official case-house-sitting for a witness in protective custody-Jeremy assures her there's no danger involved. But it soon becomes clear that there is someone after the witness . . . and now they're after PJ, too.

About Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year. Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike.

A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: www.susanmaywarren.com

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Book Tour: Becoming Lucy

Thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Strang Book Group and debut novelist Martha Rogers have teamed up to create the publishers' first ever historical Christian romance, Becoming Lucy. Since I enjoy historical fiction, I was pleased to be invited to join this tour.

Set in the 1800s, Becoming Lucy is the first in the Winds Across the Prairie series by Martha Rogers. Lucinda, the upper-class heroine of the story, suddenly finds herself an orphan who must leave her native Boston to go live with her aunt and uncle in the Oklahoma Territory. Faced with a multitude of changes, Lucinda graciously adapts to her new circumstances and learns to enjoy her new life. Part of that new life is Jake Starnes, an unbeliever to whom Lucinda is nonetheless strongly attracted. With their differences in faith and Jake's past, the possibility of their interest in each other deepening into love seems remote.

I found Becoming Lucy to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read book, although parts of the plot were predictable and the characters didn't feel entirely realistic to me. The writing quality was typical for Christian fiction, which is certainly not the highest quality. Still, I did want to find out how the story ended for Lucinda and was rooting for Jake to find the truth that would set him free.

All in all, I think Becoming Lucy was a good beginning for both Strang Book Group and Martha Rogers. I believe that Mrs. Rogers' writing will improve as she continues to hone her craft, and I will be looking forward to reading Morning for Dove, the next book in this series (scheduled for release in May 2010).

About the Book: Lucinda Bishop (Lucy) has lain both of her parents to rest and now must move West to family members in Oklahoma. But 1896 Oklahoma ranch life is far removed from the culture and society of Boston. Her aunt and uncle do their best to acclimate Lucy to her new life, though Lucy struggles with newfound feelings for ranch hand Jake Starnes and longings for her former reality. Between Jake's past and Lucy's future, will she ever be able to live this new life?

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble.com
ChristianBook.com
Borders.com

About the Author:
Debut Novelist, Long-time Believer
Martha Rogers placed her faith in Jesus Christ 65 years ago. He has seen her through many major challenges that life has brought. She holds a Master's degree in education and enjoyed a 36-year teaching career. She lives with her husband in Houston, Texas.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Snow Fun

Although much of the East Coast has seen record snowfall and no longer finds snow appealing, we haven't seen much snow here. Consequently, the novelty and romance are still intact for us.

Mr. Incredible and I purposely sought out the snow recently. We went skiing for the first time in several years. I hadn't been skiing since Pookie Bear was two months old - seven years ago. Mr. Incredible had gone skiing a couple of years after that, but I was always pregnant, sadly.

Anyway, this year we ditched the kids at my mom's house (thanks bunches, Mom!) and took off for our own private retreat. Boy, was it fun! Unfortunately, the kids had changed our camera's setting to black and white, and we didn't realize it until we had already taken most of the pictures we wanted to take. Here are some favorites. Mr. Incredible took most of these.





After we got back from our trip, we had 5" of snow fall at our home, a most uncommon occurrence. The children were excited, and Daisy, our new dog (tell ya about that later) absolutely loved the snow.





Poor Buddy Bear didn't even last 5 minutes in the snow. Daisy loves the children and is pretty well-behaved, not jumping on them. But she's so big and heavy that she doesn't have to jump on Buddy Bear to topple him. He had just made it past the stoop and was curiously looking around when Daisy came up to lick his face. She knocked him over - face first in the snow. He screamed and cried until I took him in and got his snowy coat off. He didn't venture out the rest of the day.


Pookie and I made the snowman together. The other girls had decided they had had enough of the cold. Pookie wanted a girl snowman - note the spiked hair.

We enjoyed the unusual snow event, even if Daddy did have to work all day because of it. The night when it was supposed to snow, we set out buckets and pans to catch clean snow to make snow cream. We saved some snow and made snow cream for Daddy last night. So he didn't miss all the fun.

What winter fun have you had?

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