Breaking News: Arms Of Deliverance

Just off the press: Arms of Deliverance is a must read. This gripping story is the fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.

Two friends, Mary and Lee, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war's outbreak and soon they become competitors. Mary's coverage of a bombing raid over Germany leads to a plane wreck and an adventurous escape attempt from across enemy lines. And when Lee hears of Mary's plight, she bravely heads to war-torn Europe in an effort to help rescue her friend. Will there be enough time for diplomacy or will war get the best of everyone?

If you would like to read more just follow the link: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2006/06/arms-of-deliverance-chapter-one.html

Interested in learning more about the creation of the story? What about the author? Well, read on!

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE: The Story Behind the Novel

The Idea:

The idea for Arms of Deliverance came one day as I was researching for my novel Night Song. I was watching a video that talked about Lebensborn homes in Nazi Europe. These were homes where women birthed children for the Reich. After all, to have a "Thousand Year Reich" the Germans needed future Aryans. That was the first layer of the story.

The second layer came when I was researching my novel, Dawn of a Thousand Nights. First, I was studying these amazing women who risked their lives during WWII. (Dawn of a Thousand Nights involved female pilots who ferried US planes around the country.) Other brave women risked their lives as female war reporters, and I knew I wanted to write a story about them. This sparked my interest too.

Throw in my intrigue of B-17 bomber crews over Europe, and you have the first three elements of Arms of Deliverance. The fourth is a Nazi officer in search for . . . well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out!

The Research:

The first thing I did when I started researching was to check to see if I could find any veterans who were there. I got a hold of an amazing group of men with the 91st Bomb Group. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys. You can check them out at their website (http://www.91stbombgroup.com/). Be sure to take time to look at the photos and read the TRUE stories from the 91st!

The men gave me all type of information. They gave me the details of exact flights and shared their personal experiences and stories.

Of course, God always surprises me with “abundantly more than I ask for or imagine” when it comes to these stories. Here’s one of them:

One thing you may remember from photos of old bombers is the nose art on the bombers that highlighted the bomber’s name. During my writing, I kept praying for the perfect name for my bomber—something to tie into the book.

During my research I met a veteran from the 91st Bomb Group named Jack Gaffney. Out of the blue, Jack suggested I use the name “Destiny’s Child.” You see, Jack was a ground crew member and a nose-art artist. He painted “Destiny’s Child” and other B-17 Bomber noses.

At the time, Jack had no idea of premise of my novel included the Lebensborn homes and a special child—Destiny’s Child. Is that cool or what?!

To see Jack’s nose art, go here:
http://www.91stbombgroup.com/destinyc.html

The Writer:

I have to say that I am changed in some way by every novel I write. And this one moved me deeply. You see, as I wrote about the rescue of a special child, I had no idea what God had in store for me and my family.

One month after the novel was written, my husband and I sat down to discuss something that had been on my heart for a while—the adoption of another child. I won’t give the story behind the novel away, but as I reread it I could see clearly through my written words what God had already been placing on my heart.

I will keep news of our adoption of a baby girl from China updated on my blog (http://www.genxparents.blogspot.com/)!

What’s Next From Tricia Goyer:

Currently, I’m working on my fifth novel, A Valley of Betrayal. It is the first novel in a three-book-series on The Spanish Civil War, which took place in Spain, pre-World War II.

Of course, there is more to my life than fiction. I’m also a wife, a mom, a mentor and a children’s church leader, and I also write about these aspects of my life.

Generation NeXt Parenting will hit store shelves September 2006. Here’s a short blurb:

Get Real, Become Focused, Begin Thriving! You're a generation of parents aspiring to excellence in every way, but you're also just plain tired. You don't need another parenting book promising perfection or another formula guaranteeing great kids; you need practical advice that shows how to deal with your and your children's hearts. If you're worn out from trying to do too much while giving your child every opportunity under the sun, if you're striving to excel in every way but suffering from a lack of focus, this book is your solution. It will help you understand how your specific tendencies are common to your generation as a whole. You'll embrace the positive qualities that enable you to parent for God's glory. Lay a firm foundation and thrive as you raise up the next generation!

If you’re a parent, like me, check it out!

I was fortunate to get an interview with Tricia. I was blessed by her openness and willingness to share what she has learned. She is warm, personable and down to earth. It was a pleasure to chat with her. Read on and get to know the author of Arms Of Deliverance.

Did you always want to be a writer?

I didn't even consider being a writer until I was married with three children. Before that time I wanted to be a school teacher. I never thought that writing books was something I could do. It was then a met a friend from church who was working on a novel. Cindy and I attended our first writer's conference together and encouraged each other. Cindy Martinusen is also a published novelist of four books!

How has writing impacted your life: professionally, personally?

I don't think writing has changed who I am personally. I'm married to the same wonderful guy, and I'm a normal mom to my three kids. I shop at the grocery store, attend soccer games, help with homework. I attend the same church, have the same friends, and still volunteer in children's church every week.

Professionally things have changed dramatically. I wrote for many years with tons of rejections, now I have more work than I can keep up with. I actually have editors contacted me, which is nice! This just goes to show that it can me done. I love to encourage new writers . . . because I was there!

Do you get a lot of support in your writing?

Yes! I have a huge network of support. First, my husband, kids, family and close friends. I'm also involved in numerous writer's organizations and on-line writer's prayer group. I know at any time I can share a request and have hundreds of people praying for me. And I can tell. The prayers of my friends have kept me plugging away.

What would you like to share with your readers that is not widely known about you?

Hmmm . . . my favorite food is watermelon?! Ha!

Actually, I think one thing readers have no idea about is how much writers support each other. You may think that we get envious of the success of others, but that is not the case. That's what I love about Christian publishing. We truly are the body of Christ, all working together for the glory of God.

What makes your book different from all the others out there?

There are many WWII novels out there, and each author writes differently. One of the things that set my novels apart is my connection with WWII veterans. I also like to take four seeminly random storylines and weave them all together. This means A LOT of research, but I love it!

What tips would you give to a struggling writer that is overwhelmed with the process, fighting rejections and is being buried under a pile of magazines/books to read?

Great question! My number one suggestion is to WRITE. There are so many voices out there, which so much advice. It is good advice, but it can be overwhelming.

Second, connect with another writer and edit each other. Be honest to share what works and what doesn't. Attend a Christian writer's conference if you can and connect with other writers there.

Finally, after you have words on paper that you can actually work with, then start consulting writer's books. I highly recommend, "Self-Editing For Fiction Writers", "Writing the Breakout Novel," and "A Story is a Promise."

You may note I haven't said anything about seeking publication yet. In my opinion, writers worry about this too soon. I've heard it said that it takes 10-years before a new writer has a novel published. It was nine for me . . . so pretty close! The market is tough these days, and writers need to take time to develop their craft.


My heart felt thanks to Tricia for sharing a little of herself with us and we pray for her continued success with her latest novel.

Blessings,

Too Much Advice

Have you ever encountered individuals that always know exactly what you're supposed to be doing? They have advice for all occasions be it in regard to dating, family life, education, employment or religion. Some of the advice might be right on target, but some might not. These individuals fail to take into consideration that you know yourself better than anyone does. They often discount what you think and how you feel.

I know a young lady, who at one point in her life wanted to have nothing to do with God. She felt that the examples of God that was exhibited in her family's fell short of true acceptance, forgiveness, and love. For years, she abandoned having a relationship with the God of her father and mother. Years later, when she was going through a rough patch she remembered this same God. She prayed and He answered her. What she prayed for is not so important the essential factor was that God answered her. Has this ever happened to you?

Well, she started to attend church; she read her Bible and developed a healthy relationship with the Lord. Her mother and father though happy for this new relationship still had something to say. If you break one of the Lord's commandments you are breaking them all. Yes, she was worshipping on Sundays rather than on the Sabbath. And for this reason, alone she was not, in their eyes worshipping the Lord.

Is God a ritualistic God? Or is that a man thing? I recall several places in the Bible where God answered prayers of those who were not Jewish, like Hagar. He intermingled with those who were shun and cursed, like the Samaritan woman. What about David did he not break the law when he ate the bread reserved for the priest? Does God look at the heart or the day that we worship? Does it matter how we live our lives among our fellow man or if we obey the letter of the law? I believe, and I could be wrong that God is interested in whether or not we keep the spirit of the law. Is that not what Christ showed when he healed on the Sabbath day?

If you are like the young lady above, take courage. Follow your heart, pray for divine direction and ignore what you know is not relevant. You can learn a lot by listening to wise counsel, but if your mind is not sound, your faith not firm and your determination unswerving you can end up confused. Let the Lord be your pilot He will keep you on the proper course.

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Go Garlic!

I’m sure you heard it all before that garlic is the magical herb that cures all ailments. No doubt, you know of its long and prestigious history: it served the Egyptian Pharaohs when they wanted to keep their slaves healthy. Hippocrates is said to have used garlic to cure leprosy in 5 century B.C. French citizens in 1722 claim that it protected them from the plague, and it was used during WWI as an anti septic poultice.

Garlic is a magical herb! Just a half a clove a day can reduce cholesterol levels up to 9%! It also acts as a blood thinner. Let’s not forget that it is good for colds, the flu, and jock itch, relieves gas, helps digestion, and lessens the severity of lyme disease. It also guards against DNA, radiation and sunlight damage; it can help to destroy viruses like smallpox, influenza, and candidiasis, aids in insomnia, liver disease, snakebites, and several types of cancer including breast, colon, and stomach cancer. Is this a miracle herb or what? It treats athlete’s foot, rheumatism, headaches, yeast infections, ear infections and sinus problems. Chinese healers used garlic to reduce blood pressure. It beats taking aspirin. You can eat it chopped, diced or grated in your favorite salad.

Hold on to your seat, garlic is also an aphrodisiac. It’s the latest sensation for sexual prowess. Has your love life been in the toilet lately? Why not resurrect it by popping garlic daily? Garlic is available in odorless capsules at you local health store. But do you know what you will be getting in each capsule? Are you sure that what’s on the label will be in each capsule?

Research has found that garlic tablets are not regulated by the FDA. Why? Because it is not a drug. Among the various varieties, capsule content differs drastically up 18 fold across the board. Why take a chance? Go to you local grocery store and pick up the real McCoy. You’ll have no doubt that it is garlic. There will be no question that it will be potent and 100% full of the essentials you need. If you want to be a stud, don’t gamble with a dud. Go natural. Go organic. Go garlic.

**Be mindful if you are on prescribed medication you need to check with you healthcare professional to ensure that the garlic will not interfere with medications. **



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The Atlas Complex

Sometimes I sit and wonder is everyone else loosing their minds or is it just me. It seems like people are suffering from a Superman or Superwoman complex. No one wants help. They want to be the lone ranger or the bright shining star. At one time I thought the church was different but no longer do I believe this. Even there this superior complex exists.

God has equipped each of his children with gifts that are to build and edify the body of Christ. How can one do this if the other members shut you out? Should you force your way in? Should you demand to be allowed to contribute? What should you do? Ministries need people to be functional. They need people to grow. There is a new phenomenon ministries of one. It is mine. It is about me. It is my anointing. It is my gifting. Have you encountered people like this at your church?

The call goes out on a regular basis from the church; we need workmen to help tend the field. Yet when one volunteers it is like an invisible door has been shut. It is similar to the scene in "Dumbo" when the mother elephants shut Dumbo out. Remember they closed ranks and he was left by himself. He was isolated. This is what is happening in churches today. They say one thing but the individuals that head the ministries portray something else by their actions.

One Christian I know had the gift of song writing she obediently shared the gift with the churches music ministry and the song was never sung in the church. How would you feel if this happened to you? Another friend has a gift of working with young people and she wanted to encourage the youngsters in their desire to form a teen group. The idea was shot down. Why? Could it be because it was not the music minister's idea?

It is quite possible that the leaders of the various ministries are forgetting the objective of the ministry. A ministry is to minister to the body and to the world. They are to follow the role of Christ: encourage, support, lead, heal, love, teach and to produce fruit. If you do it all by yourself when do you plant? Where is the encouragement? If you are the lone ranger then when do you teach others how to take the rains? Do you recall Joshua, he was trained for leadership? I am sure that Moses gave him opportunities to learn and try out what he learned. How else would Moses have confidence that he could do the job?

Many Christian leaders are carrying the world on their shoulders like Atlas. They bare it all alone, but in Christ we are not alone. Why then do so many act like they are? And in the process they kill the desire, enthusiasm, and spirit of those that genuinely wish to contribute to the body of Christ. For the first Christian with the songs she knows that the song was inspired by God and she is confident that God will reward her obedience. Now it is up to the Lord to decide what happens to his song. As for the other Christian she is confident that God will reveal to her just how to encourage the youth and be able to start the group. She believes as do I that God desires for his children to be supported and encouraged within the church for outside of it is death, destruction and separation from the Father.

Well, this may seem like needless ranting. If your church is not like this then praise God. If you are not like this thank God. But if you are maybe you should think about the impact you are having, the impact you want to have and the impact that God expects you to have.

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So Many Issues, So Little Time!

Sometimes it is the hardest thing to know what to pray for. You are certain you need to ask God to intervene in your situation, but you are not sure where to start …or stop for that matter. At times the list is so long that you get worn out just recalling every name and individual problem.

You know, Sues mothers death, Johns financial problems, Mary’s marital issues, Rogers children running a muck, Janice’s boss that seems demon possessed, the pastors conflicts with members of the church, your personal insecurities, plus the million and one other things that needs to be prayed on. How can you recall it all? How can you remember them continually in prayer?

Well, there are many solutions to this dilemma: Keep a journal, develop a prayer list, group the needs in categories, or just trust God to know who needs what. Journals and prayer list are great methods of keeping a record. They give you a point of reference; to track answered prayers. Praying in categories is simple, “Lord please remember all who are facing financial difficulties.” This might not seem personal but it economical; it saves time and mental energy.

My favorite way to remember every detail and everyone I should pray for is to trust God to be God. What do I mean? Simply, "God please meet the needs of Roger, Jane, Tom, Maheem, Matteel, Dwain, Maisie, Carol, or Joyce. You know everything be with them and keep them." Sometimes I ask God to just “Help”. And yet there are times I say, “Lord please deliver.”

At times these short prayers will not work. When that happens I just follow the instructions that are given by the Holy Spirit. I pray for what I am told to; for as long as I am told to and for whom I am told to do it for. Praying for others is our service for others. We should pray with joy for Christ remembered to pray for us before He went to the cross. And aren’t you glad He did? I am!

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The Value Of A Dowry!

In ancient times the custom was that he father of the bride was paid a dowry for his daughter. If the suitor was not able to pay the dowry he was required to work for his in law to be for a specified period of time. The time worked was determined by the amount of dowry required.

This act of labor was beneficial in several ways:
It helped to prevent a hasty marriage
It tested the depth of the prospective husband affections
It revealed whether the husband to be would be able to provide for a wife and family.
It allowed all parties time to get to know one another.

Today many individuals marry quickly. They believe in love at first sight or that love will conquer all. It is evident that this does not pan out most of the time according to the steady increase in the divorce rate. Could there be a benefit to dowry payments? Would a dowry positively affect the divorce rates today? Maybe.

One thing is certain dowry payments worked for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They paid the required fee, took time to know their mates, and allowed God to bless their union(s). The Bible does not record that they divorced but, I’m sure they faced challenges in their marriages as many do today. They took the vows of marriage seriously for they were required to back their intentions with money or service. What do we use to back up our intentions today? Words?

As a mother of two boys I intend to teach my sons the value of a dowry though it is not required in the U.S. They must be responsible, have integrity, take time to know their intended, develop a relationship with her family, have a means of supporting her, and be willing to be the man God has called each of them to be.

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The Ranting Of A Middle Aged Woman

Have you ever wondered why the youth of today wear their clothing four sizes too big? Why the boys no longer were belts? Why the girls clothing is two sizes too small and seven inches too short?

Have you ever sat back and observed the way they walk? They zigzag like a snake slithering along the desert sand. They have their shoulders bent, body crooked to the side, like a person on methadone.

Have you observed how the youth congregate outside of the schools during school hours? Do you sometimes wonder how many students are actually in the classroom? I have? At my son’s school IS 59 you’d observe a sea of bodies playing on the sidewalk, running up the street, heading to the mall which is a block away or just hanging out in the school yard shooting the breeze.

Driving along the streets of New York I observe the strangest things. When the light is red cars are stopped and the youth can freely walk across the street, they don’t. As soon as the light turns green and the cars start to move they step off the sidewalk defying traffic. They crawl across the street at a snails pace giving me the “evil eye” as they go. They strut across with a macho air about them. I wonder if they think they’re superman or the bionic woman able to leap tall buildings and stop trucks with their bare hands.

Then as I drive home at night there are the “hang outs”. You know those youths that live on the street corners, just hanging out. They often look like they’re holding up a building or a store front. It could be eleven o’clock at night or three in the morning yet they guard the street as if it’s their home. Some of them look like children age six, or seven while others look as old as nineteen or twenty. Thinking to my self I would ask: Why are they out here? What is on their minds? Don’t they need rest? Don’t they know it’s not safe for children to be out so late? But then I catch myself. I think my kids aren’t out on the street. Why? Because I don’t allow it. Where are the parents? Who are raising these children?

There was a time when everyone in the community took an interest in the youth, what they were doing, where they went and how they learned. Everyone helped to one degree or another. That seems like ancient history now. The focus seems to be more and more about me and mine. How heartbreaking it is to think of what the youth today are missing.

The results are clearly demonstrated by the shocking things I hear. Incidents that are so outrageous I can’t even believe them. My neighbor told me that this summer as she gardened in her privately owned two family home; a teenaged boy opened her gate and walked in her yard. He proceeded to walk to the back of her house. She asked him, “Where are you going?”

Turning with much attitude he replied, “I’m going to jump your fence. I’m taking a short cut.”

In disbelief she told him, “You can’t do that. This is private property. You can’t just walk in here and jump my fence. You can’t do that.”

Realizing that he wasn’t going to be able to jump the fence he went out the same way he came. What was he thinking? What’s mine is mine and what yours is mine also.

Just this summer someone climbed my locked fence and stole my husbands and eldest son’s bikes. I ‘m sure it wasn’t an old timer because the fence is tall and most old timers have some type of joint pain. It probably wasn’t a middle aged person either for they most likely have pain too, like me. After consulting with the police we were informed that the youths have been stealing bikes in the area. I guess they really believe what is yours is mine.

As I look at the young people today, from the way they dress, carry themselves, and their disregard for people’s property I wonder what’s on their minds. Sometimes I just scratch my head and say, “Nothing absolutely nothing is on their minds.”

But then I’m reminded every now and again that there are youth who take pride in the way they dress. They obey the traffic signals; respect people’s property; they attend school regularly; and generally have positive goals and desires. This indicates that they’re being properly raised. But they seem to be so few and far in between.

I believe there are two groups of youth today, those that are attempting to hold on to good and wholesome values and those that don’t even know what that means. In time there may only be one group left; those that have no values at all. Why? Because without intervention by family, friends, or community they’ll do whatever feels good to them. Because having values, respect for people and their property, dressing in an appropriate manner (modesty) and having a desire to learn are characters that are taught.

I remember how difficult it was to stand up against the ridicules and condemnation that came from my peers for doing the right thing. I had support and training from family, teachers, and community.

As a society, we’ve given our youth the freedom to throw away the moral codes because there no longer exists an absolute truth. We threw it away for our love of money. We entice them with the movies, television, fashion and our warped view of success. We desire to have our pot of goal now. Why wait? Patience is dead. But what are we grooming them for in the future? Would we want them to take care of us as we age? Will they know how? Will that even be on their mind? Or will they, like us, pursue their pot of gold leaving the next generation (their children) to fend for themselves?

Maybe the youth are acting and dressing this way because they want us to put something on their mind. Stir their interest. Peak their curiosity. Show them a better way. Maybe this is their call for help.

What is on the minds of American youth today? Money, stardom, party-time, and fashion are on their minds. But I remember a time when studying, education, playing double dutch and jacks were on the minds of youth. When they played sports for the love of the game and not for the fortune and fame.

As I look around reminiscing of a time long gone, I’m glad I’m not a youth today for they’re missing out on the innocence of youth and the experiences that build true character. They’re missing the personal touch of community, relationship, and a respect for moral values.

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