Today, I am privileged to introduce Tricia Goyer, author of Blue Like Play Dough. Thanks, Elizabeth Johnson from Multnomah Books, a division of Random House for this Blog Tour Invite! Be sure to visit her blog and watch the video of Blue Like Play Dough. It's wonderful!
I loved Tricia's writings from the beginning. What makes it a great book is that most everyone can relate to her honest and transparent journey. Tricia's life with all its imperfections, disappointments and "what a mess" scenarios will have you laughing at times and then finding hope and understanding through the ups and downs of motherhood.
I was quite comfortable reading Blue Like Play Dough because the title is so visual for me and I have made play dough recipes many times for my 3 children. Most importantly, the analogy of being soft, flexible and pliable in God's hands is definitely a necessary ingredient of life. It is a high calling to be "putty in God's hands" because God specifically knows what's best for us and has an ultimate plan for our lives as Tricia explains and so wonderfully weaves this theme in her book.
When we empty ourselves before God and surrender, we will feel God's pleasure. You've heard the expression, "Let go- let God." Well, Tricia Goyer reveals her own truthful experiences of what surrender means when she says, "The more I gave to others and to God... the cleaner I felt."
What I especially like about this book, Blue Like Play Dough is Chapter #20 "When Death Stopped at Our House". Tricia's account of her Grandfather stepping into glory was similar to my own personal experiences of witnessing my Mother leave this earth with a smile on her face and my Dad saying "I love you" before he slipped away through the veil. Tricia speaks from her heart that Jesus is the way to eternal life. This is a great book and I highly recommend it to you. You will be inspired for sure!
* Author Bio:
Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana. Tricia's energy and love for others is so contagious. Take a look at her Blue Like Play Dough 'Go-Go' Campaign and how it works:
http://triciagoyer.com/gogo.html
Here's what this wonderful author has to say about it:
"I wrote Blue Like Play Dough because many times moms feel squished and smashed by all the demands of life. It's hard being a mom; yet it's often the hard stuff that changes us for the better.
Like any mom, at times I've felt like a failure. And other times I've felt as if God reached down and added an extra touch of sunshine to the day.
My hope is that my personal stories will encourage other moms to allow themselves to be shaped and molded. And as their children grow and change, they'll be changed into something beautiful, too. My Life, Unscripted and Generation NeXt Parenting are conversations about things that matter to this generation.
People need help and encouragement--not from someone who looks down, pointing a finger in their face, but from someone who has been there and who understands. My goal is to get books in the hands of people who need to see that perfection isn't necessary, and people who can find hope when they realize the hard stuff of life often molds us into better people if we let it.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of those who are in crisis or who just need a little encouragement."
* Tricia Goyer's Website:
http://www.triciagooyer.com
* Blue Like Play Dough Intro Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KNjiPB5nKU
* Summary:
In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.
Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is-me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.
In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.
* Review
Praise for Blue Like Play Dough
“I couldn’t put Blue Like Play Dough down. Tricia’s love of God comes through on every page as she shows what motherhood is like when God wields his rolling pin and smoothes the rough edges of her life. Before you know it, your heart will be putty in God’s hands, too.”–Ginger Kolbaba, editor, Today's Christian Woman
“With fresh, disarming honesty, Tricia Goyer gives us a glimpse into the challenges of motherhood and womanhood as we know it oh-so-well. She then gently nudges us to remain pliable in the hands of the One who is deliberate in His plans for us. A surrendered life is a beautiful life. Thanks, Tricia, for giving us an authentic picture of what that sort of life looks like.”–Robin Jones Gunn, best-selling author of the Christy Miller Series and the Sisterchicks series
“A hopeful book that moms will relish, Blue Like Playdough is an honest, peel-back-the-covers look at the creative way God shapes us through childhood and parenthood. Tricia Goyer explores her own weaknesses along the journey, revealing her desire to serve the God who forms strength and joy and perseverance within her. A compelling, fresh read.”–Mary E. DeMuth, author of Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture
“I didn’t even know I needed to read this book until I found myself weeping as Tricia’s story reached right into my mothering heart. Part memoir and part self-help, Blue Like Play Dough is a must read for every mother who has ever doubted her purpose. An honest, hopeful read that will hearten moms no matter what stage of motherhood they are in.”–Tina Ann Forkner, author of Ruby Among Us and Rose House
“Tricia’s story reveals a great truth: that as God uses us to grow our kids, he grows us in the process too.”–Mary Byers, author of Making Work at Home Work and The Mother Load
“The best hostesses make you feel welcome in their home, a part of the family. Likewise, the best authors make you feel welcome as you visit them in the pages of their books. Tricia Goyer does that in Blue Like Play Dough as she invites you to come into her life and hang out with her family, and she doesn't apologize for the messiness of family life. Instead, with refreshing vulnerability and transparency, she shows us all that it’s okay to be imperfect in the hands of a God whose love for his own is perfect.”–Nancy Kennedy, author of Girl on a Swing and Lipstick Grace
“Tricia’s book is a masterpiece on motherhood–sculpted by her hands–shaped by her love for God.”–Margaret McSweeney, Pearl Girls ™: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace
“Blue Like Play Dough had me nodding, laughing, crying, dog-earing favorite pages, and saying, ‘Wow, I’m not the only mom who feels that way? I’m not weird?’ Honest, gut-wrenching, and funny–this is the kind of book every mom needs to read and keep on her shelf–like a long-time friend–there to walk beside you, drink coffee with you, encourage you. Loved this book!”–Kimberley Woodhouse, author of Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy
* Purchase the book online:
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog
-- LadyD
No comments:
Post a Comment
As always, so nice to hear from you!