Memories in a Box, by Tricia Goyer

My grandmother has lived with our family for the last ten years. She sold her mobile home after my grandfather died and dolled out most of her possessions to her three daughters. There are only a few things that are still important to her, and all of them are stored within a box—a trunk actually—that used to belong to her mother. Inside is my grandmother's wedding dress, crocheted doilies from her mother (my great-grandmother), and small treasures from my grandfather who served in World War II.

In my recent release, The Promise Box, Amish woman Lydia Wise discovers a box of treasures after her mother's death. They weren't physical mementos, but rather letters and Scripture from her mother relating the promises of God. These promises then go on to impact Lydia's life.

As a writer, I often find myself digging into the treasures that are passed to me. Treasures that are more amazing than I first expected. In my life as a writer I've been given:

·       letters and photos from World War II

·       a huge memory book from a small, Montana community

·       old newspaper clippings

·       old recipes on yellowed paper

·       old magazines

·       handwritten experiences from the war

In life we often get excited about what's new and cool in our generation. I love Skyping with my grandson who lives 2,000 miles away. I collect craft ideas on @Pinterest, and I've reconnect with elementary school friends on Facebook. Yet it's important to remember that we are who we are because of those people who've gone before us. The items in my grandmother's trunk are evidence of things who molded who she is. And who she is, molded who I am.

What about you? Do you take time to look back, to remember, and to listen to the wisdom of those who've gone before you? I do, and it molds my writing … it molds my life. Just like it molded my character, Lydia.

When I sit down with my grandmother and listen to her stories, or dig into photos a memories with her by my side, I am changed. I like to think that the lessons I learn are reflected in my writing. If anything, I am reminded over and over again that I need to be diligent to write down the blogs and articles and books that God has given me. As Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.”

It is no accident that God allowed my grandmother to live with me, because He knew how it would shape my

writing. I'm not going to be able to take a vacation with any financial gifts she leaves behind, but I have greater treasures stored in my heart. I've collected memories, and someday I'll be able to tell my children the stories she passed on to me.

I share those things with you, too, readers. Because what's on my heart makes it onto the page. And isn't that what a book is: a small “box” of words that bring to life stories that are molded within an author's heart?

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of six, grandmother of one, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.

In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Tricia, along with a group of friends, recently launched www.NotQuiteAmishLiving.com, sharing ideas about simplifying life. She also hosts the weekly radio podcast, Living Inspired. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

Tricia Goyer’s latest release is The Promise Box. Keep up with Tricia on Facebook (authortriciagoyer) and Twitter (@triciagoyer).

Stop by tomorrow to enter to win a free copy of The Promise Box!