My family was chatting Bible over dinner one evening and I asked my nine-year-old son if he could remember the Ten Commandments. Nate nodded and put down his fork. “Sure. God is number one. There is no one before Him. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not lie. Thou shalt be nice.” “Whoa.” I felt my eyes bugging out as my fork paused in mid-air. “The Bible doesn’t say to be nice.” “Sure it does,” my teenage daughter piped up. I arched an eyebrow. “Where does it say that?” Callie searched through her memories but threw up her hands in…

Tara can't wait to introduce you to her talented friend, writing partner, and cup of sunshine Ane Mulligan! The ladies start off talking coffee and how Ane got her start in writing. Tara and Ane talk drama in church, the stretch between writing for stage versus novels, theatre roots, and drama for kids. Ane shares her passion for theatre and how it allows people to let down their guard to receive the message of the gospel. Also in this episode: Planting seeds, criticism, what readers see, Diann Hunt, finding the humor in life, socially inappropriateness, shocking Broca, hilarious life moments,…

Today, Tara chats with her critique partner, award-winning author, and dear friend Michelle Griep! The ladies discuss Michelle's love of story, even back when all she used was Crayolas. Michelle shares that she started writing to escape her kids (lol) and the women discuss all things England and their passion for the quirks and beauty of the land beyond the sea. Michelle inspires Tara with a story about Iron Bridge and they brainstorm ways to be called into ministry in the U.K. Michelle discussed her earliest inspiration--Little House, Jane Eyre, and Michael Crichton--and the best advice she's ever received. Also…

Today I'm hanging out with my fun-loving, ever-talented friend Amy Earls! Amy is surprised to learn Tara was born in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. The girls talk about all things Corvallis and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tara talks about how her husband doesn't listen to female Siri and Amy shares how her tagline was inspired by youth adult fantasy blended with faith. The ladies talk about the supernatural and how story can show us much about God through parallel worlds. Tara learns Amy's earliest inspiration came from C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia and The Magician's Nephew),…

Today, Tara sits down to visit with her buddy, Kathleen Denly--wife, mom, and author of beautiful historical romances!   The ladies swap weird research stories, misnomers about California, Mr. Math Man, and early childhood reading influences. Kathleen tells Tara about her writing process (developing characters) and midnight inspiration.   Also in this episode...   Fingerprints of light, control issues, barking dogs, NOOM, and the difference between knowing Jesus is Lord and making Him Lord of your life.   Links: www.kathleendenly.com www.TaraJohnsonStories.com

For the contaminated, He washes away the grime until we’re whiter than snow. For the broken, He binds up our wounds. For the empty, He fills us. For the hurting, He soothes. For the tattered heart, He sews it back with threads of grace. For the rejected, He embraces us. For the fallen, He lifts us back to our feet. For the depressed, He gives hope. For the unwanted, He adopts. For the weary, He gives rest. For the unlovable, He says, “I love you.” “There is no pit so deep, God’s love is not deeper still.” ~Betsy Ten Boom