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 Read More
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Theatre, Story, and Laughter with Ane Mulligan
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 Read More
All Things England with Michelle Griep
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 Read More
YA and Fly-by-Faith Fiction with Amy Earls!
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 Read More
Research, Writing, and Control…oh my!
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
If you’re struggling today…
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.” Read More
Episode 17: Listen to the first chapter of Where Dandelions Bloom!
In honor of National Dandelion Day, I’ve recorded the first chapter of Where Dandelions Bloom so you can enjoy it on audio! I pray you enjoy being introduced to Gabe and Cassie. Let me know if you’d like to hear more. 🙂 Buy link: Where Dandelions Bloom: Johnson, Tara: 9781496428356: Amazon.com: Books
Fairy Lights: Learning to Dance in the Rain
Life is a strange thing…a series of failures and successes. Of shattered assumptions and stars eclipsed by clouds. You think your spouse would never betray you. And then they do. You believe your children would never willingly shred your heart in half. And then they do. The trusted friend, the one true ally turns away. You lay in your bed, salty tears filling your mouth, asking God to take you away from all of it. The pain is too great. Too crushing. You think the Read More
Episode 16…the family show!
This week, Tara sits down with the people who know her best…her family! Todd, Tara, Callie and Nate gather to ponder the great mysteries of life. The grew chats about their dream vacation destination while Callie works to power through her homework. The crew discusses their family traditions, like Christmas Eve scavenger hunts and Jubilee, while digging through an old chat pack. Also in this show… Great leaders, what really sunk the Titanic, science facts with Callie, is water wet, fancy restaurants, what scared us Read More
Listening for the Sacred with Brian Spahr!
Today I chat with chaplain, speaker, singer and all-around awesome guy Brian Spahr! Brian and I talk about the most frustrating, and funny, stories about church ministry and Brian gives the low-down on being a hospital chaplain. We delve deep into ‘stepping into the sacred’ in ministry, as well as ‘listening for the sacred’ in music and art. Brian talks about creating safe spaces in grief and he gives me the low-down on his brand-new book Don’t You Care That We Are Drowning?…which is a Read More