In Others’ Words: Thoughts

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life 22 Comments

I went to college as a special education major. I’d always had an interest in sign language and braille. And after visiting Gallaudet University, a college for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, DC, while writing a high school report, I selected special education as my college major. That lasted all of one semester. Why? Because I asked …

In Others’ Words: Smallest

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life, Uncategorized 40 Comments

I am still trying to find the words to describe the birth of my granddaughter, Alison Elizabeth, on Wednesday, July 24. I’ll let you know when I find them. All of my emotions seem to find their expression in tears … and silence whenever I hold this miracle in my arms. I’ll be spending Friday welcoming her home … and …

In Others’ Words: The Power of Truth

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Quotes 16 Comments

This quote gives me hope. There are times in my life when lies prevailed — when I even willingly embraced lies, believing them to be true. But what I’ve learned is that ultimately, a lie must bend to Truth. Even more, Truth will break a lie until it is nothing more than crumbled dust that you can hold in your …

In Others’ Words: Waste Not, Want Not

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life 26 Comments

It all comes down to response, doesn’t it? I can’t always control what happens in my life — the joys or the sorrows. Even when I make a decision that I’ve determined is right and best, that doesn’t mean I control other people’s responses. What I see as leading to healing and wholeness, someone else may interpret as wrong. And …

In Others’ Words: Grasp (Guest Post by writer Pepper Basham)

Beth VogtFaith, In Others' Words, Life 18 Comments

  Just the Way You Are, my work-in-progress (WIP), is the story of a single mom whose ex-husband not only left her for a younger model, but also left her with a wealth of insecurities. Throughout the story, she’s constantly struggling with being good enough to be loved, and certain she’s one breath away from failure. So she’s in a …

In Others’ Word: Bold (Guest post with Reba J. Hoffman)

Beth VogtFaith, In Others' Words, Life 11 Comments

 Meet my friend, Reba — truly one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever met! She embraces the challenge to “live life out loud.” We met at the inaugural My Book Therapy Storycrafters Retreat in 2009. Last Saturday, Reba embarked on an amazing cross-country journey. I’m so excited for you to hear why she made this bold choice.   There …

In My Words: Turning Back from Turning My Back on God (Part 3)

Beth VogtFaith, Life 35 Comments

I’ve found that when I hope to encourage others, God often prompts me to share my less-than shining moments. This is one of those times. On Monday & Wednesday, I shared the circumstances that caused my faith to founder — and the choices (mistakes) I made along my way to doubt. Welcome to Part 3 (the final installment) of a …

In My Words: Turning My Back from Turning My Back on God (Part 2)

Beth VogtFaith, Life 43 Comments

I’ve found that when I hope to encourage others, God often prompts me to share my less-than shining moments. This is one of those times. On Monday, I shared the circumstances that cause my faith to founder — and the first mistake I made along my way to doubt: I lost sight of the truth of who God is. Welcome …