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 …

In My Words: Turning Back from Turning My Back on God (Part 1)

Beth VogtFaith, Life 51 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. Today I’m sharing the first part of the story of when my faith foundered, part one of a three-part series recounting a less-than stellar season in my faith journey. It ain’t pretty, but it’s honest. *** …

In Others’ Words: America

Beth VogtLife 13 Comments

Happy 4th of July! Tomorrow I’ll be celebrating with family and friends! I’m thankful for this country — and am especially thankful for the men and women who have served in the armed forces, defending our country’s freedom. What are you doing on July 4th?   I’m taking off Friday, so I’ll be back on Monday with a week-long, three-part …

In Others’ Words: Education

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life 29 Comments

Not all of my friendships have lasted. That’s not surprising, I know. It’s rare for a friendship to span elementary school through high school on into college and everything beyond: a career, a marriage (or not), kiddos (or not) life choices that draw us further apart than a geographical move ever could. But there are times when I have closed …