@bethvogt The last few months I’ve experienced a few changes in my writing life. As I worked on producing an audiobook of Things I Never Told You, book 1 in my Thatcher Sisters Series, and self-publishing Unpacking Christmas: A Thatcher Sisters Novella, I spent a lot of time in 2021 praying about “what’s next?” The first answer to my “what’s …
Unpacking My One Word for 2022
@bethvogt I’m five days into focusing on my One Word for 2022. A quick reminder, because you’re not responsible to remember my One Word: I’m focusing on the word pray. Pray, not prayer. I’m specific about the difference between the two words. Prayer is a noun, a word referring to a person, place, or thing. Pray is a verb, …
It’s Not Too Early to be Thinking About 2022
@bethvogt A lot of people are counting down the days until Christmas. There are 73 days until December 25, my friends. But did you know there are 80 days until the start of 2022? If those 80 days race by like the other 285, then January 1, 2022 will show up on our calendars before we’re ready. I’ll admit I’ve …
Why Can We Be Hopeful When Our Plans Fall Apart?
@bethvogt I love it when a plan comes together, don’t you? (Yes, an obvious nod to the A-Team.) And when a plan doesn’t? I scramble to scoop up all the falling apart pieces into my hands. Wanting to find a way to make my original plan work. It was a good plan – or so I thought. I’m not wrong. …
Choosing to Conquer Our Challenges One Small Step at a Time
@bethvogt The subject of resilience came up last weekend during a text conversation with my friend Bernadette. We were discussing how a year has passed since COVID upended our lives. One whole year. Also, like so many others, Bernadette and I are walking through grief because family members died during the pandemic. “I don’t know about you, but I feel …
Choosing to Do the Work to Reap the Benefits of Marriage
I blew it with my husband, Rob, the other day. To be more specific — I blew up at Rob over the most trivial thing. Rather than dealing with the unexpected interruption to my day – I did say it was minor, right? – I called Rob and made sure he knew I was upset. That I didn’t appreciate what …
Recognizing We’re Afraid … and Choosing to Do What Needs to be Done Anyway
@bethvogt I had a dental appointment yesterday. I dreaded it so much I’d put it off for five months. But yesterday, I “adulted” and went to the dentist. A lot of people are afraid of the dentist – maybe you’re one of them. If you are, I empathize with you. You’re welcome to share your story in the comments. I …
Choosing to Balance Our Expectations with Reality During the Holidays
@bethvogt Like it or not, the holidays are coming in the midst of a pandemic. I don’t know anyone who likes it. I also acknowledge each of us honor different holiday traditions: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa. Some of us may have even broken away from our original family customs. And in the midst of all of this, there may be other …
Forget New Year’s Resolutions and Choose One Word to Focus on in 2021
I abandoned the tradition of New Year’s resolutions 15 years ago. Instead, I select One Word to focus on. I always look forward to sharing my annual One Word with family and friends, as well as finding out what One Words others select for the coming year. For only the second time in all these years, I’m repeating a One …
Choosing to Gain a Healthier Perspective on Change in Our Lives
@bethvogt I’m going through a time of transition. To be honest, I don’t like it. I typed those words and stopped, wondering when was the last time I wrote about my struggle with change. Searched my blog archives and found a blog post dated July 24, 2019. Yes, I had to shake my head and smile. I was dealing with …