In Others’ Words: Preparing for Tomorrow

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, perspective, Quotes 7 Comments

  Even as I prep this post, I’m mulling over the quote: “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” I agree with H. Jackson Brown Jr.  . . . and then, part of me trips over the words “doing your best.” “Doing your best” doesn’t mean today went exactly as you planned. “Doing your best” doesn’t mean …

In Others’ Words: Learning to Live with Brokenness

Beth Vogtbrokenness, In Others' Words, Life, Quotes 10 Comments

Brokenness fascinates me. It seems the theme of brokenness intrigues a lot of people — a lot of writers, to be specific. Elisa Morgan wrote about it in her book The Beauty of Broken. Then there’s Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Henry T. Blackaby’s Brokenness: The Heart God Revives; Finding God’s Blessings in Brokenness  by Charles Stanley; and of course Ann Voskamp’s best-selling …

In Others’ Words: Looking Past the Plan

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life, Quotes 13 Comments

So, I’d like y’all to do something for me today, please. Raise your hand if your life has gone according to plan.  Um … okay, we all know I can’t see your raised hands, but I’m also willing to bet that not a single one of you raised your hands. Am I right? Of course I am. Life rarely lines up with our …

In Others’ Words: Taking Christmas a Little at a Time

Beth VogtChristmas, In Others' Words, Life 2 Comments

Christmas can get awfully crowded — filled up to overflowing by a busy schedule. Things to do. People to see. Presents to buy and wrap. Cards to address and mail — or maybe design online and email. Traditions to be kept or begun. And somewhere in the midst of all the doing, we want to remember the reason for the …

Christmas Gifts: The Unexpected and Expectations (and an 8-author giveaway)

Beth VogtChristmas, Fun, Life 61 Comments

This is not a sentimental Christmas memory … and I do have my husband’s permission to share this story. Once upon a Christmas time, my husband and I were newlyweds celebrating our very first Christmas together. Our tiny one-bedroom apartment was festive, thanks to the shiny silver aluminum Christmas tree — yes, silver — we’d decorated with a few ornaments …

When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post Author Deborah Raney

Beth VogtFaith, Life, Uncategorized, When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan 53 Comments

My novel, Catch a Falling Star, asks the question: Is life about accomplishing plans … or wishes coming true … or something more? Today’s post is the fifth in the “When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan” Wednesday blog series, 11 guest posts by authors and writers, including Deborah Raney, Rachel Hauck, and  Susan May Warren,  who explore the question: What do you …

In Others’ Words: Anticipation

Beth VogtQuotes, Reality 33 Comments

  “I can’t help flying on the wings of anticipation. It’s as glorious as soaring through a sunset … almost pays for the thud.” ~Lucy Maude Montgomery, author Oh, how I love Lucy Maude Montgomery’s quote! I laughed out loud when I read it the first time; and I laughed out loud again when I read it to my husband. …