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
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)
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)
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 Others’ Words: America
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
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 …
In Others’ Words: Patience
What are you waiting for? And are you waiting patiently — or going the more forceful route? Read the first chapter of Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt! Click to Tweet
In Others’ Words: Losing
I like to win. Hang around me long enough — and especially if you play a game like Scotland Yard or Bohnanza! with me — and you’ll learn that I don’t like to lose. I know how to lose well, but, well … I embraced the whole “If you’re going to play, then play to win” mantra years ago. Let’s …
In Others’ Words: Riches Untold
As I look back over this past week, I can think of many things that made my life richer: Skyping with a special friend Creative texting with another — emoticons can be fun, y’all! Impromptu game nights after dinner The zest of fresh pineapple and watermelon and peaches and nectarines — the flavor of summer But thankfulness welled up deep …
In Others’ Words: Listen
At times I am the worst of listeners. There’s a Vogt family joke that somebody needs to make me a T-shirt with this statement printed across the back: If you can read this, then I can’t hear you. My responsibility? To wear this one-of-a-kind T-shirt whenever I’m seated at my desk, writing. Hhhhmmmm. I’m going to need more than one …