Beth K. Vogt's Blog, page 35

In Others’ Words: Looking Past the Plan

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 plans. Maybe some of our plans come true, but usually we’re pulling Plan B out of our back pocket. Or we’re wishing we’d sketched out a Plan C. Or we’re staring down unexpected circumstances and thinking, “This? This is my life?”

There are times we have to evaluate how long we keep working the plan — because sometimes we’re supposed to fight through the obstacles, the disappointments, and keep pushing the plan until it happens.

But then there are times we have to abandon the plan. We have to realize sticking with the plan is going to lead us in the wrong direction. Maybe we’re dating the wrong guy. Working the wrong job. Pursuing the wrong dream. (It happens.) All our stubborn determination to stay with our “life plan” is stealing our life.

Life is often waiting for us past the plan. 

In Your Words: When have you abandoned your plans and found your life waiting for you?

In Others’ Words: Looking Past the Plan https://ctt.ec/LnNod+ #InOthersWords #quotes #lifechange @bethvogt

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“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” #quotes #EMForster @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Blind “I”

 

We so often talk about centering ourselves. Finding our inner strength. Searching for, and finding, the person we were meant to be.

Well, bravo that.

But what about getting out of our own way? How often do we consider that as a path to success, to fulfillment? 

Not often enough.

As a writer, I often plumb my own life to find the catalyst of a story. The spark is hidden in my past somewhere — a struggle or a victory. But I’m learning more and more that to write the real story, the better story, I have to get out of the way and let the story become all it can be. I have to remove myself from the story, stop focusing on the “me” element, and allow the story flourish all on its own.

Yes, my life is made up of stories worth telling. But when I push myself out of the center of the universe, I am aware of so much more. Other people. Their stories. How God is working … in both people’s lives and in how He wants me to write the story He’s given me.

In Others’ Words: How do you avoid “Blind I” syndrome? 

In Others’ Words: Blind “I” https://ctt.ec/_sid1+ #InOthersWords #lifequotes #refocusing @bethvogt

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“We all need https://ctt.ec/69aqg+ remove ourselves from the oppressive “I” of the universe…” https://ctt.ec/TUHiW+ @leslielfields #quote @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Holding Back the Flood of Fear

 

Fear was a constant companion of mine last week.

It was as if a predator stalked the edges of my life for days. I was unsettled. Unable to sleep. Unable to focus. My prayers seemed pathetic … disjointed … to no avail.

I went to bed each night determined to be braver when I woke up, only to find myself battling fear again. Circumstances hadn’t changed — some days even held new, unexpected challenges — and my heart struggled to hold on to hope.

What if … What if … What if … 

So many questions, so many possibilities, and no answers. Fear seemed to be winning — to be ruling my days, governing my thoughts.

Where was my courage?

Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of building “dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” Such an accurate analogy, as fear can flood our minds and hearts, overwhelming us. But how do we build those dikes? What can withstand an onslaught of unrelenting fear?

I found myself turning, time and time again, to the Truth of God’s Word to fortify my courage.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. (Psalm 56:3 NIV)
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13 ESV)
For I m the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NIV)
Trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)

 

Reading and centering my heart on these truths didn’t change my circumstances, but they did calm my heart. By focusing on who God was, and his promise to be my help, my refuge, my source of peace, I was able to push back against the fear I faced all week long.

In Your Words: May you be so aware of God’s presence this week. What truth about God enCOURAGES you when you battle fear?

In Others’ Words: Holding Back the Flood of Fear https://ctt.ec/75olG+ #InOthersWords #courage #quotes @bethvogt

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“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.” https://ctt.ec/9nqJ5+ #MartinLutherKingJr #quotes #courage @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Doing What is Necessary

I agree and disagree with the most-esteemed Mr. Churchill’s statement: “There is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.”

There are times when it’s absolutely fine to both say, “I’m doing my best” and to do your best — to give your all to a task, to a challenge, to a commitment.

But I also see Churchill’s point about succeeding at what is necessary, no matter what. Sometimes we set our sights on doing the best, being the best … and the fight before us isn’t about that at all. The focus needs to be on conquering the foe in front of us, not categorizing our efforts as good, better, best — or bad, badder, baddest — on staying in the fight and doing whatever is necessary to win the day. 

Sometimes success is accomplished because I do what is necessary … and someone else does their best and gets the kudos. Am I content with that? Sometimes we all do what is less-than-best-but-necessary and we reach our goal. We trudge off the sports field as the victor and say “Well, it wasn’t pretty, but it’s a win, and we’ll take it.”

Doing what is necessary — doing enough — isn’t failure. Look at Churchill’s words again: Doing what is necessary is a valid form of success.

In Your words: Why do you think we often equate our best as the only valid form of success? When have you celebrated “doing what is necessary?”

In Others’ Words: Doing What is Necessary https://ctt.ec/bU54O+ #InOthersWords #quotes #definingsuccess @bethvogt

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“It is no use saying, ‘We are doing our best.’ You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.” #quotes #WinstonChurchill @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Counting the Cost

I’ve had this quote on file for quite a long time. I read it. Ponder it. Pass it by. Come back to it again. Leave it in my files.

It’s not that I don’t like the quote. I do. It’s probably one of my most favorite quotes now, which makes me think I need to update my list of favorite quotes. But that’s another topic all together, isn’t it?

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

So much truth in one short sentence.

Thoreau’s words make me stop and wonder what price have I paid for things in my life? I know hindsight is always 20-20, but there’s something to be learned from both our mistakes and our right choices. And how I’ve spent my life has cost me something … the choices I make always cost me something. 

This blog post is not an opportunity to beat myself up about past mistakes. It’s not even the time to wave victories around like a virtual banner of personal success. No. Thoreau’s words, written centuries ago, are a verbal pause button, causing me to stop and think, “Are the choices I’m making worth the price?”

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it” can be more plainly stated as: Is this how you want to spend your life? If the answer is yes — hurrah! Keep at it. If the answer is no, well then, here’s the chance to make some changes. The New Year is still just that — a New Year. 

In Others’ Words: What’s your response to Thoreau’s short sentence? How do you feel about how you’re spending your life? 

In Others’ Words: Counting the Cost https://ctt.ec/4qRga+ #InOthersWords #quotes #lifechoices @bethvogt

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“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” #quotes #Thoreau #CountingtheCost @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: The Art of Living

Most of us, if given the choice between dancing or wrestling, would choose dancing. Am I right?

I mean, even if you were going to be a spectator, you’d probably opt for a night of watching dancers versus an evening watching a team of wrestlers going at it. But if you were asked to participate … well, surely you’d choose the dance floor over the wrestling mat.

There’s something inherently beautiful about dance — and yes, I’m thinking of stage performances. Ballet. Tap. Ballroom. Even hip-hop. There’s an interplay between music and dancers that captivates us, draws us in. Power and passion and even story are all captured within dance.

And wrestling? It’s so raw — no music. One on one. Strength against strength — force against force until someone wins.

We want life to be a dance with just the right background music playing as we execute all the right steps. But oftentimes as we pursue our dreams, we find ourselves in a daily wrestling match. Life is raw, demanding strength that sometimes wavers against seemingly stronger opponents of fear and doubt and comparison and just plain old exhaustion.

Our desire to fulfill our dreams, stand by our values, validate our faith must be the greater force in our lives — greater than any opposition that tempts us to give up. Most days may not have the elements of a choreographed dance, but not quitting … standing up to whatever opposes our dreams … allows us to embrace the beauty of dreams come true.

In Others’ Words: When has life been more like a wrestling match for you? How have you won the challenge? 

In Others’ Words: The Art of Living https://ctt.ec/uW5zN+ #InOthersWords #quotes #livinglife @bethvogt

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“The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.” https://ctt.ec/jg3M4+ #lifequote #livinglife #artofliving @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: New Year, New Start?

I’ve missed you all, although I did enjoy my social media break. It helped me achieve more of an “all is calm” attitude the past couple of weeks.

I hope each one of you found comfort and joy during the holiday season. We’re three days into 2017, and I’ve seen so many blogs, Facebook posts, Instagram photos, and tweets proclaiming excitement about the new year. I enjoy hearing about other people’s One Words and resolutions and even personal manifestos.

Yes, we’ve turned the calendar page to January 2017. We’re pondering 12 new months, all waiting to be filled with activities. But here’s a truth not to be overlooked: Starting a new year doesn’t mean a completely new start. Some of of our 2016 experiences followed us right into 2017.

We’re still living the same lives we were living in December. Oh, we may have determined to change our perspective in 2017. Or our approach to life. To start a new habit — or break one. But no matter what, we probably woke up January 1st with the same concerns. The same challenges. The same hopes. The same dreams.

That’s life, my friends. And something as grand as New Year’s Day doesn’t transform trouble … or heartache … or overshadow a dream, for that matter.

In the midst of all the One Wording — and y’all know my commitment to that! — and resolutioning, let’s remember to take 2017 one day at at time. And to be okay if life isn’t all confetti and streamers just because New Year’s Eve happened. Life goes on, as they say, and celebrating doesn’t always happen according to the calendar. 

In Others’ Words: How’s your transition from 2016 to 2017 going? I’d love to have you join the conversation!

In Others’ Words: New Year, New Start? https://ctt.ec/tAV2F+ #InOthersWords ##2017 #perspective @bethvogt

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“It is often said that before you die your #life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It’s called living.” #TerryPratchett @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: All is Calm

As I look into to the coming week, I’m anticipating my son’s arrival home … and my youngest daughter’s 16th birthday on Christmas Eve … and yes, Christmas Day!

In an effort to embrace those three little words “All is calm,” I’m taking a break from social media, including my blog, until after the New Year. I’ll see you back here on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Until then, I wish you a joy-filled Christmas. Thank you for being a part of the conversation here at In Others’ Words. I look forward to seeing you in 2017.

In Others’ Words: How do you create calm during the holidaze? 

In Others’ Words: All is Calm http://ctt.ec/CWxcb+ #InOthersWords #Christmasbreak #MerryChristmas @bethvogt

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In Others Words: How do you create #calm during the holidaze? http://ctt.ec/8p856+ #alliscalm #Christmas @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: The Glorious Mess of Christmas

 

This quote makes me smile. The words takes me back to my childhood … and to the years when my children were younger. And to be honest, there are still messes created in our family living room on Christmas morning.

And I love the glorious mess.

Yes, there’s noise — laughter and conversation all mixed together. And the room is crowded with family members, including my husband’s 98-year-old mother and my two GRANDgirls.

But it’s a good, noisy, crowded mess of family and gifts and tissue and wrapping paper and bows and ribbons — and even a few dogs thrown into the mix. And if I could push pause on the scene, I would.

We’ve gathered together not in some mandatory family formation … but because we want to be together, celebrating this aspect of Christmas, the giving and receiving of gifts. We laugh at some of the silly ones, some tears are shed at the sentimental ones.

There’s reason to linger when family wants to be together … when laughter is abundant … and the mess is glorious because gifts have been unwrapped.

In Your Words: Christmas morning memories can be so special. I’d love if you’d share one with us today. What memory lingers in your mind and heart from a Christmas morning?

In Others’ Words: The Glorious Mess of #Christmas http://ctt.ec/Cd2rG+ #InOthersWords #quotesaboutChristmas @bethvogt

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“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on #Christmas day … ” #quote #AndyRooney @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Honoring Christmas

A common theme among Christmas quotes is the idea that the spirit of Christmas shouldn’t be confined to a single day.

Of course, different people mean different things when they talk about the spirit of Christmas.

Love.
Joy.
Goodwill.
Kindness.
Giving … and receiving. 

Truly, all of these attitudes are part of Christmas. And yes, it would be wonderful if we didn’t pack them away with the ornaments and lights and stockings and DVDs of It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.

But for me, honoring Christmas in my heart all through the year means more than stirring up my emotions. I want to remember that the very first Christmas was a reflection of God’s heart toward all of mankind. That the first Christmas was an expression of God’s love for us. That the angels sang good tidings of great joy at the birth of Jesus. That God’s will toward us was good … his thoughts and actions toward us are woven through with lovingkindness. And that the ultimate expression of giving and receiving is expressed in God incarnate. 

One Christmas Eve, I visited a congregation where the pastor suggested not packing away our nativity scenes when Christmas was over. Rather, we should keep the figures out somewhere we could see them for the next 12 months until it was time to celebrate Jesus’ birth again. Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus. The cattle. The shepherds and the sheep. The Wise Men.

What a practical way to honor Christmas … to keep it all the year.

In Your Words: How do you honor Christmas in your heart, keeping it all through the year?

In Others’ Words: Honoring #Christmas http://ctt.ec/kj7B6+ #InOthersWords #quotesaboutChristmas @bethvogt

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“I will honor #Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” http://ctt.ec/0COY7+ #CharlesDickens #quotes @bethvogt

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