Beth K. Vogt's Blog, page 36

In Others’ Words: Choosing Sides on Christmas

 

I read through pages and pages of quotes about Christmas last night and I came to a conclusion: People either love Christmas or they don’t. And when they don’t, well, sometimes they tolerate it … and sometimes they just outright hate it.

Reading those quotes was like sitting atop a virtual pendulum that swung back and forth, back and forth, where the words sometimes evoked pleasant memories, even joy-filled emotions. And then other times? Bah humbug! Or even worse, a sense of woe is me and what a sad, sad world we live in.

I get it, I really do. Just because it’s Christmastime doesn’t mean all is right with the world. The struggle we faced in November doesn’t automatically go away just because we’re counting down to December 25th. And sometimes an unexpected heartache appears in the midst of all the merry-making.

And yes, there’s too much to do this month. Yes, Christmas is commercialized. Yes, we’re going to meet a few modern-day Scrooges.

But we have a choice to stop the emotional pendulum. Why not concentrate on the positive aspects Christmas? Why not choose to intentionally look for the reasons to like this season? The moments to celebrate? To be thankful for the times that will be memories in just a few weeks?

In Your Words: A lot of people have a lot to say about Christmas. I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you finish this sentence: Christmas is _______________________________________.

 

In Others’ Words: Choosing Sides on #Christmas http://ctt.ec/5WPqV+ #InOthersWords #quotes @bethvogt

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“Christmas … is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s #Christmas.” #quote #DaleEvans @bethvogt

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Friday, December 9th, is the last day to enter the the 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway! Don’t miss your chance to win a bundle of books and a Visa Cash Card! The runner up wins a $70 Visa Cash Card! Click on the graphic to enter or click here. 

Enter the 12 Authors of Christmas #Giveaway Dec 5-9! Win a #chrisfic book bundle and a #Visa cash card. http://ctt.ec/v6i85+

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In Others’ Words: Expecting a Miracle

This time of year overflows with expectancy.

Yes, we’re all counting down the days until Christmas morning, when we’re with friends and family. When we can finally dig into our stockings and tear into the brightly wrapped presents. Sit back and savor the sound of laughter and the presence of our loved ones.

But if we push past the expectancy of today — the hopes and dreams of this year — we’ll find that expectancy is the very nature of Christmas. What are the lyrics of the Christmas hymn? ” … the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.” (O Little Town of Bethlehem)

Yes, it’s true that sometimes are expectations can trip us up. That sometimes we are disappointed. Think about that first Christmas: do you think Mary and Joseph struggled with some dashed expectations? God told Mary she would give birth to His Son. Do you think she ever imagined that birth would take place in a dirty stable crowded with livestock?

And yet, even though the birth of Jesus didn’t happen the way his parents expected — even though the prophesied birth of the Savior didn’t happen the way the nation of Israel expected — the miracle still happened.

Yes, sometimes our expectations have to be adjusted, but expectations are truly the atmosphere for miracles. Our long-awaited answer to prayer may not look like what we prayed for, but God heard. God answered. And isn’t the truth that our God hears our prayers and answers our prayers a miracle in and of itself?

In Your Words: How do you create an expectant heart, one ready for miracles?

In Others’ Words: Expecting a Miracle http://ctt.ec/2axG6+ #InOthersWords #quotes #Christmas @bethvogt

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“Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.” http://ctt.ec/4i2qb+ #quote #miracles #Christmas @bethvogt

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Here’s a chance to add a little “merry” to your Christmas! Enter the 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway for a chance to win a bundle of books and a Visa Cash Card! The runner up wins a $70 Visa Cash Card! Click on the graphic to enter or click here. 

Enter the 12 Authors of Christmas #Giveaway Dec 5-9! Win a #chrisfic book bundle and a #Visa cash card. http://ctt.ec/v6i85+

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The 12 Authors of Christmas Giveaway

 

It’s the first day of December and what better way to begin the holiday season than with a giveaway?

The giveaway is appropriately named “The 12 Authors of Christmas” because 11 writing friends and I put together a fun prize package.

As I looked at all the smiling faces on the festive graphic designed by the oh-so talented Angie Dicken, yes, I saw award-winning authors. But even more, I realized once again what gifts these women are to me.

Kristy Cambron : Kristy should wear a big red bow every day because she’s a gift of constant gift encouragement to me. She trusts in a big, big God and challenges me to do the same.
Nicole Deese: Truth is, I know of Nicole’s books, but she’s a friend-to-be for me. Isn’t that exactly like a Christmas gift waiting under the tree? I anticipate getting to know her better in the future.
Katherine Reay: Katherine and I connect on a variety of levels and she and I have matching sets of Sven and Olaf Beanie Babies because yes, some people are worth melting for … and sometimes you have to find a reason to laugh about going through physical therapy together for frozen shoulders.
Rachel Hauck: I could call Rachel my mentor and my craft partner, but I’m so thankful she’s my trusted friend — the one who’s only a text or a phone call or a Skype session away. She’s seen me at my best and my worst, and she always leads me back to the foot of the Cross.
Becky Wade:  I was a little in awe of Becky Wade the first time I met her at an ACFW conference. Within minutes, I just wanted to hug her because she is so delightful and easy to talk with.
Melissa Tagg: I met Melissa at the beginning of my journey as a novelist — and I am so, so thankful. One moment Melissa is making me laugh out loud … and then next moment she is sharing a truth that draws my heart closer to God.
Katie Ganshert: You want real? Hang with Katie Ganshert. You want someone who trusts God? Hang with Katie Ganshert.
Kara Isaac: Besides having an adorable accent, I wish Kara didn’t live so far away (New Zealand, people!). I’d love to be in a writers group with her and talk story and then hang out afterward and talk life.
Cathy West: It all started at an ACFW conference with the question “You want to meet by the elevator and talk before going down to dinner?” And thanks to Skype, it seems like our conversation has never stopped. (Cathy’s another very-long distance friend who lives in Bermuda.) Even better? Our husbands are friends too!
Cynthia Ruchti: Cynthia is a woman who embodies grace. A woman who considers others more important than herself. I just love her.
Susan May Warren: What can I say? Susie May Warren is where the party is and her belief is “the more the merrier!” She’s a writing teacher extraordinaire and I’m thankful for her influence in my life, both as a writer and a believer. I’m blessed to call her my friend.

 

We all are wishing you a Merry Christmas with this fun giveaway. The first prize is a bundle of books and a $50 Visa cash card. The runner up wins a $70 Visa cash card. Click on the graphic at top of the blog to enter, or go ahead and click here!

12 Authors of Christmas #Giveaway! Enter to win a book bundle and a Visa cash card! http://ctt.ec/27aay+ #chrisfic #Christmas @bethvogt

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HUGE #giveaway Dec 5-9: Win books by @bethvogt @RachelHauck @cathwest @SusanMayWarren http://ctt.ec/9QFqf+ #Christmas #readers

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In Others’ Words: Waiting for Christmas

As a child, we wait for Christmas, don’t we?

And then as we grow up, we’re counting days, too. We see it on funny little signs in stores — thank you, merchants who want our business — and nowadays it pops on Facebook. And then come December, we count the day with family calendars. My youngest daughter used little felt pieces — angels, camels, sheep, the baby Jesus,  to make the Nativity scene by Christmas Day.

But we wait for Christmas in other ways, too. We wait for the “feeling” of Christmas, as if someone behind the scenes has to say “Lights, camera, action!” and then someone can say the lines: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men!” or “Joy to the world!”

That’s already been said and done — and the heavenly proclamation has never been rescinded.

Christmas is about love. God’s love expressed toward us in the gift of His Son. And yes, we have the opportunity to be gift-givers, too. To shop for presents because there’s fun in that — the giving and receiving. But the reason we exchange gifts, both large and small? Because we care for one another.

Christmas is coming for 2016 … and for that reason, there’s some counting involved. But there’s no need to wait until December 25th to be loving toward one another or to remember God’s love for us.

In Your Words: In what ways do you wait for Christmas? How would you change that this year?

In Others’ Words: Waiting for Christmas http://ctt.ec/T4FU9+ #InOthersWords #Christmas #quotes @bethvogt

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“My idea of #Christmas … is very simple: loving http://ctt.ec/6XJCk+ do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” #quotes #BobHope @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: Choosing to be Grateful or Graceful

There’s honesty in author Richard Carlson’s words:

The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.” 

We all experience highs and lows. We love to talk about the highs, but sometimes we keep our lows hidden. My Thanksgiving Day didn’t go off exactly as I planned. Yes, the house was filled with loved ones. Me? I was upstairs in bed, taken down by a wicked virus. My Thanksgiving feast? Orange Jello. An unexpected low, but I made the decision not to post it on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter. What was the point — and besides, I looked awful.

The only thing I would change about the quote is the word trick. Being grateful and graceful isn’t so much of a trick as it is a choice. The choice is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low. 

As we transition from Thanksgiving into the Christmas season, we will all face opportunities to be both grateful and graceful. And we’ll interact with others who will struggle with being both grateful and graceful. How we act and interact is our choice, moment by moment.

In Others’ Words: I’d love to hear something you love about the upcoming holiday season — or how you choose to be graceful when you’re experiencing a low moment or day. 

In Others’ Words: Choosing to be Grateful or Graceful http://ctt.ec/DzLcB+ #InOthersWords #choices #quotes @bethvogt

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“The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.” #quotes #choices #highsandlows @bethvogt

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In Others’ Words: A Thanksgiving Prayer

 

Thanksgiving Day is the day after tomorrow. I paused for a moment after I wrote that sentence … caught my breath and thought, Is that correct? Thanksgiving is that close? 

Yes, it is. I spent Monday grocery shopping, prepping for Wednesday, when family comes over and helps with the day-before cooking. That’s a newer family tradition that makes Thanksgiving Day much more relaxed. We’ll have traditional dishes like homemade cranberry relish and green bean casserole and a couple of new dishes, too. (Sweet Potato Gratin, anyone? How about Mock Mashed Potatoes?) And this year, like last year, we’re baking two turkeys. That way we have plenty of leftovers to send home with everyone.

In the midst of the cooking and baking, followed by our family version of feasting, there will be times of sharing what we are thankful for. Of looking back over the last year and recalling both the challenges overcome and the blessings received … the unexpected joys we’ve shared and sorrows we’ve helped each other carry … the clouds that sometimes blurred our vision and the silver linings that surprised us.

Isn’t that at the very heart of Thanksgiving Day? Determining to speak aloud gratitude despite hardships or disappointments, just as the Pilgrims did after suffering through such a harrowing winter of loss and deprivation? Thankfulness, true thankfulness, is not determined by our circumstances, which change, but rather our knowledge of God’s ultimate goodness toward us.

In Your Words:  As you look back on the past year, what would you thank God for? 

In Others’ Words: A Thanksgiving Prayer http://ctt.ec/14hi8+ #InOthersWords #quote #ThanksgivingPrayer @bethvogt

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“…For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.” http://ctt.ec/50enm+ #Thanksgiving #Prayer @bethvogt

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Wednesday, November 23, is the LAST DAY  to enter the the “Grateful for Our Readers” contest for a chance to win a bundle of 8 books by Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert, Sarah Ladd, Cara Putman, Katherine Reay, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh, and me! To enter, just click on the image above or enter here!

Enter the Grateful for Our Readers #bookgiveaway! Thank you from @theGrove_story authors to you! http://ctt.ec/lv2j2+ #chrisfic

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In Others’ Words: Future Trust

Sometimes things just take time.

I know today’s quote by theologian Henri Nouwen talks about “the fruits of [our] labors,” and yes, there are times when our efforts don’t pay off right away. Months, maybe. Even years. You’re a fine, upstanding employee … but the promotion doesn’t happen. You do all the right “writerly” things — attend conferences, rewrite manuscripts, pay attention to feedback from mentors — but you don’t land a contract.  Or you do land a contract and your book gets published … but sales are not everything you’d dreamed of.

I’ve experienced that kind of delayed results. Unrealized hopes.

But when I read today’s quote, what I thought of was laboring in prayer. Interceding for someone — even for yourself — and not getting an answer. Not a yes. Or a no. Just seeing the situation, whatever it is, continue. And so, you continue to pray because, well, we’re told to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) And isn’t it funny how that verse is snugged right up next to the one that says “give thanks in all circumstances”? We’re told to let our requests be made know to God. (Philippians 4:6). And it’s interesting that this verse is preceded by the reminder to “be anxious for nothing” and that our requests are to be given with a thankful attitude.

When I’m praying and I’m not seeing results, I have to remember that God is working even when I don’t see anything changing. If nothing else, he’s working in my heart to trust him still. To trust him more. And he’s working in the situation … in the lives of the people I’m praying for. That, too, is something I have to trust. Prayer doesn’t make things happen the way I want to, when I want to. But prayer does pull me away from worrying and focus my heart back on the God who is always, always trustworthy.

In Your Words: What helps you stay the course when you’re not seeing longed-for results? And how can I pray for you today?

In Others’ Words: Future Trust http://ctt.ec/L7Acy+ #InOthersWords #quote #prayer @bethvogt

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“…Trust, even when you don’t see the results.” #InOthersWords #HenriNouwen #prayer @bethvogt

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Thanksgiving’s coming and the authors over at The Grove have so much to be thankful for! Between Nov. 1-23, enter our “Grateful for Our Readers” contest for a chance to win a bundle of 8 books by Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert, Sarah Ladd, Cara Putman, Katherine Reay, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh, and me! To enter, just click on the image above or enter here!

 

Enter the Grateful for Our Readers #bookgiveaway! Thank you from @theGrove_story authors to you! http://ctt.ec/lv2j2+ #chrisfic

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In Others’ Words: Chasing the Dream

It’s the middle of November, which means I’m thinking of Thanksgiving … and then Christmas … and then the New Year is is fast approaching.

Are you feeling breathless yet?

This is the time of year I often look forward and backward at the same time. I consider what I wanted to accomplish during the past year — did my dreams come true? — even as new dreams lure me into the months ahead.

I want to slow down and savor the here and now … these moments, these memories-in-the-making. But there’s no denying that dreams are calling me into tomorrow. I’ve been chasing these dreams-coming-true for months now and achieving them means more running. More laps around the virtual track, so to speak. I’ve accomplished some things … and there’s more to do. As a writing friend and I like to say: Living the dream means doing the work.

We’re moving into what can become the busiest season of the year, where the holidays can so easily become the “holidaze.” The challenge? Looking back and enjoying the dreams that came true, accepting the ones that didn’t, and discovering new dreams for the coming year — all the while not overlooking the joys of the here and now.

In Your Words: What dream have you been chasing this year? Has it come true … or are you still logging miles in pursuit of it? Don’t give up! Keep dreaming!

 

In Others’ Words: Keep Chasing the Dream http://ctt.ec/sYv6o+ #InOthersWords #quote #dreams @bethvogt

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“There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.” http://ctt.ec/Jah1o+ #quotes #dreams @bethvogt

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Thanksgiving’s coming and the authors over at The Grove have so much to be thankful for! Between Nov. 1-23, enter our “Grateful for Our Readers” contest for a chance to win a bundle of 8 books by Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert, Sarah Ladd, Cara Putman, Katherine Reay, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh, and me! To enter, just click on the image above or enter here!

 

Enter the Grateful for Our Readers #bookgiveaway! Thank you from @theGrove_story authors to you! http://ctt.ec/lv2j2+ #chrisfic

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In Others’ Words: You, Yourself, and the World

My daughter CJ has been part of her high school Varsity volleyball team for the past few months. This weekend, my husband and I will be in Denver cheering them on as they compete for the 3A State title.

Here’s one thing I’ve learned about the team: Each member knows their place on the team — what their job is, so to speak, as an offensive or defensive player. Cassie D., the setter, doesn’t switch places with Cassie N., a middle blocker. And Julia, the libero, doesn’t try to be Bailey, an outside hitter. Because each girl knows who they are and what they’re supposed to do, the team can rely on one another and trust one another.

Like my daughter, each of us has our own worlds that we live in: families, careers, ministries, friendships, sports. And the better we know who we are, the better our relationships with the people we interact with in those various worlds. If I’m uncertain about myself, this will undermine my relationships with others.

It isn’t about letting others ask, much less answer, the question, “Who are you?” Although, to be honest, I’ve allowed others to do this in the past. Only once I wrestled both the question and the answer away from others and started seeking my own answers — and allowed God to tell me who I was and Whose I was — did I come to a stable and life-giving knowledge of myself.

In Your Words: How has understanding yourself improved your relationships with others?

You, Yourself, and the World http://ctt.ec/00O1M+ #InOthersWords #quotes #selfconfidence @bethvogt

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“The better you know yourself, the better your relationship with the rest of the world.” http://ctt.ec/CHR06+ #quotes @bethvogt

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Thanksgiving’s coming and the authors over at The Grove have so much to be thankful for! Between Nov. 1-23, enter our “Grateful for Our Readers” contest for a chance to win a bundle of 8 books by Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert, Sarah Ladd, Cara Putman, Katherine Reay, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh, and me! To enter, just click on the image above or enter here!

 

Enter the Grateful for Our Readers #bookgiveaway! Thank you from @theGrove_story authors to you! http://ctt.ec/lv2j2+ #chrisfic

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In Others’ Words: Questioning Faith

I know this is election day in the U.S. — but this is not an election day post. I don’t do politics on this blog or any other social media. I did vote, in case you’re wondering. And I did pray about the election.

One thing I do know is, come what may today, tomorrow, the next day … God remains the same. And that truth is comforting. 

There’s a funny dynamic to faith in God: My faith has changed as my understanding of God has deepened over the years — and yet God has remained the same. I’ve changed too. I’ve learned to trust God more as my faith has grown through the years. The God I first met when I was 21 years old is not the God I know today … but it’s not that He’s different. It’s that He’s revealed more of Himself to me. His faithfulness. His mercy. His grace. His stability. His truth.

Do I still have questions? How do I … and what now … and why would someone … and what should I say or do … and which way do I go questions?

But I know where to take those questions. God’s ears are open to my prayers (1 Peter 3:12) … and He always answers.

In Your Words: How does faith help you with the questions you’re asking?

In Others’ Words: Questioning Faith http://ctt.ec/0hLvd+ #InOthersWords #quotes #faith @bethvogt

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“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” http://ctt.ec/QZ1fU+ #quotes #ElisabethElliot #faith @bethvogt

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Thanksgiving’s coming and the authors over at The Grove have so much to be thankful for! Between Nov. 1-23, enter our “Grateful for Our Readers” contest for a chance to win a bundle of 8 books by Kristy Cambron, Katie Ganshert, Sarah Ladd, Cara Putman, Katherine Reay, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh, and me! To enter, just click on the image above or enter here!

 

Enter the Grateful for Our Readers #bookgiveaway! Thank you from @theGrove_story authors to you! http://ctt.ec/lv2j2+ #chrisfic

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