Beth K. Vogt's Blog, page 53

In Others’ Words: Ya Gotta Believe

I had a lot to learn when I became a mom.

One way I learned was by watching other moms — seeing what they did, seeing if it worked for them, trying to figure out if it would work for me.

Another way I learned was by reading books — lots and lots of books. I underlined, wrote do’s and don’ts in notebooks, and compared those notes with other moms.

I asked advice from older, wiser moms. And one day I became that older, wiser mom and younger moms were asking advice of me. And after watching all those other moms, after reading all those books, after asking all those questions, I distilled all those do’s and don’ts, all those shoulds and shouldn’t’s, down to my number 1 if-all-else-fails-do-this-mom-priority:

I want my children to know that I love them. 

And loving them means I believe in them. I’ve got their backs. I’m standing on the sidelines of their lives cheering them on. I’m praying for them as they pursue their dreams. I know that God began something good in them and He will complete it. (Why do I know this? Because He says so in Philippians 1:6 NASB.) 

Have I told my kiddos other things like brush your teeth … eat your vegetables … do your homework … drive safely … choose wisely … call your mother … 

Yes, yes, I have.

But, what I want them to know deep down in their hearts so that they never, ever forget it is that I love them and I believe in them — even when they don’t believe in themselves. Because we all have those moments of doubt, don’t we? And what’s a mom for if not for those moments when self-doubt steps in?

In Your Words: Now it’s your turn to finish this sentence: A child needs _______________.

 

In Others’ Words: Why a Mother Needs to Believe in Her Child #inotherswords #motherhood
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Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #15 (Purple Team)

Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! I am a part of TEAM PURPLE and this is Stop #15.

If you’re just joining us, there are two loops—purple and pink—and they begin at Lisa Bergren’s site and Robin Lee Hatcher’s site for stop #1 for either stream respectively. If you complete either the pink loop or purple loop, you can enter for a Kindle paperwhite and the 17 autographed books from that loop. If you complete BOTH loops, you can enter for the Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire HDX and ALL 34 autographed books.

The Hunt begins at NOON Mountain time on April 16 and ends at midnight Mountain on April 19, 2015, so you have a long weekend to complete all 32 stops and maximize your chances at prizes!

BE SURE to keep track of the clues at the bottom of every post in the loop and the favorite number mentioned. You’ll need those clues to enter for the loop prize and every number mentioned in order to enter for the grand prize. ALSO, please don’t use Internet Explorer to navigate through the loops. Some web sites won’t show up using IE. Please use Chrome or Firefox—they’re better anyway!

Without further ado, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my guest for the Scavenger Hunt, Missy Tippens.

Missy’s Official Bio:

 

Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, is the author of eight books for Harlequin Love Inspired and was nominated for a Romance Writers of America 2013 RITA® Award. Her most recent release from Love Inspired is The Doctor’s Second Chance. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, on Twitter and on her Author Facebook page.

About Missy’s Latest Book: The Doctor’s Second Chance:

Jake West’s troubled cousin leaves him with a most unusual parting gift—her newborn baby girl! And now the small-town contractor is forced to seek help from the very woman he resents—the new big-city pediatrician who practically stole his uncle’s practice, Violet Crenshaw. Violet knows she shouldn’t be consorting with the enemy. But she can’t resist the adorable baby and her handsome new caretaker. Violet traded her chance at motherhood for her career years ago. But raising a family with Jake could be everything she’s ever wanted.

Buy Missy’s Book:

Amazon I B&N I CBD

 And now here is Missy’s EXCLUSIVE content that you’ll find only on this hunt!

Photo Credit: Crestock/stevanovicigor

I love reading and writing stories with heroes and heroines who are opposites. I’ve been drawn to this naturally as one of my frequent themes. And I’ve think I figured out why. My parents’ romance is one of opposites attracting. And in some ways, my husband and I are opposites as well.

My parents came from totally different socioeconomic backgrounds. One grew up in a small town with successful parents, business people who worked hard and did well for themselves. The other grew up in poverty, moving around, and even had a baby brother die of malnutrition. Yet they caught each other’s eye, and their first date was my mother’s high school prom. But then they headed off in different directions for college. Of course, after one semester, they missed each other, so my mom transferred. And the rest is history…

Photo Credit: Crestock/stevanovicigor

My husband and I are opposites in some ways as well. I run more on intuition and emotion. He runs on logic (although, I have a good bit of that in me as well). We’ve also had to deal with the fact that I’m a “piler” and he’s a “filer.” He’s very organized and I’m…not. His side of the closet is evenly spaced and practically color-coded. Mine looks as if something exploded. Yes, we manage. And after almost 30 years of marriage, he’s learned that I really DO know what’s in each of my piles, and I know where to look for things.

In my most recent book from Love Inspired, The Doctor’s Second Chance, my main characters are very different from each other. The heroine, Violet, is a detail oriented pediatrician who is driven. The hero, Jake, is a general contractor who’s more laid back, an outdoorsman who enjoys sports. He sees her as uppity. She seems him as a burly bachelor, ill-prepared to care for the baby his cousin left with him. They also have opposite views on Violet’s purchase of his aunt and uncle’s pediatric practice. Lots of conflict between them! Of course, there’s attraction, too. But enough for them to overcome their differences?

I had so much fun writing this book! I hope you’ll check it out. Feel free to read an excerpt by clicking here.

THE SCAVENGER HUNT SKINNY:

Thanks for stopping by on the hunt! Before you go, make sure you WRITE DOWN THESE CLUES:

Secret Word(s): read

Secret number: 15: my #1 daughter and son-in-love’s wedding anniversary date. 

Got ‘em down?? Great! Your next stop is #16, Missy Tippen’s site. Click on over there now. And if you get lost, a complete list of the loop with links can be found at our mother host’s site. WAIT!! Before you go, you should enter my Bonus Giveaway!

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite wedding memory for a chance to win an ecopy of my latest novella, Can’t Buy Me Love. Now available for pre-order!

Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt 4/16 to 4/19 – win #books & a #Kindle Paperwhite #chrisfic
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When Opposites Attract by @MissyTippens #chrisfic #romance #scavengerhunt
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In Others’ Words: Now I Know My ABCs

People often search for both an easy definition of success — and an easy way to achieve success.

What I like about today’s quote is it’s an easy definition of success — and a reality check on how you become successful.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the writing road — and believe me, I’ve learned a lot more than one thing! — I know there’s no such thing as an overnight success. Or easy success. Or instant success. If anyone ever tells you that he knows the secret formula for any one of those things, ignore him. All he’s peddling is good, old-fashioned snake oil.

You need a certain amount of ability — and everyone has a different amount of that. Don’t waste your time playing a game of “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” comparison. Just concentrate on leveraging your God-given ability.

Yes, you need breaks — those unexpected moments when the door swings wide open and you didn’t have to knock. Maybe someone did you a favor and arranged a meeting or a phone call or sent an email on your behalf. It often is who you know and it often is those coincidences — or God-incidences — that make all the difference.

But the truth is, you can have ability and breaks and get no where if you let fear hold you back. Courage is a must-have component of success. And if you don’t feel brave, you have to fake it. Yep — pretend your way past the fear until you’re doing the very thing you didn’t think you could accomplish.

 In Your Words: What do you think it takes to be successful? If you could add a letter of the alphabet to the definiton of success, what letter would you add? 

In Others’ Words: Now I Know My ABCs #InOthersWords #lifequotes #success
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The ABCs of Success: Ability, Breaks, Courage #lifequotes #success #writing
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In Others’ Words: No Limits

I like hanging around people who make me think.

And that’s one of the reasons I like my friend Rachel Hauck. She makes me think. Big thoughts. Braver thoughts. Bolder thoughts. 

She makes me open my eyes wider and look for God, and all the while it’s like she’s whispering in my ear, “He’s right there, Beth. Can’t you see Him? Look!”

Rachel’s heart is passionate for God — she has an ardent, intense faith that drives everything she does and says. And when she says there are no limits with God, she means it.

Do I live like that? Do I look at God — who He says He is — and say, “There are no limits with You, Lord . . .  well, except for that one thing I’m asking of you. That one area of my life I need to change. That one prayer I’ve been praying. That one unforgivable person. That one unbreakable sin. But other than that — absolutely no limits!”

Here’s the truth — and Rachel got it right: God is either limited … or He’s not.

And He’s not.

How does that change things?

In Your Words: Which economy are you doing business in: the world’s economy, which limits God — and often denies Him completely? Or God’s economy where there is no such thing as limitation? Why do you need God to be limitless today?

In Others’ Words: No Limits #lifequotes #inotherswords #faith
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Believing the God of No Limits #faith @RachelHauck #lifequotes
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In Others’ Words: Guest Post by Debut Author Jill Kemerer (and Giveaway)

 

“God had sent her what she’d been too afraid to ask for.” ~ Small-Town Bachelor by Jill Kemerer

Do you ever get excited about something only to chastise yourself that it’s impossible? It seems so far out of your reach, you won’t even consider it.We think we don’t deserve wonderful surprises, so we tuck the dream away. We don’t pray about it. Instead, we ask God for smaller things.

Unfortunately, I do this all too often.Silly, huh? I read the Bible every day and pray. The Bible is full of miracles. It’s also full of God’s love. So why do we assume God doesn’t want to give us something utterly amazing? Why are we so willing to give up on big dreams without even asking for them?

In my book, Small-Town Bachelor, Claire has convinced herself she’ll be content with her life if she gets hired at the zoo. There is nothing wrong with going after a dream job.The problem? She really wants a man who loves her and puts her first, but she doesn’t believe he exists. She doesn’t pray about this dream. She tucks it away. It’s just too big.

Here’s the thing. God wants us to pray for what we want. He loves listening to our prayers, wants to hear all about our biggest dreams. When you take the leap and pray for something impossible, you start to see it through God’s lens. The more you pray about it, the more possible it becomes.

Like any good parent, God surprises us. Sometimes He answers the prayers we’re too afraid to ask. Because He loves us. We have a good God.

In Others’ Words: Do you ever limit your prayers to the possible?

**I loved reading Jill’s debut novel! I have an extra copy to give away to one commentor — so be sure to join the conversation today!**

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About Jill ~

Jill Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.

Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Small-Town Bachelor ~

A Place to Call Home 

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.

Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She’s this city slicker’s opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can’t ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can’t imagine ever leaving her behind…

Interested in buying Small-Town Bachelor? Click on http://jillkemerer.com/books/small-town-bachelor/ for links to purchase!

In Others’ Words: Guest Post by Debut Author @jillkememer & #Giveaway #chrisfic
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Do you ever limit your prayers to the possible? #faith #lifequotes @JillKemerer
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In Others’ Words: Looking in the Mirror

 

Have you looked in the mirror today?

Who — or what — was staring back at you?

Stop. Don’t just rush past that last question. It’s the entire point of today’s post. Close your eyes for a minute and think: Who — or what — are you using as a mirror?

Mirrors. They’re all about approval.

Does my hair look good?
Does my makeup look nice? 
Did I get a close enough shave?
Do I have any food stuck between my teeth?
How’s my outfit look?

 

We’re always looking for a “thumbs up.” A “you’re good to go.” Maybe even a “never seen you look better.”

But look past the mirror. Whose voice are you hearing? Whose holding the mirror? How did you decide what warranted enough approval that you could walk away from the mirror without looking back?

In Your Words: It’s the question of the day, friends. Who — or what — are you using as a mirror?

In Others’ Words: Looking in the Mirror #inotherswords #lifequotes #selfesteem
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Who or what are you using as a mirror? #selfesteem #faith @QuotingAndy
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In Others’ Words: Being an “Appropriate” Friend

With all due respect to Mr. Howe, I don’t think friends mean to annoy us when they ask, “Is there anything I can do?” when times are troublesome.

Most often, they are sincere in their desire to help.

But Mr. Howe is also right. It is often best to skip the asking and get right to the doing. Take a few minutes to think: If this were me, what would help me? It’s the whole “Do to others as you would have them do to you” principle. A truly Golden Rule worth following.

Last week was full of friends stepping up an doing for our family.

Setting up meals for our daughter and son-in-love, whose newest daughter, Coralea, spent several days in the NICU.
Holding an impromptu painting party at our house so that the bathroom and guest bedroom will be ready when my friend, Rachel, visits next week. Because, yes, the best-laid plans do go awry just when you least expect it — or need them to.
Coordinating blog posts for me — and yes, it may be part of someone’s job, but it’s still a ministry and still comes from the heart of a friend.
And prayer … the beauty of being wrapped in prayer, before, during, and after I’ve asked for it.

 

In Others’ Words: When has someone moved past asking and done just what you needed, when you needed it the most? And if you could share one “appropriate” thing for friends to do in a time of need, what would that be?

In Others’ Words: An “Appropriate” Friend #inotherswords #lifequotes #friendship
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The “doing” part of being a #friend #inotherswords #GoldenRule
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In Others’ Words: Old History, New History

First the darkness …

Then the waiting …

Then the dawning of a new beginning for all who believe the miracle of the resurrection.

May you embrace the truth of His story in a new way this Easter.

In Others’ Words: Old History, New History #GoodFriday #faith
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In Others’ Words: Prove it

 

Go ahead it, prove it. 

How many times have you felt the weight of those words? Either someone else verbally threw them at you — or you taunted yourself with them.

Prove it. 

Prove it is never an encouragement. Prove it is never said in an “I know you can do it, but go ahead anyway” tone. Nope. Doubt is woven through and through those two words.

And this is why you  … and I … need to know who we are. We need to like ourselves. Love ourselves. And accept ourselves.

Because then, and only then, can we walk away from the Prove it challenge. It’s like Liz Curtis Higgs says: when we love ourselves — and that starts with liking ourselves — and when we accept ourselves for who we are, then we have nothing to prove.

You have nothing to prove. You already know the truth of who you are, strengths and weaknesses, beauty and blemishes, dreams and failures — the real you.

In Your Words: How do you respond to the words Prove it? What helps you walk away from the challenge to prove yourself? What helps you accept yourself for who you are?

In Others’ Words: Prove It #inotherswords #lifequotes @LuciSwindoll @LizCurtisHIggs
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Nothing left to prove – and proud of it #inotherswords #selfacceptance #truth
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In Others’ Words: Think Big or Think Small

 

 

It’s Monday … the beginning of a new week. Are you planning on thinking at all this week?

Looking ahead at my week, there’s going to be a whole lof of thinking going on. And I love the challenge put forth in “The Donald’s” quote: I might as well Think Big.

Want to join me?

At first read, Thinking Big conjures up the idea of Dreaming Big, Risking Big, Living Life Out Loud. And I believe that’s all a part of Thinking Big: not limiting myself — daring to go for more, to push past my limits, to raise the bar a little higher than it was yesterday or last week. 

But I also believe that Thinking Big means refusing to give into small thinking:

comparison
envy
self-pity

When I give into this type of small thinking, I have no strength for the day ahead, no strength for the journey I’m on. I become smaller.

Today I’m Thinking Big. My eyes are on my journey — not someone else’s. I’m celebrating my successes — and others’ too. And I’m embracing all the reasons I have to be thankful, not getting tripped up by the ugliness of self-pity — what an absolute waste of my time! (If you want to join me, I’m participating in a fun #100daysofhappiness event of Facebook, where you post a daily reason you are happy — either a sentence or two or a photo. It’s a great way to zero in on gratitude!)

In Your Words: How would you define Thinking Big? How are you going to Think Big this week? What do you think causes small thinking?

In Others’ Words: Think Big or Think Small #lifequotes #inotherswords #thoughts
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Are you thinking BIG or thinking small? #lifequotes #thoughts
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