Beth K. Vogt's Blog, page 82

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star Book Dedication (Vlog) Part 2

Book Dedication for Catch a Falling Star:

In memory of Ian Lyons, who taught me about courageous faith.

June 23, 1995-April 27, 2009

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an external glory that far outweighs them all.”

(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV)

On Tuesday, I shared some of Ian Lyon’s story with you — and why Catch a Falling Star is dedicated to Ian. Several people asked for a little more of Ian’s story. Today I wanted to share how Ian taught me about courage.

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star Book Dedication by @bethvogt (Vlog) Part 2 Click to Tweet

How do you respond when life doesn’t go according to plan? Click to Tweet 

When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post with Debut Author Melissa Tagg

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 fourth 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 do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Today’s post is by my friend, debut author Melissa Tagg.

One of the approximately one bazillion things I love about Beth Vogt is a line I’ve heard her say many a time: “God’s best often waits behind the doors marked ‘Never.’”

Ain’t that the truth. Some of my biggest “uh, life really isn’t going according to my plan” experiences have included those very doors.

I never want to give up campus life and study abroad, she says to a professor. (She would be me. I guess we’re going third-person for a couple seconds here.)

I never want to work at a small-town newspaper, she tells her friends.

I never want to leave small-town life for a bigger city, she decides post-college.

Well she had a blast in London, swears newspaper reporting is the best-ever job for a wannabe author, and moved to the big ol’ metropolis of Des Moines a few years ago.

I’m so convinced my “nevers” are triggers for God’s LOLs I’ve taken to saying things like:

I’ll never need endless free time to write and read and watch old movies.

I hope I never marry someone who will be okay with all my quirks—love of flannel and peanut butter and Coldplay included.

I never want to time-travel to interesting points in history.

Reverse psychology on God. I’m sure he gets a kick out of that. (I’m particularly hopeful He pays attention to that last one. Hello, Gilded Age!)

All joking aside, every time God has taken one of my “nevers” and turned it into a “been there-done that” situation, I end up awed. Every. Time.

And yet—let me get painfully honest for a minute—I’m a still a little scared of some of my lingering “nevers.” No, not the silly things I listed above. But actual nevers like:

I never want to live far away from my family.

I never want to receive bad book reviews.

I never want to spend another Valentine’s Day unattached. (ouch)

I never want…to fail. (double ouch)

I could go on. Why? Because I’m a planner. Because I tend to think I know what I want and don’t want. But hasn’t life taught me over…and over…and over that my plans, most of which include this or that never, tend to be pretty short-sighted compared to God’s?

And hasn’t He proven over and over again, that I can trust Him?

That even if every never I’ve ever dreamed up turns into a reality, He’s on my side.

That He is good. And faithful. And in fabulously good control.

 And isn’t it true that when life doesn’t go according to my plan, it’s probably a good thing? Because my plan A may feel awesome…but God’s plan B is always, always better.

What “nevers” have turned into realities in your life? When you look back, how have those experiences shaped you and/or your faith?

What “nevers” have turned into realities in your life? Click to Tweet

Do you believe God’s best is behind the door marked “Never”? Click to Tweet 

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Melissa Tagg is a former reporter turned author who loves all things funny and romancey. Her debut novel, Made to Last, releases from Bethany House in September 2013. In addition to her nonprofit day job, she’s also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy. Connect with Melissa at www.melissatagg.com and on Facebook and Twitter(@Melissa_Tagg).

When Life Doesn’t Go According To Plan Goodie Basket Rafflecopter Giveaway: I’m putting together a collection of goodies — including books by Rachel Hauck, Deb Raney, and Cynthia Ruchti — & the reader-suggested chocolates, a journal, a Starbucks card … and more. Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter.

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star Book Dedication Part 1 (Vlog)

Book Dedication for Catch a Falling Star:

In memory of Ian Lyons, who taught me about courageous faith.

June 23, 1995-April 27, 2009

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an external glory that far outweighs them all.”

(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV)

Today’s post is a personal glimpse “Behind the Book.” I invite you to listen in as I talk with my long-time friend, Renee Lyons. Catch a Falling Star is dedicated to Renee’s son, Ian. The Lyons family experienced life not going according to plan in a heart-rending way — and chose to trust God through it all.

 

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star by @bethvogt Book Dedication (Vlog) Click to Tweet

Behind the Book: Sharing a Story of Courageous Faith (Vlog) @bethvogt  Click to Tweet

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star Book Dedication (Vlog)

Book Dedication for Catch a Falling Star:

In memory of Ian Lyons, who taught me about courageous faith.

June 23, 1995-April 27, 2009

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an external glory that far outweighs them all.”

(2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV)

Today’s post is a personal glimpse “Behind the Book.” I invite you to listen in as I talk with my long-time friend, Renee Lyons. Catch a Falling Star is dedicated to Renee’s son, Ian. The Lyons family experienced life not going according to plan in a heart-rending way — and chose to trust God through it all.

 

Behind the Book: Catch a Falling Star by @bethvogt Book Dedication (Vlog) Click to Tweet

Behind the Book: Sharing a Story of Courageous Faith (Vlog) @bethvogt  Click to Tweet

In Others’ Words: Honey

I’m winding down April and already marveling at how full the month of May is. One thing is for sure and certain: April did not go according to my plans.

Writing that is almost laughable, considering that’s the thread woven through my novel, Catch a Falling Star, which releases May 7: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?

Sometimes I keep pushing for Plan A. Sometimes I pull Plan B out of my back pocket. And sometimes . . . sometimes I settle.

You know what? None of those responses are the best way to respond to unplanned events (sometimes called “upheaval” in our lives).

Asking God how to handle the upheaval with grace, yes.

Leaning into the prayers of others, yes.

Ultimately acceptance, yes.

One thing that made the craziness — and the quite literal pain — of April easier to take? The words of kindness spoken by family and friends. The words of prayer. The words of hope. The words of reminder that God loves me, God’s “got” this (and he’s “got” me).

Walking in silence through all the unexpected moments this past month would have been . . . lonely. Defeating.

But the kind words of others made all the difference between continuing on or sitting on the side of the road and throwing a woe-is-me-party.

In Your Words: When has a kind word made a difference in your life? Do you have a favorite quote or Scripture that you like to share with someone when they’re hurting?

In Others’ Words: Kind Words Can Make All the Difference Click to Tweet

In Others’ Words: When has a kind word made a difference in your life? Click to Tweet

 NEW: FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR! Click to Tweet 

In Others’ Words: Imperfect

If happiness only occurs when everything is perfect . . . well then, not a one of us is ever going to experience a single second of happiness this side of heaven.

And yet … happiness has embraced me in many less-than-perfect moments. Surprised me. Comforted me. Strengthened me.

Imperfect doesn’t mean worthless.

An imperfect moment (or moments) in a day doesn’t have to obscure the glimpses of happiness that might be tucked within the very same day.

Am I saying to gloss over heartache?

No.

But I am saying to learn to let go of the oh-so-high-bar of perfection so that we can grab hold of the happiness right within our reach.

In Your Words: When were you able to look beyond the imperfections and embrace happiness? I’d love to hear your stories and insights. 

 NEW: FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR!

When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post with Author JoAnn Durgin

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 third 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 do when life doesn’t go according to plan? Today’s post is by my friend, author JoAnn Durgin.

 

While I didn’t have a so-called “plan” for my life, I had a few aspirations when I was younger: graduate from college (check), get a good job in a fabulous city (double check, in Dallas, Texas), travel to Europe (check), and hopefully one day find the man of God’s choosing, get married and start a family.

Yes, all those things happened, but I’ll say this: the Lord kept it interesting with many unexpected twists and turns along the way! Perhaps the best example of “when life doesn’t go according to plan” is my personal love story with my husband, Jim (with sincere apologies for the bullet points). Hold on tight ‘cause you might get a little dizzy …

●Met Susan through a mutual friend and immediately recognized her as the woman behind the friendly “voice” from a courier service my law firm often used.

●Susan and her fiancé, Marshall (a Dallas Seminary student), set me up on a blind date. They prayed about the guy they wanted me to meet. Both came up with … Jim Durgin. He’d sworn off blind dates. I was resistant and skeptical. We went out with the group but later shared snacks and private conversation at TGI Friday’s for over three hours.

●First “real” date was a formal banquet. Jim wore a midnight blue tux—6’2”, dark, seriously handsome. When I heard his gorgeous tenor … infatuation! Then discovered I was his third date in as many nights. Okay, then …

●Went out as “just friends” for well over a year.

●Infamous “Red Lobster date.” Jim questioned my spiritual condition. I ran away. He was right; I was hurt. He attempted contact; I ignored.

●Jim traveled to Europe with a seminary singing group and wrote novels on postcards. He explained. I read, I cried and burned them (yes, I regret it).

●I slid my Mustang partially beneath a moving truck one morning. I walked away with glass hanging in my hair, but praising God for His protection.

●Joined a “Free to Be Thin” Christian diet group. I had the book but needed the workbook and remembered Jim worked at the seminary bookstore. Ordered the workbook and said, “Tell Jim I said hi.” Jim (“J.D.”) waited for me when I picked it up a week later. With that irresistible smile, handsome as ever.

●Dated for a few glorious weeks. Infatuation turned into love, but where could it lead? Jim invited me to his graduation. Even his parents couldn’t attend. I needed to go so he’d know someone was there for him. Huge church. Prayed and the Lord led me straight to him (helps that Jim’s tall). Against the odds, we decided to try dating long distance. One of the best evenings of my life!

●Unexpectedly lost my job at the law firm (the one thing keeping me in Dallas) the very next morning.

●Jim accepted a ministry job in Visalia, California. I moved back home for a few months.

●My Mom and I had already scheduled a European vacation. Lots of terrorism that year. We cancelled the trip last minute; another cancellation got us onboard a booked cruise ship.

● Met a woman and her two children on the ship … from Visalia, California.

●I’d always detested it when a woman “moved for a man,” but one phone call changed my perspective. The lady from the cruise ship? Her wonderful, generous husband offered me a job.

●Moved from Indiana to California.

●Engaged on Valentine’s Day 1987 in Carmel, California; “Anonymous” (and still anonymous 25 years later) paid for our engagement ring.

●Married on Jim’s birthday in September 1987 (he’s never forgotten his anniversary).

God’s plans are so much more imaginative and better than anything we can dream on our own. Many blessings, friends!  

When have God’s plans been more imaginative — and better — than anything you ever dreamed of?

When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Romance’s Wild Ride w/ Author JoAnn Durgin Click to Tweet.

Author JoAnn Durgin talks about romance & life not going according to plan: Did yours? Click to Tweet

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JoAnn is the author of The Lewis Legacy Series published by Torn Veil Books and Meet Me Under the Mistletoe from Pelican Group/White Rose Publishing. A full-time estate administration paralegal and member of the ACFW, she lives with her husband, Jim, and three children in southern Indiana. Visit her atwww.joanndurgin.com or at Author JoAnn Durgin on Facebook.

When Life Doesn’t Go According To Plan Goodie Basket Rafflecopter Giveaway: I’m putting together a collection of goodies — including books by Rachel Hauck, Deb Raney, and Cynthia Ruchti — & the reader-suggested chocolates, a journal, a Starbucks card … and more. Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter. 

Behind the Book: Evie Shaw of Catch a Falling Star Hijacks My Blog (Sort of)

You know I’m only here because Dr. Kendall said I had to do this.

Actress Zoey Saldana, the inspiration for Evie Shaw in Catch a Falling Star

So this isn’t exactly a blog hijacking?

No, this is me listening to my boss.

She’s an imaginary boss, Evie.

And I’m an imaginary employee – and in our imaginary world in Catch a Falling Star, she’s the one in charge.

My husband is a doctor. I know how important the person who runs the front desk is.

Thank you.

Do you like working in a doctor’s office?

I like working for Dr. Kendall. Her patients love her because she cares about them. She’s my boss—but she’s also my friend.

Any thoughts about Dr. Heath Parker?

None that I can share out loud.

Think I should let him hijack my blog?

I think that man would hijack a plane if he thought he needed one.

Let’s change topics. How do you like being a mom?

Being a mom? It’s what I’ve wanted most in my life—and I’ve wanted to walk away from it more times than I care to admit.

But you’re not going to?

Would you?

Somedays – for an hour or two. You know, to cool down. Or to get a breather. But forever? Nope.

Exactly. I can’t quit now, not when my husband Logan and I are this close to finally becoming parents. I idealized the whole process of adoption. But even knowing the reality, I can’t walk away.

No matter how you become a mom, there are challenges.

That’s what I’ve heard. I thought I was up for them—I just didn’t know exactly what we were facing. I still don’t. What’s that saying? One day at a time. Or one hour at a time—whatever it takes.

What kind of mom do you want to be?

I want to be fun—but have rules too, you know? And I want our kids to speak both English and Spanish. And  … I don’t know … if I ever figure out what I believe about God, then I’ll know what to teach our kids too.

Did you know that at one point my editor thought about removing your storyline from the book?

Evie loves wearing fun scrub tops. (FInd this one at www.scrubs.ws)

No … I’m still here.

Yes, you are – because I felt so strongly about your story. I tried taking you out of the novel and it didn’t feel right. You had a reason for being in Catch a Falling Star.

Interesting – I’m like the actress in a movie whose part ends up on the cutting room floor—almost.

My daughter, Amy, likes Latino music. When I was looking for a song for Evie’s ringtone, she suggested Hay Otro En Mi Vida — which is a song where a woman is singing to her ex, saying how she’s moved on to someone whose healed all her wounds.

Is there anything you’d like to ask Evie — or me — as we get “behind the book?”  More interviews by imaginary characters & other “Behind the Book” glimpses of Catch a Falling Star to come! 

NEW:  FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF  CATCH A FALLING STAR !

In Others’ Words: Where Are You Going?

I admit it: Sometimes I want to rush the process. I want to arrive.

The problem with that?

I end up all confused about my destination. I want to arrive there … and there … and there … and, oh yeah, there too.

I start watching where other people are headed (usually other writers) and I think, “I need to aim for that too.” Maybe it’s a writing style. Or an award. Or a number — like how many books they publish each year or how many books they’ve published in their career (as if I’ll catch up to that!).

My focus? At best, it’s scattered. And at worst, it’s g-o-n-e.

I end up doing a lot of things — and accomplishing nothing.

This week I am going to focus on where I am going. Right now, it’s all about finishing my manuscript and turning it into my editor. Nothing more and definitely nothing less.

In Your Words: Are you focusing on activity or achievement? What one thing do you need to accomplish today? This week? What’s your plan? 

Stay tuned for our third installment of the “When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan” blog post series. Author JoAnn Durgin is the guest blogger this Wednesday.

When Life Doesn’t Go According To Plan Goodie Basket Rafflecopter Giveaway: I’m putting together a collection of goodies — including books by Rachel Hauck, Deb Raney, and Cynthia Ruchti — & the reader-suggested chocolates, a journal, a Starbucks card … and more. Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter. 

In Others’ Words: Creativity

Often when I’m trying to be creative — write a scene in my work-in-progress, for example — I strangle my muse because, well, I’m trying.

I haul out all the techniques I’ve learned to write a strong, compelling scene. And then I back my scene up against the virtual wall because I’m trying so very hard to be creative.

There is a time for remembering the rules. And there is a time for surrendering control — all the Do’s and the Don’t's, the Musts and Mustn’t's — and letting creativity flow.

Sometimes I block my creativity with a litany of “I can’t's” — an odd sort of way of controlling what I produce. Saying “I can’t” over and over again saves me from the embarrassment of failure — and the satisfaction of any sort of success too. Too often I forget that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect.

In Your Words: When do you feel the most creative — when you are in control or when you surrender? When was the last time you experienced a time of creativity?

 NEW: FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR!