In Others' Words

In Others’ Words: Rest

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Beth Vogt

I turned in my manuscript for my third novel one week ago.

I finished teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference yesterday.

Today I exhale.

Today, I rest, really rest, for the first time in months.

I know what rest equals rest to me — and it starts with looking at the calendar and the word “deadline” isn’t looming over my mornings, noons, and nights.

Don’t get me wrong. I like writing. I like deadlines.

But I also like rest.

I need rest.

And I’m ready to rest.

In Your Words: Is this a working or resting season of your life? How do you rest? 

 

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Is this a season of work or a season of rest in your life? Click to Tweet

Enter Today – 5/14 – 6/4!
 Beth K. Vogt's Catch a Falling Star Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway

I’m celebrating the release of Catch a Falling Star with a Facebook Party on June 4 & a giveaway! I hope you join me and enter the contest!

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When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post by Author Rachel Hauck

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Beth Vogt

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 seventh 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 & mentor, award-winning author Rachel Hauck.

 

 

 

I’m a big sister. The second oldest of five kids with an older brother, two younger and a baby sister.

At the age of eight, I’d mastered changing cloth, double diapers held together with stick pins!

At ten, I went to my first babysitting job. It was the family next door, but still …

I loved children. They loved me.

When my husband and I married at 31, we had been friends and dating for four years so we were ready to start a family.

I wasn’t sure we’d have a honeymoon baby, but sometime within the first year, we’d be expecting.

But the year passed childless. Then the second and third.

And you know what? I was okay with it. My husband and I are good friends and enjoy just being together so a few married years on our own seemed fine.

As our fourth year of marriage approached, I was driving home from work one day, praying for someone called to the celibate lifestyle, and the Lord tapped my heart, “Is it okay with you if you don’t have children?”

“Huh? Really?”

Was that even God? Should I tell the devil to step off?

Goodness, the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The Psalms praises a man with a full quiver. Proverbs extols the wise woman and her children rise up to call her blessed.

Why would God ask me such a thing? Maybe He didn’t. Perhaps it was my own imaginings. Wouldn’t be the first time I “missed God.”

If I was right every time, I’d have been a world famous, best-selling author by then. Ha!

But the question, and a sense of the divine, settled in my heart and took root.

My husband was as open to this request as I and we spent time over the years praying, seeking, making sure we had a “Yes” in our hearts to Him.

Time passed. I never became pregnant.

Little confirmations that indeed we may not have children happened along the way. I pondered them, like Mary, in my heart.

I had peace with this request, though I didn’t always understand it.

And if God wanted to change His mind … we were certainly fine with that too.

Then a few years ago I was reading in 1 Samuel and this verse came alive to me:

1 Samuel 1:8

“Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep and why do you not eat and why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Hannah mourned her barrenness. Her rival wife taunted her. Yet each year, Elkanah gave her a double portion because he loved her. Her barrenness was not an issue with him.

But in her own grief, Hannah could not enjoy and receive his love.

“Am I not better to you than ten sons?” her husband asked.

I can almost hear the yearning and pain in his voice. He hurts for her, yet she cannot be satisfied with his gifts and blessings.

Am I not that way with the Lord at times? Something doesn’t go the way I want in life, but the Lord blesses me and showers me with love.

Yet I’m so focused on what I don’t have, I can’t receive Him.

As a childless couple, I wonder, “Who will take care of us when we are old?”

And the Lord’s answer to me is, “Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Oh, how my heart comes alive when I realize my portion in the Lord. He is indeed better to me than ten sons!

When things don’t go my way – at home or church, with friends, or in the publishing world – I must open my eyes to see what He is doing, how He is blessing and keeping me.

He is better to me than ten sons!

Rejoice! JOY!

How have you been able to see the blessing — His blessings — of life not going according to your plans? 

What is the blessing of life not going according to plan? Click to Tweet 

Author Rachel Hauck shares how God’s “no” increased her faith. Click to Tweet

Rafflecopter Giveaway for When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan Goodie Basket Click to Tweet

 

Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, best selling author of critically acclaimed novels such as RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle, part of the Lowcountry series. She also penned the acclaimed Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Their novel Softly and Tenderly, was one of Booklists 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

Her book, the bestselling, The Wedding Dress won the Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year and is nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA award.

Her latest release, Once Upon A Prince, earned a Starred Review from Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist.

Rachel serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

 

 

 

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In Others’ Words: Reputation

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Beth Vogt

I’m in North Carolina this week, teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. So, pardon me if my post is even shorter today than usual … it’s already after midnight on the East coast!

I do love this quote by Abraham Lincoln (and I also love photographs of trees). When I read this quote the first time, I thought: What kind of shadow am I casting — and does it reflect who I really am?

In Your Words: What kind of shadow are you casting — and does it reflect your character? Who are you really –and is that who people get to see? 

What kind of shadow are you casting? Click to Tweet 

Do you let people see the real you? Click to Tweet 

Dr. Heath Parker, of Catch a Falling Star, is hijacked … um, is visiting Just Write, Eryn Newman’s blog today. Come on over & find out a bit more about Dr. Parker! 

Enter Today – 5/14 – 6/4!
 Beth K. Vogt's Catch a Falling Star Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway

I’m celebrating the release of Catch a Falling Star with a Facebook Party on June 4 & a giveaway! I hope you join me and enter the contest!

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In Others’ Words: Finished

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Beth Vogt

Guess who forgot to post her blog last night?

That’s right: me.

My excuse? I was caught up in prepping my manuscript so that I could push SEND and well, um, send it to my editor — all 87k+ words of it.

I woke up this morning. Smiled at the thought of being done … and then thought, “Uh-oh. I didn’t post a blog.”

Oh well. I’ll file this under one of my “better late than never” efforts.

So, as I’ve finished my manuscript, I’m curious: How would you complete this sentence:

To get what I want (______), I had to give up _________ to get it.

I’ll go first: To get what I want  (a completed manuscript), I had to give up time with family and friends to get it.

In Your Words: I’d love to know what you want (blank #1) and what you had to give up (blank #2) to get it!)

 

 

Enter Today – 5/14 – 6/4!
 Beth K. Vogt's Catch a Falling Star Romantic Weekend Getaway Giveaway

I’m celebrating the release of Catch a Falling Star with a Facebook Party on June 4 & a giveaway! I hope you join me and enter the contest!

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When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post by Author Lisa Jordan

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Beth Vogt

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 sixth 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, award-winning author Lisa Jordan.

 

In 1998, I took a leap of faith and left a steady job with benefits to open my state-registered in-home childcare program. Hubby was in school at the time, so I relied on God to help us meet our needs.

I drove home the morning after my final day at work, praying and reminding God I was stepping out in faith and expecting Him to catch me.

That same morning Hubby received a call for a job interview. He worked there for 10 years on second shift until he received a promotion for a salaried position that would take him to first shift.

After he went to days, I drove home from someplace and asked God to protect Hubby during the transitions in his company—they started laying off production workers, but we knew Hubby’s position was safe.

In January 2009, a couple of months after his promotion, Hubby came home early with a look on his face that has been imprinted forever in my memory.

His position had been eliminated due to economic downsizing. Again, Hubby was unemployed.

Oh, God, what have you done?

2009 became the Year of Change. I graduated from college with my degree in early childhood education in May. Our oldest son graduated high school in June and left the nest to begin his college career in August. I finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest, which opened the door to my publishing career—I received a full request from my dream agent and my dream publisher.

But I also went through a period of shaky faith. God put me on hold. I was invisible to Him. He deserted me.

God, why did you allow this to happen? Don’t you remember what happened the last time Hubby lost his job? Do you really want a repeat of that? I can’t risk our marriage again.

Panic and fear of repeating past mistakes crashed over me.

Hubby worked a couple of part-time jobs, but found nothing permanent. Hubby had the opportunity to return to school and graduated in June 2011, but still struggled to find a job. He had first interviews. And second interviews. But no offers.

On June 29, 2012, Hubby received a job offer for a company 45 minutes away. Two days after he started, we received full medical, dental and vision benefits.

The same day Hubby received his job offer, I received a call from Mindy Obenhaus telling me Lakeside Reunion, my debut novel, had finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards.

Though we had gone through a season of winter emotionally and spiritually, God’s promises of spring and renewal came via prayer and encouragement from family and friends. He used that time to kick off my publishing career. My debut novel released in November 2011, and my second released less than a year later.

As we relied on my childcare business as our primary source of income, we managed to pay off 2 car loans, credit card debt and a home equity loan. Money was tight, but God remained faithful in His provision and His promises.

As the spiritual snow melted and crocuses of hope poked through to remind me of God’s promises His whispers of “Lisa, I’ve got this. Trust me.” thawed my frozen heart. His plans for me…for us…promise a hope and a future. We need to trust God before the thaw.

What helps you trust God before the thaw? 

Author Lisa Jordan talks about trusting God before the thaw Click to Tweet

God’s Promises: From shaky faith to trust Click to Tweet

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Married over 20 years to her real-life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. She and her husband have two college-age sons. By day, Lisa cares for her Little Darlings in her state-registered childcare program. By night, she writes contemporary Christian romances for Love Inspired. Her debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, won the 2012 Carol Award for short contemporary romance. In her free time, she loves good books, romantic comedies, crafting with friends and feeding her NCIS addiction. Connect with her at LisaJordanBooks.

 

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Behind the Book: (Still) Waiting for Someday — Guest Post by Amy Drown

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Beth Vogt

My just-released novel, Catch a Falling Star, deals with the question: What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan? The heroine, Dr. Kendall Haynes, has a satisfying life in a lot of ways — except her dreams of happily-ever-after haven’t come true. 

While Kendall is an imaginary person, the disappointment she struggles with is one many women face in real life. I met Amy Drown this past year (she’s a writer, I’m a writer — need I say more?) and she provides a behind-the-book glimpse at how one woman has dealt with life not going according to her plans.

Ever since I was a child, my heart’s desire has been to be a stay-at-home wife and mother. Homeschool, housekeeping, dinner on the table the moment my hubby walks in the door, and all the rest of the June Cleaver trappings. (Except maybe the pearls.)

My Barbies always played “Wedding Day.” My stuffed animals and Cabbage Patch Kids always played “Homeschool.” I read fairy tales, watched princess movies, and cut out pictures of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to tape to my bedroom wall. Someday my Prince would come, and I couldn’t wait.

As a teen, I started flipping through bridal magazines, collecting pictures of dresses, cakes, and rings. I made lists of which friends and relatives would be my bridesmaids. During one particularly boring Algebra II class, I even made a seating chart for my reception. When my Prince came, I would be prepared.

In college I fearlessly championed the woman’s place in the home. My family laughed. My friends called me the biggest male chauvinist pig they knew. But I didn’t care. The only career I wanted was the barefoot-and-pregnant kind. College was all about getting my “MRS.” degree because I wouldn’t need a job. My Prince would come any day now, and I was on the watch.

In my twenties, my peers began pairing off. Boys and girls who’d always laughed at my romantic ideals, who’d never wanted marriage or children themselves, were suddenly being blessed with both. So I started reading books—every book I could find on waiting, becoming the right person, letting God write my love story, being happy in my single state, purging whatever sin was clearly preventing God from granting my heart’s desire. Apparently my Prince was delayed because there was something wrong with me, and I had to fix it.

I turned thirty, and went through the world’s worst online dating phase. Because obviously my Prince hadn’t stopped for directions and was lost, and it was up to me to go find him.

I turned thirty-five. My heart’s desire was suddenly in the “high risk” medical department, and I consoled myself the only way possible—I dove headlong into official spinsterhood and adopted a cat. Any Prince who happened along now would just have to be a sugar-daddy who could afford adoption and wasn’t allergic to pet dander.

Now I’m thirty-seven, and I’m finally ready to admit it—God’s plans are definitely NOT mine. I never planned to have my 20-year reunion before my first kiss. I never planned to outgrow both the college AND singles ministries at church. I never planned to watch friends make multiple trips to the altar before I’d even made it there once. I never planned to be an independent career woman. I never planned to be alone.

Yet here I am. Still waiting for my heart’s desire, and hopeful that a perfect God has perfectly brought me to this point in my life for a perfect reason. I still can’t wait. I’m still prepared, still on the watch, still waiting for that magical first kiss—only now the years of waiting have made me more excited than I ever was in my teens or twenties.

Because someday my Prince will come, and when he does, it’s going be far better than I could have ever planned.

 

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AMY DROWN studied History at the University of Arizona and the University of Glasgow. An executive assistant by day, she is also an award-winning photographer and musician. But her true passion is writing edgy, inspirational stories that explore the deep roots of family, friendship and faith. She is a 2013 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist (Contemporary Fiction), and was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions Finalist (Historical Fiction). Connect with Amy and learn more about Deep-Rooted Fiction™ at www.AmyDrown.com.

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In Others’ Words: Joy

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Beth Vogt

I like to tell people that I don’t aim for happiness because happiness is based on circumstances — and circumstances come and go so quickly that there’s no way to get a firm grasp on happiness.

Instead, I’ve learned to search for joy, something deeper and more substantial than tissue-paper-thin happiness. Joy anchors me no matter what the day holds. I have a choice: to let despair overwhelm me — and shove me over the cliffs — or to choose to remember the reason(s) I have to be joy-filled.

Reasons to be joyful can be hidden in a song … or a Scripture verse … or the voice of my husband or one of my kiddos or a close friend … and Joy can be hidden in silence, when I sit and wait for God’s presence to wash over me, reminding me that I am accepted and loved with an everlasting love.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

In Your Words: Where do you find joy?

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What’s the difference between happiness & joy? Click to Tweet 

I’m talking about red cowboy boots & growing up over at my friend, Jill Kemerer’s blog today! I hope you stop by. 

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In Others’ Words: Clothes

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Beth Vogt

When I wear certain clothes I feel most like me. It’s not just that these clothes are comfortable … It’s that I am comfortable being me when I wear them. I put on a certain dress or a certain sweater or a certain pair of red cowboy boots and I think, “Yeah. That’s me, all right.”

I’ve bought clothes because I was told I should. I’ve bought clothes because something was on sale. I’ve bought clothes to make myself feel better (retail therapy, anyone?). It’s great to walk away from all the “should” and “have to” items and buy something because it’s “me.”

In Your Words: What piece of clothing or outfit or piece of jewelry reflects who you are?

Are you what you wear or are you wearing what you are? Click to Tweet 

I’m visiting writer Mary Vee’s blog today, talking about how my life hasn’t gone according to plan. I hope you stop by and join the conversation. 

MY NOVEL, CATCH A FALLING STAR RELEASED THIS WEEK! FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE FIRST CHAPTER OF CATCH A FALLING STAR! Click to Tweet 

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When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan: Guest Post Author Deborah Raney

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Beth Vogt

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 fifth 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, best-selling author Deborah Raney.

Oh, how grateful I am that life doesn’t always go as I planned it. God’s plans are always infinitely better. I’m a very creative person, but I could never have come up with the things God has brought about in my life. Never.
For starters, I wanted twelve kids. What was I thinking? God gave us three, and most days, three seemed like 12. Then when those three were 14, 10 and 8, God gave us a baby. We call her our “oops baby” but we know better. There’s nothing “oopsy” about her. And she’s been the joy of our lives––as have her sister and brothers.
The biggest plan of mine that God thwarted was my plan that my sweet husband would work at his job until a ripe, ripe old age and that we would always have his nice salary and a decent savings account to rely on. Just over four years ago––just as that oops baby was headed to college––my husband came home from work at ten o’clock one morning (never a good thing) and informed me that he’d been laid off from his job after 25 faithful years with the company. Ken took me in his arms and said, “God’s been taking care of us for 35 years of marriage…there’s no reason to think He’s going to stop now.” I believed that. What I didn’t believe was that my husband would have the audacity to tell me he didn’t plan to look for another job, but instead he thought God was leading him to create the job of his dreams by starting his own business. Was he crazy? And how come God didn’t tell ME?
We struggled mightily with this disagreement. Biggest struggle of our marriage in 35 years. Finally I decided I couldn’t fight my husband, let alone God and my husband in tandem. So I said, “whatever, Lord.” (And yes, I mean that snarky teenage version of “whatever.”) The story is too long to tell in a blog, but let me just skip over the part where I was a whiny, unsupportive brat of a wife, and tell you the ending…or the ending so far. Who knows what else God has up His sleeve!
Ken’s graphic design business, Clash Creative, has so much work he can barely keep up. We have managed to pay every bill on time and in full. In the meantime, because we both work from home now, and make our own hours, Ken is free to travel with me. He’s even started teaching workshops at several writers conferences, so we now go on 5 or 6 most-expenses-paid “vacations” every year and enjoy our time together immensely. Yes, they are working vacations, but still…
Just after Christmas last year, God’s plan unfolded with a move for us. We sold our home (in a bidding war!) and bought a house in the city that’s perfect for us––and closer to our kids and extended family; closer to the airport (and four minutes from Starbucks!) This farmer’s daughter small-town girl never would have planned to be a city girl. And yet, I love it!
But beyond those plans, God had some even better ones. That I would, through the angst of these life-changing events, come to trust in Him with a depth I never could have plumbed on my own. That Ken and I would have found a new intimacy in our marriage for having gone through these tough times. That I would have grown more sensitive to the needs of others who are walking where we’ve walked. That our story would serve as an encouragement to others. That I would learn to be content with far, far less––and even then, we live in luxury compared to most of the world.
I know my heart well enough to know that I’ll probably fail to trust God’s plans again, probably sooner than I even dream. But I’ve grown in Him so that even when I fail, I’ve learned to come running back to His arms far quicker than I used to. And His arms are a wonderful place to be.

 

 

DEBORAH RANEY’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after 20 happy years as a stay-at-home mom. Her books have won numerous awards including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Deb’s newest novel releases from Howard/Simon & Schuster this month. She and her husband, Ken Raney, recently traded small-town life in Kansas for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita. They also love traveling together to teach at conferences, and to visit four children and four small grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

 

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Author Deb Raney shares how God changed her by changing her life plans. Click to Tweet

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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, Susan May Warren, Deb Raney, and Cynthia Ruchti — & the reader-suggested chocolates, a journal, a Starbucks card … and more. Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter.

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Release Day: Catch a Falling Star

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Beth Vogt

 

A book takes quite a journey to publication: idea to synopsis to pitch to book proposal to book deal to submission deadline and rewrite deadline and another rewrite deadline and then (finally) the galleys.

All of this leads to today: Release day!

I had a lot of help and encouragement along the way — and I mentioned many of those people in the Acknowledgements section of Catch a Falling Star. But I have to say thank you one more time to my amazing husband and family for loving me and accepting me — writing quirks and imaginary people and deadlines and everything else that comes with this profession.

My friend and mentor, Rachel Hauck’s newest book, Once Upon a Prince, releases today too and I can’t wait to read it. I got to read a few scenes pre-publication and I loved this modern-day fairy tale!

My friend and agency mate, Heather Kopp’s book, Sober Mercies, also releases today. I am always challenged by Heather’s blog and I know her book will minister to and challenge many, many people.

Catch a Falling Star Releases Today! Click to Tweet

Release Day: Catch a Falling Star, Once Upon a Prince & Sober Mercies Click to Tweet 

So … what new release are you reading?

Posted in Contemporary Romance, Romance, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments