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13 January 2013

Interview with Beth Vogt by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Beth Vogt



BETH K. VOGT, welcome to Overcoming With God.  I am very pleased to have made your acquaintance several years ago as part of the My Book Therapy Voice Ezine, which we both contributed to and was recently discontinued.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?

I’d like to tell your readers about one of the most difficult things I’m facing right now in my life: vertigo. My first episode happened two years ago (January 2010), and I’m still dealing with periodic vertigo, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months at a time. Most days, I am able to function – drive, write, live my life normally so no one even knows – but there are times I can’t even lift my head up off my pillow without the world tilting off course.

There have been times I’ve pulled the blankets up over my head and cried because I’m just so weary of the dizziness. And then there are times I laugh and joke about having my own personal mental roller coaster. I’ve had close friends and family pray for my healing – and God knows that I believe he can heal me of this. But I also know that, for now, He’s called me to walk this time of vertigo out with faith, trusting that He loves me and hasn’t deserted me, even if I don’t know from day to day if I’m going to wake up and feel like I’m standing on firm ground or on a rolling ship.

My husband and I start each day reciting Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  And I also decided not to waste this experience, so I gave one of my characters in my upcoming novel, Catch a Falling Star, vertigo. My husband said when he read one particular scene he was a bit nauseous, so I know I got it right.
 
What is your favorite bible verse and why?
Different verses have been “favorites” during different seasons in my life. But one that first spoke to me about God’s love for me is Colossians 1:13, which says “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”
Wish You Were Here

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
WishYou Were Here and Catch a Falling Star may become available on audio at some point – the sooner the better! I also learned about ensuring my website is accessible to the visually impaired, thanks to Edie Melson and her blog, Write Conversation (http://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2012/07/is-your-blog-accessible-to-visually.html). So I am using her recommendations as I update my website and blog.
Catch a Falling Star
What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
We are each called to reflect God to others in our unique way – and mine is as a writer. So I hope that readers, wherever they are in their faith walk, are brought one step closer to God as they read my novels. With each story I write, I tackle real-life issues, such facing our mistakes and life not going according to plan – I just wrap them up in a romance.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
I learned how dependent I am on both God and others to be the writer I desire to be. I knew writing a novel wasn’t easy and the hard work didn’t scare me. But writing a good novel – now that was scary. And then writing a second novel, and upping my game, that petrified me. I’m blessed to have Rachel Hauck and Susan May Warren as wonderful, godly mentors who pour both their writing talent and their faith into my life. And I also had three very close friends praying for me as I wrote Catch a Falling Star. Their ministry was invaluable. There’s more to writing than what we see.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
As I mentioned before, I like to write about real life and so a number of topics useful for bibliotherapy show up in both Wish You Were Here and Catch a Falling Star, including:
·         Parental abandonment
·         Parental favoritism
·         Cutting
·         Perfectionism
·         Unhealthy romantic relationships
·         Adoption – and the issues that show up between adoptive children and their foster/adoptive parents
·         Divorce
·         Death of a parent
·         Sibling relationships

Author Bio: Beth K. Vogt is a non-fiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. She’s discovered that God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Her contemporary romance novel,Wish You Were Here, debuted in May 2012 (Howard Books), and Catch a Falling Star Releases May 2013. An established magazine writer and former editor of Connections, the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth is also the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy, the writing community founded by best-selling author Susan May Warren. 

Thank you, Beth, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!


Giveaways:  We are giving away four copies of Beth's books this week.  Beth is giving away two copies of Wish You Were Here and one copy of Catch a Falling Star.  We are giving away an ebook of either of her books, which helps open the contest up to international readers. We will be giving away throughout the week, for each post.  To enter, answer each post's question and leave your email addy if we don't know you well.  

Question: Have you ever suffered from vertigo?  What happened and how did you deal with it?  Please offer up a prayer for Beth, also--thanks!

               

68 comments:

  1. BETH, welcome to OWG and thank you for being our guest this week!

    I wish I could give the above question an emphatic "no", but I have been suffering from vertigo and equilibrium problems for about a year and a 1/2 now. I have been to my dr., chiropractor, and two specialists -- all to no avail. It has put my life on hold and I can't really make alot of plans ahead of time. Some days are better and others are as you described "pulling the blanket over my head" days. And people don't really understand b/c to them you look just fine. The equilibrium problem can get so bad some days that I walk like a drunk person and I don't drink or take meds.

    Just praying that it will disappear as quickly as it came -- will definitely add you to my prayers, BETH! It can be a very debilitating illness.

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    1. Hi, Diana,
      I am so sorry to hear that you too struggle with vertigo problems. I'll keep you in my prayers. I'm trying biofeedback now, which has a protocol for vertigo, and it does seem to help ease the symptoms.

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  2. Beth thank you for being on OWG with us this week. It's a pleasure to have you. I have had a few episodes of vertigo in my life but not a lot PTL My hubby when we were dating and shortly after we married had a terrible time with it but it went away almost as quickly as it started which was a blessing. I'll be praying for God to heal you.

    I enjoyed reading Wish You Were Here and cant wait to read your new one. Thanks again for being with usus.

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    1. Teresa,
      I am so glad you enjoyed reading WYWH. I'm counting the days until Catch a Falling Star is released. Can't wait for readers to meet Kendall and Griffin!

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  3. Yes, I have one form of vertigo, although I can't think of the specific name right now. I went to an ENT doctor who diagnosed it as a form of nerve damage inside the ear. The nerve never recovers, but the body learns to compensate for it. I also went to a Balance Center in Raleigh, NC, who assessed me to see if I needed to go through her program of training my brain to compensate for the nerve damage. Thank God I didn't need to. I wonder if Beth has gone to a Balance Center. I will pray for her.
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Wow, thanks for sharing, Susan! Beth will be traveling to NC for the writers conference at Blue Ridge. I wonder if she could visit them while she is in NC. I am also wondering if our Miss Diana could get up there.

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    2. I haven't gone to a balance center. I've had periods of no vertigo, which are such a blessing. I do appreciate your prayers, Susan.

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  4. Really enjoyed the interview. Would love to read your book. thanks for the chance to win.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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  5. I am so sorry Beth and I will pray for you. I tho't once that I had it but the doc didn't think so, but has never come up with the cause. One of my daughter's and my daughter-in-law has it. I can't remember what they do for it except go to the doctor. BUT, they did tell me it is worse when you lie on one perticular side. Mine was the same either way. I have a church friend that goes to her doc when it happens. Said she puts her on a table that raises where her head is down. Works every time she says. Said her doc says that something in your(molecules or such) gets unbalanced and this puts them back in place. Might ck. it out. I would love to win one of your books, but don't have an e -reader. Thanks, Carrie, for this interview. Maxie

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    1. Hi, Maxie,
      I have tried the treatment you mentioned, which doesn't fix the type of vertigo I have. I so appreciate everyone's concern and encouragement.

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  6. It's sooooo good to "see" you here on OWG, Beth, thanks so much for sharing with us. It would be a pleasure to add you to my prayers, but even before seeing your breakthrough it's so wonderful how you described learning to trust God as you experience this. I have no doubt that this experience will enhance your testimony because there's a purpose for everything we go through. You have such a wonderful sense of humor and there's no doubt that you reflect God, in your writing and otherwise :)

    I don't have issues with vertigo, but I have experienced dizzy spells. Sometimes it's just because of standing up too quickly (it rarely happens to me), I never really considered that vertigo could be a problem until reading this interview. Diana, will also add you to my prayers! Not cool going through that!

    It's such a pleasure getting to know you, Beth! Please don't enter me in the giveaway, I have both books already :) Will be reviewing Catch A Falling Star soon and really looking forward to it!

    Hugs and blessings Beth and my lovely OWG sisters :)

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    1. Sending a hug your way too, Kara!

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    2. I appreciate your prayers, friendship, and kindnesses, KARA!

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  7. Beth,
    Your testimony and beautiful smile touched my heart. I pray right now that our Lord touches you with His healing hand from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Jeremiah 17:14 says Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved, for YOU are the one I praise.

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    1. Sandi,
      How precious to embrace your prayer for healing. Thank you so, so much.

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  8. Beth,I'm so sorry to hear about your vertigo. I do have problems with that but haven't had an episode where I had to take meds for more than a few days. I just can't imagine having it for months at a time and trying to still function like you do. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com P.S. If the books are only in ebook format, please don't enter me as I don't have an ereader.

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    1. Books are in both formats, Susan.
      Thanks for joining today's conversation!

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    2. SUSAN FRYMAN, you are the first winner of a Beth Vogt book!!! I bet she'd even sign the copy for you!!! CONGRATS!!!

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  9. BETH,really great to have you on OWG, thanks so much for sharing and I know that your words and those of the people who have shared will minister and help many others! It's been a recurring theme I've been seeing in books lately that you've touched upon also. No matter what is going on in our life, we need to keep our faith and TRUST God. But then I've learnt that doesn't mean to ignore him either as He is able to give us the strength we need and He is able to heal!

    I had to smile when I read in your Author Bio that, God's best often waits behind the doors of Never. I used to always say that I will NEVER marry a man with a beard. Well I've now been married nearly 30 years to a man that has had a beard for all of our married life! :)

    In regards to Vertigo, BETH and DIANA and anyone else who suffers with it, I sympathize with you so much!!! I had Vertigo only once, but it was absolutely full-on. I remember feeling a bit strange one afternoon after doing some gardening and went to lie down. We had vertical blinds in our room at that stage, and I seriously lied there watching them and the walls spin round and round as if I was standing in the middle of a merry-go-round. The nausea came then and the desire to constantly go to the bathroom... which was no easy feat walking in that condition as you'd know.
    By the next morning it had subsided but I still went to the dr. who told me I'd probably always have it now. To me, that Vertigo was the worse thing I had ever experienced, so when he said that, my mind reeled and then when I got home I stood against his words in prayer. Thankful to God I have never had it again. I say this to share that I will be praying for you Beth and others, because I just can't imagine what that must be like to have it so frequently, and I know God can and will heal you!

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    1. So glad God delivered you from the vertigo, Noela, and grateful the doctor was wrong. Only God knows how long something will go on! Let's keep praying for Beth!

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    2. Noela,
      I appreciate all the prayers being offered for me -- such prayer warriors here!
      And it is funny (in such a beautiful way) how God often wants us to embrace those things we resist the most.

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  10. Beth thanks for sharing your story. I have never suffered from vertigo myself and can't imagine what you must go through.

    Patty
    Pattymh2000(at)Yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Patty,
      I would never have imagined this journey -- but I have leaned into God's grace in a new way -- and it has sharpened my sense of humor too.

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  11. I really enjoyed the interview. Wish that I could say that I don't have a problem with Vertigo but for the past two years have had a problem with it. I can't lay flat on my back and many times it will come on when I lie on my side which is how I usually lay. I have to sit still until it passes and when I take a shower, I make sure that hubby is in the bathroom just in case.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I find that my vertigo is left-side activated, so I sleep on my right side. And there have been times when my husband travels with me to a writers conference or a speaking engagement if the vertigo is flaring up.

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    2. Mine is worse when I sleep on my left side, too, BETH, so I have to keep making sure I don't sleep on that side too long -- which doesn't make for a very restful sleep some nights!

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  12. I don't have vertigo so to speak but I do have dizzy spells and it makes me feel horrible when it happens. I usually just take a minute to sit down and close my eyes for a few minutes. Prayers for Beth.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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  13. I have never suffered from vertigo but our pastor does and he's absent from time to time depending on how badly it effects him. Sending up a prayer for you tonight, Beth as you walk this journey. I admire your attitude and reliance on the Lord. You are living out a beautiful testimony to His goodness. :) Hugs!

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    1. Thanks for your prayers for Beth, Joane! Praying for your paster, too!

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    2. Joanne,
      I just finished your novel, Be Still My Soul! I loved every word and finished it in 2 days.
      Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement.

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  14. WOW, Beth, vertigo months at a time??? I can't even even imagine, and my heart goes out to you!

    Carrie, excellent interview, and I'll say it again -- you are the only one I know who delves into an author's heart in such an intense way, touching readers all the more with that author's story.

    Beth, I've heard SO many wonderful things about your books, that I would be honored to win one here on OWG or if I don't, I will be sure to buy one.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. We need to keep praying for Beth. Thanks, Julie. That is our ministry here at OWG. I know there has always been much respect for Beth over at My Book Therapy and having spent some time with her at a conference, she is a very sweet person--so sorry about this vertigo.

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    2. Hi, Julie,
      Thank you for joining the conversation here -- and for your encouraging words. I admire your ministry to so many writers (we both love Casey Herringshaw!)
      ;)

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  15. I haven't but I have a friend who has and it sounds horrible. I'll be praying for you. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Veronica. I hope your friend recovers from vertigo soon.

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  16. Beth, I will be praying for you. I get dizzy once in awhile, but to have to deal with it as much as you do, I think I'd go crazy. Your books sound very interesting. Have a wonderful week and God bless!

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    1. I have to say this is a great way to begin my week!

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  17. Hi BETH! I was so excited to see that CARRIE and the GIRLS were having you on here. I haven't had the privilege of reading your first book yet but I hope to remedy that this week ;)

    Vertigo in short spurts is bad enough. I can't imagine weeks and months at a time. But you are so right that God uses trials in our lives to grow us and bring us closer to Him. You obviously have a faithful and supportive husband; a gift from the Lord! My prayers will be with you.

    Blessings ~ Anne

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    1. Yes, Anne, my husband is truly my best friend and he has been so, so supportive to me during this time. My family has been great too --picking up the slack when I can't do the needed things.

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  18. Carrie the interview was great. Beth your books sound wonderful. I love those verses also. My life verse is Phil.4:13. I deal with the dizzies I think about every day. i have 2 ruptured vertebra's in my neck and I have scoliosis in my spine my spine is shaped like a S. I live with pain daily. I can only do it through Christ.
    Beth your books sound good. I would love to read any of them especially Catch a Falling Star.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. Diana,
      I am so sorry to hear of your struggles -- but I admire your faith.

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  19. Prayers for you Beth. I know we can always use prayer!!!

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    1. Prayer is such a vital ministry of the Body of Christ, Diana!

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  20. I am so touched by the comments, the promises of prayer, the love being poured out here at this blog. Thank you, one and all.

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  21. Beth, I am sorry to hear about your vertigo. I do not suffer from vertigo myself but my Grandma suffers from vertigo almost every day due to blocked arteries in her neck that cause low blood flow and cause her to have bouts of vertigo. I have seen first hand how hard it can be to live with all the dizziness and to have no warning when a dizzy spell is about to happen. When her attacks happen all she can do is stand still and focus on a fixed point and wait for the dizziness to pass. I'll be praying for you.
    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. Hi, Katie,
      I do hope your grandmother finds relief from her vertigo.
      I just said a prayer for her.

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  22. I've had short bouts of vertigo/dizziness, it's not fun especially if you are away from home. You are in my prayers. Also, I loved Wish You Were Here. Please add me in the drawing for Catch a Falling Star. Thanks!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Merry,
      I am so glad to hear you enjoyed Wish You Were Here!
      Sorry to hear you've had vertigo episodes.

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  23. I also have bouts of vertigo and yes it does knock you for a loop. I've never been given the reaso as to why I have it but I know what you are going through. I've only had it for a few days at a time but whow, it knocs you down. Mine is getting to where sometimes if I just roll over at knight it feels as if I'm following and have to grab hold or take a tumble.

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    1. My first episode happened in the middle of the night -- woke me up at 2 AM because I felt like I was in the middle of a tornado! My poor husband didn't know why I was yelling, "Make it stop!" Everything was all normal on his side of the room.

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  24. The above comment was made by Rebecca Lewis, believe4ever59@yahoo.com

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  25. Thanks for the chance to win one of Beth's books

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  26. I haven't read Beth's work and I would be happy with any one of her works. I have not suffered long with vertigo but my daughter does from time to time and my mother-in-law did. I did have a couple of crazy bouts just lately where I was staggering everywhere! :( Hope it doesn't return. Blessings! Darlene
    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

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  27. Thanks for the chance to enter. I'd love to read one of Beth's books.
    While I don't suffer from vertigo, I had horrible morning sickness for all three pregnancies. The nausea and dizziness landed me in hospital once, just like our own Kate Middleton! lol.
    But my dear Mum suffers from vertigo and I know a little of what Beth must go through. It really is debilitating. I hope it's a long time between bouts for you, Beth.
    Blessings
    Dotti :)

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  28. Great interview, ladies! Yes, I've had vertigo from a time I passed out in a veterinary office (when I was watching a spay job...I wanted to be a vet tech. That career was promptly derailed). A month after that fall, I couldn't move b/c the world was spinning, no matter what I did. Thank the Lord, we found a good doctor and he gave me some meds (I think it was Antivert?) and it worked like a charm. I'm sure you've tried meds, though, Beth. Praying your vertigo will go away!

    And I'd love to win one of your books! Enjoy "knowing" you from your our online friendship. My email is heatherdaygilbert (at) gmail (dot) com.

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  29. I have had periodic bouts with vertigo, too, Beth, that is related to allergies and also to an inner ear virus and apparently to my arthritis. I have to be REALLY careful when I travel because my home is set up to accommodate me for my severe allergies--no carpeting, HEPA filter, Blue lights in the attic, etc. Praying for you!

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  30. SUSAN FRYMAN, you are the first winner of a Beth Vogt book!!! I bet she'd even sign it for you!!! CONGRATS!!!

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  31. Yay Susan, congrats! you're gonna love it!! Enjoy and blessings to you :)

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  32. Hi.. I have never had Vertigo, I know my mother in law had it for a bit and my husband did, and it was awful.. I pray that the episodes will go away, we all know the healing power of prayer will work and you will be feeling better soon.. Bless you Beth I will keep you in my prayers !!!

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    1. Hey Chicki, I am glad you havent! I have had periodic episodes of it.

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  33. Please enter me in the contest to win copies of Beth's books. I've only had vertigo one time. I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy, if I had any.
    Prayers going up for you as we speak.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Janet, I agree! I wouldn't wish that on anyone! Let's keep praying for Beth.

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