Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 10
January 2, 2024
How Are We Doing?
The partying schedule is over. The calendar has turned to a new year. It’s the second day of the new year. New days are waiting for us with open arms. We have our list of what will make our lives better in the new year firmly in your grip. So … how are we doing?
New Year’s resolutions rarely stick to our lives past February. We may have the best of intentions … and what we want to do can be great for our lives … but we mustn’t set ourselves up for failure. Perfectionism is a killer of anything positive. Do what we can and congratulate ourselves on a job well done.
Last year is behind us. Learn from it, but leave it there. Maybe it was a great year for you … congratulations. That doesn’t mean this year will be the same. We need to focus on the good days ahead. Anticipate a wonderful year. But know God’s plans are not always our plans. I’m sure we can all look around and see people whose lives were crushed in an instant. Conversely, if last year was the worst year ever, this year could be your time to shine.
Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want.
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What all that means is this: Life is a gift. We’ve done nothing to earn it. Love it. Love others in it.
Jesus Knew We’d StruggleJesus knew we’d struggle. Read the comfort he offers in Luke 12:22-26.
Here’s My Plan“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Between you and me, I had some horrific experiences last year, but I had some of the sweetest as well. And I am grateful for them all. I’m choosing to take the lessons I learned into 2024. If I stumble along the way I know how to regain my footing. I know very well that experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want. That’s a win-win, right?
Let’s love ourselves in 2024. Embrace the experiences coming our way. If we can do that, when we’re asked how we’re doing, we can then smile and say fantastic.
Does that seem too lofty or out of reach? Drop me a note. Let’s chat.
What say you?
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post How Are We Doing? appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 26, 2023
Preparing for 2024 Goodness
Christmas 2023 is behind you. As we look forward, do you remember the 2023 Jar of Goodness challenge? Last year I challenged you to start keeping a Jar of Goodness–a plain jar with a screw lid where you slip in notes of simple goodness. The notes were to be reminders of what made you smile during the year. The jar need not be anything flashy or delightful. The focus is not on the holder but on what you put in it that brought you moments of happiness. Now, I’m going to challenge you to prepare for 2024 goodness.
I put out the call–who would look for the positive, not the negative. Who would take a moment starting January 1 to write down a thought or two, a reminder of what brought you a smile? Then, on December 31st you were to open the jar and revisit all those tiny moments of joy.
If you missed it
If you missed keeping a Jar of Goodness in 2023, try it this year. Is your life a wreck now? Maybe you think 2024 will bring nothing positive. Between you and me, my 2023 was the most challenging I ever experienced. Maybe over a cup of coffee sometime I’ll tell you about it.
As 2023 comes to an end, consider preparing for the 2024 Goodness that's waiting for you, right around the corner.
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I challenge you again to consider it. It’s one of our highlights for New Year’s Eve. Lew and I look forward to hunkering down with a charcuterie board filled with goodies and opening the jar of memories.
If you kept it
If you kept a jar, let me know how New Year’s Eve goes. Let me celebrate with you all the wonders and goodness that were sprinkled through your year.
Are you secretly afraid you’ll be disappointed? Don’t be! If you look for good experiences to write about and put in the jar, you’ll find them. I promise you!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
Trying to remember good happenings can be difficult, but give it a try. Grab a jar and get ready. We all need good memories. If what has happened in 2023 makes you think you need a bit of help, then go for it. Who knows, once you get into it, you may find you’ll need a taller jar!
What say you?
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Preparing for 2024 Goodness appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 19, 2023
From Long Ago
This is such a busy time of year. Shopping, wrapping, planning menus, and the “Oh, no, I forgot’s” … come to mind. Honestly, I need to force myself to pause and take a moment to reflect on Christmases from long ago.
When I was young
It’s hard for my kids to realize I was a child once. Do youngsters turn their heads when you tell them you weren’t always who you are now? Often, they cannot comprehend my life as anything other than that of a mother or grandma.
But I saw magic during Christmases of long ago.
Is Christmas still magical or just hectic? We can pull those feelings from long ago back into our lives once again.
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While Christmas lights still shine brightly these days, there’s something about those old lights. Their magical glow has yet to be matched. And the heat that those bulbs threw off! (Did you ever burn yourself on one of the big lights?)
But that magical glow couldn’t match the feelings in the air when I walked down the main street of my small northwest Ohio town. Songs crackled through store speakers. Folks laughed as they greeted one another. And if we were lucky, snow scrunched underfoot.
Were We Different Long Ago?
Is it the memory of a child, or were we different back then? People stopped what they were doing to celebrate Jesus. Even those who didn’t routinely go to church entered the doors of their local place of worship to honor the Baby King. Work was put on hold. Families came together to eat, laugh, and tell stories.
I choose to take from the past that makes my present better. Laughter’s good. Spending time with family is good, too. There may be hurts that need to be addressed, but what better time to do so than while celebrating alongside one another?
What say you?From our house to yours, may you
have a blessed and merry Christmas!
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
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December 12, 2023
A Platter of Darkness
How are you doing this holiday season? Be honest … does Christmas this year seem like a platter of darkness served to you instead of turkey or ham? Wars in the streets. Youngsters are confused. Ugliness is everywhere.
But there’s more
Maybe your life was touched by a medical or relational trial. All can be daunting, especially when folks are singing about goodwill toward men. Depression can be magnified.
The Christmas holiday season doesn't have to be served as a Platter of Darkness. Prepare yourself for depression before it happens.
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I know these struggles … and I bet you do too. Maybe someone you love had a stroke and is learning to walk again. Or maybe you’ve lost someone–a spouse, friend, or even child–to a medical issue. How can you celebrate when all you feel is anger, resentment, or even worse–that void? You come across well-wishers with their cast-off platitudes:
“God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.”
“ That which doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.”
“You’re better off than you think.”
Really?These next few days may be strewn with land mines for depression. Walk through this season cautiously.
These next few days may be strewn with land mines for depression. Walk through this season cautiously.
With the proper planning and a support team around you, you can make it through.
Tell your closest friends you need their strength to get through the next few days.
Have them check on you a bit more than usual.
Write words that have power on note cards and put the cards in your pocket. When you find yourself slipping into a funk, pull out the card and give yourself a lifeline.
Holidays come, but they also go. Healing will continue. Pain will lessen. Live in the moment as much as you can, because really … that’s all we ever have.
What say you?
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post A Platter of Darkness appeared first on Robin Luftig.
December 5, 2023
Find the Christmas Spirit
Below is a post from Heather B. Iseminger, Chaplain for the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Let her words bless you as they blessed me.
Lights of Christmas illuminate the eves of homes and twinkle on evergreen branches in living rooms. Candles flicker as carols softly play in the background. But even while sipping hot chocolate sprinkled with peppermint, I find myself grasping to find the Christmas spirit.
It evades my heart.
In a personal season of chaotic to-do lists and ever-increasing responsibilities, I keep hoping for just a sliver of the peace we talk about while celebrating the birth of the Christ-child—God with us. A deep sigh escapes as I wonder where I’ve gone wrong, at what point did I stray from the path of joy.
Yet, in my grasping, God is still good.
He whispers one phrase into my ear over and over again. Mary said yes.
These three wordsThese three words have called to my heart throughout the last several Christmas seasons and beyond. I hear them in the baking of cookies, in the writing of exams, in the grading of essays, in the care and keeping of my family.
Mary said yes.
She boldly proclaims a resounding yes to the Father.
The mystery of her words, her uttered obedience without hesitation, her intense willingness to follow God in selfless devotion. I am inspired, and yet, also left feeling inadequate. How am I ever supposed to measure up?
Do you struggle to find the Christmas Spirit? Maybe you could shift your priorities from no to yes? That's what Mary did.
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It’s not that the men and women of Scripture are there to be our yardsticks of obedience and dedication. No. They were sinful, too. But theirs is also the legacy God used to bring us His Gospel. I look to the examples of these humans, with their flaws and faith, to help guide my choices.
But how?Mary’s yes often leaves me wondering how. How did she have the courage, the boldness, the conviction to agree to a task that could have left her outcast, without a husband, and even dead? Why was she able to give herself so freely and with such joy?
Because this was not Mary’s first yes to our God.
This single truth changes everything. We don’t get a glimpse of the full breadth of Mary’s life in the Bible, nor can we pull back the curtain on her daily sweeping of dirt floors and rolling out each morning’s bread. But we do know she loved her Creator. A living, breathing relationship with her heavenly Father is evident in her response.
She sings a song of praise to God—one that shows us her deep devotion to Him and her understanding of Jewish history. This young girl was a servant of the Heavenly Father. She must have said a thousand yeses to God before Gabriel approached her.
Maybe they were simple yeses, like not fighting with siblings or choosing contentment over grumbling as she did chores. Simple, everyday acts of obedience added up over the years of her young life—slowly preparing her to say one of the biggest yeses of Scripture.
So Mary teaches me. She teaches us.If we aren’t walking obediently in the small, simple ways of God, we are failing to prepare our hearts for the incredible ways God wants to use us. Far too often I am worried about what God may ask of me in the days to come instead of what God is asking me to do in this moment. The one I’m sitting in right now. I ignore countless opportunities to lean into Emmanuel. I give Him thousands of excuses in my exhaustion and my choices. Yet, if I practiced the intentional yes of making God my priority, I would better understand the how of Mary’s yes.
… if I practiced the intentional yes of making God my priority, I would better understand the how of Mary’s yes.
And in the practice of yes, maybe, just maybe grasping hold of Christmas wouldn’t be as difficult as I make it out to be. Because when I am walking side-by-side with Him, it is His peace, His joy, His love, His hope that sustains me. Even in the chaos, the darkness, the days of grief.
The truth is, Christmas exists every single day. Whether I feel it or not.
Mary reminds me that Christmas came in the form of a babe so small to give us the chance, the opportunity, to say yes—to say yes to the most incredible gift mankind has ever known.
As we pray this month for each other, may we graft ourselves into the Living Word and ask, “What am I doing right now to say yes to my Father?”
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Find the Christmas Spirit appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 21, 2023
It’s Time
This is the season when families get together; celebrating their special closeness. Unfortunately, so many families are splintered … feelings have been hurt over forgotten issues, and wearing a painted smile and staying close to the liquor cabinet are the best ways to deal. There’s more to Thanksgiving than sharing turkey. It’s time to make amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.
It wasn’t an accident that you were placed with your family. Either through birth or adoption, God’s plan put you there. Yet so many think they can improve that plan by putting up walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.
“I don’t want to be hurt anymore.”“You don’t know what they did to me.”“We have nothing in common; it’s best we just keep our distance and live our lives apart.”While you may think statements like these and others make sense, let me say … as kindly as I can … they are all wrong!
If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it is what he tells us to do:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13: 34 (NIV)
Can I tell you a Secret?
Can I tell you a secret? Forgiveness is not my first go-to move. I struggle with it, like everybody else. However, when I take the focus off myself it’s a lot easier to do.
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Matt. 5:23-24 (NIV)
I didn’t say it’s easy … I said it’s easier. Ouch!
Is It Time For Change?“… If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)
It may be difficult to accept, but Jesus died for the person you’re upset with or the person who’s upset with you. They have value. You have value. That value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father.
Consider a do-over. How would this year’s Thanksgiving meal go if Jesus had a place at your table … between you and an estranged family member?
Think about it, and don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Have a Happy … and Healthy … Thanksgiving!
What say you?
What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post It’s Time appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 14, 2023
Gratitude Changes Everything
If you’ve followed me for long, you know I experienced a brain tumor. Since my surgery in 2011 to remove the tumor, I strive to look at life with more gratitude. Because gratitude changes everything.
It’s no BiggieYou pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance. Khalil Gibran,
“The Prophet”
Gratitude is simple. It’s purely being thankful for what you have around you. They don’t need to be big things that make you smile–they rarely are. It’s the little things around us that we appreciate the most. Here’s a list of items that made my heart sing after my surgery:
The feel of fresh pajamas after a shower
Walking without assistance
Having the ability to feed myself
Hugs from relieved family members
Promises, like Hebrews 13:5*
What continues to help me through dark seasons in my life–because I still have them–is to take inventory of the blessings around me.
I understand how difficult it is to be grateful in the midst of loss. But give it a try. Gratitude changes everything. It may not change the situation you’re facing, but it changes the lens you see it through. Right now, you may be filled with anger, questions, or uncertainties.
Still, try gratitude.
As we come up to the season of Thanksgiving, try to build your own list. What are you thankful for? If you’re having trouble starting, let me help you.
* “… be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
What say you?
What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Gratitude Changes Everything appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 7, 2023
Pondering Thoughts
I have pondering thoughts more these days than I did when I was younger. Insignificant thoughts. Thoughts that won’t change the world, but thoughts that bounce around in my head.
Not long ago I came across Ari Fraser, a Jewish singer from Miami. His voice is so delicate and pure. The moment it played, it reached into my heart. I wept at the beauty of his voice.
Take a listen …
Then I PonderedWhat did Jesus sing? Was his voice crystal clear … or did he run flat?
Scripture refers to singing in over 400 places. We see all through the Old Testament how people worshipped through songs. The Psalms are filled with songs.
Lean your head back and close your eyes. Can you see him? Hands raised to the heavens. Singing praises to his Father?
Psalms 100 leans into song.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Psalms 100:1-2
Oh, how he shows his love to the Father.
Did His Song Change?While they gathered at the Last Supper, How did His song change? He knew he was going to be betrayed. Did he visit the Psalms 118?
…the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Psalms 118:23
When Jesus’ crucifixion drew close, did his song change yet again? We read in Luke 22:42 his heart.
Yet Jesus Continued Singing“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Luke 22:42
What a powerful model of worshipping! Jesus’ situation changed, yet he knew his heavenly father deserved praise.
When life goes dark … when circumstances are out of our control … do we still sign in worship? It is a thought to ponder … and to respond. Let me know what you think.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Pondering Thoughts appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 24, 2023
After Divorce
I never tire of hearing–and telling–stories of God’s mercy and grace. That’s why I was thrilled when Deb Potts asked me to contribute to her and her husband Bruce’s Marriage Mentoring website.
Unfortunately, sometimes Christian marriages don’t work out. When that happens, those involved still have a responsibility for what to do after divorce.
Happiness After Divorce?Unfortunately, sometimes Christian marriages don’t work out.
My first book, Learning to Bloom Again: Walking Through Forgiveness After Divorce, addresses some of those responsibilities. It’s easy to see the needs of the hurting couple, but who else is affected?
Check out the blog post. I’d love to hear your story of healing.
What say you?What do you wonder about? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.
Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post After Divorce appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 10, 2023
Pray for Israel
The bombing early Saturday, October 7 morning, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, pulled our attention off our own lives and those in Israel. Christians need to pray for Israel.
Not only is the bond between the United States and Israel rooted in our shared values, but wars against Israel have been discussed in scripture. God warned those who attack His chosen people with … you may want to reconsider.
Scriptures to VisitGod warned those who attack His chosen people with … you may want to reconsider.
God’s word is filled with warnings against countries raising their hands against Israel:
Zechariah 12
Psalm 122:6-7
Romans 11:11-29
Articles to visit
Contemporaries visit the tragedy as well:
Greg Laurie’s�� War in Israel: A Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy?
Murray Campbell’s�� Responding to the Situation in Israel: Thoughts from a Christian
Charisma News, Israel at War Update: Live from the Scene
As written in Romans, Paul reminds us why we are forever in the debt of Israel:
Again I ask: Did they [God’s people] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.��But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles,��how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
Romans 11:11-12
Join me. Let’s continue to pray for Israel. If you want to chat, contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
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