Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 13

Voices We Hear

[image error]Voices are everywhere.

I remember the first time Lew and I met face-to-face. We met online and had spent several months emailing, then graduated to phone calls. We were purposeful in getting to know each other–in a non-threatening way. I learned a valuable lesson on recognizing the voices we hear.

Once we decided it was time to meet up, we chose a public place. A small college campus.

Romantic, right?

We each had to drive over an hour to make it to our tête-à-tête. I remember praying as I crossed the miles. Once we met, we talked for hours. It went easy … like we’d been friends forever.

I climbed in the car and began my ride home. As I crossed the miles I thanked God for blessing me with such a wonderful meeting. Then I heard it.

“Never see him again.”

What? I was shocked. I questioned God. “Why Father? We prayed together and read scripture together. He even gave me a Strong Concordance, Lord. But if you don’t want me to see him again, then I’ll let him know.”

“Whose voice did you hear?”

As soon as I offered my prayer, I was nudged. “Whose voice did you hear?”

Jesus heard dark voices too

In Matthew 4:1-11 we read how Satan tempted Jesus. But Jesus, though weary, focused on His father and His words. Three times Satan tried to divert his focus, but Jesus stood firm.

And we must, too.

Just because we hear a voice doesn’t mean it’s from a good source. Why would we think our lives would be easier than the Son of God?

When voices come … and they will … check who you are hearing.

 

Want to see how The Ladies series began?

Can a woman on the run find herself again?

Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.

Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.

Watch for news on Ladies Uncover a Secret!

 

The post Voices We Hear appeared first on Robin Luftig.

When I’m Feeling Low

It took me years to realize my family of origin was pretty dysfunctional. But as an adult, one of my favorite go-to’s when I feel low is remembering how caring and wonderful my dad was and how he honored my feelings, holding them close to his heart.

Dad’s Special Place

I would jump at the chance to be with Dad when he spent time in his special place–his Man Cave. That’s where he kept his guns, cameras and film equipment, plus special sentimental pieces from his childhood. I am certain he only allowed me in when he was there because of the guns. He told all of us, “The only exception to going into the Man Cave by yourself is if the house is on fire. Then you grab all the 8mm films you can. Everything else is replaceable.”

One Special Item

When I was allowed in the room, one of my favorite items I sought out was a stuffed bird. It was about the size of my palm, with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. The yellows, reds, and green colors dazzled me. Dad kept the bird secured away in a glass cabinet. I was memorized by this delicate object, so out of place surrounded by items dedicated to hunting. I made stories about why it was set apart with reverence and displayed only for Dad’s eyes to see.

Was it a gift from a princess he had rescued from the grips of a ferocious dragon? Was it a piece of treasure he had found while hunting with Indians? My imagination knew no boundaries.

A Flash of Wisdom

I figured—with all the wisdom that a four-year-old could have—since Father’s Day was approaching and Dad liked it so much, I should give it to him again.  Since I was already in his room, I had access to the sacred bird.

When Dad was not looking, I carefully walked over to the display case and opened it. Slowly, I reached into the case and carefully grabbed the stuffed bird. I held it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels. I abruptly left and took my stolen booty to my bedroom. Securing the bird there, I left my room and brought back several pages of newspaper and masking tape. With all the care I could muster, I wrapped the stuffed bird as his Father’s Day gift. I was sure he would be thrilled with my present.

On Father’s Day, after dinner was finished, Mom and Dad were having coffee. That was my queue. I ran upstairs and scooped up my special gift for Dad. Standing before him I ceremonially offered him my carefully wrapped package. He looked at the crumpled ball of newspaper encircled with bands of masking tape and pulled me up into his lap so I could have the perfect view of the unveiling.

Never missing a beat

As he carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird that I had taken from his glass cabinet. He paused, smiled, and said that he loved it. “Thank you for the perfect present, Robbie. This is such a cute bird. I’ll keep it forever!” He smothered me with hugs and kisses. I strutted away as if I had just been awarded a national medal for being the most loving and awesome child of the year. Later that summer, we began preparation for Dad’s birthday. He never wanted much of a fuss, but we enjoyed honoring him the best we could.

Even in the most dysfunctional family, there are good memories. What stories do you carry in your heart?

I had a dilemma

I had no idea how to out-gift Father’s Day, then one day the answer came to me. Dad liked it so much that I’d give him the bird again.

One day while he was in the gun room,  I carefully opened the display case and grabbed the feathered masterpiece. And as before, I took it to my room and wrapped it with newspaper and masking tape. When the time came for presents after dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the pack. Dad, once again, scooped me and my ball of newspaper and masking tape up and pulled me on his lap.

Then he opened the present

When he saw all the plumage and beautiful colors … and not missing a beat … he raved on about how beautiful this present was and how he was so pleased that I knew just what he liked. He never let on that he recognized the bird from the glass case in his room or that he even knew I had taken it. Instead, he made a fuss over me and my re-re-gifted item that had already belonged to him.

He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received. In my preschool mind, life with my dad was the most perfectest life ever.

I have so many wonderful memories of my father. With Father’s Day around the corner and if I’m feeling low, I will—just like every year—miss his hugs. Memories will have to be enough.

If possible, find something to thank your father for. You’ll be glad you did.

(Re-posted from June 2012)

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

The post When I’m Feeling Low appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Samaritan Woman Met a Guy

It started when a Samaritan woman met a guy and got married. We don’t know much more than that. All we know is they were married … and the marriage ended. Did her husband die or did he divorce her? Was she so hard to live with that this husband couldn’t take it any longer? We can only guess. But she ended up single again, then remarried. Again. And again. And again until she had five husbands in her wake.

Hard to Believe

Life went on for this Samaritan lady. As we read the Bible story in John 4, we learn she yet moved in with another man.

Had he refused to marry her because of her reputation?

Could her character be so difficult that he wouldn’t commit himself?

Was she an old woman by now, bitter and worn? We know none of these things. But at least he allowed her to live there, cook for him, and tend to his needs.

So Very Tragic

How many men do you suppose hurt this woman during her life? How about all of them. How many times do you think she hoped for a different life? Only every day. When she was a little girl, do you think she foresaw the torment and scorn she would receive? We don’t know the hows or whys surrounding her misfortune. We only know more men had been in and out of her life than was acceptable by society’s norms.

Shame is a terrible feeling. It only buffs up the ones who shovel it.

This Samaritan woman felt the full condemnation of the community to the point of seeking ways to isolate herself. That’s why she went to the well in the heat of the day to collect water when nobody else was around. Torture from the noon sun was more welcomed than dealing with public shame and the torment she faced every time she dealt with other women there in the mornings.

The Story Takes a Turn

But then she met another man—a seventh man. A Jew who was at the well needing a drink. And this man offered to give her living water, so she would never thirst again (John 4 10).

Why did she trust this seventh man? What was about him that gave her the courage to try one more time?

Truth Without Shame

Maybe it was because he told her about her past without heaping her with shame. She even told him the truth–a truth that surely would have turned the head of most Jewish men–yet he still offered her a kind of love she had never known. Then, putting actions to his words, he honored her by telling her before anyone else that he was the Messiah they had been waiting for.

What About You?

Just as Jesus gave the Samaritan woman value, love, acceptance, honor, and mercy … He’s waiting to offer you the same.

Shame is a terrible feeling. It only buffs up the ones who shovel it. Know that Jesus didn’t come to heap shame on us either… He came to earth–died and rose from the dead–because He loves us.

If you’ve never read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, check it out (John 4:1-26). Try it on for yourself and see if there’s anything in your life that you think would make Jesus not offer Living Water to you.

What would it take for you to trust someone? If others have tried shaming you for past deeds and you want to talk about it, let me know. I totally get it. Drop me a line and we can chat.

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

 

The post A Samaritan Woman Met a Guy appeared first on Robin Luftig.

It Still Happens

Once in a while, it still happens. An Event Planner reviews my resume or speaker’s sheet and then asks what qualifies me to speak with authority on the Grace of God. Since my formal level of education clearly didn’t offer the sought-after alphabet soup next to my name, I have seen their disappointment. Then … if I’m not careful … I let their words begin to strangle my heart.

Why would anyone ever want to listen to me? What do I have to offer?

In a word: Hope. Remember how the smallest gift moved the heart of Jesus.

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Luke 21:3-4 NIV

Think About It

If God can pull a messed-up life like mine from the gates of Hell, then surely he can work in the lives of others.

Jesus’ story is quite simple. He came to heal the sick and offer grace to those who need it. And I am among the neediest.

God wants us all to reach out from our poverty. He offers grace … unmerited favor … to those who seek it. Unmerited, meaning undeserved. That’s the point. It’s not what we have to offer to Him. It’s never been about that. We can never ever earn the right for that favor.

But his hand can lead us, through our humility, and sing the praises of God. He wants us to share His wealth, not our own.

This is My Mission

When I speak at retreats or conferences, I share with women from my brokenness. I share that without God’s touch of grace I’d be nothing. Yet He loved me … and He loves them in their brokenness, too. I give out of my poverty. And in their poverty, they will find wealth.

So when it still happens, I remember it’s not so much the messenger but the message. Before Christ, my life was bankrupt of security and peace. Now Jesus has given me more peace than I could ever imagine.  And if He can use my poverty to offer wealth to others, then I’m good with that.

What is your resume built on?

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post It Still Happens appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Phrase of Comfort

Never has there been a greater phase of comfort. If you focus on one thing … think about focusing on this:

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

 

 

Does This Include Everything?

Try to think of something not included.

Fear of not having enough money? Covered.

Upset with what others are saying about you? Don’t let it get between you and your Heavenly Father. That’s covered, too.

Maybe you’re fretting over (yes, I’m going there) the political climate of the day. While it may hurt your heart and make you sad to see people fighting over commentaries on either side of the aisle, know for a fact that all their chest-pounding or fear-mongering does not have the power to separate you from God’s love.

While a phrase of comfort encompasses many thoughts, take a deep breath and know God’s already fought your battle and won! If you’re not feeling all that confident, drop me a note at robin@robinlufitg.com, and let’s talk about it.

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Phrase of Comfort appeared first on Robin Luftig.

The Perfect Mother’s Day Card

Picking the perfect Mother’s Day card was always a challenge for me.  I bypassed cards that said, “You’ve been the best influence ever” or “You’re my best friend.”  While these are all beautiful sentiments, they didn’t reflect the relationship I had with my mom.

My mom and I were not close like many mothers and daughters are.  I loved my mom and know, without a doubt, that she loved me.  But some of life’s dark twists and turns either derailed us and our relationship or stopped us from having a meaningful relationship at all. Over the years we learned to appreciate one other for who we were. While we may have desired Norman Rockwell-like family moments, we learned to settle for awkward silence; accept what we had as a gift.

Ironically, our relationship grew when we learned not to expect from each other what the other couldn’t give.  We discovered–then called out–our own expectations.

Expectations

My favorite picture of Mom.

Expectations ~ the human side of shoulds or oughts ~ cause so many relational problems. Expectations can even ruin relationships.  But Christ’s divine guidance offers standards that set everything right.

Simply put, offer honor.  Follow God’s expectations, not one another’s.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians, “Honor your father and mother” ~ which is the first commandment with a promise ~ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (6:2-3 NIV)

The love I have for my mom is difficult to explain. But it’s unshakeable.  It isn’t about cards, flowers, or ooey-gooey sentiments. It’s about my choice to love. God tells me to, and that’s enough of a reason.

The love I have for my mother is difficult to explain, but it's unshakeable.
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Give it a Try

Mom as a teenager … there’s a story somewhere in this picture.

This will be the first Mother’s Day I won’t be fretting over picking the right card. Mom went home to Glory in December of last year. I now find comfort in my memories.

If your mother is still with you and your relationship is less than what you want, Mother’s Day may be difficult. Rest in the knowledge that when we follow God’s word, Life is good. Mother’s Day is good. Dig deep into your memories. Pull up one–just one–happier time. Do what you can to enjoy Mother’s Day.

And do your best to find that perfect Mother’s Day card.

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post The Perfect Mother’s Day Card appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Calendar Pages Turn

Watch as the calendar pages turn.

You made it past the Time Change and maybe in an area where you watched as tree buds flowered.

Can it be? Can winter be over?

If you’re like me, when I get close to spring, I breathe a sigh of relief. Seasonal depressional is a real thing and many deal with the pain that comes with it. Sunshine is warming my skin and my heart.

Take a bow!

If you deal with seasonal depression, take a bow. You’ve left dark days and days of dark thinking behind. Circumstances may have followed you into the new year, but you’ve controlled your attitude.

Celebrate!

You’ve survived the winter. Now is your challenge. Make the rest of 2022 your year. Set a plan—your plan.

If you need to bring a fresh look into your world and don’t know how to find one, I suggest you look at youversion.com/. Reading plans are available for your needs—a scratch for every itch.

May the balance of 2022 be filled with wonder and purpose for you. Because you’ve made it to today, you have a reason to practice gratitude. That’s a great place to start.

Want to see how The Ladies series began?

Can a woman on the run find herself again?

Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.

Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.

 

The post Calendar Pages Turn appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Huge Success

The Grand Lake Area Literature Festival is in the history books and marked off as a huge success. Several authors were there from the Celina/St. Mary, Ohio area. Others came from places as far as Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as well as areas of Florida, and Pennsylvania.

Something for Everyone

Writers of non-fiction were there to represent that particular genre. Children authors, as well as writers of Young Adult (YA), Historical and Romance fiction, and lots of in-between were also there. But the most fascinating part of the day was that all the authors were available to answer questions about their genre as well as the stories they told. On top of that, a panel of authors was available to answer questions about the craft as well as the business side of writing.

Thank you!

A big thank you goes out to our sponsor, The Arts Place, in St. Mary’s Ohio, as well as a huge shout-out goes to Chris Noble and Beth Keuneke, co-chairs of The Grand Lake Area Literature Festival Committee. Without their vision (and sweat-equity), the event wouldn’t have taken place.

Let’s do it again!

I’m ready to drive the miles (and there were many) to participate in this festival again. This event was focused on the reader and aspiring writer. And what could be better than being in an atmosphere where writers encouraged other writers. Truly, a was a colossal success.

Want to see how The Ladies series began?

Can a woman on the run find herself again?

Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.

Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.

 

The post A Huge Success appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Grand Lake Area Literature Festival

I am thrilled to be part of the Grand Lake Area Literature Festival Saturday, April 9th in Celina Ohio. Come, check it out. I’ll be reading from the award-nominated novel, Ladies of the Fire. Other books will be available for purchase.

Something for everyone

Hear from adult authors … children’s authors. Ask questions of a panel of writers on writing and publishing. Free children activities. And there will be a food truck. All that plus a food truck!

Hosted by My Arts Place, you’ll see something for just about everyone.

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

Want to see how it all began?

Can a woman on the run find herself again?

Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.

Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.

The post Grand Lake Area Literature Festival appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Ladies Uncover a Secret

The publishing process keeps moving forward. You’ve watched as I researched, wrote and re-wrote, and finally finished the story. But that was just the beginning. More’s been done in the Ladies Uncover a Secret.

I’m working diligently with editors and advisors to put a bow on the manuscript.I’ve finalized the requesting permission process to use quotes from well-known sources.What’s coming

My office view at 4:00 AM

While I’m getting closer to a date for publishing,  there’s still a boatload to do.

I’m getting endorsements from other authorsI’ll be working with a cover designerThe Publisher will offer final edits

It’s a process, but fun. Stay tuned! Ladies Uncover a Secret is scheduled to come out later this summer.

If you haven’t already read the first story, Ladies of the Fire, now would be the perfect time to do so. Get to know Lily-Rose Penbrick and learn why she ended up in Applegate, Ohio. Meet Fiona Kasey. Experience some of her sauciness and spunk from the start. And you can’t miss out on encountering Sugar Bowersox. She’s got a way about her, no doubt!

Join us and be a part of the Ladies of the Fire!

Want to see how it all began?

Can a woman on the run find herself again?

Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.

Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.

The post Ladies Uncover a Secret appeared first on Robin Luftig.