Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 14
May 17, 2022
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.
May 4, 2022
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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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.
April 20, 2022
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.
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 broug
ht 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.
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April 13, 2022
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 EveryoneWriters 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.
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.
April 6, 2022
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.
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.
March 22, 2022
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.
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 editsIt’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.
March 18, 2022
Thank you, Mainstreet Church!
Thank you, Main Street Church! (Could a group of gals be any nicer?)The ladies at Mainstreet Church, in Walbridge, Ohio, were incredible last week when I spoke on Dealing with Adversity.
Sharing the Good News of God’s Grace Never Gets OldWhat an honor to meet with a room full of women (and a couple of fellas) who wanted to learn more about God’s desire to bring us peace during times of trouble.
Adversity hits us all. Either in our past, our present, or our future. It’s knowing how to maneuver traps like Doubt and Confusion and find the way to Peace and Gratitude that brings us to fulfillment. Focusing on Truth found in a relationship with Christ can do that.
Thank you, Amy Pennington, Kristel Gile, and the rest of the Mainstreet Church’s Women’s Ministry Team for pulling together an incredible evening. May God continue to bless you and Mainstreet Church.
For more information on Maristret, check out http://www.mainstreetlife.org/
Want about 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Thank you, Mainstreet Church! appeared first on Robin Luftig.
March 16, 2022
Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children
I came across the 2016 post, Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children, and it made me smile.
Parents are still exhibiting some of the same characteristics as they did when this article was first written. You’d think as adult children have children of their own, they’d remember what they wanted from their own parents.
Points to remember
While the article goes into depth on each point, here are the highlights on things to say to your adult children :
“I’m proud of you and love you unconditionally.”“Ask for wisdom or counsel, but don’t ask for permission.”“I am always praying God’s best for your life.”“I’m always here for you.”“Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.”Parenting never stops, but how we approach it changes over the years. Keep in mind these five things to say to adult children and it will save everyone in your family frustration and heartache.
Want about 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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children appeared first on Robin Luftig.
March 2, 2022
Repost: I Don’t Want to be an Israelite Today
Some days we see clearly, then other days we do not. Marie Monville’s 2016 post shares how we all can have our moments. But God’s plans are still good. RGL
We all have those moments. We all have those days that seem to push us over the edge of what we feel is “humanly possible”. Maybe it’s that one appointment I almost missed, or trying to squeeze one…
Source: I am not going to be an Israelite today.
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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.
The post Repost: I Don’t Want to be an Israelite Today appeared first on Robin Luftig.
February 21, 2022
I’m Chatting with Joy K Adams Tonight!
If you’re free, come join me tonight at 9:00 as we talk about “God’s Best During Your Worst”. You can catch me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ElevationSN/. Or, you can also watch onYoutube TV or Roku TV. Come join in! I look forward to seeing you there.
The post I’m Chatting with Joy K Adams Tonight! appeared first on Robin Luftig.
