Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 16

Keeping a Jar of Goodness

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 are to be reminders of what made you smile during the year. The jar is meant to be nothing flashy or delightful. The focus is not on the holder but on what you put in it that brought you a moment of happiness.

Did you take the challenge?

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 2021, please consider doing it in 2022.

Is your life a wreck now? Maybe you think 2022 will bring nothing positive.

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.

What’s stopping you?

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. Grab a jar and get ready. We all need good memories. If what has happened in 2021 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?

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 Keeping a Jar of Goodness appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, the season when families get together and celebrate the special closeness they share.

Or not …

It seems so many families are splintered. Feelings have been hurt over forgotten issues. Often family members wear painted-on smiles and stay close to the liquor cabinet. They think that’s the best way to deal.

Hmmm …

There’s more to Thanksgiving than sharing turkey. It’s time to make amends with one another; it’s time for families to heal.

It wasn’t an accident you were placed with your family. God in his wisdom designed you there. Yet we think they can improve that plan by putting walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.

I get it

“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.”

These statements may sound good, but they’re all self-serving … and wrong!

What’s on you

If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do.

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13: 34-35

 

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

 

… 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

Don’t you see?

Did you get it? 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. How would your Thanksgiving meal be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members?

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,  or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Thanksgiving appeared first on Robin Luftig.

More Gratitude

Ever since the discovery of my brain tumor in 2011, I’ve learned to look at life’s situations with purposeful eyes–I need to find reasons to have gratitude. It’s become a great blessing. I remember even now the simple examples of gratitude that held my focus after I returned home after 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

… be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13:5

It’s doable

If you open your mind, you may find it’s doable. What helped me through one of the darkest seasons of my life was 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. You may be filled with anger, questions, and uncertainties.

You 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”

Still, try

If you open your mind about this day, it is filled with abundance. Your challenge is to stand strong in what you are grateful for. See my list above? Nothing dramatic, but each item made my heart smile.

I implore you. Add to this list. Make a list of what you are grateful for during this week … for this Thanksgiving season.

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,  or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post More Gratitude appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Defining Faith

Often we’re asked to define what things mean to us. How we respond shows our understanding of the subject. But when it comes to defining faith, it’s easy to tense up.  Hebrews’ definition is beautiful and complete. How can it be expanded?

For me, faith is easier to show than define.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.         Hebrews 11:1

The Beauty of Hebrews 11

Maybe the author of Hebrews felt the same way. We’re introduced to the definition in verse one, then see example after example of how different people lived out their faith.

We read of Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Then we move on to Abraham and Sarah. True pictures of faith, believing God would give them a child at their ripe age.

And the list goes on.

Would you be listed?

If Hebrews 11 was written today, could your name be listed? Remember, none of the people listed saw the fruits of their faith on this side of Glory. Yet they were confident–some, to their death–that their faith would see them through.

Confidence in what we hope for … assurance about what we do not see, that’s a powerful definition of faith. What do you hope for that you do not see, yet have the quiet assurance of it all? When the world gets dark–and some days are darker than others–it’s imperative to believe beyond sight.

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,  or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Defining Faith appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Living in Peace

It’s not so easy, living in peace these days. Especially when you look at social media or the evening news and see all the divisiveness around. It doesn’t even matter, really, what the topic is. Religion. Politics. Education. Those are the biggies.

The list keeps growing

But there’s more. How to raise your children. Where to live. Even citing the best ice cream can cause a fallout. Let’s face it. All we’re talking about is opinions. Informed or ill-informed, they’re opinions, nonetheless.

And you know what the saying is about opinions …

This isn’t what we’re to do.

If we stop focusing on being right, then we may be able to understand how others live in their world. If we knew what they knew … if our life experiences were the same as theirs … maybe we’d feel the same way.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

So …

So let’s listen–really listen–to one another and allow for the differences. When we do, we may be surprised. We may find we’re more alike than we first thought.

(And for the record, I have no favorite ice cream. They’re all heavenly!)

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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Living in Peace appeared first on Robin Luftig.

What That Means

When major life changes happen we need to stop and consider what that means. It means we cannot control our surroundings. It means there are stronger forces in this world than us. It means we are not the center of the universe.

Where’s that leave you?

When we understand these basic principles, life becomes easier. What that means is we accept our surroundings. If we’re wise we seek out the power that does and then realizes that power is the center of the universe.

So …

What that means is to know what you know. If you don’t have a handle on that, seek out who has the power and wisdom to teach you. Time is fleeting. Don’t waste a moment.

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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

The post What That Means appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Personal Note

It’s been a while. Sorry to leave you in the lurch for the past few weeks. I thought if I’d offer a personal note it may help you understand why I’ve been absent.

Deadlines and Happenings

I’ve been narrowing in the edits for Ladies Uncover a Secret. The publisher has graciously allowed me more time to polish the work. The publisher told me, “I’d rather have it good than fast.” I totally love that gal. And I’ve been traveling as well as preparing for my class at the Florida Christian Writers Conference.

Ladies is coming together and the class was a success.

But There’s More

But there’s more. About two weeks ago I received a call, telling me my 92-year-old mother’s health had taken a turn and she will be going home to see Jesus soon. For now, I’ve been focusing my time and energy on preparing for her graduation to Glory.

It’s been strange, looking at old pictures and seeing her as someone other than my mother. At one time she was a young girl, with dreams and ideals. During the next few weeks, I will be merging thoughts of the mom I know with the person she is.

I’ll be back, I promise you. Maybe with another personal note here and there. But know if you do not hear from me, I’m pondering the beauty of a life.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die … Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post A Personal Note appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Transparency and Honesty

It can be challenging to live a life embracing transparency and honesty. I have learned (a painful lesson) that if there’s a problem in a relationship, it never helps to take that problem to a person who cannot fix it.

“Ugh! Can I just vent for a moment on how ____________ talked to me?”

It’s not always comfortable to gauge words before they’re spoken in haste.

“I’m so angry with ____________. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m about to explode.”

Beware of the slippery slope of gossip.

If You Need Input Before Moving Forward

But what if you need help with sorting your feelings before you move on? There’s wisdom in seeking help.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Proverbs 15:14

Sometimes we need help finding our way out of a difficult situation. There’s no harm in that. But it’s how we get it.

If you think you’ve been wronged, as soon as you can, go to the person who you think wronged you. Jesus saw this coming. He gave us a recipe to follow.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Matthew 18:15-17

It may not always be easy to do, but it’s the best action to take.

Healing is Wisdom

Work toward reconciliation. It’s the right thing to do. Not only that, but it feels good to be able to sleep at night knowing a relationship has been healed. But it takes work!

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

Is there a hard conversation you’ve been avoiding? Revisit it prayerfully, and with transparency and honesty.

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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Transparency and Honesty appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Blue Ridge Reader Connections

Hey Authors! How would you like to be part of the Blue Ridge Reader Connections (BRRC) Author Family? BRRC ‘s purpose is to create relationships between readers and authors. It’s a great spot for writers to meet readers and readers to chat with writers.

The cost to sign up with BRRC until Dec 31, 2021 is $38. The rate will be going up, so if you want to get in, now’s the time to act! Here’s how it works:

Go to the Author Sign up page, sign up, pay the $38.00. Make sure to let them know I sent you. They’ll add my name to a draw for cool prizes. That’s it!

There are also Author Resources.  To see them, go here:

https://blueridgereaderconnections.com/resources/

There are still spots left until the end of the year if you’re interested in participating in Takeover Tuesday. That’s when they feature you … and you can chat up writers and readers alike. I’m doing it today (October 12). But remember, it’s first-come, first-served.

Beginning in 2022, they will add the schedule for six months at a time. You will have a chance to sign up for two spots throughout the year.

That’s all it takes. Hope to see you at Blue Ridge Reader Connections.

 

.

 

The post Blue Ridge Reader Connections appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Join Me on Facebook’s Blue Ridge Reader Connections

Dear Friends. Please join me on Facebook’s Blue Ridge Reader Connections Tuesday morning starting at 9:00 AM ET. There, I’ll tell you about the class I’m teaching at the Florida Christian Writers Conference, on Friday, October 22, on How to Draw Attention to Your Memoir. Everyone has a story. What does the writer need to do to make the publisher lean in when hearing about your tale.

But there’s more …

Throughout the day I’ll also be talking about my first novel, Ladies of the Fire, and all the secrets behind it. I’ll even tell you about the parts of the story that are real. If you already read the book, I’ll give you insight into more of the goods about Lily-Rose, Sugar, and Fiona.

And still more!

And I’ll tell you about the next installment of the Ladies series, called Ladies Uncover a Secret. I’m in edits now, but the story’s strong, and the secrets are unbelievable! I can’t say too much but I’m dying to talk about it.

So come join me on Facebook’s Blue Ridge Reader Connections. It’s a group where readers meet writers, and writers get to know more about their readers. Let’s get to know one another better!

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, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

The post Join Me on Facebook’s Blue Ridge Reader Connections appeared first on Robin Luftig.