Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 16

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.

My friend Christina Custodio

Through the years I’ve met several women who have rocked my world. My friend Christina Custodio is one of them. Here’s one of her latest posts. If you’re not already following her, what’s holding you back? It’s my guess you’ll fall in love with her, too.

I Can’t Feel God

– October 06, 2021

Okay, this is hard for me to say right now, and it may be hard for you to know about me.

I can’t feel God.

That’s weird, right? It’s weird to me too, but I must admit that sometimes I go through this. As I was thinking about what to share with you today, I thought to myself, “I have nothing. How can I tell them that I don’t feel anything?”  I then felt God speaking to my spirit, telling me to just give it to you straight. And that, as always, I’m not the only one. 

So what do we do when we don’t feel God?

The benefit I have when going through this kind of thing is a foundation of faith. It doesn’t matter how I FEEL; it’s about what I know. I know that God is good. I know that I can trust Him. I know that I can look to his Word for guidance. I know that His Word is alive and active in me. I know that I will feel Him again. 

It’s really nice to be on that spiritual high when we have all the feels, but the reality is that it’s not always going to be about emotion. Feelings come and go, and also, they are deceiving. So, we must stand on God’s promises. We must hang on to what we know of Him. Even when I can’t feel Him, I know He’s there. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

I believe Him.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” Numbers‬ ‭23:19‬ ‭

Today I encourage you, regardless of how you feel, to never give up hope. You may not feel your Creator right now, but I hope you know that He is still there. He loves you, and He’s waiting for you. Nothing can separate you from His love.

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

The post My friend Christina Custodio appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Gratitude Changes Everything

We know we’re going to have a bad day or two. Most of us can handle an unplanned blip in our schedule and ride it out without a care in the world. No harm, no foul, right? But what happens when the one or two days turn into three … or four? Consider gratitude, because gratitude changes everything.

Not Sold?

Not sold? Think of the most joy-filled people know. They always seem to have a smile on their face and a kind word to say to you, right? Dig into their past. Often, you will find great tragedy. These heartbreaking events could have destroyed them. Instead of letting circumstances run their emotions, they chose gratitude.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly   . . . singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  Colossians 3:16

Let’s not allow what’s temporary to shake our forever. Gratitude can change everything . . .  if we allow it to.

 

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 Gratitude Changes Everything appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Trials and Sorrows

It’s easy to become weary when we focus on our sadness. Jesus warned us about these times in John 16:33, “… Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows …”

While taking Jesus’ words to heart, what could happen if we shifted our focus? I’m not saying ignore what’s around you, but to stop dwelling on it.

Why Sadness?

If we know seasons of sadness, then, that means to have a comparison, we must also know seasons that weren’t sad. What would happen in our thought process if we realized we’ve been restored—even if it was just for a short period of time? Is there life after brokenness?

Did you come from a broken home?
Have you gone through a painful divorce?
Has life seemed so dark that suicide was a viable option?

Don’t Stop Reading Yet

What you’re going through may truly be an outrageously sad time. But keep reading John 16:33, because there’s more to the verse, “…But take heart, because I have overcome the world”.

Ta-Da!

There’s life after darkness! Our Heavenly Father is the source of restoration. When we give our hurts to the Ultimate Healer, it’s amazing how our view can change.

When we give our hurts to the Ultimate Healer, it’s amazing how our view can change.

Know that sadness awaits us all. Our lives are typically in one of three holding patterns:

We are in the middle of a dark situationWe just came through a difficult time and are standing in emotional sunshineWe are about to be blind-sided by an experience that can potentially rock our worldConsider this:

Sheila Walsh released a new book, Holding On When You want to Let Go. She has a way to zero in on getting past trials and sorrows.

If you came from a broken home, you can help others work through the pain experienced in their home life.

If you felt the pain of divorce and have opened your life and let in Jesus’ love, you may have a wealth of knowledge to share with those traversing oceans of unforgiveness.

If you know what it’s like to experience God’s mercy after contemplating suicide, you know better than anyone else what the sweet taste of grace is like.

Allow God to Use Your Trials and Sorrows

Allow God’s words to comfort and empower you. Let Hebrews 13:5’s word, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, resonate in your heart. Know the message from 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” is meant for you as well.

Sadness will visit us, but we don’t have to allow it to live with us.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4

You’re not alone in your trials and sorrows. Seek God while you’re there. You may be surprised by what you see.

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 Trials and Sorrows appeared first on Robin Luftig.

It’s a Sad Day

It’s a sad day. I tossed my flip-flops toward the back of the closet. I stood for ten minutes looking at my choice of shoes, forcing myself to accept today’s brutal reality.

It’s time. I can’t put it off any longer. I reach into the closet—to an area I haven’t visited for months. My hand runs over the tops of the hangers positioned on the lower bar. I pause, stroking the fabric. Oh, how I hate this day.

Log Pants

Long pants … today I must wear long pants. I’ve been able to wear capris day after day, week after week because the warmth from the sun had caressed my legs and arms. Arms—I need to wear long sleeves, too! Ugh, can it get any worse?

Oh, this is a sad day.

Wipers Wiped

On my way to the store, I had to turn on the heat instead of the AC. I flipped on the defroster to dry the heavy due on the windows from the cool night air. Wipers wiped. Warm air billowed from the vents. And the need to turn on my car’s headlights makes it impossible for me to ignore it … summer is over.

Pulling into the parking lot, a quick movement catches my eye in a grove of oak trees beside the store. I walked toward the trees, then stopped, noting the movement was accompanied by chattering. Two—no three—squirrels were scampering around and around the tree at break-neck speed. They seemed oblivious to my presence. It was as if the cool morning air had invigorated these little fellas into a raucous game of tag. If I had walked any closer to the trees, I imagined I could see them smiling.

At that moment, I stopped, reflected over other cool mornings when Dad and I watched squirrels scamper through the woods. In a flash, I remembered the smells, the feeling of the heady due, and the comfort of the long sleeves.

When had I become so enthralled with capris and flip-flops?

It’s a sad day when the time has no purpose. But today’s the first day of the season I wear long pants. And it’s the first time in a long time I’ve been blessed with a memory that reminded me of simpler times. Both reasons are worth celebrating. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3.

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 It’s a Sad Day appeared first on Robin Luftig.

An Interview with Hannah and Stephani

It was a thrill to speak with Stephani Cook and Hannah Conway for the What’s Your Story podcast. Check it out and let me know what you think.

I love sharing my stories (and I have lots of them!) and how awesome Jesus is. Want to chat? Stop what you’re doing and drop me a line. Let’s see when we can get together. Sit back and enjoy my interview with Hannah and Stephani.

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 An Interview with Hannah and Stephani appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Twenty Years Ago

Twenty years ago, my children were younger and life was much easier. I was thinner and thought I had all the answers I ever needed.

And God was in control.

But on that sunny Tuesday morning, devastation visited America that day–the likes we had never experienced before. My world was rocked, and I don’t mind saying, rocked to its core.

And, I imagine yours was as well.

While I struggled to get my head around what had happened, I watched the news. And if you did as well, you could have seen two different stories.

Wringing hands

My heart ached as I watched in horror the news and saw all the happenings in New York, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. How could this be? Why was this happening? We were supposed to be the Good Guys. Why would people want to destroy us?

Plans of action

Then I saw plans of action. Firefighters, standing between lanes of traffic holding empty boots for drivers to toss donations into. A quarter, a dollar. Anything to help their fallen brothers. And I watched as people turned to God for strength.

Where are we now?

I’m older and wiser (heavier, too) than I was twenty years ago. I still feel the pain this country experienced that sunny day when, out of nowhere, almost 3,000 people died in New York, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The only answer I have is found in a relationship with Christ.

Please, don’t hear that as a trite answer.

God knows what is happening–even today. And he wants to bring peace to a broken world.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

As we remember that day in September twenty years ago, remember Jesus died for us and wants to dry our tears and heal our hearts.

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 Twenty Years Ago appeared first on Robin Luftig.