Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 18

A Place of Comfort

What is it about Social Media that turns the meekest and mildest person into a raving lunatic? It wasn’t that way in the beginning. I began my relationship with social media via Facebook when my youngest–currently in his thirties–was in high school. (I called it keeping an eye on his comings and goings. Now it’s called creeping or stalking. ) I soon realized other parents were out there doing the same thing. After that, I saw friends from my graduating high school class, whom I hadn’t seen in years, stalking–I mean, monitoring their kids, too. This was a place of comfort and a source of reconnection with old friends.

I still enjoy keeping connected with family and friends all over the country. We share pictures and reminisce over the old days when the hair wasn’t so gray and the knees not so stiff. But now I need to take a deep breath before I venture into cyberland.

I see . . .

Self-described Christians acting less than Christ-like. Offering sanctimonious opinions in a manner they’d allow from their children.

Sexually slanted videos leaving nothing to the imagination.

Blatant, self-serving lies made to destroy others.

Is this what we’re supposed to do?

So why is social media so popular?  For me, I need to make sure to use it for a specific purpose . . . staying in touch with people I love. If I use it for anything other than sweet communication, I open myself up to problems and heartache.

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

I never concerned myself with the Popular table at lunchtime when I was in school. I sat where it felt best to me . . . with people who knew me for who I was.

It’s like that now with social media.

These are difficult times for many people. It can’t be made better by infusing our time with anger and ugliness.

Do one this today to brighten the world today. Be a place of comfort for someone. By sharing kindness, it will make a difference in yours.

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.

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The Pain of Depression

Depression. It has the ability to sneak up on any of us if we’re not careful. It’s not always about feeling like we’re at the bottom of the heap. Sometimes the exhaustion of Life takes us there. Even heroes feel the pain of depression. Want proof?

We read about the Prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 17, when he tells the feared King Ahab, “there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” What a mighty prophet of God! Then, after years of drought, Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal on the top of Mount Carmel to see which god was greater. Baal or the great I Am. (The story, found in 1 Kings 19, is one of the greatest action-filled stories of the Bible).

Elijah comes away victoriously!

Yet in the very next chapter, he flees the area and asks God to kill him. Do you get that? Elijah would rather be dead than feel such deep depression!

I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life … ” 1 Kings 19:4

Depression can take anyone down. We need to be ever-vigilant against it. Here are a few (of many) warning to watch for to safeguard yourself against depression.

Fear can set in

See how Elijah ran (vs. 3)? This mighty warrior heard the queen’s threats over God’s voice. If he hadn’t been so tired, perhaps this fear would never have happened.

We let Comparison take over

If Elijah hadn’t been so weary, maybe he would have remembered his value to God, and not compare himself with others “. . . I am no better than my ancestors”(vs.4). How often do we compare someone’s strengths to our weaknesses?

Not exaggerate the negative

We see how Elijah left clear thinking behind. At the end of verse 10, we read that he blew the situation out of proportion. “I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” He knew that wasn’t true.

Beating depression

Just like there are several signs of depression, there are several cures as well.

Get your physical condition in order. If your doctor prescribes drugs, take them! There’s nothing wrong with treating a chemical imbalance with the proper medication. If you need rest, exercise, or a better diet, do what you can to achieve your goals in those areas.Take your frustrations to God. If your heart gets in the way, rely on Truth. Spiritual truth. That’s always unshakable. And if you find yourself getting angry with God, let him know. (Here’s a secret … he knows already.) Trust God with your authentic feelings. You may be surprised at the support you’ll receive.

Don’t let the pain of depression take you to places God never intended you to go. He’s in your corner. Reach out to him in prayer. See how he makes himself known to 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.

 

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Wait or Weight

There are times when the English language gets in the way. Passed or past? Two, to, or too? And the ever-famous they’re, there, and their. But I heard a set of words today that, once I pondered, were quite profound. They made me think: wait or weight.

Wait …

Means to pause. To stay in place.
I’m not good at waiting. I’m headstrong and want to do things how and when I want to do them. I’m not all that good at waiting.

Weight …

Is heaviness. A burden to carry. A unit of measurement. Some of these are important, yet others are very uncomfortable.

Then I wondered how weight and wait work together.

I remember when I went headstrong into a situation and didn’t wait on the Lord’s direction. I ended up carrying more emotional weight from senseless mistakes I could have avoided.  The load was just too great.

I should have waited.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

What about you? Can you practice patience and not get caught up in the here-and-now? Can you wait for the right? Your patience may be a gift that keeps the weight of the world off your shoulders. Besides, why take it on? God’s shoulders already carry it.

Wait or Weight. The choice is yours.

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.

 

 

 

 

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Past Posts

Do you ever look back over your past posts? Some seem brilliant, while others are cringe-worthy.

When I wrote that, did I think I was clever?

Did I think I was clever reposting this person’s thoughts?

Always safe here

I never need to worry when I come across any of Marie Monville’s posts. Marie was pushed into the spotlight on October 2, 2006, when her then-husband made a decision to hold an Amish schoolhouse hostage, forever changing life as she knew it. You can read of her unfathomable story in  One Light Still Shines.

The one-minute read I came across was from May 2016. It’s a good reminder, whether it’s the first time you read it or the twenty-first. How we respond to life is our choice.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16

Wisdom or regret … what do you find when you look at past posts you’re agreed with?

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.

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Honesty is the Key

It’s always a gift to look at where you’ve been and who you once were. Have you grown emotionally … spiritually … morally? Or have you side-stepped areas you need to revisit? Is it too painful to look back? Are there areas that you walked away from that need your attention? Honesty is the key here if you want to really want to find the peace that’s been elusive for so long.

Don’t be hard on yourself

Taking stock can be difficult. But realize, by doing just that shows a boost in your self-awareness. So congratulate yourself. You’re on your way to embracing a new level of peace.

Challenge yourself

Think about those in your past. Is there a relationship that ended poorly? Wouldn’t it be a relief if you had a do-over? Ponder a moment. You’re already being completely honest with yourself. Picture what it would be like to face that person on the street. Would you be able to look them in the eye, or would you need to look away?

We can find encouragement to help do this. You would expect this to be in scripture.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. –
Romans 12:18

But it’s also found elsewhere.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. –
Alcoholics Anonymous, Step 8

Open yourself

Are you surprised, as a Christian author and speaker,  I would site non-churchy sources? Don’t be. Wisdom can be found in all sorts of areas. Take notice of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other compulsive-fighting groups that are looking for peace. Don’t be surprised when you see their roots are in scriptural principles. They might not give you chapter and verse, but they share with you the wisdom it takes to find peace.

But honesty is the key. That, along with self-examination. Give it a go … and let me know what you find.

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.

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It Isn’t Always Easy

Thankfulness. Sometimes it isn’t always easy. It doesn’t automatically roll out of our hearts.

There are times when words cut us deep. It doesn’t matter who speaks them. They can come from a friend, a co-worker, or even a family member.

Yet I know

God gives me reasons upon reasons to be thankful.

I woke up and greeted a new day–I am thankful.

It’s His air that’s in my lungs–thankful.

Rain falls on the rich and poor alike–thankful.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Take a moment

These are challenging times for us all. It isn’t always easy to find reasons to be thankful. But I promise you–God promises you–that gratitude (the art of thankfulness) is an incredible gift. Often it comes with tears and a heart that seeks purpose. Don’t shy away from being thankful. it has the ability to touch your heart like nothing other.

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.

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Great Stories

Great stories are not written. They become great after they’ve been re-written. This is a lesson hard-learned. Writing is as rewarding as it is challenging. But in the end, it’s all worth it.

Great stories are not written. They become great after they've been re-written.
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Did God put a story in you that’s just dying to get on paper? Are you overwhelmed by the idea of becoming an author?

Writing may seem daunting

Don’t panic. Learn from those who have sat in your very chair. Talk to published authors who have had success in the literary process. Meet with other new writers, just as panicked as you. Remember, strength is found in numbers!

Remember, strength is found in numbers!

Check out writing conferences.

There may be some in your area. Google “writers conferences near me”. Or, if you want to try and understand why God did this to you, search “Christian writers conferences”.

You may want to check out the Florida Christian Writers Conference, scheduled October 20-24, this year. You’ll meet writers just like yourself. There will be classes on how to write. There will be opportunities to meet publishers and agents, all looking for the next great idea.

And I’ll be there.

Don’t lose focus. If God gave you a burn in your heart to write, then do it. And if you’re going to do it, do it well and write great stories.

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.

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Measuring Success

How do you measure success? If you’re an author, do you measure it by the number of your published books? As a speaker, do you count it by the number of people in your audience? Or maybe you’ve started a business and started measuring your success by the size of your Social Media platform.

As a writer& speaker … divorce & brain tumor survivor … child of God, I have several areas available to me for measuring success–or failure–if I choose.

Over the years, I’ve found it’s easier to accept how God’s blessings show as challenges instead of looking at them as failures.  I even pull from these challenges every time I speak about the mercy and grace of my Heavenly Father. When I do, I level the playing field between me and the audience. My goal is to tell them: I’m not special, just forgiven and grateful.

I’m not special, just forgiven and grateful.

But I can’t reach everyone, nor was I meant to. Just as the body has hands and feet (check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-31), so does the body of Christ. And each part of this body has its own objective.

God has instructed us all to love one another, so that’s something we all can aspire to do. But don’t try to do everything. Only put your energy into doing what God has designed you to do. If you must measure success, this is the only way to do it. Keep it between you and God.

Remember, be kind to yourself. Love those around you. Offer what you can, and be good with that. Your success is following God’s plan. Measure success by His standards.
Set time aside to focus on that. You’ll be happy you did.

 

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.

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The Suspense Zone

It was a thrill to be interviewed by Susan Sleeman for The Suspense Zone. Susan started Suspense Zone in 2007 after she searched the internet for suspense books that weren’t riddled with sex and profanity.

Click the link to check out my interview. It will be featured for a time on the website’s main page. Let me know your thoughts!

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 The Suspense Zone appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Fell in Love Almost Immediately

Have you ever met someone who you fell in love with almost immediately? That’s how it was when I met Christina Custodio in 2016 when I listened to her story of complete trust in God. She trusted her relationship with the Creator of the universe and had the audacity to ask him to change his mind.

Where can you find her?

When you follow her, whether, on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, you will see what I mean.

Her post, It Wasn’t a Conference Call. is an excellent example of what she has to offer. Careful, you may fall in love with her immediately, too.

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.

 

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