Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 2

Today’s Going to Be Different

Tuesdays are the days when you and I connect here. Some posts are funny … some insightful. Today’s going to be different.

Today, I got nothin’.

I’m up to my chin in edits for the upcoming and final Ladies of the Fire novel, Ladies on a Mission. So come back next week. It’s my goal to be ready for blogging again.

Tuesdays are the days when you and I connect here. Some posts are funny … some insightful. Today’s going to be different.

I don’t want to rush this. These three friends, Lily-Rose, Fiona, and Sugar, are due the extra efforts. And their time in Eastern Kentucky is the best yet.

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled

In Ladies on a Mission, years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled to return to their rootsk. Sugar thought once in Trotter, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed in the chest and holding onto his life by a hair. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. All I know is I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

Here’s a reminder how the friendship 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 Today’s Going to Be Different appeared first on Robin Luftig.

The Virtues We Choose

I���ve been thinking about the difference between the r��sum�� virtues and the eulogy virtues. Whether we realize it, they are the virtues we choose. Here’s what David Brooks, author of The Road to Character says about virtues:

R��sum�� virtues are the ones you list on your r��sum��, the skills that you bring to the job market and that contribute to external success. Eulogy virtues are deeper. They���re the virtues that get talked about at your funeral, the ones that exist at the core of your being ��� whether you are kind, brave, honest or faithful; what kind of relationships you formed.

I know little of David Brooks, other than he writes for the New York Times and was a Jew who converted to Christianity. With that said, I fear someone will comment, “You call yourself a Christian but you quote a man who … (fill in the blank).” But the thought of choosing virtues intrigued me.

Virtue vs Character, Is There a Difference?

Definitionally, virtue refers to a specific, praiseworthy moral trait or quality, whereas character encompasses the totality of a person’a moral and ethical dispositions, including virtues and vices. Essentially, virtues are the building blocks of character.��

Virtue refers to a specific, praiseworthy moral trait or quality, whereas character encompasses the totality of a person’a moral and ethical dispositions, including virtues and vices. Essentially, virtues are the building blocks of character.��

God Says …

Virtues are not merely human aspirations but are divinely inspired and empowered, leading to a closer relationship with God. A few of these are listed as Fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ��gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God’s thoughts on Character threads through the Book of Proverbs:

The integrity of the upright guides them … (Proverbs 11:3a)

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely … (Proverbs 10:9)

Where Do You Stand?

Different places in Life cause us to lean in particular directions. Because I am in the winter of my life, I find myself taking inventory of the types of relationships I have fostered over the years and if my relationship with Christ has ��(or has not) influenced them.

We all make a mark on this world. It’s what we choose that determines what type of mark we leave.

Whether we realize it, we make a choice over which virtue we live. Resume or Eulogy?
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NOTE:
I cannot recommend reading The Road to Character because I haven’t read it. But when I came across that line–that explanation between virtues–I stopped me in my tracks and ��pondered over how I think others see me.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 Virtues We Choose appeared first on Robin Luftig.

God’s Promises

God’s promises still pack a punch.

Consider this …

While our nation–even the world–struggles to find a way to reset into an upright position, God’s promises stand the test of time.

Ponder this passage. Let it weigh on your heart. Embrace God’s love he has for you. It’s pretty awesome.

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 God’s Promises appeared first on Robin Luftig.

No Matter Where You Are

God sees you, no matter where you are. No matter if you feel seen. Not even if you don’t think you can see Him.

Recently, I attended a conference and, can I say, I was a bit overwhelmed. I had so much to do waiting for me at home. I had deadlines to meet … commitments to keep. My focus was … out of focus.

I decided to take my unfinished manuscript to the lodge. My plan was to grab some time and focus on what I needed to finish. I purposefully sat with my back to the door, hoping I gave off the vibe, DO NOT BOTHER ME. After a few moments,��a woman I did not know walked up and stood in front of me.

Clearly, she didn’t understand what I was saying with my body language, so I looked up and smiled.

That’s when her words–and obedience–blew me away. She smiled and said, “God told me to tell you something.”

She had my attention.

I closed my laptop, leaned back in my chair, and smiled back. She had my undivided attention. “Please, what did he tell you?”

“God told me to tell you something.”

“The Lord said you are an encourager and He wants to encourage you. Your kindness and gentleness are not overlooked and He wants to reward you���every effort you have��made to be there for others has been as His��hands and feet and words. He Loves you.”

I could have missed it

Tears traced my cheeks. I could have missed it! In my it’s-all-about-me moment, I could have missed this precious gift a stranger wanted to give me. I saw tears in her eyes, too. I thanked her for listening to God and for having the courage to share. She smiled and went on her way.

Needless to say, my steps were lighter when I left the lodge … and so was my heart.

Please know, friend, that God sees you, no matter where you are. He sees you in your troubles and well as in your celebrations. When you’re alone or in a crowd.

For I am the��Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help��you.
Isaiah 41:13

He’s with you right now.

God sees you, no matter where you are. No matter if you feel seen.
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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 No Matter Where You Are appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Catfish Tale

As an author and speaker, I often communicate with people I don’t know. We trade texts and emails, often leading us to Zoom meetings. Other times, brief online communications bring us face-to-face at the scheduled event. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d have a catfish tale to share.

What is Catfishing?

Catfishing is when someone takes on a different persona … often representing themselves as someone famous … to deceive a person.

Just so you know …

I’m a stickler for never sharing private information. So I was thrilled–then shocked–when the below conversation recently occurred. Follow along and let me know when you begin smelling a rat.

This is how it started:

Hi Robin,

I recently came across your upcoming event and was immediately intrigued. I���ve subscribed to your channel so I can stay connected and updated with what you���re sharing. I’d love to learn more about the XXXXXXXXX Women���s Luncheon scheduled for XXXXXXXXX at XXXXXXXXX.

The luncheon sounds like a meaningful gathering, and I���d appreciate a bit more insight into what attendees can expect. Could you share more about the event���s focus or any featured speakers or themes? I���d also be interested to know if there���s a program agenda or any networking opportunities planned during or after the luncheon.

I noticed the ticket information references contacting XXXXXXXXX at XXXXXXXXX (phone#) . Is that the best way to reserve a seat, or is there an online option available as well? I���d like to make arrangements soon so I can add it to my calendar and plan accordingly.

Looking forward to hearing from you this week so I can confirm my attendance ahead of time.

Sincerely, XXXXXXXXX

Looks fine, right?

I was thrilled with this email. Clearly, this well-know person had spent time on my website and was genuinely interested. I wrote back, giving a brief description of what I planned to share, and I received a follow-up note.

Email #2

Robin,

I am moved deeply by your message. Thank you for sharing such a powerful glimpse into your testimony and the impact your words have had on others. I can already sense that this luncheon will be more than just a gathering���it will be a sacred space for healing and honesty.

I���m genuinely looking forward to meeting you and your husband. The way you described the responses from attendees was both sobering and inspiring. It���s clear that your story meets people exactly where they are, and I feel honored to witness that firsthand.

I���ll be sure to reach out to XXXXXXXX and mention our connection so we can hopefully be seated together. I���m also bringing my copy of XXXXXXXXXX (his book)���can���t wait to have you sign it.

Excited for what���s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to connect in person.

Sincerely, XXXXXXX

 

I should’ve seen it …

Did you see it … the red flag*? It’s there.

I ��moved on. [I should have stopped immediately. Was it because I was on vacation and already distracted? Maybe. But that shouldn’t have mattered. I was so excited to receive acknowledgement from a person I respected, I figured they just made a slip-up when replying.

Then it hit me

We shared a number of notes back and forth, setting the logistics to get this person to my event. That’s when I received an email that popped the top of my head off:

 

Hi Robin,

Reading the first chapter of “God’s Best During Your Worst” was genuinely uplifting. Your message about leaning into faith during life���s hardest moments struck a deep chord. You���ve captured how adversity, when met with trust in God, can become a gateway to resilience, deeper prayer, and renewed hope.

What stood out to me most was your ability to guide readers toward embracing hardship as a path to spiritual growth. The way you present struggle not as a setback but as a setup for transformation is powerful. I believe your voice is needed in more spaces, and I���d love to explore how we might collaborate soon.

Before I reach out to XXXXX for tickets, I���d like to extend a special invitation. I���m arranging a private jet meeting with XXXXXX [this person’s co-host] and myself ��� a 2-hour focused conversation where we���ll explore a unique idea: inviting readers to share how your (and our) book has impacted them, live with the world. It���s a bold concept, and I believe your presence would make it truly meaningful.

Here���s what you can expect:
– A relaxed, private setting with just the three of us
– A discussion around how to elevate real voices and stories tied to your message
– Exploring ways to co-create something that inspires and uplifts others

If this resonates with you, just let me know a date that works. Once I have that, I���ll send over the official invitation with all the details.

 

I’d made it!��

A private meeting with this author/speaker to see about future collaborations? Pinch me! But when something seems too good to be true …

The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.
Proverbs 14:16

I replied that I was all in, then the bottom fell away:

 

Robin,

I’m glad you’re in, this means a lot to me. The whole thing is being powered by Stellar Lumens Network, in partnership with LOBSTR. Even better, I���ve just signed on as an ambassador for Stellar Lumens!

LOBSTR is the go-to platform for managing assets on the Stellar network. With over 700,000 glowing reviews, it���s clear they���re doing something right. You can check them out here:https://lobstr.co Trust me, it���s worth a look.

Here���s what���s exciting: once you create your LOBSTR account, I���ll send some Stellar Lumens directly into your wallet. No strings���

just a way to get you started and fully onboard before our flight. We���ll also have one of their reps joining us on the jet to give us the inside scoop on how the Stellar ecosystem is evolving and where it���s headed.

Being part of this has been a game-changer for me so far. It���s not just about assets���it���s about building something with real momentum. I���d love for you to be part of it.

Let me know once you���ve got your account set up. Ideally, if you can do it by this week, I���ll make sure your wallet is funded before we take off. It will give you an edge showing them that you’re in and interested in their initiative.

I’ll be looking forward to your response. And am just an email away from you.

A cautionary catfish tale. Don't be distracted by pretty baubles. Nefarious people are lurking, waiting to take us out.
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This is where I stopped

I felt like such a fool. I had been distracted by shiny lights and promises of grandeur. Thank God I had the sense to step away. I contacted the real person via their Twitter. I had to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. After the authentic person responded, telling me we hadn’t communicated at all that day, I wrote my catfisher, telling him that he’d been busted. I kept it short, but wanted to make sure he knew … that I knew. I simply wrote:

It���s a bad thing to impersonate someone else to take advantage of others.��

What did I learn?

No matter how good something seems, always pray before jumping in. I am thankful I had the sense to walk away and stop (and block) communicating.

So beware! Oh, and the *first red flag? It was when my catfisher said he was bringing his book title for my signature. Did that make you pause?

Tell me your thoughts

Have you ever been catfished? I’d love to hear your story. robin@robinluftig.com.

Ladies��� Fans, Watch for Ladies on a Mission

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled.

Years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

The Ladies��� latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

The post A Catfish Tale appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Peek into Ladies on a Mission

Have you missed your fire pit friends? ��Ladies on a Mission, the latest installment of the Ladies of the Fire series, is getting closer. Want to see what’s happening with Sugar Bowersox?

Here’s your peek:

Sugar had just began lathering when the phone trilled. Figured. She reached her arm around the shower curtain for the phone as she stepped out. Water puddled at her feet on the linoleum floor. ���Dungar?���

���No, Mom, it���s me. I left my backpack at home.���

Lucy. ���How many times have I told you, you need to slow down.���

���Com���on, Mom. You���re not doing anything important, right?���

Sugar sighed. Lucy had a point. ���I guess not.��� She picked up her watch and checked the time. glanced at the bathroom���s wall clock. ���How soon do you need it?���

���Right now.���

Sigh. ���All right. I���ll get my shower and be out the door in thirty.���

���Thanks, Mom. Just leave it with the front office, okay?���

���Okay, Luce, but������

The line went dead.

That girl. Among their three daughters, Lucy���s temperament most closely resembled a force of nature. She���d hit the ground running the day she was born. True to form, she continued that same force at Trotter High as she barreled into her sophomore life.

Sugar set the phone back on the vanity and returned to her shower. Just as she finished, the phone rang again. She wrapped her body and head in towels, grabbed the phone, and answered before the third ring.

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled. Watch for news on Robin Luftig's Ladies on a Mission
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���Hello?��� She cradled the receiver on her shoulder and snagged another towel to dry her arms.

���Shug, it���s me.���

After all their years together, hearing her husband���s voice still made her smile. But this morning he sounded off. ���Hey, me. You caught me just as I������

���Shug, I���m at Perry County Hospital.���

She stopped drying. ���Oh my gosh, are you hurt?���

���It���s Percy Claiborne. He���s been stabbed.���

���Oh, Dungar!���

���A couple of the offensive players found him in the weight room.��� His voice grew muffled. ���There was blood all over the place.��� He took a long breath, then went silent.

���Dungar? You still there?���

���Yeah. Sorry. Jethro just came in. He���s at the ER desk now.��� He took in another breath. ���This is unbelievable.���

Sugar looked at her reflection through the steam, then bent to dry her legs. She could imagine Dungar standing at the phone bank running his hand through his hair. ���Unbelievable is right. Poor Jethro. This is bigger than the parking violations he���s used to. I bet he���s ���bout ready to lose his mind.���

Shug, I���m at Perry County Hospital. ��She stopped drying. ���Oh my gosh, are you hurt?���
���It���s Percy Claiborne. He���s been stabbed.���

���Yeah, he looks white as a ghost standing there.���

She stood and moved the phone to her other ear. With her free hand she wiped down the mirror catching her reflection. What a sight. This would be a ponytail day for sure. She began toweling her hair. ���I���ll get dressed and be right there.���

Dungar took a beat. ���I don���t know, Shug. It���s kinda crazy right now.���

She knew what he was thinking, but she pushed on. ���This is serious stuff. Lordy, the team���s mommas are gonna be there soon. If I hurry, I can get there in twenty minutes.���

���No, you stay home. I know you got things you need to get done there anyway, and I need to focus on the players.���

She grabbed the phone from her chin. ���It���s no problem, honey. I can get dressed and be on my way in no time.���

���I���ll be fine. Don���t need you underfoot here.���

She stopped drying. ���But I can help, Dungar, I swear. That waitin��� room���s gonna be full up in no time. I can������

���Sugar, I said no. Not this time. I don���t need a scene here.��� He let out a breath. ���I only called to let you know what happened.��� A pause. ���Sorry, gotta go. Jethro���s waving me over. I���ll fill you in later. Bye.���

The receiver clicked, and he was gone.

Sugar hung her head. When would he get over her messing up?

 

Here’s a reminder as to how the ladies’ friendship��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 Peek into Ladies on a Mission appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Independence Day

July 4th. Independence Day.

This day means more than picnics and parades. It’s about our freedom. Freedom to choose … freedom to worship as we want … freedom to direct our own path in life.

John Adams, one of our founding fathers, wrote of this day to his wife, Abigail:

 

“This day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.

It aught to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

It aught to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

While we celebrate …

While we enjoy our time with family and loved ones, we must never forget the cost that was paid for our independence. Let’s not take it for granted.

Thank you, Father, for this country’s independence day. May you always be glorified. ��

Thank you, Father, for this country’s independence day. May you always be glorified. ��

Ladies��� Fans … Watch for Ladies on a Mission

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled.

The Ladies��� latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

Years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

 

 

The post Independence Day appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Before It’s Too Late

Rush here. Push to get through there. Check my watch���I still may have time to fit one more stop in before it’s too late.

This past spring has been packed with activity… speaking to women’s groups, hitting conferences, or going from one state to another visiting family and friends. All of it was good, but somewhere along the way I let business overcome my sense of purpose.

Purpose? Oh, I forgot

There was a day not too long ago I savored each moment because I didn���t know how many more moments were left for me. Brain tumors can do that … promote an immediate and ��clearer perspective to a person’s life. Remembering how to embrace a life’s purpose is what really matters.

A declaration

It’s time I re-adjust my perspective. That’s where my heart is now: Seeking balance again … spending time this summer playing alongside my husband … meeting a writing deadline.

But most importantly, wrapping myself in scripture.

Brain tumors have a way of promoting a clearer perspective to a person's life. Putting perspective to what really matters.
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My conclusion?

What I want���need���is a sense of peace that carries me through the day. I���m done living vicariously through activities.

I���m putting everyone on notice. The checklist is gone. I am determined to enjoy today, plan for tomorrow, but not live using a checklist.

���Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.���
Provers 27:1

All I have is right now���today. It would be a shame if I rushed through my time with a list in my hand of chores and obligations on my mind, only to discover I had no more tomorrows.

Maybe that’s something you can consider for your life as well … before it’s too late.

Looking for a Do-Over?

Don ‘t forget you have a purpose. 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 Before It’s Too Late appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Sharing Tuesday with DiAnn Mills

During my writing tenure, it’s been one of my greatest joys to attend writers conferences and rub shoulders with incredible story tellers. Often the genre didn’t matter … but experiencing their talent of weaving words together always made my writing stronger. It thrills me to introduce you to some of these authors. If you’re a fan of contemporary mysteries, treat yourself on this Sharing Tuesday with DiAnn Mills’ latest, Canyon of Deceit.

About the story…

A desperate father, a hidden truth, and a child in danger. When wilderness expert Therese Palmer agrees to find a missing girl, she never expects the case to uncover a high-stakes international conspiracy. Now, with a Texas Ranger at her side and enemies closing in, survival isn���t just about the wild���it���s about who they can trust.

About DiAnn …

I’ve known DiAnn for years and admire her incredible story-telling ability as well as her leadership. She may be short in stature, but she’s powerful. DiAnn served as past Co-Director to Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writing Conference, where she not only taught on the art of writing, but helped lead new writers in what the writing life includes. She’s been winning awards for her writing since 2005.

Give yourself a treat and get to know DiAnn Mills. Whether you need a writing coach or mentor, or are just looking for a great story, check out her library of work.

Yet no matter how well you think you know someone, there are always surprises. Here are some fun facts you may not know about DiAnn … they were a surprise to me.

Looking for a new mystery? Check out DiAnn Mill's latest, Canyon of Deceit, coming out September 9!
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She had dreamed of becoming a Hollywood actress as a child, but decided instead that writing stories would be more fun than acting the part.Her favorite place to write is on the treadmill, but careful, never call her a hamster.She admits to being a picky eater, preferring fresh veggies, fruits, whole grains, and dark chocolate. She owns her own food pyramid.She once took an African Safari by herself. Sleeping by lions didn���t bother her, nor did the charging elephant. But crocodiles gave her nightmares.The oldest piece of clothing she owns is her high school jacket ��� the one with a boot to show she was a majorette.

I hope you pick up Canyon of Deceit when it’s released September 9. Let me know what you think.

Ladies’ Fans, Watch for Ladies on a Mission

Years have passed and it’s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room … stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar’s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona.�����Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

The Ladies’ latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, ��takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

 

The post Sharing Tuesday with DiAnn Mills appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Favorite Father���s Day Memory

There is never a June that comes around when I don���t think of my first fella and favorite Father���s Day memory.

Nothing captivated my attention more as a child than a toy stuffed bird my dad kept in a curio cabinet in his man cave. This feathery splendor was about the size of my palm with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. I imagined stories about why this fragile object was set apart 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?

One spring, with my vast five-year-old wisdom, I decided that, since Dad liked it so much,��I should give it to him again.

The perfect solution

The Saturday before Father���s Dad I carefully snatched the stuffed bird from the case. Holding it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels, I fled with my stolen booty to my bedroom. Hiding my plunder, I left my room to bring back the newspaper and masking tape, certain that Dad would be thrilled with his Father���s Day present.

After dinner on Father���s Day, while Mom and Dad were having their coffee, I stood before him and ceremonially offered 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. As he carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird I had taken from his glass cabinet. He smiled his I-love-you-over-the-moon smile.

���I love it,��� he said. ���Thank you for the perfect present, Peaches. This is such a cute bird. I���ll keep it forever!���

There is never a June that comes around when I don���t think of my first fella and favorite Father���s Day memory.
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He smothered me with hugs and kisses and I erupted in giggles. After taking in his perfect love, 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 preparations to celebrate Dad���s birthday in September. He never wanted much of a fuss, but we enjoyed honoring him the best we could. I had no idea how to out-gift Father���s Day.

Then the answer came to me

When Dad wasn���t watching, I returned to his room, opened the display case, and birdnapped 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 Dad���s birthday dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the gift-giving pack. Dad, once again, scooped me up along with my ball of newspaper and masking tape and pulled me onto his lap.

When Dad opened his present and saw the plumage and beautiful colors, he never missed 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 belonged to him since before I could remember. He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received.

His love

Dad has been gone for over forty years now, and sadly, sometimes I forget what was so special about him. Then I remember how he was my first fella, revisit my favorite Father���s Day memory ��� and I smile. I can close my eyes and still see that look of complete love for me on his face. And, that���s��a memory of why he was so special to me.

Blessed with this memory

I realize there are women/girls who don’t have fond memories of their fathers. That’s so terribly sad. Having a loving father helps me to understand–the best a person can, anyway–the love of my Heavenly Father. And that love carries me on, far after my first fella is gone.

Happy Father’s Day.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

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First posted June, 2024.

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