Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 25

Knock, Knock

Knock, knock.

Who’s there?
It’s me … a new day. Please welcome me in.

I don’t know … what do you have for me?

Isn’t that’s what we all want to know, what’s in store for us each day? Will we see wonders beyond our comprehension? Will we see more beauty than we ever imagined existed?

Or will dark storm clouds block out all sunshine? Will tragedy rise up and take our breath away?

God Knows My Days

I do know this to be sure—my God will be with me. When my heart is full of more happiness than I ever imagined, He will be there to celebrate with me.

Or when every turn I take brings pain and heartbreak, He will be there to comfort and carry me through.

Where there’s breath, there’s hope. Please join me in celebrating the beginning of a new day–today! Who knows, we may be on the cusp of something fantastic. Celebrate! Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one. Let’s embrace today and the rest of the todays ahead with anticipation and wonder.

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:13-14 

 

Join me in offering thanks to God, because he will be there, no matter what we 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.

The post Knock, Knock appeared first on Robin Luftig.

The Amazing Story of Job

One of my goals each year is to read the Bible through again. If you have tried it, you know it can be a bit daunting. Especially climbing through the hills of the Old Testament. In the past, so as not to get lost in the chapters of Leviticus, I’d read a bit of the Old Testament, then some of the New Testament. But this year I decided to mix it up a bit. I’m reading the Bible chronologically. I started in Genesis but soon was directed to the Book of Job. Job, what an amazing story! Here’s a man who had everything—great family, properties, and wealth—and Satan took it all away. But there’s so much more.

It isn’t so much the perils that my focus landed on, but on Job’s determination to stay focused and always praise God. He even praised God when he lost his good health.

 

That’s where I pulled up and parked.

Do I have the same kind of faith?

 

Everything I am and own was given to me by God—including my health. This lesson came to me in April  2011 when God walked with me through some of the darkest days I hope to ever experience. I didn’t know if I would live, die, or maintain an existence somewhere in-between. In my own way, I had a taste of Job’s experience.

Yet when Job learned he lost everything, he did the most amazing thing. He chose to worship God.

 

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Job 1:20-22

My hope is that I will always be willing to reflect on the amazing story of Job and push to see past my pain and disappointment, no matter how tragic it may seem.

Truly, the Lord is worthy of worship.

 

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 Amazing Story of Job appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Keep Pushing Through or Cut Your Losses

Struggles. Everyone has them. Some struggles are smallish while others are ginormous! Whether it’s studying for a final … losing those last five pounds to reach your desired weight … or deciding to end a toxic friendship … it’s often hard to know which way to turn. How do you know to keep pushing through or cut your losses and walk away from your struggle? What do you do to understand if the struggle is worth it … if the battle is worth the aggravation you may need to exert for the desired outcome?

Sometimes just the process of trying to find the answers to the questions of how to continue forward seems as difficult as that struggle itself. But it’s best to remember, always do the first thing first.

 

 

First Things First

Do your best to see your struggle for exactly what it is. Comparing our struggle to someone else only adds to the problem. All struggles are personal. And our struggles need to be respected because they are so real and personal. We mustn’t try to talk them away. We need to face them head-on. But we need to know what we’re facing.

The Bible is filled with stories of struggle. One of my favorites can be found in the Old Testament book of Joshua, starting at chapter five, verse thirteen. An angel came to Joshua with a word from God, (Joshua 5:14-6:5), instructing him to take the city of Jericho. These instructions seemed a bit unorthodox. And God knew exactly what Joshua was facing. Jericho’s city was surrounded by a protective wall that nothing had proved to penetrate. But God was clear. Take the city of Jericho.

Do you remember the children’s nursery rhyme?
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
and the walls came a-tumbling down

The Lord told Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho for six days (Joshua 6). God didn’t say the walls would fall immediately. He didn’t say it would be easy. He said, “I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” To claim the victory that was already theirs, Joshua and his army had to trust God and his promises.

How many times do you think they considered stopping because what they were doing didn’t seem to make a difference? Do you think Joshua’s army felt a bit foolish marching around the gated city while soldiers looked on? Yet Joshua stayed focused on the task at hand. He didn’t stop. Even after six days of doing what he needed to do, he kept going.

Are you Dealing with a Day Six?

How close have you come to stopping when something seemed too difficult or impossible to achieve? How many times have you come to your Day Six, but decided to quit because it was too hard or you didn’t see any reason to continue? Ask God for His direction regarding your struggle. If you seek wisdom from God, he will tell you to whether keep pushing through or cut your losses.

Hang in there with whatever you’re dealing with! You may be at Day Six and not even know it.

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 Keep Pushing Through or Cut Your Losses appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Moments of Victory

Life is full of challenges, difficulties, and trials. If it isn’t now … just wait. Difficulties will soon find you. But there are also moments of victory. It’s our responsibility to seek and focus on those moments. They’re all around us. This past weekend we watched the 1938 movie You Can’t Take it With You with James Stewart and Jean Arthur. It’s a great Rom-Com, but also full of life lessons. Here’s a trailer:

This year I’m celebrating ten years post brain surgery. April 1, 2011, I had a seizure that led doctors to find a fist-sized tumor on my brain. They gave me ten days to put my affairs in order. That ten-day period was an endeavor in faith that led me to listen to the wise words from my wonderful husband and friends. They all told me they didn’t have answers, other than trusting God for his direction.

After surgery when I could only walk with assistance … when I couldn’t lift anything heavier than two pounds … when I couldn’t make my mind put simple thoughts together in a rational order … I struggled to find victories.

But I waited. And they came.

Watching Others Find Their Moments of Victory

I get excited when I see others find their own moments of victories after a tragedy. I remember reading the words of excitement from a gal on a recovery website I frequent, “I can wiggle my right toes again! I’m on my way back!” Another said, “Ahh, to feel the sun on my face again after being inside for so long. This must be what heaven is like.”

I don’t have many answers, but I do know that our lives are gifts to us. I’ve learned to appreciate my experiences. I still have moments when I’m not as I was before surgery, but my sense of wonder and gratitude has grown by leaps and bounds. I know from my April 2011 experience that bad times may come my way again. Yet I’ve also learned that it’s up to me to decide how I handle what comes my way.

Looking For Comfort in Moments of Victory

I find great comfort in Scripture. There are several that offer a soothing balm, but my first go-to Psalm is Psalm 13. It starts with a cry of despair, yet closes with a moment of victory:

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6

Your own moments of victories are there, What victories will 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.

The post Moments of Victory appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Coming to Grips with Reality

When I was told I had a brain tumor and given ten days to put my affairs in order, I had to come to grips with reality—life as I knew it could radically change in less than two weeks.  I was greeted with the cold fact that couldn’t control the world around me. As much as I willed it, I could not erase my tumor and the fact that I needed brain surgery—and needed it right away.

Where I found the most comfort in those ten days was focusing my efforts on Who held my ten days in His hand. I was forced to let go of my illusion of control. Honestly, I can tell you I fought it for a while. It wasn’t easy because I had little choice in the matter. But it was simple. I learned the process as a child:

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
They are weak but he is strong
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so
Warner (1860)

My New Reality 

Here I was with more on my plate than I’d had for years. I loved riding bikes with my husband, worked a full-time job, blogged, was in the middle of building my social platform, serving with my church, writing a new book and seeking a publisher for one already written.

All that and I was scheduled for brain surgery.

I knew the verses that say Jesus loves me—I knew the songs. Yet I fretted. Was it control I was seeking? Having a brain tumor again could mess things up.

Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so …

Some of what I want is God-centered. I want to continue sharing how he had pulled me out of the muck and mire I crawled into all those years earlier.

Little ones to him belong
They are weak but he is strong …

But some of what I want is purely selfish. I was also thinking about my husband and children. I wanted to be able to enjoy them for more years yet. That was what I wanted.

Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me …

While I waffled between focusing on my wants and God’s, I found comfort knowing I was not alone in this type of struggle. Apostle Paul—the Rock Star of the New Testament—talked about that very thing in Romans 7. I like the way The Message reads:

“… For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.” (vs 17-20)

Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

I remember coming to grips with reality and changing my focus from my brain tumor and putting it on an unchangeable God. I focused on the fact that Jesus loves me. The brain tumor would either be there, or it wouldn’t. I would either get better with surgery or wouldn’t. Fretting over it wouldn’t help. But focusing on Jesus did. And knowing that God hadn’t been surprised by the tumor was a comfort as well. It was a simple shift but, oh friend, don’t think it was an easy one. How could I be so confident?

Why—because the Bible told me so.

 

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 Coming to Grips with Reality appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Confidence

Confidence—a powerful word. It brings strength to mind. Determination. Assurance.

There are two types of confidence: confidence in who we are and what abilities we have. This is a feel-good type of confidence. You aced the test you studied for. You lost those extra pounds that hounded you for months. Yes, having this confidence will make you strut your stuff!

And there’s the confidence in what’s around you. These are areas you have no control over but know they will always be the same. While on this planet, the sun will always come up in the east. And if you drop something it will land on the floor.

There’s a comfort that comes with both of these types of confidences. You know–without a doubt–if you study hard you will get better grades. And you also know if you don’t pick up that second donut, your waistline will thank you for it.

These confidences have been supported by past experiences. You know what you will get when you apply yourself. It’s the same with confidences outside of your influence. Can you imagine what this world would be like if we never knew what direction the sun would appear in the sky? Or, if we’d drop something, thinking it would fall to the ground instead it hit us in the face? There is comfort in the consistencies around us.

 

Confidence in Consistency

While comfort is found in consistencies, inconsistencies can destroy a person’s confidence. Many times our behaviors or the behaviors of others can impact how we see the world. Abusive or destructive actions destroy a person’s confidence in themselves or the world around them.

God’s word warns us:

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9.

We can be confident that our Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If we keep our confidence focused on Him … on who has set a plan for each of our lives … we can wrap ourselves in the comfort that only God can give us. You can have confidence in scripture.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35

 

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 Confidence appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Broken Person

It’s easy to feel weary when you spend so much of your life as a broken person. People seldom talk about their brokenness. I know, because I spent years trying to hide all of my scars. I was fearful that people wouldn’t like me if they knew the truth about me. I’d sometimes try to cover my brokenness with razzle-dazzle good deeds. Or, I’m ashamed to say, I did my best to deflect their attention off my brokenness and onto someone else’s. And if all else failed, I hid away from everyone, not interacting with people at all. I told myself I was better off that way. Life was easier if I didn’t have to look at their perfection from my point of view. I thought I was the only one who had to deal with the ugliness of a broken life.

What a waste of time and energy.

 

Let’s tick off a few …

That’s what happened to me. [Insert taking a deep breath here] Here’s a list of some of my own broken experiences:

Came from a dysfunctional home – Broken.Was divorced after a short marriage – Broken.Experienced the suicide of a loved one – Broken.Dealt with a brain tumor and was given days to live – Broken.

Please know … the list is longer than what I offered, but my point is not to pull attention to my brokenness. My point in giving you this list is this: when you see me, you do not see any of these points. You see a woman who celebrates the life God has given her.

Don’t you think we should celebrate when we discover how to leave a place of brokenness?

Ponder the difference

The point of choosing to celebrate is that I chose healing after each bout of brokenness.

Let me list some points of restoration:

When my own children dealt with coming from divorced parents, I knew how to comfort them – Restored.Now, I am married to an amazing man who loves God – Restored.I have a heart for people who consider suicide. I can talk to them with authority and empathy, sharing my experiences – Restored.When I dealt with my own mortality and brain surgery, I experienced a closeness to God that I had never felt before – Restored.Words of Encouragement for A Broken Person

God offers strong words of encouragement to us who are broken.

He sees us in our blights …

The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.” Exodus 3:7

He promises good things …

The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Psalm 85:12

He offers protection …

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4What We Can Expect

The sad tale is, brokenness awaits us all. If we are not in the midst of being broken, we’ve either just climbed out of a hole of despair or are will be blind-sided by an experience we didn’t anticipate. When the latter happens, allow words of comfort to surround you. Scripture and good friends are key. Let God’s words, I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5) resonate in your heart. They were meant for you—not just the collective you, but you, the person reading this blog.

Who knows, maybe I was led to write this blog specifically for you to read.

Remember, you may find yourself as a broken person again. But how sweet it is to realize you can be restored, just as God restored you in the past.

 

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 Broken Person appeared first on Robin Luftig.

We Grownups Think We Know Everything

It’s amazing how we grownups think we know everything. We think we have all the answers for everyone in every situation.

Many fathers work tirelessly to provide for their families. Working outside the home as well as stay-at-home mothers often have to provide for their families as well. As a one-time single mother, I remember the stress of being the only provider as well as the need to recharge my own battery with finding who I was. It’s not easy being a grownup. Don’t think I’m coming down anyone. It’s a difficult position to be in, trying to find the balance between what is best and what is necessary.

But there’s a price to be paid for striving for wrong goals.

 

What do children think?

When you have a moment, do a search on Twitter or any social media platform for #Hatedivorce and see what comes up. My heart broke when I read all the posts from kids who wanted nothing more than a healthy home life.

It’s something to think about. You may think what you’re doing is the right thing for your family, but just listen to what the children want.

Their needs are simple.

Talk to your kids and ask them what they think. You may be surprised by their answers. I know it may be difficult but somehow do your best to work to make a living, Don’t work to destroy your life.

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! …Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Luke 12:15What 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 We Grownups Think We Know Everything appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Words in Your Head Regarding Time

Rush here. Push to get through there. Check your watch—you’re running late! If you’re like me, these were some of the words in your head regarding time; when it comes to making sure you pack your schedule and not miss a thing.

But is it the big lie?

Due to COVID19, we all needed to change how we did Life. And if you’re living in an area that has opened up a bit, you may be tempted to pack your schedule with activities you’ve been starved to return to. I understand. As a speaker, since last year my travel stopped. Before COVID-19, I was in and out of different states, visiting friends, and flying wherever I wanted. Now that is considered living life on the edge.

 

It was good, but …

Looking back, somewhere along the way I lost my sense of purpose. After my brain surgery in 2011, I remember savoring each moment because I didn’t know how many more moments were left for me. I learned to fill my time with gratitude.

The COVID-19 restrictions placed on us last year, while they were necessary, are being put on notice. I want balance again. What I want—what I need—is a sense of peace throughout the day. I’m done living vicariously through past memories. I know I can have a meaningful life if I focus on what’s necessary right now. Right in front of me.

I’m putting those words bouncing around in my head on notice. While I still have a checklist, it’s been radically modified. I am determined to enjoy today, where I am, and still plan for tomorrow.

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

All we have is right now—today. Retrain the words in your head regarding time. It would be a shame to rush through the day, checking off items on your list only to find tomorrow gone.

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 Words in Your Head Regarding Time appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Reading Obituaries

I follow obituaries. That’s what older people do. But recently I was rocked with what I learned from reading obituaries.

Ah, I remember her, what a shame. Or He lived a good life, bless him.

But today I read the obit of a fellow who had a crush on me in high school. He was sweet and kind, and I broke his heart as young and foolish high school girls sometimes do. Reading the summary of his life in the few paragraphs offered, I was glad to see he had found what I hoped was true love with someone else. He had grown children and grandchildren to mourn his passing.

He was a wonderful person and I hurt him. And now I will never be able to tell him I’m sorry.

It’s important to address those you have harmed. Not just for their benefit, but for yours. I had not seen this young man for over forty years and the shame of what I had done caught my breath upon reading of his death. Ironically, I would not be surprised if he had completely forgotten about me and how I had hurt him. He was a good guy, and that’s what good guys do. He had moved on. His obituary said so. His picture showed him smiling that same grin I would recognize anywhere.

Rest in peace, my friend. Please forgive me for being as self-absorbed as I was. You deserved better than what I could offer then. I’m glad you found it.

 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10.

 

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 Reading Obituaries appeared first on Robin Luftig.