Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 27

But God …

Like many of you, my heart is heavy over the events of the past week. What words do I tell myself and others to offer comfort? What wisdom do I share? Lori Roleveld climbed into my mind with her latest post, What Can We Speak Into This Moment?  Please read it … ponder the words … and know that we are not alone. God’s still on the throne.

 

 

 

 

 

What say you?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? How has 2021 started? 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 But God … appeared first on Robin Luftig.

WHAM … Everything Stops

I need to be honest with you … I’ve been working on a writing project for a couple of weeks, but the topic refuses to cooperate. This is how the process has gone: I think the ideas are coming together just right. I’m feelin’ the flow … feelin’ the love …

then WHAM … Everything stops.

I regroup, step back, and take a breath. I let it sit–let the thoughts perk for a few hours–then return to the computer, hoping a fresh perspective will get the flow back.

But I get nothin’

I talk with my husband and my friends, hoping a morsel from our conversations will align all the stars in what I’ve been keystroking. A glimmer of an idea surfaces. Maybe THIS will be the glue that pulls it all together. I start writing again … again, feeling the flow, the love, yada-yada …

Then WHAM … everything stops again. Nothin’. I feel like I’m Charlie Brown and Lucy is holding my football with the promise, “Really, Charlie Brown, I won’t pull the ball out from under you THIS time …”

The 50,000 words sitting on my bookshelf looked good in my mind. After writes and re-writes, I’ve decided to leave it there. It’s not mishmashed per se, but it isn’t what was trying to burst from my brain, either.

I Know You Get It

To all my writer friends, I know you get it. I’m guessing most of you have your own half-written blog posts, works in progress, or stacks of research calling your name.  You have a shelf … a banker’s box … a file on your hard drive labeled, “Not Yet”. We get it. Creativity cannot be forced.

But it can be fostered.

A lesson good writers learn early is to be a good writer, you need to read. I enjoy writing. I enjoy reading what I write. But if it isn’t flowing, stressing over what’s on my computer screen will not make the story come together any faster. I need to give myself permission to step back, re-charge my batteries, and allow the process to happen. God even told Elijah in 1 Kings 17 to beat-feet it from where he was, hide east of the Jordan, and allow the ravens to feed him for a season.

What’s the Next Step

if you read my earlier post, Word For the Year, you saw I landed on remembering to focus. I’m excited about writing, but I’m more excited about doing it right; doing it in a focused manner. When that happens, everything in my world flows like honey. I know my obedience to focusing on what God has for me brings that flow.

Jesus teaches us how to be focused on what we need to do in Hebrews 12:2: fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

My project will come together in good time if I focus. I might not experience whams … but I’m okay with living a non-wham existence.

 

What say you?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? How has 2021 started? 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 WHAM … Everything Stops appeared first on Robin Luftig.

It’s Not About Perfection

How are your resolutions going? Are you still pushing forward, or have you given up? It’s not about perfection … it’s about results. Remember, it’s about making 2021 better for you. That means doing what makes your world better.

If you don’t like the word resolution, try something else. How about a goal? Decision? Conviction? Don’t lose heart. There’s still time to renew your efforts!

Whatever you call it, you can still start the year with a bang. Don’t give up.

What say you?

Do you feel like you don’t matter? How has 2021 started? 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 Not About Perfection appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Word For the Year

As we say goodbye to 2020, let’s take a moment or two to look forward to 2021. One of the ways I wrap my head around a new year is to establish a Word For the Year. But it’s a process. There are many great words out there to choose from.

Do I want my word to reflect service? Yes, but that’s not fine-tuned enough. I want to always strive to serve.

I thought about having my word for the year be writing. But that, too, limits what I may do. I’m also a speaker, so would speaking not be where I put my attention?

Or maybe goal setting. I have a brand new journal for the year that I’m eager to bust into and start writing my goals in. But that doesn’t look very different than the years before.

Finding a word for the year takes time. Then it hit met-FOCUS! I decided my word for 2021 is Focus.

Why Focus?

Last year was filled with trauma and distractions. Many lives were rocked to their foundation. Death and disaster were at every turn.

Pandemic catastrophes
Political mayhem
Financial chaos

That was enough to make anyone want to crawl under the blanket and never come out to see the light of day again. It looked like change was everywhere; like nothing was constant.

But that’s not true

God tells us about a constant–His love.

I will never leave you … Hebrews 13:5. That’s a constant.
… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33. Another constant.
… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20. A calming constant.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. The granddaddy of God’s constants.

 

Think About It

God knew 2020 would come with all its ugliness. He knew we would experience the heartache and fear that came with it. Because of that and so many other reasons, I choose to focus on God. I will mourn the losses and celebrate the victories that meet me in 2021, but my focus will be on who holds my future.

My Knower (that place inside where truth lives), is bracing me for 2021 with its new and different challenges. But I choose to focus on what my purpose is in those challenges. While I do not want to hear reports on new uglies, I cannot let them sway me. I am confident God holds my future, no matter what happens.

And that’s a pretty solid truth to focus on.

 

What about you?

What will your word of the year be? Do you think a word could bring you closer to God? Are you willing to give a few days of your life to find out? How do you plan on starting 2021? 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 Word For the Year appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Start the New Year with a Fast

Every January I start the new year with a fast. Not a don’t-drink-my-favorite-Starbucks-coffee-fast, but a fast that limits the food I take in for a specific period of time. Besides, after all the gorging on rich foods over the holidays, this is a perfect time to take inventory of what’s really important to my health.

People fast for different reasons. For one, I am always looking for a way to feel better physically. While I enjoy each sweet morsel or serving of yule log over the holidays, I know it’s not doing my body any good. [SIDEBAR: why do we eat like fools over the holidays? You’d think we’d never seen some of these delicacies before.] I still hit the treadmill, but it can’t rid my thighs of cheesecake and Christmas cookies.

But committing to a fast is more than just changing a diet or a physical experience. It’s also a spiritual one. It’s about remembering who I am; remembering what’s important to me. About setting time apart to ponder on what’s essential in life. When I participate in a fast I know I will get hungry or crave a particular yummy.

This is where the fast pays off. I sit back and pray, Father I am hungry for food, but my hunger for you is greater.

Fasting Can Leave the Old Behind

Participating in a fast is a perfect time for self-examination. Had I been leaning on delusional thinking the year previous? Was I self-absorbed?  Did I put myself before others?

Boy, I would like a latte, but Father, I need to feel your presence more.

You may find, too, that your prayers are more finely tuned … more personal. How can this be a bad thing? I truly cherish this experience each year … and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you see me in January and I seem lost in thought, be kind to me. It’s probably a good guess that I’m processing lessons learned while craving a Snicker’s bar.

My Recommendation

If you’re considering a fast in 2021, I highly recommend Kristen Feola’s The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast. With 21 devotionals and 100+ recipes, this book is your ultimate plan of action and toolbox as you commit to the Daniel Fast. You’ll not only embrace healthier eating habits, you’ll also discover a greater awareness of God’s presence.

Divided into three parts–fast, focus, and food–this book is your inspirational resource for pursuing a more intimate relationship with God as you eliminate certain foods such as sugars, processed ingredients, and solid fats from your diet for 21 days. Author Kristen Feola explains the Daniel Fast in easy-to-understand language, provides thought-provoking devotions for each day of the fast, and shares more than 100 tasty, easy-to-make recipes that follow fasting guidelines.

In a conversational style, Feola helps you structure the fast so you can spend less time thinking about what to eat and more time focusing on God.

As Feola writes, “When you want ideas on what to cook for dinner, you can quickly and easily find a recipe. When you feel weary, you can be refreshed through Bible verses and devotions. When you are struggling with staying committed, you can refer to the information and tools in this book to motivate you.”

Let’s Hear From You

Could you start your year with a fast? Do you think it could bring you closer to God? Are you willing to give a few days of your life to find out? How do you plan on starting 2021? 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 Start the New Year with a Fast appeared first on Robin Luftig.

What Do You See Looking Back?

As I prepared a post for the end of 2020, I was challenged on what to write. What does one say looking back? Pondering that thought, I took a moment to see what my very first blog post was. It was dated December 2010.  I’ve shared it below. That was when I established a website …  rolled up my sleeves …  and shared what I thought was my wisdom with the world. It’s hard to believe that was ten years ago. Before I self-published my first book. Before I was given ten days to live and had to have brain surgery. And before I began speaking regularly to women’s groups. While life has changed over the years, I’m happy to see some things haven’t changed budged.

I am still focused on publishing a book–but this time it will be my fifth, not my first.
While my speaking ministry has grown, COVID19 took me in a totally new direction through podcasts and interviews.
And God is still on his throne.



What I saw … Ten Years Ago 

As 2010 comes to a close, I’ve noticed lots of Top Ten lists to commemorate 2010: Top Ten Words … Phrases, … Most Important People. The list goes on.

But where is your focus for 2010? Are you concerned with the dark places that showed up? I’ve had dark places in my life over the past year, but I choose to dwell on what’s been good.  Let me list some of the good experiences that I choose to think about:

A book I’ve spent over five years writing has been turned down repeatedly for publication more in 2010 than ever
I questioned my ability to be in the ministry Christ has led me in
There was a family crisis regarding my children
Situations with extended family members resurfaced
I’ve experienced health issues that have changed how I participate in life
Finances, at times, seemed in short supply

You may think I gave you the wrong list. But be assured I did not.  Because of each one of the above-mentioned situations, I realized I was nothing without Christ. I realized my life during 2010 was not about my comfort … it was about obedience to my Heavenly Father.  During each disappointment and heartache, I have had to learn to trust in the plans that Christ has for me, not what my plans were for Christ.

Was it easy? No, but it wasn’t as difficult as you might think. Once I got beyond the initial disappointment of my not meeting my agenda, I knew I would find solace and peace with God:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Are you feeling pain today due to life’s situations not meeting up with your plans? Has the year 2010 been a disappointment to you? Remember that “…He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

Is disappointed about where your life is knocking on your door? Take those honest feelings to your Heavenly Father. He loves you more than you will ever know this side of Glory.  Think about how 2010 has given you so many opportunities to praise God. Give it a try.

Now it’s Your Turn

What do you see looking back? Were you doing ten years ago what you’re doing now? Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post What Do You See Looking Back? appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Plans Changed in 2020

This weekend I had planned on being with family members to celebrate the holiday … but plans changed in 2020. We were going to eat too much food and watch kids play with too many toys. But a pandemic has a way of messing with the best-laid plans.

Expectations Can Change

Expectations of ourselves, of others, and the life we live are always changing. Our plans get rocked the hardest during holidays. But this holiday season, instead of dwelling on what we’re missing, let’s use this time to take stock of who we are. Are we more than what we were in 2019, or are we but a shadow of our dreams? Would our friends and family be pleased or be disappointed in who we’ve become?

When I take inventory of how 2020 has affected me, will I be disappointed when I see how I fared?

Life’s experiences hit us all. While 2020 has hit many of us harder than others, I tried to see what I could control and what I could not. It was up to me to make the best decisions where I could. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t disappointments along the way.

Dealing With Disappointments

We become disappointed when our expectations aren’t met. If we cannot control our situations, we can still own our expectations. Like seeking to fulfill God’s purpose. Or by staying focused on what the right thing is to do today. Through this past year, I’ve made a boatload of bad decisions, but I’d like to think I’m better because of the experiences. And I learned that offering up all those dark corners of my life to Christ allowed him in to cover those sins with the healing grace and mercy he has waiting for all of us.

 

A Different Viewpoint

What can you do to manage your disappointments in 2020? Adjust your focus on 2021. Ponder Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

If others are disappointed in who I became in 2020, Christ loves me.

If others can’t get beyond my brokenness, Christ loves me.

If I let friends down and took a different path than they wanted for me, Christ loves me.

It’s funny. Even though my plans changed in 2020, I can look back over the year and it doesn’t seem as daunting as it once did …because Christ loves me.

Where do You Go From Here?

So … how’s your day going? While this is a frustrating situation it’s truly small potatoes compared to many of the 2020 events. Hopefully, your challenges are small as well. But if you’re 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 Plans Changed in 2020 appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Could This Be the Messiah?

… Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” John 4:28-29 NIV

I recently spent time in the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. This passage offers so many lessons. Astonishingly, each time I read it I find something new. This time when I read the story, however, I didn’t stop at verse 26 when Jesus told her that he was the promised Messiah. I kept going … wanting to go beyond Jesus’ declaration. I wanted to study her reaction.

Scripture tells us (I’m thinking understatedly so) she left her water jar and returned to the town. Her question: could this be the Messiah?

 

Think of It

Think of it … she just met a man who crossed a cultural barrier by talking with her and then–heaver forbid–asked for a drink of water. Then he went on to say he knew her history as well as her present, yet didn’t judge her. Instead, he offered her life everlasting and peace. If that wasn’t enough to blow her mind, he then revealed to this broken woman … the first person who ever heard these words from his lips … that he was the promised Messiah.

Incredible!

In so many ways we’re all like this Samaritan woman. Often we keep to ourselves, not giving others the opportunity to know us; afraid of their judgment. We already know the condition of our lives and think we hear the disgust in their voice when they speak to us. We’re certain they know all the terrible decisions we’ve ever made.

More times than not, that’s not even close to the truth. But we are known completely by God.

Here’s the beauty of the Jesus/Samaritan woman meeting. When Jesus asked her about her life and she answered him honestly, she gave him the opportunity he wanted. She shared a glimpse of her brokenness and he, in turn, offered her salvation and peace.

 

 

It’s the same for you and me.

Just as this woman’s life was changed when she met Jesus, so was mine. I have never tired of sharing what Christ’s love, grace, and mercy has done for me, a poor Samaritan-like woman.

Hiding past failures, pains, and brokenness may seems like the only safe option. But that is farthest from the truth. Sharing past hurts and sins with Christ as well as caring and safe people can be as healing to the spirit as removing a splinter from an infected and festering wound. It’s risky … and possibly painful for the short term … but it pays off in the long run.

In this season of miracles, consider sharing some unspoken hurts with Christ as well as a safe, respected friend. You may be surprised as to what it brings to you.

How are you doing today?

Know you are not alone. God is waiting for you, ready to offer comfort. While we get ready to leave 2020 behind and welcome in the new year, consider welcoming in the love of a Savior. If you’re 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 Could This Be the Messiah? appeared first on Robin Luftig.

I Am So Sorry

I am so sorry!

I learned long ago to never start a conversation with an apology because people will think you’re a mess. It’s not me that’s a mess … it’s my website!

When robinluftig.com was redesigned last fall, my email address didn’t get attached properly to the site. That means if you wrote a note to me I never received it.

ACK! That makes me crazy!!

 

 

 

ACK! Let me say it again … I am so sorry!

With the help of a new friend (thanks Katrina) I’m up and ready to go.

Over the next few months, watch for changes to this site. But for now, know that I will see all messages sent to robin@robinluftig.com.

 

Pinky swear.

 

 

So … how’s your day going? While this is a frustrating situation it’s truly small potatoes compared to many of the 2020 events. Hopefully, your challenges are small as well. But if you’re 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 I Am So Sorry appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Which do you Prefer: Patience or Tenacity?

Which do you prefer: Patience or Tenacity?

I like using words that help me draw pictures. Take the word patience. Parents with young children come to mind. The definition for patience is “the capacity for waiting: the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties.”  That sounds just like a mother of preschoolers. Or I can visualize a father working with a child, teaching them how to build a bird feeder.  Showing children how to work with sharp tools takes lots of calm perseverance.

I also enjoy the word tenacity. Tenacious is defined as “determined or stubborn: tending to stick firmly to any decision, plan, or opinion without changing or doubting it.” Here’s another great word picture; I see a teenage girl, arms folded and her jaw set in defiance. Can you see her? Standing in front of her mother, daring her to try and change her mind. The daughter believes with all her being that Mother does not understand. She, the daughter, just needs to stick to her guns. She hopes that eventually, her mother will give in.

Different words, different pictures. But I like both actions when appropriate. In scripture, Jacob for example,  was patient when it came to love and having Rachel as his bride (Genesis 29:16-28), but he was anything but patient when he wrestled with God, (Genesis  32:22-30). His tenacity … his determination … besides giving him a wrenched hip, also gave Israel its new name.

What About You?

Can you say you’ve been both patient and tenacious at the right times? I’d love to hear about it … from one word-nerd to another.

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 Which do you Prefer: Patience or Tenacity? appeared first on Robin Luftig.