Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 34

Getting to Know Tez Brooks

[image error]I’m super proud of my friend, Tez Brooks. In 2015 he published The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering. and has decided to write a follow-up, PreLaunching: How to Prepare Your Teen for Adulting in Today’s World. 

A writer loses a bit of their heart when they write … especially books on how to raise children. But serendipitously, they gain more than they lose. They gain a depth of understanding of their topic–and a resolve to be the best they can be on the matter.

That’s Tez.

If you’re a parent, have a parent, or know a parent  … treat yourself and follow Tez. And if you’re a writer, know he understands your world. Try to stump him with a question … he won’t let you down.

“Secrets” – A Book Review

[image error]Are you setting goals for the new year? Ready to get “that monkey” off your back?

If you’re in ministry, or if you need to be ministered, I have the perfect book for you.

Secrets: A True Story of Addiction, Infidelity, and Second Chances, by Jonathan Daugherty is a must. You will read how a man kept a secret—a secret that shaped his view of life and relationships—for over ten years and how that secret almost ruined his life. It’s a dark story—yet illuminated with the power found in God’s love and grace. Secrets offers an example of no matter how far you are from your purpose, Jesus will reach down—into the depths of hell if need be—and redeem you.

My husband and I listened to the Audible book version during a five-hour drive. We’d listen … pause and discuss what we heard … then listened some more.

It’s great for men but also good for women and building strong marriages. I can’t say enough good things about this book. Look at Jonathan’s website and learn more about this man and his heart for sexual integrity.

Missing Being Single And Missing Being In A Relationship

[image error]Holidays can bring the best–or worst– out of us. Wish you were single and dodge all the landmines of holidays while in a relationship? Or what if you’re single.  Would you like … for just a few days … to have a plus-one? Check out Rosie Culture’s latest post. via Missing Being Single And Missing Being In A Relationship

Dealing with Christmas Chaos

[image error]“I can’t wait until Christmas is over.”

Sound familiar? We all feel the pressure. Seeking the perfect present. Wrapping the gifts just right. Setting an impeccable table. No wonder we feel stressful over the season.

What about changing how we think? What about instead of, I have to … say, I get to …?

Instead of I have to buy the perfect present, say I get to buy a present? So many people are all alone during the holidays. Consider what they’d give to spend a few hours with family members no longer near. And many people struggle with monthly bills and can’t afford the tiniest gift.

[image error]Instead of I have to wrap this box perfectly, you say I can wrap this box? People lose the use of their hands due to accidents, amputations or paralysis. Do you think they’d trade places with you in a heartbeat?

Instead of I have to set a perfect holiday table, you say I get to set a table for the holidays? If there’s food and clean drinking water at your disposal, you’ve among the luckiest people in the world.

Consider the original purpose of Christmas—the celebration of the arrival of the Messiah! Try to shake off the trappings of society’s materialism and press through to the beauty of simplicity. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 NIV.

Nothing changes until we change how we think. Let’s shake off the chaos by switching our focus.

God Calls Shenanigans

[image error]Last Thursday was supposed to be the season where families got together; celebrated their special closeness.

How’d you do?

Know it wasn’t an accident you were placed with your family. God’s plan put you there. With that in mind, let me ask again. How’d you do?

Did you hang on to your old mantra:

“I don’t want to be hurt anymore.”  “You don’t know what they did to me.”  “We have nothing in common; it’s best we just keep our distance and live our lives apart.”

Sorry, I think God calls shenanigans.

It isn’t too late. There’s still time to apologize. There’s still time to button your pants, shake off that tryptophan stupor, and reach out—reach back—and make things right.

If you have hurt someone, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  ” John 13: 34 (NIV)

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matt. 5:23-24 (NIV)

Do you see it? It’s all about forgiveness. Jesus died for the person you’re upset with or the person who’s upset with you. They have value. You have value. That value isn’t in you; it’s in your Heavenly Father. How would the next Thanksgiving feast be if we all sat at the same table … you, me, your estranged family members, and our Lord?

Yikes.

You still have time. Don’t let this season of thanksgiving pass you by. It could still be the best Thanksgiving yet.

Don’t Forget to be Thankful

[image error]Turkey and stuffing. Mashed potatoes and gravy. And don’t forget the pumpkin pie!

If you’re spending time with friends and family this Thanksgiving, enjoy your feast. Enjoy the company surrounding you. Maybe even watch a football game or two.

But remember to be thankful.

Thankful for wins as well as losses. Planned events as well as shocking surprises. And always thankful that God sees you. Celebrates you. Loves you.



While preparing dinner, remember that God’s with you. Think of Psalm 139:2-18

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;[image error]

    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

[image error] 7  Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

    and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

    the night will shine like the day,

    for darkness is as light to you.

[image error] 13  For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

[image error]17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

     when I awake, I am still with you.

We are all blessed—all of us—and we must try to remember our blessings.  And I am thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dipping Your Toe Into the Pond of Writing

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Is there a story in you, thrashing around to get out? Is your glass half full or half empty—or is the substance in your glass dancing and whirlpooling?

You could be a writer-in-waiting.

Check out Edie Melson’s post. It offers seven tips on how to be ready when inspiration hits.

Be ready. Offer your impressions to life. Tell your story. There are others who are waiting to read what you have to write.

A Week of Political Tension

[image error]Tomorrow’s the day many of us have been waiting for—waiting for the end of political commercials and the tension that seems to engulf campaigning.

It doesn’t matter if you lean right or left … or live straight down the middle. Tuesday’s choices are enormous, but Wednesday’s actions can have the power to impact heaven. Let our response to Tuesday’s election speak louder than any words we could ever say.

Thanks, Brandon,  for reminding us to remember who we are—sons and daughters of The King. And thanks for putting in front of us the challenge to act like we are.

Still struggling? Visit scripture … Isaiah 40 offers a powerful picture of who we worship. It reads, in part (verses 21-24):

Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

Has it not been told you from the beginning?

    Have you not understood since the earth was founded?

He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,

    and its people are like grasshoppers.

He stretches out the heavens like a canopy,

    and spreads them out like a tent to live in.

He brings princes to naught

    and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.

No sooner are they planted,

    no sooner are they sown,

    no sooner do they take root in the ground,

than he blows on them and they wither,

    and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.

Memes for the Taking

[image error]The definition of a meme is a concept or idea that is shared on the internet. It can be anything from an image … email … or video. However the most common meme is an image with a caption. Because both words and images are used, memes resonate with people more than just words or images alone.

I love creating memes that share positivity and I’ve dedicated a page on my website, Shareables and Quotes, to post memes I’ve created. And I’m thrilled to share them with you. All pictures are my property and are appropriate to copy. Feel free to snag any and use them to emphasize what you’re trying to say.

I will be adding new memes periodically, so don’t be a stranger. Come back and see what’s new.

Don’t be shy! Let me know what you think.

Transparency at its Best

[image error]I never tire of reading Brandon J. Adams’ posts. As a baby boomer, I am encouraged by his fresh insight. Sharing Brandon’s posts is an honor.

Are you following him yet? If not, do yourself a favor and sign up … see what he has to say. Take a chance and listen to a millennial who may have an insight you’re not expecting to see.

His latest, Was Your Mind Made Up? holds not only millennials accountable, but the rest of us as well.

Way to go, Brandon. I felt my toes appropriately stepped on … in a good way.