Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 36

The Life of a Writer

Thanks, Mitch, for sharing a glimpse into the life of a writer. It’s clearly share-worthy.

Mitch Teemley

“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” ~E.L. Doctorow



    “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ~Maya Angelou



“Each writer is born with a repertory company in his head. As you get older, you become more skillful at casting them.”~Gore Vidal



“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.” ~Joss Whedon



“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.”~Beatrix Potter



“We write to taste life twice.”~Anaïs Nin

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Independence Day

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July 4th. Independence Day.

It goes beyond picnics and parades. It’s about our freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedom to worship as we want. Freedom to choose 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 out to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It out 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 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 freedom. May you always be glorified.

Overcoming Depression after a Writers Conference

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You just returned from a writer’s conference. You met people who poured their wisdom into your life and you will never be the same again. Life as a writer has taken on legs and you’re confident you’re on the right course.

Then you curl up into a ball, sit in your favorite chair, and stare at the television.

What just happened to you? Read my latest post on the Blue Ridge Conference.

 

The Social Media Dilemma

[image error]While social media venues (Facebook, Twitter, in particular) were originally touted as perfect communication tools for family and friends living far away, these forms of communication have turned into Pandora boxes of communication.

Seeing pictures of far-away friends and family always fills my heart with joy. For anyone living away from their roots or special friends, they understand this gift. But if gone unchecked, this “gift” can suck you dry emotionally. Consider how social media has changed our lives.



Social Media can steal your time. Social media has the tendency to be a black hole in our lives. Often we open our accounts (our good intention is to open it for just minute), and before we know it hours have passed and we’re still staring at the screen. That’s time gone forever with little-to-nothing to show for it.

Social Media can offer a false sense of reality. “How many friends do you have?” is a question many ask when [image error]discussing social media accounts. Don’t let the definition of Facebook friends confuse you. How many of your “friends” would come over in the middle of the night if you needed help? Remember your real friendships and take care of those relationships.

Social Media opens us to unwarranted criticism. We all have navels and opinions. That used to be accepted as the norm. But on social media, however, the “norm” is when one person’s opinion matches everyone else’s. Showing a different viewpoint often opens you to hatred from countless sources. The anonymity that surrounds social media has made vipers out of the most docile social media participant. Would you accept that comment from a friend sitting with you over a cup of coffee? If the venom that’s spewed over social media is hurtful, it may be best to disengage immediately.

[image error]Hmm, why again is social media so popular?

Recognize it as a tool, not a way of life. Control your forms of communication and don’t let them control you.

And for the love of all that’s right in the world, please be nice to one another. It’s perfectly acceptable to acknowledge any differences we may have, but civility and respect must be greater than our drive to be “right”. Jesus had a word or two on that:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Don’t get caught-up in the social media dilemma. Stick with Jesus’ comment. And if that gets you unfriended, what exactly have you lost?

Missing Dad on Father’s Day

[image error]To celebrate Father’s Day, here’s a post I shared earlier. I’d love to hear stories from you about the relationship you have (or had) with yours. I pray it was as loving as mine was. Love you, Dad. I miss you.



Even though my family of origin was pretty dysfunctional, one of my favorite pastimes is to remember stories about my dad and how he honored my feelings and held them close to his heart.

[image error]I always jumped at the chance to be with Dad in his room—the Gun Room. It was a treat to steal away with him when he went there. It held more than guns. He also kept cameras, family photos and film equipment, and special sentimental pieces from his childhood there. I am certain he made us stay out for our own protection when it came to the guns. The only time we were allowed to go in there by ourselves was if the house was on fire and we could safely get the family’s 8mm films out and save them from being destroyed.

Other than that, the Gun Room was strictly off limits. Whenever he was in there, I begged to join him. And he always obliged. While he worked away on whatever project he was concentrating on, I looked around his private sanctuary with marvel. I would fold my arms behind my back holding tightly on to my wrists, just to make sure I did not touch anything. I did not want to run the risk of inadvertently grabbing for something and causing harm.

[image error]One of the items I often searched out was a stuffed bird, about the size of my palm, with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. Dad kept it secured away in a glass cabinet and I was completely mesmerized by its splendor. It was so odd to see this delicate piece of fluff surrounded by items dedicated to hunting. I made stories up in my mind about why this fragile object was set apart with reverence 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? My imagination knew no boundaries.

[image error]I figured—with all the wisdom that a four-year-old could have—that since Dad liked it so much, I should give it to him again. Father’s Day was quickly approaching and, lucky for me, Dad and I were already in his room, so I had access to the sacred bird. When Dad was not looking, I carefully walked over to the display case and opened it. Slowly, I reached into the case and carefully grabbed the stuffed bird. I held it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels. I abruptly left and took my stolen booty to my bedroom. Securing the bird in a safe place, I left my room to bring back newspaper and masking tape. With all the care I could muster, I wrapped the stuffed bird as his Father’s Day gift. I was sure he would be thrilled with my present.

On Father’s Day, after dinner was finished, Mom and Dad were having their coffee and The Boys ran out to play. I sprinted upstairs to bring down my special gift for Dad. Standing before him, I 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 [image error]carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird that I had taken from his glass cabinet. He paused, smiled and said that he loved it. Thank you for the perfect present, Robbie. This is such a cute bird. I’ll keep it forever! With that, he smothered me with hugs and kisses. 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 to prepare to celebrate Dad’s birthday that 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 it came to me.

Give him the bird again!

T[image error]he Saturday before his birthday he was in the gun room and I asked to come in to see his precious treasures. Again, I carefully opened the display case and grabbed 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 dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the pack. Dad, once again, scooped me and my ball of newspaper and masking tape up and pulled me on his lap.

Then he opened the present.

When the plumage and beautiful colors were revealed, 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 already belonged to him. He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received.

[image error]In my preschool mind, life with my dad was the most perfectest life ever.

I have so many wonderful memories of my father. With Father’s Day around the corner, I will—just like every year—miss his hugs. Memories will have to be enough.

If possible, find something to thank your father for. You’ll be glad you did.

Even in the most dysfunctional family, there are good memories. What stories do you carry in your heart?

God’s Best During Your Worst

[image error]Please enjoy my latest interview with Scott McCausey from Christian Devotions Speak Up. as I share how God gives is His best during our worst.

Every day we have is a gift from God. I pray you will be blessed by what you hear.

Trusting God Enough to Ask Him the Hard Questions

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Christina Custodio

I remember meeting Christina Custodio the fall of 2016 and being immediately impressed by her soft voice and calming manner. It wasn’t until I heard her tell the story that I saw a mighty prayer warrior powerful and mother who has an incredibly personal relationship with God. So personal, in fact, that she had the audacity to ask Him to change his mind in the middle of a crisis involving her son.

Here’s her story …

Connect with Christina at her website, http://www.christinacustodio.com/,

or her “Pray for Isaiah” Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/coollikeisaiah/

Watch a video about Isaiah by the 700 Club here

And thank you, Lisa Moore, for sharing her incredible story of faith. I am blessed to know both of you.

I count it a privilege, Lisa and Christina, to witness your dedication embracing brokenness and discovering hope.

We’ve Been Warned

[image error]We should not be afraid or surprised at the current events. People hating each other, calling those who used to be good friends terrible names. Everywhere we look we see abuse. First, it was politicians, then Hollywood businessmen and entertainers. The self-importance that once held them apart has now turned to ugliness. And today I read a prominent Christian college president was fired due to his handling of a sex abuse allegation.

It’s not pretty out there. But we shouldn’t be surprised. We’ve been warned.

Make sure you’re prepared for the fallout.

Be Humble. Or Be Humbled.

If you find humility difficult, ponder on these prize-winning quotes. Thanks, Mitch, for bringing them to our attention.

And to my blog followers who are not following Mitch Teemley, what’s stopping you?

Mitch Teemley

A flight attendant once reminded the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali to fasten his seat belt. “Superman don’t need no seat belt!” Ali replied. “Yeah, well, Superman don’t need no airplane, either!” the attendant retorted. Without another word, Ali fastened his seat belt.



“In the course of life, I have often had to eat my words, and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet.” ~Winston Churchill



“Always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don’t think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, ‘I’m probably no better than you, but I’m certainly your equal.’” ~Harper Lee



“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.” ~Ernest Hemingway

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Healing a Broken Spirit

[image error]Stories of people with broken spirits are threaded throughout the scriptures. Elijah wanted to die (1 Kings 19). The widow with the last of her olive oil (2 Kings 4).  Another woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8:40-47). Even Jesus wept, asking His Heavenly Father to take the cup He needed to drink from him (Luke 22:39-45).

In each example, turning to God for help made the difference. And it can make the difference for us. Here’s a short poll for those who have a favorite go-to scripture to get them through dark times. I know I have my own. But I want to hear yours! If yours isn’t listed, share what makes a difference for you.

Take Our Poll

I can’t wait to hear from you.

(previously posted, September 16, 2016)