Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 38

2017 in Review, if You Dare

After Christmas, I always take the last few days of the year for personal review. What could I have done better? What opportunities did I miss? Are there amends I need to make? Ugh! Self-examination can be exhausting.

This is not an hour-long process. The first layer of discovery hits the usual culprits. I could have exercised more, eaten less, or offered more kind words to the down-trodden. Easy ones to see. But when I dig deeper I often find more than I bargained for.  I see the real me.

Am I seeking justification for any bitterness I hold in my heart?

The challenge is for you too. To help you get started … prime the forgiveness pump … check out the following video.

Here’s your challenge. Compare your hurts to this woman’s pain.  Compare holding on to any bitterness that you think you are justified to keep.

I realize it’s impossible to measure pain. It is what you feel. But can you honestly say you can’t offer forgiveness because someone hurt you too deeply? As Eva says, forgiveness is a power you own. It’s up to you to exercise it.

I’m going to be busy over the next few days reflecting on past choices. I challenge you to do the same. Let’s you and I start 2018 with a clean slate.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV

Reminders of Blessings and Goodness

Lew and I have been keeping a Mason Jar of Blessings and Goodness for years. The idea is to write on a piece of paper good things or experiences that happened over the year and collect the slivers of paper in a mason jar. At the end of the year, open the jar and enjoy the reminders of all the goodness we had experienced.

I keep the jar in a visible place so I can see the stack of papers grow. And if for some reason the stack isn’t growing as I’d like, seeing the jar spurs me on to do something good. That way I have something to write about and put in the jar. When New Year Eve comes around, we open the jar and review all the goodness.

Week after week I look for goodness and blessings to write about. I don’t want an empty jar at the end of the year. Items like completed projects around the house. Writing achievements. Lew’s biking trips. Lives touched, or stories of others who touched our lives.

Every time I walk by and look at the jar, my heart smiles. I remembered writing about the big things that happened last year. But inevitably I’ve added more paper pieces than just on those. I am reminded–even without knowing what they are–that there are long forgotten little kisses of blessings and goodness waiting for me.

I can’t wait until Lew and I celebrate New Year’s Eve and open the Mason Jar of Blessings and Goodness. I need to remember to put a note in the jar that you chose to follow this blog. That’s a blessing beyond good.

This has been a turbulent year for many. Maybe you have had more downs than ups. Reminders of good happenings are too few. We all need to try to remember them. In fact, I’m all ready to start again for 2018. But this time I think I need to find a taller jar!

As Hours Tic By …

[image error]As I watch 2017 fill the rearview mirror, I couldn’t let the year end without thanking you all—each one of you—for all your likes, comments and follows.  A blogger isn’t a blogger unless their words are read.

You’ve encouraged me, challenged me and consoled me when Life didn’t go as planned.

I appreciate each of you and look forward to continuing our chats in the new year. May God’s blessings fill your life beyond measure.

Christmas Celebration

May the celebration of Jesus’ birth remind you of all the blessings that filled your year.

Merry Christmas!

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Another Powerful Post from Brandon Adams

If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know that I enjoy promoting other bloggers and writers. Check out Brandon Adams’s latest post, Christmas is Bigger Than Your Opinion of It. Listen to his heart. Follow his blog. You will be challenged AND blessed. 

[image error]It was during a December that my family fell apart.

I do appreciate that the blow had enough grace to wait until the 27th before coming out of nowhere, but is there really ever a “good time” for such things to happen?

Anything that’s ever harmed family tends to feel highlighted, called out, by the approach of Christmas. The season has a way of reminding you of what you’ve lost (or never had to begin with). I know what it’s like to rely on the charity and love of non-family during the holidays, to struggle with the emotions, to feel left out of the joy because you’re dealing with things that (it seems like) nobody else is.

So I’m the last person to tell anyone to “just get over it and celebrate”. That’s not my approach at all. The Bible defends, even celebrates, our grace-given ability to honestly approach the throne of God with our pain, fear, and disappointment. Psalms is full of it. Jeremiah vents to God even though he knows exactly why God is inflicting his nation. Even Jesus does not try to hide his sweat and blood from his Father. He cares about our hearts. He has big shoulders. He will always listen to our tears.

BUT.

But.

Sometimes, I think, there are days when a swift kick in my own butt really is warranted.

The manger pointed to the cross. The cross pointed to the empty tomb. Victory over all suffering, and the wiping away of all tears, has been secured. It is coming. Though sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.

Does my life reflect that? My attitude?

I’m learning to find a balance between mourning and morning. I have come to believe that there are times for us to grieve and times to give Jesus credit for being bigger than our disappointments. Perhaps there are days – not every day, but some – when just taking a deep breath and thrusting aside the weight of the world is appropriate. Even holy.

It makes a good defense against self-pity, which grief can quickly and subtly slip into.

It makes a marvelous defense against despair, something the enemy is only too happy to twist our disappointment into.

It lifts our eyes to the horizon, to the second coming of Christ, no longer a babe in a manger but a reigning King.

Perhaps this would be a good exercise for you this season if you find yourself cynical and bitter towards the holiday. Try taking a day and dedicating your attitude towards God’s superiority and victory over your travails. Just a day. Though he graciously accepts Where We Are, the fact remains that only the cross and the empty tomb really matter in the end. Without that, we are more to be pitied than any man. With it, we are more than conquerors. Our hope is immutable. Our God is incredible.

That’s why I bought my first Christmas tree last year, and why I will do so again this weekend.

Find solace and comfort in God. But remember also that he is bigger.

Holidays and Depression

[image error]Holidays. They’re supposed to be a time of celebration and gaiety. But if you’re in the clutches of depression, Christmas may serve you a platter full of darkness instead of the traditional turkey or ham.

If your life has been touched by the ramifications of a medical trial, depression can be magnified. I struggled with all kinds of depression the first year after I had brain surgery. You could be dealing with a different type of illness. Maybe a stroke has left you needing to learn how to walk again. Or maybe you’ve lost someone—a spouse, friend or even child—due to a medical catastrophe.

How can you celebrate when all you feel is anger, resentment or even worse—that void? During this season of parties and get-togethers, well-wishers offer cast-off platitudes:

“God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.”

“That which doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.”

“You’re better off than you think.”

Really? Give me a break!

These next few days may be strewn with depression landmines, ready to explode at any moment. Walk through this season cautiously. With the proper planning and a support team around you, you can make it through.

Confide with your closest friends your needs if you can.  Let them know you may need to tap out of conversations or even turn down invitations. Maybe ask them to check in on you a bit more than usual. It’s not about them… this is about you and your needs.

If you find yourself slipping into a dark place, write words that have power on note cards and put the cards in your pocket. When you find yourself slipping into a funk, pull out the card and give yourself a lifeline. It may sound a bit cheesy, but I promise you, it can help.

Remember, holidays come, but they also go. And through it all, healing will continue. Pain will lessen. Live in the moment as much as you can, because really … that’s all we ever have.

5 Ways to Settle the Soul Before December Begins + A Free E-book Reminder!

I love Cathy Baker. I love her wisdom. I love her wit. And I also love her way with words. Check out her latest post. She’ll slow you down and have you consider taking a moment for yourself. She does all of this while staying focused on what is most important in this glorious season.

Thanks, Cathy. You got to my heart again.

  [image error] I want it to be different than the year before⏤you know, the way I go about celebrating the Christmas season.

Every December begins the mad dash to buy gifts, decorate rooms, pick out a fresh Christmas tree, make never-ending grocery lists, mail invitations, start new traditions and bake favorite foods.

And yet, one thing I’ve learned this year is that if I don’t take a few minutes each day to move me closer to necessary changes, nothing happens⏤nothing changes.

“If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” – Albert Einstein

So, before the hoopla of the season hijacks the days of our December, let us consider small but specific ways to settle the soul and savor the beauty of our Savior.

 

Step outside for five minutes.

Depending on our season in life, this may mean stepping out while little ones nap or watch a favorite Christmas movie. It may require a bundling process but we can do this. Inhale and take in all God has for you. Thank Him. May we see⏤really see⏤our surroundings and remember the humble beginning of our Savior.

Look for Christ and you will find Him. And with Him, everything else. – C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Read and meditate.

If possible, read from your hard copy instead of the phone. Intentionally slow down to ponder God-breathed words as you listen to crisp vellum-thin pages turn one by one. Click here to access Daily December Scripture Readings if structure is your friend (we’re BFF’s, by the way!) Obviously, longer reads are ideal but if given the choice to glaze over a chapter or indulge in a hand-full of verses, I’ll choose the latter any day, especially in December.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. -Matthew 2:10

Savor a favorite cup of coffee or tea.

What does this have to do with settling the soul? On the mornings I choose the sip over the gulp, my day begins on a calmer note. Couple that time with reading scripture, and it becomes both calming and enlightening, for nothing is sweeter than conversing with my heavenly Father over a hot cup of brew. Sometimes I even pull up a nearby chair to remind myself that yes, His presence is that real.

If we could condense all the truths of Christmas into only three words, these would be the words: “God with us.” -John F. MacArthur

Play Christ-centered Christmas music.

I’m a huge Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Johnny Mathis fan. Tears hit the brim line when I hear these artists at Christmas. Immediately, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s house where her stereo console turned all their albums upstairs while she crafted homemade fudge in the kitchen. Nowadays, we play a variety of music during the Christmas season but mostly our music consists of a few favorites. My absolute favorite artist is Michael Card. I’ve played several of his songs from The Promise in my bible studies throughout the years. A few other favorites are: Behold the Lamb by Andrew Peterson, City on a Hill: It’s Christmas Time by various artists and Windham Hill’s Christmas Solitude, which is instrumental. Its quiet notes quiets the heart. And a quiet heart is a receptive one.

O come, let us adore Him. (Based on Luke 2:15-16)

Light a Candle.

Before bedtime, light a Christmas candle. Marvel at its glow. Reflect on the warmth and the beauty discovered in the flickering light. Inhale and enjoy its fragrance. Close out your day by quietly worshipping the Light of the World who was born on a bed of straw that we might one day walk streets of gold.

I have come into the world as light so that no one who believes me need remain in the dark. – John 12:46

Is there one thing you would plan to change as you move through the days of December? If so, please share!

 

Go to Cathy’s website to learn how to receive your free e-book!  This e-book offers Christ-centered celebration tips for each day in December leading up to Christmas Eve.

 

What to Share at Thanksgiving

[image error]Thanksgiving. The time of the year when we are to count our blessings. Yet so many families are splintered … feelings have been hurt over forgotten issues … that wearing a painted smile and staying close to the liquor cabinet is the best way to deal. There’s more to Thanksgiving than sharing turkey. It’s time to make amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.

It wasn’t an accident that you were placed with your family. God’s plan put you there. Yet so many think they can improve that plan by putting walls of unmet expectations and hurt feelings around their hearts.

“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.”

All those sound good, right? But these statements are all self-serving … and wrong!

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.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13: 34-35 (NIV)

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, [image error]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)

“… If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:3-4 (NIV)

Did you get it? Did you see? Jesus died for the person you’re upset with or the person who has upset with you. We all have value. This value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father.

How would a Thanksgiving meal be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members? What would God say to them? What would God say to you?

Think about it, and don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Have a Happy … and Healthy … Thanksgiving!

Christian Writer, Are You Being Groomed?

Sadly, the world of Christian publishing isn’t even safe from sexual predators. Mary DeMuth, a powerful Christian advocate has built a ministry on how God’s business is re-storying lives. It was with great sadness that I read her latest–and troubling–article.  Check out this disturbing warning. You can find more great posts from Mary at http://www.marydemuth.com/

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Jogging through my neighborhood this morning, I spied a bird’s nest in a crepe myrtle only because its leaves were in the process of shedding. It made me think of exposure. I would never have noticed the nest had it not been for the advent of autumn. All that to say, sometimes the leaves have to fall to see the truth behind them.

And that is why I’m grateful (in one way) for the Weinstein admissions. Victims have dared to go first, and when they did, they opened up a fury of #metoo. And that opened the door to more brave men and women who have been hiding their stories. They’ve hidden them because of fear, because of power, because of the strange status quo of those in positions of authority. In short, the leaves stayed, and the exposure seemed unlikely. The predator marched on through life with zero consequences.

But the leaves have fallen in the form of stories. And those stories have changed the landscape of the world forever. I can feel the liberty in their words, can rejoice that what has been perpetrated in darkness is now exposed to the light. The emperor, it seems, has been de-clothed. The Wizard of Oz in all his fury and pomp has been uncurtained to reveal someone short in stature pulling levers (oh how he got away with it for so long).

As I continued my jog, I remembered Jesus and how He always empathized with the marginalized–the ones with no voice. He loved the man on the side of the road, wounded and bleeding. He loved the woman who bled for years. The adulterer daughter of Israel, naked in the center of taunting voices–He chose her, dignified her, listened to her. Those broken by life were his friends.

He reserved His harshest words for those bent on power, for those who enslaved others, for those who harmed children. Snakes, he called them, worthy of millstones.

So why is it that we believe that aligning ourselves with powerful people makes the kingdom come? Why is it that we overlook people’s predatory sins if they happen to have our same political ideal? I think it’s because we align ourselves with a Weinsteinian philosophy: exertion of power wins. Those who are strong get to do whatever they want, and if they usher in our perceived political nirvana, then all is well.

All is not well. Predators, despite their political affiliation, are predators precisely because we allow them to be. Victims stay silent (it’s normal for a victim to wait decades before they share because of fear, threats, and shame), and when they expose the predators, they are then berated, unbelieved, and marginalized. And yet, I see this great kingdom of God advancing in precisely the opposite way a predator builds his/her kingdom: through the weak ones, the broken, the overlooked.

Jesus builds his beautiful kingdom on the testimonies of the authentic and honest and meek ones. He doesn’t need political might or Hollywood clout to disseminate His message. He is speaking right now through those brave enough to tell the kinds of stories no one likes to hear. But these stories must be told.

I believe God is cleaning house, and this house cleaning is not just for “those people” out there. Peter soberly writes, “For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?” (1 Peter 4:17). It starts with us, church.

It’s time we, with sound mind and deep conviction, call predators out within the church. It’s time we stop tolerating it, stop looking the other way hoping things will improve. The statistics prove that predators typically continue to offend until they’re caught. Our inaction, then, allows for more abuse. And if we think we’re immune in the Christian community, take caution. Within the Christian publishing industry, I (and dozens of women I know) have experienced predatory behavior. Men in positions of power (literary agents, editors, publishing professionals) have Weinsteined their way into many compromising situations. Thankfully, many of these perpetrators have been banned from Christian writers conferences, but they continue to live with the covering of leaves. I pray winter is coming, the leaves fall, and expose those who name Christ but prey on others.

So I am grateful for one good thing: this new climate change where leaves fall, victims (victors, actually) tell their stories, and people get fed up with powerful predators living immune from their grievous sin is ushering in an era of brave accountability. Judgment will begin with us, and Jesus will continue to advance His kingdom through the marginalized. It’s always been that way in this upside down kingdom.

Take heart, those who have been preyed on. The leaves are falling, and the nest of lies will be exposed.

We Must Take Heed

[image error]Coal mining in the 20th century many times included taking a caged canary into the depths underground. These birds were sensitive to carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas devoid of color, taste or smell, that often formed in the mines. A dead bird in the cage meant the miners needed to be alert–deadly conditions were at hand.

Watching the political and social banter over the past weeks has been telling. Pointing fingers and one-upping one another takes front and center stage while pressing issues such as safety of our children and the security of our future have been left untouched.

Hearts are breaking while this happens. Children watch and learn that the person who shouts the loudest is right–never mind seeking Truth.

I think the Canary has stopped singing. Please, let’s heed the issues at hand that are killing us. We still have time.

Judges, 21:25, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.”