Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 38

How Writers Can Survive the War Against Social Media

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The war against Social Media is strong. And I understand where all this energy comes from.

I read hatred oozing from posts daily. Many people I know are leery to share an opinion because by doing so it automatically paints a target on their account for the venom to be aimed at them.

Yet writers are encouraged to build a platform and use Social Media. So what’s an author to do?

Edie Melson’s latest post hits it out of the park with a fresh perspective on how writers can survive this battle.

There is hope. Social Media does not have to be a dank, dark, place of ugliness. It’s our responsibility to share good and stay focused. Thanks, Edie

When We Seek Healing, We Will Find It

[image error]It takes courage and strength to seek healing to the point of sharing the dark corners of our lives; the ones we most desperately try to hide. But that’s what Sheila Walsh does in her latest book, In the Middle of the Mess: Strength for This Beautiful, Broken Life (Thomas Nelson).

People are rarely who we think. And reading the transparent and vulnerable words from the co-host of Life Today with James and Betty Robinson offers a perfect example. As soon as I read the Introduction, I knew this book would be life-changing.

And I was not wrong.

While she has shared many pieces of her story of personal struggles and her father’s suicide during her years of ministry, this is the first time she shares her own thoughts of suicide and the tools she uses in coping with her own mental illness.

Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way and One Thousand Gifts wrote:

“This book will not only change your life—it may just literally save your life. It is one rare, luminous, astonishing brave book, saying what too many of us in the shadows have been desperate for someone to speak out loud for years. Sheila Walsh is not only a brazenly vulnerable, fearless warrior, she speaks unwavering truth that shatters the dark into a freeing light. It’s a long time since I’ve read such a book, and I weep for joy that someone finally wrote a literal lifeline. This woman is my hero.”

For those suffering, it can be scary to reach out, hoping that healing can be within your grasp. But Sheila shows that as a lie from Satan and how that lie kept her emotionally crippled for years.

Reading how Sheila had to re-learn what God’s love really was gave words to thoughts I’ve had for years. While Christian leaders may covertly instruct followers to never show doubt and weakness, Sheila broke that bondage and focused on God more than what others expected. I offered a big sign of relief when I read how Sheila refused to let Satan rob her of her God-given purpose. This gave me a rejuvenated hope—and permission—to want more for my life was well.

If you deal with past shame and have a hunger for a more satisfying relationship with God, I highly recommend this book. After you read it, please let me know what you think.

Appreciating Millennials in God’s Economy

[image error]Once again, Brandon Adams shared some compelling views on Millennials in today’s church. Check out this thought-provoking post.

When God Shreds a Millennial

Speak Wisdom to Your Children

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Know that there are options and answers to raising your children.

Striving to Worship Like Job

[image error]The book of Job offers an amazing story! Here’s a man who had everything—great family, properties, wealth and position—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 praised God when he lost his good health. That’s where I pulled up and parked.

Everything I am and everything I own was given to me by God—and that includes my health. In April of 2011, God walked with me through some of the darkest days I will ever experience. I didn’t know if I would live, die, or maintain an existence somewhere in-between.

I had a taste of Job’s experience.  Happily, I did survive, but as time passes, my aches become a bit more pronounced. Yet everything I am or will ever be is a gift far greater than I deserve.

When Job learned he had lost everything, he did the most amazing thing. Job 1:20-22 reads, “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.”

My hope is that I can always see past my aches and pains and disappointments. Truly, the Lord is worthy of worship.

It’s Never Too Late

As we usher in the new year, watch the movies, eat lots of goodies and kiss your sweetie at midnight. But don’t forget the Creator.

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Happy New Year!

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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