Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 4

Revisiting Memories

It can be sweet to revisit memories. While some memories are best to stay away from, it’s always sweet to recall when we witnessed God’s hand move. I remember a time in April, 2012 when I was converting my closets from Winter to Summer clothes, I came across some summertime pajamas I had purchased the previous Spring. They weren’t flashy, but the sweet kind of PJ’s you buy with comfort in mind. Pretty, yet functional. Finding them brought a smile to my face.

Pajamas made me smile?

These were the PJ’s I took for my hospital stay in April 2011 after brain surgery. It’s hard to believe it’s been almost fourteen years since everything around me took on a new life of its own. You can the story of my healing after brain surgery in God’s Best During Your Worst.

The first few years after surgery were filled with wonderful gifts and blessings. I don’t know if I would have recognized them as such if it had not been for that fateful night in April.

For example

For example, I’ve always known I have an awesome husband. But Lew was there for me in ways that I could not have anticipated. His faith tested right along with me, and I will forever be grateful to him and his dedication to me and our marriage.

My children were marvelous as they stepped up to the plate of responsibility and attentiveness. There’s nothing as wonderful as seeing your grown children as loving and caring people. Just like you always hope they’d turn into being.

I can’t forget my friends who sent so many cards, calls, and e-mails of best wishes and support. I recently re-read all my notes and once again felt the surge of love from all my well-wishers.

Beliefs are like sponges

Beliefs are like sponges .. they need to be squeezed to see what’s held inside. Truly my beliefs were squeezed—challenged—the Spring of 2011. During those early and frightening days, I had to evaluate if what I believed would be enough to carry me through to whatever happened during the surgery as well as beyond. I had to look dead-on into the eyes of my mortality … I needed to see if I felt the need to turn away from what I saw or if I would be the first to blink.

When revisiting memories of challenging times, you’ll see beliefs can be like sponges. They need to be squeezed to see what’s held inside.

No blinking for me

I won’t say my first year after surgery was easy. In fact, the first five were filled with learning what my new normals would forever be. After months of physical, speech, and occupational therapy, I found what would be my forever-after life. I’ve come to accept that I will always have some weakness and loss of dexterity in my right side. My memory is sketchy. Running up or down stairs is just a memory now. The area on my head where my hair was shaved has filled in and there aren’t the renegade wisps of hair that lived there after being shaved.

What I gained

I can tell you—without a doubt—that I know Who holds my tomorrows. I can also tell you that I have an excited peace knowing that the Creator of the Universe still has a plan for Robin Luftig. I’ve gained a new perspective.

I can see with my mind’s eye that on the day of creation, God stood back, looked at me, His creation, and smiled. He knew what I would experience, and He knew His presence would be pivotal in my healing. He watched over me then just as He continues to watch over me today and my through my tomorrows.

And He watches over you as well.

Life is sweet, even when you think it isn’t. There may be trials in your world today, but they are temporary. Time—along with trials—will pass.

Don’t waste time fretting about the “what could have been’s” in your past. We’re better off hooking our wagons to the “what-is”, remembering who it is that’s holding all of our tomorrows; because honestly … it isn’t us.

Life is sweet, even when you think it isn't. There may be trials in your world today, but they are temporary. Time—along with trials—will pass.
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“… in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39 NIV

Do you know …

Do you know anyone facing brain surgery? I encourage you to check out Cristabelle Braden’s website, Hope Survives, where she and her team strive to address the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those impacted by brain injury. Their family-focused approach acknowledges that brain injury impacts the entire family, not just the survivor, and creates spaces where each member can find understanding, strength, and hope. Through education, connection, and unwavering support, the Hope Survive team reminds survivors and their families that healing is possible and hope truly survives.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  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 Revisiting Memories appeared first on Robin Luftig.

My Journey in Healing

I recently learned of the passing of Melody Beattie, an author whose books on codependency started my healing journey. Though her work is secular, she attributed her healing to her relationship with God. The way in which she was transparent in using her own examples of heartache and loss got my attention.

I started with Jesus

I met Jesus while on my knees in a small Northwest Ohio church. But I fell in love with him years later in a church south of Cleveland. If you’ve heard my story, you know bad choices filled my years with hidden brokenness. When my love for Jesus became larger than anything else, life for me began to change.  My heart was ready to heal. I wanted to give everything over to God, but I didn’t know how.

How can it be that my journey in healing and my deep relationship with Christ began with Melody Beattie's bookCodependent No More?
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Back to Beattie

Back in the 90s, I found my way to a 12-step group for codependency (CoDA) and learned how to set boundaries. From there, I went to scripture. There, I was able to take in all of God’s love for me and how I was worthy of his plans for my life. Having the ability to take in his love was an experience I never had in the past. This love led me to be a Christian speaker and author. I reveled in experiencing the joy and peace I had found in my relationship with Christ and through that, the healthy friendships I’ve gained. Through God’s healing hand, my heart was refurbished; it’s been made whole. The healing was all about Jesus, but it didn’t start there. My healing began with another relationship. It began when I picked up a book from Melody Beattie.

A Self-Help Book …

Melody Beattie’s written over a dozen books dealing with codependency. Her first book Codependent No More sold over seven million copies. She shared how she fought her own battles with addiction (alcohol, drugs, and relationships), broken marriages (four), and loss (young son died from a skiing accident), with a beautiful transparency that had the power to reach the most walled-off heart.

For a Christian?

Codependency–losing sight of your own life only to be swept up into the drama of others–can be a trap for many Christians. We love serving others. That’s the model Jesus set for us. This is the place in relationships–how to serve with healthy people–that I needed help. While Jesus instructs us to love and care for one another, he also shows us the importance in setting boundaries in relationships.

On February 27, at 10 pm, my beautiful mother, Melody Beattie, passed away. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. My mother was never afraid to die. “Why should I be? I’m going to see God, I’ll be reunited with your brother, and I’ll finally get to meet my favorite person, Moses.” 
-NICHOLE BEATTIE

I totally missed the boundary lesson at church. After reading Codependent No More I understood my need to break old patterns, maintain healthy boundaries, and say no to unhealthy relationships. That’s when I finally understood codependency. From there, I was able to see yet another piece of my brokenness. Relief swept over me when I was able to offer my codependency up to Jesus’s healing touch.

Isn’t that sacrilegious?

Because I came to understand the trappings of codependency, I began to see God’s desire to heal that part of my heart. I realized to had the type of relationship with God that I wanted. That’s what I want … a relationship with God. To worship him as he is due. I know I needed to change my focus from fixing everyone’s problems to letting God be the savior to me and others.

“Worrying, obsessing, and controlling are illusions. They are tricks we play on ourselves.”
― Melody Beattie,

Truth began falling in place for me. Only God could heal my heart and the attempts I took–my need to control–only caused me more pain. I realized I needed to let God … be God. Once I accepted I couldn’t control the world around me, I was able to let God’s plan for my life unfold. I could trust that plan, because it was God’s and not mine.

I still struggle

I still struggle with codependency. It’s an addition like any other in that a person is never healed–addictions are only managed.  That means I watch for my triggers. When I see myself reacting instead of responding, I know I need to double my efforts in connecting with God. I do this by leaning into scripture while praying for God’s guidance, wisdom, and peace. And if I don’t hear from my Savior, I enter a period of fasting.

A word of warning

When people turn to self-help books, they need to do it with great caution. Healing only comes from a relationship with Christ. Jesus’s words from John 14:6 (“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”) are still the balm that heals hurting souls. This verse offers a clear and achievable path to freedom and a lifetime of hope and happiness. I will be forever thankful that Jesus rescued me from the darkness of sin from codependency that surrounded me.

If God can use the words of a donkey to speak to Balaam, he can use the words of a heart-broken mother and self-described high school drug and alcohol addict to help others find their path to Christ. Stranger things have happened.

There’s More

Read how God used my own 10-day tragedy to bring me to a peace which transcends all understanding, about the aspects of healing after tragedy. What do you wonder about?  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 My Journey in Healing appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Handling Confusion

God’s Best During Your Worst discussing how to deal with Handling Confusion. Here’s an excerpt:

Tragedies have the ability shake our faith if we’re not careful. It’s easy to lose our way when darkness creeps in … it’s easy to slip into a spiritual funk when confused. But the reality is this: being a Christian never guarantees a pain-free life.

We still suffer loss.

No matter how much or how hard you pray, diseases still hit. Storms still wipe out entire communities. People still get shot. Marriages still end. Friends still betray our trust. Life still hurts. At times, it’s all so confusing.

Clarification

Overcoming the funk that accompanies confusion starts with clarifying the situation. This needn’t take a long period of time. It can happen in an instant, or it may take years. But finding clarification is vital.

Using an example of a dying marriage, I would venture to say that problems didn’t begin because one in the couple had a wandering eye. At what point did that marriage stop being a priority to them? When did the attention and opinion of those outside the marriage become more important that one another’s? Asking hard questions in no way excuses the bad behavior, and now is not the time to assign blame. These are simply examples of questions you should ask when looking for clarification. For clarity within confusion.

We also must seek wisdom in our confusion. Proverbs tells us, For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6 NIV). This is a sin-laden world, not at all what God had originally intended for us. When situations go beyond our ability, it’s amazing what He can offer to us through prayers and seeking His wisdom.

Proverbs tells us, For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding
(Proverbs 2:6 NIV).

Seek Wise Counsel

Wise counsel is also vital. Counsel is what we are offered, what we receive from others. It can come through seeking advice from a friend or professional or sometimes it even comes without solicitation. Wise counsel is also found in books. There are myriad of books that offer wise counsel and suggestions on how to pull a marriage out of the weeds. Two of my favorites are Gary Thomas’ Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? (Zondervan, first edition 2000) and Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate (Northfield Publishing, first edition 1992).

A great example of how tragedy can control everything around you can be found in the book Sober Mercies. It tells the story of Heather Harpham Kopp, an established editor in the Christian literary world—who was a closet drunk. Heather struggled to make sense of life as she tried to control her drinking. Viewing her “it’s just wine” drinking caused her problems when she realized she was hiding wine bottles in her boots in her closet and carrying the tiny bottles in her purse for a quick pick-me-up. It was only after she gave herself over to a Source greater than herself that she found clarity.

It can take outside intervention to break Confusion’s hold. Listen to God’s soft voice. He is speaking to you. Listen to your Knower. Don’t ignore Him.
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Your Knower

Some people describe their Knower as a conscience. Some say it’s the Holy Spirit offering warnings to you. I’ll let you decide. All I can say is that when you hear a voice that tells you to be cautious, it doesn’t hurt to listen and be on your guard.

Your Plans Could Use Some Help

Ever think your plans are better than God’s? How many prayers have you offered that gave a three-point plan on how God was wrong? You see it in the Old Testament. When the oxen carrying the ark stumbled, Uzzah stopped it from falling by reaching out and steadying it. But because he touched the ark—something strictly forbidden by God—he died on the spot. Or Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, when they wanted to glorify God. They chose and offered an ordinary fire—a fire not from the altar to God—in worship, and God’s fire turned and consumed them right there on the spot.

The New Testament’s apostles were forever coming up with better plans than what they thought Jesus had. Peter tried to protect Jesus when a guard came to arrest him. Jesus even labeled John and James as Sons of Thunder. We can see why in Luke 9, when the residents of a Samaritan village did not welcome them, and they asked Jesus, Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven and destroy them (v. 54 NIV).

There’s More

That’s just a taste. Read about other aspects of healing after a tragedy. What do you wonder about?  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 Handling Confusion appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Lineage List

Do your eyes glaze over when reading Scripture you come to a lineage list? You know … the begets?

Honestly, I get it. For the longest time I struggled to see the relevance. I mean really … this person had a father, then that person had a father, and so on. I understand the heavy-hitter characters and their families listed in Matthew 1. Abraham … Isaac … Jacob. I learned of their relationships with God and how, because of these relationships, impacted the world. From flannel board Bible stories to library research for term paper topics, these families came to life. Because these people were important; these people were real.

But the other begets?

Then I saw the lineage listed in Genesis 10. There, I met Kittim (alternately transliterated as Chittim or Cethim). The son of Javan, the grandson of Japheth, and Noah’s great-grandson.

Initially, I wondered how could I read this chapter and find value in a bunch of names that are too difficult to pronounce, let alone remember?

Where’s the value?

Showing my ignorance, I knew who Noah was, but never paid attention to his offspring. Then, two thoughts came to me.

First…

If I believe the Bible is “God breathed”, and I do,  then I believe God inspired these names to be written down. Not only that, but I reasoned God saw value in each and every one of the men listed.

Huh? No details were given in Genesis 10 about some of these players, as no details were needed. Have you ever heard of Kitty? Me neither. The only thing I can tell you about these fellas is these men were valued by God and had their own purpose. They weren’t perfect. In fact, some of the names listed were the forefathers of some pretty violent tribes (Amorites and Canaanites). But they all were descendants of Noah, a righteous man and valued by God.

Second…

My second thought took me to David Green, my own great-grandfather. He was real, too. He lived, breathed, and loved life. Among his children was a son, Roy, who married and had five children. One of these children was my mother, Janet.

All real people with value and flaws. Just like the folks in Genesis 10.

Many of the names listed in Genesis 10 have faded into oblivion. Many people have never heard of them. But they held an important place in our history.

And God knew them.

“I [God] have engraved you on the palms of my hands ….” Isaiah 49:16

No matter who we are, God has a purpose for our lives. It might look like we’re insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but that’s just not true. We may not see it … we may be one in a long lineage lists–the begets … but God’s master plan would not be complete if we weren’t in it.

When you read Genesis 10, know without a doubt, that they were people and loved by God.

Even Kittim.

We may not see it … we may be one in a long line of begets … but God’s master plan would not be complete if we weren’t in it.
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy with life choices … or are you involved in habits you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies in your actions … 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 Lineage List appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Come Celebrate with Me

Come celebrate with me. I have news … some great news … Some colossal news! You can fine God’s Best During Your Worst and Journal with Kaleidoscope Publishing.

What’s Kaleidoscope Publishing About?

Kaleidoscope Publishing, spearheaded by Shellie Arnold, specializes in unique Christian products infused with God’s truth. Their goal:

come alongside select authors whose work, vision, and message align with theirs in a way that is mutually beneficialshare God’s truth through creative media, so others can find the freedom in Christ they need.Meet Shellie

In 2022, God led Shellie to found Kaleidoscope Publishing, a small, hybrid publisher. As editor in chief, she combines her skillset as an author of fiction and nonfiction, with her critique and editing experience. This unique blend allows Shellie to see potential and possibilities even the author might miss. Her goal is to help authors capitalize on their strengths while refining their manuscripts. Her intent is to enable effective ministry through unique, Bible-based products. Her method is to touch every word in a manuscript. This makes Shellie’s approach especially appealing to authors who have a message, but don’t have the time or inclination to spend years studying craft.

What to Expect?

While God’s Best can still be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle, I am psyched to announce it will also be available to local and independent bookstores via wholesale purchasing.

The Journey

Every book has a journey, and God’s Best is no different.

In 2011, life was busy and full of promise when I heard God ask, “Do you trust Me?” Weeks later with no provocation or warning, I suffered a seizure that left me paralyzed on my right side and unable to speak. After hours of tests at the hospital, a doctor came to her and said, “You have a brain tumor and should ‘get my affairs in order’ within the next ten days. If you have anywhere you need to go … anyone you need to see … anything you need to do … you have ten days to do it.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Luftig, but you have a tumor on your brain about the size of my fist. Do you want a priest, or could I call the hospital chaplain for you?”
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Read about my ten-day journey that took me through the darkest valley of my life. I share the shock of the present, the fear of losing my future, and a time of reflection over my tempestuous past that I had allowed to define me for too many years. And witness how God continued to stay with me through the many hours of surgery as well as the weeks of physical, speech, and occupational therapy.

This is a story of redemption and triumph over brokenness. It’s a story about facing fears beyond imagination. I discover that there is no place so far from God that he cannot reach through and redeem a willing heart.

Robin’s story is not easy here. It’s brutally honest and transparent about the reality of pain and brokenness. But as you take this journey with her one thing is unmistakable … the love, mercy and companionship of Christ.”
Sheila Walsh, Inspirational Speaker

Why I’m celebrating

Not everyone deals with a brain tumor, but we all have dealt with … are steeped in trauma now … or trust that trauma is waiting for you around. When Shellie read God’s Best, she saw the need for this Christian Living book. She and I are excited about this new partnership. Come celebrate with us!

If you want to contact Shellie, email her at Info@kaleidoscopebooks.net. Or you can reach me at robin@robinluftig.com. I’d love to hear from you.

 

The post Come Celebrate with Me appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Not As Planned

Life events sometime take us by surprise and don’t turn out not as planned. Days begin uneventful enough, just as we think they should. No ripples … no bumps in the road. Smooth sailings all the way.

Then …

Then … out of nowhere, something happens to change the trajectory forever. It’s touched several.  Joni Eareckson-Tada dove into shallow water and broke her neck, and found herself a quadriplegic. At the height of his popularity, Franklin D. Roosevelt was stricken with polio. When fourteen year old Bethany Hamilton took her surfboard to catch a few waves, she was attacked by a shark and lost her arm.

When tragedy happens, our lives–and faith–can be rocked.  How could a loving God let this happen? Why did this happen to me?

How could a loving God let this happen? Why did this happen to me?

Tragedy

Tragedy visits us all. It either already has … you may be facing a tragedy now … or tragedy is waiting around for you … it helps to remember the heart of God. His word says:

He knew us before we were born (“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13).That he has plans for us (“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).But most importantly, it’s okay if we don’t understand (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8).Consider …

Joni, FDR and Bethany were all visited with life-changing tragedies. Yet if asked, they often said they were blessed beyond measure. It might not have been their plan, but God gave them enough grace, mercy, and blessings to travel their journey.

If you’re taking a journey you didn’t plan, God has enough grace, mercy, and blessings for you, too.

How could a loving God let this happen? What did did I do wrong? This is not as I planned. Why did this happen to me?
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  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 Not As Planned appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Had He Made a Mistake

NOTE: If you deal with medically diagnosed depression, talk to your doctor regarding any changes in your condition.

When God nudged me into a formalized type of Christian service, I thought he made a mistake. It seemed unlikely that he would use someone with such a sinful past like mine. I know his grace and forgiveness are perfect—I had a place secured in heaven—but service seemed unlikely. Besides, I thought my emotional scars were too great.  Additionally, I struggled with physical side effects from brain surgery. My mind went to Exodus 4:10:

Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

How could I question Moses?

Honestly, it was easy to question the nudge. Depression and Christian service seemed almost unlikely, but was it possible–Christian service from a brain-broken sinner?

But I prayerfully accepted the call, hoping my heart would experience “the peace that surpasses all understanding”. I prepared my initial talk, wrapped my audience in prayer, and readied myself to make my Heavenly Father proud. The time finally came for me to put on my best smile and walk in front of ladies who wanted to hear what I had to say.

The presentation went splendidly. Afterward, I received hugs and encouraging comments. When I returned home, however, I climbed under the covers, wishing to disappear.

Depression had found my heart

My anxiety-based depression was rooted in feelings of inadequacy and the remnants of brain trauma—rich fodder for the Enemy to rob me of the peace offered in serving Christ.

Depression is nothing new for God’s servants. Many of Scripture’s heavy hitters suffered from it. Jonah felt so bad after being in Nineveh that he asked God to, “take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:3). And don’t forget Elijah. After he won an incredible battle against the prophets of Baal, he prayed, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:4).

Depression can be paralyzing, but don’t be helpless when it hits

If Depression strikes you, here are a few suggestions to get you over the hump:

Remember Who You Are. Guard against being captivated by your own willingness to serve. Instead, focus on the Who you are serving. James 4:8 tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Ponder Matthew 10:29, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” It’s vital to stay focused.Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions. God created you as an emotional being. To deny that is to deny God. When depression rushes in—as difficult as it is may be—thank Him for it. Apostle Paul addressed this very point. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).Trust Truth More Than Feelings. Acknowledge your feelings—your depression—but recognize it for what it is: only a feeling. Emotions come and go, but God’s Truth is rock-solid. Find some bet-your-life-on-it Truths that stand the test of time. Consider Truths like Hebrews 13:5 (NIV), “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” or 1 Peter 1:6 (NIV), “… though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Acknowledge your feelings—your depression—but recognize it for what it is: only a feeling. Emotions come and go, but God's Truth is rock-solid
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Seek Godly Other Godly Servants. Jesus and Apostle Paul served with others. They understood the need for sharing. We can model their examples. Ask God to bring women who also have hearts for service into your life. Find your own rendition of an Aaron and Hur team. (Exodus 17:12, NIV) shows dedication in serving together, “…Aaron and Hur held his [Moses] hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”Prepare for Depression Before It Strikes. It’s difficult to recognize depression while you’re in its grip. If you are prone to suffer from bouts of depression, be proactive, and prepare for it. Jot favorite verses on 3×5 cards and have them ready when depression begins to steal your peace. In John 14:1, Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me.” Use scripture like the sword it is.Journal on the personal promises God’s given you and speak them back to Him. These reminders can be lifelines when doubt begins to creep in.We Must Stand Guard

We are all instructed to “guard your heart …” (Proverbs 4:23), but those who serve Christ need to be especially diligent in doing so.

While depression can be powerful emotion, it need not own us. It’s only with God’s divine protection that I made it through my sinful past. That alone gives me a reason to rejoice. Additionally, I accept my physical limitations related to my brain surgery as another point of praise.

What About You?

When depression hits, acknowledge it, tell a friend, and get more rest. This is the time to immerse yourself in scripture. I write on my 3X5 card: “My God says he will never leave me nor forsake me.” That card stays with me. I also write other cards. They have said, “My God says he has a plan for my life” and “My God cries when a sparrow falls, yet he loves me even more”.

What can you write on a card to get you through depression? The dark feelings will pass, but God’s love, promises, and purpose for your life are eternal. Don’t let depression end your Christian service.

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 Had He Made a Mistake appeared first on Robin Luftig.

When Life Looks Right

If you know me very well, you know my best writing time is in the wee hours of the morning. Here’s the view from my desk in the early hours. When it’s dark and most people are still sleeping. That’s when my light (figuratively as well as literally) goes on. Ideas flow for me then. That’s when Life looks right with all man and beast.

Scripture tells us that God appreciates the dark skies as well.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
Psalms 19:1-2

Knowledge Revealed

God created day and night, for both the just and unjust. We watch as His brilliance fills each day with a promise of a new beginning. The beauty found in winter mornings of Central Pennsylvania can be stunning. It’s worth the effort if you have the opportunity to begin the morning watching the day chase away the night. I imagine the mornings where you are can show reveal God’s handiwork as well. I promise you, if you allow yourself to stop and watch as “the skies proclaim the works of His hands”, your day will be blessed. You, too, can experience when life looks right.

When Life Seems Right, the beauty found in winter mornings of Central Pennsylvania can be stunning.
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What beauty does your area share in the dawn of the day?

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  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 When Life Looks Right appeared first on Robin Luftig.

What Do We Do Now

The partying schedule is over. Your fancy clothes are back in the closet, hanging in plastic. The calendar has turned to a new year. New days are waiting for us with open arms. We have our list of what will make our lives better in the new year firmly in your grip. So … what do we do now?

Don’t Shoot for Perfection

New Year’s resolutions rarely stick to our lives past February. We may have the best of intentions … and what we want to do can be great for our lives … but we mustn’t set ourselves up for failure. Perfectionism is a killer of anything positive. Do what we can and congratulate ourselves on a job well done.

Don’t Play the Comparison Game

Last year is behind so let’s try to gain wisdom. Learn from it, but leave it there. Maybe it was a great year for you … congratulations. That doesn’t mean this year will be the same. It’s best to focus on the good days ahead. Anticipate a wonderful year. But know God’s plans are not always our plans. I’m sure we can all look around and see people whose lives were crushed in an instant. Conversely, if last year was the worst year ever, this year could be your time to shine.

if last year was the worst year ever, this year could be your time to shine
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What all that means is this: Life is a gift. Love it. We’ve done nothing to earn it. Use your life to love others.

Jesus Knew We’d Struggle

Jesus knew we’d struggle. Read the comfort he offers in Luke 12:22-26.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Here’s My Plan

Between you and me, I had some horrific experiences last year, but I had some of the sweetest as well. Believe it or not, I am grateful for them all. I’m choosing to bring the lessons I learned into 2025. If I stumble along the way I hope to remember how to regain my footing. I know very well experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want. That’s a win-win, right?

Let’s love ourselves in 2025. Embrace the experiences coming our way. If we can do that, when we’re asked how we’re doing, we can then smile and say fantastic.

Does that seem too lofty or out of reach? Drop me a note. Let’s chat.

What say you?

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, now in audible! And don’t forget to check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

 

The post What Do We Do Now appeared first on Robin Luftig.

As 2024 Closes and We Say Goodbye

As 2024 closes and we say goodbye …

To the times we cried …
To the times we rejoiced.

 

Let us wipe our tears …

From broken hearts and broken promises
From the once-forgotten blessings to now fully realized.

Join me in welcoming 2025 …

With our faith secure in our Savior
With our eyes open to take in all of God’s goodness.

I am thankful for you and the opportunity to reach you. I am continually amazed how God uses this space. It was his plan … from before time began … for this.

What now?

Let’s welcome the New Year with a humble, service-minded, and thankful heart.

 

 

 

Let's welcome the New Year with a humble, service-minded, and thankful heart.
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  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 As 2024 Closes and We Say Goodbye appeared first on Robin Luftig.