Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 43

Finding New Purpose From My Pain

[image error]I enjoy blogs by people who have dealt with difficult times; times where they were stretched and learned a bit more about who they were. I’m happy to share a new one I’ve found.

http://www.powerfulu.net/ is by Latoya Saddler. This blog is a culmination of a process of seeking to find and fulfill God’s purpose for her life and in the process inspire and motivate others to do the same.

I hope you are encouraged by her love of God and willingness to look for blessings in the darkest of places.

http://www.powerfulu.net/2017/01/31/purpose-from-pain/

We Are All Responsible

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This post has been edited from last November’s post. But the message still needs repeating …

The election happened. And now Inauguration Day is upon us.

Some people are happy with the outcome, Many people, however, are fearful of what may be in America’s future. Some have even taken to demonstrating in the streets. Not because of wrongs done to them, but because of the threat that wrong may be done to them in the future. Some colleges are still handing out soothing hot chocolate and even assign comfort dogs to students who are dealing with intense fear.

No matter what side of the discussion you’re on, we are all responsible from this point on. We need to be responsible and not spew rhetoric, but to listen to and speak Truth.

That means you, too, CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, MSNBC. I have been watching the evening news. All that seems to make air play are the haters: John Lewis, Meryl Streep, and even elected political representatives who refuse to attend Friday’s transfer of power. See the influence you have, Mr. News Anchor? You seem to want me to agree with your position of “I told you so, America. The entire country sees our leader as a dictator and we will be destroyed.”

I feel the need to turn to different sources of information because I’ve stopped [image error]trusting the media. For me, they’ve lost all credibility.

News stations, you can fix this! Don’t give us editorialized truth. We can handle the real stuff. And we can accept what you have to say if we know you trust us to make our own decisions. We want to trust you, but you have to give us something to work with.

And my fellow neighbors, remember … children are watching us. They are learning how to maneuver Life by our examples. Let’s listen as much as we speak. Offer kindness instead of hostility. See one another as a brother or sister, not an adversary.

We are all responsible from here as to how we plan on getting through this time in our country’s history. Let’s do it with style–with class. Let’s show the world that this is still the best country around.

What do you say?

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

 

It’s All About Me—NOT!

[image error]I love the Apostle Peter. He’s like most of us and knows what it’s like to be self-centered and a bit egotistical. Scripture passages that share his early antics comfort my heart. I see clearly that if God can redeem Peter, surely I’m redeemable, too. To prove my point, check out the passage on the Transfiguration as written in Mark 9:2-5:



… Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. … And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

The author of the Gospel of Mark (Early Christian tradition ascribes it to John Mark, the companion and interpreter of the apostle Peter), painted a beautiful picture of self-importance and even arrogance in Peter’s words, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah”.

In your mind’s eye can you see Peter puffing out his chest, putting his hands [image error]on his hips and taking the stance of a superhero? Amazing!

I’m not coming down on Peter. In truth, I feel akin to him. More times than I’d like to admit I, too, get wrapped up in my own self-importance.

It’s probably something we should all be leery of.

It’s a dangerous trap when Christians think, Good thing I’m here, Father. I can save the day. We forget that our relationship with our Heavenly Father is as one redeemed, not as a consultant.

True, Scripture tells us we are highly honored and made a little lower than angels (Hebrews 2:6-8). But we are still sinners in need a redemption. The Son of God—pause a minute and think about that … The Son of God—became flesh so he could restore God’s relationship with mankind. How do I have the audacity to believe He needs my help?

Yet sometimes I do.

Striving to get over my arrogance, I remind myself daily that His plans are perfect. I am the one who needs to see what I can do to support them.

I don’t think I will ever fully comprehend the full magnitude of God’s great love for me this side of Glory. But what I do know is that I want to be aware and on guard for ugly Christian arrogance and self-importance that tries to control my heart.

What do you do to be on your guard against self-importance?

The View From Where I’m Sitting

[image error]It’s a new year with a one-word theme: change.

– A technological revolution has wrapped around our world like a cloud. Did the Russians hack us or was it someone else?

– Have you ever seen a season where politics were in such flux? Right side or left side, nobody seems to know what to expect.

– The DOW is at an all-time high, edging up to 20,000. Interest rates will move, but it hasn’t been determined if that’s a good thing or bad—if they’ll go up or down.

Listen to conversations in any restaurant across the country and you will hear anything from cheers to laments. Change has taken over our world.

That’s why I am thankful that some things never change. The final exhortations from Hebrews 13 calm my soul when I feel like there’s too much change going on around me. “Never will I leave you nor forsake you,” (vs 5) is a promise I can ground myself in. Or, “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever,” (vs 8) blankets my heart with peace when the political pundits start filling the airwaves with their banter.

Don’t be distracted by the pretty colors nor promises of doom that are floating through our nation these days. And on a not-so-grand scale, don’t let the challenges of your day get you down. God has never been surprised by any of the shenanigans or tomfooleries of this world. Close your eyes and take a deep breath if you must, but remember that God is still on His throne.

Are changes adversities or opportunities? What gives you comfort during these days of change?

Depression and the Holidays

 

[image error]Holidays. They’re supposed to be a time of celebration and gaiety. But if you’re in the clutches of depression, the Christmas season can seem like a platter of darkness served to you instead of turkey or ham.

If your life has been touched by the ramifications of a medical trial, depression can be magnified. I struggled with all that surrounds healing from a brain tumor. Maybe someone you love had a stroke and is learning to walk again. Or maybe you’ve lost someone–a spouse, friend or even child–to a medical issue. How can you celebrate when all you feel is anger, resentment or even worse–that void? You come across well-wishers with their 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 land mines of depression. Walk through this season cautiously. With the proper planning and a support team around you, you can make it through.

Tell your closest friends you need their strength to get through the next few days. Have them check on you a bit more than usual.

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.

Holidays come, but they also go. Healing will continue. Pain will lessen. Live in the moment as much as you can, because really … that’s all we ever have.

The Very Best Bible Reading Plan You’ll Find This Year

[image error]If you’ve followed me for any time at all, you’ve read posts I’ve offered from author (and good friend) Lori Roeleveld. In her latest blog, she challenges the reader to look around them and see all the opportunities they have to excel at being the best Christian they can be. All this, as done in true Roeleveld style, without piling on shame. This post will bless you as well as move your heart.

Take a moment from your list-making and rushing around to read her article, The Very Best Bible Reading Plan You’ll Find This Year.  And treat yourself and follow her blog. Each post seems to be on the mark for what people are dealing with at that moment in time.

Jesus and the Beanstalk – A Lesson in Life

Lori Roeleveld has done it again with her book, Jesus and the Beanstalk: Overcoming Giants and Living a Fruitful Life. Once again she’s tapped into my person—my being—and wrote thoughts I only dared acknowledge to myself. Reading this book, it’s as if she’s given a voice to my fears and challenges, and allowed them to the surface where I can see them for what they are. Time after time I’d cover a portion of her book, only to stop reading and ponder not only her words but marvel how God has used this person to tap into different areas of my life and address them scripturally.

I particularly liked the section, The Christian You Don’t Know. Affirming and challenging at the same time, only in the way that Roeveleld can do. And her ability to wrap a point in humor is uncanny. Thou Shalt Pray Like Sheldon Cooper is just one example of many of how she offers wisdom with humor.

I can’t wait to read this book again.

Don’t be afraid to start Jesus and the Beanstalk with an open mind. You will not be disappointed.

Start a New Christmas Tradition with Red Pen Redemption by Lori Roeleveld

Looking to start a new tradition? Here’s my review for Lori Roeleveld’s book, Red Pen Redemption. See what you think. Consider adding this to your December experiences.

Would you be bold enough to challenge God with your life? Helen Bancroft did in Lori Roeleveld’s, Red Pen Redemption.

It’s a story of Helen’s self-justification and self-indulgence. She is both hero and villain. I loved her and hated her. I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her by her shoulders, then I wanted to hug her close to protect her. Ironically, it wasn’t until I was closing into the end of the story that I realized I had seen myself—my own life—reflected in parts of this story.

Roeleveld’s use of scripture soothed, guided, and enticed me as a reader. She also expertly offered example after example how Helen tried to look God in the proverbial face, only to blink and turn away. Just as I had tried in the past, and if you dare to read this, you may see yourself, too.

I rarely give five stars ratings. I think five-stars are reserved for mothers to give their children. But this book has what it takes to change lives. A tall order for a piece of fiction. Lori Roeleveld’s, Red Pen Redemption is slated to be a beloved Christmas Season staple for years to come.

How About a Mulligan?

Playing golf or darts is a great past time. There’s a rule called a Mulligan, or a do-over after the first attempt was blundered. That’s what happened long ago.

Eight hundred years earlier, Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would come. Isaiah didn’t use the names of Mary, Joseph, or Jesus. He used the names of Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace.

The people of Isaiah’s time knew in their heads the Messiah was coming, but their hearts were elsewhere.

Sound familiar?

Maybe it’s a bit like us. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Savior of all humanity, but we may spend more time wondering what size sweater to buy for our least favorite uncle (will he want an X or XL?).

It’s all about a Mulligan–a do-over. Let’s start over, right now. We have the luxury of looking back over time. Let’s not let that go to waste. We’ve heard the story about how Jesus came to save us all. We carry that knowledge in our heads.

Before it’s too late, let’s move it into our hearts. Let’s put action to our knowledge. Let’s share the Good News—a King has come to set us free!

Let’s use a Mulligan when it comes to celebrating Christmas and our Savior’s birth.

The Gift of Time

Lew & Robin, 1 year post Robin’s brain surgery

Yesterday is but today’s memory, tomorrow is today’s dream.  Kahlil Gibran

Thanksgiving and Christmas … two holidays wrapped up in gratitude and appreciation. But how do you celebrate these two holidays when you’re hurting, scared or dealing with limitations?

You celebrate the gift of time.

Tha-thump.

If your head hurts, thank God for the sense of feeling.

If you’ve lost your ability to walk, be thankful for all the years you ran.

Tha-thump.

If you suffer from confusion, know the pillow you lay your head on will hold you safe until you awaken.

If your balance is gone, appreciate the days you had when you didn’t wobble.

Tha-thump.

Hear the tha-thump? That’s your greatest gift–your heartbeat. You have no control over it. Life is a gift from God every time your heart beats. So why worry about what tomorrow has in store for you? It isn’t here yet! Why fret over what use to be. It’s over! If you can’t enjoy what you remember, leave it behind.

Life was ripe for me April 11, 2011. I had a tumor on my brain that had been there for 10-12 years. I had more strikes against staying alive than dying. But I am grateful it wasn’t my time to pass.

Tha-thump.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) We don’t determine when we die, but we can use our time left wisely. Don’t waste what you have today on what was or what could be. Embrace now. That’s all there really is.