Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 46

Memories of Long Ago

I remember spending hours collecting soda-pop bottles from alongside the road and returning them to the store for two cents apiece. It didn’t matter how long my friends and I were out. We’d be gone on our bikes for hours with one goal in mind: to stand in front of the general store counter and peer up to all the colors and wonders that were held in the clear glass jars.

We’d bring our bicycle baskets filled to the top with dirty bottles so the general store owner could reward us for our stash. We’d then used our newly found fortune to buy penny candy: Pixy Stix, BB Bats, Banana Kits Taffy, Root Beer Barrels, or Button Candy.

I’m happy I grew up when I did. I rode my bike with my friends from sun up until lunch, only to leave again and return for dinner. We’d catch lightning bugs in the evenings by the jar full, or chase grasshoppers through the fields during the day.

But what I remember most were the conversations. People cared about what others thought and listened to differing

opinions. I learned from watching adults around me that different didn’t mean bad, it just meant … different. I learned humility—that I wasn’t always the authority I thought I was. I learned that respect was freely given, and it was theirs to be lost. I learned to offer a neighbor a helping hand when it was needed, because it was always needed.

I watched Philippians 2:3 in action, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”.

I think people are still searching for what I experienced years ago. I think that’s why so many people follow social media and throw in their two cents on topics that interest them. People have things to say. At the same time, people want to be heard. Everyone has opinions that matter to them. My hope is that we take a step back and listen—really listen—to what someone is saying. Who knows, if we listen to one another we may find we’re not the authority we once thought we were.

Be Careful What You Wish For

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

I recently read a Facebook post that made me cringe. A woman was ranting about how she was tired of people being so self-absorbed, they actually brought their children with them when they visited her favorite Starbucks. “They have no consideration for others,” she went on. “All I want to do is enjoy my coffee in peace and quiet. Is that asking too much?” I leaned back and said to myself, “Been there, I get you sister,” until I realized how self-absorbed I was by thinking that way.

There’s nothing wrong with looking forward to appreciating a great cup of coffee in a stress-free atmosphere, but, dear friends, there are so many more important things in life.

Try sharing that “self-absorbed” opinion with someone who desperately wants to have a child but can’t. I’d wager they’d give anything to listen to that commotion. Offer your rant to a mother who deals with a special needs child 24/7 and the highlight of her week is stopping by Starbucks to grab a cup of coffee with a friend. This hour over a steaming cup of chai  is her lifeline. Or think of the older gentleman who sits alone all day, forgotten by society. He may never hear a joyful sound until an unassuming child interrupts his loneliness.

Nobody enjoys a cup o’ joe more than me. And I certainly relate to the appreciation of peace and quiet while I drink it. But, dear friend, please stop hating on rambunctious children. Maybe they have more to offer us than the caffeine we seek does.

This is When I Begin to Panic

Wasn’t it Spring just last week? How can it be that mothers are buying back-to-school clothes for their kids?

All those dreams of getting lots done over the summer—almost dashed if I don’t hurry.

What about you? Has the time pasted you by, too?

A Summer of Bingeing

I always get  excited when  I see the new posts from Lori Roeleveld. Once you read her work, you’ll understand why. This post is totally worthy of sharing to as many of my readers and I possibly can.

Thank you, Lori, for showing me what it looks like to love Jesus and all those around me.

A Summer of Binging

I always get  excited when  I see the new posts from Lori Roeleveld. Once you read her work, you’ll understand why. This post is totally worthy of sharing to as many of my readers and I possibly can.

Thank you, Lori, for showing me what it looks like to love Jesus and all those around me.

Celebrating Les Green and Mourning My Temporary Loss

Every day counts and I’ve never felt that as poignantly as I did this past week.

I found out about the death of my cousin, Pastor Les Green of Nebo Crossing Church in Nebo, NC, on July 2 through social media. Les and I had drifted apart over the years. I can’t speak for Les, but I know I had become more involved with my life than the world I had left behind. Once I finally reconnected with Christ, too many bridges had been burned and it seemed almost impossible to reconnect with everyone from my past. Unfortunately, some of those bridges were with family. And one of the relationship casualties was with Les and Debbie.

The last time I saw Les and Debbie was briefly over thirty years ago at our Grandpa and Grandma Green’s house. I was coming in and they were leaving. A quick hello was all we shared. Then they were gone. Little did I know I’d miss out on some incredible life experiences.

I missed sharing in Les’ journey in knowing Jesus. I missed experiencing the protection gleaned from of Les’ wisdom as he served others in different churches across the country. How rich his stories must have been.

I missed the seeing the range of blessings he experienced through his marriage to Debbie (Rice) Green. I missed his pure joy and exhilaration that he lived through raising his girls, Tonya, Tammy, and Tiffany. I missed hearing them blend their voices as they praised God.

I missed how he took great joy in making each day count. I missed that he found his way through cancer, and through it all, maintained his incredible relationship with his savior. From listening to those who knew him best, it was clear to see that his first love was his savior and, oh, he basked in the knowledge that Jesus loved him, too.

I missed so much. But I celebrate in his legacy. I rejoice that I will see him again and worship alongside him. When he died he was loved by a mother, sister, and wife, along with his children/spouses, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. He loved and served up till the end. And he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Listening to Les’ celebration of life  I heard it said, “Dad gave everything with Heaven in view.” If you listen to the service you will understand what filled Les’s heart and what keeps his family going still–it’s the love of Christ.

I look at his picture and I see resemblance to his lovely mother. I look again, and I see the face of our grandfather. Funny how that works.

I’m sorry I missed so much. From everything I’ve witnessed since his death, I now know his greatest song was his life. Until we meet again, Les, I’ll hold onto the fact that you love me even now. And Debbie, you will forever be in my prayers.

If you have a cousin or anyone in your past that you need to reconnect with, learn from my temporary loss. Celebrations of reconciliation can be sweet on this side of heaven, too.

Robin, Interviewed by Nancy Kay Grace

Here’s Robin’s latest interview by Nancy Kay Grace on Living Life Unedited on CWAradio.com. I hope to have news about the book, Ten Days to Live soon!

Listen for the Whispers

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11 – 12

Elijah—a powerhouse for God—experienced one of the greatest stories of the Old Testament. He was invited to see God. But he had to experience destruction before he heard God’s voice.

Isn’t that how Life turns for us? When life’s winds and storms fill our world, we call out to see the power of God. Somewhere in our heart we hope He’s greater than our current storm.

But sometimes the storm gets bigger.

That’s what happening for our country as well as other places in the world. Our country has dealt with some pretty mighty storms over the past few weeks. We watched as Orlando dealt with unbelievable tragedy and loss—first at the Pulse nightclub then heartbreak surrounding the death of a two-year old boy at the Disney World Resorts. We then saw fires in California rage  beyond comprehension. We heard of floods in West Virginia. Many began to wonder how communities would ever recover from such devastation.

And the storms kept getting bigger.

Recently we watched as our British neighbors voted to exit the European Union. Talking heads began tell us this was the beginning of the end. Watching the 24-hour news feed we saw commentators wringing their hands, telling us that the sky was falling. Then Turkish airport attack sent even more shock waves through

Well, maybe it was.

http://www.express.co.uk/pictures/galleries/6661/Brexit-What-happens-next-pictures/Sterling-has-plunged-144846

But just as God loved Elijah and He loves us, too. Just as God came to Elijah in a gentle whisper, we need to be alert to God’s whisper to us as well.

Storms are powerful, but they are not bigger than the Creator of the wind. Fires and floods can take away a life-long accumulation of possessions, but do not dominate the Author of Life.

Mourn with those who have suffered loss. Be there of offer what support you can. But mostly listen for the voice of Almighty God. He is there … whispering.

This is Because of You, Aunt Opal

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

For those of you that read Michelle Count’s post, Nothing to do with Baseball from May 19, 2015, you will remember she survived the brain surgery. Here’s a followup on her story.

Funny, even my own neurosurgeon said it would take a miracle to bring me through my surgery. But if you’re like me, it is sometimes through our greatest struggles that we feel Christ the most. I think this experience has left me with a gratefulness I will never be able to repay. It has been three years since my surgery and with every passing month I feel stronger. As I reflect on this experience I realize how important my faith is to me.

Recently my husband was reading from one of our bibles. He asked me, “Do you remember the date July 14th in the early 1980’s?”

I laughed and said, “No why? Should I? I was a little girl.”

“I just assumed it was the day you were saved. You wrote on the inside cover of your Bible that date with, ‘I Met Jesus.’”

I was struck by the words. Not that I had I been saved on July 14th but that I had met Jesus. I thought about how strong my faith was when I wrote those words. I remember receiving that Bible. I was at a Christian CFO Camp where my Great Aunt Opal took me and my family to every year.

Some of my greatest childhood memories came from time spent at that camp. I had also survived a troubling childhood early on and my Aunt Opal, a retired school teacher, made it her mission not to let me become bitter or angry. Instead, she shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me. For that I am grateful.

I think the world truly needs more Aunt Opals. I wonder if we all doing our part in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a broken world?

I hope that anyone who meets me isn’t looking for a perfect Christian because I am not, I fall short every day but I hope people do see my faith. It makes me sad when I hear people say “I would rather be an honest sinner than a hypocrite” or” I will go to church once I am living right.” I am a living testimony that God still loves us at our best times and our worst times.

I am glad to share my testimonies with anyone who needs it. I have lived through way too many heartaches not to believe in the power of God. I don’t believe in chance or luck but I believe in an all-powerful God.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 (KJV)

You can read more about Michelle on my Guest Page.

Book Review, Red Pen Redemption by Lori Roeleveld

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.