Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 6
November 26, 2024
Wearing Painted On Smiles
November begins the season when families get together and celebrate their special closeness. Yet so many families are splintered with members wearing painted-on smiles while staying close to the liquor cabinet. Are faking happiness and drinking the best ways to work through that “closeness”?
While it would be wonderful to reflect a Norman Rockwell moment while together, it probably won’t happen. If there’s a problem with family relationships, make Thanksgiving more than sharing turkey. It’time to make amends with one another; it’s a time for families to heal.
We seldom have control over who makes up our family. Ponder this–It wasn’t by accident that God placed you in your specific family.
It’s tempting for many wounded people to think they can improve God’s 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.”Yeah, but …Those statements may sound good, right, and honest. At one time or another I’ve spoken them all. But afterward I realized these thoughts were … well … a smidge self-serving … and wrong!
Here’s What We Can DoOthers have the same thoughts and share these feelings. Look around you. If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. Why? Because 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, 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)Think about it
Let’s try to remember Jesus died for the person who is causing your grief. They have value. We all have value. That value isn’t about you; it’s about our Heavenly Father. Think about would a Thanksgiving meal could be if we sat at the same table as our Lord and our estranged family members?
If you hurt someone in the past, apologize. If you have been hurt, forgive. It wasn’t suggested by God, it was what he told us to do.
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Ponder these possibly new thoughts and stop wearing a painted smile. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Have a Happy … and Healthy … Thanksgiving!
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 Wearing Painted On Smiles appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 19, 2024
Sharing Tuesday on Overload
This week’s Sharing Tuesday is on overload. Here we have four authors and books to highlight. All authors are part of the Facebook group, Writing with The Erasers (ERASERS is an acronym for Edit, Rewrite, And Save. Edit. Repeat. Save.) This is a mutual commiseration society for writers and readers who appreciate a good ruff draft, a belly laff, and a grate eraser. [Sidebar] Writer groups are invaluable if a writer wants to enhance their work. Authors and soon-to-be authors offer guidance and support not found anywhere else.
Debbie Sprinkle has two books this year. The Case of Stolen Memories (Scrivenings Press, August 2024) is the third book of the three-book A Mac & Sam Mystery series. When a new year begins, Private Investigator Mackenzie Love resolves to get in better shape. But after only one week of walking, she interrupts a burglary in progress and ends up in the middle of a murder case. Detective Jake Sanders, the man Mac’s dating, is assigned to the murder. Mac, along with her partners, Samantha Majors and Ms. Prudence Freebody, is hired to find the memorabilia stolen from the time capsule in Rennick Park. The two cases intertwine, and Mac finds herself once more on the wrong end of a gun. Can Mac and Jake find the killer and the stolen property before the killer finds them? She also has a book coming out in December, In Death Under the Ice.
In Starr Ayers‘ new book, Waiting for Sunset (Mountain Brook Ink, September 2024), thirty-two-year-old interior designer Olivia Houston suffers anxiety since the death of her husband. Weary of the tyranny of the urgent, she longs for quiet and welcomes the invitation to update her cousin’s 1950s cottage in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. On a jog to the tip of neighboring Bird Island, Olivia discovers the mysterious Kindred Spirit mailbox. Planted in the dunes decades earlier by a young couple, the box contains journals with visitors’ entries—as well as an item that plunges Olivia into a search for the family of WW2 Sergeant Walter Larsen. While at the Kindred Spirit, Olivia collides with Chase Evans, a deep-sea charter boat captain with a circuit-breaker smile, whom Olivia soon recruits to assist with her search. Their shared pursuit takes them far beyond the sands of Sunset Beach and well outside the borders of their hearts. What will future visits to the Kindred Spirit mailbox hold for Olivia? Will her Sunset Beach sabbatical bring the healing and peace she seeks or compound her heartbreak and loss?
Linda DindzansChristian Fiction is a powerful source of entertainment and introduces us to some fabulous authors.
Linda Dindzans’s first book, A Certain Man (Scrivenings Press, August 2024) is Biblical fiction. In it, Mara, a young Samaritan, begins to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
Charlsie Estess
Charlsie Estess‘ book When The Ocean Roar ( Iron Stream Fiction, June 2024) offers the reader a Christian mystery embraces intrigue. Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day. Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction—and her high-society family drama—to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?
Writer groups are invaluable if a writer wants to enhance their work. Authors and soon-to-be authors offer guidance and support not found anywhere else.
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Congratulations, ladies.
These are fine examples of the beauty of writing groups. If you’re in the market of a group to help you in your writing journey, consider Word Weavers, International. Its mission is to help members find their unique voice, strive for the exceptional and not settle for the mundane, and to raise the quality of our members’ writing to a publishable level.
Can a woman on the run find herself again?Ladies of the Fire
brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post Sharing Tuesday on Overload appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 12, 2024
Sharable Tuesday
My dear friend Eva Marie Everson, along with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh published Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: a Novel (Paraclete Press), May 2024. This i is today’s highlight on Sharable Tuesday.
Ravaged by one brother, silenced and betrayed by another, and abandoned by her father King David, Tamar—once beloved daughter of the king of Israel, and healer of the court—suddenly finds herself in exile, fleeing for her life. But the story continues where the scriptures end: a dangerous journey and tenacious pursuit of her true identity and calling brings her full circle, to her rightful place in the kingdom.
Eva Marie
Eva Marie is a CBA bestselling and multiple award-winning author and speaker, including an ECPA Gold Medallion, Christy finalist, a Silver Medallion winner, a Carol, several Maggie and Golden Scroll awards, and an Inspirational Retailers Choice Award. She is one of the original five Word Weavers members, which began in 1997. She served first as the original president (2000-2007) and is now CEO of Word Weavers International, Inc., which serves writers primarily as a national and international group of critique and educational chapters.
Miriam
Miriam’s love affair with the Bible and ancient sources led to her series of books on daily life in Bible times, her first historical novel The Scroll, her newest novel Ahoti – The Story of Tamar, with co-author Eva Marie Everson, and hundreds of articles. That love grew over many years as a tour educator. Miriam’s interest in the New Testament began with the respect that she learned for people of all faiths and cultures from her parents and her older brother and sister. Her writing, and her translating and editing of scholarly research on biblical antiquity on the one hand, and her 20 years as a translator on the news desk of the cutting-edge Israeli daily Haaretz, on the other, come together in a complex whole that, for Miriam, has made life in Israel a never-ending search for meaning, ever more so in troubled times.
Endorsements & ReviewsToday's Sharable Tuesday - Eva Marie Everson, along with Miriam Feinberg Vamosh published Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: a Novel
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“As an author of biblical fiction, I know the amount of research and work that goes into crafting a story like this. Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson comprise the perfect team.” —Jerry B. Jenkins, author of The Chosen series
“Vamosh (The Scroll) and Everson (The Ornament Keeper) put an empowering spin on the biblical story of Tamar, the daughter of King David…[I]t’s a welcome and often gripping portrait of the unsung courage of a biblical heroine.”—Publishers Weekly
Enthralling narrative of events so long ago – “the Bible continually comes to life for me as I read of the events in the lives lived 1000’s of years ago. Their situations and the plots that were spun around them are forever intriguing! The power of Kindoms won and lost was so compelling, revealing the deepest nature of man. The life of David always is always appealing, just knowing that he was a man whom the LORD loved draws unending interest. Tamar the precious daughter, so wounded by a sin that plagues mankind continually–incest. The pain and shame come to life to reveal the inner depth of the spirit, the resilience and the searching heart. This book is truly compelling!”
A Gripping Tale of History, Heart, and Heroism You Won’t Want to Miss – If you’re ready to dive into a story that blends rich historical detail with a gripping narrative, the ‘Ahoti” A Story of Tamar,’ by Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamoose, is your next must-read. Steeped in history and Jewish customs, the authors weave a compelling tale about Tamar that us as rich in detail as it is sin drama. Reading it reminded me of two dear friends who taught me the fine arts of wisdom and kindness. Dive into this journey, and you’ll find yourself captivated by a story of faith, intuition, and fortitude–a portrait of a young woman as breathtaking as she is strong. Trust me, you’re in for a treat!
Can a woman on the run find herself again?Ladies of the Fire brought us to the late 1960s as we met the newly-widowed Lily-Rose Pembrick reeling as she fled Lincoln, Nebraska, with her children. Only taking the cash from the house safe and what she could get her hands on at the family bank, she left the recently-inherited and successful Pembrick Transportation company behind. Exhausted from driving all night, she stopped in Applegate, Ohio, and decided to start a new life on Norwood Street. There, she met Fiona Kasey, an African-American no-nonsense housekeeper/companion to an elderly white woman, and Sugar Bowersox, a Southern spitfire who has lost herself in motherhood.
Together, they enjoyed Lily-Rose’s backyard fire pit, where dreams were spoken and secrets revealed. As they embraced a kinship they never would have sought, Lily-Rose began thinking her past could finally be laid to rest—until someone ended up dead.
The post Sharable Tuesday appeared first on Robin Luftig.
November 5, 2024
God Help Us
God help us. Lord, heal your people.
When God spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3), He gave Moses instructions on speaking to the Israelites. When Moses questioned the Lord, God’s response was with few words:
May Your Words Be FewGod said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say … ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14
No matter what happens today, know that God loves us–each of us. He has a plan. If you find yourself looking for peace today, know that God’s right there with you–make that knowledge be enough.
God help us. No matter what happens today, know that God loves us--each of us. He has a plan.
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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 God Help Us appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 29, 2024
Sharable Tuesday
I love supporting authors. For this week’s Sharable Tuesday, From One Reader to Another, I’m excited to introduce two authors I met through the writers’ group, Word Weavers International, who publish in 2024: Linda Dindzans and Charlsie Estess.
Linda Dindzans, M.D. is a writer with the heart of a healer. She offers readers stories of redemption and restoration. Though her compelling characters live during the ancient times of the Bible, Linda believes there is nothing new under the sun. The hopes and struggles of her cast of characters still ring true with hearts today. Only a profound encounter with the Son transforms her characters from victims to victors.
Linda is also a speaker and retired ENT surgeon whose practice focused on the care of children and care of the professional voice. She has pursued a longstanding fascination with God’s Word and commitment to in-depth Bible study. Grateful for this time to lay down her scalpel and pick up her pen, she follows a call to write. A published writer and educator, Linda has been a guest speaker at medical conferences, national and regional Christian conferences, and a facilitator for church and home Bible studies.
A Certain Man, a tale of ancient Samaria at the time of Jesus, is her debut novel.
I love supporting authors. For this week's Sharable Tuesday, From One Reader to Another please meet Linda Dindzans and Charlsie Estess.
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Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome.
Along the way, they are entangled within the snares of such notable figures as King Herod, Herodias, Pontius Pilate, Caiaphas, and Salome.
The heartrending tales of Mara and Samuel are interwoven with their desperate love story. Before either meets Yeshua the Nazarene face to face. Before He sets the political, religious, and spiritual landscape on fire. And before either Mara or Samuel are immortalized in the gospels.
Charlsie Estess
Charlsie worked in finance and strategic planning before tackling the full-time rearing of two, strong-willed boys. Through professional and mission projects, she has been blessed to encounter and work with some unforgettable characters on six different continents, experiencing amazing adventures and also witnessing some heartrending scenes. Forever a wanderer at heart, Charlsie knows everyone needs inspiration, a friend who packs a punch, and escape from time to time. She prays her stories give voice to women who have not always had a voice. Love stories with wings for warriors, wanderers, and free birds!
When the Ocean Roars
In When the Ocean Roars, he needs to surrender. She needs to fight. Are they ready for their next battle?
Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life. The adored prizefighter is primed to take the win. And nothing has ever distracted him from victory in the ring. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Surely, he can keep his heart safe for one day.
Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together, driving their attraction—and her high-society family drama—to something more intense than Keane has ever faced. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles in the knockout of his life, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature?
What is Word Weavers?
Founded in 1997, Word Weavers International is dedicated to providing a forum for Christian writers to critique one another’s work in a face-to-face format. Whether in a traditional chapter or in Word Weavers’ unique online “pages,” writers of all levels are welcome.
If you’ve recently published a book, fiction or nonfiction, let me know. I love supporting authors for sharable Tuesday.
The post Sharable Tuesday appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 22, 2024
Sharing Tuesday – Colleen Snyder
I love sharing books of authors I know. I call these Sharing Tuesdays. This week’s author is Colleen Snyder. I met Colleen through Word Weavers International where she’s a valued leader. While she has several published books, here are two of her 2024 publishings.
Colleen’s third book of the Knights of the Octagon series is The Quake.
Impeccable research from a brave geologist predicts a major earthquake for the local area. Soon. Within thirty days soon. Not all his colleagues agree with his conclusions. The quake is coming? Absolutely. But three weeks? More like three years. Maybe.
A group of young men are convinced of the geologist’s calculations. They’re preparing for it. Frantically buying food and supplies for the survivors. But will there be any? Of the five thousand people in town, how many will believe their report? “Orton’s Crazies,” people call them. “Cultists” who want to sit on a hilltop and wait for the end to come.
It would be easier for the Knights not to tell anyone and simply get out of town. But then how many deaths will be on their heads? How do you convince people—family, friend, and foe alike—of a truth they don’t want to hear?
Want More?Colleen’s year was busy with writing … and publishing. She also finished the fourth book of the Knights of the Octagon series, Wedding Crashers.
The masked figure poured accelerant over the sparkling dreams, wishes, and hopes. Chemicals melted delicate lace tulle. The liquid scarred the shimmering satins. Pearl buttons dissolved. The flash of ignition turned yards of fabric to ash.
An arsonist is destroying wedding shops. Vandalizing event centers, flower warehouses, and anything wedding-related. But it’s still “only” vandalism. Until Micah Andres and Wendy Smothers are taste-testing cakes for their upcoming wedding. An SUV demolishes the building. The baker is killed.
Now it’s murder, and mayhem ensues…
The van Micah rides in is hit with bullets. The county office he visits is blown up. Someone firebombs the houses where the Knights live. Is this the arsonist? Or is something deeper going on? Can Micah and the Knights find out before the murderer strikes again?
I love sharing books of authors I know. I call these share, Sharing Tuesdays. Today focus is on Colleen Snyder.
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Colleen K. Snyder has always had a passion for writing. She lives on a “ranchette” in California and is the junior-est ranch hand. When she’s not writing she makes herself available to run errands, be supportive, and be present. She also writes, drinks coffee, cooks, drinks coffee, bakes cookies, drinks coffee, and helps around the house. Colleen has worked as a factory line worker, pharmacy technician, USAF missile systems analyst, janitor, nanny, teacher, accounting manager, and whatever else the Lord required. Her story is for His glory, always.
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October 15, 2024
Who We Are
Life experiences form our impressions of the world around us. It’s difficult to see beyond what we know. These experiences, sometime when we don’t even know it, shape us into who we are.
Maybe we were raised in the country, maybe in the city. While country living may be foreign to city dwellers, subways and traffic’s honking horns may be everyday facts of life.
What about pets? When a person grows up walking, feeding, and scooping after them, the concept of responsibility might be different than someone who only had plants.
Many people grew up in happy traditional families, while others encountered the challenges only found in a single-parent home.
Some had siblings, some grew up along.
Why is this important to acknowledge?
While these harmless differences can spur on fun conversations–cat people and dog people can lightheartedly debate which is better–they typically don’t divide friendships or family.
There is a basic level of respect surrounding differences. But recently, if we look, we’ll see people around us that focus on differences instead of similarities, and stress over the difference in opinions.
Here’s a short video that gives a taste of how many differences there can be.
We are all different
Different is … DifferentIf we were all the same life would be boring. If we all have the same opinions, there’s nothing to challenge why we believe the way we do. Parents see this when raising small children. Parents give them directions and opinions to follow. As they grow, they take these opinions… pull them apart and study them closely … and see if they can truly believe and own them for their own. That’s the way it should be. Challenging their opinions is the only way they can fully understand them.
Over the next few weeks this country will experience more possible civil unrest than ever before. All because of political differences. If your neighbor has a different political sign in their yard as you, can you still respect them?
Of course you can.
Consider walking back
If you find yourself sensitive to the differences around you, consider walking back from where these differences are most previlent until November 5th. Often, social media is not our friend. If seeing opinions that you don’t like and that upset you, turn off Facebook and Twitter (X).It’s that simple. Your peace has unmeasurable value. And besides, people don’t change their opinions because of facts, the change them because of feelings.
What are more important, relationships or opinions?
Remember, unless you hear the words directly from the speaker’s mouth, everything you hear or read has been filtered by someone else’s opinion. Quotes are being mischaracterized. Videos are being edited. Manipulation is rampant.
We must remember who we are.
What are more important, relationships or opinions? We must remember who we are.
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If the rhetoric from either side of political aisle is separating you from friends or family, reconsider your focus. If you need to challenge your own position and consider these words:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12
“That we take not other men’s opinions or manners for a rule of life, but that we wholly renouncing this world, set before us as our mark, the will of God”.
Romans 12:12
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the kind”.
1 Peter 2:17
As we all approach Election Day, let’s remember who we are and consider these points:
After Election Day, God will still be on the throne.Nobody holds a political office that God doesn’t allow. ( Romans 13:1 )If we focus on God’s plan for our lives, we will find peace.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 Who We Are appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 8, 2024
How to Change a Life
Friends come in all shapes and sizes. They may part of your life then leave. Or sometimes you make a relationship as children and carry that closeness into adulthood. Sometimes friendships end. While it may be sad to see the ending of a friendship, they just play themselves out. Adversely, some friendships are often only meant for a season–for a moment. But don’t take any of them lightly. They all hold the ingredients, and scripture holds the directions on how to change a life.
God had a specific plan when he put us together. From the stories of David and Jonathan, beginning in 1 Samuel 18, we see the importance and power of friendship. Theirs was a friendship that lasted for a lifetime.
God Valued FriendshipThe passing of time doesn’t own friendships. I have friends from high school who I haven’t seen for years. But at my last class reunion, my heart rejoiced from all the love shared between folks there. It was commonality that we shared that made these friendships valuable.
God Appointed?“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24
Are friendships God appointed? If we were asked if a friendship changed our life I’m confident we can all think of at least one person who changed the trajectory of our future.
Listen to this woman, Miss “A”, whose life was changed by one person. That person, primarily known as a teacher, but also as an attentive and caring friend.
Meet Miss “A” Power Found in FriendshipsNever doubt that friendship have the power to change a life. Be a friend. Seek a friend out. Once you’ve added that dimension to your life, you’ll smile more. You may even cry more. But for sure you will be blessed more–far beyond your imagination.
Never doubt that friendship have the power to change a life.
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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 How to Change a Life appeared first on Robin Luftig.
October 1, 2024
A Lament for TC
October is Domestic Awareness Month. This post is dedicated to a special woman: a Lament for TC.
One Fall several years ago, I began that season in my life with a new purpose: volunteering at a battled women’s shelter. My goal was to make a difference in the lives of hurting women.
I Was So ExcitedAfter months of training, I was finally allowed to know the shelter’s location. During my first time there I met TC*, a beautiful young girl mother with long blonde hair and sad gray eyes. TC had a four-year old daughter named Jennie, who was a slighter version of her mother but just as beautiful. A beating by her husband once again caused the police to bring her and Jennie to the shelter for a reprieve. We were all encouraged and excited when she declared that would be the last beating she’d take from him.
All of the volunteers fell in love with TC and Jennie. We taught TC mom tips on healthy food choices as well as different ways to encourage her daughter how to steer aways from bad choices. Day after day we worked with her on different life skills … from balancing a checkbook to applying for a job.
They both thrived from the love we offered at the shelter. TC told us for the first time in years not only did she stop fearing life, but she actually looked forward to her future. We watched as she became stronger each day, more self-confident and eager to move out of the shelter and into a place of her own. We always stressed safety with them. TC’s court-appointed attorney, as well as the police who regularly stopped by, told her never to be alone with her husband. He had hurt them before; there was no knowing what he’d do now since there were charges against him.
Soon the time came when we had finally gathered enough supplies for a new apartment for TC and Jennie. What a time of celebration. TC said she could actually see a light at the end of their tunnel of abuse.
Life moved on for TC. She settled into her new place, decorating it with donated trinkets and baubles. It looked like a palace. All the volunteers took turns stopping by to visit her, making sure she had everything she needed. As the holiday season inched closer, all the volunteers pulled together and purchased a Christmas tree, decorations, and a few new presents for her and Jennie. Life was beginning anew for them.
Life was looking up for this mother and daughter.
Maybe it was because of the holiday spirit, or maybe it was loneliness, but TC let her guard down when her husband called on Christmas morning and asked to come over to bring presents for her and their daughter. We told her never to be alone with him, but after all, it was Christmas. What could happen?
Lots happened.
A man walking his dog in TC’s neighborhood helped pull together the facts of the morning. As we learned, when TC opened her door, Tom greeted her with a gun pointed at her face. In a moment there was one shot and TC fell dead. He then grabbed little Jennie and dragged her to his truck. When more neighbors heard the shot and Jennie’s screams, they started pouring into the street to see what had happened. TC was found dead and lying in the opened doorway. Focus then turned to the sounds of Jennie’s cries from Tom’s truck parked in the street. While neighbors in the street began encircling the truck begging him to let Jennie go, others made calls to 9-1-1.
Apparently, agitated by Jennie’s screams, Tom pulled Jennie into his lap as he put the barrel of the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger. Jennie, dripping with blood, squirmed away from his slouched body, unlocked the truck’s door, and made her way to the arms of waiting neighbors. When the EMT’s arrived, some confirmed TC’s death while others rushed Jennie and Tom to the hospital. There, they pulled Tom from Death’s door two separate times. Jennie was examined and it was determined that no physical harm had come to her.**
I thought I was going to change the world when I started volunteering at the shelter. Little did I know that TC would change mine.
I thought I'd change the world when I started volunteering at a domestic violence shelter. Little did I know how my life would change. #Domesticviolencemonth
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Domestic abuse is real. TC was the first woman I worked with who tried to leave domestic violence. She had been given the tools to start a new life, yet she still died at the hands of her abuser.
God did not mean for people to treat each other violently. Please pray for all who deal with domestic abuse.
To the Abused … Contact https://www.thehotline.org/ if you need assistance. Don’t let shame stop you. I pray you’ll use truth and knowledge instead of emotion and fear when dealing with your abuser.
* Actual initials of the person in this story
** Tom recovered but was permanently blinded by the gunshot. He was sent to prison for first degree murder. Because he refused to give up custody of Jennie, she stayed in foster homes until she turned 18.
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 A Lament for TC appeared first on Robin Luftig.
September 24, 2024
When Life Seems Right
If you know me at all, 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 seems right with all man and beast.
Scripture tells us that God appreciates the dark skies as well.
Knowledge RevealedThe 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
God created both day and night, for the just and unjust. We watch as His brilliance fills each day with a promise of a new beginning. Beauty will soon be found in winter mornings of Central Pennsylvania; these moments 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 seems right.
If you allow yourself to stop and watch the skies proclaim the works of His hands, your day will be blessed. You, too, can experience when life seems right.
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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 Seems Right appeared first on Robin Luftig.
