Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 7

The Loneliness in Faith

Stories of faith encourage me–encourage many of us. We read of the struggle, pain, and the loneliness in faith that accompanies many of the greats in faith.

Need a reminder?

Prayer moves the heart of God. “… The prayer of a righteous person has great power” James 5:16 (ESV). Elijah prayed fervently and God sent showers of blessing. There were two outcomes: the people turned back to God (1 Kings 18:39-40) and the drought came to an end (1 Kings 18:41-45).

But there’s also the utter loneliness and emptiness (1 Kings 19:3-4) that proceeds to tested faith.

Not long ago I experienced loneliness in my faith.

You, Robin … Really?

Really.

The only thing that got me from one day to the next was faithful prayer warriors. Some were local, yet others were across the country. Northern states. Southern. Some lived on water, and others lived on mountains.

There's a loneliness in faith. No matter who you are, you will hit a wall and wonder if your faith is real.
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Prayer Can Move the Heart of God

If someone asks for prayer, don’t take that lightly. The loneliness in faith is real. Prayers can change the heart of God.

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 The Loneliness in Faith appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Caged Canary

Coal mining in the 20th century many times included taking a caged canary into the depths underground. These birds were sensitive to carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas devoid of color, taste or smell, that often formed in the mines.

What’s the Big Deal?

A dead bird in the cage meant the miners needed to be alert–deadly conditions were at hand.

What That Means to Us?

Watching the political banter over the past months has been telling. Pointing fingers and one-upping from both sides of the aisle took front and center stage while often pressing issues were left untouched.

I think the caged canary has stopped singing. Please, let’s all heed the issues at hand that prove to be deadly.

A caged canary was used to warn miners when danger was near. What are today's voters looking for to find safety?
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We still have time.

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 Caged Canary appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Power of a Single Word

We all have ways to stay focused … because honestly, when times get tough, we need a reason to keep going. Lately, society has needed to face trails like never before. The economy. Safety in our neighborhoods. Arguments between family members. Even the status of world events.

Life Can be Daunting

To help me focus in, I keep a short list of some of God’s many promises posted on my computer screen. These verses all include the word, “indeed”. When God speaks he doesn’t have to stress his point, but it speaks volumes when he does. There can be power in a single word.

Indeed!

In our search for deep meanings, we often overlook the Power of a Single Word. God has confidence his plans for us.
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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 Power of a Single Word appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children

 

As a parent of three grown children, I’m still always looking to improve my relationship with them. I came across a great post from Shelly Beach and knew I had to share it these Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children with you. 

When my two kids hit their college years, they ran from our house like Jessie Owens at the Berlin Olympics.

And I don’t blame them. I’m pretty sure they were running from me. It wasn’t because I’d nearly snuffed out their young lives with my horrific cooking. But more because I was a Control-a-holic. Not that I would have admitted it or even recognized it back then.

I thought I was being a good mother.

A mother who happened to believe her kids should agree with her, think like her, never question her about the hard stuff, and never smoke, drink, chew or listed to that “other” music.

I panicked when they talked too much like Democrats and became old enough to make their own choices about alcohol. I panicked about their friends about things I imagined they might be doing when they were out of the house.

But I was afraid to trust God with my kids.

Deep down I feared they’d get really angry and confront God with all the messy questions I’d never been allowed to ask. No one in my growing-up churches ever questioned God. My children–our children–were raised in churches that majored on the minors and totally missed the majors. But I’m in no position to blame my churches because I missed so many of “the majors” in my own life–majors in parenting, loving my children, my husband and my God.

As parents, we probably all recognize and even regret our imperfections, mistakes and shortcomings.Those things are in the past, and we can’t change them. But we don’t have to be bound to the past. Here are five things I want to say to my kids today:

As parents, we probably all recognize and even regret our imperfections, mistakes and shortcomings.Those things are in the past, and we can’t change them. But we don’t have to be bound to the past.

One: I’m proud of you and love you unconditionally.

I’m sorry for the parental mess-ups. I think my love came out looking more like a checklist than love way too often. I’m sorry I didn’t do it better but I promise I tried with everything I had. I thank heaven you’ve turned out to be God’s unique, charming, amazing version of you. I will always love you, no matter how tough things may get.

Two: Ask for wisdom or counsel, but don’t ask for permission.

Shortly after my son got married, he and his wife came to visit Dan and me. The four of us headed out for a day of family sightseeing and had arrived at our local zoo when my son asked me if it was okay if he smoked a cigar. I thought it was a sweet gesture, knowing he’d asked out of respect. But he was now a man and head of his own household. He didn’t need to ask his mother’s permission. I gently told him so and said that if he had concerns he should ask his wife. His dad and I were happy to offer wisdom and counsel, but he no longer needed our permission to make decisions, even when he was in our presence.

Three: I am always praying God’s best for your life.

Years passed when my husband and I saw very little of our son and daughter. In her late teens and early twenties, our daughter was living in remote and often dangerous locations all over the world. In many instances, her life was at risk and her calls would begin with words like, “I’m calling you, so you know I’m alive, but I need to tell you…” Our faith was stretched, to say the least. At times I wanted to ask God if somebody else’s child could do this kind of mission work. But deep down, I always knew Jessica was doing what God had called her and equipped her to do.

No matter if your adult child is living like a sinner or living like a saint, they need to know you support them. This doesn’t mean you must always support their choices. But they know you unswervingly desire the best for them and love them. You are always praying God’s best for their life and prosperity.

Four: I’m always here for you.

I’m always here to help. I won’t erase the consequences of your actions, but I will help you face them with integrity and courage. I will help you face sorrow when it comes. I will love you enough to tell you when you are acting in ways that hurt or disrespect others and help you grow through your inevitable weaknesses. I will listen when you confront me about mine and work to be transparent and dedicated to my own spiritual and personal growth. I will try to be here for you in a way that shows the heart and humility of Jesus.

Five: Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.

I’m imperfect. Parts of me are still broken and raggedy. I will still disappoint you and mess up. Maturity in years doesn’t always equal maturity in all areas of life. You probably know some of those areas better than I do. You may even be able to help me understand myself better and we could talk about those things sometime. If there’s something you think needs to be set right between us, I’d like you to bring it to me. I love you, and I want us to have the best relationship possible. Maybe you’ve been more than patient already. Thank you. Just know that I don’t want to give up on us. You’re too important to me.

I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to say many of these things to my adult kids over the years. And I’ve been blessed with amazing, life-infusing responses.

When we struggle as parents, consider these five things to say to your adult children. It may give you suggestions for your own five things.
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What about you? What have you said to your adult children or parent/s that has made a positive difference in your relationship? ou may want to consider sharing these five Things with your adult children.

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 Five Things to Say to Your Adult Children appeared first on Robin Luftig.

It May Be Challenging Now

Time may seem like it stands still until you look back over the years. You may think preparing for school is challenging now, but try … oh, please try … to embrace each day. When I look back over different times in my life, this is what I found.

August 1983

The cool air stirred and long sun rays of morning greeted us as we walked the long driveway to meet an unknown world. It took everything in me to stop from crying.

“Today will be a great day!” I said, with too much pep in my voice. I wanted to make sure I told him all he needed to know for this special morning. “You’ll meet new people and it’ll be terrific!”

We continued to walk, hand in hand as we always had in the past. He stopped, looked up into my eyes, and with a sober voice, “It is a great day, right, Mommy?”

Little Sis skipped along singing Great day, It’s gonna be a great day … She had no idea the somberness of this moment. But how could she? How could she know what it felt like to lose a firstborn into an Unknown World?

Soon the bus pulled up and stopped, throwing open its doors. Big Brother climbed what seemed to be oversized steps as he entered the bowels of the yellow-orange bus that would take him away. I watched from the driveway as he found a seat by the window and settled in for the ride. The top of his head was all I could see as the bus wheezed, jerked a bit, and then drove away.

Tears washed my face all the way home. Once inside, Little Sis and I filled our morning with lots of nothing special, passing the time until Big Brother returned. When we caught a glimpse of the big yellow-orange bus turning the corner to approach our house, we ran out to greet him. Once off the bus, we smothered him with hugs and kisses. Big Brother walked differently on the way home–a bit taller, his shoulders, a bit straighter. He had faced the giant called Kindigar’n and had stories to tell!

I survived the first day of school.

August 1984

Once again, the three of us walked down the long driveway. As before, I did everything I could not cry. This time, Big Brother held Little Sis’s hand as we strolled along.

“Today’s a great day!” Big Brother told his sister. “I did this last year. You’ll be great.”

It was Little Sis’s turn to square her shoulders when the yellow-orange bus pulled up. Without a look back, she marched up the huge steps just as Big Brother prepared her to do. She trusted him. They were together and would be fine.

I walk back to the house alone. All morning, I walked from one room to another, trying to fill the emptiness with some pretense of purpose.

That afternoon, the yellow-orange bus pulled to our stop. Big Brother and Little Sis came bounding down the steps. My arms ached just a bit for the babies who had grown up so quickly. But I’d made it. I survived my second first day of school.

August 1995

My baby … Youngest Boy … and I sat on the front steps of our new home and waited for the yellow-orange bus. Youngest Boy’s older siblings were already arguing about getting the best seats on the bus. But Youngest Boy and I stayed apart, getting a sense of what was in store for each of us.

“Today’s a great day,” I bumped his shoulder with mine, hoping my peaceful demeanor would give him confidence.

“Really Mommy, a great day?”

“One of the greatest ever!” I hugged Youngest Boy close.

Too soon the yellow-orange bus stopped in front of the house and my three gifts from God rambled up the steps, with Youngest Boy needing some assistance. Tears flowed once again as I watched the bus round the corner and drive out of sight. I sighed, went back into the house, and drank my coffee.

I had survived my last first day of school.

It May Be Challenging Now
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August 2012

Driving to work this morning, I watched from my car as mommies walked their young ones to the different bus stops along my route. I saw them wipe tears away as they did their best to ready their precious babies to meet their own Unknown World. I reflected on my own firsts. Then it hit me: Today I am facing the first day in twenty-nine years when I don’t have a child experiencing some kind of school.

The days of elementary, middle, high school, or college–have left me behind.

For a fleeting moment, I longed for just one more shopping trip to pick out the perfect backpack, the most awesome outfits, or the most confusing calculator.

In a blink

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I watched a big yellow beast carry my sweet ones into a new season of their lives. I can still see the top of Big Brother’s head through the bus window, the squared shoulders of Little Sis as she marched into her future, and the tenderness of Youngest Boy as he struggled with mastering the bus steps.

I think I’m going to text my three children and let them know that I’m very proud of them. They have met their Unknown World and survived …

And I did, too.

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens
Ecclesiastics 3:1

 
Reposted from August 22, 2012. 

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 It May Be Challenging Now appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Division Between Friends

The days are getting longer and, during these political times, more challenging. I’ve seen more division between friends than I’ve ever seen before.

Your Purpose

Don’t forget your purpose. God’s very clear on this.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

 

We all know this but often forget, because it’s easy to lose focus on purpose during these days.

Bite your lip and hang in there. Friendships are precious, sometimes very delicate, and worth the effort.

God’s not surprised about what’s happening. Let’s keep our focus on His plan. There, we can find strength and peace. And do whatever you can to stop the division between friends. At Thanksgiving when you’re sitting the table with those who tried to argue with you, you’ll be glad you did.

Political conversations often cause division between friends. But it's possible to still talk current events without causing harm.
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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 Division Between Friends appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Powerful Yet Little-Known

People often point to favorite verses in scripture–those verses that brings a tear to your eyes. These verses are powerful and often live-changing. But we cannot forget those little-known verses. The verses that get little recognition. Here’s a little-referenced verse:

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”
1 Timothy 4:13

Huh?

What’s so important about this verse? Isn’t this one of those “filler” verses? All excellent questions. But it was in an early-morning study time when I recently read 1 Timothy 4. When I got to verse thirteen, I put my coffee down, closed my eyes, and leaned back into my chair.

If you are scratching your head, thinking “Robin, what’s so special about these words?”, consider this:

All Scripture is God Breathed

We must never forget that the Bible is “God breathed”, meaning all scripture comes from the mouth of God. That fact alone makes all verses powerful. Ponder … it was God’s plan to include this and every other verse to pull us closer to The Father.

Once we see Scripture as it was meant to be seen, we open our heart to God’s plan for us.

Paul’s Focus on Service

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left …” shows us Paul’s attitude towards his young friend. Even while he sat in prison and faced all that prison brings, he was confident in Tyler’s ability and desire to be of service.

“When you come, bring … my scrolls, especially the parchments.”

Scholars surmise that Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote 1 Timothy. While this letter to Christians presents the most complete list of instructions for church leadership in the entire Bible, it also gives us gems like 1 Timothy 4:13. It shows us not only how to be focused at the task at hand (i.e., living for Christ), but also how to accept instruction from church leadership.

To preform service for others is offering the hand of Christ. In Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus tells of the beauty–or ugliness–surrounded offering, or holding back, service.

Reading scripture is a perfect way to get close to God, but what do you do with those powerful yet little-known, verses?
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So what does this mean to us?

I was ready to cruise past 1 Timothy 4:13, but God paused my heart so I could understand him better. In that pause, I learned a great lesson on service. Maybe he’s trying to do that to you as well. The Bible is filled with powerful yet little-known verses. Let’s do our best to seek them out and see what God is trying to tell us.

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 Powerful Yet Little-Known appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Something to Ponder

Sometimes we make life more complicated than it was meant to be. Take a moment to listen to the words of the last Billy Graham, shared by Jonathan Merritt. It’s something to ponder.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-S3_s9pRZk/?igsh=ZXR6aHpoaGl2Zm85

My goal is to remember who I am … and who I am not. Take a moment on this. It’s truly something to ponder.

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 Something to Ponder appeared first on Robin Luftig.

I’ll Pray for You

How often do the words, “I’ll pray for you” pass over your lips? This offer of encouragement–and often the intentions behind them–is meant to lift a person’s spirits. Why is it, then, we later feel a sadness in our heart?

That makes no sense, but stick with me on this.

Picture this: Susie and Molly (both fictitious names) bump into one another in the produce section of the neighborhood’s grocery. They’re truly good friends and are legitimately happy to see one another glad they have the chance to catch up, right there amongst the melons and apples. They talk about how wonderful life has been since they last spoke. All is well.

The Mood shifts

After the fluff of their conversation is over, Susie lowers her head and whispers. “I’ve been meaning to call you. To be honest, there’s more. Life’s been difficult over the past few weeks. Circumstances out of my control have ripped against the seams of my family.” Molly reaches for her friend and offers comfort. Tears streak both ladies’ cheeks. Molly hates the thought of Susie hurting and wants to offer her support. They hug and she offers, “I’ll pray for you” before they both go their own ways.

What does 'I'll pray for you' really mean?
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Does this scenario sound familiar? Possibly? Probably. God’s desire to bring comfort to those around, yet we’re too absorbed in our lives … our lists of things to accomplish … that we miss them.

What Is Missed?

In Susie’s pain, she reached out to a trusted friend for support. And Sally, albeit, well-meaning, offers empty words of comfort. If God can guide the steps of men (Psalms 37:23), doesn’t it make sense that Molly was meant to bump into Susie? If this example of a story is true …

Molly Misses a Blessing

We’re all Molly now and then. We mean well. When we talk to a friend in need we have all good intentions of praying for them later. Sometimes we do, but often life gets in the way. The kids need help with their homework. Dinner needs attention. Laundry’s waiting. The demands go on and on. And we forget to pray for our friend, like Susie.

Susie Misses a Blessing

While I’m sure Susie appreciates the words, she doesn’t get the blessing of experiencing Molly taking her needs–right then–before God.

Susie, like all of us, wants to know that God sees us. Consider James 5:15a (… the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well…). It’s not to bring attention to you, the pray-er, but to let God use us to remind the pray-ee that God sees them and hears their pain.

Lost Opportunity to Show Faith in Action

Susie had an opportunity to show her faith. Molly would’ve been blessed by the prayer, but it’s the memory of Molly expecting God to show up is lost would stick with her for quite a while.

Serendipity Effects of an Obedient Heart

God’s plans for us are bigger than we can imagine. He’s the master of painting a situation with serendipity blessings.

With that in mind, I plan to look at the phrase “I’ll Pray for You” differently and with more humility.

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 I’ll Pray for You appeared first on Robin Luftig.

We All Need a Story of Courage

These are turbulent times. What seems right is deemed wrong, and what has been unspeakable for years in now common. Conversations aren’t about communication, they’re about combat. It’s clear: we all need a story of courage.

Daniel, Chapter 10 tells a great story. I won’t add to, or detract from it. The passage stands on its own. I’m using The Message version, because it is easiest for all who read it to understand.

Take a moment. Look at this. It might help you see a bigger picture.

Daniel, Chapter 10

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was made plain to Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar. The message was true. It dealt with a big war. He understood the message, the understanding coming by revelation:

2-3 “During those days, I, Daniel, went into mourning over Jerusalem for three weeks. I ate only plain and simple food, no seasoning or meat or wine. I neither bathed nor shaved until the three weeks were up.

4-6 “On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices.

7-8 “I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn’t see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. Left alone after the appearance, abandoned by my friends, I went weak in the knees, the blood drained from my face.

9-10 “I heard his voice. At the sound of it I fainted, fell flat on the ground, face in the dirt. A hand touched me and pulled me to my hands and knees.

11 “‘Daniel,’ he said, ‘man of quality, listen carefully to my message. And get up on your feet. Stand at attention. I’ve been sent to bring you news.’

“When he had said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking.

12-14 “‘Relax, Daniel,’ he continued, ‘don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I’m here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what’s ahead.’

From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you.
Daniel 10:12

15-17 “While he was saying all this, I looked at the ground and said nothing. Then I was surprised by something like a human hand that touched my lips. I opened my mouth and started talking to the messenger: ‘When I saw you, master, I was terror-stricken. My knees turned to water. I couldn’t move. How can I, a lowly servant, speak to you, my master? I’m paralyzed. I can hardly breathe!’

18-19 “Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’

We All Need a Story of Courage
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“Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, ‘Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage.’

20-21 “He said, ‘Do you know why I’ve come here to you? I now have to go back to fight against the angel-prince of Persia, and when I get him out of the way, the angel-prince of Greece will arrive. But first let me tell you what’s written in The True Book. No one helps me in my fight against these beings except Michael, your angel-prince.’”

We must never stop praying. God immediately hears our prayers. Trust that in fact, when so much these days seem out of control.

The post We All Need a Story of Courage appeared first on Robin Luftig.