Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog

Authors, if you’re going to be in the Meadville PA area on December 6th, you may want to consider participating at the Family Friendly Book Bazaar-Author Event,��along with Beautiful Balance Inspirations.

Held in conjunction with CCA’s Christmas Craft Fair and Pancake Breakfast. ��Contact Ellen Byham��for details.

 

The post Book Bazaar-Author Event appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Some books bless you as you read them, others bless you as you write them. This book, God’s Best During Your Worst (Kaleidoscope Publishing), has been both. Even though it took less than a year to write, it took several years of query letters, proposals, and re-writes to get it published. I was not shy regarding doing the work to get this book out. My conversation with God, “You gave me this story to write so I’ll do my part. Who publishes it is on Your plate.” Here’s a peak into God’s Best During Your Worst: A Preview. After you read this, I’d love to chat.

Moment of Truth
Journal entry: Saturday, April 2, 2011, 2:30 a.m.
I arrived at the hospital last night by ambulance. The waiting areas were crazy-busy with people everywhere. Gurneys and wheelchairs lined the hallways—each holding patients with a variety of ailments. Wish they could change emergency room smells. They are always the same: a mixture of antiseptics, urine, and vomit.

It started as any other day

“See you upstairs honey,” I called over my shoulder as I headed to bed. “And don’t forget to set up the bikes.”

Deciding to marry again after so many years of being single was one of the best decisions I’d ever made. Lew brought balance to my life. His motto: work hard but remember to play.

Our Friday dinner-out ritual gave us the opportunity to talk and laugh. We usually chose a secluded restaurant booth. There, we’d shake off the tensions of the week, his as a business analyst and mine an executive assistant to a college vice president. Our goal was to pull our focus forward.

The weather report offered the promise of perfect weather—no rain in sight—for a bike ride the next morning, so a good night’s sleep was a priority. Under the covers, I snuggled into the pillows, smooshing the fluff of the down into a just-right position. Lew lagged behind to check on our pets, set out our bikes, and lock the doors.

God had blessed me with a wonderful life. A perfect life.

As I waited for my husband and held the edge of my pillow, I realized my right hand clung tight. It wouldn’t let go—couldn’t let go.

This is odd.

Stretched out on my side, I squinted in the dim light at my hand. I saw my fingers curled, clenching the feathery pillow in a death grip.

What a whopper of a cramp.

I skootched onto my left elbow. With my free hand, I tried to pry my right fingers open. They would not release. Even as I tugged, there was no pain from my clenched hold, but loosening its grasp proved to be impossible.

After several moments, I gave a yank and jerked the pillow out of my grip. That’s when my hand began moving on its own, slowly twisting outward. Moments later, my arm began to bend, first at the wrist then contorting, rotating away from my body. A pitiful wisp of air escaped my lips in a pathetic attempt to scream. Excruciating pain seared through me. Still my arm twisted, spastic and palsied. Terrified, I thought I would soon hear bones snap. Nothing relieved my pain or the contortions.

What’s wrong with me? Am I having a stroke? Am I going to die? Is God bringing me home?

Sounds of Lew’s steps tapped on the hallway floor outside our room. The instant he walked in, I made eye contact and silently pleaded for help. Shock registered on his face. He rushed to my side and tried to open my grip and straighten my arm.

“Call 9-1-1,” I gasped a rough, airy noise.

The words had barely escaped my lips when my entire body began flailing, resembling a toy controlled by some insane puppeteer.

After Lew made a quick call to 9-1-1, he knelt at my side, watching and waiting for the seizure to pass. After what felt like an eternity, the twitching and thrashing waned. My arm relaxed. My breathing became less labored. Lew carefully pulled me close. We held each other, willing our fear away.

Reflections of flashing ambulance lights glowed through the window and pulsated against the bedroom wall.

I’ll be fine now. Help is here.

Dead Weight

When the EMTs entered the bedroom, they immediately checked my vitals.

“Your pulse and heart rate are racing a bit, Mrs. Luftig, but that’s to be expected,” one of them said offhandedly. “Your body is reacting to trauma.” Neither of the medical team appeared alarmed, so I began to relax.

Slowly, I regained my voice. The EMTs and I maintained a strained level of small talk while they continued their examination. They wrapped a blood pressure cuff on my right arm, noted a higher than normal elevation in my blood pressure, and attributed it to my body’s response to the trauma.

Once the EMT removed the cuff, however, my arm dropped onto the bed. Instantly their demeanor changed. Chatter stopped. They began working in double-time. One of them snatched the sheets off me and reached for my legs.

“Can you wiggle your toes?” he asked. My left foot responded, but my right foot remained motionless.

“Move your right leg, Mrs. Luftig.”

Again, no response.

A deep dread washed over me. “I don’t understand.” Strangers stood in my bedroom, but I had little time or inclination to concern myself with clothes draped over the chair or other housekeeping faux pas. This was all business.

“Grasp my hands; use both of them. Reach for me.”

My left fingers reached effortlessly toward him, but my right arm and hand remained motionless.

Dead weight.

My left fingers reached effortlessly toward him, but my right arm and hand remained motionless.
Dead weight.

I willed my arm to move. I tried to wiggle my fingers—the fingers that had just moments ago resembled curled talons—even tried to move my legs and wriggle my toes, but the right side of my body refused to cooperate.

Realization hit hard—my right side was paralyzed.

The EMTs wasted no time. They expertly moved me onto the gurney and rushed me to the ambulance.

As I entered the hospital, an ER nurse assigned me to a private curtained room, where Lew and I attempted to comfort each other. To make sense of the paralysis and seizure.

“Good evening, Mrs. Luftig,” Dr. Rupen Modi said as he threw back the curtain, entering my room. “What brings you here today?”

His kind demeanor calmed me, and I immediately felt at peace.

This man will find out what’s wrong. I’ll be just fine.

After Dr. Modi’s initial evaluation of my symptoms and multiple questions, he shared his conclusion.

“Seems you’ve suffered a mini stroke. People have them more times than you think,” he said. “It may be something you’ll learn to deal with.”

It was as if all the air left the room. The thought of never knowing when I could experience the same loss of control stole my breath.

“I don’t know what I just experienced,” I said through tears, “but there’s no way I can learn to live with that. There has to be a reason for what happened!”

Moment of Truth

Dr. Modi ordered an MRI, and I willed myself to relax. We waited for the results.

By 4 a.m. I had regained control on my right side, with only a veiled numbness lingering on my right-hand fingertips.

Even with the intruding lights and hectic noises from the nurses’ station outside our curtained hideout, Lew and I dozed as we awaited the end to this nightmare.

We roused when Dr. Modi returned to my room, ashen-faced, eyes focused on the floor, not looking to either Lew or me. He walked to the right side of my bed and placed two pieces of paper face down beside me. He then lifted his gaze to meet mine.

“I’m so sorry, Mrs. Luftig,” he said in a soft voice as he reached for my hand, stroking the top of it ever so gently, “You have a tumor on your brain.”

What?

“The tests show you experienced a massive seizure. Right now, we’re quite sure the tumor caused it—”

Tumor?

“You did not suffer a mini stroke as we first thought—”

I have a tumor?

“It’s much more serious. The tumor on your brain is about the size of a man’s fist—”

A brain tumor?

“We’ll schedule you with a neurosurgeon later today—”

I can’t have a brain tumor.

“My colleagues and I are relatively confident the surgeon will order more tests, but my guess is you’ll need surgery within a week or two. This is not my area of expertise—I’m an emergency medicine doctor.” He raked his hair with his fingers. “And I don’t know neurology’s surgical schedule.” He picked up the pictures and stared at them. “But I know this much. You must remove that tumor before it causes any more damage. Don’t hold me to it, but you’re probably looking at surgery in ten days.”

Ten days? You can’t be serious. Is this a joke?

Lew and I stared at each other, then turned back to the doctor.

“What are you saying? I can’t have a tumor on my brain. There must be some mistake. I’ve been fine.” I willed my declaration to make it so.

With that, Dr. Modi picked the two papers from the bed and handed them to me. They were two black-and-white MRI scanned images. From the side and back views, the bones of my skull glowed white against the black film. I easily located the dark areas of my eye socket and sinus cavity. Behind them sat the folds and wrinkles of my brain.

Then I spotted it.

My tumor.

Amidst the brain matter, a light gray mass more than twice the size of my eye socket was adhered to my skull. Studying the second image—a posterior view of my skull—I realized the tumor filled approximately a quarter of the area meant for my brain.

I began to cry.

Lew, who had been sitting in a chair on my left, rose and gently pulled the two pictures from me. He wrapped his fingers around mine, comforting me the best he could. From his expression, I knew he could not comprehend the news that had just assaulted us.

“Mrs. Luftig, can I get the hospital chaplain for you? A priest or maybe a pastor?”

Priest? Pastor? I don’t need them, I need …

“Dr. Modi,” I said. “Are you a man of faith?”

The expression on his face changed from serious concern to peaceful reflection.

“Yes, as a matter of fact I am,” he said smiling. “I called out to God a few months past. He was there, waiting for me.” The doctor paused, as if remembering an earlier time.

He continued, “I know God well. That’s why I asked if you’d prefer to share this news and pray with someone.”

“Please, Dr. Modi, I’m not interested in finding a priest or hospital chaplain to pray with me. I want you to pray for me.”

That was odd.

Here I lay in a hospital bed, facing the greatest fear I had ever known, and I asked the doctor, a man I’d met only a few hours earlier, to pray for me.

Sweet Presence

A profound sense of peace washed over my tiny, curtained ER room. With Lew and Dr. Modi on opposite sides of my bed, we reached out a free hand to one another. Uncertainty loomed. Yet an unmistakable, almost palpable, presence of God pressed in.

“Dear heavenly Father,” I whispered. “Thank You for being the God above all gods. Thank You for the blessings You have bestowed on me today. I know the stars hang in the heavens because You put them there. You make the sun rise in the East. Your Word tells me that You knew me before I took form in my mother’s belly and even know the hairs on my head.”

Pausing, I took a breath and continued with timid confidence.

“Father, I know this tumor is no surprise to You. I know You have been aware of the day, hour, and moment I would have my seizure. I know You were even there in my bedroom when I thought I was dying.”

Tears streamed my cheeks, yet I continued.

“I know what I know, Lord, but I have to say I’ve never been this afraid before. Have You forgotten me? Please help me.” I squeezed Lew’s hand. “Father, I’m afraid and confused. Please stay close. Amen.”

After moments of silence and with a raspy voice, thick from holding back tears, Lew prayed.

“Heavenly Father, we love and honor You. Please, give me back my wife.”

All he had was this one bold prayer. Yet in his shock, he still honored God.

“Dear God,” Dr. Modi offered his part of our group prayer with a quiet voice. “Thank You for Your provisions that fill our day. I pray You bless Robin. Help her trust You through this process and after. Amen.”

We let go of one another’s grasp. I became cognizant of the voices and clamoring noises beyond the curtain. I could feel the sweet presence of God in the still air around us. A profound serenity washed over me. That’s when I heard four words from deep in my heart. Words I had heard weeks earlier.

Do you trust Me?

In a flash, I recalled the moment in the car when I’d heard God speak those words.

Now, I may only have ten days until surgery … less than two weeks to accomplish everything I hoped to accomplish, experience everything I yearned to experience, and say everything I wanted to say to those who needed to hear from me.

Though Dr. Modi deferred the responsibility of giving me a more in-depth assessment of my condition to the neurosurgeon, it was glaringly obvious he didn’t say I’d be just fine. He gave no guarantee I would make it through surgery, let alone have a life beyond it. And if I did survive the surgery, there were no promises of what type of life I would lead.

Lew leaned over the padded bedrail to give me a kiss. His breath smelled of stale coffee. I must have been a bit pungent myself. Fear and adrenaline coated my skin. My tongue tried to wet my parched mouth. I had to be satisfied with ice chips. I don’t even have the luxury of smelling of stale coffee. It didn’t matter. Nothing really mattered. I may die soon. I took in a deep breath and tried to focus.

In those early morning hours, my mind raced, seeking out the promises of God’s trustworthiness. One thought stood front and center: Do you trust Me?

Memories of rich experiences throughout my life faded. This was the motherlode—my moment of truth.

I may only have ten days to live, and I needed to know if I believed God was trustworthy. Was my faith strong enough? Could I believe that His umbrella of protection would be enough to keep me safe from life’s tragedies? From death? From being less than I was?

If you’re in the Canton Ohio area …

If you’re in the Canton Ohio area, October 10-12, I’ll be in the Belden Village Mall for the Hometown Vender Market. Stop by, I’d love to meet you.

The post God’s Best During Your Worst: A Preview appeared first on Robin Luftig.

They may say it with a smile, or with a scowl. They often speak through gifts or demands. But however the people come across and show or tell who they are–believe them.

So many are struggling with this simple fact. Phrases like, “But they were so nice” are said. Or, “You snapped … I thought you were angry with me” keep many people confused.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1

What’s that mean?

How are we to test a spirit and see if it’s from God? ��One of the best ways is to examine review the words being said and what is declared in the person’s life. Are words and actions matching? Do they act in private like they do in public? That’s a good tell.

Take a moment and breathe

Pause. ��Do the words or actions point to Christ or the teachings of Christ, or do they point to self gratification? 1 John 4 continues:

This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming ��and even now is already in the world.
1 John 4:2-3

People are still reeling over the death of Charlie Kirk and several voices are vying for attention. It is wise to be on guard. Remember, the Apostle Paul wrote of what Christians need to strive for when trying to emulate Jesus:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Be honest … did just you smile?��

It makes my heart happy when I review the list of the Fruits of the Spirit. So what do we do when people show these characteristics? More times than not, they can be believed. We watch … and learn … and then we believe them.

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 Believe Them appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Life’s been hard of late, but it helps–with everything–to focus on Truth. It can be incredibly difficult to pull away from all the activity surrounding us. But truth is still there, waiting to be found. Where to find wisdom? God’s words are the only place to find undeniable truth.

Here’ s a nugget about being alone:

 “… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

When you feel like you don’t matter:

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:4-7

When you’re afraid of what might be in the future:

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:28-34

Passages Grounded in Truth

So fret if you must, but know it’s for no reason. Surprises can knock the wind from our sails. I totally get that. But know God’s plan are stronger than time.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 33:11

For me, when I focus on truth, Life falls into perspective. I hope it does for you as well.

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 Focus on Truth appeared first on Robin Luftig.

This past week has filled many of us with a myriad of feelings. I’m ashamed to say I could have been wiser when it came to posting on social media. Watching the assassination of  Charlie Kirk rocked many Christians in this country. Yet as hours passed, it became evident: the wheat and th chaff were separating. An action I experienced up close and personal. So let me ask … have you lost friends yet?

It comes down to Jesus

It’s confusing at the jump to say that Charlie was killed because of his political leanings. While he was a powerhouse, creating Turning Point USA at eighteen, His intellect, his humility, and his constitutional knowledge and passion for his conservative position on civil topics, he was so much more. What many learned over the past week was how unwavering he was on his love for Jesus Christ.

He stood steadfast with Jesus. 

As I watched several instagram and Youtube recordings of his exchanges with students, it was abundantly clear that he cared for college kids. Truly cared. He debated, but never fought. In fact, he would often quiet the crowd to have them show respect to student at the mic. He modeled how to share a dialog. He was truly amazing and the nation is feeling the loss.

Many have turned to Jesus

Looking over several posts on social media, a saw where a few stood proud on Charlie’s assassination. However, more shared processing their grief out loud. There was anger at the senseless loss. Then … slowly (and especially after his widow, Erika, took to the stage), I watched as people began internalizing what this meant for them personally. While Charlie’s death rocked many to their core, they slowly turned their focus away from their pain and back to Jesus.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28

I watched as this activity was going on around me. Hmmm, I thought. Good for them who are learning to put God first.

Then it happened to me

Then, out of the blue, a “friend” sent me a highly controversial a Youtube tweet about a man spewing hate toward Christians and their “propaganda”. I asked this person if they realized what they sent me was hateful, and did he realize I was a Christian as well. Then I said, “If you don’t know I’m a staunch Christian, then I’ve failed. If you sent this tweet to hurt me, then I question our friendship.” This person said, “If you condone the Christian stance in the YouTube for any reason, then we are not friends.  Choose wisely …”

This note caught my breath. To be honest, initially, my feelings were hurt. How could someone not like another person because of who they believe. Then I felt incredible peace as I remembered Jesus’ words:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
John 15:18-19

I choose Jesus

I know now, more than ever, that this is a spiritual battle.  My eyes have been opened to the hatred around me in a grand way. This week I’ve realized when I focus on Jesus, I am not moved by the opinions of others who don’t have my best interest at heart.

I know now, more than ever, that this is a spiritual battle. My eyes have been opened to that in a grand way.
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Do you see what’s happening around you? Have you lost friends yet? Are people asking you to “choose wisely”? Or, more seriously, do your friends even know you’re a Christ follower? I am more confident than ever that my days are limited; more days are behind me than wait ahead of me. How I choose to live these few days is precious. Yes, I intend to choose wisely.

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
Proverbs 4:14-15

Watch who you stand with. I hope you do as well.

The post Have You Lost Friends Yet appeared first on Robin Luftig.

We know we’re going to have a bad day or two. Most of us can handle an unplanned blip in our schedule and ride it out without a care in the world. No harm, no foul, right? But what happens when the one or two days turn into three … or four? It may be hard to believe, but you may want to consider gratitude, because gratitude changes everything.

Not Sold?

Not sold? Think of the most joy-filled people know. They always seem to have a smile on their face and a kind word to say to you. If you know them well, you know their past is marred will find great tragedy. Their heartbreaking events could have destroyed them. Instead of letting circumstances run their emotions, they chose gratitude.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly�� ��. . . singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.�� Colossians 3:16

Let’s not allow what’s temporary to shake our forever. Gratitude can change everything . . .�� if we allow it to.

It may be hard to believe, but you may want to consider gratitude, because gratitude changes everything.
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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 Consider Gratitude appeared first on Robin Luftig.

We’ve fallen in love with the Ladies of the Fire characters … but I want to introduce you to new faces, changed faces, and even not-seen-for-a-while faces in this peek into Ladies on a Mission.

Ladies You Already Know

Lily-Rose Pembrick

Lily-Rose, the fiery-red hair, porcelain skin, and a soft-spoken woman and focus of Ladies of the Fire, is the level-headed one of the three and originally hailed from Lincoln, Nebraska. ��Her childhood was rough, but she rose above it and met the love-of-her-life, Edward. When Edward died in a freak accident, she questioned her and her children’s safety and fled to Applegate, Ohio and found solace in her new home.

Fiona Boyd-Kasey

Fiona, the heart of Ladies Uncover a Secret, is strikingly beautiful. Her black hair exenterates her olive skin. Her piercing blue eyes have the ability to look beyond what is in front of her and straight into the mind of who she���s talking to. Her sharp tongue and dry sense keeps conversations lively. She can get the best of anyone in a debate on almost any subject.��

Sugar Bowersox

Sugar, the star of the latest episode of the ladies’ friendship in Ladies on a Mission, is the picture of perfection; tall, blonde and soft-spoken, with a smile that could warm any room. Her Appalachian Mountain charm and spoken twang keeps the reader on their toes.

Some Faces From the Past

You’ve met them before, but never really got to know them. Since we’re revisiting the ladies’ lives ten years later, there are some changes. Check out these brief descriptions.

I want to introduce you to new faces, changed faces, and even not-seen-for-a-while faces in this peek into Ladies on a Mission.
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Dungar Bowersox

Dungar, Sugar���s high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband, is so endeared by the Ladies, that he was granted honorary membership to the ladies of the fire. However, his tragedy has shaken all the ladies. He’s doing his best to maintain integrity, but the struggles beat him down.

Addi Bowersox

Addi, the middle daughter of Sugar and Dungar, is now a high school senior and is trying to find the kind of person she wants to be. It’s a struggle all teens face, but her father’s issues are flaring up in her face.

Christopher Pembrick

The love-to-hate character from Ladies of the Fire, comes to Trotter to lend a helping hand to Dungar. His insight knowledge to the workings of a corrupt world are what Dungar needs right now.

Granny (Betty May Thompson)

Sugar’s mother has a powerful presence in Ladies on a Mission. There’s more to Granny than what she wants you to know. Experience the roots of her sass and spunk.

New Characters for You to Love (or Hate)

Here’s a Trotter family, the Eldridge family. Some of these characters you’ll either enjoy or detest. Which will it be?

The Eldridge Family

Burl Eldridge – The head of the Eldridge clan. He’s earned millions from mining as well as moonshine. A nefarious person if there was ever one.

Lovey Eldridge – Burl’s wife. A woman closer to her Merlot than her husband. Her story is a sad one, but nobody cares.

Hasil Eldridge (pronounced Haa-sil,) – Burl and Lovey’s son and district attorney for the Trotter area. He still carries a chip on his shoulder from high school when Dungar outshined him in sports as well as relationships.

Dora Eldridge – Hasil’s daughter and Addi’s friend. Is she a normal teen or a psycho? Time will tell.

We’ve fallen in love with the Ladies of the Fire characters … but I want to introduce you to new faces, changed faces, and even not-seen-for-a-while faces in this peek into Ladies on a Mission.

Ladies��� Fans, Watch for Ladies on a Mission

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled.

Years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

The Ladies��� latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

 

 

 

 

The post Peek into Ladies on a Mission appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Is there a story in you, thrashing around to get out? Is your glass half full or half empty���or is the substance in your glass dancing and whirlpooling? You may be a writer-in-waiting.

Check out Edie Melson’s post.��It offers seven tips on how to be ready when inspiration hits.

Be ready. Offer your impressions��to life. Tell your story. There are others who are waiting to read what you have to write.

Is there a story in you, thrashing around to get out? Is your glass half full or half empty���or is the substance in your glass dancing and whirlpooling? You may be a writer-in-waiting.
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Ladies��� Fans, Watch for Ladies on a Mission

Full lives aren���t necessarily lives fulfilled.

Years have passed and it���s 1984. Sugar Bowersox and her family recently moved to Trotter, Kentucky, where Dungar could take the head coach of the brand new Trotter College. They were both thrilled too come back. Sugar thought once they returned to their childhood hometown, life would be smooth sailing. But those thoughts ended when a star football player is found in the weight room ��� stabbed and holding onto life. Dungar���s a mess. Their daughters are struggling as they try to find their way in their new lives. And Gran is feistier than ever. When Sugar calls Lily-Rose and shares the upheavals to their lives, she ached for her friendship with Lily-Rose and Fiona. ���Lily-Rose, I don���t know where to start. But I need you and Weeds. I sure could use a fire.���

The Ladies��� latest adventure, Ladies on a Mission, takes them to Kentucky and a world unknown to Lily-Rose and Fiona. New and not-so-new faces participate in this newest who-done-it.

 

The post A Writer-in-Waiting appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Cleaning my hard drive files from writing God’s Best During Your Worst, I came across several I couldn’t delete. Like the letters I wrote to my children, just in case I didn’t survive brain surgery. These are not for public consumption, but I couldn’t delete them. However, here’s a file that shows my thoughts on being one blessed gal I chose to share.

A Glimpse Behind the Curtain

I learned during the ten-day journey from brain tumor discovery through surgery then on to healing, there are opportunities for a grateful heart. This is the file I discovered:

The strange places I���ve found myself over the past few days ���

I have no idea if any of this means anything, but it���s been fun to smile, giggle, and appreciate here and there:

I felt my pulse through my tear ducts the other day ��� too coolI did a little cough and heard fluidic noises through my head ��� awesome cool!!My kids are the best hug givers ��� not bone crushing but with purposeLew [my husband] is a multi-tasker and the ultimate everything for meSleep comes either in one chunk or little snippets ��� either are goodThere���s nothing finer than fresh, comfy PJ���s after a shower from being in day-old comfy PJ���sBruises fade and surgical tape can come off with light rubbing and vitamin E creamOther people can make great smells come from your kitchen ��� you don���t always have to be in chargeI love you���s come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and forms ��� all carrying the same intense meaning

I���m one blessed gal.

Cleaning off my hard drive, I was reminded that I'm One Blessed Gal
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Make Your Own List

What’s my story have to do with you? Not everyone has a brain tumor and needs immediate surgery. There are several areas of trauma that can wrap us up into knots. Financial … relationships … children … the list is endless. ��You can make your onw list. During even the worst of times, try and find areas for gratitude. It may be in the area of friendships. Because we are relational, friendships are powerful. Check out several of the Proverbs:

17:17 … “A friend loves at all times …”18:24 … “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”27:6 … “Faithful are the wounds of a friend …”27:17 … “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”Be Blessed as Well

Life comes with twists and turns. Tragedy can strike in a moment and change your world forever. But take heart, God is right there with you, through it all the challenges.

He was with me.

Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don���t matter? 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.

 

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Here’s a call out to all teachers or to anyone who loves a teacher. What if your classroom could be a sanctuary and not just a battlefield? A place where God���s presence transforms every challenge? In From the Playground to the Battleground, veteran teacher Michelle Ruddell invites fellow educators to rediscover the joy and purpose in their calling. Through forty powerful devotions, she weaves together Scripture, prayer, and personal anecdotes, addressing the triumphs and trials of teaching with honesty and hope.

What You Can Expect

Ruddell���s words will resonate with teachers who yearn to feel seen, valued, and divinely supported in this vital field. This book is a lifeline for educators, offering daily inspiration to:
��� Embrace both the playground joys and battleground struggles.
��� Find strength in God���s unwavering presence.
��� Renew passion for shaping young minds and hearts.

Reviewed by Brenda Parker, Better Help Therapist:

Whether you are a new or a well-seasoned educator, this book will resonate with you. If it doesn���t, hold on to the book because it will! Let From the Playground to the Battle Ground be your companion as you step into the classroom each day, armed with faith and renewed purpose.About Michelle

Michelle Ruddell is an author, speaker, and 26-year veteran public school teacher who helps women find their strength in the joy of the Lord. It doesn’t matter if it���s pointing teachers to the playground moments in their classrooms or encouraging grieving parents to find that joy and sorrow coexist. Michelle draws on her experience and testimony of God���s faithfulness in both areas.

Whether you are a new or a well-seasoned educator, this book will resonate with you. If it doesn���t, hold on to the book because it will! Let From the Playground to the Battle Ground be your companion as you step into the classroom each day, armed with faith and renewed purpose.

 

In addition to From the Playground to the Battleground�� she’s written a handbook on healing, Welcome to the Club, I���m Sorry You���re Here, Hope for Grieving Parents .

Michelle also co-leads the Waco Christian Writers Workshop, leads a life group, and teaches with the women’s prison ministry, Freedom’s Gate. Her mission is to help others step outside their comfort zones, embrace God���s grace, and find enduring joy no matter the circumstances.

Michelle has lots to offer

Michelle offers a call out to teachers as well as general audiences. She speaks from her heart with compassion and clarity. She connects with audiences through relatable stories, biblical truth, and the reminder that God���s faithfulness shines brightest in life���s hardest seasons. If you’re in Texas and looking for a speaker for your women’s events , I highly recommend checking her out. (I may be biased … she’s a dear friend of mine.)

In From the Playground to the Battleground, veteran teacher Michelle Ruddell invites fellow educators to rediscover the joy and purpose in their calling.
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Looking for a Do-Over?

Do you feel like you don���t matter? 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 Call Out to All Teachers appeared first on Robin Luftig.