Sweet Surrender

Living well requires sweet surrender.

 

Surrender - one little word sums up our entire response to God. It’s the key, the heart. We find out when trouble tracks us down if we’re totally surrendered to the will of God for our lives.

 

My "surrender” I spoke well the first decades of my life although it was more my way, and may it match God’s. I found out obedience to God is radical and doesn’t always make sense to me. Like my life as a widow now.

 

Actually why would I ever want to surrender my will? Certainly only if I have complete confidence in the person I’m surrendering to.

 

Definitely not to earn heaven, Christ has taken care of that, if we’re His, we’re heaven-bound, but God has so much more for us than the minimum. Being surrendered can and will change your life in good, even wonderful ways. You can live a rich, exciting life. Surrender has everything to do with being all God calls us to be.

 

God says surrender is a walk into total freedom - the only way we can ever achieve complete freedom in our lives. Gone is fear of loss, reputation, insufficiency, death. Surrender is trusting the verse “All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

 

“Follow Me” is Jesus’ command to His apostles and us, often involving using the gifts we’ve received. The Our Father prayer reminds us, "Thy will be done." 

 

Surrender is where our greatest good and deepest joy are. Sweet surrender means letting God have control over everything we experience, think, do and say. It’s my daily prayer. 

 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…” Romans 12:1

 

 The plaque on the wall to the right of my son reads: Live Simply, Love Generously, Care Deeply, Speak Kindly, And Leave The Rest to God.

 

Mother's Day 2025

 Happy Mom’s Day from My Family to Yours

 

Truth is being a mom is a mysterious, sacred undertaking. I thank God for helping me through each stage of parenting four precious lives and now grandparenting seven more world-changing creations and great-grandparenting too.

 

I think often of Mary, mother of Jesus, my role model. Living holy and passionate for God she nurtured Jesus and ravished Him with love. How many times did her hands touch Him, soothe Him to sleep? Did she marvel that God’s son was placed in her care? That’s how I feel about each child’s birth. God, You chose to trust me with motherhood! Amazing!

 

Was Mary overcome with wonder as Jesus matured, as I am when I look at my grown children? Mary was a human momma so she may have had times of trembling like me. She stood with Jesus at the cross and showed me to do the same for my children through both good and hard times, loving them all the way.

 

I honor too those birth moms who placed their baby in the hands of another woman for the child’s benefit. And I celebrate those who never physically gave birth but guided the fruit from other wombs as aunts, teachers, nurses, neighborhood moms.

 

Happy, Happy Momma's Day!

To mothers the whole world over who daily take up the challenge to parent well and aim to glorify God through every exciting or humdrum moment. As an imperfect mom, I know some days can be glorious, and others tough, but we moms try our best!

 

 

To touch the life of any child is to shape the universe itself.

 

Mary, Mom of Jesus

Holiness undefinable,

Sweetness personified,

Instigator of miracles,

Model of dignity,

Inspiration worthy of honor.

Spiritual mother to the masses,

And holy Mother to me.

From Minute Meditations©Judith Rolfs

 

MOMS, IF YOU LIKE READING MYSTERIES YOU ‘LL ENJOY

 Mystery At Wycham Manor

Come see me at the Angelus Gift shop in Walworth, Wi between 11 and 1 on Saturday, May 17^th for the launch of this new novel.

 

Easter 2025

 

Truth is fascinating and totally unchangeable.

Truth is independent of what observers think or say about it.

Truth simply IS today, tomorrow and always.

 

The most dramatic world-changing event in history is what we celebrate this Easter Sunday. Truth is that many, many, many years ago a Man who was fully Man and fully God, suffered a painful, public death and then rose from the dead! Over 500 people saw him alive after he was killed.

 

It’s not just the fact of this amazing happening that matters, but the WHY behind it.

 

WHY involves the true story of sin. We might like to think otherwise, but no one is without sin. Sin is ugly and has consequences that are inevitable. Someone had redeem us from this state of sin and Jesus, the Son of God, with His Father’s permission, chose to be our Rescuer.

 

If you or I say we’ve never sinned, the truth is not in us. Sin is not just a wrong action, but bad attitude, wrong motive. 

 

Gloriously at Easter we celebrate that Jesus is risen, and so will we be also! Through Jesus’ sacrificial death we become holy enough to be heaven-dweller forever. Believing this truth about Jesus is all that matters. 

Matthew 28:5-6 "The angel said to the women do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who is crucified. He is not here, he has risen, just as he said.

I’m comforted by the sweet thought of my husband Wayne enjoying heaven.

Happy Easter Celebration Dear Friends and Family!

 

WRITING UPDATE:

 

Readers tell me they’re enjoying my recent Mystery of Wycham Manor and never guess the ending which I love. Libraries can order through Ingram. Discussion questions are available for book clubs. (E-mail me a request for any of my five mysteries.)

 

I’m beyond excited to announce that all my previous books are now being made into Audible books! Many of you have asked for this.

 

As of this writing, A Widow’s Love Story and Jesus Time are available through Amazon Audible. Directive 99 is almost ready. My in-depth book on modern parenting titled Soaring As A Parent until now has only been an e-book and I’m thrilled it soon can be heard through Audible.

 

God is so good to make this transition happen at no expense to me.

 

May 18^th I’ll be at Angelus Gift & Home in Walworth from 11 to 1 P.M. for the official launch of Mystery at Wycham Manor. Come see me.

Happy Valentine's Day

I miss my husband Wayne on Valentine’s Day, one of our favorite holidays, but my LOVE for family, friends and God remains huge. 

 

My love affair with God has deepened since I depend on Him totally to husband me. God has proved  so faithful. I sense His blessing in the fascinating people in my life, the beauty and intricacy of natural life around me, and the excitement of always finding new things to learn.

 

God is so real! Thoughts of love and gratitude mingle together. May you experience His love for you more this year than ever before.

 

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

 

 

How can we best respond to His amazing love?

“…Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

 

Fun day with my daughters at Sweetie's Tea Shop in Florida 

Writing News

This link will take you you my book A Widow's Love Story. Readers tell me it's beautiful and inspirational.

A Widow's Love Story I'm humbled to be a blessing to others on this journey.

About my new mystery, Mystery atWycham Manor, a reader messaged me this week: "It was great and holy cow do you know how to throw in  a twist at the end!" 

If your marriage isn't all you'd like it to be, check out the helpful tips on my Youtube channel: Judith Rolfs eapecially the ones about adding more zip to your relationship and the Intimacy Reviver.

Prayer and Mystery

Dear Family and Friends, 

I’ve been pondering the process of prayer. Wondering what your thoughts are?

 

My initial experience with prayer was as a teenager. I prayed for my mom to be healed from alcoholism - eventually she was in her 60s. Years later, during childbirth complications I prayed a prayer to help me through surgery and a near fatal disease, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. It was the only Scripture I knew by heart at age 25. 

 

More recently, I prayed for my husband Wayne’s healing during his final illness. Wayne was 84 and his life had been full and rich. He’d used his gifts in amazing ways. I wavered between accepting the reality of the cycle of life and longing for Wayne’s healing from lung issues and heart issues and Covid. In some ways it didn’t seem right to ask for more of him. But I prayed Psalms 103 and Psalm 91 and I asked for his healing even though I knew that would block Wayne from the rewards of heaven he so clearly was ready for. My prayer wasn’t answered in my way, but God gave me peace knowing my husband is with Jesus now.

 

This doesn’t mean I believe any less in the power of prayer. Here are some principles I know are true. 

 

First of all, prayer works!  I have seen God do the miraculous. My book Love Always, Mom is about the miraculous healing of our son. Even his doctors stated that was a miracle. When you read about the workings of God I think you’ll believe prayer works too. And there have been other miracles I witnessed during my years of counseling. I watched God heal marriages that looked unsalvageable. So I shall always testify that prayer works well, but just not always according to our timetable or specific plan.

 

Secondly, prayer doesn’t have to be long or complicated. It can be short and simple -  but it does have to be heartfelt. My most common prayer these days is oh Jesus help and He does. 

 

Third, prayer has surprising offshoots. It not only draws us closer in our relationship with God but often the people around us benefit from knowing we’re praying for them. Prayer has no timetable - it’s a supernatural act and the working out of answers to prayer often happens in the supernatural realm before we see them actively on earth. 

 

Fourth,  prayer is a pleasure, not an obligation –I consider it a privilege as matriarch of our family. Prayer gives me the confidence to pull back from trying to do what I cannot do for my loved ones and trust God to do what only He can accomplish. In this way prayer becomes a pathway to peace. I cannot impose my time frame on God but I can make requests and then submit to His perfect plan in everything.

 

Fifth,  prayer language is a real option between me and God. Some people think praying in tongues is weird, but it’s an intense and awesome private way to pray when you find it difficult to put prayer into words. You may want to ask God to give you this simple, practical gift.

 

Probably the most important conclusion is pray as much as you can, whenever you can, because the results are amazing! I pray these thoughts bless you.

 

EXCITING WRITING UPDATE:

 

MYSTERY OF WYCHAM MANOR IS  available for early readers!

If you love a good mystery I guarantee you’ll find this intriguing!

 It’s definitely my favorite book thus far. 

By the way, I’d be grateful if you’d leave a review on amazon or Goodreads.

One thing I ask: please do not give away the unique plot.

AND GREAT NEWS! 

The price on Amazon pre-official release is $10 

After April 12 it’s $15.95.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV3Z3LS5

 

 

The Mystery of Christmas 2024

Dear Family and Friends,

The mystery of Christmas is before us again – ever new and ever old with our traditions.

 

The first Christmas was truly the world’s game-changer. We know this, not only in our head, but deep in our heart.

 

This Bethlehem babe, our beloved Jesus, became an adult victim, a cross-hanger who shed royal red blood for us. His blood purifies our own - symbolically yes, and really truly. 

 

Who needs a Savior, a Changer, a Better-maker? We do! Don't we all want to see with God’s eyes the beauty He forms in each soul and sense the radiance burst forth that’s locked inside us?  Without holiness and goodness we’re nothing. Who but Christ could make us what we need to be and deeply, unconsciously long to be?

 

People all around the world have had first-hand experience of this ManGod who changed their lives. They testify to no longer being the same after experiencing His supernatural presence and surrendering to His lordship.

 

The transformation of human nature begins with this birth we celebrate. Without Christ’s entrance into human reality, paradise was indeed forever lost. It’s now just beyond the veil of life.

 

Isn’t that why God came? So we can love out the beauty in one another. And smother the sinfulness of pride and end the self-absorption that seeks to crawl all over us. Isn’t it preposterous that one man, one life, one Supernatural wonder-worker entered the world to redeem us?

 

Jesus’ birth, dying and rising empowers each of us and gives deep meaning to gift-giving and loving without limits. How can we be gift-givers without recognizing the Giver of every good gift we’ve ever received? 

 

This Christmas may we meditate a bit on the mystery and wonder of this Christ-change in us. We who call ourselves Christ-ians have experienced newness in our lives. The peace that passes understanding is ours and doesn’t rest on circumstances like world peace. Peace that floods my heart and yours with contentment because we follow this Baby-Become-Man-Become King of Glory.

 

Christmas represents the beginning of this greatest mystery and change event in humankind. Weird, but oh so wonderful. Like you, I treasure most of all my family times when I can be with my adult children, grown-up grandchildren, great-grands and connections with precious friends – both new and old - in my life.

 

All the shopping and wrapping and hanging the holly is done. Now it’s time to remember it’s not just a home we decorated but our lives. It’s not just gifts we give, but love that springs from Jesus, its source. 

 

Dear family and friends, may you have a Jesus-filled Christmas – the best ever!

 

MY WRITING

I continue writing and speaking about biblical principles for raising families and God’s miracles in our lives.

My new book is due soon, a Christian mystery novel. Mystery at Wycham Manor is in cover design right now. It’s my favorite project thus far.

May I recommend JESUS TIME, 365 LOVE NOTES OF WONDER & WORSHIP for your daily devotional this year.  

AVAILABLE AT ANGELUS GIFT in Walworth, Wi and through Amazon.

"Trust God at all times, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

 

 

 

Blessed Thanksgiving Everyone!

 Thanksgiving shocks me at times – surging like a sudden storm through my head. I absorb with awe God’s power to create every atom and make all circumstances good in His way and time. Rays of sunshine shoot from the splendor of God to penetrate the forest surrounding my home and my heart. My praise overflows. I’m blessed to live in a place I love among family and friends! What wild, amazing, God-designed flowers each person is in the garden of my life.

 

My deep thanks cut to the core when I observe real, recognizable events no man orchestrated and know, just know for sure, the action was God’s. His signs are ever present, if one but looks. 

 

Still, at times thanks-living can be hard. Like now, with my husband’s physical presence gone from earth. His love has given me exquisite moments of joy – now who ever thought a heart could hurt so badly?  I work to focus on the sweet memories and glorious times with my man now in heaven, and give God praise for what we had.  Eventually, the wave of peace comes again.

 

How I appreciate the privilege of being helpful in someone else’s life through my YouTube channel, by my writing however minutely that may be. To speak or write a word of truth into another person, to thrust a spear into debilitating depression or ignite a dead marriage with new life or encourage a high school student through my teaching! How honored I am to be able to minister to God’s beloveds.

 

Thanksgiving is a humbling act. And “thank you” has many forms. Ordinary thanksgivings to God the great giver for His endless giving.  For simple items like pumpkins and dogs and emotional insights and human re-creations, too. Yay, God did it again. He alone gives significance and purpose to every moment.

 

 As families gather to give thanks to God and enjoy one another, may we all remember the central role Christ plays in all our blessings.

 

I challenge you to find something new to thank God for this year.

 

Thanking God for the gift of light – the pleasure of flicking a switch to brighten a room. And the brightness of the world after a couple days of rain. 

 

Thanking God for pens and computers so we can literally see the ideas that come from someone else’s brain.

 

Thanking God also for the gift of knowing deep within that there is a holy, gracious, living Being Who is worthy of our immense thanks. 

 

May this be your best Thanksgiving day ever and the start of a beautiful holiday season of gratitude.  We all have sooooooooo much to be thankful for. 

May we each live daily with thanks to God seeping from our hearts and spilling from our lips.

 

 

“In everything give thanks to God for that is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5: 18

 

Thanks For…

 

Hands gifted to work,

Minds gifted to comprehend,

Hearts gifted to care, and

Bodies gifted to act all for His glory.

 

How I’ve been gifted with you

Dear family and friends, 

rich treasure that you are,

Sharing my life.

 

You help me soar higher in my joys

And shoulder me up when I need lifting,

You’ve done both this past year.

I am grateful beyond words.

 

Saturated with love,

Sealed with gratitude

For God, life and you.

Happy Thank the Lord Day!!!

 

 

 

 

Love this quote by G.K. Chesterton. “Thanks are the highest form of thought, and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

Jesus Time, Love Notes 365 Daily Devotionals

 

Birthdays

I recently celebrated another birthday! You young ones hang on, because the years roll by with breathless speed. 

All of a sudden, like me, you'll find yourself in the senior ranks, and the delightful surprise is: it's quite fun after all. The opportunity you have for reflection that the hurry-scurry years seldom allowed is great. 

I recently took time to ponder these past decades: Life for me has been less a self-planned unfolding of my choices, as I used to pompously believe and more an intentional journey with God. A release, a freedom to day by day plunge into the unknown, ordained by Him. And then hanging on tightly and delighting in the tour He's planned.

New options appear at every season for walking through open doors God has placed before me. Entering isn't scary any more. I'm always eager to respond to anything that might be of Him. Sometimes I start leaping too fast, but always I'm guided back, sometimes with a thump, to the reality God intends for me in every course of this feast of life.

Over the years I've learned a few important things that change the way I view everything:

I have no giftedness apart from what our God has placed within me. 

I have no desire for riches except to use them for God's work in the world. 

I have no need of anything that God hasn’t provided. 

I am among all women the same but different because I KNOW that I am richly blessed with treasure that cannot be lost or stolen. 

How I praise my God who has birthed His love and wisdom within me!

My goal is only that I may honor Him adequately with these brief days of life.

And leave a legacy of truth and strength for generations to come.

I embrace fully the heritage I received, including my family's history of alcoholism and dysfunction, but also one of faith and creativity and love which I desire to send forth into eternity. 

My major sadness is that now I take my life journey alone without my beloved husband Wayne. Yet, I often sense him still at my side encouraging, comforting and loving on me.

In EVERY SITUATION, I bow to the One who made heaven and earth and me and I say “Thank You for dwelling in me. And for giving me a power to laugh at life and see the sparkle in each person. And thanks for instilling in me a few talents to invest for the Kingdom to come.”

Happy Birthday, Me! Happy Birthday Us!

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Writing Update: 

Mystery at Wycham Manor is coming soon!

A Widow's Love Story  This new book is hpefully not for you, but a nice gift for a friend who has suffered a great loss.

 

Stunning Fall!

Dear Family and Friends,

  

Such a beautiful fall with its sparkling leaves of orange, yellow and magenta. It's truly breathtaking to drive down the famous Snake Road in Lake Geneva with its gorgeous trees in full splendor! October always seems to be a time of change mixed with anticipation – the ending of summer’s beauty as I observe the starkness of barren trees with beautiful limb artistry even in their nakedness. Thanksgiving approaches and Christmas cannot be far off. The cycle of life continues. Another birthday for me! Growing up I experienced lots of jokes about being born the day before Halloween. 

 

Truth is, I’m still sad as I adjust to the absence of my husband, especially on special occasions. I reread old birthday cards I’d saved and ask God how many more birthdays I must endure without my very best friend. I don’t receive an answer, other than to keep on keeping on. And so I try.

 

On a happy note, we have another election upon us, a time to remember with gratitude that we live in the United States of America where it's our honor to vote. I urge you to use this great privilege God has given you. I hate standing in lines, so I voted early, but I would stand in line for hours to cast a vote for the person I believe most capable to lead our country. 

Hopefully, you’ve been listening to both candidates and have observed not just the personality but the behavior and the accomplishments of each and the principles they stands for - most importantly their position about the value of human life. Forever I will advocate for the candidate who, even though imperfect, has the strongest intent to protect unborn life, secure the border, and rescue children from sex trafficking.  

Above all, I pray for an honest election, that the people’s will shall prevail and God will be glorified in the result.

 

 

UPDATE ON MY WRITING/SPEAKING

 

I’m enjoying being a substitute high school teacher a few days a week at Faith Christian School – an amazing environment for learning.

 

It has pleased me to receive feedback that A Widow's Love Storyhas been encouraging women.

 

I recently spoke at the Walworth Library to a group of women who read my Directive 99 suspense novel. Directive-99-Judith-Rolfs We discussed the biblical principles in the story and its proximity to today although this book was written decades ago. It's always fun to meet readers face to face.

 

Exciting news! My next novel Murder at Wycham Manor is in the final editing process. It’s a fun story set in England and Scotland with lots of twists and turns. Can’t wait to make it available for you.

 

I realize as the years pass that a treasure we often fail to fully appreciate, until we lose it, is our health. I pray for good health for you and your loved ones now and in the future!

 

HAPPY STUNNING FALL!

 

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” 

Isaiah 40:8

 

 

Seasons

 Happy September! 

September surprised us with its wonderful warmth as we transition into the beauty of fall. Seasons mystify me, each has aspects of beauty and of hardship as well, just like each of our lives.

 

With God’s help, I’m starting to adjust to my new, never-desired life as a widow. My book A Widow’s Love Story was released this month. It’s a tribute to Wayne and God. I hope it will help other widows deal with the raw pain and agony of living with half yourself gone. I’m grateful to all of you who have prayed for me during this incredibly hard time. 

 

This fall I’m starting to counsel a teen girls’ group at Agape House to help them to a new start. Also doing some high school substitute teaching at the awesome Faith Christian School. The students are delightful!ax

 

Excited that my new novel will be out for Christmas – Mystery at Wycham Manor. It’s in final editing.

 

Praying for you friends that God will give you opportunities to use your abilities to bring you joy every season!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 25th Christian Women’s Club luncheon at Hawk’s View Club, Lake Geneva – I’ve been invited to offer my books on marriage and families including my new A Widow’s Love Story and children’s mystery series Adventures of Tommy Smurlee for early Christmas shopping. 

 

Oct. 1st Walworth Library, Walworth, WI. Group discussion of my suspense novel Directive 99 very timely for today. 3:30 P.M. – 4:45 P.M. All readers of Directive 99, past and present are invited by the hostess Joyce Dreher.

 

Nov. 5^th As election time approaches I urge you to prayerfully find a candidate who shares your view on the significance of human life. Not every woman knows that the healthiest thing a woman can do is to carry her baby full term. This benefits her for a lifetime - she will have less risk of multiple sclerosis, cancer, or depression. Plus fetal stem cells will stay in her body to provide organ health for her entire life (fetal microcheminism, one of God’s marvels). Of course no woman should keep an unwanted child but adoption is a life-affirming, super-satisfying act. If you’ve followed my blogs over the last 10 years you know that I am a strong advocate for life because I came incredibly close to having a doctor-ordered abortion to end the life of my fourth child Dan, due to hemorrhaging and near death during my third pregnancy. I refused abortion realizing that despite the risk there was no way I could kill my child. What a blessing my now fifty-year-son is! Below is his picture with his lovely wife Stephanie.

 

Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. What a comfort this verse is!

 

Wishing you a joyful fall!

Suffering Is A Mystery

A Mystery

 

I cannot know the challenging things you’re going through. But I do know intimately the God Who loves you and me. I believe He always has a loving purpose in what He allows in our life, even the tough stuff, and suffering is never for nothing. 

 

Still, I often wonder why I don’t get what I want, when my desires seem truly good. Like restoring the health of a loved one. I consider this a mystery, because I know God’s on our side. So why don’t good things always happen?

 

Suffering is truly mysterious. I have friends who suffer with adult bipolar children who cause chaos in their lives, another friend has been lying in a nursing home for years - a vibrant, lovely woman who loved to dance and laugh. My dear friend Heather recently had her full-term granddaughter born to heaven.

 

I don’t understand this mystery of pain, suffering and death. I only know that it is very real and I have come to accept it as an inevitable part of life. But, amazingly, I’ve learned that I can trust God despite this.

 

For two years now I’ve suffered from the death of my spouse. I’ve recorded this in my latest book, A Widow’s Love Story, available now on Amazon. I write very honestly of my suffering with the hopes that my story can encourage others.

 

By the way, please know if your husband wasn’t as romantic as mine, that many men feel just as deeply what Wayne expressed, but may not display their love in the same way. 

 

I’m grateful for the continual evidence of God’s love for you and me despite our suffering. As we move from Alleluia August to Super September, may you experience His presence like never before.

 

“Who is like You, God? Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again. From the depths of the Earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more." Psalm 71:19–21

A Widow's Love Story Amazon