MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

I’m remembering these Christmas song words, “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” All of us can identify with a bit of weariness from this past year. How nice to have our hearts warm at the thought of Jesus choosing to come into this world because He loves us and delights in us! Amazing, since Jesus knew the pain and turmoil awaiting Him, yet pierced the barrier between heaven and earth to restore us. Because of Him we have the opportunity to live in the wonder of heaven for eternity!

 

How we need Jesus now! COVID has been a powerful reminder about the importance of placing our trust in our mighty God. No political system, no church structure, nothing else can ever be totally secure. Over and over, in big and small ways we’ve observed the hand of God, sensed the comfort of the Holy Spirit and felt the presence of Jesus. 

 

I pray dear friend that you managed to find joy and personal peace during the often confusing and frightening times we’ve experienced. We all need Jesus. It’s impossible to do life well without Him. Some days are challenging but God is always a real and present help. Deep down in our hearts “all is calm and all is bright” with Him.

 

Contentment is a lovely word and we treasure each day of it. Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He’s the reason for the joy we can find in every new day. 

 

***WRITING AND PERSONAL UPDATE**

Since March, when we returned early from Florida, Wayne and I have worshipped through TV, cooked at home lots and enjoyed more quiet time together. We welcomed two new members to the family this year. DJ, Pam’s youngest son, married Jennifer in June and Katie and Alex blessed us with great-grandchild number three, Alyanna. 

Wayne had heart surgery in October– a dual lead Pacemaker will hopefully give him better heart function. He continues to write up a storm sharing spiritual insights with the readers of his daily blog - our family members and many friends. His latest book is Thoughts For Today, Words For Tomorrow, Vol. 2, a collection of his writings.

 

My children's mystery fantasy Tommy Smurlee Series will soon have two additions: Mystery of the Silver Shells and Mystery on the Moors, More Tommy Smurlee and Grella Weller Adventures.  On my personal YouTube channel, Judith Rolfs, I continue to share video tips for happy family lives and also read some of my children’s book stories for young readers. With speaking events ruled out, I’m more active online. We pray daily that every reader of our words will be blessed in a special way known to them and God.

 

Sending our HEARTFELT PRAYERS for a great 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

HAVING A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE - Who defines who and what you are?

Giving Thanks To Our Amazing God

Gobble, Gobble

Is it “Tension Over Turkey Day” -Thanksgiving Day 2020? Getting the perfect temperature for a  juicy bird? "Give me white meat only.”  “Hey, there are only two drumsticks, how about a wing?"  Turkeys are in big trouble on Thanksgiving, any way you cut it….pardon the pun.

Way more important than the meal however is: What are you most thankful for?  And to whom do you give thanks?  Yes, our majestic, loving God blessed us again with family and friends and everything even during this challenging year.  I don't believe He can ever be given enough thanks and praise. 

Centuries ago King David  gave us a Scriptural prayer appropriate for Thanksgiving.  It came after the Ark was moved to Jerusalem. “So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant to Jerusalem with shouts of joy, the blowing of horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.” 1 Chronicles 15: 28.  And that day we read, David prayed a prayer of praise and thanksgiving and sang a song to the Lord. Here are parts of the prayer he said that day that you may want to use for part of your Thanksgiving prayer.

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness.  Let the whole world know what He has done.  Sing to Him, yes sing His praises.  Tell everyone about His miracles, exult His holy name; O worshippers of the Lord, rejoice! [ I get excited just saying these beautiful words and meditating on God's goodness to us.]
Search for the Lord and for His strength, and keep on searching, think of the wonderful works He has done, of miracles, and the judgement He handed down...He is the Lord our God, His rule is seen throughout the land, He always stands by His covenant. The commitment He made to a thousand generations, this is the covenant He made with Abraham and the oath He swore to Isaac."

"Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!  Each day proclaim the good news that He saves, publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does, honor and majesty surround Him, strength and beauty are in His dwelling. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,  His love endures forever, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!" 

And if you have time after the pumpkin pie, here are a couple of discussion questions to toss around. [Our family loves to have conversations like this around the dinner table.]

1. Who is the most consistently grateful person you know?  

2.  If you could thank one person today, living or dead, for their influence on your life, who would that person be?

Wayne and I send warm greetings on this Thanksgiving Day and we give thanks for each of you. We’re grateful that God had our paths cross, and life is more precious with you to share it with. Amen!  

“Let them give thanks to the Lord fo His unfailing love, and His wonderful deeds fo men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."  Psalm 107: 8-9

UPCOMING EVENTS:
A reminder that on Saturday Dec. 5th we'll be at Angelus Gift Shop, 325 Kenosha St. Walworth, WI from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. for a Book-signing for my husband Wayne's newly published Thoughts For Today, Words For Tomorrow and my recently released Parent's Treasurebox of IDEAS. Guests who visit by will receive a gift article called Keeping Christmas Simple and Meaningful and a recipe for Grandma B's Favorite Xmas cookie which appears in several of my books.

I'm grateful to my writer husband for his thoughts in our Thanksgiving message.

Writing/Speaking Update:

You can head on over to my YouTube channel Judith Rolfs for some free tips on marriage and parenting.

I'm working hard to finish the last two books of my Tommy Smurlee series for ages 8 & up. My cover designer starts next week for Mystery of the Silver Shells and Mystery on the Moor, Tommy Smurlee and Grella Weller adventures.

P. S. The first two books in the Tommy Smurlee series make great Christmas gifts for any children on your list. You'll find them at my amazon author page.

 

                            Angelus Gift Shop Display of Wayne and Judith Rolfs Books

 Doing Life With God

 

Hope this message today finds you cozy and warm and safe.

 

During an interview last week for a newspaper article, I was asked why I retired from counseling to write full time. I explained that I can reach many more people by writing books and blogs than by one-on-one or even group counseling. Why does this matter?

 

I want my life, my writing, to point people to greater knowledge about God and increased trust in Him. The most relevant person in everyone’s life is often ignored. Life goes so much better when you’re  aware that you can have an active, personal relationship with God. He is “a real and present help” and wants to “perfect all that which concerns you”. Psalm 138:8.

 

God offers perspective for every problem you’ll ever have, encouragement when your emotions need a boost, and constant companionship so you need never feel alone.

 

I love Him passionately, which results in my loving all His amazing people, and wanting to guide readers toward deeper connection and confidence in God. All my twenty-plus books, whether written for adults or kids, fiction or non-fiction, have this intent.

 

In my years of counseling, I observed repeatedly that people without a sense of who God is and an understanding their relationship with Him have all kinds of unnecessary problems. It’s hard for them to prioritize their lives. For example, it’s much easier to insist children behave when your goal is not to have perfect kids in order to exalt yourself but to honor God. It’s easier to be loving and forgiving toward a sometimes annoying spouse when you understand how loving and forgiving God is toward you.

 

Bottom line it's 100% to our benefit to know God, listen to Him through active prayer daily, and read His Word. Within the Bible are principles that bring harmony and joy to our world. The Ten Commandments are highly relevant. Do not lie or cheat or steal. Guard our hearts and minds - check where our thoughts are taking us. Honor God. Don’t have idols like stuff and status and self-focus. Choose this day either the blessings of obedience to God’s ways or the curses of disobedience.

 

And as we strive to glorify Him, we can be alert to ways to bless others. Living connected to God daily is doing life with benefits. 

 

The season of Thanksgiving is a great time to thank God for His presence and power among us still.

 

“He determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147: 4-5.

 

WRITING UPDATE:

We’re excited to announce Wayne’s first-ever author book signing for his newly released Thoughts For Today, Words For Tomorrow!
 I’ll be present also to sign my October release of Parent’s Treasurebox  of IDEAS as well as my other family books and mystery novels.

We’ll be at Angelus Gift and Art Gallery, 325 Kenosha St., Walworth, WI on Saturday, December 5^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for A Christmas Gift Book Signing.

Stop by to say Hi and bring home a book present.

Here are other gift suggestions:

Man in Command, How To Be A Great Husband and Dad – 52 Ways

Loving Every Minute 52 Ways To Live, Love & Laugh As A Wife and Mom, 

Adventures of Tommy Smurlee (and Grella Weller) No child should grow up without reading these exciting mystery fantasy books with memorable values for ages 8 and up. Young children will enjoy Unforgettable Stories For Kids.

Books are also available online through amazon.

 

NOW GOD WILL SPEAK

The election process is almost over. Thank goodness. We have done our best to promote the values we believe in. NOW GOD WILL SPEAK.

I’m at total peace about the outcome, whatever it is. I’m a no-regrets woman. I'll wake up the morning of November 4 rejoicing, regardless of the result.

 

We’ve enjoyed a pleasant period of peace and prosperity under President Donald Trump. No foreign wars and a booming economy (put on hold temporarily by Covid). Miraculously, even the Middle East is at peace! Do we deserve four more years? NO. Is it even good for us? Perhaps we draw closer to God during periods of adversity. Surely we seek Him more fervently.

 

Shall we place this great country in the hands of two socialists and baby murderers, incompetent, inexperienced Kamala and elderly, ineffectual Biden? Sadly, it may happen. 

 

God may withdraw His merciful hand over America. The question is will God give us His mercy or the justice we deserve for having largely abandoned His Ten Commandments?  Judgment has happened before. The Old Testament abounds with accounts of how God deals with evil. We’ve neglected to insist that integrity matters and Christian values be taught and honored. 

 

Yes, I’ll be a little disappointed, but there will be no sense of defeat. BECAUSE I KNOW GOD WILL PROTECT US and give us the ability to endure whatever we must. We  dwell in the secret place of the Most High. God is our refuge.

 

November 4^th, we will know GOD HAS SPOKEN. WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, HALLELUJAH,  GOD REIGNS!

 

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my shelter, my God in whom I trust.” Psalm 91: 1-2.

 

Blessings dearest family and friends.

 

WRITING UPDATE:

Wayne and I will be featured in several newspaper promo events and articles this month discussing our two new books. Mine is Parent’s Treasurebox of IDEAS https://amzn.to/2G3M9rC 

and his Thoughts For Today, Words For Tomorrow, Volume 2 https://amzn.to/31FSPn9

 

We also have an interview this week accompanied by a photographer for an article in the Resorter paper. I always enjoy meeting local journalists.

 

Are you needing an intimate spiritual connection with Jesus during these chaotic times? May I recommend the Kindle app ebook version of Jesus Time for your phone? https://amzn.to/3mtngVT

Or the paperback version on your bedside table. https://amzn.to/3mmS0aW

                                        

What Would You Do?

  

What would you do to stop a toddler who wanders into a busy street with a truck heading its way? I’d be running and grabbing that little one no matter what it cost me. 

 

How I wish I’d been more aware in 1973 of the momentous event occurring. I caught murmurs on the news but didn’t take it seriously. Few did. The idea that abortion would become the law of the land and a woman could kill her own child was incredible! Yes we knew there were women who made this sad choice for difficult reasons, but to legitimize this as a new normal was unthinkable.

 

I was busily caught up raising four children ages one, six, nine and ten. No time to be involved in politics. Surely compassionate, intelligent people wouldn’t allow abortion against God’s creation? Shock and horror came. I remember standing in my kitchen in amazement when the announcement was made that abortion had become legal in every state. 

 

The mind and heart of a woman, her role as a life-giver, a nurturer, a protector of the unborn was switched into a whimsical, potential destroyer of a developing human being entrusted to her.

 

Women especially young girls said surely now abortion can’t be wrong, because it’s legal. But God, but God…says otherwise. I wonder if the plagues and natural disasters among us aren’t His response to the blood of sixty million children poured out upon American soil. Read the Old Testament along with the New and you’ll learn that God can become passionately angry. These murdered children were God’s gifts to us, future creators and sustainers for our  world.

 

I have always been for equal rights for women, I loved that Jesus made this value abundantly clear in multiple ways, but I’ll never endorse a woman’s right to choose exterminating her child.

There are always women and men waiting prayerfully for a newborn baby to adopt and love for a lifetime. Plus, a natural delivery is typically safer for a woman than an abortion procedure, and doesn’t endanger her ability to have children in the future, if she chooses.

 

The argument that women would have “back alley abortions” anyway doesn’t hold. Have you checked out some of the filthy, unclean Planned Parenthood abortion mills – see the movie “Unplanned.” 

 

Before 1973, a woman knew abortion wasn’t right, maybe expedient at the moment, but wrong. Now we give young girls the message it’s okay to be promiscuous – no consequences – if you conceive, kill it. Women who are inconvenienced temporarily by another child, no problem, get rid of it. Does any thinking person believe the number of abortions yearly hasn’t increased exponentially compared to pre-1973?

 

Bottom line, I will vote for Donald Trump because he’s giving me a chance to overthrow Roe vs. Wade in my lifetime. I urge you to do the same, not based on his personality or morality, but because he’s kept the other promises he made to the American people and I believe he’ll keep this one. 

 

I believe if we get the sanctity of life message wrong, we destroy our foundation as human beings and we grieve the God who created us. We were made to live and act and love according to His image. 

 

Children grow up in the most delightful ways as you can see from the family picture above.

 

Psalm 36:9 “You [God] are the giver of life. Your light lets us enjoy life.”

 

Ecclesiastes 12:9 “But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.”

A Fearless Mindset

 HAVE NO FEAR. Three little words. What peace they give to a mind determined to live by them.

A fearless mindset can be cultivated. However, it isn’t a guarantee that nothing bad will ever happen to us or our loved ones.

 

This past month our granddaughter Katie, age 29, was hit by a truck while her van stood still at an intersection waiting to turn. They driver fell asleep at the wheel going 35 miles per hour. Katie had her three -year-old and one and a half -year-old in in their car seats in back. Katie is seven-months pregnant.  Her collarbone was badly broken, her head was cut and bled profusely and her children were traumatized as they watched an ambulance take their mother to the hospital. Fortunately Grandma quickly arrived on the scene. Monitoring tests show that the unborn baby is okay! Katie’s collarbone surgery required a plate and four screws, but she will recover and the totaled van has been replaced. Praise God, in six months or so, life will be “normal” again. 

 

Where was God in this? God does not abandon us when we are afflicted. In fact, He has warned us this world is not a perfect place and bad things do happen. Precious Katie’s words to me were Grandma, “Pray that I’ll learn any lessons from this experience that God wants to teach me. It’s humbling to require help to do the simplest things.” My prayer for Katie and her distressed husband is that unexpected blessings will come their way even from this tragic event. Katie trusts God and refuses to live in fear from anything. She understands when Scripture says “In this world you will have tribulations, but have no fear for I have overcome the world.“

 

My friend Mary Kay has a box called SFGD with a pen and pad of paper next to it. When anything troubles her, she writes it down and then chooses to forget about. What do the letters stand for?  SOMETHING FOR GOD TO DO. Great idea for us all.

 

WRITING UPDATE

 

EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW BOOK BABY:

 

Parent’s Treasurebox of Ideas, Tips To Help You Teach Your Child contains teaching tips to help your child succeed. Easy, at home strategies for enriching your child’s education Whether you’re supplementing school education or currently the primary educator, I promise these educational ideas are powerful and fun. Plus, it has creative visuals to add to the enjoyable experience.

 

It’s available in print or as an ebook through amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Treasure-Box-IDEAS-Teach/dp/0979989582/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=judith+rolfs+parent%27s+treasure+Box&qid=1600053586&s=books&sr=1-2

 

Life and Emotions

 I'm pondering what it would be like if we had no feelings – emotionless humans. Life would be rather bleak. Some may say “sounds great – no ups and downs - steady blahs all the time.” Seems to me, deep down, we all know how boring that would be. No compassion, no emotional engagement in movies we watch, no delight or distress over anything or anyone.

Emotions are very powerful, yet not often discussed in depth. First of all, “Thank You” to our creative Lord for giving us the gift of our strong emotions. It’s these which trigger our thoughts which can lead to actions. We all need motivation.

 

With emotions comes the need to exert control over them because they can become unruly. Left unchecked emotions can utterly disrupt our peace.

 

This past Christmas I bought gifts from Hobby Lobby of inspiring metal plaques for everyone in the family, myself included. Mine says, “I Think I’ll Just Be Happy Today.” 

Yes, it is possible to create the emotion of happiness within yourself. In fact we have a command from our loving Lord to rejoice daily. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it.” Psalm 118:24. How can we cultivate happy feelings? Here are three ways:

 

1. Have you tried having a conversation with God if you’re sad or lonely? Listen for a response from Your omnipresent and eternal God. You are never alone or unloved! If you need assistance my book Jesus Time can help get your conversations started.

 

2. Have you spent time in nature recently, whether it’s sitting for an hour on your front porch or going for a daily walk? This is a truly an emotionally restorative activity. The natural world reminds us that God is ultimately in control and there’s beauty and order to be found around us. 

 

3. Have you read up on heaven? It’s a wonderful place. My pastor had a near death experience (NE). He described the event vividly and said he didn’t want to leave but was told he had to go back because his mission on earth wasn’t yet complete. Perhaps you want to read of similar experiences in the book Imagine Heaven by James Burke. Whether you live or die you can be okay and your loved ones also.

 

It’s possible to know for certain that you’re going to heaven someday. How can you be sure? Here’s how. Repent for any past wrongdoing. Choose to love, obey and depend upon God with all your mind and heart and love your neighbor as you do yourself. Then live peacefully and joyfully as directed by the Holy Spirit. Yes, it’s that simple.

 

You have every reason to choose the emotion of joy and peace no matter what crazy things are happening in the world around you. You’re welcome to view my free videos on this topic at YouTube-Judith Rolfs  1. DOWN Days, Controlling Your Emotions 2. Stop Emotional Clutter and 3. Worry, How To Stop Doing It.  You may want to subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notices when new videos are released. May every viewer be blessed!

 

However, and this is VERY important, if you’re skirting with clinical depression do seek godly professional counsel IMMEDIATELY Sometimes we all can benefit from a Feelings-lift. J

 

WRITING UPDATE:

 

Lots going on this month! 

 

Cover design and final formatting is underway for my husband Wayne’s 2^nd volume of Thoughts For Today, Words For Tomorrow. This collection of mini-essays is from the inspirational daily messages Wayne sends our family and friends.

 

My book Parent’s Treasurebox of Ideas, originally released in 1985, is being republished because of its timeliness. The book is packed with ideas for parents or grandparents who are involved in the education of young children. It has a corresponding YouTube video available now - the book will be released in September.

 

*****

Have you ever tried memorizing Scripture? You can have instant joy and comfort for yourself anywhere, anytime. How? Try it, you’ll see. This is a good Scripture for starters:

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night…For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. How great are Your works, Lord…” Psalm 92: 1-5 

Our World On Pause

Strange circumstances - a total change in our lifestyle because of a deadly virus!

I reflect upon why would God allow this virus to come among us? Do we have this plague because God has removed His protective shield around the world and particularly America, the country founded on godly principles in His name?  I’m not saying God caused Covid, although we know He’s allowed it. Why?

Are there any things in our behaviors that may be displeasing to our beloved Father? Perhaps the fact that Scripture teaches that those leaders in authority over us, whether popular or not, are put there by the hand of God. If we do not respect the President God has placed in a position to lead us and fill the airways with hate against him trying to remove him in multiple ways from his rightful position, does this displease God? 

What about the poor? Have we surrendered our responsibility for their lives to government and depend on it to give out food and clothing and shelter instead of our personal interaction helping the poor?  It’s been beautiful to observe all the recent actions of neighbors helping one another. Shouldn’t we do more?

Many are appalled each day at the deaths occurring from COVID-19 and rightfully so because every life is precious. What must God think of the deaths that occur among us daily because we abort the precious gifts of life He sends into our world? If we do not speak against this or if we vote for someone knowing they would allow babies to be murdered, we are also guilty of advancing abortion. 

We see the semi-confinement we now live in, and realize how quickly our world can change in this country founded upon God’s name and principles. Some have tried to strip away reminders of God’s influence and remove the practice of public prayer completely. Have we allowed this by silence?

Consider the beautiful gift of language God has given us and look at current movies where the most common dialogue is four letter words not uplifting, noble or praiseworthy. Yet we do not insist this language be removed even though we have been given the gift of brains and sensitivity and know the value of using good vocabulary. Why do we allow these inappropriate movies to be created and foisted upon our vulnerable youth? 

And do we teach children our firm belief and state with all our heart that this world was created by our loving God - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Evolution on the macro level is factually impossible. Each human being is created by God for a purpose.

And what about climate change? The world created by God is in a constant state of change, it’s not stationery, yet all stays within a perfect order. How it exults the pride of humans to think that there’s truly something we could do to change the environment we live in! True we’re to guard, protect and not abuse the earth, but how haughty to think we could control the warming or cooling of the world by our choices.

Yes we all, me certainly, have sinned. The holy word of God commands that we are not to judge whether someone is connected to Jesus - will they be  going to heaven or hell. But we are to lovingly judge behaviors and point out when someone is missing the way of truth with gentleness and love and guide them back on the path because yes we are our brother’s keeper. Do we wimp out with the excuse we mustn’t offend anyone?

Homosexuality is clearly a grievous offense against God. Are we willing to say that even though we have homosexual friends or family members?  And all of the transgender confusion foisted upon vulnerable children is absolutely wrong.  It’s contrary to the sexual creation of each human being and damages perhaps an already damaged sense of sexual identity. 

I am asking myself these questions as well as God awakens me at two in the morning. I can’t go back to sleep until I ponder and communicate these thoughts in some way. Any lessons from this plague I hope to learn. What’s the solution?

This is a good time for more hours studying the love message of God written for us in His Word that’s so available today. And for praying that we all put this Divine Pause to good use and re-open fully to a better world. We can pray that filling the airwaves with hate and calling it news will stop.

Almighty God is the one true real source of power among us. And because of His unconditional love and care we can always live with hope for the future. We need never fear, nor must we allow ourselves to succumb to worry.

We can acknowledge the love and power of God and seek to be his servants as He commanded as we care for one another. We are not to be so busy that we can’t have eyes to see and hands to help. 

Together we can be more mindful of what is most important and spread God’s love. Let this be a new great awakening with wonders among us. Let me, let you, let each of us be worthy of the name Christian.

Psalm 22:4-5 “In Thee our fathers trusted; they trusted and thou didst deliver them. To Thee they cried out, and were delivered; in Thee they trusted and were not disappointed.”

WRITING AND SPEAKING UPDATE

This was to be my sabbatical year with no speaking events! How could I foretell what was to happen worldwide!

I've been busy all the same. I’m very excited about my new YouTube Channel - Judith Rolfs. You’ll find me there reading some of my modern fairy tale stories from my recent book Unforgettable Stories For Kids with moral messages. 

Plus, you know how passionate I am about promoting happy family life so I also present lots of videos with marriage and family tips. Come visit my YouTube channel and feel free to share anything you wish.

Here’s a link. Subscribe if you like and you’ll be notified when I post new videos.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw

FAMILY NEWS - PICTURE

Our grandson DJ (far right) married Jennifer as our grandson Paster Steven officiated on June 20, 2020. Welcome to the family Jennifer!

Amazing Einstein and God

I've always been enormously impressed by Einstein. Several years ago I read his extensive biography. His spirituality most impressed me. He said the reason he KNEW he could look for scientific equations about the universe was because he believed we have a Creator who perfectly synchronized all of creation. Einstein taught himself calculus at the age of 14. In 1921, He earned his doctorate from the University of Zurich, and wrote papers on electromagnetic energy, relativity, and statistical mechanics. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics. Einstein was a Jewish immigrant who taught at Princeton and ended up staying in the United States, becoming a citizen in 1940. 

Not surprisingly, Einstein has been misquoted numerous times and accused of being an atheist. He responded: "In view of such harmony in the cosmos which I, with my limited human mind, am able to recognize, there are yet people who say there is no God. But what really makes me angry is that they quote me for the support of such views."

Einstein stated in another interview: "I'm absolutely not an atheist . . . The problem involved is too vast for our limited minds. We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. It does not understand the languages in which they are written. The child dimly suspects a mysterious order in the arrangement of the books but doesn't know what it is. That, it seems to me, is the attitude of even the most intelligent human being toward God. We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws."

His other quotes include:

• "God Almighty does not throw dice."
• "Before God we are all equally wise - equally foolish."
• "My religiosity consists of a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the little that we, with our weak and transitory understanding, can comprehend of reality
• "'God' is a mystery. But a comprehensible mystery. I have nothing but awe when I observe the laws of nature. 

Einstein also stated: "The fanatical atheists . . . are like slaves who are still feeling the weight of their chains which they have thrown off after hard struggle. They are creatures who - in their grudge against the traditional 'opium of the people' - cannot bear the 'music of the spheres.'"

Hmmm . . . What did he mean about the music of the spheres?  The "music of the spheres" is a religious concept used through the Medieval-Renaissance period to describe an "orbital resonance" or reverberation character of the planets.

When asked "To what extent are you influenced by Christianity?" Einstein answered:

"As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene." When asked "Have you read Emil Ludwig's book on Jesus," Einstein replied: "Emil Ludwig's Jesus is shallow. Jesus is too colossal for the pen of phrasemongers, however artful. No man can dispose of Christianity with a bon mot! (witty remark)" When asked "Do you accept the historical existence of Jesus?" Einstein answered: "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."

I found this very interesting as I thought about the Bible being alive and sharper than any two-edged sword.

Make no mistake there are plenty of scientists who are atheists, but Einstein was not among them. Whether this genius or another believes in Jesus however so interesting, should be irrelevant in our personal search for God. The Bible tells us we don't have to be a genius to discover Him nor win a Nobel Prize. We must simply come as little children amazed by the intelligence required for His creation and awestruck at His capacity for love and compassion.

God wants us to come before Him as children, because children are innocent, and trust with a pure, uncorrupted heart. Faith builds character, which starts when you are a child. Without faith, we cannot please God. "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) Adults tend to become cynical with age. Let's not!

 [I'm indebted to my friend and fellow author Bob Williamson for some of this info on Einstein.]

Matthew 18:3 "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you change and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

 Writing Update:

100,000 BOOK ORDERS - I'VE REACHED AN EXCITING MILESTONE - thanks to you for every order! And because of amazon I now have readers in India, Japan, Spain, Canada, UK, Australia and Africa. I also appreciate the private local bookstores who have sold my books like Angelus, Cornerstone, Dust Bunny and Breadloaf Books. I'm truly humbled and grateful. May each book be a blessing to you and every reader!

 My New project -YouTube Judith Rolfs channel of Fun, Family and Faith video presentations is coming along. It's been quite a learning curve for me technologically. Check it out - still in baby stages but operational. I hope to provide a place for you to get quick inspiration as a mom or grandma. Plus, you can comment back to let me know what you'd like to see. So far I have short videos on Dealing With Worry and Getting Along With Your Spouse when you're together 24 hours a day like during Covid. Also I read aloud some of my Unforgettable Stories For Kids which is my featured book on amazon this month.

***

May your June be filled with God's blessings and safe connections with people again!!!

MOTHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS [I have a guest author on my blog today, my husband, Wayne Rolfs, who has become an amazing writer and sends out a daily inspirational blog. Let me know if you want to be on his list.] Let's pretend you get a surprise call.  It’s about your mother!  Bad news, no it could be great news!  Someone has entered her in the local "Mother of the Year Contest."  You, her son/daughter, have been asked to help in their contest by providing any facts, people, events, that would aid the committee in their selection of "Mother of the Year.” The winner will receive an all expenses paid week vacation to the destination of their choice:  Hawaii, Europe, or any country or state. Some answers to questions they would like from you, about your mom, include the following: 1.  How did she show her love for you?   2. What personal character qualities did you admire in her? 3. Can you remember two-three extraordinary times when you felt a special connection with her? 4.  Who were her closest friends and why? 5.  What could you share of her spiritual beliefs and practices and how did they impact you? 6. What would you say was her most desirable attribute?  And finally, 7.  What one or two words would best describe your mother? Perhaps you and I can take a few of these questions and discuss them this Mother’s Day, you may have your own special thoughts for honoring mom, whether she’s living or dead, what are they? Yes, as we all remember our mothers this Mother's Day, reflections are in order and the questions above might surface dear, sweet memories of why your mom was special to you.  I didn’t say perfect, none of us are.  For your additional reflections, below is what someone said about their mother.  Author Unknown.                   “You were my fairy tale princess, So much larger than life. You were my angel and my witness through all my pain and strife. At times you made me angry, great words I would proclaim.  How someday you’d be sorry, you were the one to blame.  But when I needed comforting you always found time.  Your words were more soothing than days of childhood sublime.  Now the distance holds us apart, the boundaries have no end. I’ll hold the memories in my heart. You're my mother, my best friend.” Another person once said about their mom:   “When you’re a child, she walks before you to set an example.  When you’re a teenager, she walks behind you to be there should you need her. When you’re an adult she walks beside you, and together share life’s blessings and trials.”  She is there. What a special gift God has given us, Mothers, for without them we could never have gotten here.  Amen. Thank you all mothers!!   WTR “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded.” Deuteronomy 5:16 JUDITH'S WRITING UPDATE I'm working on an exciting new project - My own You Tube channel offering free video presentations on family topics using material from my counseling training and marriage, family and children's books. The videos will also be available on Preach The Word Cable TV Network. If you'd like a preview click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw Very soon, hopefully within two months the channel will be ready for its premiere launch. You can subscribe now. A Blessed Mother’s Day To All!

Thriving Midst the Uncertainty

Not Survive –Thrive 

Those of us alive now will always remember when our world turned inside out and upside down. Normality ended and, even worse, we began to wonder if it would ever return. We are forced to look at everything in new ways. Human proximity is now a danger. Can it be? 

The family events that sometimes seem to have been inconvenient we long for. The jobs, the income, the sometimes annoying work settings, the tedious commutes, gone in a flash. We long for what once we carelessly took for granted. The church services we now attend online and often watch more than one even if it’s not our usual denomination. 

What of weddings and showers? Think of all the months, sometimes years, of planning – poof – not to be for now and maybe never in the future, at least not as originally planned. 

How about the spring travelers? The “I’ll go where and when I want - don’t tell me what to do”  - sadly these go-ers and do-ers are powerless.

For funerals we no longer worry about ceremonies. Instead there are very humble endings and simple burials, slipping off into eternity without much fanfare. Perhaps, it is the best way after all, I know it sounds good to me.

Sometimes I step back and observe. Does the way we’re living seem as absurd to you as to me? Like a Twilight Zone episode? And then the biggest unknown of all - what shall we open to? There’s much to consider here. I realize life with these economic  setbacks will be hard. Few have escaped unharmed, but then perhaps it’s been more of a focus than it should’ve been in all our pasts.

The inner message we all hear is that we are not as much in control over our own lives as we once thought. Did government alone stop our life? I wonder. It seems to me God allowed this. Why? To get our attention. Have we been neglectful in obeying His commands to love Him with all our hearts and obey His commandments? That’s something for each of us to ponder.

Nevertheless, I enter each day with hope. Why? Because it’s our daily inheritance as a Christian - hope and joy, as well. What God has allowed we will endure with his grace. Grace? It’s not just a word but an empowerment to lift our heads and expect good ahead. 

I’m doing some things I’d long intended to do. My newest work is creating YouTube video presentations of some of the talks I’ve given over the years and using some of the helpful material from my marriage and parenting books and even mystery novels. For this I’ve launched my own You-Tube channel of inspiration for family life. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw/videos You’d bless me by liking it and subscribing. I’ll have a new video each week.

Something else I’ve been doing, like many of you, is sorting the “treasures” I’ve stored for years in my attic, garage, and under-the-bed boxes. As I do, I’m sweetly savoring the memories they represent. I’ve organized my shopping to once a week, quick in and out with a list,  no running to the store for this and that. I happily re-organized my neglected pantry and drawers to hold more supplies. I doubt if any of these activities would’ve occurred had we never had this shelter- in-place opportunity.

Now simply walking down the street with a family member while social distancing is my favorite form of entertainment. Getting carry-out food from a restaurant is a risky privilege and huge treat. We have a new norm not as good as what once was but enjoyable and in some ways even a little better. Again clearly reminding us over and over we’re not in charge. God is. 

Some change of mind and heart has helped us all cope. Have you noticed arrogance has largely evaporated? Humility has emerged. As for equality we’re all on the same level rich and poor. NOT one of us can leave home without sufficient reason and thought. Love and kindness have multiplied exponentially. We now have time and focus to see the real needs of others and use our gifts to be of help. These are the news stories that give us joy despite the death counts at the end of each day. 

I pray we won’t all simply survive but thrive in multiple ways. Again we see more clearly… God‘s unconditional love for each of us is a forever thing and how rich we are when we realize this! Whatever happens, victory is His and ours always!

“Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed.” John 14:27 AMP

A Most Unusual Easter 

Blessed Easter dear family and friends. This Easter  churches are closed, but fortunately the presence of God still pervades our universe on this day and forever.

In the past I've taken attending church services for granted and now I'm truly missing being there. Ever  wonder why so many people typically attend and why worshipping God means so much?  I believe devout churchgoers experience an invisible but certain refreshment to their souls. It's called grace.

I know this to be true: A breath of Jesus and your breathing changes forever. The Spirit called Holy, the joygiver, patience-maker, wisdom worker, will change you within, in wondrous ways you know you couldn’t do alone. 

You experience an awesome life-giving immersion in the love of God and the love of brothers and sisters. And really encounter in one another, with heart eyes, this Jesus all the fuss is over - this God plus Man reaching out and reaching within to transform us into HIs image through community.

That's why church matters. I pray when the doors reopen churches will be flooded with people. In the meantime, quiet contemplation, candles and songs and Zoom with our precious loved ones will have to do.

We wish you a most joyous unusual Easter! 

                    

Thoughts about Crosses

Crosses, crosses everywhere.

Metal crosses with clean, sharp lines,

Wooden crosses with carved, intricate symbols,

Crosses of ceramic, collectors of dust on walls,

Whose owners have ceased to see them.

Ornamental crosses hanging around necks

Filled with meaning or meaningless?

Invisible crosses carried throughout lives

With dignity and determination.

Holy crosses that serve as reminders

Of one sacred cross carried

And a precious life sacrificed --

The cross that made kingdom dwellers

Of common people like you and me

Because God was glorified upon it

This Calvary cross brings grace to us -

Redemption and Resurrection.

(c) from Breathless 2012

BLESSED EASTER!