Blessed Thanksgiving 2022

  

Gratitude 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, 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 and deep agonies – who ever thought hearts could hurt so bad?  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, however minutely. 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. How honored I am to be able to minister to God’s beloveds.

 

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

 

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

 

Blessed Thanksgiving!

 

A favorite Scripture verse is: “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

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I so appreciate your prayers for God to be glorified and women blessed at my next speaking event - Grace Church’s Women’s Christmas Tea on Dec. 3^rd.

 

Are you Christmas shopping for ages 9 & up? I’d love to have your children meet Tommy Smurlee and Grella Weller in their mystery fantasy 3 book series and experience their life-changing adventures.

Christmas Sale - Over 1/2 off

 

 Looking for a new devotional for 2023. Check out my Jesus Time, 365 Love Notes of Wonder & Worship

Christmas Sale - Over 1/2 off NOW

Life is Hard But God is a Real and Present Help

 

LOSSES ARE HARD! We all have them some time or another.  It’s the part of the human condition I like least.
 
Learning to do life without the love of my life these past two months has been SURELY the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s second in comparison only to what it might be like trying to find joy and meaning in a life without God. Even the thought is incredible.
 
Not by my choice am I in this place. I held my husband in my arms and nursed him for seven months when countless times it seemed as if it would be his last day on earth. I would have gladly continued caring for him forever.
 
God assures me in Psalm 139 that I can trust Wayne’s appointed time of death was known at his birth by His loving Father. I believe God had magnificent angels transport Wayne into His mansion of glory.
 
Wayne repeatedly said he didn’t want to leave me. I didn’t want him to! I couldn’t bear to see his pain with no hope of it ending. I understood fully that his only sadness was being without me for a time. I assured him I wouldn’t be long. I told him to wait for me near the gate. 
 
Wayne was so ready to meet Jesus face to face. He never doubted for a second that He’d be waiting for him. Accepting Wayne’s decision was my last and greatest act as his help-mate. 
 
Now all I have is the huge hole created by his absence. Nothing seems worth doing or significant. The pain I carry seems to double my body weight. Maybe others can’t see my heaviness, but I feel it every second.  
 
Wayne’s body on earth had ceased to be a worthy vessel for all he was. Wayne’s spirit longed to be free. I wanted that for him too. I knew his absence would hurt and I’d scarcely survive.
 
I pray you never have to face a loss of a beloved spouse, parent or child like this, but if you do maybe these thoughts below help.
 
SILENCE SOOTHES ME AS I WALK THRU THE HOUSE IN THE MORNING AFTER I AWAKE THAT I MAY HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD AND REMEMBER WAYNE.
 
SPEAKING PRAISES ALOUD TO GOD EACH MORNING AND NIGHT.
These are some of mine: Praising God that my beloved is fully able to hear, see, sing, run, golf, dance and that he is with God every moment. If he can’t be with me that’s the only place I can bear for him to be that I know is better.
 
Praising Jesus for being God of the universe. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without Him knowing and allowing it. He designed a life span of fullness of strength for each of us. (And He extended Wayne’s far beyond the majority.)
 
Praising Jesus that our children have lived into their fifties and sixties with a father on earth. How extraordinary is that!
 
Praising Jesus for a husband who cherished and loved me so deeply and expressed it in such beautiful ways through touch, gifts, words, his time and devotion.
 
Praising God that His Holy Spirit will guide me minute by minute to maximize the remaining time I have on earth.
 
SMALL ACTIONS HELP TOO LIKE SENDING A NOTE OF GRATITUDE TO SOMEONE FOR SOMETHING EACH DAY. I’ve been blessed to have been affirmed many times throughout my life and I know how encouraging this can be.
 
BEING WITH PEOPLE at least 1-2 hours each day even if it’s only sitting in a library or coffee shop. Yes, I am trying to stay busy.
 
SAVORING GOD’S BEAUTY AROUND ME. Lord what a marvelous day in the gorgeous Upper Gardens! Even as my tears flow softly I can see Your beauty all around me. I can only imagine what Wayne must be seeing.
 
WATCHING THE SUNSET EVERY NIGHT AND SPENDING TIME IN NATURE LIKE MY VISIT WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL HORSES.
 
TRUSTING JESUS is with me to help me overcome the challenges of each day. My greatest challenge is learning to thrive in loneliness. I walk into a room where Wayne should be, and pain clutches inside my chest and tears stream. Where they all come from I can’t imagine. This isn’t the life I know or want.
 
Only Jesus can help through horrendous losses. 
 
PRAYER: 
Lord, I pray You will show me what is to be my new schedule as a woman husbanded by God and I trust that You will continue each day. May I be a blessing to others even now. MAY MY GRIEVING ADULT CHILDREN TO FIND COMFORT IN YOUR PRESENCE.
 
Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
 
WRITING EVENTS UPDATE:
Not much new writing happening but I will be at the Angelus Shop in Walworth, WI for their Christmas Open House and a book signing. Nov. 12^th. It’s always a lovely event. Writer friend Carol Paur will be there also launching her new book. My Unforgettable Stories For Kids and Tommy Smurlee/Grella Weller series makes great children’s gifts!

 New Beginnings

 

I’d love to go back to this tea party day years ago, but life insists on pushing me forward into unfamiliar places. My husband Wayne recently entered heaven. Our granddaughter Anna began college this month along with her twin brother Joshua. And sadly I have begun a new, non-normal life as a woman husbanded by God. 

 

I now understand why there are so many Scriptures on God’s comfort when we hurt and I need every one! Along with the extraordinary kindness of you wonderful friends and loving family members I must figure out the daily-ness of doing life alone while grieving deeply. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

 

These 10 Scripture verses speak to me and help me take each next breath:
Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” 
Isaiah 40:1 “‘Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God.” 
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 
Romans 15:4 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” 
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 
Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” 
Isaiah 49:13 “Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people, and will have mercy on His afflicted.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:1 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.” 

 

My prayer is Lord, please comfort me so that I may comfort others. Is there any reason for pain other than being able to help others to survive and to find a measure of joy and peace again? Whatever your difficult situation, I hope these verses will help you as well.

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My first little step out back into the world is Wed. Sept. 14, Lake Geneva Christian Women’s Connection luncheon. My author friend Delores Leisner and I will describe the books we wrote intending to bless men and women seeking more of God’s ways and less of self.

 

If you’ve checked my YouTube Channel lately, know that I hope to be adding soon to the free 30 videos already available on marriage and parenting. Thank you for subscribing.

 

As long as God gives me life, I know He has purpose for me. May I live it out well…

 

 

Truth-Telling

When we’re lovers of Jesus, we have the privilege of carrying His love and truth to others. We do that through ordinary circumstances of our ordinary lives stamped with a super-ordinary mission upon our souls. And we speak truth lovingly when the need arises. 

In our culture today is a glaring mistruth -the misperception women have been told that aborting human life is a healthy choice. 

If we truly care about the health of the women of the world and want what’s best for them, we’ll replace the emotional hoopla over the end of Roe vs. Wade’s unconstitutional murdering of babies with truth. 

Here is the reality. Carrying a pregnancy to full term is natural and healthy for every woman unless a doctor clearly decrees her life is actually in danger. The benefits to completing a pregnancy are huge!

• Reduced risk of MS 
• Lower risk of breast cancer 
• Lower risk of other cancers 
• A lower risk of stroke 
• A boost in mood 
• Easier periods 

Reduced risk of MS

Multiple sclerosis, which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, may be on the rise — in part, experts think, because many women have fewer kids. But having a baby cuts your risk of developing this autoimmune disorder in half, according to a small Australian study. And each pregnancy offered even more protection, with mothers of four or more kids slashing their risk by an astonishing 95 percent. 

During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system adjusts to avoid attacking the baby, and experts think this lower immune activity may reduce the inflammation that causes nerve damage. After childbirth, some of your baby’s cells remain in your body and may keep immune-system activity — and MS risk — down. Although doctors used to advise women with MS not to have babies, they now believe pregnancy actually reduces the risk of a relapse.

A lower risk of stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death in women in the U.S., but one study found that postmenopausal women who breastfed were less likely to have a stroke than those who never breastfed. In fact, breastfeeding just one baby for at least six months can lower your risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes and high blood pressure.  One theory is the oxytocin released during nursing may have heart-healthy properties that ward off stroke.

Lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer

The hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding also protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer, and the more full-term pregnancies you have, the greater the benefit. Scientists are investigating how carrying a baby can reduce a woman’s risk of other cancers too. 

Easier periods

Good news for women with bad cramps: Having babies may bring you some relief in the long run. Many women find that their menstrual cramps are much less painful — or even nonexistent — after the birth of their first baby. The above info is from “Health Benefits of Pregnancy and Motherhood” by Maria Masters, Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M.D., F.A.C.O. G. on November 3, 2021. It’s only one of many articles listing the medical benefits of continuing with a pregnancy rather than aborting. This truth isn’t being spoken by radio, TV other social media so it must come from Christ’s truth tellers.

I can personally vouch for the mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of women who continue with a pregnancy rather than abort their baby. Over my thirty years as a mental health practitioner I have counseled numerous women who had abortions. I only wish you could hear their stories of deep regret, particularly among those who have subsequently had families and then realized the enormity of their loss.

The sense of loss can lead to depression, a form of post-partum blues that doesn’t stop. Statistics show many women have ongoing anger issues and other mental health problems after abortions.

I understand that a baby can be inconvenient or for whatever reason a woman doesn’t feel capable of raising a child. Then adoption is a wonderful life-giving, self-nurturing choice. We can provide resources to help women go through pregnancy with support and then help them gift the baby through adoption to responsible parents. The women will get the health benefits of going through pregnancy. It’s a win-win situation.

God’s natural plan is always to do good and not harm. Let’s stop telling women abortion is in their best interest. It’s clearly not! I love all God’s people and want the very best for them.

I hope you will ponder these facts and be a truth teller with me. Let’s consider the real well-being and health of women.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,  He refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23

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Please visit and subscribe to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Judith Rolfs for more tips about family life, marriage and parenting.

I’d love for you to check out my amazon author page for my twenty-plus books to enrich every aspect of your life. Plus some exciting mystery novels as well.

jwrolfs@gmail.com

Dr. Judith Rolfs

www.judithrolfs.com

 

God Laughs, So Should We...

In these trouble times, I’ve noticed, from my vantage point as a psychotherapist, an increase of anxiety among people I know. It’s like a sickness hanging in the air. There are logical reasons for this - real economic concerns and continuing health worries. But God has given us a simple antidote for anxiety, if we’ll remember to use it.

And it’s powerful!  I’m describing God’s gift of laughter. Pure, unadulterated, joyful laughter. I searched out the Scripture verses that specifically use the word laugh or laughter and listed them below. Many other verses speak about being joyful, rejoicing and praising God. I don’t discount that delight, but these refer specifically to the act of laughing. 
 
God laughs. Since we’re made in God’s image, the ability to laugh is not an add-on that only certain personalities have. We all acquired our ability to laugh from God so anyone can utilize this gift. And we can intentionally learn to laugh more. Laughter is a contagious human experience and totally healthy.
 
Laughter can keep us from being too somber about distressing events around us and remind us we have a fortress in our loving God. The Lord himself laughs at the wicked for he knows that their day is coming. (Psalm 37:13)  I wonder if we, too, could actually laugh at times at the ridiculous evil we see. Is this realistic? It is, if we know that God is in charge of all things.
 
Little is known about the mechanism of laughter, but all the same we know it works when we experience it because we enjoy every moment. What makes you laugh until your insides jiggle? Funny, silly movies, the antics of a dog, jokes? 
 
Let’s consider the practical health benefits of laughter. When our eighteen-year-old son was diagnosed with advanced T-cell cancer, one of the first things we did was send someone to the library to pick up an armload of funny movies to boost his immune system.
 
Laughter aids circulation, lowers blood pressure, boosts our immune system, and releases tension which lowers anxiety. The physical act of laughing releases endorphins in the brain causing a feeling of happiness. The relaxed feeling after a good laugh can last up to an hour, similar to when you have a physical work-out. It increases the body’s production of antibodies and T-cells that fight off disease. Your pain tolerance jumps. Fifteen muscles in your face contract during laughter. Yes, all true. Yet, as we age, we often forget how much fun it is. And how helpful.
 
Personally, I think laughter is the most fun when it’s also a social experience. I love to laugh with family and friends, but I do derive pleasure from laughing at myself occasionally, too. 
 
I also view laughter as a spiritual experience, because it’s a great act of trust to laugh with God no matter what’s going on around us. Evil does exist in our midst. I’m not asking anyone to ignore that reality. But we have a choice and we can laugh while walking the path of trust - rejoicing and praising our God who is in charge of all things. 
 
One of my children’s stories in Unforgettable Stories for Kids is called The Tickle Ring. It’s plain, pure silliness. I encourage you to read it to your child or grandchild or let me read it for you through my YouTube channel Judith Rolfs. You’ll find lots of thoughts and tips there to motivate families to make an intentional effort to create a happy, strong family life. 
 
I kept a joke book in the car when driving my grandchildren around. After I pick them up at school I let them take turns reading a joke for the day.  How about this Father’s Day sharing some anecdotal stories from your childhood or your husbands that could create atmosphere for laughter. 
 
You may want to keep the Scripture verses below handy to remind you to be intentional about adding more laughter into your life. 
 
Happy days of laughter!
 

1. Genesis 21:6: “And Sarah declared, ‘God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.’”
2. Job 8:21: “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”
3. Psalm 2:4: “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.”
4. Psalm 37:13: “But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.”
5. Psalm 126:2: “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them.’” 
6. Luke 6:21: “God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now for in due time you will laugh.”
7. Ecclesiastes 3:4:  “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”
8. Ecclesiastes 10:19 “A feast is made for laughter…”

 
For Father’s Day, no better gift for dads of any age than Man in Command, How To Be A Great Husband and Dad!
 
www.judithrolfs.com
YouTube Channel: Judith Rolfs
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share: You’ll find Unforgettable Stories For Kids there. 

*****

On a personal note, my husband Wayne still battles the after effects of Covid that damaged his lungs. We are so grateful to those of you who have prayed for him since January. Today when I called him my suffering saint, he said “No,” he's blessed in so many ways! 

Easter Greetings!

Easter joy dear family and friends! These past three months, since I last wrote my blog, have been a busy time steeped in continual prayer and moment by moment gratitude. Gratefulness takes a deeper meaning when you’re listening for every breath of your beloved husband, fearing it might be his last.

Our time of intense outer activity and incredible inner tension began Christmas Day when Covid entered our world. I was sick about a week, but Wayne was hit quite hard and is still on supplemental oxygen and unable to walk more than twenty feet without becoming breathless.

 

What I most wish to tell you is that God is faithful thru the fire and all the phrases you’ve read in Scripture and heard in Christian songs ARE TRUE. God is a present help in trouble, He will sustain you, you can cling to Him. The God who named Himself I AM is with us when we go through exhaustion and life-threatening dangers.

 

We depended upon His Holy Spirit for wisdom as we sorted out conflicting treatment recommendations. I prayed Scripture over Wayne nightly. Favorite verses were from Psalm 27, 13 and 14: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

 

Heaven has occupied our minds often. I will admit anticipating the awesome presence of Jesus there is a huge draw. Neither Wayne, nor I, are afraid of transitioning to existence in heaven. Honestly though, we dread the idea of being separated for a while from one another and family and friends.

 

The past ten days Wayne has shown small, but definite improvement. It would appear we’ve temporarily been blessed with MORE OF his life here! We serve a MORE OF God. 

 

We didn’t journey through this alone. The prayers of so many of you were powerful!!! And our adult children were incredible caregivers!!! And many gifts of soups and sweets and cards were deeply appreciated.

 

So this Easter we celebrate the RISEN LIFE of JESUS AND THE LIFE OF  MY HUSBAND WAYNE, at least until God brings his life to completion in His perfect way and time.

 

WRITING/SPEAKING UPDATE:

My 24th and probably last book, God’s Near, a devotional, was released in Jan.  but I didn’t have time to publicize it. May it bless you. If you’d like to leave a review or tell friends I'd be grateful. 

My YouTube channel [Judith Rolfs] has continued to grow to over 600 subscribers. The most popular video has over 18,000 views – 10 Ways to Show Respect. This is all God. I’ve done nothing to make it happen. I pray every viewer and reader will be blessed by the work God assigned me years ago when He called me to write, speak and counsel for Him.

This link below takes you to my author page.

 https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

• BLESSED EASTER DEAR ONES! 
• TRULY JESUS IS RISEN!
• LET NOTHING AND NO ONE TAKE YOUR JOY FROM YOU. 
• IT'S OUR EASTER LEGACY OF HOPE LIFTING OUR HEARTS EVERY DAY.