tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18675531064433340772024-02-18T22:23:57.859-06:00Thoughts on Fun, Faith and FamilyDr. Judith Rolfs, Writer, Marriage & Family Counselor, Wife, Mom and GrandmomJudith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.comBlogger170125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-88646905812233479972024-02-13T14:51:00.002-06:002024-02-13T15:11:09.828-06:00<p> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizVQaqVBlv0rndF8HIlu8z8UxfKiVCVv00doY_ThFqZRM3UqxqbJMI28_FYpOFNjzXmHX4CRH4xInBVils9C49mpRs98JvdifrnRWk_94TCS_0cjxO_F1UqF5G4A8bsOCaHkC7IduDdpk6L3t5NonJrOujMEP6J41FLFhKuzLsMWT8LHI6pWaojLE52P0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizVQaqVBlv0rndF8HIlu8z8UxfKiVCVv00doY_ThFqZRM3UqxqbJMI28_FYpOFNjzXmHX4CRH4xInBVils9C49mpRs98JvdifrnRWk_94TCS_0cjxO_F1UqF5G4A8bsOCaHkC7IduDdpk6L3t5NonJrOujMEP6J41FLFhKuzLsMWT8LHI6pWaojLE52P0" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Valentine’s Day, our special twenty-four hour celebration of love, has arrived. What a powerful four-letter word! And what an extraordinary force love is! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">On this Valentine’s Day I encourage you to make loving well your highest priority. Of course we send remembrances of cards, flowers, but it’s great to speak words of love all throughout the year. What a privilege to love people as we go through life - a spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, dear friends - their presence in our world brings deep joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The greatest Lover ever is our Creator and we’re made in His image. It’s His love we model when we tenderly treasure one another. We cannot “over love” by its true definition, which is caring for the welfare of your beloved even more than your own. This mean no smothering love but freeing love, respecting your loved one and urging him or her on to become the best person possible. Love is fuel to help you survive and thrive no matter what happens around you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The truth is my heart will always long for my 60-year-plus love affair with my husband, Wayne, even though my soul knows I cannot see him again on earth. I’m never completely without the desire to return to my former married life. Yet, I have a God-given incentive to pursue new experiences. I pray for the gift of holy laughter again. I always taught the people I counseled that God wants us to rejoice in Him no matter what. We are to live with joy and serenity and clothe ourselves with kindness and compassion, so I try. As I look for a plus in my husband’s departure, I can see one glowing in the darkness: my love for God, my intimacy with him has become ever greater. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">When I’m in church, and see in a row ahead of me a man put his arm around his wife or a couple holding hands as they walk in, it makes me happy, not sad. For a couple seconds, as I see their tender touch, I recall the love I had. Marriage is finding another imperfect being to join with in your imperfection, and allowing God to perfect the two of you. This can only happen when God is central in your life. Always He is to be our greatest love! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you lovers whose life is blessed as mine is today by memories of love, and to those who are praying for their future to find someone to bestow their love upon, and for those who are in the midst of a precious union, celebrate moment by moment your love! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Happy Valentine’s Day to God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">And Happy Valentine’s Day to you my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">1 Corinthians 13:13 “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”<br /></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />WRITING UPDATE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">To give your marital love a boost, please check out my Intimacy Reviver free on my YouTube page (JudithRolfs). It will enrich your love affair whether you’ve been married one month or 50 years. This simple communication tool can strengthen the bond between you. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">To become ever more intimate with God consider using my <i>Jesus Time 365</i> <i>Love Notes of Wonder and Worship,</i> devotionals for your daily prayer. I wrote them for readers to draw into greater intimacy with God. A reader recently sent me this message, “I’m currently using this as my devotional for the third year. Daily I find new nuggets to bless me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m excited to say that I’ve resumed my writing again, and am nearing completion of my next mystery novel. It has many twists and turn and is set in England and Scotland. I’m eager for you to read it. Also, I’m working on a grief book to help those who, like me, have lost a beloved spouse. I appreciate your prayers that these projects will honor God and bless readers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">For more information on my books, blogs and videos visit:</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://drjudithrolfs.com/" style="color: #954f72;">https://drjudithrolfs.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-40136731951231366332023-12-22T20:02:00.002-06:002023-12-22T20:35:20.710-06:00A Perfect Gift<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ciolSDaM4DP0EUUJAK8GbHWYPqBY2PE7L0nWVYhaft-2iQtPleu30egr8QvIWrCry_2BF7vkAPycOYwrJt1EiDZImmVgbOlG-ynReEB27f4k-kx2MbYkyh9iM14CXIAeoNA9I2BVD_cwoTTUQ-hB5YwblCIvHR5HmQeTyeBtpMgXFhDVE7hBEqGiKhE/s3464/IMG_8142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ciolSDaM4DP0EUUJAK8GbHWYPqBY2PE7L0nWVYhaft-2iQtPleu30egr8QvIWrCry_2BF7vkAPycOYwrJt1EiDZImmVgbOlG-ynReEB27f4k-kx2MbYkyh9iM14CXIAeoNA9I2BVD_cwoTTUQ-hB5YwblCIvHR5HmQeTyeBtpMgXFhDVE7hBEqGiKhE/s320/IMG_8142.JPG" width="279" /></a></div><br /><b> A Perfect Gift</b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">I have a stack of gifts around me waiting to be wrapped, but I’m stopped by a thought that hits me like a thunderbolt. What gift have I selected to give Jesus this year?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If I were one of the three kings, what would I be bringing?<br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The only gift I can think of that might be of value is my gift of acceptance – living each remaining day of my life fully aware of its challenges, but with total acceptance of God's will. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is acceptance what Jesus pondered in that Gethsemane garden 33 years from his birth when He willingly embraced the cross that was his destiny? Didn’t He offer the father His gift of total acceptance? How well Jesus modeled this for me and you!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />Often we must live with things that cannot be changed. What sweetness comes when we offer Jesus our gift of acceptance. This requires courage, because often what must be accepted is truly quite hard, like living without my beloved husband. Yet, whatever has happened to me, I choose to embrace because Almighty God has allowed it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Perhaps you have situations in your life you need to accept also because they are unchangeable. Amazingly, when we give Jesus this gift of acceptance, as is His customary style, He gifts us back with far more than we give. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Acceptance brings gifts of serenity, hope and peace, priceless treasures that don’t fit beneath the tree, but remain with us wherever we go. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i>“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13</i></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas to you dear family and friends. </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18.66666603088379px; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas, Jesus!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>May this be your holiest and happiest Christmas ever!</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-38340995147810046872023-11-28T16:26:00.001-06:002023-11-28T17:33:06.867-06:00Christmas Light<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Light<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Remembering a Christmas long ago. How dark my life was and how empty although materially rich. I was seeking truth and illumination about the significance and purpose of my life. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My path was often dark because I couldn’t find meaning in the ordinary things of this world. Something in my spirit sensed there must be more and I found my more in Christ. His never-ending light and love go hand-in-hand. When I live in His light, I know love. It’s all very natural and yet mystical at the same time. I know my Lord, the giver of light, is my supreme giver of love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I better understand the celebration of Christmas, too, as the light of Christ entered the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His light has never been extinguished through many seasons and trials since. It’s the light that has illuminated my path when there was no other brightness. Yes, I’ve known sadness, and pain during many seasons since, but it cannot quench my brightness, unless I allow it and I refuse. Darkness has no power.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No wonder I love the light of Christ. This season I remind myself when I turn on a light switch to be thankful that Christ is the light of my world and the light of the entire world. Christmas is all about light.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I remember that Christ’s light could never be put out, even though the world tried in countless ways. As I age, it seems like the light grows brighter - maybe it’s simply that I’m ever more deeply attracted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I love seeing all the outdoor lights twisted over houses and trees. I wonder what the brightness of light is like in heaven where my husband dwells. What kind of illumination is he experiencing? I so look forward to the time when I can communicate with him directly again. I miss our conversations so very much!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter how many more sunrises God plans for me to experience, I will proclaim always that He is the light. I am privileged to have Him shine upon me, so that I may reflect His light in my tiny sphere of existence for others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, in my own small way, and in yours, we can be light-bringers, light-bearers. It’s such a privilege to be a light-bearer and to give witness to the light that is always among us. When we focus on the light, our anxieties drift away. Darkness and light cannot coexist. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May this Christmas season be your brightest ever!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.” John 1:5<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 18:28 <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether it’s cookie baking for friends, having a Christmas tea, helping children learn songs for a nativity pageant, wrapping a gift with love, we can always be shining the light of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our light has a great purpose - to glorify God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit so that all may know. May we do so magnificently!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WRITING UPDATE:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My author friend Becky Melby and I are having a pre-Christmas book sale event at Inspired Coffee – a wonderful coffee shop in Lake Geneva, great service, excellent coffee and other treats. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It's tomorrow Wednesday Nov. 29 from 1-3 P. M. with a brief program. Writer Q & A and Christmas Tradition Tips from 1:30—2:00. Becky writes Christian inspirational romances. I’m honored to do this event with her. If you can't make it tomorrow my books are on amazon and at Angelus Gift shop in Walworth, WI.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dec. 1<sup>st</sup> I’m privileged to attend a home group that is discussing my women’s book <i>52 Ways To Live, Love and Laugh As A Woman</i>. I look forward to meeting these new ladies.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGfQfOAeuOjY5wrxjXFPgsdFJepYD4HhJ1OxxZ5EXYSq3Me8Jg6uclE54lkzvUEfAyuhaBqKK5evBOANqdI86pQ7IGSrUECghtO9356WSZeKWSA-qDuHQU-9uYmJhWGJWPFD7FqV2R-z_MBBgkAp6S-M7MAWBjvyy3FzIij7-ayC4ga4iEg9D1oOqsUY/s3107/IMG_8137.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3107" data-original-width="2738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGfQfOAeuOjY5wrxjXFPgsdFJepYD4HhJ1OxxZ5EXYSq3Me8Jg6uclE54lkzvUEfAyuhaBqKK5evBOANqdI86pQ7IGSrUECghtO9356WSZeKWSA-qDuHQU-9uYmJhWGJWPFD7FqV2R-z_MBBgkAp6S-M7MAWBjvyy3FzIij7-ayC4ga4iEg9D1oOqsUY/s320/IMG_8137.jpeg" width="282" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><o:p></o:p><p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-38048949556868925192023-10-18T22:19:00.002-05:002023-10-18T22:37:01.074-05:00Changes in All of Life<p> <span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Change</span><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">God must think change is valuable because He allows us to experience so much! We see change in seasons, but truly all of life is about change. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">We have children and adjust to each new stage. In a blink they grow into adults. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">We reach the point where our body is strong and mature – and aging begins. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season for everything. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Actually, I feel like my entire life has been riding the winds of change. I know the Maker of the Winds, so I am not afraid to go where He takes me. I’m amazed at all the places, and fascinating people who have been on this journey with me - new ones joining all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Sometimes change is easy. At times it’s scary when those wind gusts are particularly strong. Like learning how to live without my beloved husband now. I long to be content, but often must pull my emotions along. It helps to keep the end of the ride in sight - our final great destination. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Fortunately, we can trust that God’s in charge of change. Our role is simply to embrace what is good, true and beautiful, to look for it and treasure it. And choose contentment wherever the Maker of the Wind takes us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Psalm 46:2 reminds us that God's unchanging and protective presence is real.</span></i><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> <i>“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">*****<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">WRITING NEWS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Speaking of change, I have a new website </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://judithrolfs.com/"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif" style="color: blue;">judithrolfs.com</span></a></span><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">No speaking events until spring but lots of writing time - hopefully to complete my grief book. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"><br />I was on the phone recently while a friend ordered from amazon a copy of my suspense novel <i>Directive 99</i>. He linked the downloaded book to his Alexa which started reading aloud for me to hear. I didn’t know this was possible because <i>Directive 99</i> not an Audible book (like my <i>Bullet in the Night</i> Mystery.) So I guess any of my books now can be heard on a device - if being “read to” works best for your lifestyle, you may want to try this out. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Cold weather is a great time for an intriguing mystery. Angelus Gift Shop in Walworth carries all four of mine (so does Amazon but I highly recommend shopping locally whenever possible.) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif">Wishing friends and family a snuggly, warm fall!</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iYuPHGc3m-HDcLoNq7HcKCbp2BbijVJDzSEllL_KdPGWN71R8HCUF6YAoezVDYk_YHi97hDIlfoBy1J3hPzyZA3cWtB1WTAWb6R11Fmmi3iHPJfc3HT42DW0ea2cXruwcpivhxTU66hUoOKKpTEM1xdTstfcbhPgdW2O6_iugLfcvHCad51o34AfR8A/s3264/IMG_2692.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iYuPHGc3m-HDcLoNq7HcKCbp2BbijVJDzSEllL_KdPGWN71R8HCUF6YAoezVDYk_YHi97hDIlfoBy1J3hPzyZA3cWtB1WTAWb6R11Fmmi3iHPJfc3HT42DW0ea2cXruwcpivhxTU66hUoOKKpTEM1xdTstfcbhPgdW2O6_iugLfcvHCad51o34AfR8A/s320/IMG_2692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="Verdana-Italic, serif"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-18514475795385127422023-09-10T23:02:00.000-05:002023-09-10T23:02:13.143-05:00Seconds Matter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZLW2IRV2vOHHZMQ-wL94bkrVefzJl9XUvQpkdlyro9bGQ9tHmSmNfNrIpYvt_VyufKOQ35HoQWfuA65U5xB8iXk8cGpBLpBOl_D9EuZMY45VD_gbCmwsoqSkh_LxlGiJ6ffhceXAqpa8K5Yc_0Iwjpkqo206ZW9jrhFDUzG5l0UD8_2yO3c9BJFa003g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZLW2IRV2vOHHZMQ-wL94bkrVefzJl9XUvQpkdlyro9bGQ9tHmSmNfNrIpYvt_VyufKOQ35HoQWfuA65U5xB8iXk8cGpBLpBOl_D9EuZMY45VD_gbCmwsoqSkh_LxlGiJ6ffhceXAqpa8K5Yc_0Iwjpkqo206ZW9jrhFDUzG5l0UD8_2yO3c9BJFa003g" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Dear Friends,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I long for more sun-bright days to stroll the lake path and be nurtured in Lake Geneva’s shimmering beauty as I reflect upon life. And non-life. After a year I still feel the pain of losing the man whose very presence on earth gave me energy and purpose. How does one survive without the voice that brought love and laughter daily?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Only with God and you, dear family (pictured in this photo) and friends, am I sustained. How I wish you could be enough to brighten my soul as Wayne did. Yet you each give much-needed comfort and I am grateful. I wrote the thoughts below as I pondered the seconds of life Wayne and I shared.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Seconds Change A Life<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The bright sun lights my world and I gasp at its beauty. The end of summer’s splendor explodes into seconds of awareness inside me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It only takes a second to lift my thinking to God, take note of Him, and express my awe at His creation and provision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Seconds are time enough for gratitude and instant prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">One second turns a thought into a prayer and turns a concern into a step toward a solution. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Worries dissolve when directed to the Sunmaker, who forms solutions where none seemed apparent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Nothing is more precious than seconds of recognition. I am finite. He is not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I pause to speak aloud praise to my Lord for His acts of creation, in our world and inside me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Seconds move on unstoppable - my gratitude for each surges forth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">These seconds scattered throughout the day lift my attitude and change my life. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I am restored by these seconds of awareness. God is here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">May we all be intentional about the use of our seconds today to glorify the One who gives them to us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOkAE7hOZM9fXziKXYKUNQmyzvVcafcZE314vY6ydsubR1x6iMVQ6aDeQUa-VYKbZ8hipqTarAj_2F1ouK3VMb7vvUrHvZBwac26_En8J0SQTzoN5D9rCvkK2a9pXNcpJ-7SRZYeVnCxAGGee2MI8gOGb7Nkbxpq0JCpVrDX_h6vd-XN2w9kngUxJpLf8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="3264" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOkAE7hOZM9fXziKXYKUNQmyzvVcafcZE314vY6ydsubR1x6iMVQ6aDeQUa-VYKbZ8hipqTarAj_2F1ouK3VMb7vvUrHvZBwac26_En8J0SQTzoN5D9rCvkK2a9pXNcpJ-7SRZYeVnCxAGGee2MI8gOGb7Nkbxpq0JCpVrDX_h6vd-XN2w9kngUxJpLf8" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">WRITING AND SPEAKING UPDATE:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I will be at the Christian Women’s Connection in Lake Geneva Sept. 20<sup>th</sup> at Hawk’s View Golf Club and will have autographed books. For more info contact Anne at 262-607-6184.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">BOOKS OF THE MONTH<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Man in Command, 52 Ways To Be A great Husband and Dad<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">52 Ways To live, Love & Laugh As A Woman<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">God’s Near, Meditations To Inspire<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><i>"That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10-11.</i></o:p><a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2XMRi2h_oIHC84b_tFid_q" data-ved="2ahUKEwix9cnOz6GBAxXAlIkEHfkEASEQFnoECEAQAQ" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/114/COL.1.10-11.NKJV" jsname="UWckNb" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #681da8; font-family: arial, sans-serif; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a></p><br />Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-42744238030003408902023-06-06T22:35:00.006-05:002023-06-06T22:40:13.063-05:00Spring Splendor<p> <span style="font-family: Times;">The Beauty of God’s Creation</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I’m feasting on the beauty of creation as nature explodes all around me. Buds turn into blooms right before my eyes. There’s a promise of new life everywhere and a reminder that death cannot prevail – a visible demonstration, lest I doubt. My Hosta that looked ever so dead fooled me again. Midst the clumps of mulch and decayed leaves from last winter they birth strong shoots into my garden universe. These forever-welcome guests have graced my garden for many years. Their constancy is so impressive. What a great reminder of Jesus, the One through whom all nature came into being and the One who sustains all life. How He deserves our praise for His faithfulness! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Jesus is always available with power to comfort and I need His presence desperately. My risen husband is celebrating his first spring with the angels and saints and surely Wayne has adjusted to this change easier than me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I trust God will continue to guide me while I remain earthbound. These past ten months I have learned that grief is incredibly deep and physical as well as emotional. Just when I think I’ve fully adjusted to my huge loss, I get blindsided by heavy sorrow again. I miss being queen of my man’s life presiding over his kingdom – our home and family. That’s a hard position to surrender. But I will, I can, with God. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I’ve started writing again and sending out monthly <i>Thoughts on Fun, Faith and Family</i> like this. I’m more mindful than ever how difficult life can be at times. It’s never perfect for any of us. When one calamity is laid to rest another rises. With four children, seven grands and four great-grands prayer remains my most constant practice. My 12 year-old, one-eyed miracle dog Miles is my treasured companion. What a blessing he is!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b>I pray you are blessed by the beauty all around you. <o:p></o:p></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b>May it invite a deeper awareness of God’s presence within you.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i> </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i>Job 12: 7-10<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i>“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? <b> </b>In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">My Featured Book of the Month<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">My ebook <i>Truth For Teens</i> is on sale today through June 13<sup>th</sup> for .99.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Amazon Reviews: “The teen years can be rough and it is important to not feel alone and/or confused. This great book contains simple and helpful truths about everyday life situations! I encourage everyone to read this!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-29786449873170191402023-05-21T23:07:00.003-05:002023-05-21T23:07:47.192-05:00Staying Informed Matters...<p> </p><h3 class="null"><em>Directive 99</em> is the fictional suspense novel I started to write the evening I returned from a debate at Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn, WI on the pros and cons of assisted suicide. A doctor from Milwaukee had debated a member of the pro-death Hemlock Society. The argument was horrifying - basically that the elderly were becoming a burden to the young. Through <em>Directive 99, </em>in story form, I describe what would happen in families and society if this became legal. I wanted to move minds and hearts to oppose the threat. </h3><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;"> <br />Sadly, ten of the United States now allow the evil of legal assisted suicide. At present there are pending laws in other states to expand this unbiblical end of life by personal choice. Assisted suicide is the whim of a society that does not respect the personhood of the ill and elderly and the desire of governments that don’t wish to provide financial support for them.<br /> <br />When we diminish respect for one group we diminish respect for all. The practice is dangerous and unethical. <em>Directive 99</em> describes the clash of values assisted suicide presents. Sadly, the book is as relevant today as when it was written. </h3><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><br /> FREE COPY:<br />If you’d like to read <em>Directive 99</em> you can get a print copy locally from Angelus Gift store in Walworth, WI or by order from amazon. But if you read e-books, <strong>I’ve arranged for the e-book to be free Monday, May 22<sup>nd</sup> and Tuesday, May 23<sup>rd</sup>, <em>Directive 99</em> can be downloaded free through amazon. You can read it on your I-phone or computer. </strong><br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/5796be33-2a9d-a6c9-62ce-9fbd2f2464a6.jpg" data-file-id="5812991" height="146" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/5796be33-2a9d-a6c9-62ce-9fbd2f2464a6.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 146px; margin: 0px; width: 110px;" width="110" /><br />I hope you’ll enjoy the romance and suspense in <em>Directive 99</em> even as you acquire valuable concepts about the assisted suicide threat to all of us. Read <em>Directive 99</em> and form your own opinion. Of course, also study what God‘s Word says - only the Creator of life knows when the purpose of one’s life has come to an end and He alone has the right to terminate it.<br /> <br />May Directive 99 help educate you in a memorable way so that you can become a voice speaking up for the life of our ill and elderly, as well as the unborn. <br /><br />Here are reviews of my novel Directive 99: <br /> <br />“Great Read! This …could easily become reality in the not too distant future unless we are diligent enough to prevent it from happening.<br /><br />“The story is so compelling that I had a difficult time putting it down once I started. It was almost scary how close to present day reality the story is.”<br /> <br />“Judith nails the gruesome possibility of government overreach and central planning gone crazy with a well written and compelling story.” <br /> <br />“It's about the health care system and its implications for seniors. But there are other themes too, the couple's marital problems, having a career and family, religion and being true to oneself.”<br /> <br /><strong>Genesis 9:5-6:</strong> <em>“For your lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning; of every beast I will require it and of man; of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God made man in his own image.”</em><br /> <br />*****<br /><strong>ON A PERSONAL NOTE:</strong><br /> <br />I still struggle to define new life as a woman without my husband of 60 years. The problem is I loved my former life with Wayne. God continues to sustain me as I search for scriptures to strengthen my soul for this solo journey. You, my family, friends and readers have blessed me in countless ways with your message of support and your prayers. I’m forever grateful to you! As of this week, I’ve finally officially returned to work.<br /> <br />Today was my last day volunteering at Smiles. I’ve enjoyed assisting this excellent organization help handicapped individuals through equine therapy.<br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/bef95b5c-a2b2-9c0a-f01a-c15ec5a5db02.jpg" data-file-id="5812987" height="373" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/bef95b5c-a2b2-9c0a-f01a-c15ec5a5db02.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 373px; margin: 0px; width: 280px;" width="280" /> <br /><br />Happy spring with its sweet taste of summer!!!!!!!<br /></h3>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-45367417589452827862023-05-15T17:16:00.003-05:002023-05-15T17:16:58.389-05:00Building Strong Families...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Note for You from Judith Rolfs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems appropriate the day after Mother's Day to think of the role moms have in the lives of their families. This ties in well with the passion of my life to help women [and men] build strong families. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I was the cover story on Lake Magazine's April edition in Lake Geneva. They describe my work writing for, counseling and speaking to families. I'm humbled, honored and grateful to all those who have given me an opportunity through my words and YouTube channel to build into their lives these many years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not sure you can enlarge and read the article below - I hope so -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cJb_TtVawP4BJ6f7gnvuP5EhbxQsxMqVaPkBdv88nGXIK-peJIazNFNEjX-g2vTg72N5UcntaPXyGBsTzm3tV3bLRmz6jsiwhOZ3VfRLtbaaDK1A6A2gkpFYqfeDMhmdOSs6gmyOND24m0s_sn8wdExMCFYM__pcm7_w9KwmmXukdmwgShK0BGMd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cJb_TtVawP4BJ6f7gnvuP5EhbxQsxMqVaPkBdv88nGXIK-peJIazNFNEjX-g2vTg72N5UcntaPXyGBsTzm3tV3bLRmz6jsiwhOZ3VfRLtbaaDK1A6A2gkpFYqfeDMhmdOSs6gmyOND24m0s_sn8wdExMCFYM__pcm7_w9KwmmXukdmwgShK0BGMd" width="180" /></a></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEineJALqViZTVME3UaXcGyoBxf2CKeeN_I7JDLWlYDbTFCFuLtAYiKTWNBnyLiK7gb2DaDQ9MErq-M1uNzKU-uLgl86iAcsk-8qDPVsYETpZaONfH8TTVRHVoq_oCf1MRwFdYqB3Q9VO_9xsyzP1fx5Vg3CmyapOrTRzKHm6AUSheqKdK98-c5kPiI1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEineJALqViZTVME3UaXcGyoBxf2CKeeN_I7JDLWlYDbTFCFuLtAYiKTWNBnyLiK7gb2DaDQ9MErq-M1uNzKU-uLgl86iAcsk-8qDPVsYETpZaONfH8TTVRHVoq_oCf1MRwFdYqB3Q9VO_9xsyzP1fx5Vg3CmyapOrTRzKHm6AUSheqKdK98-c5kPiI1" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaIw8EfM9ZnI455nPa5ev-sTr-NeZtAE2FXYKOeMC44G2GNLDnx8PtGMUfLNR062fRVgaBY4_PypirBRjtbW46uLcJsYZpDEB2fSdfhATtFQkvNGEhW9WXzZaVJLzlOSlLoJh9FAfmDVSib7tudHEfkeVwSbmNUrXBp7nuzzPKCzpkSG1v1QRUVbq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="551" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcaIw8EfM9ZnI455nPa5ev-sTr-NeZtAE2FXYKOeMC44G2GNLDnx8PtGMUfLNR062fRVgaBY4_PypirBRjtbW46uLcJsYZpDEB2fSdfhATtFQkvNGEhW9WXzZaVJLzlOSlLoJh9FAfmDVSib7tudHEfkeVwSbmNUrXBp7nuzzPKCzpkSG1v1QRUVbq" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For more information please check out my author page:</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-Rolfs/author/B001KI0KLU?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/stores/Judith-Rolfs/author/B001KI0KLU?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">My thanks to the excellent editor of the Lake magazine Rachel Worland for featuring me.</p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-56380374099570650552023-02-14T21:08:00.000-06:002023-02-14T21:08:11.341-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<p> <span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Today, Valentine’s Day I came across this article on married love my husband wrote 18 years ago for the men in our church. I’m sharing it with you on my blog. Gals, I think you’ll like it too! May you be blessed!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Marriage by God’s Terms by Wayne Rolfs<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate love. I, along with you other married guys, will be buying a card, flowers or candy for the wife God has given us. Judith will receive one peach rose for sure (her favorite) with perhaps a few words of what she means to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">They say life is all about relationships. After 42 years of marriage, I’m still learning what God had in mind when he said a man will cleave and cling to his wife becoming one flesh, and how to do it. (Genesis 2:24) Here are a few thoughts that God and others have taught me. I confess I’ve been a slow learner. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As Christians, we know marriage was God’s idea. It then must be true that a good marriage will honor God. It’s God giving one person to another to be united with God in love. But when two imperfect people come together, the marriage isn’t always what we had hoped. Although it’s the closest bond two people can have, it can be exhausting, unnerving, infuriating and painful. Believe me, I’ve been there. When we got married the romantic attraction was strong but I was in it mainly for selfish motives often operating on demands and expectations. At this point, I was not a Christian and frankly, at times our marriage was a disaster. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Seven years later, as a Christian, I found out what God wanted. He changed my heart as I prayed to Him to make me the man he wanted me to be. Similar to my spiritual conversion, my marital conversion led me on a gradual path of God-directed change. By God’s grace, He gave me a special love for Judith that grows with each passing year. I’m far from perfect and we still have skirmishes, but our love and commitment is bigger than our problems. Praise God! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God has taught me that mutual respect is one of the most important things in a marriage. Ephesians 5:33 advises, “Let the wife see that she respects her husband.” However it can’t be demanded. We have to show her with our words and behavior that we deserve respect. We need to love and nurture our wife. She needs our emotional intimacy - intimate communication - to be there for her, the one she can turn to for whatever - to be a safe haven where she knows she will be protected and cared for when necessary. Security comes from God, but often speaks through a husband’s love. That’s the work of love God has given us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Judith, at our weekly sharing times, often tells me about something she noticed me to cause her to respect me. It could be with the children and grandchildren, neighbors, my walk with the Lord, or just being who God has called me to be. Christian leadership for her husband as defined by our spiritual life, humility and servant hood. I think that that’s what wives are looking for in their husbands. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God’s Word says my marriage to Judith should be a total commitment of unconditional agape love - the love that God has for us for the rest of our lives. It is a covenant relationship with my being willing to sacrifice my needs for those of Judith. No strings attached. Only God can enable me to love Judith with covenant love - to treat Judith as God treats me. Ephesians 5 tells me to love my wife as Christ loves the church and love my wife as my own body or self. 1 Corinthians 13 tells me about God’s kind of love, the type of love I need to try to practice. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1 Peter 3:7 says husbands be considerate, (thoughtful, understanding, caring, selfless) as you live with your wives and treat them with respect (honor, esteem, reverence, value) so nothing will hinder your prayer life. Peter says if my relationship with my wife isn’t right my prayers will not be effective because my relationship with the Father, among other things, depends on a loving relationship with my wife.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Try getting into a giving match with your wife. Happiest couples I have met are those who try to out give each other. 1 Corinthian 7:33 says make it a habit to give thought as to how you may please your wife. Proverbs 16:29 states “Pleasant words are honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” What pleasant words do our wives need to hear from us today? Every day? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Bible makes it clear that the Father desires an intimate relationship with us and also for us with our wives. Judith has become my best friend and I share my deepest thoughts and concerns and feelings with her. God’s plan is for us to know our wife’s love, and she ours, which then gives each of us a deeper appreciation of the Father and his love for us. Marriage can and should be the closest touch and glimpse we can have on earth of what heaven will be like. God is love and heaven is a place of love. (I especially like reading these words because my husband is now in heaven.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What a blessing is available from God for husbands when married hearts touch physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Don’t be discouraged if your marriage is none of the things I’ve mentioned. Mine wasn’t either, but we have a wonderful God who will do for you what he has done for me if you let him. Let’s move forward in the coming year and encourage each other in His divine plan for our marriages.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharXa6gj1jpztVw3_NfpA0sQKMIJmaZXWgND80q3tqC9fZCQqO9W2JbaLPvVgN3BFX-OLjr6wfkhZv-P9Y4wsbOW2Fv4nlf6MK4lkwDNChh16lXXL8m2s9jF9bpk3r04aAe_M3UWzflo8ucz-jLn2aqkHMme8oG8JmkxJ2GapAqEYWd2c_0c5Ks0XS/s2048/IMG_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharXa6gj1jpztVw3_NfpA0sQKMIJmaZXWgND80q3tqC9fZCQqO9W2JbaLPvVgN3BFX-OLjr6wfkhZv-P9Y4wsbOW2Fv4nlf6MK4lkwDNChh16lXXL8m2s9jF9bpk3r04aAe_M3UWzflo8ucz-jLn2aqkHMme8oG8JmkxJ2GapAqEYWd2c_0c5Ks0XS/s320/IMG_0662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-56146854989318601452022-11-23T08:33:00.004-06:002022-11-23T10:07:45.798-06:00Blessed Thanksgiving 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWxa6bP8WLVsIoITiy4DbUKTjgzM9aC4CJzV2VxV0MQl4AUXfpVxZXJIv_K69dNc5TygsDUKXdCrh25Fr8EOU76HpXsTfIEjU1YWlgQQ-mHXFBC_U4CwAy4OyUbClgU5azECxmRG44sxeE5rMtEfxb2WqCGKxSGwD3WK-40rsj5RDIzKHaBlgxw-Oh" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWxa6bP8WLVsIoITiy4DbUKTjgzM9aC4CJzV2VxV0MQl4AUXfpVxZXJIv_K69dNc5TygsDUKXdCrh25Fr8EOU76HpXsTfIEjU1YWlgQQ-mHXFBC_U4CwAy4OyUbClgU5azECxmRG44sxeE5rMtEfxb2WqCGKxSGwD3WK-40rsj5RDIzKHaBlgxw-Oh" width="180" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">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.<span style="background-color: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">Thanksgiving is humbling. And “thank you” has many forms. Ordinary thanksgivings to God the great giver for His endless giving.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"> <span style="background-color: white;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14pt;">May we each live daily with thanks to God seeping from our hearts and spilling from our lips.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Blessed Thanksgiving!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A favorite Scripture verse is: <i>“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.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/MYSTERY-SILVER-SHELLS-SMURLEE-ADVENTURE/dp/B08YNXQK4C" style="color: #954f72;">Christmas Sale - Over 1/2 off</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Looking for a new devotional for 2023. Check out my <i>Jesus Time, 365 Love Notes of Wonder & Worship<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Time-Notes-Wonder-Worship/dp/0979989574" style="color: #954f72;">Christmas Sale - Over 1/2 off NOW</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEwTenOevrp1Ne3qQss1CM5Bx8GM6waDPrJ_aXWqx6t99NF85u8onwABI1xShrdrNg9QSW34DJy13ApvHbGYiKZXEbkIu5nK2XkipbY_z1QjLi3x7TtyUlTbkrqQVstL2wCKcdO1zDUBR5Y00pfcNsOjbDmSvcFFq6_zGIU-tTSyuyArt1G6DWajIF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="3024" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEwTenOevrp1Ne3qQss1CM5Bx8GM6waDPrJ_aXWqx6t99NF85u8onwABI1xShrdrNg9QSW34DJy13ApvHbGYiKZXEbkIu5nK2XkipbY_z1QjLi3x7TtyUlTbkrqQVstL2wCKcdO1zDUBR5Y00pfcNsOjbDmSvcFFq6_zGIU-tTSyuyArt1G6DWajIF" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRCcegmXlNMlb5Mbn9GkKbVfeZGfiQGcYrAro0XNyrQtfnN6NMHlQnIDC0asSo3jBbq5A3Cx1-u6137IoMSmzMUV6ixdSDz-b69FKif0wndqLxv83olEE6TiFhnkH2Ky5HlYVz6WUWIDP9ygsntIUyEe8mWScU2yx8GyHORggDiiZCcdrVQhL7Z3Mn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRCcegmXlNMlb5Mbn9GkKbVfeZGfiQGcYrAro0XNyrQtfnN6NMHlQnIDC0asSo3jBbq5A3Cx1-u6137IoMSmzMUV6ixdSDz-b69FKif0wndqLxv83olEE6TiFhnkH2Ky5HlYVz6WUWIDP9ygsntIUyEe8mWScU2yx8GyHORggDiiZCcdrVQhL7Z3Mn" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-27068937373225523292022-10-19T19:53:00.002-05:002022-10-19T19:53:40.413-05:00Life is Hard But God is a Real and Present Help<p> </p><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/2bc7ea2b-b8b5-9624-7af5-160062d7cf35.jpg" data-file-id="5700763" height="373" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/2bc7ea2b-b8b5-9624-7af5-160062d7cf35.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 373px; margin: 0px; width: 280px;" width="280" /></h3><h3 class="null">LOSSES ARE HARD! We all have them some time or another. It’s the part of the human condition I like least.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />SPEAKING PRAISES ALOUD TO GOD EACH MORNING AND NIGHT.<br />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.<br /> <br />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.)<br /> <br />Praising Jesus that our children have lived into their fifties and sixties with a father on earth. How extraordinary is that!<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />Praising God that His Holy Spirit will guide me minute by minute to maximize the remaining time I have on earth.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />WATCHING THE SUNSET EVERY NIGHT AND SPENDING TIME IN NATURE LIKE MY VISIT WITH THESE BEAUTIFUL HORSES.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />Only Jesus can help through horrendous losses. <br /> <br />PRAYER: <br />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.<br /> <br /><em>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.”</em><br /> <br />WRITING EVENTS UPDATE:<br />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<sup>th</sup>. It’s always a lovely event. Writer friend Carol Paur will be there also launching her new book. My <em>Unforgettable Stories For Kids</em> and Tommy Smurlee/Grella Weller series makes great children’s gifts!</h3>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-23628619936984821042022-09-11T22:56:00.000-05:002022-09-11T22:56:13.103-05:00<p> <span style="font-family: Times;">New Beginnings</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7VxLV5gUrftwH0XaQ3l8_WiXeWgjFN5M-o_LgZO1rBSXVag56e2WlVL_ZyejU40z4iPY6-FyHZUfzZk9wD-Mx0P805KSvzPo2qxdHZAa51fzcBw6rQu7aPicQLcOonyFQdwtTXC1-lbbjJ99uG1SXsMaewWaEx1n15IoJ8Bq1bwI-zPhXFTaHK6L/s2476/DSCF0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2476" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7VxLV5gUrftwH0XaQ3l8_WiXeWgjFN5M-o_LgZO1rBSXVag56e2WlVL_ZyejU40z4iPY6-FyHZUfzZk9wD-Mx0P805KSvzPo2qxdHZAa51fzcBw6rQu7aPicQLcOonyFQdwtTXC1-lbbjJ99uG1SXsMaewWaEx1n15IoJ8Bq1bwI-zPhXFTaHK6L/s320/DSCF0370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">These 10 Scripture verses speak to me and help me take each next breath:<br />Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” <br />Isaiah 40:1 “‘Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God.” <br />Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”<br />Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” <br />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.” <br />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.” <br />Psalm 119:50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” <br />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.” <br />1 Thessalonians 5:1 “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” <br />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.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">*****<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As long as God gives me life, I know He has purpose for me. May I live it out well…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-70565454056501138932022-07-17T19:46:00.007-05:002022-07-17T19:46:51.543-05:00 Truth-Telling<p><b style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br />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. </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14pt;">And we speak truth lovingly when the need arises.</span><b style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">In our culture today is a glaring mistruth -the misperception women have been told that aborting human life is a healthy choice. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#MS"><b><span style="color: black;">Reduced risk of MS </span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#breast-cancer"><b><span style="color: black;">Lower risk of breast cancer </span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#other-cancers"><b><span style="color: black;">Lower risk of other cancers </span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#stroke"><b><span style="color: black;">A lower risk of stroke </span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#mood"><b><span style="color: black;">A boost in mood </span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/your-health/pregnancy-benefits#periods">Easier periods </a></span></b></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Reduced risk of MS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A lower risk of stroke<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Easier periods<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwxvB6zoNx63RV9dEVDrPzwk6MgtWZyXkmarU-DG6Wx5M8vqozGfRLO7KsWpxJANVmMcqwQtvP4IsM0AH1snrsW8HcK9cnaLoTaPkdj-8M4DeK6IOejRi2ji9N7C_wAxR97smSArUhULavR2t4pfwprbdcRvrpiWYwxhsB_njQ_6e7pYoCf0Q36W54" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwxvB6zoNx63RV9dEVDrPzwk6MgtWZyXkmarU-DG6Wx5M8vqozGfRLO7KsWpxJANVmMcqwQtvP4IsM0AH1snrsW8HcK9cnaLoTaPkdj-8M4DeK6IOejRi2ji9N7C_wAxR97smSArUhULavR2t4pfwprbdcRvrpiWYwxhsB_njQ_6e7pYoCf0Q36W54" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God’s natural plan is always to do good and not harm. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let’s stop telling women abortion is in their best interest. It’s clearly not!</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> I love all God’s people and want the very best for them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I hope you will ponder these facts and be a truth teller with me. </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Let’s consider the real well-being and health of women.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">“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</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">*****<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Please visit and subscribe to my YOUTUBE CHANNEL: Judith Rolfs for more tips about family life, marriage and parenting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">jwrolfs@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dr. Judith Rolfs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.judithrolfs.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">www.judithrolfs.com</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-11655663912613525162022-06-18T18:03:00.000-05:002022-06-18T18:03:18.385-05:00God Laughs, So Should We...<p><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>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.</b></span></p><h3 class="null"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">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. <br /> <br />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.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/_compresseds/dfdf1fc3-204c-e0d1-483f-d903d04bd226.jpg" data-file-id="5190058" height="230" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/_compresseds/dfdf1fc3-204c-e0d1-483f-d903d04bd226.jpg" style="border: 0px; float: right; height: 230px; margin: 0px; width: 307px;" width="307" /></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">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.<br /> <br />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? <br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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.<br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />One of my children’s stories in <em>Unforgettable Stories for Kids</em> 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. <br /> <br />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. <br /> <br />You may want to keep the Scripture verses below handy to remind you to be intentional about adding more laughter into your life. <br /> <br />Happy days of laughter!<br /> </span></h3><ol><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 21:6: “And Sarah declared, ‘God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.’”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Job 8:21: “He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 2:4: “But the one who rules in heaven laughs.”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 37:13: “But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">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.’” </span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">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.”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 3:4: “A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…”</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 10:19 “A feast is made for laughter…”</span></li></ol><h3 class="null"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br />For Father’s Day, no better gift for dads of any age than <em>Man in Command, How To Be A Great Husband and Dad!</em><br /> <br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.judithrolfs.com/" href="http://www.judithrolfs.com/">www.judithrolfs.com</a><br />YouTube Channel: Judith Rolfs<br />Amazon Author Page <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" href="https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share">https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share</a>: You’ll find <em>Unforgettable Stories For Kids</em> there. </span></h3><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;">*****</h3><h3 class="null"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">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! </span></h3>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-81821716273635662272022-04-16T08:32:00.000-05:002022-04-16T08:32:08.806-05:00 Easter Greetings!<p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPJc6JjsSlTwOa0rEPhYjSuf6SO7fbDR2MIq_xwmrixIyTx-lrBdruPgLd6CzaLeCBvZRAd3tBWSTjp9rPDMz1zvOUTgfQjrtNs26U0HP4F237uaD3gtB9YPHkmCP7VUAmYNYJ03V1lWgKpz7yr2elzzc6qRCthlaNqKm0n94W9GIk01H0bz4xAnzE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1732" data-original-width="2142" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPJc6JjsSlTwOa0rEPhYjSuf6SO7fbDR2MIq_xwmrixIyTx-lrBdruPgLd6CzaLeCBvZRAd3tBWSTjp9rPDMz1zvOUTgfQjrtNs26U0HP4F237uaD3gtB9YPHkmCP7VUAmYNYJ03V1lWgKpz7yr2elzzc6qRCthlaNqKm0n94W9GIk01H0bz4xAnzE" width="297" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">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. </span><b style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;">Gratefulness takes a deeper meaning</b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16pt;"> when you’re listening for every breath of your beloved husband, fearing it might be his last.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">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.</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We depended upon His Holy Spirit for wisdom as we sorted out conflicting treatment recommendations. <b>I prayed Scripture over Wayne nightly.</b> Favorite verses were from Psalm 27, 13 and 14: “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">I remain confident of this:</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">I will see the goodness of the Lord</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">in the land of the living. </span><b><sup><span face=""Noto Sans", sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></sup></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Wait for the Lord;</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;">be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">H<b>eaven has occupied our minds often.</b></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> 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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The past ten days <b>Wayne has shown small, but definite improvement. It</b> would appear we’ve temporarily been blessed with MORE OF his life here! <b>We serve a MORE OF God. <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We didn’t journey through this alone</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. 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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">So this Easter we celebrate the RISEN LIFE of JESUS AND THE LIFE OF MY HUSBAND WAYNE,</span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> at least until God brings his life to completion in His perfect way and time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">WRITING/SPEAKING UPDATE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My 24th and probably last book, God’s Near, a devotional, was </span><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;">released in Jan. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> 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 </span><span style="font-size: 21.33333396911621px;">grateful</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This link below takes you to my author page.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">BLESSED EASTER DEAR ONES! </span></li><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">TRULY JESUS IS RISEN!</span></li><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">LET NOTHING AND NO ONE TAKE YOUR JOY FROM YOU. </span></li><li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">IT'S OUR EASTER LEGACY OF HOPE LIFTING OUR HEARTS EVERY DAY.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuIZU_U5nNrXcfz_qGv7MqrUzeZGkvNHTXTl9PSErm7NZuAzTA0V5llpsb00o8ElffvTEHeY6omL5xtI7GyQtmUGcxn7voFMwjtqsmX1Eanbne0X4hIf-cdj991XOigfMMv3msWkhAWBNYbYcqBy4P32e8rBoOVSxR3Bq4sTzUlxJomei0YgIYpK52" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuIZU_U5nNrXcfz_qGv7MqrUzeZGkvNHTXTl9PSErm7NZuAzTA0V5llpsb00o8ElffvTEHeY6omL5xtI7GyQtmUGcxn7voFMwjtqsmX1Eanbne0X4hIf-cdj991XOigfMMv3msWkhAWBNYbYcqBy4P32e8rBoOVSxR3Bq4sTzUlxJomei0YgIYpK52" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Wvm9xuoTBnh36KZYNiZotSxq1b16N_dXonQcBo9HVvBeHLipmyzYB6rhCzl_ay73boMp9qtuRJdfCjwcXsc8_AcNsA9skoWNwdP4t6Nq3vXD1fb-X-iKAobejtizEJe3932w830mvweqp2szE4HBhwxS7xf06athpP27sVBRefAIvfE4ynH4Kd1o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9Wvm9xuoTBnh36KZYNiZotSxq1b16N_dXonQcBo9HVvBeHLipmyzYB6rhCzl_ay73boMp9qtuRJdfCjwcXsc8_AcNsA9skoWNwdP4t6Nq3vXD1fb-X-iKAobejtizEJe3932w830mvweqp2szE4HBhwxS7xf06athpP27sVBRefAIvfE4ynH4Kd1o" width="180" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuVpoY1ZSg9LQMHhNT8gqGUNyiPTGa6HL5f3ZWGu_Z8EawmLYVsQ_Zzg3GW4f3vVYx8TvwBoFnHRBzaEk2hmiokS-j3cGU0rEITNH3mdqeInLWEcMlyo8lAhegh_35bNiq7uYr57x4YKkHFa7o8jimd0mnsq3umiqCYe8N80ZFUIO_QM9DpIVMZrvE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuVpoY1ZSg9LQMHhNT8gqGUNyiPTGa6HL5f3ZWGu_Z8EawmLYVsQ_Zzg3GW4f3vVYx8TvwBoFnHRBzaEk2hmiokS-j3cGU0rEITNH3mdqeInLWEcMlyo8lAhegh_35bNiq7uYr57x4YKkHFa7o8jimd0mnsq3umiqCYe8N80ZFUIO_QM9DpIVMZrvE" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-83125397013943004702021-12-23T20:12:00.000-06:002021-12-23T20:12:22.433-06:00Have an awesome Christmas!<p> <span style="font-family: Times;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">How exciting to celebrate Christ’s birth again! This is truly our favorite season! Of course we’re blessed to live in joy year round because of Christ’s entrance into our world – intriguing since through Jesus the heavens and earth were originally made.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">2021 has been an unusual year for us - two people who grew up in the rather calm fifties. Such social turbulence and medical confusion! Thank God we’re resilient as children of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and so are you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Our Personal News: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Praise God, Wayne, my husband, had a good report on his latest heart echogram! His heart function is back in the normal range. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We plan to winter in Florida again where we spent last Feb. and March. We’ll bring along our laptops so writing continues. Wayne spends several hours a day researching and writing. What fun after all these years of marriage – almost 60– to see him as an author. He has many people who look forward to his daily blogs. (E-mail me your address if you’d like to be on the list.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">While in FL we had a fun week with our adult daughters Tamara and Pam who joined us in March to celebrate Wayne’s birthday. We also had pleasant times with dear friends in Ocala. Can’t forget the beauty of experiencing Door County, WI in July. This October we celebrated my birthday in Branson, Missouri with our daughter Pam and son-in-law John. We enjoyed the incredible Jesus play and visiting Dogwood Canyon and other sites. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Our home base, a thrice-expanded cottage in the woods, is truly a refuge. We awake every morning filled with praise to live in God’s beautiful setting although I did become ill with Lyme’s disease for two months courtesy of a deer tic. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">A few years back, I closed my marriage and family counseling practice of several decades. Now I’m now privileged to counsel countless couples virtually via YouTube videos on my channel which gives me great joy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I sensed the need to be an advocate for children this year. I spoke at our local school board about the psychological damage that masking children does to them by creating an atmosphere of fear in what should be a safe place. Child suicide is rising at ever earlier ages and masking doesn’t permit kids to experience facial cues necessary for healthy socialization. Cloth masks, it’s been proven, don’t stop the spread of viruses and children rarely get seriously ill from Cov anyway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We have no objection to adults choosing vaccination (although it’s been proven natural immunity is way better) but we oppose vaccinating children with an experimental serum when there’s no scientific knowledge of long term effects. Sadly we have a family member harmed neurologically by the J & J vaccine and we await the day when more research is done.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Over and over God tells us not to live in fear – it’s the most frequently given command in scripture. There seems to be something evil at work in the world creating tension and fear, but not to worry. Our God will right all wrongs in His perfect way and time. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I love having frequent conversations with Him throughout the day. Some of them evolved into my latest devotional <i>God’s Near</i>, for helping draw people closer to Him. Recently, I completed another new book in 2021, another children’s fantasy novel, <i>Mystery of the Silver Shells</i> - Book 3 in the Tommy Smurlee series.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I hope to spend 2022 reading and relaxing more and enjoying extended times of contemplative prayer. With 4 adult children and their spouses, 7 amazing grandchildren, 3 great-grands and a world gone wild, I have plenty of prayer opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We want you to know we appreciate you! We’re all in this together, simply trying to live our best life day by day. I love that Christmas is a season to be enjoyed all year in our hearts and with friends and family at every opportunity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Our prayer is that this Christmas you will experience the rich emotion of deep unending joy. Joy, joy, joy in Jesus today, tomorrow and always is what Christmas is all about.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Sending love,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Judith and Wayne<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXRdtKaikWLY8-nUNOQT2HfUI0Sryncz6Z8TsO-QzSg8Xuro-h8wY8tiMstJ_8e3foFY-mvjht0QTVD8QPCtuMb7e6rZDPywB2H1HQw2ovCMzZlk7xOul2F52WnwUcEaBWelpLvd6OA6eNeBTv4Z5f8_TCH1Nfe9zQifBZ_Eto0qN3tC4bWGS13y_j=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXRdtKaikWLY8-nUNOQT2HfUI0Sryncz6Z8TsO-QzSg8Xuro-h8wY8tiMstJ_8e3foFY-mvjht0QTVD8QPCtuMb7e6rZDPywB2H1HQw2ovCMzZlk7xOul2F52WnwUcEaBWelpLvd6OA6eNeBTv4Z5f8_TCH1Nfe9zQifBZ_Eto0qN3tC4bWGS13y_j=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-57324411304250010922021-11-24T18:14:00.000-06:002021-11-24T18:14:10.235-06:00Thanksgiving 2021 - So Grateful!!!<p> </p><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;"><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/f3410ac6-e590-3755-2c32-4e4c0b55d6d3.jpeg" data-file-id="5272902" height="300" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/f3410ac6-e590-3755-2c32-4e4c0b55d6d3.jpeg" style="border: 0px; height: 300px; margin: 0px; width: 225px;" width="225" /> <br />Pondering thanksgiving…<br /><br /></h3><h3 class="null">Another year and it’s been an amazing one on multiple levels.<br /> <br />We’re grateful for continued good health overall. This means taking the next breath for each of us – not without some pain and challenges. Lyme’s disease darkened my days of September and October, and left behind some continual joint pain, but I’m functioning forward and beyond grateful. I'm thrilled to continue to provide free marriage and family counseling via my YouTube channel - Judith Rolfs.<br /> <br />We have a new great grand baby now one-year-old and a new book baby, GOD’S NEAR! <br /> <br />I’m mindful of thanksgiving as a humbling act. It causes us to pause a moment and use a moment of our present life for honoring past moments. When we give thanks we acknowledge that we’re the recipient of a blessing, often times undeserved and often not self-initiated. To be a thankful person requires a focused mind alert to the happenings deserving of thanks that surround us. <br /> <br />Thanksgiving is akin to praise. Why are they connected? Because praise and thanksgiving is naturally due our amazing God who is the author of every good and beautiful thing. God inhabits the praises of His people.<br /> <br />Furthermore, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4–5 ESV<br /> <br />My favorite quote on thanksgiving is by G.K. Chesterton. “Thanks are the highest form of thought, and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”</h3><h3 class="null"> <br />On Thanksgiving Day 2021 may we remember in the midst of all that is flawed and unholy and unlovable in this world, there is a God who loves us today and forever. He promises us a holy rescue to the heights of heaven on a future day where pain shall be no longer. In the meantime God assures us of His presence and comfort no matter what. </h3><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;"> <br />I’m hoping my new book will remind readers of this. May it find its way into homes and hearts during this season.<br /> <br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/_compresseds/a4056af8-dca4-ffbc-ee9b-2ee3c1394a4f.jpg" data-file-id="5265830" height="300" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/_compresseds/a4056af8-dca4-ffbc-ee9b-2ee3c1394a4f.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 300px; margin: 0px; width: 200px;" width="200" /><br /> <br /> <br /><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/GODS-NEAR-Judith-Rolfs/dp/097998954X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=God%27s+Near+Judith+rolfs&qid=1637792109&qsid=143-3084989-1657669&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=097998954X&srpt=ABIS_BOOK" href="https://www.amazon.com/GODS-NEAR-Judith-Rolfs/dp/097998954X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=God%27s+Near+Judith+rolfs&qid=1637792109&qsid=143-3084989-1657669&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=097998954X&srpt=ABIS_BOOK">https://www.amazon.com/GODS-NEAR-Judith-Rolfs/dp/097998954X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=God%27s+Near+Judith+rolfs&qid=1637792109&qsid=143-3084989-1657669&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=097998954X&srpt=ABIS_BOOK</a><br /><br /></h3><h3 class="null" style="text-align: center;">GOD’S LOVE AND GRACIOUS GOODNESS TO US NEVER FAILS. <br /> <br /><img data-cke-saved-src="blob:https://us8.admin.mailchimp.com/75b01494-0d53-4a85-bd75-b881e430bc14" /> <br />BLESSED THANKSGIVING!</h3>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-87550941623176285042021-10-08T09:28:00.000-05:002021-10-08T09:28:03.524-05:00SAINTS AMONG US!<p> It occurred to me how wonderful it would be to celebrate people in our lives who have inspired us. Who comes to your mind?</p>Some very special women I’m privileged to call friends are Sue Drefs and Karen Sweetman who are first to call and insist upon bringing over a meal or a pastry whenever they hear of someone going through a difficult time of illness or loss. Many times they’ve blessed me like this. Probably not until heaven will anyone know how many people they have helped by not asking what they can do, but just doing.<br /> <br />There’s my precious friend Pat Cavenagh with her awesome ministries over the years. She worked in the Joliet prison changing the lives of many black women who were incarcerated and so dangerous many were afraid to have any connection. She also had a ministry with her husband of bringing people to Christ by inviting them for dinner and telling them about Jesus and a wonderful Christian retreat experience which led many to a lifetime of loving and serving Christ. Countless couples have been impacted along with their families through the years. Plus her ministry of powerful prayer for healing has had enormous impact. <br /> <br />Gloria Bianchini along with her husband founded the Christian Royal Oak Apple Orchard Restaurant and Gift Shop. One only has to walk on the property to sense it is a sacred place dedicated to Christ and the glory of God. Gloria has hosted numerous Bible studies for the community on her property. She’s quite a Bible scholar and shares the fruit of her studies with many, including me.<br /> <br />Author Becky Melby started a writing ministry to bring writers together to mutually hone their skills and graciously opened her home up to include men and women and even homeschool students interested in developing writing skills. <strong>Becky has a recent book she co-authored with Cynthia Ruchti, another godly woman. It’s titled <em>Spouse in the House </em>for wives adapting to husbands who retired or started working at home full-time. Both women are incredible authors of fiction also and I highly recommend their books, especially this new one. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Spouse-House-Rearranging-Attitudes-Other/dp/0825446783" href="https://www.amazon.com/Spouse-House-Rearranging-Attitudes-Other/dp/0825446783">https://www.amazon.com/Spouse-House-Rearranging-Attitudes-Other/dp/0825446783</a></strong><br /> <br />Then there’s Joann and Heather and Sandy with their hospitality gifts, and Margaret with her Angel Prayer ministry and Mary with her local Christian book club and Debbie leading a weekly Moms in Prayer Group and on and on. These are only some of the women who have been models for me as they serve Christ and one another. There are many more and it’s a great honor to know them and call them friends. <br /> <br />Now who are the women in your life who have inspired you? Perhaps you’ll want to have a conversation to let them know. We truly do have saints among us still! <br /> <br />WRITING/SPEAKING UPDATE<br />I’m delighted My YouTube channel continues to grow. Through it I’m blessed to counsel couples with strategies to improve their marriages and parents. You can visit and subscribe for free <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw</a> for marriage and parenting and life enrichment videos.<br /> <br /> <br />My new <em>God’s Near</em> devotional book of poetic prayer prose will soon be available. The cover design is complete. See a sneak preview below. Final text editing is sooooo much work. Several times I’ve been tempted to quit, but then an impetus (can only be God’sgrace) keeps me at it. I pray <em>God’s Near</em> will heighten readers love for God and create even deeper connection with Him as they cope with this troubled, chaotic world. You can check out all my books at my amazon author page: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU" href="http://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU">http://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU</a><br /> <br />HAPPY FALL!!!<br /> <br /><em>“So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others so they may see your good deeds and glorify your father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16</em><div><i><br /></i><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/a612fb0e-af64-0001-4556-695d1e93e49f.jpg" data-file-id="5244826" height="640" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/a612fb0e-af64-0001-4556-695d1e93e49f.jpg" style="border: 0px; height: 640px; margin: 0px; width: 480px;" width="480" /></div>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-85798889549214189522021-05-28T20:20:00.001-05:002021-05-28T20:20:49.100-05:00Remembering...<p> <strong style="font-size: 20px;">Do we honor them enough?</strong></p> <br />I’ve always been in awe of those who serve our country in the military. What an incredible measure of courage and selflessness to sacrifice one’s life fighting death-defying battles on behalf of others.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTVtlB-fpjhKTX-NdfITv-_wSsK_SIjdMHyHimHbQKYHGmmpGLjBJSgSYXEOMWeqVbPFnJFJmw7vgsztArIGTzHmZ89tj08fStg7GmPlqyERtep8QqmJ_aRsqK89jgX03bHSUVa5bHg0/s4032/IMG_0035.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTVtlB-fpjhKTX-NdfITv-_wSsK_SIjdMHyHimHbQKYHGmmpGLjBJSgSYXEOMWeqVbPFnJFJmw7vgsztArIGTzHmZ89tj08fStg7GmPlqyERtep8QqmJ_aRsqK89jgX03bHSUVa5bHg0/s320/IMG_0035.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><br />I also think of what it takes to be married to such a person or one of their children wondering if this is the day a beloved spouse or parent doesn’t return home... We have family members and friends married to these heroes.<br /> <br />Words are inadequate to describe the debt we owe, the reverence they deserve. Jesus knows because, fully God, He became fully man and sacrificed His life for us enduring a tortuous death.<br /> <br />The police who have lost their lives defending us should be honored also. By the way, the idea of defunding the police must have come from the pit of hell. Who wants to turn our neighborhoods over to thugs and drug addicts? It’s truly one of the most ridiculous ideas I’ve heard. We are so grateful to have soldiers and policemen willing to protect us and uphold law and order.<br /> <br />Wondering if our children fully understand the sacrifice of these lives for others. What a sacred gift! <strong>Memorial Day weekend is a great time to have a conversation with adult sons and daughters and grandchildren about why we honor these men and women.<br /><br />May our flag always fly over our LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.</strong><br /><em>Galatians 5: 1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."</em><br /><br /><u>WRITING AND SPEAKING UPDATE:</u><br />PLEASE CHECK OUT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL(JudithRolfs) FOR MY NEW BOOKS AND VIDEOS PROMOTING FANTASTIC FAMILIES. (YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE.) I APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS THAT MANY WILL BE BLESSED.<br /> <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" href="https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Rolfs/e/B001KI0KLU%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share</a><br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXIRtQGmA77eHR9ZWHi50Cw</a><br /><br /><img data-cke-saved-src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/8bec1464-84df-c547-cc63-9663e8765b3d.jpeg" data-file-id="5177182" height="312" src="https://mcusercontent.com/855bb2c6a6efa7e31532b2552/images/8bec1464-84df-c547-cc63-9663e8765b3d.jpeg" style="border: 0px; height: 312px; margin: 0px; width: 558px;" width="558" />Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-1113229125936060992021-05-08T20:32:00.013-05:002021-05-10T19:41:11.106-05:00Happy Day-After Mother's Day!<p> <span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The Fatherhoood of God is great and glorious, but around Mother’s Day I love to contemplate Mary, the mother of Jesus.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I have questions I want to ask her. Like Jesus’ first thirty years with you, Mary, what were they like? Was it ever boring washing His dishes, cleaning His clothes as a young child, the routine of life with the Son of God? How special was it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">When He matured did He still live at home? I assume so. Did you pray for Him, as I do for my grown sons and daughters?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Did you ponder, as I sometimes did with my two sons and two daughters, what details would unfold in the future or were you too busy caught up in the dailies to give much thought to what came next?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Finding the right balance between training and encouragement – was this a challenge for you Mary, as it was for me? Did Jesus ever become unruly, silly? I imagine Him being strong-willed and very articulate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I didn’t raise the Son of God, but I’ve had the privilege of being a mom for over fifty years and what an adventure it’s been! When I meet moms with kids in the grocery store I often tell them to enjoy every minute of this fleeting time of hands-on parenting.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I don’t tell them the big secret I never knew when I had four kids. I’m not sure young moms are ready to hear it yet. Mothering <b>never</b> ends. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In those early years it didn’t occur to me I’d still have a modeling and prayer role to play in my children’s lives when they were grown. They still keep watching me.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">My humble privilege is to pray extensively for our adult children, seven grandchildren and three greats. I know prayer has supernatural power releasing intensified activity of God in their lives. My continual mothering through prayer is intangible, invisible and DAILY wherever their location. Through prayer I feel connected even when our children live a thousand miles away. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I pray God’s peace, protection and guidance for them in this often-turbulent world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">My parenting wasn’t perfect, as I expect Mary’s was, but I’m counting on my prayers to redeem mistakes. What a lifelong blessing it is to pray for our children!</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">James 5:16 </span></i></b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">… <b>The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous (wo)man availeth much.</b></span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">MY MOTHER’S DAY GIFT TO YOU DEAR READERS:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s my great pleasure to make available FREE through amazon this e-book for you.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">*May 18<sup>th</sup> <i>Jesus Time</i>, <i>Love Notes of Wonder & Worship</i> – a prayer devotional that may set the tone for your personal prayers.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"> It</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> can be read on any computer, smart phone, Ipad, etc. FREE only on the day listed so check the date</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">WRITING UPDATE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">FOR FUN WITH KIDS OF ALL AGES THIS SUMMER DON’T MISS MY NEW BOOK: <i>Parent’s Treasurebox of Ideas </i>great present for moms to give themselves. Packed with special activities for fun times and bonding with your children.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">My YOUTUBE ON 10 WAYS TO SHOW RESPECT FOR YOUR SPOUSE IS UP TO 3000 views! You’d help me out greatly if you’d take a moment to subscribe to my channel “Judith Rolfs.” Thanks!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">I’M SO EXCITED THAT THE NEW TOMMY SMURLEE/GRELLA WELLER ADVENTURE WAS JUST RELEASED IN TIME FOR SUMMER READING. My first readers have been adults who like the mystery fantasy also! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">LATEST IN THE POPULAR TOMMY SMURLEE AND GRELLA WELLER MYSTERY, FANTASY AND ADVENTURE SERIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBEi8fxacZUzxV8am1HocdV9K-NCxLVJJyBEwQwtBtzL1zeSW-Vk_Wi2GpQoFqTtgmQ4RN5YpqsXktNbMC9oygi0NKrIJmapmucREzVhjm8avYT_i5ooP2rhjqVEr9xUUdkAw-gKm99A/s178/DIGITAL_BOOK_THUMBNAIL.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBEi8fxacZUzxV8am1HocdV9K-NCxLVJJyBEwQwtBtzL1zeSW-Vk_Wi2GpQoFqTtgmQ4RN5YpqsXktNbMC9oygi0NKrIJmapmucREzVhjm8avYT_i5ooP2rhjqVEr9xUUdkAw-gKm99A/s0/DIGITAL_BOOK_THUMBNAIL.jpeg" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Tommy, Grella, and friends journey to the amazing Dunster's Camp of Mystery and Inventions for fun, intrigue, and danger. Campers compete to create inventions and solve the Mystery of the Silver Shells as battles of good against evil rage around them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Unique activities encourage creativity and imagination and fill each day with wonder! Camp counselors, Spindlesticks, Wishkowski and Zeller direct wild activities such as Kadiddles, Slap/Dash and Dreamology. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">HERE’S WHAT CHILDREN SAY ABOUT The Adventures of Tommy Smurlee: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">“It’s great! A fast-moving, fun book.” Drew, age13 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">“I read it twice in one week and many times since." Steve, age 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">“Mom read Tommy Smurlee aloud to me. I loved it!” Daniel, age 8 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">“I couldn’t stop reading. Grella is my favorite character." Christine, 12<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Other Tommy Smurlee books: <i>Tommy Smurlee and Dunster's Camp of Mystery and Adventures</i> and <i>Tommy Smurlee and the Missing Statue</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">The author, Dr. Judith Rolfs, a marriage and family counselor, specializes in the development of children's creativity and providing valuable life lessons about character and values that her readers absorb through the Silver Team's adventures. jwrolfs@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">The Adventures of Tommy Smurlee is fun and fantasy at its best! <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">FOR AGES 8 THRU ADULT<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Available now on Amazon <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;">Coming soon to local bookstores like Angelus Shop<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">Mother's Day </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">To God be the glory!</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgR29A9a0vTxz_X-436xth7DCeho0tOZhpj9gzL1cV6cEEnqUASc-NTaViFbT1gqUgnYz0W3c5T5_L2i-jUzfJATFLeVVsM-m5yyWY6abzEp8VIqVgvcYtaeuf3Rcq1gWmYhKecM6rGE/s640/IMG_4925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgR29A9a0vTxz_X-436xth7DCeho0tOZhpj9gzL1cV6cEEnqUASc-NTaViFbT1gqUgnYz0W3c5T5_L2i-jUzfJATFLeVVsM-m5yyWY6abzEp8VIqVgvcYtaeuf3Rcq1gWmYhKecM6rGE/s320/IMG_4925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our grandchildren Joshua and Anna's Confirmation:<br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY3qzWR6MTIhsR2dLrUbpjVqZu75GKxnFBG4pzsg_6G63_0cd2oz04zOSfsprB0uDyCMBioHTwQpt0-XQgaUI0tqDOEvMEMWlvfxFQ2PGMniX3WBKfAHuptUHn7UqM169fRzxEFTYMOk/s640/IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY3qzWR6MTIhsR2dLrUbpjVqZu75GKxnFBG4pzsg_6G63_0cd2oz04zOSfsprB0uDyCMBioHTwQpt0-XQgaUI0tqDOEvMEMWlvfxFQ2PGMniX3WBKfAHuptUHn7UqM169fRzxEFTYMOk/s320/IMG_1540.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 14pt;"><br /> </span><p></p><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-3950805005647384622021-04-27T16:15:00.000-05:002021-04-27T16:15:29.489-05:00MAINTAINING JOY IN YOUR MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP, Simple Ways To Add Zip<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/WFks1kY3YMU" frameborder="0"></iframe>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-61971483893752856732021-04-10T20:37:00.000-05:002021-04-10T20:37:12.210-05:00Pain and Joy<p><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>This past weekend was the 8th anniversary of</i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i> our grandson Drew's</i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i> death. </i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Today would be his 33rd birthday</i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>. We mourn losing him so young. A</i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>s I prayed recently about his life, </i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"><i>I sensed the following words I hope they encourage you as they did me.</i></span></b></p><p><b style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;"> My name is Drew Swan and I’m in heaven. I left the earth at age 24 and I’d like to tell you about my life experiences before and after that. I’m sharing this through my grandma who is a writer. She was close to me and would know the things I want to say.</span></b></p><p><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I got into drugs early starting with alcohol and then other drugs in high school but I’m proud to say that I didn’t die from drug overdose. Although that could’ve happened twice in my life when I was taken comatose by ambulance to the ER. </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I truly did get my life sorted out and I am proud of the fact that I was able to help some other cool young people find purpose and courage to live their best lives. I had a very sweet girlfriend and she laid the law down against my opiate use and sadly that ended our relationship. I certainly made the wrong choice there. I realize that. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I wrote music, lots of songs, and played the piano even the drums for a while. Music was a release for some anger I felt when my parents divorced which I never thought would happen because we were a Christian family but some bad choices were made. None of us are perfect so I’m not putting blame on my parents, just saying it was a tough thing to go through, even in my late teens. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m glad to know that many of my relatives have read the book <i>Imagine Heaven</i> and they kinda know what it’s like to be where I am. I’m totally excited about having them join me here someday. I pray that’s true for anybody reading this to come here, too.</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">The last conversation I had with my younger brother, Jack, I said to him, “It’s all about Jesus, it really is.” You get that relationship straight and it’s easy to live up to your life potential. OK so I know I left earth earlier than most, but I don’t think my premature departure will be wasted if I can help some guys and gals now. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I did have a lot of life experiences that were great in my twenty-four years. I traveled to Costa Rica, Australia - had school semester there, went to Hawaii a couple times, Florida many times, Colorado, Door County biking, hiking. I had a really loving, fun family. We had great times together.</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I lived in a small town in Wisconsin and teachers and coaches were good and kind, neighbors were friendly and life was good. I have no complaints. Problem was once you get started on drugs, those drug dealers are very persistent. When I came back from Australia the first call I got on my iPhone was from a guy with a promise of joy for a low price. I wasn’t strong enough in my inner self to resist. Later with the help of a good support system, which is essential, I made better choices. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sure, life is hard at times but if you think drugs are an answer you are living a mirage, because they truly are not the way to go. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I hope I can help others realize this in time. I also want to say I am loving the life of heaven. It’s beyond anybody’s imagination the colors, the music! I could do some stuff on earth, like I could paint – I had a lot of gifts. But nothing like this. I like the sound of the ocean in my ears. Heaven is beyond beautiful. Life is awesome here.</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Back to my past a bit. People were attracted to me like a magnet. I was very outgoing and had lots of fun wherever I went. I sensed joy deep inside when I’d be in church service singing Christian songs and they went through to the core of my being. I loved the experience. Wish I had the mental maturity to choose better than I did with my priorities at the time. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I was the first grandkid to read the <i>Adventures of Tommy Smurlee</i> which I loved. She even let my picture be on the cover of the first edition. Yeah, I know she loved every one of her grandkids just as much as me. We had so much fun together playing games, on Halloween scavenger hunts and playing egg and balloon toss at the lake and in the woods. My grandpa taught me golf and I went to several of the great golf schools that he ran for Christian athletes. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: medium;">Growing up I heard the gospel – Jesus lived, died for my sins and rose from the dead – and I believed it was important to love God and my neighbor. I wish I had lived it out as well as I knew I should. But hey, this is about encouraging all of you to be brave and be a fool for Christ. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In my last year on earth, I wrote several blogs and was truly humbled by the positive responses I got from readers. Maybe you wanna check those out. <a href="https://drewswan.wordpress.com/2013/02/"><span style="color: blue;">https://drewswan.wordpress.com/2013/02/</span></a></span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">This is going on my eighth year in heaven. I’m glad to see my family coping without me. I know how loved I was and they’d want me back on earth in a second. No way would I leave this place, much as I love them. We will be together again which I’m really looking forward to – we’ve got a lot of celebrating to do. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m glad to know that my girlfriend on earth is a mama with a good man to take care of her - she knows I love her forever. I know what we had but I’m wanting her to have a great life right there on earth now.</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> I am so grateful to God for loving me and for snatching me straight into His arms. So no tears for me. Crying time is long over. Family, you just keep living to the fullest. Thank you all for loving me so much during all my years on earth. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Go ahead say Christians are crazy and be crazy yourself, because of believing Jesus rose from the dead. Whose going to do that? Well I want you to know that the resurrection is real and not just Christ but I Andrew Swan am living in heaven forever and it’s all because of Jesus. Hope to see you here someday. </span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">From Drew signing off from heaven (via Grandma).</span></b><span style="font-family: Rockwell, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">WRITING UPDATE:</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As Drew said, "It's all about Jesus." If you haven't already done so, I urge you to read <i>Jesus Time, Love Notes of Wonder and Worship, 365 Devotionals</i> that will encourage your faith and can deepen your relationship with him. </span></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Time-Notes-Wonder-Worship/dp/0979989574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1603732535&sr=1-1&asin=0979989574&revisionId=&format=4&depth=2">https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Time-Notes-Wonder-Worship/dp/0979989574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1603732535&sr=1-1&asin=0979989574&revisionId=&format=4&depth=2</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfB_WDJNXZb2CXuT1VDOu3NPr4D4pk1fP68gzUDL2n2ebZY_2NiDs_6fCHsGl-HbAl-2SWlH7HE7cFzdP53vjrjHDepVxRXjdYYMsgfNeMnXypkjxUomNtd4N_yfPTnIj41ae3v-uYXM/s960/AA9D6C4D-E66A-4211-9FA8-C67F627FD603.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmfB_WDJNXZb2CXuT1VDOu3NPr4D4pk1fP68gzUDL2n2ebZY_2NiDs_6fCHsGl-HbAl-2SWlH7HE7cFzdP53vjrjHDepVxRXjdYYMsgfNeMnXypkjxUomNtd4N_yfPTnIj41ae3v-uYXM/w320-h320/AA9D6C4D-E66A-4211-9FA8-C67F627FD603.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-82473484321726598172021-02-01T22:45:00.000-06:002021-02-01T22:45:49.354-06:00New Adventure For You - An Invitation<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">Interruptions, we all have them. Some are critical, like our 53-year-old son David’s open heart surgery on Jan. 17</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif">. All the world seems to pause when someone we love is critically ill. David barely survived a placenta previa birth. At age eighteen, he developed acute leukemia and months later was hit by a drunk driver. Later that year, David had an experimental bone marrow transplant which worked, glory to our miracle-working God!</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">However, that life-saving transplant required extensive total body radiation which, thirty-five years later, has dangerously impacted David’s blood vessels and heart. Dr. Weiss at St. Luke’s restructured his heart physically but we know God gave David a new spiritual heart when he was very young and the strength of that heart carried him through this surgery and the numerous challenges of his life. Happily, he’s recovering well with the support of his wife Kathy, sixteen-year-old twins Joshua and Anna and the help of loving family and friends.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I’m eager to share with you my New Year’s resolution to read through the Bible in a year again. It’s not too late if you’d like to join me. (You can start and end with the month February.) The picture shows the Bible I’m using, but any version will do or even just a reading plan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">During this emerging year that’s already been filled with clamor and public expressions of hatred, it’s been a joy to immerse myself in the great love story of God for his people. Returning love for hate, and offering forgiveness readily when we’re hurt is tough stuff to do without God guiding our life. I hope you’ll consider this adventure too. We’ll visit ancient lands and cultures and experience the justice, love and mercy of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit firsthand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Praying for you, dear friends, that you’ll be energized by knowing God has a continual, valuable life purpose for you whatever your age. May you find huge delight in loving Him and being attentive to the needs around you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">WRITING UPDATE:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">January whisked by. I have no book signing events planned in the near future but my books are all available online as e-books and the print versions are at Angelus Gift Shop in Walworth. If you have a Kindle Unlimited account you can read my e-books for free. You might enjoy my mystery <i>Bullet in the Night i</i>n front of a winter fire. I’m privileged to edit Wayne’s Monday through Friday blog. If you’d like to receive his free inspirational messages please send me your email with a request.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Do visit my free YouTube channel. I’m happy to report almost four hundred people have watched the presentation on <i>Ten Ways To Show Respect For Your Husband.</i> May it be of great benefit to every viewer! Check out the kid’s stories for your little ones. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">Here’s To A FABUOUS February!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxNcUgGjDs46WGCwyLimvhMozsW0Lhcrqk08LvhMHqGu2cWGaV67s98keCVlwaJDzPSqp6iMJs15kS3KPE5j7krbhkSAEFtLLkR2AYfjJtBL_B-c8S5JvnB1kYLvN5yi-lHJVPXls_ps/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxNcUgGjDs46WGCwyLimvhMozsW0Lhcrqk08LvhMHqGu2cWGaV67s98keCVlwaJDzPSqp6iMJs15kS3KPE5j7krbhkSAEFtLLkR2AYfjJtBL_B-c8S5JvnB1kYLvN5yi-lHJVPXls_ps/" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-44853376353734266092020-12-22T18:47:00.003-06:002020-12-22T21:53:06.524-06:00MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dmocqKmFW8sVuYOruDnXQsbxGyrG9jU3ptUxxEBIPzTpfO1BfJ9FhnbBioGefaJXpEpNeNZ5-lU4prTaZ7lThLqPs8axRgAhY7IMC5ePfn_GdN6sDqJuXZkN1Z9P6FlX4q4rLkoE6MM/s800/shutterstock_166337054-TWINKLE.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="673" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dmocqKmFW8sVuYOruDnXQsbxGyrG9jU3ptUxxEBIPzTpfO1BfJ9FhnbBioGefaJXpEpNeNZ5-lU4prTaZ7lThLqPs8axRgAhY7IMC5ePfn_GdN6sDqJuXZkN1Z9P6FlX4q4rLkoE6MM/w157-h186/shutterstock_166337054-TWINKLE.gif" width="157" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br />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!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">***WRITING AND PERSONAL UPDATE**</blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">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 T<i>houghts For Today, Words For Tomorrow, Vol. 2, </i>a collection of his writings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">My children's mystery fantasy <i>Tommy Smurlee Series </i>will soon have two additions: <i>Mystery of the Silver Shells and Mystery on the Moors, More Tommy Smurlee and Grella Weller Adventures. </i> 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">Sending our HEARTFELT PRAYERS for a great 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"> <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1867553106443334077.post-89979684925045502862020-11-29T21:40:00.001-06:002020-11-29T21:40:55.438-06:00HAVING A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE - Who defines who and what you are?<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pyPghCpF9BY" frameborder="0"></iframe>Judith Rolfshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04671004286474327681noreply@blogger.com0