Category: joy

Daring: Venturesomely Bold in Action or Thought {and a Giveaway}

Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past. 
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland. 
(Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)

Earlier this summer, I planned to have a big celebration as I launched a new venture called souldare. Instead, I mentioned it in passing while business cards were being created and I prepared for my first ever collage workshop at a local gallery. Also in the background, I was developing the website. Over the past few weeks, I have been slowly thinking more about what this dare means for me. 

I wondered about closing out Nourishment for the Soul and just diving into souldare or combining the two in some manner. But further thought has led me to maintain both. This place has a special spot in my heart. I believe it’s a space where people come to feed on words. Over at souldare, there will still be words, but also experiences to consider. 

Click on over and see what God has been inspiring during the deep summer, explore the pages and check out the photo gallery. The inspiration tab will be another blog, where I muse about art and the created self. I believe God has created us to express our lives creatively. I want everyone to get the chance to learn more about their God created identities and how to live fully from that perspective.

Being an artist and a writer blends well for me, and now apparently I am an entrepreneur! I have a business card, a website and workshops with paying participants. I never dreamed this; it is all truly something God birthed in and through me. Amazingly my next workshop is sold out and the third one is well on its way to being full. I praise God for this new season that has arrived just as autumn sings her song of release and abundant, rich joy.

In honor of this big day here, I want to give you an opportunity to win a free copy of my book (Defining Moments: Overflowing with Living Words) and a collage kit. Leave a comment and I will randomly select a winner by next Monday.


What daring feats has God been nudging
 you to embrace this season of life?

Linking up with  Multitudes on Monday, Soli Deo Gloria Party and #TellHisStory.
Posted on by kelrohlf 18

Delight: Extreme Satisfaction; Joy

Keep company with God,
    get in on the best.
(Psalm 37:4 The Message)
 
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you your heart’s desires.
(Psalm 37:4 NLT)
 
 
 
 
Last month filled my heart with great satisfaction. I kept company with God with my nieces and nephews. We had quiet, creative mornings and fun-filled afternoons. We met with friends and we stayed home.
 
My favorite memory of the month was introducing them to the idea of meeting with Jesus in their heart room. My sister gave us a book of meditations to read over the month. Most mornings after breakfast, we gathered in the quiet corner and contemplated some object that introduced us to an aspect of God’s love and presence in our lives.
 
We imagined a kite flying freely in the sky, and then we thought about how God holds us secure, yet allows us to express ourselves freely. How the presence of the Holy Spirit sustains us and thrills us as we soar in God’s loving care.
 
One day we recalled the birth of Jesus. Then we contemplated the cross and the pain He suffered on our behalf. The next day we celebrated His triumph over death. We remembered His sacrifice with the bread and with the cup.
 
Our days together ended with a loss. During our last week together, our dear dog, age fourteen, became feebler. Each child responded in their own way, when we told them she had died. We cried and talked about her life, and my youngest niece led us in a meaningful memorial time by burying Milli’s collar and play toy in the garden.
 
What delight children and pets bring to our lives. I am grateful for the time we had together, both the highs and lows of the month. As we go into July, I have prayer on my heart.
 
Sometimes I find it difficult to pray. At those times I am drawn to the written prayers of others. Last week, also marked the death of a dear family friend. She lived far from us, and I am thankful for the years we were able to visit with her the past several summers. Over the years my family and I enjoyed Mary’s company and her hospitality, whenever we came in to town for a visit.
 
Here is a prayer for those who love her and miss her:
 
Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort, deal graciously we pray as we mourn, casting all our care on Thee, knowing the consolation of Thy love; through Christ Jesus Our Lord.
 
(Book of Common Prayer 1928, adapted)
Posted on by kelrohlf 3

Iron Chef Challenge: Watermelon, Chocolate and Eggs

 
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
(Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
 
In the tradition of the Iron Chef show, we participated in our own version today at Ant Kamp. The competitors were challenged to make a meal using watermelon, chocolate and eggs. They were judged by the reigning Rohlf “Iron Chef,” Ant Kel and a wee girl.
 
The Ingredients
 
 
 
The winner presented us with a watermelon-chocolate mint cookie ‘smore sided with a fried egg and a spring of lemon thyme.
 
The Winner!
 
 
 
 
Other dishes included melon balls drizzled with milk chocolate sauce, boiled egg garnished with pureed watermelon, pureed watermelon-mint beverage, fried chicken and scrambled eggs. Two chocolaty deserts vied for the judges’ points: mint chocolate cookies drizzled with marshmallow sauce and chocolate dipped banana bites with a little “kick” of cayenne pepper in the dip.
 
 
The Process

 
The End Result

 
 
What would you make with watermelon, chocolate and eggs?
 
 
Posted on by kelrohlf 5

Ordinary: The Regular Course of Things


Teach us to make the most of our time,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy
to the end of our lives.
(Psalm 90:12 & 14 NLT)



In the regular course of things, school ended for the year. And now it’s time for summer camp (aka “Ant Kamp”) with Aunt Kel. Spending the month of June with my two nieces and two nephews, who range from ages eleven to six, will be the joy of this summer.

We started the week out celebrating my birthday. The day started with donuts, then brownies for lunch, and ending with a frozen cake made by my sister. It was a sweet day!




Each day has been packed with fun. I wake up with the sun to squeeze in a few minutes of solitude with my journal. Then the troops arrive before breakfast, and so we begin the day together with a meal. After that we gather in the quiet corner for a little prayer time, followed by each child choosing a “place” to go to for their own time of solitude. It could be the porch swing, the hammock, the living room, the gazebo, the quiet corner or the art room.

They have surprised me, in that, they are willing to stay by themselves reading, drawing, creating art or music for close to an half hour. The girls often want me to join them. So I divide my “quiet” time between them. After solitude, we just let things happen. Play a game. Go to the pool. Eat lunch. Rest. Watch Scooby Doo. What more can a kid ask for?!

Are we learning some great spiritual lesson? Maybe? As I think about it, my youngest niece presented us with a great truth today.

When I asked what her favorite part of “Ant Kamp” was so far, she said:

 
Being with you!



And that’s the truth: God’s favorite part is being with us.

Photos from the last three days of “Ant Kamp”



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Posted on by kelrohlf 10

Joie de Vivre: Keen Enjoyment of Life

 
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.
(Psalm 16:11 NLT)
 
La Grande Dame

Moi




La Belle Damsel


















 
La Photographer

 
 
This past weekend was full of joy! Scrapbooking and sharing stories about our lives. Celebrating a friend’s 25th anniversary with a yard attack (signs and balloons and poms).
 
 
 


Going to the anniversary party later, joining our friends as they rejoiced in their milestone. Laughing and telling more stories. The joy of discovering new things about old friends. And Sunday afternoon, attending a high school graduation party . Congratulations, Colleen!
Life buoys us up, when we experience plain, old fun together.
Mom, Gillian and I agreed to dress up in “twenties” outfits for our outing to The Great Gatsby. What joy and laughter, as we stepped out of our routines to recall another era. I think they outdid themselves.
Our friend, Kelly always shines with her whole being, and she made us feel special and honored and loved as she took our pictures before the movie. Thanks, Kelly!
I just had to post these beautiful faces today, because living life to the fullest brings me great joy. What happiness God provides when we celebrate life together.

I hope you smile today!
 
What joys or happiness did God grant you this weekend?
 
Posted on by kelrohlf 5