I love Thanksgiving. One of the most life-changing practices I have learned is to give thanks in everything.
And the very hard past year since Steve left for Heaven has given me many opportunities to do that. I wrote a tender post about My First Year Without Steve. You can read it here:
I have many file cabinets filled with writing, speaking and teaching from Steve. I have just begun talking with Cru Resources leaders about how we might use some of this content. Our initial thoughts would be to focus on two possibilities: his helping other Christian leaders to collaborate with each other—such as in Table 71, and how he led from strength and humility. Please pray that we will have wisdom going forward.
During Steve's tenure as host of the Making Your Life Count radio program, many of the daily radio broadcasts were used to produce more than 40 devotionals on the YouVersion Bible App. Steve told many stories each month in the Connection letters to our staff. We will produce a new series of devotionals from those stories to help encourage people to apply scripture as Steve did--to make a difference in people's lives.
A major focus of my ministry has been leading Women’s Resources for 23 years. Recently we had lunch with most of the team—a great joy to be together. Here are some of the projects we work on:
Global Staff Women-website and newsletter–seeks to encourage, connect, and resource staff women around the world.
The Significance Project held a Global Equipping Summit, September 14-17, in Manila, Philippines, bringing together 215 participants (158 women and 57 men) from 38 countries to equip and inspire Christian leaders to fulfill their God-given uniqueness while helping to fulfill the Great Commission in their nations.
Prayer for Prodigals encourages, helps, and prays for people struggling with challenging loved ones through a prayer website, a Facebook page that has more than 5000 followers, and my When You Love a Prodigal podcast. (prayerforprodigals.com) (facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals) (judydouglass.com/podcast)
Pioneer Women of Cru is a new project—gathering and writing the stories of the women who helped start and expand the global ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru.
Orlando Cru Inner City—though not an official part of Women’s Resources, our team partners with them to put together Back-to-School backpacks and Thanksgiving Boxes of Love—to be distributed to people in need through local churches.
Time with my sisters
I have three wonderful sisters who live in Texas and Colorado. We try to get together every two years. This year we met at one sister’s Toenail Ranch in Christoval, TX. We ate, talked, walked, rode around the ranch, worked a crossword puzzle. And watched the Ring of Fire Eclipse that went right over us, and marveled at all the Monarch butterflies pausing at the ranch on their way to Mexico.
Live Your Best Life After 50
I’m assisting three friends in Austin on a book for women in the second half of life. It’s a creative approach of Q and A—I think it will be helpful and fun. I have some writing to get done soon.
A Sweet Memory
From Austin I flew to Dallas and stayed with Patty Mailler, a friend from junior and senior high school. She took me, at age 15, to Colorado for a Young Life ski camp. Her promise of cute boys and skiing came true, and, more important, I met Jesus.My life has been transformed ever since.
Global Connection Gathering
Then on to Charleston SC to hang out with a lot of friends of Cru—and of Steve. Sweet time.
I will spend Thanksgiving with Michelle and family in Alabama. Then fly home for a dinner with Steve’s brother, Bradd, and Josh and his family. Christmas will be in Montana with Debbie and her family.
I am so grateful for your faithful prayers and financial support for Steve and me for many years. I am continuing to work full time with Cru, and will be grateful for your continued partnership. I will love to continue to pray for you, which Steve did so faithfully. Feel free to send me requests.
