September 2024 - Grands, Grace, and Blessing
I’ve enjoyed most of the seasons of my adult life. My single years, working as a writer and editor with Cru, were wonderful—I loved what I was doing and serving God in it.
Being married to Steve was beyond my best dreams—such a beautiful partnership. Motherhood was fun, rewarding, often very challenging, and truly growth producing—I’ve written a lot about it—here’s an example: https://judydouglass.com/blog/learned-from-michelle-enjoy-the-journey
And now I am treasuring my years of grandparenting. My 10 grands give me joy, surprise adventures, lots of hugs, and new opportunities.
In a few days, on September 8, we recognize Grandparents Day—to celebrate our grandchildren, and those of us who are grandparents.
I play a small, occasional role in Legacy Coalition, which exists to help us have a greater spiritual impact on our grands. Check it out here: https://legacycoalition.com/
And check out one of my favorite articles I’ve written for grandparents: https://judydouglass.com/blog/2018/01/stewarding-future-8-things-grandparents-can?rq=grandchildren
In summary: I have been so blessed.
The Significance Project
Recently, in partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ Leader Strategy, a group of 18 executive women bankers went through The Significant Woman course. Some had attended an Executive Seminar Preview with 300 other men and women where The Significant Woman and Man of Impact life coaching courses were presented. These courses help men and women live connected to God and His personal mission for them.
Evangelistic life coaching courses, QUEST for men and SOARING for women, as well as facilitator guides, serve churches, businesses, and neighborhoods. You Go! a new resource for students 15-20, will be out this fall
After the Executive Seminar Preview some of the women went on to facilitate several groups. Men and women professionals are using these courses in their businesses for leader development and with peers in various fields. Last month 16 Leader Strategies men country leaders in Southeast and South Asia attended a Facilitator training to help them more effectively facilitate the Man of Impact course in their countries.
See these resources at thesignificanceproject.org, crustore.org, Amazon and Google books for printed or ebooks in multiple languages, or email significanceproject@cru.org for information on more of the 35 languages.
Women Who Get the Work Done
Jan Stewart
The Lord called Jan out of working as an RN to Cru staff in 2009. A passion for writing led to being on the Writers Team with Worldwide Challenge and then Cru Storylines. Currently, she writes on the Pioneer Women of Cru team with Women’s Resources. We are putting together a book telling the stories of 40-50 missionary women who were some of the firsts globally to serve the Lord through Cru.
Coralee Murray
Coralee joined CCC staff after college, lived overseas for 50 years, helped to launch CCCI in Eastern Europe. She arrived in Vienna with 4 kids 5 and under. She and her husband worked to create a platform where women could discover and develop their gifts and move into kingdom work. She marveled at the various cultures of Eastern and Western Europe and God uniquely at work in each one. Now living in Kansas, Coralee is engaged with our team in gathering the stories of women of Cru who pioneered ministry around the world.
Grace for Prodigal Lovers—Awesome Books
What’s So Amazing About Grace? Revised and Updated by Philip Yancey.
The original book on grace was so helpful to me as I was navigating our prodigal journey and then writing my When You Love a Prodigal book. I’m eager to read the new version. I think you will love it.
From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children by Dawn Ward Releasing September 17
In the early days of our prodigal journey, God said to me: “When you make mistakes with this boy, make them on the side of grace.”
I think I could have used this book.
Save the Date! Coming Soon: Beyond: Create a Life You Love After 50, 60. 70, and More
A fun, helpful book for those in the second half of life releases October 1! You can join us for the online Launch Party for Beyond: Create a Life You Love After 50, 60. 70, and More.
Taco Pie—A Texas Treat
Fritos (fried corn) were first made in San Antonio in the 1930’s during the depression. It was a popular snack in Texas and was soon produced throughout the state. I loved field trips to the Frito plant in Dallas (almost as much as the Dr. Pepper plant field trips).
My mother used to make this “frito pie” when my father was not home for dinner. My sisters and I loved it. So did my kids.
I hope I get it right—it doesn’t have to be exact. You can adapt to make it a little healthier. This is enough for about 8 big servings, I think.
May your blessings multiply,
Judy