July 2024 - Saying Good-by and Hello
When God sent Josh to our family, we also gained his grandparents, Marty and Elinor, but Papa and Mimi to him. Papa left us in 2013. His death was a loss to each of us, but was actually the turning point in Josh’s life. Josh spent a week at Papa’s bedside, telling him all that he had learned from him, how he had been the only man in his early years. When Papa passed, Josh said, through tears, “I’m going to become the man Papa would want me to be. I’m going to make him proud.”
The first evidence of that was Josh’s commitment to Mimi. When she moved to a nursing home, he visited often and became her advocate. Then he moved her to a facility close to his family, with more visits, celebrations together, and strong advocacy for her. Not only was he making Papa proud, but he was growing in faithful responsibility.
Last year we celebrated her 99th birthday. She began telling Jesus, “I would love to wake up in Heaven.” Last week God answered her prayer. Josh spent the evening before talking to her (she was not really awake), and told her he would miss her so much, but he would be okay and she could leave. The next morning, through tears, Josh was grateful she was free and at peace. And so was he.
A new President for Cru/Campus Crusade for Christ International
Four years ago God told Steve, my wonderful husband, it was time for him to step down as President of Cru/Campus Crusade. Steve Sellers, who had been serving as Executive VP, agreed to step in for a transitional time. So last year when Sellers said it was time, our Board of Directors began an intense global search for the person God had to become our next President. They considered men and women from around the world, and after much research and prayer, were confident that David Robbins and his wife, Meg, were God's choice.
We will say "hello" and welcome to David and Meg at a commissioning service on July 18 at 8 a.m. Orlando time (ET).
And if you would like to know more about the Robbins, you can watch a series of brief videos telling about them, their family, and their ministry:
A New Book and a Texas Visit
Any excuse to go to Texas works for me. I met with three Austin women who have written an amazing book: Beyond: Creating a Life You Love After 50, 60, 70 and More.
More than 300 questions asked by women as they reach new decades are answered by Mary Henderson, Carol Dodds, and Lyn Alexander in conversational responses from their own experiences and research. It is fun and so helpful, and includes a significant Resource Center.
I was invited in to write the “spotlight story” for the final section, as well as a Foreword and an Afterword. I have loved bringing some of my book experience into our efforts to bring this exceptional and powerful book to our many friends—and beyond. It is scheduled to launch October 1. We would appreciate prayer.
And while I was in Texas, I spent some sweet time with two of my sisters: Mary and Susan. We forgot to take pix, but here is a good one that includes our other sister, Elizabeth, from a year ago.
Speaking of Books
I’m a reader, and a writer, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, and I know lots of readers. If you’ve been reading this letter for long, you know that I love telling you about a variety of books by my friends. So here are three more.
House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity. By Margaret Philbrick
Margaret asked me to endorse it, so I’ll tell you about it by sharing my endorsement with you: I’ve rarely read a (long) book in one sitting, but I did with Margaret Philbrick’s House of Honor. My memories of Italy were refreshed with vivid descriptions and fascinating characters. Entering the world of Art and “meeting” Caravaggio captivated me. Intriguing tales of Cosa Nostra and the Vatican kept me reading. And most of all, the heart of this prodigal mama was both broken and hopeful. A wonderful book!!
Threads by Arlene Richardson
“It all started with a box of scraps”…
Arlene and Steve Richardson grew up in missionary families, and brought two missions together when they married. When they headed out together to the mission field, Arlene began to look for ways to befriend and bring together women from different cultures. A quilting business did just that. You can read all about it in Threads.
You can purchase the book from https://pioneers.org/
Joan of Art by Lesa Engelthaler
What do an ancient teenage warrior and a modern-day aspiring elementary school artist have in common? Nine-year-old Joan is about to find out. In this empowering tale of friendship and self-affirmation, a young girl dreams of being an artist, but struggles to find the courage to share her dreams with others. Then she discovers Joan of Arc. My friend Lesa has written an inspiring and empowering book for elementary age children.
I hope you find time to read one of these, or maybe give it to someone who would enjoy it.
Happy Birthday to Steve in Heaven
I would love for you to celebrate Steve with me on July 12, which would have been his 79th birthday. Steve had many gifts, strengths and qualities, which blessed me over and over. Here's something I wrote on his birthday 11 years ago—seven real-life strengths. One of my favorites was that he always believed the best. Be blessed:
With love and gratitude,
Judy