June 2025 - An Unexpected Adventure
A headache, a funny feeling in the back of my head, a wobbly feeling, and an inability to stand up the next morning. I texted my assistant Diane: HELP.
In 10 minutes Diane arrived, followed by six big, handsome paramedics. In no time we were on our way to the big ER. (Gratefully no one took a pic of me.) It seemed like they took half my blood, did a CT scan and an MRI.
My Women’s Resources teammates spent the day with me. A doctor friend checked up on me. My son, Josh, came and stayed the night with me and became my spokesperson. They put me in observation overnight.
You should know this about me: I am fairly non-compliant and I have rarely been sick. Other than my meds for asthma, which I take faithfully, I’m a little lax on follow-through on meds. I take quite a few vitamins and supplements, but I was weary of swallowing pills, so I took a break.
The outcome: I had a serious blood pressure spike.
The next morning they strongly admonished me to take the meds they were giving me, sent me a PT person to climb stairs, then said I was fine and they weren’t admitting. Josh took me to his home, where I stayed for six days. They gave me my meds, took my BP several times a day, fed me, loved me. And I’m writing this from a flight to Montana, accompanied by my son-in-law Nick.
So what have I learned:
Noncompliance might not be the right choice.
Meds can be useful, even needful.
Maybe I’m not as healthy as I think.
I have a lot of people who love me and want me to hang around a while still.
A Special Event
The day I was leaving Josh’s was Sunday, and I assured them I was strong enough to go to church with them. I didn’t want to miss the special event: Josh’s wonderful wife, Lesley, was baptized. She was so excited—we all were. I was grateful to be there.
Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day
June 2 was once again a beautiful evidence of the grace of God. Our theme this year was On Our Knees, which is really the title every year. I wrote some brief devotionals that included links to brief videos from John Ortberg on The Lord’s Prayer.
My Cru team members have really helped to let many people be aware.. We have first names numbering 11,500 to pray for. We encourage people to gather with friends or in small groups or online to pray for their own prodigals and for the names on the list. We do not control the praying. Two of my team, Susan and Lori, really make it all happen.
Other ministries have joined in: I’ve posted some links you might appreciate, including one of my devotionals—a word from Josh.
From Legacy Coalition (for grandparents) :Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day https://legacycoalition.com/worldwide-prodigal-prayer-day/
From House of Hope, where Josh met Jesus:
“In my 65+ years of walking with Jesus, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: I must live on my knees.” — Judy Douglass
As we approach Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, we’re reminded that the most powerful thing we can do for a child who has wandered is to pray without ceasing.
Judy knows this journey well. Her son spent 15 years in what she calls a "prodigal wilderness." But through prayer—and a community that stood with her—he came home.
Today, Josh is a devoted husband, a father of three, and a man walking in God's grace.
If you’re praying for a prodigal, you are not alone. We’re standing with you—on our knees.
Submit a name.
Request prayer.
Don’t lose heart.
Because God never gives up.
Wisdom from Steve
I’m writing this from a plane on the way to Bozeman for my grandson Aidan’s high school graduation. Last year I included a copy of “Wisdom from Steve” for Carter. I have done another one this year. I think you will appreciate it:
Convo with an Almost 9-Year-Old
One of the treasures of my life is conversations with my grands. And right now I am alone with that boy. Soon we will play a board game—often Star Wars Monopoly. His birthday is next month. He wants to party at the Arcade, though he was sure his mom would say "no." We talked about JumpTime, the climbing wall, but drifted to having it once again at his wonderful neighborhood park. The important question was which of his eight neighborhood friends and six school friends to invite. And now he has moved on to his allotted time on Minecraft while snuggling with Louie, their new Brittany birding dog.
May your June be filled with joy and blessing,
Judy