A Bowl, a Boy, Some Books

One of my favorite gifts from God these days since Steve left has been the opportunities to represent him. In March I told you about speaking in Steve’s place at our former church in California.

This past month I was privileged to receive a gift in honor of Steve from IlluniNations.

IllumiNations is a collective of Bible translation efforts around the globe. Some 15 years ago, Steve asked how long it would take to get enough of the Bible in every language to start a church. He was told 150 years. He said that was too long, and encouraged his friends in Bible translation efforts to increase their efforts to work together and thus move toward the goal more quickly.

IllumiNations has done that, as well as utilizing technology, even artificial intelligence, and today the number of years for every language is 10 years. Wow!

To appreciate Steve, I was given a beautiful bowl, hand hewn from a large stone, to represent the prayers of God’s people: ”…the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.” (Romans 5:8)

Learn more about IllumiNations

Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day: June 2

For more than 25 years people around the world have prayed for loved ones who are making unwise, even destructive choices for their lives, or who have rejected values or relationship with family.

This day is a gift from our former prodigal son, who taught us so much about God and his love, mercy and grace.

People from around the world send us names (first only) of someone they want prayer for. They go on a list the people around the world pray for. There are more than 8,000 names on the list now. We will pray for your loved one.

The theme this year is Joy for the Hard Journey. Beginning May 9 I will send out a weekly mailing to our members with a devotional on that topic.

On June 2 we pray online, or in small groups, or at church, or by ourselves. To request prayer, you can go to PrayerforProdigals.com and post a request or a name. To enter the website beyond the front page, you will need to join (to protect privacy). If you join, we will send you a Mini Book of Blessings for a Loved Child. You can also go to Prayer for Prodigals on Facebook and to Hope for Hurting Parents on FB to add a name(s) to the list. God answers these prayers.

Join the Prayer for Prodigals community

For Your Graduate

It’s graduation season. I’m beginning to have grands graduating—wow! So you want to give a gift they will appreciate and will be meaningful. Money always pleases, but maybe include a helpful book as they venture on their new life.

I have three books—one by my husband and two by me—which can be purchased at https://crustore.org/

Some of you asked for Steve’s book, How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun, in last month’s letter—it’s available. I have two small books that also are good for grads: Letters to My Children: Secrets of Success, and Shaped by God: Words for Life.

Another Grandson Was in Orlando

Last month I told you about Ethan’s band at a music festival at Universal. This week Aidan, 16, was competing with some 22,000 students in DECA’s national competition. His category was role play—a judge gave him a situation and he responded with what he would do.

That was a great experience for him, but I couldn’t attend. His last morning before heading home, we had breakfast. And we talked non-stop for two hours. I asked questions, he asked questions. I am so grateful to Aidan for engaging so well, and to God for giving me the opportunity.