When You Love a Prodigal: Recent Episodes
Charisma Podcast Network
Loving a prodigal is a long, desperate journey. Fear. Worry. Anger. Blame. But God intends to use your valley to fill you with grace and hope. In each episode, author and speaker Judy Douglass will guide you through lessons she’s learned in her son's 15-year prodigal journey to help mold your spiritual life.
On June 2, about 25 years ago, our prodigal, Josh, met Jesus. He was living at House of Hope, a nearby residential home for troubled teens. His house dad, Mike, loved him, prayed for him, sought to guide him into better life choices, and on June 2, 1997, he introduced our son to Jesus. That evening Mike baptized him in the nearby lake. Josh’s life changed then, and when he came home months later. He wanted to walk with God. But wrong friends and the trauma of his early life put him on a roller coaster. He would do well and make good choices for days, weeks, even months. Then down he would go for many months. The unpredictable cycle went on for 15 years.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Grace-full Father: https://bit.ly/3SiGkIm
- Read A Word from Josh: https://bit.ly/3ZDiH10
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Pamela Henkelman is a certified Empty Nest Coach, speaker, writer, and host of the Midlife Momma Podcast. With her bright smile and enthusiastic personality, she is passionate about encouraging women, particularly the often-forgotten group of moms with adult children. She has much wisdom for those whose adult children have cut off connection with them.
I loved this quote on Pamela’s Instagram: “Talk less and pray more! Lead with love!”
Pam’s Resources:
- Learn more about Pamela: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/
- Listen to Pam’s Podcast: https://www.pamelahenkelman.com/podcast
- 10 Things Not to Say to Your Adult Children(and 5 Ways to Stop Yourself from Saying Them). Free resource: https://wandering-union-986.myflodesk.com/atrt8t373z
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: x.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
This might be the most helpful episode we’ve done on this podcast.
Loving a prodigal can be like a roller coaster—the ups and downs, the unexpected turns. The dashed hopes.
In our last episode we looked at our persistent enemy—a roaring lion we know as Satan. This week we will look at what an opportunist he is, and ways we can resist him.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Ways of the Enemy: Opportunist: https://bit.ly/4jT5UiI
- Read The Ways of the Enemy: Counterfeit-The Way: https://bit.ly/44MzGBn
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
When you love a prodigal, you get used to the lion stalking.
Sometimes it seems that, no matter what you do to rescue your prodigal, to win her heart, to capture his mind, nothing works. Even when your prodigal is seeking to change patterns, to make better choices, to turn things around, they can’t catch a break.
Someone is opposing them.
His name is Satan.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Can You See the Lion Stalking?: https://bit.ly/42fNe73
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
One of the hardest parts of living with and loving a prodigal is the waiting, isn’t it. I have said many times: I thought it was time! Isn’t it time, Lord? Are we doing this again? How long, Lord?
We hate the uncertainty, fear the possibilities. And grow wearing in the waiting….
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Fragile Hope: https://bit.ly/41RMwwt
- Read Waiting with Hope: https://bit.ly/3VlMolg
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Jill Baughan radiates joy! In my several conversations with her, joy flows from her. I can't help but smile when I'm with her. But more than that, she is able to share, even slosh, that joy with you and me. Joy even for hard days with a prodigal.
Jill’s Resources:
BIG NEWS! Hey friends, my book is available for PRE-ORDER on Amazon!
The release date is April 1, 2025. (Yes! April Fools' Day, which I find TOTALLY delightful!) I'll be telling you more about it in the coming days, but just know I am so excited to offer you this devotional that I hope will bring you joy while you read it, and hope for joy after you put it down.
You can pre-order here: https://a.co/d/9i864E5
- Podcast (Find Joy...No Matter What): https://jillbaughan.com/podcast/
- Make a Joy Box for Someone You Care About: https://jillbaughan.com/joy-box
- Website: https://jillbaughan.com
- Enter for a chance to win Jill’s new book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: x.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
In my conversations with those who love a prodigal, or with someone going through hard times, with anyone in an uncertain time, I usually end up at the same place, with four words that can make a real difference, even bring transformation in a prodigal, and in our own lives.
These words are filled with encouragement and hope. When I remember them and choose to believe what God says to me about them, I am changed. Sometimes my circumstances change. And often I see new ways that God is answering my prayer
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Living Out Love: https://bit.ly/3F3c9l4
- Read Immersed in His Love: https://bit.ly/3R3Nvnf
- Read Scandalous Grace: https://bit.ly/4i2wxkX
- Read Turning Scripture into Blessing: https://bit.ly/4hZdRTd
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Casey has much to offer as she shares her journey to become a counselor and her passion to encourage healthy families. She talks about the pain experienced by parents and by the children. And the conversations that can lead to healing.
Casey Lewis is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in Chattanooga, TN. She worked with Cru for three years out of college before spending five years at the University of Alabama. From there, she attended Richmont Graduate University. She has worked for 11 years in private practice and has over 20 years of experience working with teenagers.
Casey’s Resources:
- Casey’s Blog: https://www.forwhatitsworthblog.com
- https://www.attachmentproject.com/
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Home: The Most Significant Place in the World: https://bit.ly/3Qo3FYg
- Read Joy and Pain Over Generations: https://bit.ly/4hGNt0b
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
The prophet Isaiah repeatedly mocks them for carving idols to worship out of half a log, and cooking dinner with the other half. How could anyone think that “god” could save them?
We read in 1 Samuel that rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).
Wow! I need to examine my rebellious tendencies.
God understands our struggles, but He gives us every reason not to rebel.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Words of My Life 4: Surrender: https://bit.ly/4aMx4o0
- Read My Rebellion, My Idols: https://bit.ly/40ZdDFi
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Today we are talking about liberation.
As we consider the strongholds in the lives of our loved ones—and perhaps ourselves—be sure to note the verses that will give you hope.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Breaking Life Bondages: https://bit.ly/3C79gP7
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year’s mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promise.
Except, when you love a prodigal. Too often fears win out. You hope, but you dare not “get your hopes up.” You dream, hoping it doesn’t once again become a nightmare. You believe, but always with clouds of doubt blocking the brightness you desire.
Can we have hope for the new year? Assuredly so!
Judy’s Resources:
- Read “Can you dare to hope?”: http://tinyurl.com/mufeb349
- Read “The Lament of a Sigh”: http://tinyurl.com/2s3bvxu7
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas.
When you love a prodigal, your heart yearnings for your loved one seem to intensify at Christmas time. But we can ask for those heart’s desires—from God and from that prodigal.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Gifts of Advent https://tinyurl.com/34h24mjw
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
If you have listened to many of my podcasts, then you know I encourage all of us to give thanks in everything.
I got to practice what I preach in real life last week. And though this story is not about a prodigal, it’s certainly a practice to live out before a prodigal or someone you hope never becomes a prodigal.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Help for the Hard--no, Impossible--Times: https://bit.ly/3BpvxHp
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Judy Nelson Lewis and I go way back. She's been a magazine editor, writer, and now a spiritual director. We had a great conversation about advent, waiting, and how that can help us through our prodigal journey. It's a gift to you.
Judy Nelson Lewis’ Resources:
- Website: https://www.judynelsonlewis.com
- Buy Judy's new book, Exhale: https://a.co/d/3DWRv2G
- Enter for a chance to win Judy’s new book, Exhale: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Waiting with Hope: https://bit.ly/3VlMolg
- Read Prayers of Hope and Blessing for Christmas: https://bit.ly/4iabk9f
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
In Philippian 4:6 the instructions are more specific: Pray about everything, with thanksgiving.
Pray, of course. Give thanks? Much harder.
But that is exactly what we are told to do, even in scary, out-of-control circumstances. Give thanks. It has been one of the most important, helpful, even life-changing truths I have learned.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Give Thanks:Pray with Thanksgiving - https://bit.ly/3VbqvoJ
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Our natural response in times of uncertainty and in life with a prodigal and the fears and frustrations we encounter, is to name everything that is wrong, to complain about all we don’t like. And our God receives our honest laments.
But He also encourages us to give thanks. In everything.
Seriously? How do we do that?
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Give Thanks: In Everything. - https://bit.ly/41cxTUL
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
I was reading Barbara Rainey’s blog recently and saw a post Relating to Your Adult Children. For most of the years God has had me in a loving a prodigal ministry, we have focused mostly on teens and young adults. But in recent years I hear more and more stories from parents whose adult children have separated from them—some a little, many because of rejecting their faith, and many who have completely cut off contact with their parents.
Today Dennis and Barbara are giving us practical and surprising ways to keep that relationship positive and healthy
The Rainey’s Resources:
- Website: https://www.theraineys.org
- Listen to The Dennis & Barbara Podcast: https://www.theraineys.org/podcasts
- Learn more about FamilyLife: https://www.familylife.com
- Read Barbara’s Book, My Heart, Ever His: Prayers for Women : https://a.co/d/dAOSNbN
Judy’s Resources:
- Read How to Be a Peacemaker: https://bit.ly/3YZguNF
- Read What to Wear as a Follower of Jesus: Humility: https://bit.ly/4fFqQaY
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
As I have listened to the stories of friends’ prodigals and prayed for my son and many others, God took me on a journey back into the wilderness.
Gratefully I was reminded over and over of the transforming truths that I have learned on that path. And I am still learning.
These truths are gifts! Let me remind us all of some of the gifts we receive on a prodigal journey.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read God's Birthday Gifts to Me: https://bit.ly/3UCFo3c
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Today, October 29, 2024, marks two years since my wonderful husband, Steve, was called home to Heaven.
He was a wise, loving man, and had much to offer everyone he encountered. Today’s podcast is a gift from Steve, telling of his walk with God and his discovery of true peace. I believe you will be blessed by it.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read How to Live and Love Like Jesus by Steve Douglass: https://bit.ly/3C5YgB5
- Read Living Under Pressure by Steve Douglass: https://bit.ly/3O3UN93
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
In all my years of loving a prodigal and seeking to help others love their prodigal, one word has been the key, the difference, the change agent: GRACE
Early in my journey with my prodigal, God gave me a guiding word. He said, “When you make mistakes with this boy, and you will, (and I did), make them on the side of grace.”
There is so much grace for you and your prodigal in this episode.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Amazing Grace! blog: https://bit.ly/3C32JnT
- Free Ebook, Embracing Grace: https://judydouglass.com/embracinggrace
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
About 10 years ago we went through a scary time with our adopted son.
Josh had twice, in response to great disappointments, threatened to take his life. We reasoned with him, assured him of our love, stayed with him. Gratefully, he backed down, but we were on alert.
Josh’s birth grandfather—Papa—was the most important person in his life. Papa was slowly failing, with various ailments claiming more and more of his 88-year-old body. We were holding our breath.
Have you been in that place with your prodigal—fearful of what the next steps might be? Don’t miss this episode.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read When Life Gets Scary: https://bit.ly/489RAh3
- Read Words of Hope: https://bit.ly/484KjPP
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Does that title entice you? In your journey with a prodigal, would you like to be moving from guilt to grace? Our guest today is Dawn Ward, a life and mental health coach, writer, speaker, and one of us. Her ministry is Faith to Flourish and her brand new book is From Guilt to Grace. After a long family journey of prodigalness, addiction and guilt, an “aha” moment marked the turning point.
Dawn’s Resources:
- Website: https://www.thefaithtoflourish.com
- Buy From Guilt to Grace: https://a.co/d/3quYWbP
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward
- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog
- Follow on FB: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithtoflourish
- Enter to win a copy of From Guilt to Grace: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Dust of Our Lives: https://bit.ly/47ZA13x
- Read Grace Stoops: https://bit.ly/3XVwYoi
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
It’s noisy out there, isn’t it? Online, at school, in the neighborhood. And certainly in your home when you have a prodigal. So many strong but differing opinions!
We often seem to be more committed to making our point and hopefully getting others to agree. We don’t always listen to what others are saying.
If you think about it, asking questions implies something so critical to relating to others: a willingness to listen.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Jesus on Leading: Be an Advocate: https://bit.ly/3zuF2UZ
- Read Listen to Someone You Love: https://bit.ly/4eLQDxO
- Read How’s Your Heart: Questions from Michelle Beckman: https://bit.ly/4eKZwYw
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Today, I am chatting with Nancy Squires, and she's a new friend. And she has a ministry called the Just Be Held Retreats, and we're going to get to learn what those are, how they came about, and how you might engage.
Nancy’s Resources:
- Website: https://justbeheldministries.org
- Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/justbeheldretreats
On the website, you can find information regarding their retreats, extra resources and ways to make a tax-deductible donation.
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
It’s the five year anniversary of my book, When You Love a Prodigal, the inspiration for this podcast! So I thought we should take it back to the beginning of the podcast and revisit the core question of “what is a prodigal?”.
People ask me what “prodigal” means—there are several definitions out there. We will define what we are meaning on this podcast and the how, when and why a person might become a prodigal. Some are rebellious or "bad," but many begin to make destructive choices because of the challenges in their lives, because of many levels of trauma.
Judy’s Resources:
- Turning Curses into Blessings blog post
- Restoring Prodigals blog post
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Most of us are bruised people who desperately need to be reminded, however subtly, that hope is real, grace is often present, goodness counts, love is possible and our lives matter. I believe this is more than mere artistic preference: the human race depends upon it.
And people who love a prodigal depend on it.
Here are 10 reasons you can keep hoping.
Judy’s Resources:
- When the News Is Bad…Here’s Some Help https://bit.ly/3wTVOcr
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
You don’t expect to find one of your best gifts ever when you are wandering through the wilderness. A walk in the wilderness might be lovely if you’re a nature lover and you keep your eyes open. You could discover some real gems: colorful creatures, spectacular plants, encounters with startling animals, an astounding array of colors and shapes underwater, hidden waterfalls.
But a walk in the wilderness could also be frightening and full of surprises that turn out to be dangerous: snakes, spiders, poisonous plants, wild animals.
This is more like the wilderness we know as lovers of prodigals
Resources:
- Immersed in His Mercy: https://tinyurl.com/2v43kmke
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Most of us want our own way. And when life is going our way, we are happy, even joyful. But when circumstances, or our prodigal, or God interferes with our way, our joy can disappear. We also have an enemy, who is enticing our prodigal, and loving to steal our joy.
Resources:
- Read the devotional: judydouglass.com/blog/joy-3-winning-the-war
- Joy—Jonny Diaz https://youtu.be/-GjW1pSYgUk
- Joy of the Lord—Maverick City https://youtu.be/sbFq7YQM1Js
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring--it didn't matter. The years of our prodigal journey unfolded with occasional good days, but with many more challenging ones.
I could easily be overwhelmed, until I slowly learned to look to God and hold on to the truths I was slowly absorbing. I wrote this simple list of the top ten lessons I’ve learned from God and the more I focused on the Lord and these truths, the more I could walk in peace.
Resources:
- Read 25 Things I Have Learned About God: https://bit.ly/25thingsaboutgod
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
If we could relate to our wanderers as Jesus would have, we just might see a difference in the atmosphere in our home and relationship.Today we take up gentleness.
Harsh. Angry. Strident. Contentious.
We can easily be drawn into the debate, the disagreement, the conflict. Our opinion is right, and we must affirm it. So we join the cacophony.
This scene displays anything but gentleness, and surely doesn’t live out this word from Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath,…” (Proverbs 15:1) And most of us have experienced this result at some time in our homes, and with our prodigals.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Words of My Life: Gentle: http://tinyurl.com/yy4s6t2m
- Read What to Wear as a Follower of Jesus: http://tinyurl.com/4ptju9bn
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
My husband was a hard-working man. Our prodigal, in his younger years, was not. One day my husband came home and our son was sitting on my car watching his friends work on his car. My husband’s response was, “Can’t you help them fix your car, or at least learn from them. You’re just sitting watching them work.”
My husband rarely got angry, but he did that day. He came and sat down to talk to God about it. The Lord had a question: “How big is the gap between you and your son?” “It’s pretty big, when it comes to work,” he replied.
Then the Lord said, “How big is the gap between you and Me?”
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Learned from Children: Go Low: http://tinyurl.com/bde7t2af
- Read Jesus on Leading: Humility: http://tinyurl.com/yp64wn9r
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
This is the third episode of a three-part series on Prayer that Opens Doors. We looked at Praise first, then Thanks last week. And today we consider a powerful key that can open tightly shut doors—and minds and hearts.
When someone near you sneezes, do you, or does someone nearby say, “God bless you”? It happens often, doesn’t it.Do you hear or say “God bless you” any other time? Not too often, I imagine.
Yet we are called to be people of blessing—as a way of life.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Power of Blessing: https://tinyurl.com/24u9xw4u
- Read Turning Scripture into Blessing: https://tinyurl.com/3urbntc9
- A Blessing for a Loved Prodigal: judydouglass.com/blessingforalovedprodigal
- Listen to Blessings Everywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiyQsHKnCvc
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I used to think I knew how to pray. Then this wilderness journey with my wandering son required desperate prayer. And I moved into a new dimension of what it meant to pray.
Even now I realize I still know so little about praying. Prayer is a wonder I can barely comprehend. Sometimes I feel woefully inadequate and terribly ineffective—does anything happen when I pray?
Resources:
- Free Ebook: https://judydouglass.com/prayersforyourwildernessjourney
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
In kids’ sports there is often a “mercy rule.”
If one team gets far ahead, the game is called. It seems only kind and fair to not embarrass or demoralize the kids who are losing so badly.
In life it rarely works that way. There is no mercy rule, no rescue from your losses, your hurts, your failures. But in God’s Kingdom, Jesus instituted a Mercy Rule.
Resources:
- Mercy Music: Mercy, Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuxzcJps6eo
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
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 a replay episode full of Steve’s wisdom:
Steve always wanted his life—the way he lived, loved, spoke, treated people, used his time, everything—to reflect Jesus. He wanted people to be drawn to Jesus because of the way he lived. Most of us desire that too—for all the people in our lives, but especially for our loved prodigals. Hopefully these words from Steve will encourage us and help us as we seek to demonstrate what it looks like to walk with God to a watching world, and personally too our wanderers.
Steve’s Resources:
- Experiencing God’s Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mnC4isLVPU
- Steve’s Memorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDkkBmmYjc
- Making Your Life Count Resources: https://makingyourlifecount.org/#/
Steve’s Books:
- Enjoying Your Walk with God: https://tinyurl.com/4mhfy2cj
- How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life: https://tinyurl.com/4t2dfawe
- How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun: Request book by emailing Judy@judydouglass.com
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
From the day I was born, I wanted my own way. Growing up, my getting my way pretty much determined the peace and happiness in our home. As a teenager, getting my own way included secretly seeing a forbidden boyfriend for most of a year and other things.
Do you identify? Don’t most of us want our own way? Why?
Resources:
- Read: Growing a Tender Heart for Prodigals and Those who Love Them https://bit.ly/3KpnMRV
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Last week was the 150th episode so I thought we’d go back and revisit our last milestone with episode 100:
I had never even listened to a podcast when I was asked to do this one. But my team and my husband said, when I was reluctant, “You can’t turn down this great opportunity God has given you!!” So I said yes.
And it has been such a privilege to travel with you on your prodigal wilderness journey, learning with you, hopefully helping and encouraging you. I have been so blessed as I did each podcast, as I was reminded of all that God had done in my life—and is still and again.
What a blessing to be able to turn the very hard years of my prodigal wilderness with our son into words and stories to benefit you and many others. (You can hear him tell his story in Episode 50.)
Resources:
- You Want Me to Do a Podcast? https://tinyurl.com/bdfesbmv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
My special guest today, Margaret Philbrick, will take us an intriguing journey through an unusual approach to loving our prodigals.
Today we are talking about art, a topic I know little about. But Margaret does. She will take us to an introduction to Henri Nouwen’s book The Return of the Prodigal Son, a reflection on Rembrandt’s painting of The Prodigal Son. And then on to adventure and intrigue in Italy.
Yes, I couldn’t put it down. I read all night.
Margaret’s Resources:
- Website: https://margaretphilbrick.com
- Buy Margaret’s books: https://ambassador-international.com/books/house-of-honor/
- Enter to win a copy of House of Honor: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
What I want to share with you today are some practical ways for you to REALLY love your prodigal. Your situation may be very different from ours—and the illustrations I use, but the suggestions I will give you can be helpful whatever your reality.
And I’m giving you an easy to remember acrostic: R.E.A.L.L.Y.
Resources:
- Learn about love languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/learn
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
We did it! We prayed for all those names on our list of treasured prodigals. What a privilege!
And what a battle it was--always! I am always exhausted at the end of the day. We—and those we pray for—have an enemy who doesn’t like that we are on our knees on their behalf. He will do all he can to keep us fearful. And he sought to interfere with our efforts.
But “thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)
In honor of Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day I am giving away 5 copies of my book, When You Love a Prodigal. Enter Here: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- For more resources go to my website: https://judydouglass.com/podcast
- Songs to help to calm your fears: https://bit.ly/FearNotPlaylist
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Hope for Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
- Prayer for Prodigals Facebook: facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
This is the third of three posts leading up to June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Our theme this year is Fear Not.
Some time ago, in the midst of some hopeful signs in a long-ongoing situation, that fear returned. With force. Irrationally. Because when I hoped, when things looked like they were changing for the better, but then maybe they weren’t, I became afraid to hope. I remember the past, and it was painful, disappointing, filled with despair. What if, once more, the hope is not fulfilled, if the undesirable wins out again?
Do you have a loved one you want prayer for on the June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day? Write to us at PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or go to the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook page. Give us the first name of a prodigal you want prayer for.
To learn how you can be a part of Prodigal Prayer Day, check out this link: https://judydouglass.com/prayerday
Join the Zoom Prayer Call on June 2nd hosted by Hope for Hurting Parents. Register at this link: https://bit.ly/registerprayerdayzoom
Judy’s Resources:
- For more resources go to my website: https://judydouglass.com/podcast
- Songs to help to calm your fears: https://bit.ly/FearNotPlaylist
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Hope for Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
- Prayer for Prodigals Facebook: facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
This is the second of three episodes leading up to June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Our theme this year is Fear Not. These articles are designed to prepare us as we engage in battle for the hearts and minds of loved ones who are “prodigal” in one or more of many ways. And if you have fears of any kind, read on.
When you love a prodigal, the fear can be overwhelming, can’t it! Whether your prodigal is your teen child or adult child, a spouse, a sibling, a parent, a friend… Fear can be pervasive when you love a prodigal.
Do you have a loved one you want prayer for on the June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day? Write to us at PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or go to the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook page. Give us the first name of a prodigal you want prayer for.
To learn how you can be a part of Prodigal Prayer Day, check out this link: https://judydouglass.com/prayerday
Judy’s Resources:
- For more resources go to my website: https://judydouglass.com/podcast
- Songs to help to calm your fears: https://bit.ly/FearNotPlaylist
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Hope for Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
- Prayer for Prodigals Facebook: facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Our world is full of fear. Wars, earthquakes, terrorists, volcanoes, racial strife, hurricanes, fires, mass murders, floods, bombs, tornadoes, disease….did I just raise your fear level?
And when you love a prodigal, fears multiply: Is he safe? In jail? Overdosed? Will she survive? Why is she rejecting me? Will I ever get to meet my grandchildren? Where have I gone wrong?
Afraid. Fearful. Even terrified.
Today is our first episode of Fear Not, leading up to our June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. You will hear lots of help to face fears. And be sure to check out the Resources—lots more help for you
Do you have a loved one you want prayer for on the June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day? Write to us at PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or go to the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook page. Give us the first name of a prodigal you want prayer for.
To learn how you can be a part of Prodigal Prayer Day, check out this link: https://judydouglass.com/prayerday
Judy’s Resources:
- For more resources go to my website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Songs to help to calm your fears: https://bit.ly/FearNotPlaylist
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Most of us, as we encounter challenges with our loved ones, try to handle it by ourselves. But as time goes on, we often need more help—professional counseling, medical attention, interventions, spiritual guidance, and various kinds of programs.
Today I’m chatting with Stefani Monn, who went through a program called House of Hope—the same one our son went through. Stefani is coming to tell us about her journey before, during and after those months. I heard her share a bit at a HOH event I attended—she said “House of Hope saved my life.”
Judy’s Resources:
- Listen to A House Called Hope Interview: https://tinyurl.com/mr3tyt59
- House of Hope Website: https://nationalhouseofhope.org
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Last week we talked about four gifts God gives us during our prodigal journey—gifts that sustain and equip us for all the challenges. Did one of those gifts—God Himself, love, mercy, or grace--bless, encourage, or help you?
Today we are going to talk about four more gifts our gracious God offers us—valuable resources on our journey to help us with our loved ones and to appreciate the good-work our Lord continues to do in each of us.
Judy’s Resources:
- The Mystery of Prayer: https://judydouglass.com/themysteryofprayer
- Read Perseverance: https://tinyurl.com/mry3h97w
- Read Surrender: https://tinyurl.com/36s5yauz
- Read Gratitude: https://tinyurl.com/5cphr4h8
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
For our previous two episodes we explored the hard reality of the grief that comes with walking with a challenging child for months and years. I hope you captured some perspective and practice for your grief journey.
This week and next I have gifts for you—gifts from God that will give you what you need for all the twists and turns of your odyssey. If you choose to accept these gifts, you can face what lies ahead.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read God’s Gifts to Me: https://judydouglass.com/blog/gods-birthday-gifts-to-me
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Grief is a normal part of life. Disappointments, losses, hard situations come, and grief is often a part of those.
But when you love a prodigal, grief can become an ongoing reality as the journey goes on and on. The hardest part of our journey lasted about 15 years. Grief was ever present, but so was God. Today I want to share with you some of the ways God met me and sustained me and even freed me.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Circle of Life: https://tinyurl.com/2pp34dph
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDoug
If you have been journeying in the prodigal journey for a long time, or if your journey is just beginning, you will experience many emotions: fear, anger, frustration, resentment, guilt and more. And at some time you will recognize an overriding emotion: grief.
This week and next we will acknowledge the grief we experience as we walk through life with a broken heart—and some ways to live through it.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read When Not to Pull Weeds: https://tinyurl.com/2dvu3ukv
- Listen to A Companion in Grief: https://tinyurl.com/mr2v6f2m
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Sometimes I think it’s good to let you listen to another voice. The one you will hear from today is Gary Wilkerson, head of World Challenge Ministry, following in the footsteps of his father, David Wilkerson, author of The Cross and the Switchblade and founder of the Times. Gary is a pastor in Colorado Springs. When my book When You Love a Prodigal first came out, he had me on his podcast. He has walked our journey.
I saw he was doing a series on the Parable of Jesus. I listened to the Parable of the Prodigal Son and thought you would benefit from it. So today, meet my friend Gary.
Gary’s Resources:
- Website: https://www.worldchallenge.org
- Read Fire in His Bones: A Collection of the Fifty Most Powerful Sermons of David Wilkerson: https://a.co/d/cihLQU2
- Read The Altar of Our Hearts: https://a.co/d/0BTIVFk
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
I imagine, if you listened to the past two episodes on ambiguous loss, you’ve done some challenging thinking about your own challenges and losses.
Today will be an encouraging time, I believe. You will hear a recording from me, a message I gave at Christian Leadership Alliance about the transformation God did in me over the years of our prodigal journey.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Way-of-Life Practices: https://tinyurl.com/3z73vybh
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Last week, we heard Pat and Tammy McLeod's heartbreaking story of their son's brain damaging football accident, and the so hard journey of great loss. This week we hear them again, telling of help and hope, of living with their son who was both there and not there.
Though their situation may not be like yours, they offer us real, hard life and new perspectives and practices. And even a little Tim Tebow.
McLeod’s Resources:
- Website: https://patandtammymcleod.com/
- Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting God What Was—and Learning to Live Well with What Is Book: https://a.co/d/iOTbmAp
- Enter to win a copy of the McLeod’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Perhaps your loved one is gone, through suicide or overdose or a terrible accident, or gone from your presence by their own choice. Today we are hearing a heartbreaking story of a young man with a traumatic brain injury, who lived. He is severely impacted, but he is still with his family.
Pat and Tammy McLeod will be with us this week and next week, vulnerably sharing their story of walking through what the reality of “our loved one is here, but he isn’t here.” That may not be exactly your situation, but Pat and Tammy have some very helpful realities that could help anyone on a journey with a challenging child. You won’t want to miss this.
McLeod’s Resources:
- Website: https://patandtammymcleod.com/
- Hit Hard: One Family’s Journey of Letting God What Was—and Learning to Live Well with What Is Book: https://a.co/d/iOTbmAp
- Enter to win a copy of the McLeod’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Jesus said some radical things about love. Then He commanded us to do the impossible: to love others just as He loved us—which He defined as “laying down His life for us.”
He said love would make this happen: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
And then: Do everything in love.
Jesus says it’s possible.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Loving a Prodigal: Never Give Up: https://tinyurl.com/4kmj3rxf
- Read Loving on the Love Trail: https://tinyurl.com/3u8enhdf
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
God is clear: We must forgive. And we must ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is an essential garment in our wardrobe as a child of God.
Surely Peter thought he was being magnanimous in suggesting he would forgive someone seven times. But Jesus responded in Matthew 18:22, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Some of our prodigals might need to be forgiven 77 times—or even more.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read A Prayer for Forgiving: http://tinyurl.com/4t67nb5y
- Read What to Wear as a Child of God: Forgiveness: http://tinyurl.com/ycjhphcv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Patience is a challenge for most of us—in general, but especially when you love a prodigal.
These definitions might help a little:
- the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation
- an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a late flight.
- quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence—to work with patience. Also patience in suffering.
Yet God’s Word tells us that patience should be part of our daily clothing.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Weary in the Waiting: http://tinyurl.com/5n6hvunc
- Read What to Wear as a Child of God: Patience: http://tinyurl.com/mwhda79t
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
If we could relate to our wanderers as Jesus would have, we just might see a difference in the atmosphere in our home and relationship. We have already considered compassion, kindness and humility. Surely, as we exhibit those qualities of Jesus, we could anticipate more peace and positive connection with our prodigals.
Today we take up gentleness.
Harsh. Angry. Strident. Contentious.
We can easily be drawn into the debate, the disagreement, the conflict. Our opinion is right, and we must affirm it. So we join the cacophony.
This scene displays anything but gentleness, and surely doesn’t live out this word from Proverbs: “A gentle answer turns away wrath,…” (Proverbs 15:1) And most of us have experienced this result at some time in our homes, and with our prodigals.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Words of My Life: Gentle: http://tinyurl.com/yy4s6t2m
- Read What to Wear as a Follower of Jesus: http://tinyurl.com/4ptju9bn
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Do you have a blended family? Have the challenges of finding harmony as you put new moms and dads and kids together been difficult?
Our guest today, Ron Deal, brings years of experience that will be just the help you need. And will give any of us with a prodigal practical ideas for relating to your loved ones.
Ron’s Resources:
Website: www.familylife.com/familylifeblended/blended-families/
8-session Video Series: The Smart Stepfamily - available for FREE through this portal: https://www.familylife.com/the-smart-stepfamily/
Building Love Together in Blended Families Book: https://a.co/d/i4LkK7R
The Smart Stepfamily Book: https://a.co/d/7cy07ae
Enter to win a copy of Ron’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
My husband was a hard-working man. Our prodigal, in his younger years was not. One day my husband came home and our son was sitting on my car watching his friends work on his car. My husband’s response was, “Can’t you help them fix your car, or at least learn from them. You’re just sitting watching them work.”
My husband rarely got angry, but he did that day. He came and sat down to talk to God about it. The Lord had a question: “How big is the gap between you and your son?” “It’s pretty big, when it comes to work,” he replied.
Then the Lord said, “How big is the gap between you and Me?”
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Learned from Children: Go Low: http://tinyurl.com/bde7t2af
- Read Jesus on Leading: Humility: http://tinyurl.com/yp64wn9r
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Kindness seems all the rage these days. Random Acts of Kindness get designated days and weeks of intention. Videos showing how one kind act leads to another go viral. Stories on the goodness of one person that changes the life of another garner Likes and Hearts and shares on social media.
The harsh uncertainties of today’s violent world create yearnings for safety, for peace, for harmony. We hunger for kindness. For every child of God, kindness should be part of our daily wardrobe. It’s what we should be wearing—for all the people in our lives, and especially for our prodigals.
Judy’s Resources:
Read Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness Day: http://tinyurl.com/mmhyft67
Read Loving a Prodigals: Patience and Kindness: http://tinyurl.com/48kmky8r
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Let’s start this new year off with a look at what God might want to do in our lives through this prodigal journey. If you have been listening to this podcast for very long, you have heard me say that God is just as committed to working in us as He is in our prodigals. He cares about our loved ones, but He also cares about us.
A primary purpose He has is to make us more and more like Jesus. I am grateful that God has given us a clear picture of what He is working toward—what we will be like as we become more like Jesus. And Jesus lived out compassion always.
Judy’s Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
The When You Love a Prodigal podcast is part of a group of resources for people who love a prodigal. First came the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day every June 2, which was soon accompanied by the Prayer for Prodigals secure, online community for sharing and praying for requests. My book, When You Love a Prodigal: 90 Days of Grace for the Wilderness, was published four years ago, and now the podcast. We also connect with the Hope for Hurting Parents.
Today I want to make sure you are aware of the Prayer for Prodigals Facebook Page, which has high interactivity among the more than 5000 followers. Managed by Lori Lloyd, this site provides prayer, questions and answers, encouragement and help on a daily basis. And today Lori has joined us to tell us all about the amazing support available today.
Judy’s Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
P4P on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
P4P on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prayer.for.prodigals
Hope For Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
Music for the Hard Times Playlist: http://tinyurl.com/wrhd6cx3
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
X: twitter.com/judydouglass417
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
A new year lifts us up, shaking off the remnants of last year’s mistakes, opening a panorama of a better future. We love to leave the hurts and failures of yesterday, believing that tomorrow is filled with sunshine and promise.
Except, when you love a prodigal. Too often fears win out. You hope, but you dare not “get your hopes up.” You dream, hoping it doesn’t once again become a nightmare. You believe, but always with clouds of doubt blocking the brightness you desire.
Can we have hope for the new year? Assuredly so!
Judy’s Resources:
- Read “Can you dare to hope?”: http://tinyurl.com/mufeb349
- Read “The Lament of a Sigh”: http://tinyurl.com/2s3bvxu7
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
So we celebrated Christmas—and I hope you received gifts you appreciate and even treasure. Perhaps even a reunion, or a restoration, or some sweet times with your prodigal.
And, of course, we celebrated the most amazing gift God has given to us: the gift of Jesus. Jesus is surely the gift that keeps on giving. Let’s consider what gifts we have received in Jesus. Be assured, our God loves to celebrate us and He gives the best gifts of all.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read It’s wonderful what God grants: http://tinyurl.com/yc23jur8
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
As you wrap up your Christmas shopping and wrapping, perhaps you would want to think of some gifts for Jesus. After all, it is His birthday we are celebrating.
I like to consider what Jesus might like from me as a birthday gift. I’ve thought of several things—I know He would appreciate these gifts from you as well.
Judy’s Resources:
Music for the Hard Times Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVzh7k_t9P0uOJa9KofqG-ZcGCr9peqdI
Read What Can I Give Him?: judydouglass.com/blog/what-can-i-give-him
Read Grace for Them and for Us: judydouglass.com/blog/2014/09/grace-us
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Jud
When you love a prodigal, you know you are in a battle. My friend and guest today, Tami Winkelman, will help us in that fight—on our knees. She has a book all about your weapons--365 Promises, Praises, and Prayers.
Plus Tami and I have a lively conversation. You will find her helpful, refreshing, and encouraging.
Tami’s Resources:
Tami’s website: https://prayer-for-prodigals.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prayerforprodigals7/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prayerforprodigals7/
Fighting for Your Prodigal through Prayer Book: https://a.co/d/eUSxjrQ
Encouragement in the Waiting Book: https://a.co/d/1TodcfK
Enter to win a copy of Tami’s books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
My prodigal seldom had money to buy Christmas gifts, so usually I got something I wanted and let him give it to me. As he moved into his teens, and he still rarely had any money, I began to say, “All I want for Christmas is…” something I hoped would happen in his life.
Over the years I requested some treasured gifts from him.
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
This is the third episode of a three-part series on Prayer that Opens Doors. We looked at Praise first, then Thanks last week. And today we consider a powerful key that can open tightly shut doors—and minds and hearts.
When someone near you sneezes, do you, or does someone nearby say, “God bless you”? It happens often, doesn’t it.Do you hear or say “God bless you” any other time? Not too often, I imagine.
Yet we are called to be people of blessing—as a way of life.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read The Power of Blessing: https://tinyurl.com/24u9xw4u
- Read Turning Scripture into Blessing: https://tinyurl.com/3urbntc9
- A Blessing for a Loved Prodigal: judydouglass.com/blessingforalovedprodigal
- Listen to Blessings Everywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiyQsHKnCvc
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The pattern has been the same with all my grandkids. Whenever someone does something for a child, the parent says, “What do you say?” The correct answer, of course, is “Thank you.”
We humans aren’t naturally grateful and it takes years of training for us to remember to say “Thank you” when someone is kind or helpful or generous to us.
God has observed the same reality. He felt it was necessary to remind us on several occasions to say “Thank you”
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Gratitude: A Doxology in the Darkness: https://tinyurl.com/mrxz56ws
- Read How to Cultivate a Grateful Heart: https://tinyurl.com/kkcesuze
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The key was in the lock box. I had the code. But my normal inability to decipher how things work prevailed. My husband quickly figured it out. But the lock on the door seemed obstinate, and it took several tries to actually unlock the door to the lovely mountain cabin we were staying in for a week.
Too often, that’s how it is with events and relationships and opportunities in our lives: Unlocking them is challenging.
I have found, however, that prayer can be the key to unlock those seemingly stuck doors. And when you love a prodigal, there are sometimes many stuck doors.
Judy’s Resources:
- Read Join the Applause: https://tinyurl.com/5c7pkbfd
- Read There’s Meaning in a Name: https://tinyurl.com/bdfwppdy
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
You are going to enjoy my guest today. She is a feisty mom, teacher, author, CEO, and mental health advocate from Calgary, Canada. Welcome, Connie Jakab.
Her son's mental health issues took her on a long, hard journey. But she learned so much she wrote a book: Bring Them Closer. I believe you will find so much help from Connie today.
Connie’s Resources:
Connie’s website: https://conniejakab.com/
Bring Them Closer Book: https://a.co/d/6ldaZKw
Enter to win a copy of Connie’s book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
Judy’s Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I believe you will find today’s episode helpful and practical. My guest, Nancy Johnson, is a mom with experience and has been a counselor for many years. We talk about balancing grace and truth rather than tough love, unraveling a trauma story, building a bridge toward a wounded child and restoring relationship with an estranged adult child.
About Nancy:"I believe that everyone can have a redemptive story. If you are feeling helpless or hopeless, let me walk alongside of you exploring ways to bring life and hope back to your life so that you will have a redemptive story to share." I am a licensed mental health counselor with a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. My passion is for children and families and I try to make it possible to help anyone who has a need. I have over 18 years of experience seeing optimal results in stabilizing clients and witnessing growth and change. I am passionate about what I do and I am committed to the community I serve.
Nancy’s Website: https://www.orlandocounselingspecialist.com/
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Steve always wanted his life—the way he lived, loved, spoke, treated people, used his time, everything—to reflect Jesus. He wanted people to be drawn to Jesus because of the way he lived. Most of us desire that too—for all the people in our lives, but especially for our loved prodigals. Hopefully these words from Steve will encourage us and help us as we seek to demonstrate what it looks like to walk with God to a watching world, and personally too our wanderers.
Steve’s Resources:
- Experiencing God’s Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mnC4isLVPU
- Steve’s Memorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDkkBmmYjc
- Making Your Life Count Resources: https://makingyourlifecount.org/#/
Steve’s Books:
- Enjoying Your Walk with God: https://tinyurl.com/4mhfy2cj
- How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life: https://tinyurl.com/4t2dfawe
- How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun: Request book by emailing Judy@judydouglass.com
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today I am sharing with you an article Steve wrote on living through tough times. He wrote this in the midst of the Covid shut down. Everyone was experiencing challenges. Steve wrote:In the midst of this shutdown, life seems so uncertain, even out of control. Perhaps you can identify. So what can you do? I have asked that question, and God has reminded me what has strengthened me time after time. These three things about God really help me cope.
Steve’s Resources:
- Experiencing God’s Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mnC4isLVPU
- Steve’s Memorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDkkBmmYjc
- Making Your Life Count Resources: https://makingyourlifecount.org/#/
Steve’s Books:
- Enjoying Your Walk with God: https://tinyurl.com/4mhfy2cj
- How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life: https://tinyurl.com/4t2dfawe
- How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun: Request book by emailing Judy@judydouglass.com
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
How often do you wonder what God’s will is for you in a certain opportunity or decision? Pretty often I imagine. And when it comes to your prodigal, do you desperately ask God what you should do?
Today Steve Douglass will share (from an article he wrote) some helpful steps as you seek to know what God wants you to do in any situation.
Steve’s Books:
- Enjoying Your Walk with God: https://tinyurl.com/4mhfy2cj
- How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life: https://tinyurl.com/4t2dfawe
- How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun: Request book by emailing Judy@judydouglass.com
Making Your Life Count Resources
- https://makingyourlifecount.org/#/
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
On October 29, 2022, my wonderful husband was called Home by our Lord. It has been a hard, tearful, but joyful year. I have represented him, received awards for him, written and spoken about him. And visited all of our children and grands at least twice, giving and receiving love and comfort.
Steve was a wise, godly man. He was intentional in how he lived and walked with God and loved people and shared the gospel. I knew him so well—52 years together including 5 dating and 47 married.
I am dedicating this month on the podcast to Steve. Not to talk about him so much, but to share his life practices that will, I believe, encourage each of us to become more and more like Jesus in every part of our lives, and especially as we relate to our loved prodigals.
Steve’s Books:
- Enjoying Your Walk with God: https://tinyurl.com/4mhfy2cj
- How to Achieve Your Potential and Enjoy Life: https://tinyurl.com/4t2dfawe
- How to Get Better Grades and Have More Fun: Request book by emailing Judy@judydouglass.com
Making Your Life Count Resources
- https://makingyourlifecount.org/#/
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Bob Tiede, ministry leader, author, wise question asker, caring and compassionate dad and granddad, has some great help for us today. I believe learning the best questions to ask—and how to ask them—will be one of the most helpful things we do in maintaining good relationships with our loved prodigals—and others you hope never become prodigals.
Bob’s Resources:
- Website and Blog: https://leadingwithquestions.com/
- Bob’s Free Ebooks: https://leadingwithquestions.com/books/
- Buy Bob’s New Book: http://bit.ly/3MKwHke
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadingWithQuestions
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Did you know there are six primary conversations? These are ways or topics for having loving conversations with friends, neighbors, co-workers, strangers—your loved prodigal. Last week Penn State professor, author, mom Heather Holleman introduced us to Four Mindsets to help in talking with our wanderers. Today you will love her ideas for the type of conversations we can pursue.
Heather’s Resources:
- Free resources on her website: heatherholleman.com
- Heather’s Books: https://heatherholleman.com/books-2/
- The Six Conversations Free Excerpt: https://tinyurl.com/yjzy8sta
- BeyondTheFirstQuestion: https://tinyurl.com/2e6d6z8u
- The Six Conversations 100 Questions: https://tinyurl.com/46a37323
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherholleman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writer.heatherholleman/
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
How would you describe most of your conversations? Interesting? Boring? Too political? Gossipy?
And how would you describe recent conversations with your prodigal? Tense? Loud? Angry? Hurtful?
On today’s episode we talk with Heather Holleman, a Penn State professor, author of eight books and a conversation specialist. Today we had a great chat on “Loving Conversation” and the mindsets we need to help our ability with the people we are talking with. Next week we will talk about six kinds of loving conversations.
Here are a couple of Heather’s awesome books, and a link to a message she has given.
Heather’s Resources:
- Free resources on her website: heatherholleman.com
- Heather’s Books: https://heatherholleman.com/books-2/
- The Six Conversations Free Excerpt: https://tinyurl.com/yjzy8sta
- BeyondTheFirstQuestion: https://tinyurl.com/2e6d6z8u
- The Six Conversations 100 Questions: https://tinyurl.com/46a37323
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherholleman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writer.heatherholleman/
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“Jeedoo, it’s dark.” My grandson was spending the night. He whimpered, “I’m afraid of the dark.”
After a few reassurances and a night light, he went back to sleep.
I understand. I’m still a little afraid of the dark too.
I am grateful that “the people living in darkness have seen a great light.” That light is Jesus.
Resources:
- Read Be the Light! https://bit.ly/3gWQH4U
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Invisible. I almost didn’t see her, pressing tightly to the road sign, practically invisible. She was clearly homeless, preferring to hide, but needing to be seen with her cardboard sign: Homeless. Please help.
God has given me many opportunities to interact with homeless people. Do you know the most consistent word they use to describe how they feel? Invisible. And that’s how prodigal lovers often feel—they are invisible to God.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“This is hopeless! I’m done. There’s nothing more I can do.”
Have you ever said these words? Or at least felt them?
Today in our second look at Treasures in the Wilderness we will consider holding on, keeping on, persevering, not giving up—truly a gift from God.
Resources:
- Read: Never Give Up https://bit.ly/3R7t1J4
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have always been amazed at the idolatry of the children of Israel throughout the Old Testament. I was sure I could never worship an idol. Until I discovered I had serious idolatry problems.
The prophet Isaiah repeatedly mocks them for carving idols to worship out of half a log, and cooking dinner with the other half. How could anyone think that “god” could save them?
Resources:
- A Problem with Idolatry https://bit.ly/3y2rrAe
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Over the past year and a half, we have talked about many ways to help our prodigals, and many ways to help ourselves walk through this wilderness journey. And all of those are legit and helpful.
But the bottom line is, God is the one who knows what they need and we need—and He can do it. Prayer is our means to connect with God. But most of us need some help knowing how to keep praying.
Resources:
- Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey: https://bit.ly/38CXcWv
- Prayers for My Prodigal on Prodigal Prayer Day (June 2): https://bit.ly/3KLbYsw
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Carol and Gene Kent were awakened late one night with unbelievable news: Their son Jason had killed a man and was in jail. That was the beginning of an horrific journey. Jason was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Carol and Jean moved to Florida to be near their son, to continue their “Speak Up” and writing ministry. There they discovered life transformation for all three of them, and opportunities to touch lives they couldn’t have imagined. Please listen to their powerful story and valuable life lessons. You too will be transformed.
Resources:
Carol’s website: https://carolkent.org/
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Pinterest: pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: youtube.com/@JudyDouglass
My prodigal had lied again. With a sincere assurance that he was speaking the truth. When I knew it was a lie, anger overwhelmed me. Harsh words came from my mouth. I almost said, “Don’t bother to come home.” Fortunately, God seemed to stop the last word—home—before it came out.
Is it possible to forego reprimand and harsh punishment and instead choose forgiveness and blessing? Is it even wise?
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Am I Cursing or Blessing? https://bit.ly/3AorHrm
- Download a PDF of A Blessing for a Loved Prodigal https://bit.ly/3DonUMJ
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When our prodigal, Josh, was 15, and in one of his better seasons as a prodigal, he served for a week as a junior counselor at a wilderness camp for at-risk boys. One activity included a five-mile hike, with each counselor leading a small group.
Josh and his boys came to a crossroads, looking for the right turn to take. Unfortunately they took the wrong turn, and their five-mile hike turned into 10 miles. When they finally made it back to camp, they were sore, tired and unhappy.
Whether we choose the wrong path, or end up there accidentally, it is almost always exhausting. But our God assures His way will give us rest.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When you love a prodigal, you live with fear.
One mom named some of the fears she had for her daughter. She could:
Be kidnapped and held against her will;
Be abducted and sold into sex trafficking;
Disappear and never be seen or heard from again;
Move away and sever ties with us forever;
Suffer irreversible brain damage from drug use;
Die from a drug overdose;
Die from alcohol poisoning;
Give up and commit suicide to end her suffering.
What do you do with your fears?
Resources:
- To read more about the story of a mom’s fears, check out You Are Not Alone by Dena Yohe: https://tinyurl.com/yv6caa89
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“You can trust me.” How many times has your prodigal said that? How long has it taken you to realize, No, you can’t trust them?
But our God says: “You can trust me.”
Join us this week to discover why that is true.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Do you ever struggle with communicating with your teen or adult childrens?
Today I am happy to introduce you to Esther Joy Goetz, who focuses often on helping Moms of Bigs. Her intro says: “I have a fierce passion to restore hope for the sacred space where our hearts and our homes meet. This includes faith, marriage and motherhood.
I love how she pulls together truth, wisdom, compassion and humor as she relates to and communicates with her “bigs”—older teens and adult children. You will love—and learn from—what she has to say today.
Esther’s Resources:
- Website: https://www.estherjoygoetz.com/
- Weekly Newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/AlITE4Z
- Roots and Wings: https://www.estherjoygoetz.com/rootsandwings
- Real Talk Bundle: https://www.estherjoygoetz.com/real-talk-bundle
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Spencer graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and held senior positions in the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Labor and the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.
He has been a consultant and speaker for almost 50 years serving both public and private leadership on multiple continents in the areas of strategic effectiveness and interpersonal relationships.
He has four grown children and has walked the same path we have.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
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- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The centerpiece of every June 2 Prodigal Prayer Day is prayer for people as requested by someone who loves them. All we know about them is a first name. But, of course, God knows each one intimately.
Is this effective? Oh yes! Coming together to pray helps us feel not alone on this journey, and Scripture assures us that He is there when His children come together to pray. It also encourages each one to hear the stories of others, and especially to hear stories of answered prayer and changed lives.
Check out today’s episode to hear a few of God’s responses.
Resources:
- https://judydouglass.com/themysteryofprayer
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Public Prodigal Prayer List: https://judydouglass.com/prodigalprayerlist
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have special guests today. At the age of 14, our prodigal went to a place for troubled teens at House of Hope here in Orlando. It was early in our long prodigal journey, but it was an important stop on that difficult road. As Josh has explained in Episode 50, he met Jesus at HOH, learned about rules and consequences, made friends, grew in many areas of his life. And he did well when he came home—for most of a year. Then he got back with old friends, and our real wilderness journey began. But even today, as he is a strong, hard-working, loving husband and daddy, things he gained at HOH still serve him well.
Today I am talking with Sara Trollinger, the founder of House of Hope, and Karla Mathis, the President of this amazing residential program.
Resources:
- https://houseofhopeorlando.org/
- https://nationalhouseofhope.org/
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
So, hopefully, you have practiced walking in the Spirit and giving thanks ,as we talked about last week, and are finding increasing joy in your life.
So what do you do with this abundance of joy? You give it away! Huh? But I just got it. The funny thing is, the more joy you give to others, the more your joy will multiply.
So I titled this episode Joy to the World. I really have only two recommendations for giving joy away. First to your prodigal, and also to everyone. Well, everyone you know, encounter, influence, wherever you go. You can do this.
Do you want to pray with others on June 2? Just gather some friends. Or join our zoom call at 1:30 pm ET.
Resources:
- Zoom Registration: https://tinyurl.com/yj2ayvca
- Public Prodigal Prayer List: https://judydouglass.com/prodigalprayerlist
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey https://tinyurl.com/ymw9npbj
- Prayers for People I Love https://tinyurl.com/2ncaknfs
- 15 Prayers for Children and Grandchildren https://tinyurl.com/588dp73r
- Prayerforprodigals@gmail.com
- https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- https://www.facebook.com/HopeForHurtingParents
- Prodigal playlist on spotify: https://spotify.link/5y7awhcN7yb
- Joy in The Morning—Elevation & Tauren Wells https://youtu.be/uysGt7JVw9U
- Joy to the World—Brandon Lake https://youtu.be/bk0dIWjSSLM
- Ode To Joy - André Rieu https://youtu.be/Jg3sEE18WsE
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
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- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have a young grandgirl who is full of energy. She seems to be in endless motion, running from one activity to the next: trampoline, jungle gym, playing princess, pretending to shop, swimming, visiting the piglets, all with me in tow. Joy bubbles out of her.
When this Jeedoo (my grandmother name) gets tired and requires a pause, my grand girl is wise enough to grant it if she wants me to keep playing a few minutes more. But sometimes, if I—or her mom or dad—choose not to cooperate with her desired activity, she can become very unhappy. Happy face and all that joy disappear.
Most of us can be like that some of the time. Most of us want our own way. And when life is going our way, we are happy, even joyful. But when circumstances, or our prodigal, or God interferes with our way, our joy can disappear. We also have an enemy, who is enticing our prodigal, and loving to steal our joy.
Do you want to pray with others on June 2? Just gather some friends. Or join our zoom call at 1:30 pm ET. Link available soon.
Resources:
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- https://www.facebook.com/HopeForHurtingParents
- Joy—Jonny Diaz https://youtu.be/-GjW1pSYgUk
- Joy of the Lord—Maverick City https://youtu.be/sbFq7YQM1Js
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Joy, my friend and neighbor, always brings Joy into my life—she was aptly named. She told me God gave her a joyful surprise this morning.
She had completely forgotten some avocado seeds she had planted. This morning, she was surprised by joy as she saw new avocado trees sprouting. I don’t think my reaction to the growing avocado trees would be joy, But joy is her normal response. She lives it out and spreads it around.
When you love a prodigal, you may find joy is in scarce supply. Your surprises are usually not happy ones. I believe our God wants joy to be our normal experience. How is that possible?
Resources:
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- https://www.facebook.com/HopeForHurtingParents
- I’ve Got Joy - CeCe Winans https://youtu.be/_LFpy9tRTw8
- Joy Of The Lord - Rend Collective https://youtu.be/x3gLeCiMJqI
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
This week we are beginning the first of four devotional studies leading up to the June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. The theme is Joy in the Hard Journey. There will be more info on June 2 at the end of the podcast and in the Show Notes.
My husband, Steve, has been a daily source of joy for me for more than 50 years, and especially for the 47 years of marriage. He loved me and served me and encouraged me so well. Such joy he added to my life!
Six months ago, Steve left me. It was not his choice, but God’s. Complications from a cancer treatment ended his earthly life, but he joyfully moved to his new heavenly life. I miss him terribly, but how can I not rejoice that he is with Jesus and free from the growing troubles his body was facing.
Rejoice? Did you say rejoice?
Resources:
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/Prayer4Prodigals
- https://www.facebook.com/HopeForHurtingParents
- I Choose Joy—King and Country https://youtu.be/E-r7ogDaaEQ
- Joy—VaShawn Mitchell https://youtu.be/Yl5lKSTtPR8
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Once again our prodigal had aggravated me. My natural reaction was to raise my voice and assign a consequence. Instead, as he stormed out of the house, I went to his room, gathered his scattered dirty clothes and headed to the laundry room.
Doing his laundry was his job, not mine. But today it was mine. And as I threw each shirt and shorts into the washer, I said, “My son, I bless you.” “Josh, I bless you.” I don’t know if he felt blessed, but it did wonders for me.
Why did I do that?
Resources:
- Post your Prodigal Prayer request: https://www.prayerforprodigals.com/
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Sarah Nielsen is one of us. She had a long journey with a prodigal, and like us, she learned a great deal about living with and loving a wanderer. And about learning to trust God along the way.
You will appreciate her stories and hearing about her book, Just Keep Going. We are giving away two copies of her book—check below for how to enter for the drawing.
Resources:
- Enter to win a copy of Sarah’s book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Sarah’s website: http://www.justkeepgoingparents.com/
- Purchase Just Keep Going: https://a.co/d/cZ1fwhb
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
It’s amazing to me that this is Episode 100. I had never even listened to a podcast when I was asked to do this one. But my team and my husband said, when I was reluctant, “You can’t turn down this great opportunity God has given you!!” So I said yes.
And it has been such a privilege to travel with you on your prodigal wilderness journey, learning with you, hopefully helping and encouraging you. I have been so blessed as I did each podcast, as I was reminded of all that God had done in my life—and is still and again.
What a blessing to be able to turn the very hard years of my prodigal wilderness with our son into words and stories to benefit you and many others. (You can hear him tell his story in Episode 50.)
Resources:
- You Want Me to Do a Podcast? https://tinyurl.com/bdfesbmv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I was asked at church yesterday what has helped me get through hard times.
Of course, the Holy Spirit, prayer...and this one practice.
This is a familiar message you have heard from me, but it has made all the difference: Give thanks in everything. Learning to say “thank You” to God has transformed my life. I believe it can do the same for you—even on the hardest days with your loved one.
Resources:
- Gratitude Music: Brandon Lake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuxzcJps6eo
- Gratitude: A Doxology in the Darkness https://tinyurl.com/mrxmbmaj
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
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- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
In kids’ sports there is often a “mercy rule.”
If one team gets far ahead, the game is called. It seems only kind and fair to not embarrass or demoralize the kids who are losing so badly.
In life it rarely works that way. There is no mercy rule, no rescue from your losses, your hurts, your failures. But in God’s Kingdom, Jesus instituted a Mercy Rule.
Resources:
- Mercy Music: Mercy, Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuxzcJps6eo
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Learning to live out God’s amazing mercy doesn’t happen overnight. Today we are going to look at two familiar stories in the Bible and see the journeys to mercy of Jonah and Joseph.
God sent Jonah to Ninevah on a mission of mercy. But Jonah knew God was a merciful God. He was sure, if he preached and the people of Nineveh repented, God would spare them. Jonah did not want that, so he found a ship and headed to Tarshish.
Resources:
- Mercy Music: Mercy Is a Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RbzlS7UjYs
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
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- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
God’s love for His children—from long ago and for us—can be described with words like reckless, relentless, lavish, extravagant. Yet the children of Israel turned from him to other gods over and over. God wept many tears.
And we who love a prodigal have loved, provided, encouraged, trained and taught, reprimanded and prayed. Over and over…and over again. Oh, the tears we have wept.
How did God respond? And how does He ask us to respond?
Resources:
- Mercy Music: New Every Morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grz3Hxw9GWU
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
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- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today we are starting a new series—a very important topic because God has said it is so high on His list of what matters, in our loved ones’ lives and in our lives. I’m talking about mercy. We all want mercy, but we often find it challenging to give mercy.
I think you will be surprised.
Resources:
- Mercy Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvww0_6GWYU
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Debbie Runyon, sister to our prodigal Josh, once asked me why I let him get away with so many things he did. I said, “I could be after Josh all day every day with all the choices he made. I decided to focus on the ones that would save his life.”
In our honest and vulnerable conversation, Debbie shares from what she remembers when Josh first joined us as a foster child, some realities she learned, and a few lessons that have been helpful as she parents her five children.
Resources:
- Listen to the Prodigal Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/m4y85t3m
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
As many of you know, my wonderful husband Steve moved to heaven four months ago. I am missing him terribly, but God and friends are helping me in so many ways.
One of the best things about our 47 years of marriage was that I knew he loved me. He told me so at least once every day. He gave me lots of hugs. Every morning he made coffee and brought a cup to me—and kept it filled.
And he and I both worked at loving our prodigal well. Though that wasn’t always easy or well-received, throughout the hardest 15 years of our prodigal wilderness, we never lost relationship with Josh. Through it all he began to believe we loved him.
Judy’s Resources:
- Learn about love languages: https://5lovelanguages.com/learn
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I first got to know Tom and Dena Yohe on the June 2 Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day. Their daughter was gone, living on the street. The long journey that ensued was so challenging, but has produced amazing good outcomes –in their family and in the many who have received help from their resources and support groups.
Tom and Dena share their story, and how you can access the helps they have developed.
Tom & Dena’s Resources:
- Website: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
- Contact us: hope@HopeforHurtingParents.com
- FREE email subscription and blog.
- Their books: Dena’s, You Are Not Alone: Hope for Hurting Parents of Troubled Kids and Tom's, Moments of Clarity: Wisdom from the father of a Prodigal.
- A FREE sample of our Facilitator Guide which includes one of our sessions on Grief and Loss (found on the Support Groups page).
Judy’s Resources:
- Enter to win a copy of Tom’s book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today we wrap up our wilderness exploration—looking for treasured gifts, with two especially helpful gifts.
I am a strong-willed, stubborn person. From the beginning. Just ask my family.When I came to Christ at age 15, I made a purposeful exchange: “God, I choose your way, not mine.”
I thought it was settled. But, by the next day I discovered I would be making the choice—my way or God’s way?—every day, sometimes many times a day.
Resources:
- I Still Want My Own Way: https://tinyurl.com/34vkjfbw
- Gratitude: A Doxology in the Darkness: https://tinyurl.com/mrxmbmaj
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I used to think I knew how to pray. Then this wilderness journey with my wandering son required desperate prayer. And I moved into a new dimension of what it meant to pray.
Even now I realize I still know so little about praying. Prayer is a wonder I can barely comprehend. Sometimes I feel woefully inadequate and terribly ineffective—does anything happen when I pray?
Resources:
- Free Ebook: https://judydouglass.com/prayersforyourwildernessjourney
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
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- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Is unconditional love possible?
Parents learn this early. Even before a baby is born, they love her. And the moment they see her, they are head over heels in love. It’s a good thing. Because that baby demands everything and gives no love in return for quite a while.
Fortunately they grow up and learn to love. Unfortunately, when they become teens, sometimes they break our hearts with words like, “Leave me alone! I hate you!!” or “You’re not my real mother!”
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
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- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
You don’t expect to find one of your best gifts ever when you are wandering through the wilderness. A walk in the wilderness might be lovely if you’re a nature lover and you keep your eyes open. You could discover some real gems: colorful creatures, spectacular plants, encounters with startling animals, an astounding array of colors and shapes underwater, hidden waterfalls.
But a walk in the wilderness could also be frightening and full of surprises that turn out to be dangerous: snakes, spiders, poisonous plants, wild animals.
This is more like the wilderness we know as lovers of prodigals
Resources:
- Immersed in His Mercy: https://tinyurl.com/2v43kmke
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
You won't want to miss this week's episode!! I loved my conversation with Darryl Smith, a truly transformed prodigal--and I think you will too. Darryl fathered a child in high school, dealt drugs, was divorced and remarried, spent time in prison...and now serves Jesus.
Darryl Lamar Smith was born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He graduated from Kirkman High School in 1983 and served in the U.S. Army for three years. God saved him in 1991. He was licensed to preach in 1992 and ordained in 1994.
Darryl has been on staff with Cru since 1996, working with high school students at Howard High School in Chattanooga. He served as Chattanooga’s city director for six years and as the southeast regional director for three.
In the summer of 2006, Cru chose Darryl to be the executive director for the high school ministry, where he served until he was chosen as the director of Oneness and Diversity in 2017.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Life has been very challenging since my beloved moved to Heaven. But God has been so faithful. I hope you will listen and be encouraged--Loss comes in many forms.
Resources:
- Giving Thanks Through Tears: https://tinyurl.com/y288bdxm
- Email judy@judydouglass.com to receive a copy of Enjoying Your Walk with God
- Enter the drawing for 3 winners to receive a copy of Steve’s Books: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today, celebrating 50 episodes of When You Love a Prodigal, Josh—the prodigal in Judy’s story—tells his own story. In an honest, sometimes teary, tender and hopeful conversation, Josh and Judy walk through his life—from the addictions of his birth mother, being thrust into the Douglass family as a foster and later adopted son, lots of wrong friends and wrong choices . . . . Listen in to hear the rest of the story.
Resources:
- Read more about Josh’s story here: https://tinyurl.com/39nk7nwv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
A great way to begin the new year: I just celebrated my spiritual birthday. December 31 marked 62 years since I received God’s amazing gift of salvation, reconciliation and eternal life. What an adventure it has been! And many challenges.
Because I don’t seem to be able to remember the lessons God has taught me over the years, I turn them into slogans I can remember. Here are my top ten.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- For your new year: Lay It Down https://tinyurl.com/52uvdmhc
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
One of the most important ways we extend grace to our prodigals is through our words. In Colossians 4:6 Paul reminds us: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Words are powerful. They have the potential to inflame discord and inflict great emotional harm, or the capacity to encourage repentance and restoration, and offer healing and reconciliation.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
- Talking with Your Adult Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IIsyOFn3BA&t=23s
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“He’s building his testimony.”
With those words, God kept reminding me of this important truth from Jesus: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17).
When our loved one is doing destructive things, our tendency is often to sigh or cry or despair. Yet God is at work even in all this. He is at work in our prodigals, He is at work in these circumstances, and He is at work in us.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Talking with Your Adult Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IIsyOFn3BA&t=23s
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
One of the hardest parts of the wilderness journey with a loved prodigal is the roller coaster—the ups and downs, the unexpected turns, the dashed hope.
Why are we surprised? We have an enemy. That enemy is after those we love. Peter tells us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When you love a prodigal, you probably don’t get many Christmas gifts from them. But as Jesus comes at Advent, he brings many valuable gifts for you. There are dozens, but you will discover 20 special gifts to give you joy, peace and strength for the holidays.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- The Gifts of Advent https://tinyurl.com/34h24mjw
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have been on a long, slow journey to a grateful heart. Our son put that journey in overdrive. In the long 15 years of wilderness with him, there were so many hard times, days and nights, scary choices, dangerous activities that I had many opportunities to practice giving thanks to our God.
Here we are at Thanksgiving. Is it possible to be truly grateful on this day set aside to give thanks? And what about the rest of the year? Can we walk through life with a grateful heart?
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Read more about Giving Thanks here: https://bit.ly/3c75Efb
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
If you love a prodigal, you probably have a horror story to tell of a holiday with that loved wanderer. I certainly do, and so does Dena Yohe, co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents, and parent of Renee, the subject of the famous To Write Love on Her Arms.
We had a fun, tearful and helpful conversation for today’s episode. Join us as we tell our stories and get from Dena some very practical help for surviving and even loving the holidays this season.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Learn more about Dena’s ministry here: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/ and purchase her book here: https://amzn.to/3r4gc7p
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Our son Josh, the former prodigal, is a part-time farmer. For a while that included raising sheep. He had a sheep pasture and a sheep pen: overnight in the pen, days in the pasture. Because he and his wife both were away at day jobs, they acquired a guard dog.
The Anatolian Shepherd was bred as a livestock guard dog. The farm was in a wildlife area, and the dog did his job protecting the sheep from coyotes, bears, bobcats. But one day Josh returned home to find a dead ewe, killed by her protector. No one knows what happened,but the shepherd was surely not a good shepherd.
Jesus warns us that the enemy has sent thieves and robbers to steal his sheep. He is the “door” or “gate” to the sheep pen—the safe place. Our prodigals have been stolen, or tempted to leave, by the enemy of their souls, whose plan is to destroy them. But Jesus offers life—abundant life.
But Jesus says more: “I AM the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Resources:
- Read The Door and Shepherd https://bit.ly/3NyFUuc
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“Jeedoo, it’s dark,” My grandson was spending the night. He whimpered, “I’m afraid of the dark.”
After a few reassurances and a night light, he went back to sleep.
I understand. I’m still a little afraid of the dark too.
I am grateful that “the people living in darkness have seen a great light.” That light is Jesus.
Resources:
- Read Be the Light! https://bit.ly/3gWQH4U
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
In many parts of the world, bread is a staple. Even if you have little else, you have to have bread.
In John 6 we read the story of Jesus multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish into an abundance that fed some 5,000 men and also the women and children who were with them. With 12 baskets of leftovers.
The next day the people thronged to him. He said to them, “…you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:26-27)
Then He added: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry….” (John 6:35)
Resources:
- Read I Am the Bread of Life: https://bit.ly/3Dfxu7s
- Listen to “I Am the Bread of Life” by Steve Angrisano and Tom Booth: https://bit.ly/3VLE7Wm
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Prayer is your first and best response.
Prayer is a major way we love and care for and seek to draw our prodigals—our children, adult children, a spouse, a relative, whoever our prodigal is-- back to God, to us, to good life choices.
Today we have a special guest who is providing great help for parents. She isn’t waiting till they become prodigals to seek to influence them through prayer, and her prayers are effective for before, during and after a prodigal wilderness with your loved one.
Beth’s Resources:
- Website: https://www.millionprayingmoms.com/
- Take the Pray the Word Challenge: https://bit.ly/3VtXD9B
- Million Praying Moms Podcast: https://www.millionprayingmoms.com/podcast/
- Prayer Resources: https://bit.ly/3EJm39d
Judy’s Resources:
- Enter the drawing for 2 winners to receive a copy of Praying Mom: Making Prayer the First and Best Response to Motherhood by Brooke McGlothlin: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Let me tell you a story. As our son continued to live with us during his roller coaster early 20’s—sometimes making good choices, more often not, we set some clear boundaries. Summarizing: He needed to respect us and our home and our values, and be a contributing member of the family. After several months of not abiding by these boundaries, his father said he needed to find a job and a place to live.
So he moved in with a friend and slept on his couch. He found occasional work, but his friend grew tired of feeding him. So occasionally, when I was grocery shopping, I chose to bless him with some food—that I knew he would like—for the next week. He didn’t deserve it or earn it, but I chose to bless him. He was grateful.
Our God loves to bless His children—such as you and me.
Resources:
- Read: Turning Scripture into Blessing https://bit.ly/3RZZsbD
- Read: The Power of Blessing https://bit.ly/3ClDDNT
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have always been amazed at the idolatry of the children of Israel throughout the Old Testament. I was sure I could never worship an idol. Until I discovered I had serious idolatry problems.
The prophet Isaiah repeatedly mocks them for carving idols to worship out of half a log, and cooking dinner with the other half. How could anyone think that “god” could save them?
Resources:
- A Problem with Idolatry https://bit.ly/3y2rrAe
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Often it has seemed like my (working hard to not be a) prodigal is under a curse.
Actually, I think he is.
Bad things happened to him in his first years. Later most of the bad things in his life were his own bad choices. He still experiences consequences from those bad choices.
But then he sought to turn his life around. Yet it seemed that every day something happened to distract or detour or depress him.
Resources:
- Breaking Life Bondages: https://bit.ly/3S4VOxM
- Breaking Life Bondages 2: https://bit.ly/3UCuBEv
- Love Goes to War: https://bit.ly/3r05HkD
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Often it has seemed like my (working hard to not be a) prodigal is under a curse.
Actually, I think he is.
Bad things happened to him in his first years. Later most of the bad things in his life were his own bad choices. He still experiences consequences from those bad choices.
But then he sought to turn his life around. Yet it seemed that every day something happened to distract or detour or depress him.
Resources:
- Breaking Life Bondages: https://bit.ly/3S4VOxM
- Breaking Life Bondages 2: https://bit.ly/3UCuBEv
- Love Goes to War: https://bit.ly/3r05HkD
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When your children become adults–by age, or leaving home–your role in their lives changes. This is usually challenging to navigate, but especially so when your young adult is a prodigal. Mary DeMuth, author of 46 books, literary agent, podcaster, artist, is the parent of three young adults. She has written a profound and helpful book for this journey: Love, Pray, Listen.
In today's episode–a conversation with Mary–you will find wisdom and practical insights for loving a young adult prodigal.
Mary’s Resources:
- Mary's website and podcast: MaryDeMuth.com
- Purchase Mary’s latest book Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Adult Wayward Kids with Joy https://amzn.to/3dkCE7X
- Gift from Mary: A free ebook of a year of prayers for your adult child: com/lpl.
- Listen to Mary's "Re-Story" interview with Judy:https://www.marydemuth.com/4-3/
Judy’s Resources:
- Gift from Judy: 2 free copies of Mary’s latest book https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When your children become adults–by age, or leaving home–your role in their lives changes. This is usually challenging to navigate, but especially so when your young adult is a prodigal. Mary DeMuth, author of 46 books, literary agent, podcaster, artist, is the parent of three young adults. She has written a profound and helpful book for this journey: Love, Pray, Listen.
In today's episode–a conversation with Mary–you will find wisdom and practical insights for loving a young adult prodigal.
Mary’s Resources:
- Mary's website and podcast: MaryDeMuth.com
- Purchase Mary’s latest book Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Adult Wayward Kids with Joy https://amzn.to/3dkCE7X
- Gift from Mary: A free ebook of a year of prayers for your adult child: com/lpl.
- Listen to Mary's "Re-Story" interview with Judy:https://www.marydemuth.com/4-3/
Judy’s Resources:
- Gift from Judy: 2 free copies of Mary’s latest book https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
We have considered some very different contributors to turning from the Lord–rejecting family, making dangerous choices. Today we look at how we can make a difference with our words.
One time I was so angry at my son I almost said, “Just don’t bother to come home.” Gratefully I caught myself, and tried a better approach. Our words matter.
Resources:
- Read Words of My Life: Gentle https://bit.ly/3xc11eF
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
We have considered some very different contributors to turning from the Lord–rejecting family, making dangerous choices. Today we look at how we can make a difference with our words.
One time I was so angry at my son I almost said, “Just don’t bother to come home.” Gratefully I caught myself, and tried a better approach. Our words matter.
Resources:
- Read Words of My Life: Gentle https://bit.ly/3xc11eF
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
On my back porch in California, our cat had her brand-new kittens secluded in a corner. But not hidden from the eagle eye of a soaring eagle. When Mama cat headed to a needed break from her demanding babies, the eagle dropped in, clutched a kitten in each talon and soared off to her nest.
Why do I tell such a terrible story? Because our world is full of danger, for kittens, for you and me, and especially for our prodigals.
When you love a prodigal, you get used to the lion stalking.
Resources:
- The Enemy Looks for the Right Time https://bit.ly/3B84ZaE
- The Ways of the Enemy: 5 Helps to Resist the Devil https://bit.ly/3KWjWA9
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
On my back porch in California, our cat had her brand-new kittens secluded in a corner. But not hidden from the eagle eye of a soaring eagle. When Mama cat headed to a needed break from her demanding babies, the eagle dropped in, clutched a kitten in each talon and soared off to her nest.
Why do I tell such a terrible story? Because our world is full of danger, for kittens, for you and me, and especially for our prodigals.
When you love a prodigal, you get used to the lion stalking.
Resources:
- The Enemy Looks for the Right Time https://bit.ly/3B84ZaE
- The Ways of the Enemy: 5 Helps to Resist the Devil https://bit.ly/3KWjWA9
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3RuiUx9
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
From the day I was born, I wanted my own way. Growing up, my getting my way pretty much determined the peace and happiness in our home. As a teenager, getting my own way included secretly seeing a forbidden boyfriend for most of a year and other things.
Do you identify? Don’t most of us want our own way? Why?
Today we look at Part 2 of a series on why they become prodigals.
Resources:
- Read: Growing a Tender Heart for Prodigals and Those who Love Them https://bit.ly/3KpnMRV
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
From the day I was born, I wanted my own way. Growing up, my getting my way pretty much determined the peace and happiness in our home. As a teenager, getting my own way included secretly seeing a forbidden boyfriend for most of a year and other things.
Do you identify? Don’t most of us want our own way? Why?
Today we look at Part 2 of a series on why they become prodigals.
Resources:
- Read: Growing a Tender Heart for Prodigals and Those who Love Them https://bit.ly/3KpnMRV
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Probably the most frequent question I get asked is Why? Why is my child making these bad choices? Why has my loved one disappeared from my life? We raised her right—why is she living the way she is?
Today is the first of four parts on why someone makes the choices they do. And often break our hearts in the process.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- For more information on this episode, visit this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1thbSuYcfc0imP3jJq549TykfbRzYcoPfT8WDqSkSIZU/edit?usp=sharing
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Awaken the Wonder and Kingdom Encounters are the names Evangelist Caleb Wampler uses in his ministry. I love both concepts. Letting God lead you into Kingdom Encounters on a regular basis will surely Awaken the Wonder in your life as you experience the love, mercy, grace and power of God. In our conversation he shares how this can be a normal part of our lives—something everyone who loves a prodigal needs and desires.
Evangelist Caleb Wampler’s Resources:
- Get a 7-day devotional series for FREE at: kingdomencounters.us/free
- Get your copy of Evangelist Wampler’s new book, Weighty Words, Influencing the Unseen Realm here: https://bit.ly/3wogEj5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalebWampler/
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/evangelistcalebwampler
Judy’s Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today, celebrating 50 episodes of When You Love a Prodigal, Josh—the prodigal in Judy’s story—tells his own story. In an honest, sometimes teary, tender and hopeful conversation, Josh and Judy walk through his life—from the addictions of his birth mother, being thrust into the Douglass family as a foster and later adopted son, lots of wrong friends and wrong choices . . . . Listen in to hear the rest of the story.
Resources:
- Read more about Josh’s story here: https://tinyurl.com/39nk7nwv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
SUMMER BREAK REPLAY
I learned a little about sheep during my farmer son’s brief stint raising sheep. Sheep had some positives—they reduced the need to mow the pasture. And the variety they were raising provided much-desired wool. But sheep required a lot of care. And they attracted predators. But oh, the baby lambs. In my favorite picture of our son, he is tenderly holding a newborn lamb.
Shepherds—sheep herders—have responsibilities to protect, supervise, care for and discipline their sheep. It is no wonder that God calls Himself Jehovah Rohi: Shepherd.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Learn more about the shepherd who is our God: https://tinyurl.com/3zvdd7p5
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
We are called to love like Jesus—unconditionally. Is it even possible to love a prodigal unconditionally? What is unconditional love? They challenge, betray, defy and deny our love. How do we keep loving them? Today’s episode is Part 1 of some practical ways we can live out loving them as Jesus has loved us.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have a painting of a sheep on a narrow mountain ledge, with a shepherd—in this case Jesus—reaching down to pull him to safety. This picture of Jesus rescuing the lost sheep is a perfect image for those of us who love a prodigal. Sometimes, too often, someone we love becomes that lost sheep, wandering on a precarious path.
We do our best to guide, protect and rescue, but we don’t always succeed. That’s when we turn in desperation to the Good Shepherd, to Jesus Himself.
Sheep wander. If one makes a turn, the others will follow. Even if it’s a wrong turn. A wrong turn in the wilderness can lead to disaster.
Remember: We are taking a break. There will be no new episodes July 26, August 2, August 9. All previous episodes are available. Listen to some you have missed. And take a minute to subscribe and write a review.
Resources:
- The Shepherd Who Leads through the Wilderness https://bit.ly/3PuEhNH
- Video: Delight https://bit.ly/3yMYR5e
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Love is more than a word. Love is a verb.
If you have been listening to these podcasts, you know our prodigal was a boy God sent to us at age 10. Knowing all the struggles he—and we–had, you might say that we truly loved this boy. We provided for his needs, encouraged his growth and development, introduced him to life-expanding people and opportunities, and spent time with him.
But he didn’t believe us.
What he had known in his early life was abandonment. The people who mattered to him had not been able to convince him that he mattered to them. He built a wall of protection around his heart. Our loving actions could not break through.
Resources:
- Read: Turning Curses into Blessings? https://bit.ly/3OYMEBp
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“This is hopeless! I’m done. There’s nothing more I can do.”
Have you ever said these words? Or at least felt them?
Today in our second look at Treasures in the Wilderness we will consider holding on, keeping on, persevering, not giving up—truly a gift from God.
Resources:
- Read: Never Give Up https://bit.ly/3R7t1J4
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When you are navigating the wilderness of a prodigal journey, you probably aren’t expecting to find treasure. But if you keep your eyes and mind and heart open, you will be amazed at the many treasures hidden in this challenging journey.
And the one we discover today will enable you to find the rest.
Resources:
- Read: God Is Always Working https://bit.ly/3HO5Q1Y
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Living with and loving a prodigal can be so confusing and frustrating, sometimes especially for a dad. You don’t know what to do, how to handle unacceptable behavior, who can help you. Tom Yohe joins us today, bringing wisdom from years of walking with a prodigal.
He and his wife, Dena, have developed resources to help hurting parents with effective approaches and real hope, and founded Hope for Hurting Parents with his wife. And now Tom has a just released book: Moments of Clarity: Wisdom from the Father of a Prodigal.
Resources:
- Purchase Tom’s book Moments of Clarity: Wisdom from the Father of a Prodigal https://amzn.to/3b60yCI
- Enter the drawing to win a copy of Tom’s book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway
- Check out Hope for Hurting Parents: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today we have a special guest. Dana Russo is a long-time friend of mine. She has made beautiful music for large and small audiences. And she has turned loss and grief in her own life into a powerful, compassionate ministry to others—to people like you and me who love a prodigal.
Dana founded HOPE RISES (hope-rises.com) to companion others in grief and provide much needed education in our mourning-avoidant culture.
Dana’s degree in Social Work, two certifications in Death and Grief care, and over four decades of walking alongside hurting hearts provides her a wealth of experience. She is also a Spiritual Director and a well-seasoned speaker. She has been married 36 years to Michael who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor also trained in Grief care. Together they run the Hope Rises practice. They have two grown children who are married to wonderful spouses, and one 2 yr. old grandbaby and another on the way.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
On Prodigal Prayer Day we prayed for all those names on the list of treasured prodigals, as well as our own beloved wanderers. What a privilege!
And what a battle! I am always exhausted at the end of the day. We—and those we pray for—have an enemy who doesn’t like that we are on our knees on their behalf.
So what do we do now that we have prayed?
Resources:
After we pray: https://bit.ly/3xeQH6h
Praying is warfare: https://bit.ly/3zcGGYJ
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
It was June 2 several years ago.
Eighteen of us made a large circle in our Florida room. We each shared why we had come—a brief overview of our journey with a prodigal. Some were new-to-me people so new-to-me stories. Others were reminders of long waits to see changes, of despair and hope intertwined.
What did we have in common? We each loved a prodigal. Some were just taking their first shaky steps in this wilderness. Others were feeling their way in the shadowy darkness. A few had stories of light and new life and great hope.
Resources:
- Read: War in the Heavenlies and Some Surprising Warriors https://bit.ly/3wV8kId
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
One of the best things that happened to our son was to be put on probation for two years for a minor incident. The consequences were much greater than the offense.
But it was an answer to prayer that we could never have anticipated. We had prayed that he would receive some real-life accountability for some of his poor choices in his late teens.
That was one of many answers to prayers prayed on a June 2nd Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day.
Resources:
- A Word from Josh: https://bit.ly/38BcGLg
- Receive a FREE e-book on Learning to Love: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The chaos was almost palpable.
He and his friends barged through the front door. The kitchen was the first stop, then they scaled the stairs to his room in a few leaps.
In the early years it was just boy noise and roughhousing. But as years went on, it escalated. We wanted him and his friends to feel welcome in our home, but their roughhousing turned violent—there’s still a hole in the wall and the roof needed repair because they climbed out the window to sit on the roof to smoke pot. They became abusive—to our home, to our values, to our peace.
How did we find peace and power in those days? Or even in these days?
Resources:
- Read Loving a Prodigal: War and Peace https://bit.ly/3wdUIaI
- Receive a FREE e-book on Learning to Love: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The night our prodigal came to Christ, began three sleepless nights for me—engaged in fierce battle with the powers and principalities of the prince of the air—the minions of the devil himself.
My understanding was that the evil one had always assumed this boy was his. His birth heritage and early life put him undeniably in Satan’s domain. So when prayers were answered and he said “yes” to Jesus, the devil was not happy.
Resources:
- Read: 5 Helps to Resist the Devil https://bit.ly/3Fq4XeE
- Breaking Life Bondages https://bit.ly/3w6Uv7W
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today we continue surveying the amazing gift God has given us for our prodigal wilderness journey: His very own Holy Spirit. Last week we considered how He is an Advocate—He’s on our side and stands with us; and a Comforter—who is always with us to comfort and console.
This week we look at two more roles of the Spirit: Encourager and Truth. You will be blessed by how the Holy Spirit cares for us.
Resources:
- Read an article on the Spirit: https://bit.ly/3vuxahp
- Read an article on Encourage: https://bit.ly/3KvhkY3
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today we begin the most important series of all our times together. We talk about the secret for surviving and thriving in your wilderness journey. But sure to jot down ideas you can try and apply.
No matter what human influence, pressure or leverage we think we may have to bring about change within the prodigals we love, God always reminds us that real change comes through the action of His own Spirit.
All that we have considered on this podcast to help us walk through our prodigal wilderness is impossible for us. But the Holy Spirit makes it possible.
Resources:
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Over the past year and a half, we have talked about many ways to help our prodigals, and many ways to help ourselves walk through this wilderness journey. And all of those are legit and helpful.
But the bottom line is, God is the one who knows what they need and we need—and He can do it. Prayer is our means to connect with God. But most of us need some help knowing how to keep praying.
Resources:
- Prayers for Your Wilderness Journey: https://bit.ly/38CXcWv
- Prayers for My Prodigal on Prodigal Prayer Day (June 2): https://bit.ly/3KLbYsw
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontact
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When Pam was with us two months ago, she was kind—and so vulnerable—to tell us her long journey with her son Jake’s addiction, his getting clean and making good plans for his life, and then one slip while helping an overdosed friend. That one slip took his life. If you haven’t listened to her story, check out Episode 49 of When You Love a Prodigal.\
Today Pam will update us on her journey of grief, and also acquaint us with the wonderful resources she has developed through what she learned and experienced through Jake’s battle with addiction.
Pam Lanhart Resources:
- Order Pam’s book here: Amazon https://amzn.to/35T9s4b or here: https://pamlanhart.com/book
- Sign up to receive daily prayers in your email at www.pamlanhart.com
- Praying Our Loved One Home Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/prayingourlovedonehome
- Thrive Family Recovery Resources at www.thrivefamilyrecoveryresources.org
- Thrive Family Addiction Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThriveFamilySupport/
- Better Boundaries Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/292700925347
Judy Douglass Resources:
- Enter a drawing to win a FREE copy of Pam’s book: https://judydouglass.com/bookgiveaway. Two copies will be given away.
- Receive a FREE e-book from me: https://judydouglass.com/podcastcontac
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
You may know the story of Hosea. God asked him to be a living symbol of His faithfulness to unfaithful Israel. So Hosea married a prostitute, loved her, gave her children—and pursued her when she returned to her former life.
God did the same to Israel—pursued her time and again when she turned from Him as she chose a valley of trouble instead of the goodness of the one who loved her.
Through Hosea God said to Israel, "…I will make the Valley of trouble a door of hope."
Resources:
- Read An Anchor for Hope: https://bit.ly/3IZuA6q
- Read Fragile Hope: https://bit.ly/3iTGtQG
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Most of us are bruised people who desperately need to be reminded, however subtly, that hope is real, grace is often present, goodness counts, love is possible and our lives matter. I believe this is more than mere artistic preference: the human race depends upon it.
And people who love a prodigal depend on it.
Here are 10 reasons you can keep hoping.
Resources:
- When the News Is Bad…Here’s Some Help https://bit.ly/3wTVOcr
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
The numbers were adding up. The cars he had gone through numbered 17. The traffic tickets for one year were about 5. I don’t even know how many of the gifts we had given him were gone—pawned. Nor how many times he said “You’re not my real mother.” And the stories he expected me to believe seemed endless. On and on.
And as the numbers climbed, my hope dipped and disappeared.
Resources:
-
Read: His Name Is Hope: https://tinyurl.com/bddd8k94
-
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When you love a prodigal, you live with fear.
One mom named some of the fears she had for her daughter. She could:
Be kidnapped and held against her will;
Be abducted and sold into sex trafficking;
Disappear and never be seen or heard from again;
Move away and sever ties with us forever;
Suffer irreversible brain damage from drug use;
Die from a drug overdose;
Die from alcohol poisoning;
Give up and commit suicide to end her suffering.
What do you do with your fears?
Resources:
To read more about the story of a mom’s fears, check out You Are Not Alone by Dena Yohe: https://tinyurl.com/yv6caa89
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Our Josh was invited to a week in California with a “surf pastor.” He loved surfing, and he loved the fun and spiritually challenging week.
He came home wanting to walk with God, to change his life. And he did. I held my breath. Would it last? It did. For about a month. But old friends and old choices and the lure of addictions won again. My hope crumbled. Once again, the waiting began.
Resources:
- Read Weary in the Waiting: https://tinyurl.com/4zm48kke
- Read Fragile Hope: https://tinyurl.com/5e5nwrsa
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Do you need a counselor? Someone to listen to your fears and frustrations, to understand what it feels like to struggle with a child, to not know what to do, to feel like a failure. Someone who can give wise, practical, workable input. To give you hope.
Then I’m glad you’re here. Today I am talking with June Hunt, founder and CSO (Chief Servant Officer) of HOPE FOR THE HEART. She is a counselor, teacher, author, and speaker, covering subjects ranging from Anger, Abuse and Addictions, to Apologetics, Parenting and Suicide.
June is founder and CSO (Chief Servant Officer) of HOPE FOR THE HEART. After years of teaching and research, June has developed 100+ topical Keys for Living. She’s a top-selling author with sales over 2 million books and is dedicated to presenting God’s Truth for Today’s Problems—confident that a changed mind produces a changed heart . . . and a changed heart produces a changed life.
Resources:
- We are giving away three of June’s books: How to Forgive When You Don’t Feel Like It, Bonding with Your Teen Through Boundaries, and The Answer to Anger. To be entered in the drawing to win one of these, click on https://judydouglass.com/contact give us your info and mention the June Hunt Drawing.
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Recently a prodigal lover posted a prayer request: “I think my son will be the death of me.”
That’s what it’s like sometimes, isn’t it? The fear, the uncertainty, the drugs, the stealing, time in prison, the pregnancy, car accidents, angry words, even the silence when they leave.
Resources:
- Watch a video of Transformational Treasures from a Prodigal Wilderness https://bit.ly/3gUwucV
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Today, celebrating 50 episodes of When You Love a Prodigal, Josh—the prodigal in Judy’s story—tells his own story. In an honest, sometimes teary, tender and hopeful conversation, Josh and Judy walk through his life—from the addictions of his birth mother, being thrust into the Douglass family as a foster and later adopted son, lots of wrong friends and wrong choices . . . . Listen in to hear the rest of the story.
Resources:
- Read more about Josh’s story here: https://tinyurl.com/39nk7nwv
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
“I’m just a mom…who’s become a warrior.” Growing up with family addictions, Pam Lanhart was determined to protect her children from that devastation. But it came anyway. Her long journey and battle for her son’s freedom has benefited many families through her book Praying Our Loved One Home, and a ministry: Thrive: Family Recovery Resources. If you love an addict, don’t miss this conversation.
Resources:
Connect with Pam Lanhart: https://pamlanhart.com/
Pam’s book: Praying Our Loved One Home https://tinyurl.com/3xpujksj
Pam’s ministry: Thrive: Family Recovery Resources https://thrivefamilyrecoveryresources.org/
Book giveaway: to be entered to win one of three copies of Pam’s book,
message me here https://judydouglass.com/contact and tell me you want to be entered in the drawing.
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
It was a long journey. My friends encouraged and prayed for me, but they had families of their own. My co-workers listened to my stories, but didn’t really identify. My husband was so helpful and supportive, but he was busy and gone often. The prodigal wilderness was often lonely.
Alone. Overwhelmed. Stretched. Who would stick with me? Who could I trust?
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Check out these articles: God is with us https://bit.ly/3fndSle and God is a faithful promise keeper https://bit.ly/3A5DEE4
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I learned a little about sheep during my farmer son’s brief stint raising sheep. Sheep had some positives—they reduced the need to mow the pasture. And the variety they were raising provided much-desired wool. But sheep required a lot of care. And they attracted predators. But oh, the baby lambs. In my favorite picture of our son, he is tenderly holding a newborn lamb. Shepherds—sheep herders—have responsibilities to protect, supervise, care for and discipline their sheep. It is no wonder that God calls Himself Jehovah Rohi: Shepherd. Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Learn more about the shepherd who is our God: https://tinyurl.com/3zvdd7p5
Stay connected:
- Website: com/podcast
- Facebook: com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
A great way to begin the new year: I just celebrated my spiritual birthday. December 31 marked 62 years since I received God’s amazing gift of salvation, reconciliation and eternal life. What an adventure it has been! And many challenges. Because I don’t seem to be able to remember the lessons God has taught me over the years, I turn them into slogans I can remember. Here are my top ten. Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
For your new year: Lay It Down https://tinyurl.com/52uvdmhc
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
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- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
When you love a prodigal, you probably don’t get many Christmas gifts from them. But as Jesus comes at Advent, he brings many valuable gifts for you. There are dozens, but you will discover 20 special gifts to give you joy, peace and strength for the holidays. Resources: Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
The Gifts of Advent https://tinyurl.com/34h24mjw
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? Cause her to quit cutting herself? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices. And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas. When you love a prodigal, your heart yearnings for your loved one seem to intensify at Christmas time. But we can ask for those heart’s desires—from God and from that prodigal. Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Listen to Can You Love the Holidays When You Love a Prodigal?: https://bit.ly/3ycJXERThe Gifts of Advent https://tinyurl.com/34h24mjw
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
Giving gifts, especially the right kinds of gifts, is a great way to win the hearts of your children and grandchildren and nurture the connections to make them last. You won’t always find me giving the latest toy or must-have item. I do want my kids and grands to enjoy the gifts they receive from me but I also want them to have real value for their lives. Listen now and jot down ideas that spark your imagination and decide what might work best for you. Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Read Gifts for Grands: Fun, Long Lasting, Meaningful here: https://bit.ly/3G3jIU2
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
If you love a prodigal, you probably have a horror story to tell of a holiday with that loved wanderer. I certainly do, and so does Dena Yohe, co-founder of Hope for Hurting Parents, and parent of Renee, the subject of the famous To Write Love on Her Arms. We had a fun, tearful and helpful conversation for today’s episode. Join us as we tell our stories and get from Dena some very practical help for surviving and even loving the holidays this season.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Learn more about Dena’s ministry here: https://hopeforhurtingparents.com/ and purchase her book here: https://amzn.to/3r4gc7p
- Write to Judy with your story, or to enter a Christmas drawing—at judy@judydouglass.com
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
I have been on a long, slow journey to a grateful heart. Our son put that journey in overdrive. In the long 15 years of wilderness with him, there were so many hard times, days and nights, scary choices, dangerous activities that I had many opportunities to practice giving thanks to our God. Here we are at Thanksgiving. Is it possible to be truly grateful on this day set aside to give thanks? And what about the rest of the year? Can we walk through life with a grateful heart? Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Read more about Giving Thanks here: https://bit.ly/3c75Efb
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
- YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
- Our prodigal’s grandfather was dying. Papa was the most important man in Josh’s life. When he became ill and was growing weaker and weaker, we were fearful that Josh would be so devastated when Papa passed that he might take his own life.
Instead, Josh planned the funeral. He said he wanted to become a good man like his grandfather—to make him proud. And he thanked God for him.
Giving thanks has been one of the most transforming practices I have learned in my life. And our long prodigal wilderness was a significant teacher.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Read more about Giving Thanks here: https://bit.ly/3c75Efb
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-douglass-815aa358/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/judyddouglass/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3qzjAqY
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Invisible. I almost didn’t see her, pressing tightly to the road sign, practically invisible. She was clearly homeless, preferring to hide, but needing to be seen with her cardboard sign: Homeless. Please help.
God has given me many opportunities to interact with homeless people. Do you know the most consistent word they use to describe how they feel? Invisible. And that’s how prodigal lovers often feel—they are invisible to God.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Giving Visible Grace to the Invisible Homeless: https://bit.ly/3bLAwll
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
Most of us have two, maybe three names, and perhaps a nickname. Each of us loves to hear our name—that means someone knows us, or cares about us or wants us. Sometimes we are named after a loved one, or our parents have chosen a name with symbolic meaning. However they originate, they become us. We are known by our names.
Our God is known by His many names. Every one of His names identifies a truth about Him. His names reveal who He is, what He is like, how He will act. Each name is a promise.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
Video: https://judydouglass.com/blog/2013/03/the-names-god-calls-me
Book by Beth Guckenberger: https://amzn.to/3msXF2e
Stay connected:
Website: judydouglass.com/podcast
Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417
Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417
Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
They had three children and God sent them eight more—to adopt and foster. What they learned from parenting 11 children and their global work with orphans has given them transformational insights into what happens to children growing up in difficult, dangerous, and destructive situations. Their research and experience will help anyone with a prodigal, and anyone in their parenting.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Video: When It’s Hard to Love Our Loves Ones https://youtu.be/P5l3JpwPyG0
- Book by Beth Guckenberger: https://amzn.to/3msXF2e
Stay connected:
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So, after you’ve prayed long, speaking out everything you can think of to pray, what do you do? After any of us prays, then what? First, we wait—to see what God is doing. Sometimes we will see immediate answers; other times we await the unfolding of change. He is often kind to give us little glimpses of His response to our prayers. Some of us will rejoice in amazing transformations. Mostly we will wait.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://bit.ly/39TBlYt
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here: https://amzn.to/3l1JPmy
- Read more about waiting: Hoping While Waiting https://tinyurl.com/43apt4u2
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My prodigal had lied again. With a sincere assurance that he was speaking the truth. When I knew it was a lie, anger overwhelmed me. Harsh words came from my mouth. I almost said, “Don’t bother to come home.” Fortunately, God seemed to stop the last word—home—before it came out. Is it possible to forego reprimand and harsh punishment and instead choose forgiveness and blessing? Is it even wise?
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
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- Am I Cursing or Blessing? https://bit.ly/3AorHrm
- Download a PDF of A Blessing for a Loved Prodigal https://bit.ly/3DonUMJ
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In middle school our prodigal had joined a gang, looking for friends he could identify with. He loved hanging with them. But one day he came home with terror in his eyes. His gang had gotten into a fight with another gang, and somehow the members of the other gang had felt that our Josh was the cause of the conflict. They were coming after him.
When the battle escalates, our prayers must also!
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Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://bit.ly/3uyhSWQ
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Read more about the battle here: bit.ly/3D0NR4T
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When my oldest grandson was about four and living near me, I often heard these words from him: “Let’s talk about it.”
Mention anything—Star Wars, the playground, a snack, the latest book we had read—and he wanted to talk about it. I find it amazing that any 4-year-old would say, “Let’s talk about it.”
But that’s what God says to us: “Let’s talk about it, Judy.” Today we consider what it means to talk with God.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer5veQhZ1bTpKM1u9pU-KwxdD8gyBd6oZp5fIPwtiISsostw/viewform https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer5veQhZ1bTpKM1u9pU-KwxdD8gyBd6oZp5fIPwtiISsostw/viewform
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here: https://judydouglass.com/newsletter
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here:https://www.amazon.com/When-You-Love-Prodigal-Wilderness/dp/0764233947/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=when+you+love+a+prodigal&qid=1617372176&sr=8-1
Listen to Talking to Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXsxw1fRHMA
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In Thailand you might see Buddhist priests receiving bowls of rice in exchange for prayer, or in India people stopping at Wayside Shrines to pray, and in parts of Africa and China they might beseech favor from long-gone ancestors. Most people find life uncertain, threatening, frightening, so they turn to someone or something they hope has a power that can help, rescue, set free, give hope.
And if you love a prodigal, you will often turn to prayer for help.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Download a free printable on The Mystery of Prayer.
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Is your prodigal bad and rebellious, or suffering from trauma or mental illness? Michelle Essary, mental health counselor and neurofeedback specialist, talks about what might be the underlying cause of your troubled loved one’s acting out and destructive choices. You will gain helpful understanding and possible solutions.
Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. Michelle has experience working with individuals, couples and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She is a neurofeedback specialist, with a BCIA Board Certification in Neurofeedback.
Michelle loves to exercise and play outdoors. When she's not meeting with people and doing brain training, she is most often outside somewhere with her husband, two boys and hound dog.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Information on Michelle’s counseling services can be found here.
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I think you are going to love today’s episode as my daughter, Michelle Essary, and I have a lively and honest conversation about the realities of living with a prodigal.
Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. Michelle has experience working with individuals, couples and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She is a neurofeedback specialist, with a BCIA Board Certification in Neurofeedback.
Michelle loves to exercise and play outdoors. When she's not meeting with people and doing brain training, she is most often outside somewhere with her husband, two boys and hound dog.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Information on Michelle’s counseling services can be found here.
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My son was always a hard sleeper. Even as an adult. He asked me to make sure he was up that morning. I called numerous times, but no answer. So, I hopped in the car and drove the two blocks over. I banged on the door. No answer. Through the smoky glass window alongside the door I could see a person hanging from the loft. Was that my son?
If you are in crisis, help is available by call or text 1-800-273-8255 24/7. You can also visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. You are loved!
If you know someone behaving unusually, getting things in order, giving things away, moving from depression to euphoria, talk to them. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline '1-800-273-TALK (8255)'.
Resources:
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
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Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
National House of Hope free seminar on youth suicide September 16, 2021 in Orlando. Click to register.
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It’s like pulling daisy petals: He loves me. He loves me not. As our prodigals make dangerous decisions, our hearts and our minds waver. Does God love my child, my spouse, my sibling? Does God really love me? Can I trust Him?
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
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- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Read my latest blog post: Oh How He Loves You and Me!
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Our son had a lot of questions for God—hard questions: Who was his dad and why didn’t he want him? Why did his mother—whom he loved—always choose her addictions over him? Why did they take him away from her?
I imagine you have some hard questions about the hard journey you are on.
If we are to trust God in this challenging journey with our prodigals, we need to see that He is trustworthy.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: Learning to Leverage Humble Pie
- Enjoy this printable: The Voice of Grace
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“You can trust me.”
How many times has your prodigal said that? How long has it taken you to realize, No, you can’t trust them?
But our God says: “You can trust me.”
Join us this week to discover why that is true.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: How to be a Peacemaker
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It had been a challenging three years of foster care—so many residuals from fetal alcohol syndrome, neglect, abuse and other traumas of this boy’s early childhood. Now he was up for adoption. Could we? Would we? But God’s word came clearly: “I told you I was sending you a son. Why are you rejecting my gift?”
We said “yes.”
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here. A new edition August 4th.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: Entrusted: The Treasures God Has Given Us.
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You probably know the story of the monkey who wanted the banana in the bottom of the jar. He thrust his hand right in there and grabbed it—then tried to pull it out. It was stuck. He pulled and pulled, but could not get his hand, holding on to that banana, out of that jar. Until he let go of the fruit.
Often that’s the way it is for me with God and my holding on to my way with my prodigal.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here. August issue out soon.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: Five Ways to Relate to the One Anothers in Our Lives
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Sin is exhausting.
You know how children are good at manipulating their parents--they go to the one they think will say “yes” to whatever it is they want, then to the other with “Mommy said” or “Daddy said.” Pretty clever.
I’ve done that myself. Manipulation easily becomes sin and will wear us out.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: https://judydouglass.squarespace.com/blog/when-you-love-a-prodigal-in-cru-storylines
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When our prodigal, Josh, was 15, and in one of his better seasons as a prodigal, he served for a week as a junior counselor at a wilderness camp for at-risk boys. One activity included a five-mile hike, with each counselor leading a small group.
Josh and his boys came to a crossroads, looking for the right turn to take. Unfortunately they took the wrong turn, and their five-mile hike turned into 10 miles. When they finally made it back to camp, they were sore, tired and unhappy.
Whether we choose the wrong path, or end up there accidentally, it is almost always exhausting. But our God assures His way will give us rest.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out my latest blog post: Have You Lost the Wonder? Of Words and the World
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How do you keep your sanity when your prodigal drives you crazy? How do you find time for your family, your job, yourself when a loved one takes all your attention? How do you hold on to a relationship with a rebellious one who has run the other way? Gem and Alan Fadling, founders of Unhurried Living, have some very practical suggestions. This conversation introduces four weeks on Rest.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Check out What I Learned on Our Prodigal Journey blog post: https://judydouglass.com/blog/what-i-learned-on-our-prodigal-journey
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Alan and Gem Fadling
- Podcast: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/blog?tag=podcast
- Books: The Unhurried Life, What Does Your Soul Love?, Inhaling Grace
- Connect: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/
“He’s building his testimony.”
With those words, God kept reminding me of this important truth from Jesus: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” (John 5:17).
When our loved one is doing destructive things, our tendency is often to sigh or cry or despair. Yet God is at work even in all this. He is at work in our prodigals, He is at work in these circumstances, and He is at work in us.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Talking with Your Adult Children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IIsyOFn3BA&t=23s
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One of the hardest parts of the wilderness journey with a loved prodigal is the roller coaster—the ups and downs, the unexpected turns, the dashed hope.
Why are we surprised? We have an enemy. That enemy is after those we love. Peter tells us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Resources:
Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
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What do pearls and butterflies have in common? They both start out as something simple and not so beautiful and are transformed into something lovely. How does that happen? Time and pressure.
Oh, how we wish our prodigals would return now. How we want them to be changed overnight! And sometimes that happens. Amazing surrender and metamorphosis can happen in a moment or a day or a week. But not usually. Usually it takes both time and pressure.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Listen to the When You Love a Prodigal Spotify playlist here.
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Surely one of the most common questions asked by those who love a prodigal is, “How long, Lord?” As our children grow, we move between “Will this phase ever end?” and “How did they grow up so fast?” But when you love a prodigal, it can seem like time stands still, and you wonder will this never end?
Resources:
Linger: Listen To Someone You Love
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Carol and Gene Kent were awakened late one night with unbelievable news: Their son Jason had killed a man and was in jail. That was the beginning of an horrific journey. That has led to life transformation for all three of them, and to opportunities to touch lives they couldn’t have imagined.
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The young man took off to a far country, found many friends attracted to his wealth. They lived wild lives—until the money ran out. Suddenly our boy was abandoned, broke, hungry. He got a job feeding pigs—what could be worse? What could he do?
So headed home, hoping his father would take him back as a hired servant. Would the father accept his request, or reject him completely? Or would the father have an unimaginable response?
It’s just two weeks until Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2. Can we pray for your loved one?
To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or fill out the form at the link below.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
- Listen to the When You Love a Prodigal Spotify playlist here.
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We were out of town. We had an older woman staying in our home that winter. Our prodigal and his friends showed up drunk. They made themselves at home, eating and doing drugs. Our guest made an effort to engage them to break it up, but they were rude and even threatening. She was frightened and locked herself in her room. What did we do?
We chose grace. God was clear: Extend grace. Forgive. Seek reconciliation. Pursue conversation, not conflict. Keep your doors—and arms—open.
To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or fill out the form at the link below.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
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One of the most important ways we extend grace to our prodigals is through our words. In Colossians 4:6 Paul reminds us: Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Words are powerful. They have the potential to inflame discord and inflict great emotional harm, or the capacity to encourage repentance and restoration, and offer healing and reconciliation. To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or fill out the form at the link below. Resources: • Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here. • Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here. • Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here. Stay connected: • Website: judydouglass.com • Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417/ • Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417/ • Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417 • Youtube: youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
God has much experience loving prodigals—such as you and me and all of humanity. So He is the perfect companion for us on this wilderness journey. He goes with us, He comforts us, He gives hope, He relieves our fears. And He gives grace for all our inadequacies and mistakes, and for the pain experienced by and caused by those we love so much.
To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com or fill out the form at the link below.
Resources:
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
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Josh McDowell, apologist, evangelist, author of more than 150 books and my good friend joins me on this episode to talk about the 7 A’s on Building Relationships that Transform. He explains and illustrates from his own life essential actions to build and maintain relationships with your children or with any person you work with, influence, care about. These 7 A’s are powerful connectors with the people in your life.
To be entered into a drawing to win one of three copies of Josh’s book, How to Be a Hero to Your Kids, sign up for my monthly newsletter (link below) and we’ll randomly select a winner on Friday, May 7.
To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com.
Resources:
- Read Josh’s 7 A’s here.
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
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What did your prodigal do this week to stir up your fear or ignite your anger and make your love shrink back? How do you love them when they don’t deserve it, when they show no love to you? In this Part 2 of How to Love a Prodigal we will consider five ways to put our love into action, to love like Jesus loves us—and them.
To request prayer for someone on Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2, or to join in praying with us, write to PrayerforProdigals@gmail.com.
Resources:
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Stay connected:
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We are called to love like Jesus—unconditionally. Is it even possible to love a prodigal unconditionally? What is unconditional love? They challenge, betray, defy and deny our love. How do we keep loving them? Today’s episode is Part 1 of some practical ways we can live out loving them as Jesus has loved us.
Resources:
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
Stay connected:
- Website: com
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Fear is a close companion when you love a prodigal. Addiction. Pregnancy. Overdose. Wrong friends. Cutting. Suicide. Wasting away because she won’t eat. The call from the jail and the hospital. An accident—injuring self or others. Doing something crazy while high. A visit from the police. What do you do as fear lingers and lurks?
Resources:
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
- Join the Prayer for Prodigals community here.
- Purchase a copy of the When You Love a Prodigal book for you or a loved one here.
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Often it’s not easy to love a prodigal. Our love is tested and stretched. Unappreciated and questioned. Not returned—even thrown back in our faces. We grow weary and discouraged. What does love look like when our prodigals keep making bad choices? How do we love and keep on loving our often hard-to-love prodigals as the years unfold?
Resources:
- A Redemptive Community blog post
- I AM the Vine blog post
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
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Our son – the proverbial tough guy – came home with fear in his eyes. His friends, his gang, had gotten in a dispute with another gang. Somehow he became the focus of the anger of the other gang. Threats ensued. His bravado was gone. The fear was real. He wanted to get to a safe place. Where do you find help?
Resources:
- Tenacious Love video
- What Do We Do Now? blog post
- I AM the Vine blog post
- Sign up for Judy’s monthly newsletter here.
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Dan Wolgemuth is not a prodigal, has no prodigals, but, as President of Youth for Christ, his life revolves around at-risk kids. So much so that he chose to spend some time in Juvenile Detention.
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People ask me what “prodigal” means—there are several definitions out there. We will define what we are meaning on this podcast and the how, when and why a person might become a prodigal. Some are rebellious or "bad," but many begin to make destructive choices because of the challenges in their lives, because of many levels of trauma.
Resources:
- Turning Curses into Blessings blog post
- Restoring Prodigals blog post
- Sign up for my monthly newsletter here.
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We all said I do and became one family. We thought peace and calm had arrived, but instead we entered a wilderness journey. Trouble at school, a gang, addictions, Juvenile Detention Center, and a House called Hope. I do was just the beginning.
Resources:
- An Adoption Story: Part 3 The Hard Years
- An Adoption Story: Part 4 A Future and Hope
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- Website: judydouglass.com
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If this was a gift, it was a grievous gift. How does the arrival of a wounded boy become the hardest time of your life and a beautiful gift? Judy Douglass was not prepared for all the trauma this boy had experienced and the challenges he would face, and she would face. After three years of foster care, the Douglass family was asked to adopt him. They did, life became more difficult, and that gift was nowhere in sight.
Resources:
- An Adoption Story: Part 2 The Road to Adoption
- An Adoption Story: Part 3 The Hard Years
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Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417/
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417/
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Who signs up for a 15-year prodigal wilderness? No one does, on purpose. But that’s what Judy Douglass got when she said “yes” to God. Today we get to know Judy Douglass.
She made a decision to choose God's way when she was 15, which launched her into repeated choices to surrender "her way" and walk in God's way. God's way has inevitably revealed as the best, until she said "yes" to a nine-year-old foster child. The wilderness ahead was formidable. Today we get to know Judy Douglass.
You can learn and find more stories by visiting her blog at judydouglass.com.
Resources:
- Called by God: Receiving and Responding
- Words of My Life: Story
- Sign up for my monthly newsletter here.
Stay connected:
- Website: judydouglass.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/JudyDouglass417/
- Instagram: instagram.com/judydouglass417/
- Twitter: twitter.com/judydouglass417
- Youtube: youtube.com/c/JudyDouglass
Loving a prodigal is a long, desperate journey. Fear. Worry. Anger. Blame. But God intends to use your valley to fill you with grace and hope.