Two years ago Mick and I flew into Prague to make it our new home.
All our earthly possessions were in a truck on their way from Kiev, Ukraine. I’m told that Spring came to Prague that April morning…all I know is that it was a beautiful day. We had Mexican Salad with the Pearce family and then were taken to the “Guest apartment” to spend our first night in the Czech Republic.
The next few days are a blur…they were filled with shopping and putting together new pieces of furniture from Ikea. We ran back and forth from the “Guest apartment” to our apartment two blocks away. We were getting ready for the truck full of “our treasures” to arrive. Finally, it came and we were able to move into our new home, Korunni 89, 130 00 Praha 3.
It wasn’t hard to make this new place home…we loved the apartment, the location, and Prague. That first week in the new place was full of unpacking and “finding the right place” for everything. Soon our apartment was ready for guest. We were at HOME and entertaining!!!
Fast forward two years…April 2011 and my apartment looks much like it did on April 14, 2009. This time the boxes are brown not white. But no matter, all my earthly possessions are being packed again. This time they will be in storage for over twelve months.
Last night as I lay in the old “Guest apartment” (now Russell and Melinda Kyzar’s home) I realized that we had come full circle…
THE CIRCLE OF PRAGUE.
Two years ago it was a beautiful spring and we were embarking on a new season of life, today it is spring (I wouldn’t say it is beautiful) and we are embarking on a new season of life.
This apartment has been a great home to us for these two years. We have entertained precious friends. We have had many guest from the states…two of our sons and one daughter-in-love…my parents…Lisa Collins…wow, so many I better stop or I’ll forget someone and I’d hate to do that. We enjoyed every single person who entered our home. We pray that they were blessed as we were by being with them.
Many have asked if I’m sad. The answer is “Of course I’m sad!” But I have to add, I look forward with expectation and full trust in the Lord to the upcoming year. I pray that the seminary housing we will be living in will become home to us…a place we can bless and be blessed. And I believe that God has a wonderful new apartment for us when we return to Prague. It will be July 2012 when we return, not spring, but a new season of life for us all the same.
“From everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear Him.”
Psalm 103:17
Monday, May 2, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Easter thoughts this fine Saturday...
I’ve just finished making a banana pudding and a chocolate-chip pie (with Carmen’s music in the background!!!) Yes, getting ready for our Easter feast with friends tomorrow. As I was cleaning up I thought of years past when the clean up was much harder because I had dye to clean off the table and sometimes the floor. Not this year…which mean, NO KIDS IN THE HOUSE…SAD.
Reminds me of the scripture…”Where there is no ox the stall is clean!” All my little oxen are gone…and I miss them so!
However, I am celebrating…Celebrating the RESURRECTION OF MY LORD and SAVIOR. Memories are a wonderful thing, sure often they make me cry…but how I savor them. Memories of the activities of EASTERS past and memories of my Savior’s presence in all those times.
I’m reading a book by Alicia Britt Chole called Finding an Unseen God. I have been following Alicia for months now by getting her weekly emails. I love her writings…I believe her to be an intellect.
Don’t laugh. I’m not saying that I am one.
I’m no Vizzini (Princess Bride) believing myself to have a dizzying intellect (…”Wait till I get going! Now, where was I?”)
I love that she is BUT that she writes to those who are not!
It has been enlightening to hear from one who knew nothing about Christ…who didn’t believe He existed…but who came to know Him in all His fullness. I’m learning so much from her and love seeing HIM through fresh eyes.
I’m choosing to look at this Easter through fresh eyes…no little children around (I do get to see the kids in a week)…just spending most of my energy on seeing Him…not the pretty Him, but the ugly Him; covered in my sin...in your sin.
But Hallelujah He is no longer covered in that sin, He is alive forever more…sitting at the right hand of the Father…Changing lives of those who don’t even know He exist…He does…and forever more shall!!!
He is Risen, He is Risen INDEED and it makes a difference!!!
Reminds me of the scripture…”Where there is no ox the stall is clean!” All my little oxen are gone…and I miss them so!
However, I am celebrating…Celebrating the RESURRECTION OF MY LORD and SAVIOR. Memories are a wonderful thing, sure often they make me cry…but how I savor them. Memories of the activities of EASTERS past and memories of my Savior’s presence in all those times.
I’m reading a book by Alicia Britt Chole called Finding an Unseen God. I have been following Alicia for months now by getting her weekly emails. I love her writings…I believe her to be an intellect.
Don’t laugh. I’m not saying that I am one.
I’m no Vizzini (Princess Bride) believing myself to have a dizzying intellect (…”Wait till I get going! Now, where was I?”)
I love that she is BUT that she writes to those who are not!
It has been enlightening to hear from one who knew nothing about Christ…who didn’t believe He existed…but who came to know Him in all His fullness. I’m learning so much from her and love seeing HIM through fresh eyes.
I’m choosing to look at this Easter through fresh eyes…no little children around (I do get to see the kids in a week)…just spending most of my energy on seeing Him…not the pretty Him, but the ugly Him; covered in my sin...in your sin.
But Hallelujah He is no longer covered in that sin, He is alive forever more…sitting at the right hand of the Father…Changing lives of those who don’t even know He exist…He does…and forever more shall!!!
He is Risen, He is Risen INDEED and it makes a difference!!!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
To Look like Jesus
Ian Anderson Stockwell was our 2010 Christmas gift. The only blight of the day was that his father had not arrived from Iraq. But the rest of his family was there to welcome little Ian into the BIG world.
When Mick and I finally got into the delivery room to view another male child for the Stockwell family I was over-whelmed with love…and something else. Ian didn’t look like our babies…he was beautiful (and this is not just the grandma in me speaking!) BUT he didn’t resemble the Stockwells at all. He had dark hair and, I’m told, his mom’s nose.
Funny how I kept looking at him intently to find something in him that said, even if in a quite way, “I’m a Stockwell.”
We left little Ian behind on January 13th and headed back to Prague. I watch monthly when Katherine puts up Ian’s pictures to see if he looks any more like a Stockwell. On February 25th as I was staring at that picture I had this thought...
How I long to see something of us in him. Why??? I can’t answer the why. The Lord reminded me that He wants me to LOOK LIKE HIM in this world. He wants me to show His likeness as I go through life. I wonder if He stares at me just trying to see some little something that lets the world know I’m his? Does He have to look that hard??? I pray that is not the case. I pray that I have His eyes, His ears, His hands, His feet.
The other day I was thinking of Ian and I came to the conclusion that he may never look like a Stockwell (though his Grumps seems to think that the latest picture looked somewhat like Jonathan.) For a minute I wondered if it would bother me if he didn’t look like a Stockwell…then I had this precious thought…
Who cares if he looks like a Stockwell or an Anderson, I just want him to look like JESUS. That is what I pray for our Ian…may he look like Jesus!
"For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
When Mick and I finally got into the delivery room to view another male child for the Stockwell family I was over-whelmed with love…and something else. Ian didn’t look like our babies…he was beautiful (and this is not just the grandma in me speaking!) BUT he didn’t resemble the Stockwells at all. He had dark hair and, I’m told, his mom’s nose.
Funny how I kept looking at him intently to find something in him that said, even if in a quite way, “I’m a Stockwell.”
We left little Ian behind on January 13th and headed back to Prague. I watch monthly when Katherine puts up Ian’s pictures to see if he looks any more like a Stockwell. On February 25th as I was staring at that picture I had this thought...
How I long to see something of us in him. Why??? I can’t answer the why. The Lord reminded me that He wants me to LOOK LIKE HIM in this world. He wants me to show His likeness as I go through life. I wonder if He stares at me just trying to see some little something that lets the world know I’m his? Does He have to look that hard??? I pray that is not the case. I pray that I have His eyes, His ears, His hands, His feet.
The other day I was thinking of Ian and I came to the conclusion that he may never look like a Stockwell (though his Grumps seems to think that the latest picture looked somewhat like Jonathan.) For a minute I wondered if it would bother me if he didn’t look like a Stockwell…then I had this precious thought…
Who cares if he looks like a Stockwell or an Anderson, I just want him to look like JESUS. That is what I pray for our Ian…may he look like Jesus!
"For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Walking by Faith
February 1, 2011…My how the time flies when you are having fun and when you are not…time is always flying by.
I’ve been in a nostalgic mood since we returned from our wonderful vacation in the states…what a precious time we had. The Lord allowed us to witness the birth of our first grandchild (Ian Anderson Stockwell) and to see all the kids and our parents and a few other family members and precious family friends. When the Lord gives me little handfuls on purpose like this I am always thankful…but also, a little nostalgic when the time is over.
Last night Mick and I watched a very long and drawn out movie called “Seraphim Falls.” Pierce Brosnan and Laim Neeson stared in this western movie that I found fairly dull until the end. Long story short, Liam is after Pierce the entire film for something Pierce did at Seraphim Falls…they finally meet up in a desert both about half dead. Neither can kill the other and so they walk toward the mountains in the distance without gun or knife (which had been a big part of the movie!)
Last night the ending made me think about “FORGIVENESS.”
But this morning I read today’s devotional in Jesus Calling…The first line says, “Follow Me one step at a time…that is all I require of you.” Sarah Young talks about the mountains that we see ahead of us. We often look at them and don’t look where we are stepping and get caught up in what seemed to be “little mole hills.”
Pierce and Liam kept looking toward the mountains in the distance while trudging through the desert. They saw the mountain as a place of rest…a little different from what Sarah was talking about…they thought they knew what the outcome was going to be…one would make it to safety and one would not…or they would both make it to the mountains and their ordeal would continue. The point being they were looking ahead. The future held their interest. However, the end was quite different.
Yes, that was THE END! Though I found it very boring I couldn’t stop thinking about it…last night and this morning when I read my devotional.
I thought that there would be another outcome…was not disappointed in the one given because forgiveness was the message…but still, I’d watched this movie for more.
I watched it for a HUMAN conclusion…off the BAD GUY…but in this movie there really wasn’t a bad guy. There was life. Sometimes life is not what we expect or want…or sometimes we THINK our life will not be what we want or that it will be too hard…we look to the future and we think, “I will not be able to do that!”
And we are right…we can not do it…
We have to “Keep our mind on the present journey, enjoying His Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Him to open up the way before us.” (Paraphrased from Jesus Calling)
Time, it is flying by…but I do not have to worry about it (you do not have to worry about it)…we just have to WALK by FAITH and NOT by SIGHT!!! II Corinthians 5:7
I’ve been in a nostalgic mood since we returned from our wonderful vacation in the states…what a precious time we had. The Lord allowed us to witness the birth of our first grandchild (Ian Anderson Stockwell) and to see all the kids and our parents and a few other family members and precious family friends. When the Lord gives me little handfuls on purpose like this I am always thankful…but also, a little nostalgic when the time is over.
Last night Mick and I watched a very long and drawn out movie called “Seraphim Falls.” Pierce Brosnan and Laim Neeson stared in this western movie that I found fairly dull until the end. Long story short, Liam is after Pierce the entire film for something Pierce did at Seraphim Falls…they finally meet up in a desert both about half dead. Neither can kill the other and so they walk toward the mountains in the distance without gun or knife (which had been a big part of the movie!)
Last night the ending made me think about “FORGIVENESS.”
But this morning I read today’s devotional in Jesus Calling…The first line says, “Follow Me one step at a time…that is all I require of you.” Sarah Young talks about the mountains that we see ahead of us. We often look at them and don’t look where we are stepping and get caught up in what seemed to be “little mole hills.”
Pierce and Liam kept looking toward the mountains in the distance while trudging through the desert. They saw the mountain as a place of rest…a little different from what Sarah was talking about…they thought they knew what the outcome was going to be…one would make it to safety and one would not…or they would both make it to the mountains and their ordeal would continue. The point being they were looking ahead. The future held their interest. However, the end was quite different.
Yes, that was THE END! Though I found it very boring I couldn’t stop thinking about it…last night and this morning when I read my devotional.
I thought that there would be another outcome…was not disappointed in the one given because forgiveness was the message…but still, I’d watched this movie for more.
I watched it for a HUMAN conclusion…off the BAD GUY…but in this movie there really wasn’t a bad guy. There was life. Sometimes life is not what we expect or want…or sometimes we THINK our life will not be what we want or that it will be too hard…we look to the future and we think, “I will not be able to do that!”
And we are right…we can not do it…
We have to “Keep our mind on the present journey, enjoying His Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Him to open up the way before us.” (Paraphrased from Jesus Calling)
Time, it is flying by…but I do not have to worry about it (you do not have to worry about it)…we just have to WALK by FAITH and NOT by SIGHT!!! II Corinthians 5:7
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I just realized that it has been six months since I last posted. I guess you know that much has gone on around here since then!
Mick and I have been to Germany a couple of times, Mick has been back and forth to America, he has been to Milan and all over ITALY (yes, without me…all I got was a text message on my phone, “In Rome, what should I do?” I wrote back “Do as the Romans!”)
Lisa Collins came to visit us…we took her to
I have been busy teaching ESL, working with a young girls’ Bible study, and visiting with my friends from the
In early May we found out we are going to be grandparents…so I guess we really found out that Jonathan and Katherine are going to be parents. Exciting news!!!
We call the baby Stryker. NO, that is not going to be the baby’s name…but we do not want to call him/her an “IT” and we do not want to always say, “Him/Her” when speaking of the child…so Mick and I (and I think Katherine does too) call our baby Stryker. We do not know if Stryker is a boy or girl yet. We wait to see…and while I wait I pray every morning before my feet touch the floor for baby Stryker. I pray specific things for Stryker. I can not wait to hold this child in my arms. But I have to wait until January.
During May I spent a week in
This month has been a busy month. My parents came to visit. They did great on the public transportation (which they were allowed to use at no cost…age has its perks!) We went to
My parents enjoyed the sites of
It was hard to let them go home but we had to leave in two days for a trip to
Jonathan left for his first deployment on the twenty-sixth. We did much calling back and forth before that day. It wasn’t as hard as I thought…and I believe that the reason is because so many people are covering him (and his wife and mom) in prayer.
I’ve heard that he is doing fine. Not where he will be yet, but waiting on his men to show up and then he will enter
We covet your prayers for him and his family. Katherine will move back to
Katherine will remain in
Mick and I plan on being in the states for a year beginning in May of 2011. Daniel will graduate and Mick will continue working on his PhD.
So much going on with us…we know that much is going on in your lives too.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that as we make our plans to come and go (Mick leaves Saturday for the states and then we have a trip to
I love the book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This past week her devotionals have been about resting in the Lord…sensing His Presence…He is with us! What confidence I gain when I remember that. We may go and come, we may entertain or be entertained…we may be alone or in a crowd…but He is with us…We can face the day knowing our security is in Him.
HAPPY FOURTH and summer blessings…
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Streets of Prague
I walked the streets of Prague with two of my sons, a precious daughter-in-love and a treasured family friend this past Christmas. What a joy it was taking Daniel and Jonathan back to places they saw when much younger (we were in training here in Prague for about 4 weeks in 2001.) And it was exciting to watch Katherine and Eric experience the awe of this beautiful city for the first time.
They came and left…it went by so quickly…but was, oh, so very wonderful!
Yesterday I walked the streets of Old Town alone and noticed “IT.”
Today I rode Tram #16 alone (well, with many other people…but you know what I mean.)
As I rode across the bridge over the Vltava river I looked to my right and saw the steeples of St. Peter and Paul Church. I looked back to my left and could barely make out the silhouette of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral because of the misting snow and noticed “IT” again.
What is this “IT?”
I noticed that I was not depressed in the least.
Since the boys left home for college (“Why they want to leave me?”…my rendition of a line from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING) I can not remember being with them and parting (leaving them or them leaving me) and not being just a bit depressed.
But “IT” was different today.
Okay, when I rode past the church of St. Ludmila at Namesti Miru tears did come to my eyes. I couldn’t help it when I saw the steps where just a few days ago Daniel and I stood together for a great picture (see below!) But, still, they were tears of joy and not of depression or sadness. I had a little thanksgiving service right there in my tram seat.
So what is the difference? Why is “IT” different now?
I know it isn’t because I do not miss the guys or love them less.
I’d like to think that it is because I’m a little more mature these days (not older… MATURE!)
But the truth is: The LORD has done a great work in my heart. He taught me to TRUST and He has given me HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
I love the boys as MEN (I’ve enjoyed every stage of their lives.) I look forward to watching Jonathan and Katherine start a family (in the future…no rush guys) and be a part of their traditions.
I was truly excited about sending Daniel back to college. Only one and a half more years and he will be a man out in the world looking for a job.
Christopher and Katie didn’t get to join us this year…However, I know that God has plans for them that are worth the wait also.
And these plans will not take place if they are with me all the time. We all have to live life!
So much ahead. Such great expectations as we wait to see GOD ALIVE and WELL in the Stockwell family.
So, when Tram #16 pulled up near my apartment and I dismounted I did so with my head held high, a slight smile on my face (Okay, it was a half smile) and JOY in my heart.
I walk the streets of Prague daily with PEACE and HOPE.
“We wait for the LORD; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him, because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, LORD, for we put our hope in You.” Psalm 33:20-22
They came and left…it went by so quickly…but was, oh, so very wonderful!
Yesterday I walked the streets of Old Town alone and noticed “IT.”
Today I rode Tram #16 alone (well, with many other people…but you know what I mean.)
As I rode across the bridge over the Vltava river I looked to my right and saw the steeples of St. Peter and Paul Church. I looked back to my left and could barely make out the silhouette of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral because of the misting snow and noticed “IT” again.
What is this “IT?”
I noticed that I was not depressed in the least.
Since the boys left home for college (“Why they want to leave me?”…my rendition of a line from MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING) I can not remember being with them and parting (leaving them or them leaving me) and not being just a bit depressed.
But “IT” was different today.
Okay, when I rode past the church of St. Ludmila at Namesti Miru tears did come to my eyes. I couldn’t help it when I saw the steps where just a few days ago Daniel and I stood together for a great picture (see below!) But, still, they were tears of joy and not of depression or sadness. I had a little thanksgiving service right there in my tram seat.
So what is the difference? Why is “IT” different now?
I know it isn’t because I do not miss the guys or love them less.
I’d like to think that it is because I’m a little more mature these days (not older… MATURE!)
But the truth is: The LORD has done a great work in my heart. He taught me to TRUST and He has given me HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
I love the boys as MEN (I’ve enjoyed every stage of their lives.) I look forward to watching Jonathan and Katherine start a family (in the future…no rush guys) and be a part of their traditions.
I was truly excited about sending Daniel back to college. Only one and a half more years and he will be a man out in the world looking for a job.
Christopher and Katie didn’t get to join us this year…However, I know that God has plans for them that are worth the wait also.
And these plans will not take place if they are with me all the time. We all have to live life!
So much ahead. Such great expectations as we wait to see GOD ALIVE and WELL in the Stockwell family.
So, when Tram #16 pulled up near my apartment and I dismounted I did so with my head held high, a slight smile on my face (Okay, it was a half smile) and JOY in my heart.
I walk the streets of Prague daily with PEACE and HOPE.
“We wait for the LORD; He is our help and shield. For our hearts rejoice in Him, because we trust in His holy name. May Your faithful love rest on us, LORD, for we put our hope in You.” Psalm 33:20-22
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
No SANTA in CZECH
Since getting back from a WONDERFUL TRIP to the states (which I’ll write about later) I have been busy here in Prague.
Today I met with my two students from the Economic University. Susie Edworthy and I want to combine our “girls” and have a Christmas party before the end of the semester…a time to share with them the REAL meaning of Christmas.
After talking with Lenka about a good date to gather we continued talking about Christmas. I didn’t want to get into the subject too much because I want to be able to share the TRUE meaning with all the girls when we have the party.
However, I asked her what their “Santa Claus” was called. She informed me (quite proudly) that Czechs do not have “Santa Claus,” they have “baby Jesus.”
Before I knew what came out of my mouth I said, “That is sad, no Santa!”
She said (in her cute way!) “No sad, we have baby Jesus.”
As she continued to talk about “baby Jesus” bringing their gifts and tree I realized that it would be wonderful not to have Santa messed up with the meaning of Christmas. However, the more Lenka told me the more I saw that though they have no Santa, and have “baby Jesus” they clearly do not have TRUTH.
I’m praying that our time together will enlighten Lenka, Misha, and Susie’s two girls to the fact that Jesus did come as a baby but that He grew up and died for them. The greatest gift of all did come in the form of baby Jesus when He (as a man without sin) died on the cross for the sins of the world.
Praying that I do not get too busy to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas and have opportunities to make the TRUE meaning known to my world. Praying the same for you…may we watch for these opportunities as the Christmas season approaches (it is upon us…I was in the malls…it is here!)
Today I met with my two students from the Economic University. Susie Edworthy and I want to combine our “girls” and have a Christmas party before the end of the semester…a time to share with them the REAL meaning of Christmas.
After talking with Lenka about a good date to gather we continued talking about Christmas. I didn’t want to get into the subject too much because I want to be able to share the TRUE meaning with all the girls when we have the party.
However, I asked her what their “Santa Claus” was called. She informed me (quite proudly) that Czechs do not have “Santa Claus,” they have “baby Jesus.”
Before I knew what came out of my mouth I said, “That is sad, no Santa!”
She said (in her cute way!) “No sad, we have baby Jesus.”
As she continued to talk about “baby Jesus” bringing their gifts and tree I realized that it would be wonderful not to have Santa messed up with the meaning of Christmas. However, the more Lenka told me the more I saw that though they have no Santa, and have “baby Jesus” they clearly do not have TRUTH.
I’m praying that our time together will enlighten Lenka, Misha, and Susie’s two girls to the fact that Jesus did come as a baby but that He grew up and died for them. The greatest gift of all did come in the form of baby Jesus when He (as a man without sin) died on the cross for the sins of the world.
Praying that I do not get too busy to remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas and have opportunities to make the TRUE meaning known to my world. Praying the same for you…may we watch for these opportunities as the Christmas season approaches (it is upon us…I was in the malls…it is here!)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Start talking...
I’m helping a friend with a high school Bible study. Last night we had 10 beautiful girls in my living-room talking about CRAZY LOVE (I LOVE this book!)
The first chapter is called Stop Praying. One girl shared that one day she talked to God all day long as if she were just talking to him (didn’t think of it as PRAYING.)
We agreed that we should do this more often. Talk to the Lord about everything we see, feel, and do throughout the day.
We had a great night of sharing and enjoying each other. One of the girls had on a Christmas shirt. I thought that was a little strange until someone said something about it being Christmas Tuesday…
I said, “Maybe we could make next Tuesday Talk to God all day long as if he were right beside you Tuesday (cause we know he is!!!)
Later I got a call with some news I really didn’t want to hear. I felt like I needed to talk to someone about it. My mom already knows much about this situation and I wanted to tell her the latest and get her advice and have her pray with me…BUT she and Dad are on a little vacation (how dare her go off and have a life and leave me to care for myself at such times!) without good cell phone coverage and so I couldn’t get in touch with her. I lay in bed last night (Mick is gone) and thought, “I’m going to have to deal with this until Mom gets home.” And I couldn’t even remember when she was getting home!
Then I thought…I can not always WAIT on my mom (sorry Mom.)
Then I remembered what Hannah said and I thought…I need to talk to the Lord about this as if I were talking to Mom. So I did. It helped and I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up and started talking to the Lord about it again…but I thought, “I really want for Him to talk BACK (Mom does…believe me, she does!)
I asked Him to allow me to HEAR from Him today...to really hear from Him and to know that I'd heard.
Got up, started the coffee, and went to read my devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
October 7th begins like this:
In order to hear My voice, you must release all your worries into My care. Entrust to Me everything that concerns you. This clears the way for you to seek My Face unhindered.
It goes on in the second paragraph to say:
Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. In stead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don’t’ be fearful; thank Me and rest in My sovereignty.
I heard His voice…I released my worries into His care and I’ve been communicating with Him all day long (as if He were right beside me!!!)…and it isn’t even TUESDAY!!!
God is Good…as Mick says, “ALL THE TIME!”
Listen for His voice today…you can hear it if you release all your worries into His care!!!
I Peter 5:7 “ ...casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
The first chapter is called Stop Praying. One girl shared that one day she talked to God all day long as if she were just talking to him (didn’t think of it as PRAYING.)
We agreed that we should do this more often. Talk to the Lord about everything we see, feel, and do throughout the day.
We had a great night of sharing and enjoying each other. One of the girls had on a Christmas shirt. I thought that was a little strange until someone said something about it being Christmas Tuesday…
I said, “Maybe we could make next Tuesday Talk to God all day long as if he were right beside you Tuesday (cause we know he is!!!)
Later I got a call with some news I really didn’t want to hear. I felt like I needed to talk to someone about it. My mom already knows much about this situation and I wanted to tell her the latest and get her advice and have her pray with me…BUT she and Dad are on a little vacation (how dare her go off and have a life and leave me to care for myself at such times!) without good cell phone coverage and so I couldn’t get in touch with her. I lay in bed last night (Mick is gone) and thought, “I’m going to have to deal with this until Mom gets home.” And I couldn’t even remember when she was getting home!
Then I thought…I can not always WAIT on my mom (sorry Mom.)
Then I remembered what Hannah said and I thought…I need to talk to the Lord about this as if I were talking to Mom. So I did. It helped and I went to sleep.
This morning I woke up and started talking to the Lord about it again…but I thought, “I really want for Him to talk BACK (Mom does…believe me, she does!)
I asked Him to allow me to HEAR from Him today...to really hear from Him and to know that I'd heard.
Got up, started the coffee, and went to read my devotional book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
October 7th begins like this:
In order to hear My voice, you must release all your worries into My care. Entrust to Me everything that concerns you. This clears the way for you to seek My Face unhindered.
It goes on in the second paragraph to say:
Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. In stead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don’t’ be fearful; thank Me and rest in My sovereignty.
I heard His voice…I released my worries into His care and I’ve been communicating with Him all day long (as if He were right beside me!!!)…and it isn’t even TUESDAY!!!
God is Good…as Mick says, “ALL THE TIME!”
Listen for His voice today…you can hear it if you release all your worries into His care!!!
I Peter 5:7 “ ...casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 28th...Daniel is 21
My baby is twenty-one today…think I should stop calling him a baby?
I was at a shower (baby shower) a couple of weeks ago were another guest asked me about my children. When I mentioned Daniel I called him my baby and a young missionary kid asked, “How old is he?” I said that he soon would turn 21 and she said, “He isn’t a baby!”
So, Daniel…today I promise to not call you a BABY any longer…that is my gift to you.
I think it is BIG so just forget the money we were going to put in your banking account…OH, you want the money…okay, BABY BOY…it is on its way!!!
I was at a shower (baby shower) a couple of weeks ago were another guest asked me about my children. When I mentioned Daniel I called him my baby and a young missionary kid asked, “How old is he?” I said that he soon would turn 21 and she said, “He isn’t a baby!”
So, Daniel…today I promise to not call you a BABY any longer…that is my gift to you.
I think it is BIG so just forget the money we were going to put in your banking account…OH, you want the money…okay, BABY BOY…it is on its way!!!
Daniel is in his third year of college (North Greenville University) and is on the cross country team!!! GO DANIEL, GO DANIEL!!!
This past Saturday he came in third (for the team)…he cut his 5 mile run down by two minutes. THAT’S MY BABY!!!
Daniel was made to run. When he lived with Kenny and Teri Pope during his 8th grade year he tried every sport known to man (at the school!) When track season came around Mick thought that maybe Daniel should give Kenny and Teri a break from having to pick him up after practice. But Daniel insisted that TRACK was his sport and so found himself a ride home from practice and RAN. (Sort of like Forest, Forest Gump…HE JUST RAN!!!)
Daniel was correct…TRACK was/is his sport. He broke the school record for the two mile which has not been beaten since 2004. I loved the sight of him (all his focus on the finish line) right before he crossed the tape to win.
I may not get to watch him run in college BUT I can imagine it in my mind’s eye…and it is a beautiful sight!!! I know for sure that Daniel is giving all he has.
Daniel does this in life as well…What a joy to watch him RUN Life’s Race.
BABY BOY…it has been a BLAST…looking forward to seeing you win many (life) races and one day (either standing by Jesus in heaven when you arrive or arriving with you at the trumpet sound) hearing HIM say…Welcome Home my good and faithful RUNNER…YOU WON the RACE…you kept the faith!
Then, I’ll no longer call you My Baby …I’ll call you WINNER!!!
Happy Birthday Man-Fred,
One proud mom (and if Dad had a blog he could say the same!)
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Daniel 2004Waiting on a picture of him running in 2009...
want to move that along son?
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Christopher!!!
Twenty six years ago today you came into our world and made two people very happy. Of course, your grandparents (and granny...whose birthday you barely missed) were happy too!
You changed our world.
I remember the first time I put you into your crib (which had been mine...Dad repainted it for our BOY,) as I stood up from placing you there an overwhelming feeling came upon me...this is a life with a soul...nine months ago there was no Christopher V. Stockwell, today here he is (fresh from Heaven) and he will always be.
Wow!!!
I asked God to allow me to be the mom you needed, knowing that I could not do it on my own!
I'm not saying that I was a wonderful mom...BUT I AM SAYING that I believe you have turned out pretty darn well!!!
Dad and I love the man you have become and are so proud to be called the parents of Christopher Stockwell.
You have been a GIFT that keeps on Giving!
While praying for you on the way to church today (it takes about 45 min. on public transportation so I had plenty time to pray!) I thought about the GIFT you are to us. I thanked God for you (AGAIN) and then I asked Him to show you, today, the GIFTS He has given you.
Here are the ones I thought of...26 to be exact!!!
1. Life 26 years ago today...and your daily breath
2. Eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.
John 20:31 "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name."
3. A wonderful wife who loves God more than she loves you (you come in a close second...this is how it should be)
Exodus 20:2,3 "I am the LORD your God...Do not have other gods besides Me."
4. A dad who has always believed in you
5. A mom who thinks you hung the moon...you did, didn't you?
6. Two brothers who helped to form your leadership skills
7. Godly grandparents who pray for you daily
8. A mother-in-law who loves you (this is no little thing)
9. A great dog--Bailey
10. Friends from your past and new ones you and Katie have made together
11. The Hoggards, Popes, and others who put prayer, time, money, and LOVE into you through the years
12. An amazing church family
13. A good mind
14. Artistic abilities
15. The gift of words...the way you say things is ORAL ART
16. Sincere heart that is sensitive to God and others
17. Your faith and dependency on God
Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
18. The ability to see the good in others and the desire to bring it forth
19. A cute sense of humor
20. The opportunity to see the world from more than one world view
21. Stories of how God has shown Himself mighty and caring on your behalf
22. Good health
23. A job you like!!!
24. Another year to enjoy the abundant life God has given you
John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance."
25. God's Plans (which He has for you)
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
26. AND if that were not enough...a MOM who wrote all these out for you...making things easier for you today son. Why? Because I'm your mom and that is what a mom lives to do!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR CHRISTOPHER
Baby Christopher September 1983
We shave like Daddy!
Train trip to Moscow, Russia
Black Sea 2000
Praise Band Youth group in Kharkov, Ukraine
God answered a major prayer request thattook place right here on these steps!
The cutest men in the world...this is my blogI can say that!
Plus, it is TRUTH
HAPPY DAYJune 16, 2007
Christopher V. Stockwell
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monster Mom's birthday wish
MONSTERS…just the mention of the word can bring up some ugly pictures in the minds of kids. As a little girl I had to check under my bed and in my closet at night before I’d let my parents turn out the light and leave the room. Sometimes I’d do it before Mom or Dad came to “tuck me in”…so what did that mean? It meant that in my mind LIGHT made me invincible…I mean, really, what if I’d found a MONSTER under my bed or in my closet? For some reason I could face him/her (what gender is a monster?) in the LIGHT.
OH, sure…I can laugh about it now. I bet you are laughing with me as you remember some of your fears. But at the time the MONSTER (in the dark) was a BIG DEAL. I’m so glad I out-grew the MONSTER thing.
OH, sure…I can laugh about it now. I bet you are laughing with me as you remember some of your fears. But at the time the MONSTER (in the dark) was a BIG DEAL. I’m so glad I out-grew the MONSTER thing.
OR did I???
Maybe I just grew into a MONSTER myself!
I read a book once (well, I don’t really think I read the whole thing, but a chapter from a book) that talked about “THE MONSTER MOM” that comes out from time to time in every female who is blessed enough to hold the title “MOM!”
Sometimes MONSTER MOM can be a BAD thing. I really don’t think I have much of that in me. The boys might have another story to tell, but this is my BLOG and I’m not asking for their input on this one!
But then, other times…the MONSTER MOM is a blessing. She goes to bat for her kids, she makes sure that they are not mistreated, over-looked, or put into harms way.
She stands up for the treasures that have been entrusted to her keeping!!!
And when this MONSTER MOM stands up…she stands up BIG AND TALL and with MUCH FORCE.
Remember, this is a good thing!
Today, I’m doing the MONSTER MOM thing again. Not standing up because of a wrong done to one of my children…but STANDING UP BIG AND TALL to celebrate from AFAR Jonathan’s 24th birthday. He and Katherine are twelve hours behind us. So, I’ll be celebrating long before he is awake. I will bake cookies, fix a meal I know he would love (maybe something as simple as Chicken Salad) and Mick and I will take the day to remember the miracle of his birth.
We will remember how God kept him safe in the delivery (though the cord was wrapped around his neck twice.)
How Christopher loved his head from the first time he saw him. How he grabbed his head and said, “HAIR!”
Dad will remember the steak dinner he ate in the hospital before heading home (less than 24 hours after delivery) with our new bundle of joy.
I’ll remember the thrill of the blessing of another baby in the house.
We will also remember the family and friends who welcomed Jonathan Woodard Stockwell into the world.
We will eat too many cookies and I may cry a bit (it comes along with this MONSTER MOM thing) and that will be Jonathan’s birthday for us here in Prague.
Maybe Jonathan will celebrate a little differently…I know that Katherine will make sure his day is SPECIAL...BUT he has to know that his MONSTER MOM is wishing him a WONDERFUL DAY and that I thank the Lord, Jesus for him and his life.
PROUD as any MONSTER MOM can be…
Maybe I just grew into a MONSTER myself!
I read a book once (well, I don’t really think I read the whole thing, but a chapter from a book) that talked about “THE MONSTER MOM” that comes out from time to time in every female who is blessed enough to hold the title “MOM!”
Sometimes MONSTER MOM can be a BAD thing. I really don’t think I have much of that in me. The boys might have another story to tell, but this is my BLOG and I’m not asking for their input on this one!
But then, other times…the MONSTER MOM is a blessing. She goes to bat for her kids, she makes sure that they are not mistreated, over-looked, or put into harms way.
She stands up for the treasures that have been entrusted to her keeping!!!
And when this MONSTER MOM stands up…she stands up BIG AND TALL and with MUCH FORCE.
Remember, this is a good thing!
Today, I’m doing the MONSTER MOM thing again. Not standing up because of a wrong done to one of my children…but STANDING UP BIG AND TALL to celebrate from AFAR Jonathan’s 24th birthday. He and Katherine are twelve hours behind us. So, I’ll be celebrating long before he is awake. I will bake cookies, fix a meal I know he would love (maybe something as simple as Chicken Salad) and Mick and I will take the day to remember the miracle of his birth.
We will remember how God kept him safe in the delivery (though the cord was wrapped around his neck twice.)
How Christopher loved his head from the first time he saw him. How he grabbed his head and said, “HAIR!”
Dad will remember the steak dinner he ate in the hospital before heading home (less than 24 hours after delivery) with our new bundle of joy.
I’ll remember the thrill of the blessing of another baby in the house.
We will also remember the family and friends who welcomed Jonathan Woodard Stockwell into the world.
We will eat too many cookies and I may cry a bit (it comes along with this MONSTER MOM thing) and that will be Jonathan’s birthday for us here in Prague.
Maybe Jonathan will celebrate a little differently…I know that Katherine will make sure his day is SPECIAL...BUT he has to know that his MONSTER MOM is wishing him a WONDERFUL DAY and that I thank the Lord, Jesus for him and his life.
PROUD as any MONSTER MOM can be…
Baby Jonathan 1985
First family picture
A little mess never killed anyone!
One of Dad's favorite pics
Check out the shoes...they don't match!
FisherMan
A little help from my DAD
Family picture with Daniel
Family picture minus Mick!
I love this one
Captain Jonathan
Mr. and Mrs. G...also known as Kenny and Teri Pope
MY THREE SONS
Plus a FATHER
Jonathan and Katherine
Grandparents
Mom and Son in RED(morning of his wedding)
January 17, 2009
One of my favorite moments of all time!!!
OH MY GOODNESS...go back and look at the outfit that Christopher has on in the hospital...now, go and look at the outfit Jonathan has on with the mix-matched shoes...
Look familiar???
Why yes,
This MONSTER MOM is economical!!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Happy Birthday to MOM
Mom is older today...Her 76th Birthday!
I'm celebrating my way in Prague KNOWING that Papa is doing the same in Wichita Falls for Grandma...right Dad?
Billie Inez Thornton Woodard was born and raised in Joplin, Texas. Pa and Granny (her parents) had three children. My mom was the oldest and best (in my humble opinion!)
She lef the small town of Joplin and went all the way to Decatur, Texas for college at the age of sixteen.
After college she begin teaching in Wichita Falls, Texas...she taught a young man named Dwain Woodard and that is how she met my dad and became Dwain's and Evan's mom and later, MY mom.
She is the BEST MOM in the world (even better than me!)
She never made me feel like I was in her way, never yelled at me, always pointed out the best in me, always loved and encouraged, never was self-seeking...always kind to others...and the wisdom she has, well, it is amazing!
I've learned a few things from her:
*If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing WELL.
*God will repay, so let HIM...don't try to do it myself!
*It is better to be the one being treated poorly than the one treating someone poorly.
*The Judge of all the earth will do right!!!
*A job should be FUN!!!
*And that if you do not have time to go over your Spelling words but you have been told to do so (by your father who is out of town working) you can WAVE your hands over the book once or twice and say, "OVER, OVER, OVER" and it counts!
I love the way you love JESUS, DAD, Dwain and family, Evan, Me and mine...your family and all.
I just love the way you LOVE and LIVE!!!
I'm so thankful you are my mom!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILLIE INEZ
I don't know about the shutting you up...BUT I know it will not slow you down!!!
ONE CUTE COUPLE
She still gives a day a week to work for a Mission organization in herOLD AGE
At Papa's 8oth birthday party...2007One of my favorite pictures of her!
Christopher and Grandma at his graduation2007
Grandma at Jonathan's graduation...2008
Grandma (and Papa and the rest of us)
Grandma at Jonathan's graduation...2008
Grandma (and Papa and the rest of us) in Poland
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