Freedom
Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.” John 8:32 (MsgB)
Who is the Truth?
“Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.” John 14:6 (MsgB)
Peace
todd
other links:
- Makenzie’s Celebration Service Online – Click Here
- Worship Service Tribute Video
- “I Dance For You My King” (Video: Makenzie’s song by Anthony Celia)
- “Image of Grace” (Video: Song written and played by Nathan Stocker)
Joy and Happiness
I now know the difference between Joy and Happiness. Joy is something we have been given by the Lord because we know His promises, His love and His comfort. Happiness is something that makes us laugh when we think about Makenzie and the fun that she brought to our family. Joy is something that is strong and constant. Happiness seems to be based on how we feel about our circumstances, position in life and acceptance. When our Happiness fades, our Joy shines bright. When our Happiness diminishes, our Joy stays strong.
In other words …
“Joy comes from the inside: Happiness comes from the outside.
Joy weathers any storm: Happiness rides the waves.
Joy is wind: Happiness is the kite.”
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philip. 4:4 (NLT)
Peace
todd
other links:
Talk Louder!
I was talking to a classroom of 3rd graders and wanted to get the point across that God loved them so so much. To do so, I lowered my voice — almost to a whisper — and said “You are loved”.
I had them wrapped in wonder until a boy in the back yelled out, “Talk Louder!”
Since Makenzie’s death, I’ve wanted to tell God, “Talk Louder!” I want Him to use His outside voice, inside me! More and more, I realize that God is talking but not necessarily louder. I can hear Him speaking in a friend who calls just to see how I’m doing. I can hear Him speaking in a song that gives me hope. I can hear Him speaking in the early morning as the sun is blossoming out from the horizon. I can hear Him speaking in the words of His love letter to me, “I will not leave you. I will not forsake you.”
Peace
todd
other links:
Makenzie’s Celebration Service Tribute Video
Picnic Picture
FINALLY! I was able to post the slide show from the Celebration Service with sound! (It’s right from the service so you can hear the congregation laughing at points). This gives you a good picture of her personality and passions!
Enjoy
todd
other links:
“I Dance For You My King”
"I Dance For You My King" by Anthony Celia
An incredible new song by worship leader, Anthony Celia. Written in memory of Makenzie Stocker.
todd
A Piece of Peace
Makenzie at the best night of her life
After Makenzie’s death this past month, many people have said to us, “I don’t know how you do it. I couldn’t be strong like you.” In my guts, I wanted to say things like, “Sure you could … You never know until you’re in that situation … Blah, blah, blah…” But now my response is, “You’re right. You don’t have the strength to get through having to bury your 18 year old child.” Now, I’m sure there is an innate reserve of human ability that God has hard-wired into each of us, but to dive deep into the dark waters of grief, that takes something that no human possesses; a peace that goes over and above any human understanding, resource or “positive thinking”.
One thing is clear to Kellie and I right now: during the sad moments of the day when we look into the hole that has been punched through our family, God gives us what we need to get through it, not us. Sometimes, it’s the knowledge that Makenzie is dancing for her King. Sometimes, its the warm embrace we find in each other. Ultimately, He gives us the ability to stare the pain of Makenzie’s death right in the face and say, “God knows what He is doing!” We love Him more today and we did last month. We process our lives more today that we ever have in the past. And while none of this will bring Makenzie closer to us, it has definitely brought us closer to our Lord.
“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
todd
(The song, “I Will Dance For You My King” by Anthony Celia will be posted on Youtube very soon. This and many of the other songs written about her are a great source of strength for us!)
A New Day
We had dinner last night with a couple who lost their 16 year old son recently. The words they shared, their experience dealing with this kind of loss and their example of faithfulness and love were no less than inspiring. One of the most helpful discussions we had was the concept that every day, we heal a little bit more; ever day, we are strengthened by God.
This morning is a new day for me; a day when a little of the “pre-June 3” motivation is welling up; a day when the Bible verse comes to mind of God’s new mercies…
Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
In this new day, I will wait for God to renew me and I will remember that He is faithful and beyond understanding.
todd
A Different Father’s Day
The best kids in the world
This is a different Father’s Day. In years past, Father’s Day meant cut-out, hand-made cards, breakfast in bed and long morning hugs from my three children. This year is different. My kids have outgrown the handmade card artistry, I am awake long before they are wiping the sleep from their eyes, and the hugs will be a few less.
As I write this, I can’t embrace what I’m feeling. (Frankly, I can barely put two sentences together). Like in a dance, the sense of loss and joy are twirling about the stage. I literally hurt, wanting to see my little Makenzie again and hear her shout “Happy Father’s Day, Daddy!” like she had done every year since she could talk. I am so grateful that she gave me, and only me, those words.
I am so happy that God allows me the daily priveledge of seeing Nathan grow into an incredible man. I am truly honored that God would give me an incredibly fun young girl in Maddie. Any dad would call himself blessed to have these two.
This is a different Father’s Day. I won’t get the kisses from Makenzie. I wont see her loving smile as she jumps on me to wake me from my sleep. And most of you have no idea how desparately I want one more squeeze from her. But I am reasurred knowing that Makenzie is in the arms of her real daddy. (BTW — If God slept, she’d be planning to pounce on Him even as I write this).
Dad’s — hug your kids extra tight today. I won’t get to hug Makenzie again for a long time.
todd
Peace is immediate…Healing is slow
I will dance for my king!
That title says it all. As soon as I found out that my 18 year old daughter was killed on June 3rd of this year, I knew she was with Jesus. That is where the PEACE came from. However, the pain and hurt was (and still is) incredible.
We have been comforted by so many people from all over the world (literally) with condolences and prayers. One friend, who had suffered a similar loss, put our healing process this way. “Everyday we heal inch by inch.” That is how we are healing today.
To view Makenzies celebration service that thousands have watched, Click here.
When all is said and done…
You turn my mourning into dancing
A week ago, I lost one of the most precious gifts God gave to me — my daughter, Makenzie. She was killed instantly in a car accident and my life will never be the same.
The outpouring of love on our family has been indescribable. Literally, hundreds of cards and texts have poured into the respective mailboxes and our home resembles a nursery. 1100 people took a last look at Makenzie at the visitation last Sunday and 1300 praised the Lord at her celebration service on Monday.
Many people have asked me how I am managing to hold up; where my strength is coming from. When all is said and done, it only comes from what I know about God. God promises that whoever believes that Jesus is who he said he is and did what he said he did, doesn’t die, but lives forever with him in heaven (John 3:16). God promises that he sends comfort and is an ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46). He has operated these promises in incredible ways this past week and we are ok.
When all is said and done, there is only one person on whom we cry; there is only one person to whom we turn and He is God.
