a todd stocker blog
Memorial day is not veterans day. While both are equally important, memorial day honors the ultimate sacrifice that men and women have offered - giving of one's life in the betterment of the great experiment called the "United States of America."
Why do we celebrate birthdays? For some, it is tradition. For others, it is to honor the person who, on that day, is advancing in years. And for others, it is to remember a life well-lived. We are a family that lives forward and not backward. Yet, our birthday celebration today remembers one who... Continue Reading →
Social distancing. Self-quarantine. Flatten the curve. These and so many other words and phrases have poked their heads out from the ground in this spring of the Covid-19 pandemic. (There's another one). Undoubtedly, your world has changed. And as you linger into your first months of this new reality, you have an opportunity. It is... Continue Reading →
"Encouragement During The Pandemic" May we who are merely inconveniencedRemember those whose lives are at stake.May we who have no risk factorsRemember those most vulnerable.May we who have the luxury of working from homeRemember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.May we who have the flexibility to care for our... Continue Reading →
Here we are. A few weeks into the Covid-19 quarantine. We wash more. We watch more. We are creating temporary "new normals," and some are finding it very life-changing. We've taken to the screens and Zoom loves all of us right now. One desire (or maybe hope) that bubbles through the lips of many I... Continue Reading →
Over the past few days, at the National Youth Gathering 2019, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to interview NBA all-star Sam Dekker. Walking through his amazing story, he talks about his ups and downs personally and professionally and speaks life into student and adults alike. When I asked what was the best piece of advice... Continue Reading →
I’m sitting in the lobby of the Hyatt on day 2 of the National Youth Gathering, waiting to serve and watching the smattering of students and adults grab their coffee in preparation for another full day. There are 25000 students and adults here. They have converged on Minneapolis to worship, grow, and serve in this... Continue Reading →
There is a common phrase that says, "Time heals all wounds." I appreciate the author's sentiment. However, that phrase is unfinished, and I'll tell you why in a bit. 10 years ago today, my "oldest" daughter (in my mind, still) and two friends were in a horrific car accident. Aaron, the driver of the car... Continue Reading →
So this just happened. Mom and I went to refresh the flowers at the intersection at which Makenzie died. Afterward, a woman came up and said 10 years ago, she and her husband were coming home from church and came upon the accident. It was a Wednesday, June 03, 2009. They pulled into the gas... Continue Reading →
I'm not the type to "turn off" for long periods. For me, I get energized thinking about life and how to go to the next level. So now, I'm on vacation. As I "peck," I'm enjoying a steamy morning in Kemah Texas, at the boardwalk, sipping Starbucks and watching people come and go as this... Continue Reading →
It’s an odd day for me. I guess “odd” isn’t quite the word I wanted to use, but it was the first one that bubbled up this early in the morning. It is “that word” because it is the celebration (or remembrances) of two new starts for two whom I deeply love. First and now,... Continue Reading →
Have you ever been to a leadership or work conference that said it would be one thing, but it turned out to be something different? Sometimes that's not a great outcome. The speakers were average, the workshops were dry, and the environment failed to set a positive tone. On other occasions, the conference, as is... Continue Reading →
It's snowing. Again. In the upper midwest, you tend to get used to the white pounding of your house, driveway, and landscape when you enter the mid-months of winter. Mostly, in my opinion, it's beautiful. Every branch of my leaf-naked trees is outlined in white. Every contour of my lawn is blanketed in white. Every... Continue Reading →
Every year, there are a few folks who cycle off of our Board of Directors at church. These servants give of their and their family's time to help guide the ministry of the congregation. Last night, one of our long-standing members cycled off as president. He wrote a "final words" encouragement to the rest of... Continue Reading →
Today is mid-term election day. Because of the freedoms our country affords, millions of us will perform one of the most powerful acts a citizen can do -- vote. Some say their vote is too small -- meaning, "I'm just one in a cacophony of voices, so it really doesn't matter." I have a different... Continue Reading →
