Memorial Day – The Unfathomable Sacrifice – Todd Stocker.com

“The atrocities of war are only overshadowed by the heroism of their dead.” (Tweet that) As we lean into the Memorial Day weekend, our thoughts are on the time off, the friends gathering, the grilling, boating, and lounging.  Many are speeding to the cabin or to family a state away.  All of us look forward to

Are You Jumping? – Todd Stocker.com

“Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.” Proverbs 25:8 I like my early mornings.  Before the sun crawls above the horizon, I’m normally in my place reading, praying, reflecting and writing.  Usually it is a peaceful, refreshing time but not this morning.  Because of my reading, I have been

I’m Thinking Of Stopping – a 3 Question Survey – Todd Stocker.com

Every year around June, I begin my personal goal setting for the timeframe of September through August.  (Yes, I know.  I’m pretty a-typical that way but it works best for my current post in life).  Over the last 7 years, I’ve been providing content on my site focused on the topics of leadership, personal development

It’s Out Of Your Hands – Todd Stocker.com

Yesterday, I had medical tests done as part of my health schedule.  I’m not a huge fan of going to clinics, but I know that it is necessary for keeping the body that God gave me running smoothly.  As they were poking me and trying to find my veins that tend to run away from

043: SPECIAL: Celebrating Makenzie’s Last Birthday [Podcast] – Todd Stocker.com

May 3rd is my Makenzie’s birthday.  She only saw 18 of them before she was killed in a car accident.  Here are my thoughts on this day. Free Resource: “Helping Those Who’ve Lost A Loved One” It was her last birthday but none of us knew it.  In life you never do.  Yet deep down,

Why Is There Pain? – Todd Stocker.com

Coming up on seven years ago, I lost my precious Makenzie.  Suddenly taken, I was suddenly shaken; set adrift in an ocean that I didn’t want to sail.  It took me several years to find emotional land again and when I did, I had to deal with the ‘Why’ question with which most of us

And The Rain Turned Purple – Todd Stocker.com

For the reader: this post is what I feel almost every time a celebrity steps into their eternity. Prince is no exception. The rain began falling in Minneapolis just about the time we Minnesotans heard the news that something had happened — something bad — something sad.  The first report was that someone had died

Today You Guard My Heart – Todd Stocker.com

Your heart is in a cross-hair.  Your heart is the mission of destruction for another.  Your heart is singled out by the enemy of all that is good and he partners with the part of you that pushes against wholeness and peace.  The attacks come in unexpected waves.  The negative side-comment about your abilities by

Floccinaucinihilipilification – Todd Stocker.com

For those of you unfortunate enough to have had to listen to my thrash of teaching week in and week out know that Floccinaucinihilipilification is one of my favorite words.   It took me several well deserved hours to consistently learn how to say it and then say it in keynote speeches and messages.  At

When the Sacred becomes the Sacrifice – Todd Stocker.com

Many things of faith and life I don’t understand.  I don’t understand how the world ‘popped’ into being at the gentle whisper of an almighty deity.  I don’t understand why some people can love others deeply even when they don’t love them back.  I don’t understand why we can’t talk to animals or how gravity

Make Your Life Count – Todd Stocker.com

[In light of the political drama currently playing out, I thought I’d repost a writing that helps shed light on character and greatness]. A few weeks ago, I attended the funeral of a man who had poured out his life into the lives of others.  His passion was focused on helping organizations and Christian educational institutions

You Need A Challenge And Here’s Why – Todd Stocker.com

Raise your mental hand if you have ever said ‘yes’ to something that sounded fun, realized that you were in over your head but then completely enjoyed the experience? If you’re an ‘I’ on the DiSC personality assessment, most likely you’ll be the first to show your armpits.  We ‘i’s’ love anything that sounds fun,

Do You Disconnect To Reconnect? – Todd Stocker.com

I recently started a closed Facebook group for my ‘Take Back Your Life’ community (click below).  These folks are new ‘voices’ that I already love. Yesterday, I asked the group what a weekend looks like for them and one of the ‘Lifers’ — that’s what I call us — said that weekends were her time

033: The One Thing All Leaders Should Never Stop Doing [Podcast] – Todd Stocker.com

After attending a conference, I realized one thing that great leaders do that keeps them fresh and energized for leadership.  I talk about it on today’s podcast. ON THIS EPISODE: Last week, I went to the Best Practices for Ministry conference in Phoenix.  2000 church workers and leaders were crammed on the spacious campus of

Best Practices: Never Stop Learning – Todd Stocker.com

As I write this, I’m sitting on the patio of a cantina in Phoenix, Arizona watching God paint another masterpiece sunset in the dusty, desert sky.  I’m filled, right now — not with the chips and salsa that seems to appear without invite, but with my thoughts after the first day of the Best Practices