How To Break Worry – Todd Stocker.com

She left again last night, heading far into Minneapolis with a group of friends.  It was late — on the edge of my wife and me heading to bed.  That’s when her teenaged group life begins — later in the evening than earlier.  That is also when my worry begins, especially last night when the rain began, announcing

One Purpose Of Your Pain – Todd Stocker.com

I don’t think I knew him.  Maybe I did.  Maybe he was just starting at Concordia University, St. Paul when I was finishing my stint as Campus Pastor.  Many in my circles tell me that he was a great person of life, fun, purpose and humor.  That’s what makes his drowning in a pond this

Why I’m Choosing Ignorance – Especially Now – Todd Stocker.com

Big decision last week.  Multiples of them to be precise.  Decisions that change things.  Decision that transform.  Some would say we are progressing.  Other would say we are imploding. I wouldn’t know.  I’ve take a break from the hype and the chatter.  It has become, for me, mind numbing, provocative and crippling.  I’ve chosen a

000: Start Now – Todd Stocker.com

Most of us would like to change our lives in one way or another. Why don’t you? The problem isn’t that you don’t know what needs to change or even how to change it, it is simply that you don’t take action.  You don’t take a first step.  What would it look like to start

No Service = No Stress – Todd Stocker.com

There’s a small and very unique restaurant not one hour from my home called “Vino in the Valley.”  Set in the remote hill country of southern Wisconsin, this open patio-style eatery offers fantastic Italian food and wines from a local winery.   Recently, my wife and I and several friends spent the better part of

What You Believe Is Wrong – Todd Stocker.com

Even if you’re not religious or don’t believe in spirituality, you may have said this about God.  It is one of those Christian cliche’s that is tossed around without a thought: “God won’t give you more than you can handle” Sounds nice.  An easy placate.  But it is simply not true. It is an adaptation from a

How To Live Through Regret – Todd Stocker.com

The thought creeps onto the screen that plays in your mind.  It takes over the movie of your life and consumes you in its twisted reflection of your past.  It is called “Regret.” All of us own them.  Some more than others.  Regrets are those events, conversations, or lack of actions that seek to demolish our confidence

A Makenzie Restoration – Todd Stocker.com

The dreams about her have subsided. I don’t think about her everyday as I have in years past and I’m needing to play old audio to remember her voice. Six years ago today, my oldest daughter, Makenzie — who is now my youngest — was invited into heaven.  “Six years” is a long time as I

How You Talk Affects Everything! – Todd Stocker.com

“WHY DO I FEEL SO NEGATIVE?” [These questions come from readers.  If you have a question, ask it here.] In recent years, parts of the way I talk have bugged me.  Not my public speaking so much, but my everyday conversation.  There are times when I’m mid-sentence and I realize how negative my word choice

Why You Are Unfulfilled – Todd Stocker.com

“WHY DO I FEEL SO UNFULFILLED IN LIFE?” [These questions come from readers.  If you have a question, ask it here.] This week, I was honored to facilitate a leadership retreat for an executives team in Wisconsin.  Huddled in a remote retreat house, the 11 of us discussed topics such as vision casting, defining your

A Perspective On Life’s Storms – Laura Dekker – Todd Stocker.com

I recently watched a documentary called “Maidentrip” in which 14 year-old Laura Dekker spent 18 months sailing around the world.  Here’s the kicker.  She did it alone.   She comes from a family that basically lives on the water so her skills and abilities were heartily grounded.  Yet, to take on a trip like this