1. Click here to go to Muthering Heights. Jessie writes some of the most poignant blog posts of any I have read. She has a nearly lyrical style of writing, but then what do you expect from a blog called "Muthering Heights?" The design of her blog is a lovely glimpse into the days gone by from the romantic Victorian era. You simply must make time to go and visit with this bloggy friend and get to know her through her well-written blog posts.
September 05, 2009
August 29, 2009
Some Site Seeing Saturday
I asked my Facebook friends to send me their addresses of their blogs. I want to do a Roll Call of sorts to showcase what some great Christian woman on doing on the blogosphere. Check them out.
1. My buddy Kristen blogs at The Taylor Dream. Check out her blog about the intersection of her faith and family. She posts pictures of her darling family and writes about her personal journey with the Lord Jesus Christ. Stop by.
2. Shannon's blog is called 5 Petersons. She is married to her high-school sweetheart (just like me and Craig!) and a momma of 3 little ones. She chronicles her lively adventure of mothering on her precious blog. Click over and get some inspiration from Shannon.
3. Michelle is a blogger at Little Corner of the World. She is married with one daughter and one son. She is a busy lady building her household of faith. She is an avid readers and posts reviews of what she is reading. Stop by and visit with her when you get a moment.
4. My buddy, Amy, blog at Wonderfully Made. She weaves her journey with the Lord and her devotional life in her poignant blogs. For more about her family life you can click here and see her second blog called This Abundant Life. She writes 2 blogs! I am quite envious of her discipline. I do good to keep one up-to-date. When Amy and her family lived in Memphis she served in leadership in the MOMS Bible study that I teach. We stay connected through FaceBook and the blogs.
4. Becky is a wife and mom to 2 little dolls, Ally and Claire. Her blog is Lollar's Little Ladybugs. I met Becky through Bible study. Becky attends the MOMS Bible study I teach and has a great for the things of the Lord. She writes about her walk with the Lord, her family, and her faith. Make a point to stop by and visit with her. You won't be sorry! She has a cottage industry making hair bows. Click here for her "bowtique" website.
5. My sweet friend Wendy blogs at Mommy Times Four. Wendy is one of the small group leaders for my MOMS Bible study. She loves the Lord and is passionate about her faith and family. She and hubby, Matt, have 4 babies under the age of 5! So you know she has some tales to tell. Wendy blogs with great candor about the ups and downs of motherhood balanced with her desire to be a godly wife and mom. Wendy also designs and sells her own stationary (and more)in her cottage industry, Duck Duck Goose. Check out her online store here and her Etsy store here to see her darling creations. I have one of Wendy's designs and she is awesome.
6. My sweet little Sugar and Spice Mommy is named Ashley. Ashley blogs about her darling family and her dynamic faith. This young mom also attends my MOMS Bible study and has a heart that is totally committed to Jesus Christ. She loves her little kiddos and is building a household of faith with her sweet husband. Ashley also has a cottage industry making gorgeous stationary and stickers. Check out her online store by clicking here. I have purchased stationary and stickers from her and love them. One sticker says, "This book belongs to Jean Stockdale" and one is a gift tag that says "This gift is from Jean Stockdale." Love it!
August 27, 2009
Okay. I Get It!
Okay. I get it. I know it. My banner does not fit my blog. I am trying to resize it. Trying and trying.
But I declare, my friend Typepad and I are having some issues. Now I know I have not done everything right in this relationship. I know I have been distant at times. I have given you the silent treatment . . . the cold shoulder. You have bristled at my disinterest. Let's be honest. You are at least partly to blame. You have not always responded well. And you have done some mean things. You have acted out. You have made posts disappear. Paragraph have been compressed . Run-on sentences, which are my signature , have received your disdain. So I get it. You are mad at me. You don't like the ways I do things. But cut me some slack! I am a writer, not a techie. I got plenty of words. And I share them with you regularly. Couldn't you at least do you part? Make my blog look right, for heaven's sake. Is it so hard? Is it too much to ask of you? I think not!
So please. Pretty please. Fix my banner. Make it fit the blog. Configure the stinking pixels. Conform the stupid heading. Calculate the whatever-you-call-them and get this right. Work with me. Please. You are making me look bad in the blogosphere. What's ya say? Can we make-up and be friends again?
To all my sweet bloggy friends, I am trying to get my blog right. I am working to get my banner resized and my blog to look right. If anyone out there uses Typepad and would like to give me any advice on using it, I would be thrilled to hear what you have to say. I am sure the problem is operator issues. I get it. But if anyone has a source of info to make Typepad a bit more user friendly for non-techie writers, well I could use the help. Blessings, my bloggy friends. Have a glorious day out there in the blogosphere.
August 09, 2009
July 27, 2009
Calling All Prayer Warriors
Please join me in prayer for this little guy, Stellan. His mom is a favorite blogger of mine at My Charming Kids. She and her husband, a.k.a. Prince Charming,love the Lord Jesus Christ. They have 4 little ones and Stellan is the youngest. If you will click on her title you can read his whole story. He was born with a heart defect and he is once again in ICU and is a very sick little boy. Thank you.
March 21, 2009
Saturday Site Seeing
As I walk through the blogosphere I continue to be stunned at the wonderful posts that I encounter. Everyday I am exposed to godly women (and a few men) who are out there gettin' it done for the kingdom of God! Because being a part of the body of Christ also puts us into the family of God, I am delighted to connect with sisters (and brothers) in Christ.
Each Saturday I try to connect you lovely readers with some of the precious folks I have encountered in my bloggy pilgrim's journey, picking my way through the minefield that is this world in which we live! While we live in this world, we are not of this world. However, we are continually assaulted by the lust of the flesh, the lies of the enemy and the lure of the world. What a blessing that we can daily connect with sisters (and brothers) who lift our earthbound eyes to the heavenlies.
Melanie over at Mel's World write an extraordinary blog about faith and family. I especially love this post about training up her children in the way they should go by taming the TV monster. Take time to read this post and then read over her blog. I promise you will be blessed by the life this sister is leading and the impact she is having for the Lord.
You simply must read both parts of Shannon's two-part post on jury duty at Rocks In My Dryer. It is poignant and personal. Go here for the first part. Then click here to read the second installment. Shannon has the ability to draw you and dramatically stir your emotions. Don't miss this one.
March 13, 2009
Aloha Friday
I am known to get hung on a word or phrase and use it repeatedly. Currently my word is, "Seriously." It is a great word. It can work as a question, a declaration, or an appropriate comment when you do not know what else to say. If I were to design a tee shirt to show my current favorite word or phrase, it would say, "Seriously? Seriously!"
Here is my question. If you were to design a tee shirt to wear that told something about you, what would it say?
By the way, my giveaway for Spring Fling is still going on until Saturday at 2am. Click here and register to win my Bible Study on the Book of James and the accompanying 10-set CDs.
I Am Accepted in the Beloved
I recently met Kristen through her blog La Dolce Vita. Kristen, a wife and a mom, is also a jewelry designer. I was immediate taken with her unique jewelry designs which are available on Etsy at Kristen's Custom Designs. She has a large selection of designs and also does custom work. I ordered this custom made necklace from her and wanted to share how much I love it!
I chose this based on the truth in Ephesians 1:6. Ephesians 1:3-14 is my favorite passage in the Bible. Paul teaches the ABC's of our conversion. In Christ we are: Adopted. Accepted. Blessed. Chosen. Oh, how I love Jesus! And I love wearing this truth around my neck. The Jews took bits of Scripture and wore them on their foreheads and arms to remind them to think God's thoughts and obey God's commands (See Deut. 6:8-9). In the same fashion, I wear this truth to remind me of my position in Jesus Christ. I am Accepted in the Beloved.
I asked Kristen to share a bit about her story so that we might know more about her and her blog. Here is my interview with her.
Name: Kristen Andrews of La Dolce Vita
Your Family:
I have been married to my husband for 11 years, we have a 3 year old son named Will and a 9 year old rescued Greyhound named Kane.
How did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a way to connect with family and friends and also started blogging about my business and it turned into something that I really enjoy, much like a on-line journal.
You will never find me without...... My cell phone and Will we do everything together! Also hand sanitizer, sad but true.
How did you get into making jewelry?
I am now a WAHM. I own and operate Kristen’s Custom Creations at www.klacustomcreations.etsy.com I create hand-stamped keepsake jewelry that conveys a message. My hobby of jewelry making became a business after I decided to take a break from corporate America to spend some time with Will. I feel truly blessed to have a creative outlet and to be able to be home with Will.
If you had to wear a T-shirt with your favorite saying on it, what would it be?
Live the life you love, Love the life you live!
One of the things I love about the blogosphere is the fascinating people God has crossed my path with. Kristen fits nicely into that group! Stop by Kristen's blog and leave her a note. Tell her Jean says, "Hey."
March 10, 2009
A Glorious Giveaway
Heaven Help Us! We're MOMS!
The sweet friends from the SITS blog are hosting a carnival of giveaways for Spring Fling. This is my contribution.
Are you frustrated, aggravated, irritated, agitated, and just plain twitterpated? Congratulations! You're a MOM. Now what?
For the last 20 years God has given me a passion to write Bible studies and teach MOMS with the Word of God and encourage MOMS with the Spirit of God. My accompanying 10-set of CDs will give you insight from God's Word. Laced with sanctified humor, practical applications, and personal illustrations from raising 2 sons and releasing them into the world to build their own households of faith, I will help you navigate the mine field of mothering through the study of the Book of James, "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall."
God's Word is the foundation for all we should do as a woman, a wife, and a MOM. However, most MOMS stumble at the point of taking profound truths and making the practical for daily living. Join me for an in-depth look into the Word of God for precepts and principles for parenting toddlers to teens. No matter where you are in the process, newborn, school-age, teens, or releasing adult children, you will benefit from this study. We're MOMS! Heaven Help Us.
So could you use some help with the awesome task of mothering? Here is how you enter to win a 200 page workbook-style interactive Bible study on James "Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall" and an accompanying 10-CD set. Value-$75.00
1. Leave me a comment with you email address included-1 entry
2. Grab my button-2 entries
3. Fave me on Technorati-3 entries
4. Follow me on Twitter-4 additional entries
Please begin by leaving a comment. Leave separate comments for each additional entry. Enter as many time as you like. Contest ends at 2 a.m. (Central) on SATURDAY, March 14th. PLEASE NOTICE THE DATE FOR DEADLINE HAD BEEN EXTENDED. The winner will be announced on this blog and notified via email by March 17th and mailing address will be confirmed at that time. Sorry, this giveaway is limited to USA residents only. Any questions, email me at [email protected].
For more great giveaways click here to go to SITS. Thanks for stopping by. Blessings.
March 07, 2009
A Blessing From My Blogroll
1. Name: Patricia Ann Hunter at Pollywog Creek
2. Your family: My most handsome husband Louis and I have been married for 32 years. We have been privileged to raise 3 wonderful boys and a beautiful daughter. Michael is a nephew who came to live with us when he was 8. He is now 39 and married to Lizbeth. They have 2 lovely teenage daughters. Nick is 28, married to Kristin, and they have a 2 year old son. Casey is 24, married to Jessi, and they also have a 2 year old son. Emily is one month shy of her 18th birthday. She will be completing her high school studies at home this summer, and is considering attending Belmont in Nashville.
3. How did you start blogging? How often do you post? Quite by accident. In the summer of 2005, I read about blogging in an on-line newsletter for writers and it sounded like a great idea. However, I apparently didn't read the article as well as I should have. I had no clue that people "out there" could actually read what I wrote in what I thought was a private on-line journal. You can imagine my shock when I got my first comment. Needless to say, my blogging content has changed dramatically from those initial naive efforts which were long ago deleted. Though I have attempted to schedule posts throughout the week in the past, I now just post when I am inspired to do so.
4. What inspires your posts?
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, I think: a photograph, a beautiful day, sunlight, friends, family, a remembrance, books, the Holy Spirit, a divine encounter. An event that triggers my "passion points", such as the sanctity of human life, can also inspire me to write a post. I rarely write about my work in progress - a focus on elderly family care-giving - but that could change. Most of my posts just happen. As I walk around Pollywog Creek with my camera, I'm always talking to God - asking Him to show me glimpses of His glory that I might photograph them for others to see, as well.
5. You will never find me without......
Writing paper, pens, my camera, my cell phone (though I rarely use it).....and quite possibly a cup of coffee.
6. When you have free time, what do you do?
Read, enjoy a cup of tea and sweet conversation with my friend Joyce on her back porch, take leisurely walks with a camera, sit quietly on my backyard swing, listen to music, take a nap. Except for a few sports events, I rarely watch television.
7. What are you reading right now?
I am one of those people who has several books going at once. I keep a basket stocked with books that I am reading daily, along with books that I read here and there. The books that are in that basket today (it is ever changing) along with my ESV Study Bible include: Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Unpacking Forgiveness - biblical answers for complex questions and deep wounds by Chris Brauns, Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp, The Cross of Christ by John Stott, A Blossom in the Desert: Reflections of Faith in the Art and Writings of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness, Godward Life by John Piper, PURE - A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Rebecca St. James, Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, The Tapestry by Edith Schaeffer, Extreme Grandparenting by Dr. Tim and Darcy Kimmel, The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer, and My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers.
8. What else would you like us in the blogosphere to know about you?
It is only the grace and mercy and kindness and goodness of God that I am alive and who I am today. Seriously. As Nicole C. Mullin so powerfully sings, I know that my Redeemer lives. His name is Jesus. I pray that He is the one to who every good word I write and every lovely photo I post points. If not, then it's empty fluff and I need to be doing something else.
I came across Pollywog Creek through Patsy Clairmont's blog. She is an amateur photographer that takes some of the most gorgeous pictures I have ever seen. I was immediately struck by her ability to capture images with her camera and then relate spiritual truth to them in her posts. Let me encourage you to click here to go over to Pollywog Creek and enjoy her insightful weblogs and her gorgeous pictures. Be sure to leave a comment and tell her Jean sent you! You will want to add Patricia to your blogroll.
March 02, 2009
The Difference Between Childishness and Disobedience
As you parent your multiples (or singles!) learn to tell the difference between childishness and disobedience. Children do childish things. It is born out of immaturity, not defiance. It includes spilling things, breaking things, losing things, etc. Childishness does not deserve discipline. It must be trained and taught into maturity, but it is not the same as defiantly refusing to obey, which is disobedience.
Moms, "be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20). Moms, as you attempt to judge your child's behavior, be slow to discern if it is childishness or disobedience. Be slow to react or respond. And if it is disobedience, and requires a measure of discipline - be very sure you do allow your frustration and aggravation to push you to punish in anger.
There is a difference between childishness and disobedience. Learn to discern! For more tips on mothering with multiple kiddos, click here and go to Wendy's site at Mommy Of Four. Blessings.
March 01, 2009
Multiple Kid Mondays
My sweet friend, Wendy, over at Mommy Times Four is starting a new carnival feature every Monday called Multiple Kid Mondays. She is looking for moms (not necessarily moms of multiples as in twins, triplets, etc.-although they are certainly invited to share) who have several children to share practical tips for families with more than one child. Wendy and her husband have 4 little ones under the age of 5. She can certainly give lots of practical advice! For instance, how does mom manage with lots of little ones under foot? How do you organize multiple diaper bags? How do you get lunch made? How do you get everyone to bed at night? So if you are a MOM, you will want to bookmark her site and check in regularly, but especially on Mondays to participate in the fun.
February 27, 2009
Aloha Friday
Over at Kilani's blog she started the Aloha Friday, in honor of in Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So she thought that on Fridays she would take it easy on posting, too. I thought this is a great idea so therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
Today is a dreary and rainy day in Memphis. It is the kind of day that makes me want to curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee, an afghan and a cat and spent the day on the couch. How do you like to spend a rainy day?
Post your comment and then click over to Kilani's blog and read other great posts.
February 22, 2009
Google Reader
I just hate it, but Google and I are having an argument. I did not even know she was offended with me! So imagine my surprise to find out that she had broken off our friendship and not even told me. I noticed she was acting funny . . . all moody and such. But when I said, "What's the matter?" she responded rather curtly, "Nothing. There's nothing wrong." So I assumed everything was fine.
Little did I know that Google was withdrawing her affection and friendship. All the while saying nothing was wrong, but secretly making plans on leaving me. I would still be in the dark about my offense had it not been for my sweet boggy friends, Elaine at Peace in the Journey and Patricia of Pollywog Creek fame. These dear friends advised me that something serious was brewing between me and our mutual friend, Gopgle Reader. At first I thought they were overreacting, but then another friend, Jessica at Itty Bitty Bits of Me, let me know an offense had, in fact, taken place.
Like all relationships, we hit a rough patch but I believe we are going to be able to work through our issues and patch things up. It seems like a shame to me to discard a relationship that I am so heavily invested in. However, this is bigger than the both of us, so it appears we are going to have to call in outside counsel. It will probably take a few days to work through the hurt on both sides, but we are hoping that in a few days we will return to our former happy and mutually satisfying relationship. I am absolutely confident you will be able to read about it in your Google Reader very shortly.
Many thanks to Jessica, Patricia, and Elaine, who were willing to do the hard thing and confront me with my relational failures. They helped me to recognize the rift in my relationship with Google Reader. Good friends like that are hard to find. It is such a blessing to know that even in the blogosphere, my sweet friends have got my back! Without their kind and gentle intervention, there would still be an unrecognized problem between me and my longtime friend, Google Reader. Frankly,I was clueless. I did not even know there WAS a problem! I am not always as sensitive as I should be, but this relationship is worth fighting for. I commit to you, dear reader, to do the hard work and restore the relationship.
Please bear with us as we try to work through our issues. I am taking the necessary steps to restore my previously good relationship with Google Reader. I have apologized and begged forgiveness for my part in this Internet debacle. I fully believe in a couple of days the relationship will be repaired, the offense will be forgotten, and we will return to our former bliss. Thanks for your patience and support during this difficult time. Blessings.
February 17, 2009
January 30, 2009
Some Site-Seeing
Here are some site-seeing that I think you will enjoy.These are some great posts I ran across this week, and thought you would enjoy clicking over to and sharing some blooggy wonderfulness.
1. Click here for a good giggle if you love dogs, especially boxers
2.Shannon showed off a darling Valentine centerpiece she had made with just a little of this and little of that.
3.DeeDee at Fiddledede lost power and discovered that is not an easy way to live. Read about her experience trying to be Little House on the Praire.
4. Our friend, Patsy Clarimont, wrote abut a shampoo that we must all buy just for the yumminess of the fragrnce.
5.One of my favorite blogs is Antique Momma. Click over here and share her joy.
6. One of the most poignant blogs is found at Turquoise Doors. Don't miss this story of unwavering faith.
I love reading others blogs. Such great writing is out there. Stores are being shared. Life is beingdocumented. And the blogsphere is making the world just a little bet smaller. Enjoy.
Stop by friends and leave them a comment. Who doesn't like some comment love?
I love reading others blogs. Such great writing is out there. Stores are being shared. Life is beingdocumented. And the blogsphere is making the world just a little bet smaller. Enjoy.
How Fun is This?!?!?
I was interviewed on 5 Minutes for Moms, which is a great blogroll to connect momma bloggers. Click here to read my interview and while you are at it, you might want to join us there.
And thanks to Janice and Susan, the gals at 5 Minutes for Moms for the shout-out. You girls do a great job connecting moms in the blogosphere. Blessings.
January 27, 2009
Showing Some Love!
Annette Piper @ http://annettepiperjewellery.blogspot.com gave me this award. Annette is a gemmologist from New South Wales, Australia. Do visit her blog and admire her beautiful creations.
The rules are:
1. Put the award up on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Add links to these blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog
The following are blogs that I like and I've selected them to receive this award:
Mel @ http://melissamashburn.blogspot.com/Stephanie @ http://myloves-forever.blogspot.com/Momstart @ http://www.momstart.com/Congratulations to the moms who are sharing their life story on these sites. Check them out.
January 22, 2009
Boo!
For many, January 20th with be remembered forever as the historical day our first Afro-American President was inaugurated. President-elect Barak Obama was swore in as our 44th president. However, for me, this day will be remembered as the day I met Boo Mama face-to-face!
I first began reading Boo Mama in 2006 at the suggestion of Angie Roberts in Jackson, TN. Angie was leading a MOMS group using my Bible study on Proverbs. She invited me to come to Jackson to speak to her group of MOMS. During the time of fellowship, Angie asked me if I read Boo Mama. I replied, "I have never even heard of that. What is it?" And that, bloggy friends, was my first introduction to Miss Boo. In fact, it was the first I had heard of blogs. It seems I came late to this party.
I began leaving comment on Boo's blog and thanking her for sharing her great stories about her family with the rest of us. We began to exchange emails. I was invited to speak at a church in her vicinity and we made plans to meet. Unfortunately, the church has to cancel the event and sadly, my face-to-face with Boo was waylaid as well.
On Tuesday, Renae and I had a chance for a real live visit with Boo, a.k.a. Sophie, in Birmingham. Ray and I headed out at 6:30 in the morning in order to make our scheduled appointed time of 11:30. We left in plenty of time because we did not want to miss a moment of our time with Sophie. And ladies, she did not disappoint! Sophie is as gracious in person as I had imagined, with a tender heart towards the Lord, self-effacing humor and a quick wit. Renae and I relished our brief time with her over salsa and chips and chicken fajitas. Lunch at Superior Grill was delicious, but paled in comparison to meeting one of my heroes in the blogosphere!
For all the comic relief you provide, for the heart of Compassion you possess,for the sisterhood in Christ we share, sweet Boo Mama-we salute you. Bless your sweet little heart!
To Download Jean's Bible Study Podcasts Click Here
Resources For Sale
"Joy in the Journey" by Jean Stockdale
"Live Like a Queen-Esther" by Jean Stockdale
"Secret Source of Strength" by Jean Stockdale
"Mirror, Mirror-James" by Jean Stockdale
"Run Well, Finish Strong" by Jean Stockdale
"Proverbs and Principles" by Jean Stockdale
Newspaper Article-12/14/08
"Open Letter to Michelle Obama"-Commercial Appeal
Click Here for Jean's Website
- Comments Love
Declan 2009
Grayson-Jan. 2009
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