Jean Stockdale...

Front Porch Friends

Wordful Wednesday

On Monday I drove all the way to Braden, Tn., which is only slightly past Somerville, to sit on the front porch and sip tea with 2 precious sisters in the Lord. Fran Thomas,Teresa Cocke and I enjoyed sweet fellowship in the Lord. Teresa lives in a beautiful anti-bellum home that has been in her husband's family since it was built. Isn't it lovely?!?! I love old homes and this one is lovely. It was a treat just to see inside this wonderfully well-loved family home.

Fran (on left) attended the MOMS ministry at Bellevue in 1998 at the invitation of her cousin, Michelle Sumner. (Michelle is now leading MOMS at First Baptist Collierville.) For a timeline reference, Jason was a freshman at Mississippi State and Dawson was a junior at Evangelical Christian School. At the end of the semester Fran and her family moved to Jackson, TN. She connected with me on Facebook and through her blog Blessed by Him.

Teresa and I connected via her blog, A Refreshed Heart, and on Facebook. Teresa is involved in Community Bible Study and this year will be leading it in Somerville at First Baptist. We were have corresponded online we have often commented that one day we just had to make plans to meet for a face-to-face visit. Monday that happened!

Fran met Teresa on her blog and discovered a number of mutual friends in Jackson, which was Teresa's former place of residence. They had connected as a Women's Ministry event in Jackson and have become fast friend. Fran drove over from Jackson and I drove up to Braden to sit on Teresa's porch for tea.

Then we shared a wonderful lunch of her homemade chicken salad and a ice creamy apricot almond thingy for dessert that was just too good to be true. Words flew. Testimonys were exchanged. Tears streamed. About a million words were exchanged. Thank you, sweet friends, for a time of soul-stirring refreshment in the Lord.

What a blessing! I love being a part of the family of God. Salvation places us, not only in the body of Christ, but in the family of God. "Who is My mother and my brothers?" Jesus asked. "Whoever does the will of MY Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." Our covenant relationship with the Lord Jesus changes everything!

For more Wordful Wednesday click here and visit with Angie.

Oh Deer!

Craig and I live on 10 acres in a rural area outside Memphis. We own a family landscape business. Craig grows lots of plants on our property. We regularly have deer that stroll through our property-drinking at our pond and giving our dogs a run for the money. Last night we saw a tiny fawn that appeared to be very new to the world. Oddly the mom was no where in sight and the baby seemed to have a slight limp. This morning, however, Craig walked out on the property and this is what he saw.

There, among the plants, was the tiniest little fawn. Standing on wobbly legs, she seemed totally unconcerned by Craig's presence. The BABY GRANDS were spending the day with us. We scooped up the babies, the camera, and ran out to see the baby deer.

Grayson gets a closer look.

Declan loved him.

We checked on the little one throughout the day and it appeared the mom was nowhere to be found. When Kathryn  (Dawson's wife and an RN) arrived to pick up Grayson, she thought the deer appeared to be weakening. She wondered if there was a vet who might treat the little one. I assumed no one would be willing to treat a baby deer, but Kathryn called our vet. Our vet, Dr. Tim Montague at Eads Animal Clinic, told her that he would be glad to take a look at the baby deer. He had actually rehabbed several orphaned baby deer and released them on a large piece of aceage they owned where the deer and the antelope played. The deer could live out their natural lives in safety and bliss. 

Dawson was able to pick up the docile deer. 

He put the deer in our boxer's dog kennel.

And he and Kathryn took the baby to the vet. The vet said the baby was dehydrated, but he would make every effort to rehab this little orphaned deer and free her on their property. Oh deer! It was altogether quite an extraordinary day!

Thanks to Dr. Tim and his wife Dr. Sandy Montague who own Eads Animal Clinic. This husband and wife team have taken care of our animals since we moved out to Fayette County. The Montagues are members of First Baptist Millington. We share a love for the Lord Jesus as well as a love for animals! Over and over again, they and their staff have tended our critters with great love and affection. Their love for ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL has been abundantly obvious. However, this act of kindness on behalf of this little helpless creature has forever endeared them to the Stockdale family. Thank you so much, Dr. Tim and Sandy, for being the REAL DEAL.

For any one in the Oakland/Hickory Withe area of Fayette County, I would like to personally endorse Eads Animal Clinic located at 3210 Cypress Ridge Drive, Eads, TN 38028. The phone is 901-867-7387. I highly recommend them to all pet owners and animal lovers. And, we are hoping this little girl makes a fast recovery and lives a long and happy life in the great outdoors.

French Cuisine and Other Lovely Things

Craig and I, Roy and Renae Terrell, and Paul and Elesa Redmond have been privileged to be the cook team for Scott Benjamin's SS class for the last 3 marriage retreats. Both our guys and their sweet girls are in this class. God has used Scott and Gerri to develop a passion for the things of the Lord and Craig and I hold the Benjamins in very high regard. When someone teaches your child (children) spiritual truth they become a "forever hero" in your spiritual book. That is who the Benjs are to us. Anyays for 3 years we have acted as their cook time on their marriage retreat. We cook 3 meals a day for about 50 people for 4 days. Scott and Gerri take the group to a retreat center with no tv, cell service, or distractions. He pushes them to spend time with one another, with the group in Bible study, and with the Lord in prayer as a couple. He brings Biblical principles on marriage (a timely message if ever there was), does all sorts of activities so the couples will have time to pray, discuss some of the hard issues of marriage, verbally bless one another, praise Christlike character in each other, kneel at an altar to pray, write out past offenses and burn in the fireplace-praying over a renewed commitment to walk in all GOd's ways (this is some kinda holy moment I gotta tell you), nail offenses and unmet expecations to a cross and pray for a marriage that will stand the test of time and show the mystery of Christ and HIs church, and many other activities designed for the couples to have a fresh encounter with God.

We were able to free them from the responsibility of cooking and cleaning the kitchen. We plan huge meals to bless these young couples and to free them to focus on their marriage and what God has ordained it to be. It was an awesome privilege for us to stand on the sidelines and pray for these couples and cheer them on as they walk together with the Lord.

As a love gift, the Benj class sent the cook team of The Terrells. The Redmonds, and The Stockdales to Dinning with Sir Anthony. Jason and Patti, Scott and Geri, Besti and Jeremy, Eric and Ashley went with us. Sir Anthony is a British chef trained at the French Cordon Bleu school. He has been a chef for RIngo Starr and was under contract with the Bee Gees. He once owned a bakery in Pontatoc Ms. where his wife has family. For 4 years he has been cooking 7 course authentic French cuisine by reservation only in his home for groups of 12 or under. Sadly last night was their last night for a while. He is ready to hang up his apron for a while. Dinner started at 6:00 with the first course-3 meatballs in 3 sauces, then French onion soup (or snails for the more adventurous), then a salad with lettuce, fruit, and grilled shrimp that were not to be believed. Ravioli was the next course or parmesan cheese souffle which is what I opted for. Handmade lemon sorbet was served as a palate cleanser. Hurt me. Hurt me. My meal was a New York strip with fresh lobster tails in cream sauce. He served it with fabulous potatoes made with his homemade butter. Are you kidding me?? It was about 10:00 at this point. We had been up walking around, fellowshipping, and watching this master chef in action-lingering over our food and talking non-stop. Fabulous! Full! And oh so much fun! And then the dessert. Oh my soul-I had homemade bread pudding that was "lay your face in your plate" good. Other choices were chocolate fondue with his homemade marshmallows, sugar free cheese cake, apple crepes, creme brulee, and peppered strawberries. Now that was followed by cappuccino and homemade chocolate chip cookies!! At about 12:30 am we were sipping strong coffee and hugging our cookies to our chest in some sort of homage to the feast. Sir Anthony and his wife Betty are wildly entertaining, excellent hostesses, and his culinary skills are too wonderful to even believe!

I brought most of my meal home. Dawson, since you did not get to go, it all has your name on it. You will be stunned. Come and get it and prepare to be amazed! I may never eat again. Many thanks to the Benjamin SS class for the kind gift and the culinary experience of a lifetime. We giggled, we gorged, We groaned and best of all, we shared about what God is doing in our lives, and we spent 6.5 hours over one of the finest meals I have ever eaten.

I tell you, sweet body of Christ, I believe this was a harbinger of the MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. After the church is raptured out of the world, and the 7-year tribulation is unleashed on the unbelieving world, the bride of Christ will be sequestered with her Heavenly Bridegroom. We will celebrate our betrothal and confess our love to our Bridegroom. We will celebrate our eternal union in glory. God will present the chruch, the bride of Christ without spot or wrinkle. Jesus, who has pai the ultimate dowry to redeem His bride, will seal the marriage vow with these words, "Well done. Welcome Home." The meal we had last night will pale in comparison but the fellowship cannot be much sweeter. I believe GOd is pleased to give us moments like last night, when believers who are sold out to God, are privileged to set together and fellowship over a lovely meal, urging one another to continue to press on in the Lord. Craig and I are more than blessed to be closely associated with so many people who love the Lord Jesus Christ and who are committed to following after Him.

Even so . . . come Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

Finer Things Friday

This is one of the Finer Things that I have recently discovered. Handkerchiefs. I intend to resurrect the long ago abandoned use of handkerchiefs by women. This love affair with these recyclable Kleenex began quite innocently. My dear friend, Rene' Smith, gave me an antique handkerchief to carry at my son's wedding. The personal nature of this lovely gift triggered something in my heart that cannot be quelled. In turn, I gave my daughter-in-law-to-be a antique handkerchief that I had friend hand embroider with her new monogram. She carried it with her bouquet as "something old." And so, a charming tradition was born. 

After the wedding I began to carry a handkerchief. In the beginning it served to be a precious reminder of the marriage between Patti and my son, Jason, that we had just celebrated, but it quickly morphed into something else. Whether it is a nod to the past, a "kinder gentler" generation or embracing the current effort to go green and save a tree, I cannot say. But this much I know. I for one will be carrying a handkerchief and will campaign for other women to join me to bring back this habit of grand women from yesteryear.

I am a Bible teacher and now I regularly take a handkerchief to the platform when I teach. The hot lights, combined with my style of "aerobic teaching", often cause my face to glisten and a handkerchief has proven to be invaluable to blot when I get all lathered up. I recently met with the MOMS Bible study group from First Baptist Colliervielle (Collierville, TN.) who are doing my Bible study on Esther. As a love gift, one of the MOMS had monogrammed 4 crisp white cotton handkerchiefs as a gift from the group. The verse from Esther "For such a time as this" is lovingly stitched on each one. These serve as a reminder of God's purpose and plan for my life. I will use them often and refer to them as one of the Finer Things in my life.

For more Finer Things click here.

Once Upon a Time...

This is what fairy tales are made of . . . a handsome prince of a guy, a gorgeous damsel, and a magical moment. On New Year's Eve, Craig and I were invited to attend a wedding held at the stroke of midnight: How romantic is that?!?! Ben Kelly took Kathryn Spicer to be his beloved wife and sealed it with a kiss at the stroke of midnight. A New Beginning. A New Year. The Bible says, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one. God bless you, Ben and Kathryn, as you begin your new life together. Blessings. 

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!

Order a CD on Dealing with Irregular People

It seems that many of you have toxic relationships in your life. Although you love the Lord, and desire to live for Him, you are forced to deal with an irregular person (some of you have more than one). Irregular people often are family members, so simply avoiding them is not a workable option. What's a girl (or guy) to do?

I have received so much mail and comments about the issue of irregular people that I have decided to make a CD available on the subject. Using the Word of God I share Biblical principles for handling irregular people and difficult relationships.

If you are interested in ordering a CD entitled, "People-How Can I Live With Them?" please follow these simple steps. Email me at [email protected]. Send us your name, address, and a phone number and the number of CDs you are ordering. The cost is $6.00 per CD, which includes shipping and handling. We will mail you the CD and an invoice. Please send a check made out to Jean Stockdale.

For other resources check out our website at www.jeanstockdale.com. Blessings. 

Road Trip

Road Trip! Ray and I are about to embark on one of our mad adventures. On Tuesday we are taking a day trip to lunch with a sweetheart of a friend. Can you guess where we are going?

Carefully consider my clues and respond in the comment section. If you guess correctly, you will get a prize. We live outside Memphis, TN. (for you out of towners) and our trip will take us about 460 miles round trip. Does that help you any? Go ahead. Take a guess. What have you got to lose?

Friends

This week in the Moms Ministry, I taught on the subject of friends. It is one of my very favorite topics. True friendship have their basis in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. John wrote that Christian fellowship "is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (see I John 1:1-3). That is, we have a depth of friendship and fellowship within the body of Christ that is not even available to those outside a personal relation with Jesus. Why? Because our relationships are based upon our commonality of faith in the Lord Jesus.

True friends are a grace gift, part of our birthright, having been placed into the family of God by grace through faith in Jesus. Proverbs 18:24 says, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Jesus is that friend. He has promised to never leave or forsake us. He is the ultimate friend. A true friend in the Lord is His representative to us, His visual aid, His ambassador to reveal the character of Christ to us through forever good and godly friends. We have the privilege of sharing in fellowship that is based upon a common faith in Jesus Christ, a friendship that will last throughout eternity.I encourage you not to ignore this great privilege, but to carefully cultivate godly friends and to invest heavily in them. Friends in the Lord...what a privilege!