Elaine Stock: Shouting News From The Rooftops of Cyber Space

Whoa. Is this me on my own blog? What a novel concept. Unexpected trouble tripped my slated guest for this week, so I decided to take advantage and share some exciting news. Well, at least for myself. While it's not the amazing news of a book contract--yet--my heart is telling me that it's actually better. I'm basically a quiet person, living a very humble lifestyle, and tend to keep news hushed. A while back I'd made an important decision in my life, but it wasn't until talking with my pastor did I ever think that I should be sharing this news with anyone. Obviously, I've reconsidered and taking advantage of my own social media venue of blogging, have decided to shout the news from my virtual rooftop. I hope for anyone taking the time to read this that you may help me celebrate my upcoming rejoicing by sharing your joys in a comment. I'd really like to hear from you and your good news!

Why I Count, After All, And You Do Too by Elaine Stock

Like any other child without the knowledge of details, I too had whacky and grandiose ideas of what I wanted to become in life. For instance, at the age of 6 I thought it would be neat (we didn’t use the word “cool” back when I was a kid!) to be a trash collector and ride around on a big truck ridding New York City of its garbage. Fortunately, that dream faded. In late childhood I wanted to become a brain surgeon . . . until high school biology labs taught me that I couldn’t handle dissection very well, despite loving the topic of how bodies function.

In my junior high school years I wanted to become the next Neil Simon. Lack of encouragement dribbled in and my desire oozed out. In college I wanted to become a family therapist/marriage counselor, but was questioned by others that if my own family was falling apart, let alone I’d never dated, what could I possibly contribute to others?

Courtesy Google Images

Okay. Believe it or not, this is not a post on regrets in life or a slam against others who may have ebbed and flowed in and out of my life through the years. I haven't surrendered my dream of writing, but the desire to become a playwright has morphed into becoming an author of novels. What I do want to share is that on January 5^th I will be baptized by immersion. I thought this Christmas season would be a wonderful time to announce this.

Is this my first baptismal? No. Growing up in a household without Christ I felt stilted and empty-hearted and didn’t quite understand why. As a young adult and a newly married wife to a Christian man I was baptized by sprinkling into the Christian faith. Allow me to backtrack a sec. One of my earliest memories is sensing a presence of God. I believe He led me to make the next step of my faith proclamation in my young 20s. Ah. I believed I’d done the “right” thing and could finally settle down for a happily ever after. Am I hearing you snicker? That’s okay. I understand. Life isn’t that proverbial bowl of cherries. It wasn’t meant to be.

So, I’m a Christian. Why this whole immersion thingy? And why in this stage of my life? Because, I fully believe this is where, once again, Christ has led me.

Courtesy Google Images

Baptismal by immersion isn’t a guarantee that I will be “saved.” Nor is it the ultimate earthly ritual that cleanses me of my sins. Christ’s blood was shed on the Cross for these reasons. What it is then is my decision to immerse, submerse, and emerge. To die, be buried, and to be resurrected. This is my hope. My belief. It is my own, unique, decision. I make no judgment of others. I want to stand before God one day and have Him say that He is indeed proud of me, His daughter.

And God loves each and every one of us. And that is why you count too.

Where is God leading you next on your faith journey? I’d love if you’d share.

You haven't forgotten me, God

The child whose first memory

Was of my daddy leaving for the day, that was hard

But You, My Father, were there for me.

I didn't know you by name

Yet, sensed You were always by my side

Others discouraged, hurt, played a game

While you encouraged, loved, never opting to hide.

In my youthful rebellious years

When I dared to wonder and roam

You continued to smile and wipe away my fears

Guiding me to my one and only home.

No earthly luxuries spoil me

Daily I'm learning that what must be

Is your love for imperfect me is your decree

And I give my heart to thee.

Elaine Stock 12/25/13

My own Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Wanting to share great news by hearing from you with your own joys. (Tweet This)

Elaine Stock on Everyone’s Story. Say what?! (Tweet This)