Friday, December 27, 2013

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 5th 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)


53 comments:

  1. Oh, Elaine, this is such wonderful news! Thank you for sharing it. Many blessings to you. What a special and exciting time. All best as you continue your spiritual walk with renewed commitment, strength, and purpose.

    As for me, I continue in my unique struggles as a Jesus Way Native American.

    RE: my writing, in a day or so, I will receive the proof for my first non-fiction Native American title, "100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World", and I do hope that the final chapter, most of all, will make the greatest impact in Indian Country.

    I covet your prayers in all the complexities of my journey.

    Peace, Joy and Blessings,

    KB Schaller

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KB, thanks for sharing with me! I'll be contacting you directly as well about your upcoming book. I know you--and know it will be nothing short of awesome, let alone a blessing to Native Americans.

      This is indeed an exciting time for me--a peaceful feeling is surrounding me. Very unusual, but I'm very grateful.

      I will keep you in my prayers.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  2. Congratulations, Elaine! It is indeed something to be proud of and a wonderful way to start the New year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marin. I'm so pleased that you visited this evening. This past year has been a rough one--an understatement for so many people I know. I pray that you may have a blessed New Year.

      Delete
  3. It is a wonderful way to start the new year. Sorry, I won't be able to be there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jean, you know you'll be with me in spirit. That is all that counts.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  4. Lovely to see you feature on "Everyone's Story", Elaine. Good for you for obeying the Lord and I pray your baptism will draw you even closer to Him.

    Thank you for sharing this news and I'll be praying for you as the day approaches.

    Grace and peace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lovely words from a lovely person--you! And thanks for those upcoming prayers. That truly means a lot to me. And wow--that just sunk in, that someone on the other side of the world will be praying for me.

      May His peace be with you and your loved ones though out the New Year.

      Delete
  5. Elaine,

    Oh, how awesome that you're going to be baptized by immersion.If I was there I'd take pictures of you. Thanks for sharing your news. Will others be baptized with you? I remember my own baptism many years ago. My late husband and I were baptized by immersion, together.
    You will be in my prayers on January 5th.
    And, I love your wonderful poem.

    Many sweet blessings,
    Wanda S.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wanda, thanks for visiting--I love when you do. That's something that both you and your husband were baptized together. Powerful. My husband is getting there--I kind of just jumped first but couldn't hold back, really. And thanks for those prayers. I'm glad you liked my poem. I kind of dabble in it, never sure how others will receive it.

      May His peace be with you in 2014.

      Delete
  6. That's beautiful, Elaine! I hope you'll take and post pictures!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Jennifer. I was hoping you'd see my post. Photos, huh? Both you and Wanda are a step ahead of me--I'll have to think about that.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  7. I'm excited for you, Elaine! Such a blessing for you and for the Lord! God has great things in store for you, my friend, and I can't wait to see how He favors you in 2014. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Gwen, can you see me smiling? It's a blessing that you and everyone else are taking a moment to share this news with me. That means so much. I pray that we all remember that He is with us all throughout the New Year, and that it may be a gentle one.

      May His peace be with you.

      Delete
  8. Great news, Elaine! I've learned there is no greater blessing than the ones that follow our obedience to God's leading. I just wrote a blog post earlier today about slowing down, resting in the Lord. It's time for me to deepen my meditation in him. I once heard someone say if you're doubly busy you need to spend double the time with the Lord. It's time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christina, thanks for visiting. I appreciate that. Wise words, my friend. I like that doubly busy--double time with the Lord. This whole decision has come during a chaotic time in my life, and amongst the busiest and craziest time at work (aka the holiday nightmare season for retail workers), yet I have to tell you, now that I've made this decision peace if flooding my heart.

      May His peace be with you this New Year.

      Delete
    2. Wonderful news, Elaine, I'm very happy for you. Hugs.

      Delete
    3. And I'm happy I can share my news with you, Christine. You, as so many others, have been a blessing in my life.

      His peace to you in the New Year.

      Delete
  9. Awesome! Isn't it great when we are obedient that God rewards us with such peace? Will be praying for you as well, and I'm so glad you shared this with your readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, thanks for the encouraging words. Part of me felt really awkward sharing this news because I don't want anyone to misunderstand my reasons for going public about this. IOWs, I don't want to be seen as boasting. Yet. accepting Christ and what He did for me--for all of us--is the most wonderful thing to be proud of and this is what I'm truly proud, thankful, honored, and amazed that He loves us that much to give each one of us the opportunity to accept Him in our hearts.

      Delete
    2. Pat--may you have a blessed New Year.

      Delete
  10. Beautiful post, Elaine. I, too, was baptized as an adult after being sprinkled as an infant. I know God will honor your obedience. God bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carole, thanks for visiting and for sharing this news with me. As a friend recently said to me--I'm sure the angels in heaven smiled when you were baptized as an adult.

      Delete
    2. Carole, may you too have a blessed New Year.

      Delete
  11. Gives me goose bumps! So happy for you! And how very blessed I am that you shared this with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karla, thanks for sharing this time with me. Wow. My news is a blessing to you? Now, that gives me pause and goose bumps. And warms my heart.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  12. Congratulations Elaine!! Definitely news worth sharing. Praying your heart is filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

    Hugs, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, because I've gotten to know you through these past few months and know of your kind heart, I'm thrilled that you shared my news. Thanks for your prayers.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  13. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing your wonderful news.
    My husband and I were also baptized by immersion as adults.
    I know it will be a very special day for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy, I so appreciate your visit. How exciting that your husband and you were both baptized by immersion. I'm sure the memory is a precious one for you.

      May the New Year be filled with His peace for you.

      Delete
  14. Elaine,
    Congratulations, such tremendous news! *Hugs* Thank you for sharing your decision to become baptized. You're an amazing person and a blessing in my life. *Hugs*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana, thanks for your powerful, sweet words. As for amazing people, I admire you! We must meet again so I can hug you in person.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
    2. *Hugs* I look forward to meeting you in the future as well. I know we will. :) Take care, and may your New Year be filled with blessings!

      Delete
  15. Happy for you, Elaine! And not just for the immersion decision but that you've shared it with everyone--your friends. I thank God that he allowed us to become friends and what a blessing you've been in my life. Will be praying God will give you a special touch as you continue to follow his directions for your life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Caroline, you're giving me such a revised perspective of my whole decision and I'm grateful to you. I've known the glory of God ever since I can remember, but daily it's amazing how much more His power and love strengthens and grows and brings special people into my life, like you, and everyone else who has commented.

      May His peace be with you in 2014, and always.

      Delete
  16. There is nothing more special than following Jesus' example of baptism by immersion. Thrilled for you, Elaine and remembering my own immersion in the baptismal waters. Buried with Christ in baptism; raised to walk in newness of life. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ane, I'm smiling big from reading your words. So beautifully said. Thanks for sharing this time with me and for sharing your special time as well.

      May His peace be with you in 2014.

      Delete
  17. Congratulations, Elaine! I, too, was shocked to see Elaine Stock interviewing Elaine Stock this week on the blog. I especially liked how you said a sense of God's presence made you restless for him early in life. I was also baptized a long time after being saved, but since I wasn't part of a church at the time, it was done by a family member in our swimming pool in the backyard. Wonder now if that "counts"...! Best wishes for your walk in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anthony--you had me cracking up just now in laughter. I'm not used to hosting myself on my own blog (well, other than my Thoughts page). When I went to hit Publish I almost felt as if I've done something awfully wrong.

      It seems as if God stirs the Holy Spirit within each of us, but then gives us the freedom to choose what to do with this awareness. I couldn't even guess about your pool baptismal… perhaps you'd like to discuss this with a pastor? It's a very personal decision to make. I will pray that you make the one that is best for you and one that will please God.

      May His peace be with you in the New Year.

      Delete
  18. What a beautiful testimony and thank you for sharing it. At this stage in my life, my calling is to be a Godly Nana and encourage and pray for my grandchildren. Also, God has opened the door for me to be Church Secretary at my church and that gives me such an oppurtunity to serve my church. Praying God's continued blessings on you and your family.

    Ann Ellison
    abilene_nana@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I've said before, Ann, I love when you visit. I think that is one of the most important things for anyone to do--to pray for others, especially family. Your children and grandkids are blessed to have your caring, loving heart. And wonderful news about your position as church secretary.

      Thanks for your sweet words.

      May 2014 be full of His peace for you.

      Delete
  19. Awesome news! May God continue to bless others through you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your visit and strong encouragement, Sharon. That really means a lot to me.

      May His peace be with you throughout the New Year.

      Delete
  20. What exciting news! Better than a book contract, my dear. To want to identify with Christ, to shout to the world you are His--SO special. Hugs to you and thank you for sharing with us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Heather, for the hugs and support. I'm really swept away by the tons of support and friendship expressed here. Yes, in this blog post I tried to express that I'm His, but wanted to also remind everyone else that each one of us are His beloved children.

      May the New Year be gentle and full of His peace for you.

      Delete
  21. Congratulations, Elaine, on your wonderful news! What a beautiful segue in to the adventure of 2014! ~Hugs~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, I am so happy you've visited this evening and am sharing this news with me. You're right--it is a great way to say bye bye to an old, tired year and welcome a new beginning, in more ways than one.

      May His peace be with you in 2014.

      Delete
  22. Elaine:
    Celebrating with you -- and I do hope you post a photo too! and thank you for sharing this -- shouting it from the cyber-rooftops -- so that we can rejoice with you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Beth, I treasure you visit last evening. Thanks for sharing this special time with me. Next Sunday I will certainly remember your--and everyone else's kind, encouraging words.

      May His peace be with you throughout 2014.

      Delete
  23. This is a monumental step in your faith journey. What a perfect time to experience rebirth in the New Year. Hugs, prayers and congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nancy, thanks for your sweet visit. Originally when my pastor mentioned the date I didn't connect it to the New Year, but through you and others I am now... and can't help but wonder about the timing.

      Happy New Year, my lovely friend

      Delete
  24. Elaine, your love for Christ is beautiful, and your words a testament of faith that must be pleasing to Him. Blessings to you in your continuing journey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so happy to see you, Kate, and that you're sharing this time with me. I pray that He is pleased with me, with all of us.

      Happy New Year!

      Delete

Add This