Christian Women Today is hosting a chat room discussion on adoption tonight @ 9 p.m. EST. CWTis a division of Campus Crusade for Christ Canada. I have had the great pleasure to work with these dedicated ladies over the past decade and can assure you of their dynamic and effective Christ-centered ministry to women. Tonight I will be the guest moderator in their chat room. These Internet chat rooms are incredible places where women can log on, maintain anonymity and seek answers to questions they may be anxious to ask in regular situations. Tonight we will be discussing adoption specifically, but they have a series of ongoing topics they discuss. Be sure to tag their site so you can visit for future chats.
If you are able to join us tonight click this link to get to the chat room. Then create a user name for yourself (i.e. sunshine, bubbles, etc.) To keep it simple I will be "Julie S." for tonight. You do not need a password. Once you type in your user name you immediately gain access to the room. There will be a host (cwt) and co-host moderating the evening. Stop by to see the session in action and how the Body of Christ reaches out in love to those seeking answers, understanding and healing.
Have a great day. Hope to see you tonight!
His,
Julie Stobbe
Monday, May 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Marvelous Mud
Our family moved last week. Moves are stressful. Tensions are palpable and emotions are at all-time highs. Combine the move with our elementary aged kids starting in a new school within the last six weeks of the year and we have a recipe for stress struessel.
Day 2 at the new school we had a downpour that left many parts of Houston flooded. Our backyard was one of them. By the time we got home from class the kids were highly strung and in need of some plain ol' fun. They went out on the back deck and eyed a pig's paradise of mud with intense desire then turned on cue and asked if they could play in it. Without a moment's hesitation I heard myself say, "Sure!"
What possessed me to say yes? Maybe it was the overwhelming sense of decompressing I personally needed to escape from unpacking the mountains of cardboard boxes. Maybe it was sensing my kids needed to do something outrageously fun. I don't know, but after telling them to put on their grubbies and mud shoes they went full out. In short order they were painted from head to toe having the time of their lives. Have you ever played "patty cake" with mud? Makes for very realistic pies... Squeals of delight rang out as I sat on the back porch sipping ice water at a safe sanitized distance.
Now, let me be clear. This happened while my husband was at work. He needs to know nothing of the sloppy experience. By the time he arrived home all evidence of the escapade was carefully taken care of. Kids were sparkling clean and my daughter reminded me mud is a natural moisturizer. Whoa was their skin supple! And for those of you who might be wondering just how much mud was on their clothes... Let's just say my washer earned an Olympic Gold last night!
While tucking Connor into bed he told me how much he appreciated being able to play in the mud. Then after a long silence I thought he might be asleep, so I slipped off the bed and headed to the door when I heard, "Mom, playing in the mud today was really living. Thanks again for saying 'yes'." I stood in his doorway thinking how often life gives us opportunities to really live but how frequently we choose to pass them by because of the risk of getting dirty or a situation becoming too messy.
Is there something you have wanted to do that might be a bit messy or out of the ordinary? Why not roll up your sleeves and dive into whatever it is with great gusto? Why not really live while you have the chance?
In the famous words of NIKE: Just Do It!
Julie
Day 2 at the new school we had a downpour that left many parts of Houston flooded. Our backyard was one of them. By the time we got home from class the kids were highly strung and in need of some plain ol' fun. They went out on the back deck and eyed a pig's paradise of mud with intense desire then turned on cue and asked if they could play in it. Without a moment's hesitation I heard myself say, "Sure!"
What possessed me to say yes? Maybe it was the overwhelming sense of decompressing I personally needed to escape from unpacking the mountains of cardboard boxes. Maybe it was sensing my kids needed to do something outrageously fun. I don't know, but after telling them to put on their grubbies and mud shoes they went full out. In short order they were painted from head to toe having the time of their lives. Have you ever played "patty cake" with mud? Makes for very realistic pies... Squeals of delight rang out as I sat on the back porch sipping ice water at a safe sanitized distance.
Now, let me be clear. This happened while my husband was at work. He needs to know nothing of the sloppy experience. By the time he arrived home all evidence of the escapade was carefully taken care of. Kids were sparkling clean and my daughter reminded me mud is a natural moisturizer. Whoa was their skin supple! And for those of you who might be wondering just how much mud was on their clothes... Let's just say my washer earned an Olympic Gold last night!
While tucking Connor into bed he told me how much he appreciated being able to play in the mud. Then after a long silence I thought he might be asleep, so I slipped off the bed and headed to the door when I heard, "Mom, playing in the mud today was really living. Thanks again for saying 'yes'." I stood in his doorway thinking how often life gives us opportunities to really live but how frequently we choose to pass them by because of the risk of getting dirty or a situation becoming too messy.
Is there something you have wanted to do that might be a bit messy or out of the ordinary? Why not roll up your sleeves and dive into whatever it is with great gusto? Why not really live while you have the chance?
In the famous words of NIKE: Just Do It!
Julie
Friday, April 10, 2009
Behold the Savior of Mankind
On this Good Friday may we reflect on its full meaning and give thanks for the immeasureable love that prompted this unequaled sacrifice. The thorns, the nails, the spear, the blood, the shame, the sin, the tears, the sorrow, the pain, the forgiveness, the love...oh the LOVE!
Blessing to you and yours,
Julie
Behold the Savior of Mankind
Behold the Savior of mankind
nailed to the shameful tree;
how vast the love that him inclined
to bleed and die for thee!
Hark how he gorans! while nature shakes,
and earth's strong pillars bend!
The temple's veil in sunder breaks,
the solid marbles rend.
"Tis done! the precious ransom's paid!
"Receive my soul!" he cries;
see where he bows his sacred head!
He bows his head and dies!
But soon he'll break death's envious chain
and in full glory shine.
O Lamb of God, was ever pain,
was ever love like thine?
Written by Samuel Wesley (1662-1735) father to John Wesley
Blessing to you and yours,
Julie
Behold the Savior of Mankind
Behold the Savior of mankind
nailed to the shameful tree;
how vast the love that him inclined
to bleed and die for thee!
Hark how he gorans! while nature shakes,
and earth's strong pillars bend!
The temple's veil in sunder breaks,
the solid marbles rend.
"Tis done! the precious ransom's paid!
"Receive my soul!" he cries;
see where he bows his sacred head!
He bows his head and dies!
But soon he'll break death's envious chain
and in full glory shine.
O Lamb of God, was ever pain,
was ever love like thine?
Written by Samuel Wesley (1662-1735) father to John Wesley
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Ultimate April Fool
Let the record show it is 9 a.m. on the morning in question. School began one hour ago.
Today began like any other day. I felt my way through the darkness of her room, sat upon her bed and rubbed her back as I gently cooed my good morning. When sufficiently awake I ventured, “It snowed last night.” Rubbing sleep from her eyes she sat up with tremendous excitement and gasped, “REALLY? Then we must have no school!” She giggled then the hammer fell. “April Fool!” I whispered feeling somewhat guilty to be dashing her hopes.
“MOM!” Though it was pitch black I am certain I saw her eyes roll.
Repeat with child #2.
On with the morning preparing breakfast, packing lunches, zipping backpacks, you know the school day drill. I looked up at the clock realizing my daughter had not made it to breakfast yet. With time quickly evaporating I barked an order for her to report promptly. She called back in a cheery voice, “Coming!”
Sipping my steamy cup of coffee and adjusting my glasses I had no idea what lay in store. She snuck up behind me and in her sing-song voice said, “Morning Mamma!” She wrapped her arms about my waist and gave the biggest hug. My heart warmed. Then I turned around. Big mistake.
Were those truly her sparkling blue eyes peering from amidst purple dots? She was covered in them. Let’s be clear: my daughter is thorough. When she takes on a project she does so wholeheartedly. Eyelids, ears, lips, down her neck, palms of her hands; any exposed skin was sufficiently covered with spots. My heart gave quite a start and then the peals of “April Fool!” rang out. My son laughed and pointed at me as they high-fived each other. They got me good. We had a great laugh remembering the preschool years when both kids pulled this same prank as a duo explaining they had the chicken pox. Washable markers are fabulous inventions…. Nothing a little soap and water can’t tackle, right?
Happily eating our breakfast I decided it was time to remove the spots. Katherine confirmed that indeed she had used a washable marker. Great – no sweat. However, as I began scrubbing her cheeks the spots were rather stubborn. Not wanting to rub her raw I paused and inquired, “When did you draw these?” “Oh, last night! And you didn’t even know!” Yeah, but what she didn’t know was the longer she allowed that washable marker to sit on her porcelain skin the more opportunity said skin had to absorb the color and lock in it in.
They were not coming off. We tried 2 soaps, creams, anything we could think of and only the smallest amount was coming off. Can I really send her to school like this? I thought. My inner conversation immediately switched into the justified Well, THIS-will-teach-her-a-lesson-she’ll-never-forget mom voice. Stay calm my mind screamed at me. Stay calm!!
By this point I am bracing for the worst. I am now visualizing answering the telephone as the Principal describes for me in disturbing detail how Katherine has punched out a little’s boy’s front teeth because he made some remark about her new look.
Back to the hear and now... Kate disappears to the bathroom to try new tactics and exact a bit more elbow grease. Meanwhile I have to keep Connor from coming unglued with satisfying belly laughter. He thinks this is just hilarious. To his credit he quickly collected himself. Growing up my mother always used to say I could slay anyone with my looks. My eyes must have been in top form this morning.
A few minutes later Katherine emerged from the bathroom with most of it diminished significantly. However, there were still tell-tale signs of something that had gone terribly wrong. Worried that this could launch her into an epic emotional spin I silently prayed, God, please …. She looked at Connor and me and stated matter-of-factly, “I’m not going to let a few spots get me down. If someone asks me what my spots are for I’ll simply tell them I was involved in a messy art project.”
I want to be just like her when I grow up. Hang on a second, I hear the phone ringing. Do you suppose it is the Principal???
Today began like any other day. I felt my way through the darkness of her room, sat upon her bed and rubbed her back as I gently cooed my good morning. When sufficiently awake I ventured, “It snowed last night.” Rubbing sleep from her eyes she sat up with tremendous excitement and gasped, “REALLY? Then we must have no school!” She giggled then the hammer fell. “April Fool!” I whispered feeling somewhat guilty to be dashing her hopes.
“MOM!” Though it was pitch black I am certain I saw her eyes roll.
Repeat with child #2.
On with the morning preparing breakfast, packing lunches, zipping backpacks, you know the school day drill. I looked up at the clock realizing my daughter had not made it to breakfast yet. With time quickly evaporating I barked an order for her to report promptly. She called back in a cheery voice, “Coming!”
Sipping my steamy cup of coffee and adjusting my glasses I had no idea what lay in store. She snuck up behind me and in her sing-song voice said, “Morning Mamma!” She wrapped her arms about my waist and gave the biggest hug. My heart warmed. Then I turned around. Big mistake.
Were those truly her sparkling blue eyes peering from amidst purple dots? She was covered in them. Let’s be clear: my daughter is thorough. When she takes on a project she does so wholeheartedly. Eyelids, ears, lips, down her neck, palms of her hands; any exposed skin was sufficiently covered with spots. My heart gave quite a start and then the peals of “April Fool!” rang out. My son laughed and pointed at me as they high-fived each other. They got me good. We had a great laugh remembering the preschool years when both kids pulled this same prank as a duo explaining they had the chicken pox. Washable markers are fabulous inventions…. Nothing a little soap and water can’t tackle, right?
Happily eating our breakfast I decided it was time to remove the spots. Katherine confirmed that indeed she had used a washable marker. Great – no sweat. However, as I began scrubbing her cheeks the spots were rather stubborn. Not wanting to rub her raw I paused and inquired, “When did you draw these?” “Oh, last night! And you didn’t even know!” Yeah, but what she didn’t know was the longer she allowed that washable marker to sit on her porcelain skin the more opportunity said skin had to absorb the color and lock in it in.
They were not coming off. We tried 2 soaps, creams, anything we could think of and only the smallest amount was coming off. Can I really send her to school like this? I thought. My inner conversation immediately switched into the justified Well, THIS-will-teach-her-a-lesson-she’ll-never-forget mom voice. Stay calm my mind screamed at me. Stay calm!!
By this point I am bracing for the worst. I am now visualizing answering the telephone as the Principal describes for me in disturbing detail how Katherine has punched out a little’s boy’s front teeth because he made some remark about her new look.
Back to the hear and now... Kate disappears to the bathroom to try new tactics and exact a bit more elbow grease. Meanwhile I have to keep Connor from coming unglued with satisfying belly laughter. He thinks this is just hilarious. To his credit he quickly collected himself. Growing up my mother always used to say I could slay anyone with my looks. My eyes must have been in top form this morning.
A few minutes later Katherine emerged from the bathroom with most of it diminished significantly. However, there were still tell-tale signs of something that had gone terribly wrong. Worried that this could launch her into an epic emotional spin I silently prayed, God, please …. She looked at Connor and me and stated matter-of-factly, “I’m not going to let a few spots get me down. If someone asks me what my spots are for I’ll simply tell them I was involved in a messy art project.”
I want to be just like her when I grow up. Hang on a second, I hear the phone ringing. Do you suppose it is the Principal???
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Power of Music
As a singer I am moved by great music. Sometimes this happens through the lovely lilting melody of an art song, the surges of a symphony or even through the laughter of a child. These moments of music are blessings in my life. Sometimes, though, God surprises me and touches me more deeply than I can imagine. That happened to me recently.
Well known Christian singer and songwriter, Dennis Jernigan, encouraged Becky Wright to call me and get to know the ministry Act of Life. Becky logged on and searched our website and was immediately impacted by the work the Lord is doing through it. Shortly thereafter she was sitting in church when the Lord gave her the lyrics to a new song. She scribbled them down while listening to the sermon and then got home and began charting it out. Once finished she picked up the phone and called me for the first time.
Not knowing I was a singer she told me about the song she named Act of Life. I was speechless. Unknown to her I had been praying for many years that the Lord would prompt a writer to create an adoption song from my perspective, the adoptee. There are songs that describe the joy of adoptive parents and the amazing love of birth mothers who bravely entrust their children to them but no real songs I knew of expressing appreciation from the child to her birth mother for making her life possible. That is, until God moved on Becky Wright.
March 21st at Act of Life's Inaugural Adoption Evening I had the privilege of singing this song for the very first time while accompanied by Becky.
Here are the lyrics to Act of Life.
Thank you Becky, for using your talent to encourage and bless others. God has truly given you His heart for adoption. It is an honor to sing and to live Act of Life.
Blessings,
Julie Stobbe
Well known Christian singer and songwriter, Dennis Jernigan, encouraged Becky Wright to call me and get to know the ministry Act of Life. Becky logged on and searched our website and was immediately impacted by the work the Lord is doing through it. Shortly thereafter she was sitting in church when the Lord gave her the lyrics to a new song. She scribbled them down while listening to the sermon and then got home and began charting it out. Once finished she picked up the phone and called me for the first time.
Not knowing I was a singer she told me about the song she named Act of Life. I was speechless. Unknown to her I had been praying for many years that the Lord would prompt a writer to create an adoption song from my perspective, the adoptee. There are songs that describe the joy of adoptive parents and the amazing love of birth mothers who bravely entrust their children to them but no real songs I knew of expressing appreciation from the child to her birth mother for making her life possible. That is, until God moved on Becky Wright.
March 21st at Act of Life's Inaugural Adoption Evening I had the privilege of singing this song for the very first time while accompanied by Becky.
Here are the lyrics to Act of Life.
Verse One
You might keep it secret so the world would never know. You had the chance to end my life but instead, you gave me hope.
Lovingly you placed me with a family to raise me.
No cause for shame or need to blame for the courage that you've shown.
Chorus
It was an act of love, an act of life.
From an ocean of compassion poured the greatest sacrifice.
You made a way for my adoption into my forever family.
It was an act of bravery to do what was best for me.
A picture of redemption and love....an act of life.
Verse Two
Mary had a baby, the sinless Son of God. It tore her heart the day she watched him given up to die.
Moses mother placed him in a basket in a river of tears she cried.
Another mother would raise him just to save his life.
So thank you for giving me life. You gave your all even in your darkest night.
And I'm here today because of the choice you made....
Your act of love, your act of life.
From an ocean of compassion poured the greatest sacrifice.
You made a way for my adoption into my forever family.
It was an act of bravery to do what was best for me.
A picture of redemption and love....an act of life.
Thank you Becky, for using your talent to encourage and bless others. God has truly given you His heart for adoption. It is an honor to sing and to live Act of Life.
Blessings,
Julie Stobbe
Monday, March 9, 2009
Heartstrings
When you hear the word "adoption" who do you think of? Does you mind go to a couple who is struggling with infertility who would make the perfect parents if only they could bear a child? Do you think of orphans in other countries growing up in crowded facilities, or do you perhaps think of children here in the United States waiting for a family while in our foster care system?
When I hear the word "adoption" my mind immediately goes to another word: birthmother. The words (and people) are inextricably linked, for there cannot be an adoption without first there being a mother who gives birth.
These heroic women make difficult decisions out of vast love for their babies. Their plans are made with their children's best interest at the forefront of their minds. Then they entrust their babies into the loving arms of parents who will nurture them daily and equip them with skills for life.
Singers Lisa Bevill and Erin O'Donnell have created a song called Heartstrings that beautifully captures the reality of adoption. Reflected in the lyrics and images we see birthmothers and adoptive parents relying not upon their own understanding, strength and wisdom, but instead ultimately placing their trust in the only One who will ever love their child more.
His love is vast and boundless,
Julie
When I hear the word "adoption" my mind immediately goes to another word: birthmother. The words (and people) are inextricably linked, for there cannot be an adoption without first there being a mother who gives birth.
These heroic women make difficult decisions out of vast love for their babies. Their plans are made with their children's best interest at the forefront of their minds. Then they entrust their babies into the loving arms of parents who will nurture them daily and equip them with skills for life.
Singers Lisa Bevill and Erin O'Donnell have created a song called Heartstrings that beautifully captures the reality of adoption. Reflected in the lyrics and images we see birthmothers and adoptive parents relying not upon their own understanding, strength and wisdom, but instead ultimately placing their trust in the only One who will ever love their child more.
His love is vast and boundless,
Julie
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Formation Generation
Today is the day… March 3, 2009 Formation Generation is finally here.
What is Formation Generation?
Formation Generation is a book focused on bringing about a whole new generation of children formed in prayer. Robert Michael Kurz, has written a fantastic resource for expectant parents, seasoned parents, grandparents, etc. and I have had the honor of writing the foreword for it. With a little help THIS week, it is possible to take this book into the Amazon 100 best seller list. I am asking you to be one of those people who considers helping.
If you are interested go to Amazon.com, type Formation Generation into the search box and order 1 or more copies. Your participation today will change the way hundreds even thousands of people view the concept of praying for children prior to the day they enter the world. Check out Formation Generation for more info.
Thank you for you support and your prayer. May many come to know the tremendous power of participating in prayer... for the next generation!
Blessings,
Julie
What is Formation Generation?
Formation Generation is a book focused on bringing about a whole new generation of children formed in prayer. Robert Michael Kurz, has written a fantastic resource for expectant parents, seasoned parents, grandparents, etc. and I have had the honor of writing the foreword for it. With a little help THIS week, it is possible to take this book into the Amazon 100 best seller list. I am asking you to be one of those people who considers helping.
If you are interested go to Amazon.com, type Formation Generation into the search box and order 1 or more copies. Your participation today will change the way hundreds even thousands of people view the concept of praying for children prior to the day they enter the world. Check out Formation Generation for more info.
Thank you for you support and your prayer. May many come to know the tremendous power of participating in prayer... for the next generation!
Blessings,
Julie
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