Random Stretch Thoughts

Life continues to provide plenty of stretching opportunities. Today’s post is simply some of the things that are stretching me these days.

1. Headaches. Since the month of February, I’ve been dealing with lots of headaches. I haven’t had a migraine for a few weeks, but I’m still wrestling a bit with the day-to-day nuisance headaches. I started seeing someone who is helping with deep tissue message. This seems to be helping, but it seems like I still have a way to go until my back, shoulders, and neck loosen up.
2. Running. Yesterday, I shared about the 2nd Annual Race to Remember. Between blogging, headaches, and the other busyness of life, it can be a challenge to find a regular routine for running. I’m hoping that a date on the calendar will inspire me to be more consistent in my running.
3. Gardening. I don’t talk about gardening a whole lot here, but it is still one of my passions. Admittedly, this hobby has taken a backseat to my family, my job, my writing, and other activities. I did manage to get my garden planted a few weeks ago. Now, I need to figure out how to keep the deer and groundhogs out of the garden. And I need to find time to weed.
4. Blogging. I love the blog, and I intend on keeping it going. My main struggle is landing on my next path forward – What is the next step for the Stretched Blog?  Should I write and eBook? If so, where should I focus? I know for certain that I want to use my writing and blogging for something way bigger than myself. The Guatemala trip and the Stretched house is confirmation that anything is possible.
5. Guatemala. I really need to work on my Spanish. In nearly a month and a half, I’ll be making this life changing trip. I pray that I will be alert to the impact of this trip. We’re less than $2,700 away from paying for the house! Feel free to hop on board.
6. Family and marriage. This is a huge priority for me. Many times I feel like my attention and energy isn’t always where it should be. I don’t want to look back with any regrets. In a week, my daughter will be graduating from middle school. I know she’s ready for high school, but this milestone is a reminder that time isn’t slowing down. I need to make the most of the opportunities.
7. Faith. To put it plainly, my relationship with God has to be the most important thing in my life. I’m constantly filling my mind with good things, but I’m realizing more and more that I need to be still. This stretches me to the core.

I’m sure there are many other things that are stretching me, but this list provides a glimpse into the ones that keep coming back to me. I’m thankful that God is patient with us while we stretch. I’m thankful that he desires a relationship that is new, exciting, and stretching.

What’s stretching you see days?

(Don’t forget to get in on the giveaway that’s going on this week on the Stretched blog. Click here for more details.  There’s still time to win Platform by Michael Hyatt or Love Does by Bob Goff.)

  • http://twitter.com/xpastoronline Kevin M. Stone

    Great post Jon! I’m praying for you man!

    For me it’s writing. Keeping Executive Pastor Online fresh and loaded with good, useful ministry content is a challenge.

    I’m also wrestling with a number of high priority projects at work. I’ve got a number of urgent action items on my list. Which one do I complete next?

    • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

      It always helps for me to write it down.  This helps me to prioritize.  What is urgent and necessary?  What is not urgent but necessary?  What is urgent but not necessary?  What is not urgent and not necessary?

  • http://deuceology.wordpress.com Larry Carter

    It looks like you have plenty to keep you busy. I would say I have plenty of “big rocks” to keep me busy and stretched as well, many of them being the same as you.

    • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

      I saw that you’re working on an eBook.  This has me interested.  Do you mind telling me your topic?  I’ve been contemplating publishing an eBook based on the Ice Breaker questions that go up on the Stretched blog every week.  I also have several other ideas spinning around in my head.

      • http://deuceology.wordpress.com Larry Carter

        Jon, it’s going to be called Good: Tasting and Seeing God’s Life For You. Basically, it’s about the journey of how to experience that.

  • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

    Prioritizing. I have to set my writing priorities and work the list from the top down rather than as things happen. I’m two lessons short of completing my 50-lesson course on writing. That has to get moved to the top of the list (so I better stop writing about it and start working on it).

    • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

      I’d be interested in hearing more about the writing course.  Perhaps, I’ll hear about it on the blog?

      • http://www.tnealtarver.wordpress.com TNeal

         It’s the Christian Writers Guild Apprentice course. When I signed up, the course was 2 years and 50 lessons. I’m working on Lesson 49 right now.

        I think the course has been shortened and divided into two separate courses now. I know it involves a significant commitment of time in order to do the work and complete the course in the allotted time.

        For me, the benefits are:
        Exposes you to a wider range of writing than you’d pursue on your own.
        Offers you the experience of reaching goals and meeting deadlines.
        Encourages you to take concrete steps toward a writing career and gaining exposure as a writer.

        You can find out more at http://www.christianwritersguild.com.

  • http://www.theanalogoustruth.wordpress.com/ Arny

    Work has been stretching me to the point of almost breaking my limbs!!!! lol…thats why i’ve been absent from blogging lately…but i’m still hanging in there!

    • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

      Good to hear.  I noticed you were absent from the blog world recently.  Thanks for stopping here in the midst of your busy time.  Keep stretching!

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    One of the things that’s really stretching is the eBook I’m writing. I think stretching allows us to become stronger. Let’s keep getting stronger.