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Category Archives for "blog spotlight"

December 17th, 2011 Week In Review…

Another week has come and gone. It was a busy week in real life and here on the Stretched Blog. The blog is trending towards similar traffic patterns to last week – maybe even stronger this week. This week saw the second best day ever on The Stretched Blog. And I’m excited about what’s coming up in the week ahead. Here’s a recap of the week.

Monday, I kicked off the week with a post which indicated that the Stretched Blog was visiting The Handwritten. If you haven’t read it yet, please head over to Michael Perkin’s blog to read my guest post titled Stop & Start. On Tuesday, I shared about my surprise party and I threw out a question about the cake. We learned some interesting things about some of those in The Stretched Community. Wednesday, The Stretched Blog paid a visit to Deuceology for a guest post titled I’m Dreaming Of A Stretched Christmas. Larry “The Deuce” Carter mentioned that the post has been running strong over on his blog. Please head over and check it out, and read the other stuff that Larry’s writing about. My Thursday post was an introspective post about what it means and looks like to be on fire with our faith. I’m still wrestling through this one, and I appreciated the comments that contributed to the conversation and my thought process. And finally on Friday, we finished the week off with another fun holiday Ice Breaker where we learned about what gift everyone would like to receive on the 13th day of Christmas. You should check it out if you’re trying to figure out what to get The Stretched Blogger for Christmas!

I am so thankful for your contribution to the blog through comments. Your comments are what makes this Stretched Community! Please remember to take the time to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!

A few of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:

Even Nice Labels Lie by Tony J. Alicea on The People of the Second Chance
When You Need Help Writing Do This… by Jeff Goins on Jeff Goins Writer
How to Lead Yourself Everyday! by Dave Ferguson

I’m really excited about this upcoming week as I’ll be sharing a guest post by Jonathan Pearson along with some other great ideas brewing as we head into the Christmas weekend. I can’t wait!

How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!

The Stretched Blog Visits Deuceology

Today, I have the honor of guest posting over at Deuceology. Deuceology is a blog by my friend Larry “The Deuce” Carter. Larry is a Christian, blogger, husband, dad, and a huge Tennessee Vols fan. Everyday, Larry posts his thoughts and struggles as he seeks to spur others and himself closer to God. I love his honesty and openness which leaves me challenged on a daily basis. Please check out his blog and my guest post which is titled I’m Dreaming of A Stretched Christmas. Then do me a favor and leave a comment. Thanks!

Larry "The Deuce" Carter from Deuceology

Regarding guest posting, I love opportunities to guest post as it provides another opportunity to “stretch” me, so contact me through the comments if this is something that interests you. And I love to share others stretch stories and guest posts, so let me know if that’s something that interests you as well.)

The Stretched Blog Visits The Handwritten

Today, I have the honor of guest posting over at The Handwritten. The Handwritten is a blog by my friend Michael Perkins. Michael is a creative pastor, blogger, husband, and dad. Everyday, Michael posts a handwritten thought. I love his creativity and honesty, and I consistently am challenged by these thoughts. Please check out his blog and my guest post which is titled Stop & Start. Then do me a favor and leave a comment. Thanks!

Michael Perkins from The Handwritten

(Regarding guest posting, I love opportunities to guest post as it provides another opportunity to “stretch” me, so contact me through the comments if this is something that interests you. And I love to share others stretch stories and guest posts, so let me know if that’s something that interests you as well.)

December 10th, 2011 Week In Review…

These weeks keep blowing by at a rapid pace. This week was a milestone week. I turned 40 on Thursday, and the Stretched blog is having one of the best weeks ever. Here’s a recap of the week.

Monday, I kicked off the week with a post about my reading list for 2012. Thanks to all of you who gave me ideas to add to my list of consideration. If you missed it, please stop by and add your recommendations. On Tuesday, I shared about our families Christmas ornament tradition. I really appreciated hearing about your favorite family ornaments and Christmas tree traditions. Wednesday’s post paid tribute to my Grandpa and his legacy. Thursday was my birthday. I appreciated all the birthday greetings through the comments and on Facebook. Finally, we finished the week off on Friday with another holiday Ice Breaker where we learned about everyone’s favorite Christmas songs and carols. As always, I’m thankful for all of you who stopped by and left a comment or just checked things out.

A few of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:

I’m really excited about this upcoming week as I’ll be guest posting on a couple of blogs. It should be a blast!

How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!

December 3rd, 2011 Week In Review…

We’ve come to another weekend, and I have to say that this week didn’t let me down. It was busy, it was challenging, and it was fun! I hope you had a great week as well. As I look forward to what is sure to be a great weekend, I just wanted to recap the week.

After a slower week last week due to the holidays, it appears that people came back to the Stretched blog as they’ve returned to their regular blog reading routines. It also looks like we may have picked up a new reader or two. As always, I’m thankful for all of you who stopped by and left a comment or just checked things out. Monday’s post was a recap of my Thanksgiving Marathon experience. I really appreciated the encouragement of so many of you who cheered me on despite being miles away. On Tuesday, I shared my thoughts about our recent visit to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. Wednesday featured my thoughts about seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway. Thursday, I shared my monthly recap post on what went down in November. Friday finished things off with another fun Ice Breaker about Christmas movies. This week we learned that It’s A Wonderful Christmas Story when you go on Vacation with an Elf and The Muppets. Check these posts out if you missed something this week.

Thanks a million for your contribution to the blog through comments. I’m hoping to catch up on returning comments this weekend. I love what you all contribute to this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!

A couple of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:

THE Blog Post by Matt Cannon on The Seeking Pastor
Underwear For Three Days by Rob Shep

How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!

Thanksgiving Saturday! Week In Review…

Another week went by with a blur. I worked on Monday, but I was off the rest of the week. My family visited NYC where we had a chance to see Ground Zero, Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, F.A.O. Schwartz, Mary Poppins, and The Hard Rock Cafe. I also ran a marathon on Thanksgiving Day. We’re back home now, and we’re getting ready to eat our turkey dinner.

It was a somewhat slower week on the blog which I’m attributing to the holiday week. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for all of you who stopped by and left a comment or just checked things out. Monday’s post was a tribute to our daughter, Hannah, who celebrated her 14th birthday last weekend. Tuesday was a quick post indicating that I needed a break. Wednesday’s post paralleled my upcoming marathon with life’s journey. Thursday, I shared our family’s Thanksgiving tradition of being thankful, and I gave a quick update on the marathon. Friday finished things off with a fun Ice Breaker about Black Friday. Check these posts out if you missed something this week.

Again, I just wanted to thank each of you for your contribution to the blog through comments. It’s a real blessing to get your ideas and thoughts through this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!

A few of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:

As I look forward to this week, I’m sure I’ll be sharing some reflections on our recent trip to NYC. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Until then, I’m enjoying time with my family. Happy Thanksgiving!

How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!

It’s The Weekend! And What A Week It Was!

Wow! That seemed like one crazy and busy week. In real life, I literally had something going on every night of the week. Monday was my wife’s birthday which we celebrated at On The Border. Tuesday night, we volunteered with our H.O.P.E. group at our local nursing home. Wednesday night, I met with my M.E.A.T. group. Thursday night was an Awards Dinner for work. And last night was Isaac’s first basketball practice and Hannah’s sleepover birthday party. The weekend has several things going on, but I’m still hoping to catch some relaxation time.

It was also an exciting week for the blog. Monday’s post finished off the blog spotlight with the letters T through Z. Tuesday was an inspiring post about the Black and White notebooks that my daughter’s friends keep. Wednesday’s post examined some of my thoughts about Joe Paterno and grace. And I continued on Thursday by thinking out loud about grace and me. Friday finished things off with a fun Ice Breaker about our encounters with famous people.

I just wanted to thank each of you for your contribution to the blog through comments. It’s a real blessing to get your ideas and thoughts through this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!

How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!

Paterno and Grace: Is There Any Chance They Go Together?

One of the blogs that should have made my spotlight list was the People Of The Second Chance Blog. This blog focuses on overthrowing judgement and liberating love. Over the past several months, they have featured pictures like the one shown above of various criminals, thugs, and misfits who have killed, raped, and committed various sins. The question always asked with these pictures is the same: “Who would you give a second chance?” The blog asks readers to post their comments but to also post their thoughts on their own blogs. When the opportunity to comment and blog about Joe Paterno came up, I thought it would give me a chance to “stretch” my own mind and heart a bit. So here goes…

First, you should know that I live in Pennsylvania, and I am a Penn State alum. While I didn’t graduate from the main campus, I’m still a Penn State and JoePa fan. So as the news broke a couple of weeks ago about the child sex abuse allegations and the apparent cover-up, I was deeply saddened. Is it really possible that Joe Paterno knew what was going on and didn’t say anything? Is this how it’s going to end for a man who has meant so much to so many players, students, and fans?

I haven’t read many of the reports or seen many of the TV interviews, but I’ve heard enough from the water-cooler conversations at the office and the passing radio reports that there was obviously inappropriate activities happening up in Happy Valley. And Paterno even admitted that he should have done more to speak up and stop what was going on. So why didn’t he speak up? Was he protecting his friend? Was he protecting his football program? Was he protecting Penn State? Was he protecting his own name?

The Bible says that a good name is worth more than any riches (A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1). In a week’s time, a name that was synonymous with greatness, values, and winning has been all but destroyed. Paterno was fired for his lack of action. He’s been all over the newspapers, internet, and television where he’s been labeled a hypocrite. He was removed from a list of names in line to receive a prestigious award from President Obama. And I heard yesterday that his name was removed from a championship trophy.

The morning after Paterno was fired, I talked with my son about the importance of standing up and speaking out when things happen around us that are wrong. Whether or not you’re a kid in sixth grade or a nationally known football coach, it can be hard to speak up. But these recent events are a great reminder that we can’t just sit on the side lines and pretend that things around us are always perfect.

So I guess this brings me to the question on the poster. Do you think Joe Paterno deserves a second chance? Do you think there’s room for grace in the middle of these awful allegations? I guess I fall on both sides of this thing. On the one hand, our actions (or lack of action) have consequences. There’s no getting around this. If the allegations prove true, many kids lives were forever blemished. You cannot overlook this. Having said that, I believe that there is still time for Paterno to make the most of this situation. First, he can come clean on whatever else he may know related to these allegations. And second he can do whatever he can to make things right – especially for the families of those who were most closely impacted. So yes, I believe that there is hope, grace, and second chances for Paterno.

What do you think? Have you ever been guilty of failing to speak up? Does Paterno deserve a second chance? Drop a comment here and be sure to stop over at the POTSC blog to add your input to the conversation.

Blog Spotlight T-Z

Okay! I’m hoping today that I can finish up the blog spotlight thing that I started last week. Last Wednesday, I highlighted blogs from my Google Reader that started with the letters A through J. On Thursday, I highlighted blogs that started with the letters K through S. Let’s see how it goes! Check these out!

Tech Pastor by Frank Chiapperino

Tent Blogger by John Saddington

The Analogous Truth by Arny Sanchez

The Compelling Parade by Ryan Tate

The Daily Walk by Adam Tucker

The Emerging Scholars Blog by various authors (including my friend, Tom Grosh)

The Handwritten by Michael Perkins

The Hole on the End of the Bible Belt by Jonathan Byrd

The Journey by T. Neal Tarver

The Point by Leah Adams

The Scenic Route by Eileen Knowles

The Seeking Pastor by Matt Cannon

Tony J Alicea (Expect the Exceptional) by Tony Alicea

Will Johnston Mind Muse by Will Johnston

Writing Workshop by Norm Stolpe (my dad)

Wow! What a great list. Please check out these blogs and the lists shared last week. Consider adding some of these to your regular reading and maybe even connecting with the authors on Twitter. This is part of the blogging community that I love – the chance to share great stuff with others.

Who would you add to this list? If you’re a blogger, add your link in the comments. Thanks!

Blog Spotlight K-S

The blog world is pretty amazing. I’ve met some pretty amazing people through blogging. I thought it might be time to share a few of them with you. Yesterday, I highlighted blogs from my Google Reader list alphabetically from A through J. Today, I’ll share highlights from my Google Reader list alphabetically from K through S. (I thought I could finish off the alphabet today, but the list was longer than I realized.) Monday, I’ll share the rest of the alphabet. Check these out!

Leanne Stolpe by Leanne Stolpe (my wife)

Let Me Be Frank by Frank Chiapperino

Life & Theology by Ben Reed

Life of a Steward by Loren Pinilis

Looking for Purpose by Dylan Dodson

Love God Love People by AJ LeVan

Mark Batterson by Mark Batterson

Mark Howell Live by Mark Howell

Michael Hyatt by Michael Hyatt

Pastor Matt by Matt Rawlings

Pop Parables by Keri

Ragamuffin Soul by Carlos Whittaker