Shut It Off – A Reminder to Find Times of Quiet in Your Day
It has been a while since I featured a video blog post. Today seemed like a good time to bring it back. I share some thoughts following my morning run.
It’s true. We don’t take time to shut off the noise in our lives, yet this is such an important discipline. It’s important to practice the discipline of quietness, solitude, and listening.
I hope you’ll be encouraged today to take time to turn off the radio, take off the headphones, put down the lid on the laptop, and listen to the quiet.
When was the last time you shut off the noise? What did that look like for you? And why would you encourage others to practice the discipline of quietness?
If it’s been a while, what is one thing you can do TODAY to carve out a time of quietness?
In the Middle of Crisis – Find Your Way to God’s Heart
Four years ago, our family faced a significant health crisis which resulted in my wife’s hospitalization. This was a time which rocked our family’s world.
I remember going through all kinds of thoughts and feelings during this time. I wondered how this crisis would impact our family and our marriage. I questioned God – why would he let this happen. I felt loneliness even as family members and friends wrapped their arms around our family. There were times of hopelessness, but there were also moments and days of hope.
I recall praying that Leanne would know my love and commitment for her as she struggled to find wellness, and I prayed that she would look to God’s heart for clarity and comfort when everything around her didn’t seem to make sense. (In a way, this was a prayer I needed as well through this time, and I’m thankful for many who were lifting me up during this crazy time.) I had a strong feeling God would work the rest of the healing process out.
There are times in our lives when we will face times of crisis. There will be many times when life doesn’t make sense.
It’s times like this when we need to remember God is simply calling us to find a way to His heart. He is there for us during the peaks and valleys of life. He’s with us in the mundane middle. He is our Rock, our Fortress, our Refuge, and our Redeemer.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
I have no idea what you may be going through. You may be riding high on the good waves of life, or you may be trudging through the muddy trenches. I pray you would look to God’s heart for clarity and comfort.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
This song by Phil Collins spoke to me as I contemplated this post. It’s not a “Christian” song in itself, and the theology may not line up exactly, but it reminded me how God wants us to be connected to Him through the ups and downs of life.
How have you handled a crisis in your life? What helped you get through the crisis? If you are in the middle of a crisis right now, what gives you hope?
3 Ways To Respond When Someone Is Unkind To You
What do you do when someone says something unkind to you?
What is your natural tendency when someone bites you with their words?
If you are anything like me, you probably have a less than honoring reaction. You bite back with unkind words. Your goal is often to put the person back in their place with words that sting.
It’s a vicious cycle.
Someone says some unkind to you. You return it with more unkind remarks. It goes back and forth until relationships are damaged often beyond repair. Feelings are hurt, and emotional scars have been left as permanent reminders of the pain inflicted by someone’s tongue.
You are guilty of it, and I am guilty of it too.
So how do we stop the cycle?
I think we can learn a lot from Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” Jesus (Matthew 5:38-40)
Here are some things we can learn from these words:
3 Ways To Respond When Someone Is Unkind To You
- Resist the urge to respond in kind. I know you want to snap back, but you must resist this temptation. This takes practice, patience, and persistence. When you respond in a similar manner, you are only throwing kindling on the fire.
- Take it, and take it again. Expect more unkind words from the verbal perpetrator. In fact, welcome these words. Sure it will hurt, but you will put the fire of unkindness out by avoiding a response. A fire needs oxygen to be effective. Unkind words are like oxygen on a fire. When you decide not to add unkind words to the exchange, you are helping to put out the fire.
- Respond with generous kindness. It’s hard to frown at someone who is smiling at you. Similarly, it is hard to keep throwing unkind words at a person who is lifting you up. Decide today to be an encourager.
How do you respond when people treat you unkindly? What is one thing you can do to improve your response?
4 Keys To Living Out Your Purpose
Yesterday, we talked about building God’s platform. We mentioned that this was part of our main purpose. We brushed by the other part of our main purpose. We are called to bring glory to God. AND we are called to enjoy Him forever.
Our purpose is to enjoy God forever.
Did you know that was your purpose?
You and I were made to enjoy God forever.
I think we miss it. I think we are so busy pursuing our agenda that we miss out on what we were made for in the first place.
What does it look like to enjoy God forever?
This is the question that has been spinning around in my head for a few hours, and I’m beginning to realize that it’s a very important question to ponder. If this is my main purpose in life, I want to be good at it. I want to make sure I’m getting it right.
The forever part won’t be fully realized until we get to heaven, but I think there is ample reason to believe we are called to enjoy God now in the lives we live.
4 Keys To Living Out Your Purpose
- Acknowledge God’s provision in your life. Start by thanking God for your food. Thank Him for you shelter. Accept that He is all you need. (Psalm 16:5-11)
- Rest in the future hope of eternity with God. No one knows exactly what heaven will be like. I believe it will be far more amazing that we can comprehend. In Revelation 21:3-4, we are reminded that there will be no more death, no more crying, no more pain, and no more mourning.
- Recognize and accept the good news of the gospel. Life can get us down. We mess up all the time. We face challenges that send us into a tailspin towards depression. We need good news. We have good news. Christ came to bring us good news (Luke 2:10). Sometimes we need to remind ourselves.
- Do what you were made to do. Find your God-given passion. Use your God-given gifts. And live a life that honors God. If it’s writing books, do it with all you have. If it’s cooking food, cook for the King every chance you get. If it’s teaching, teach with energy and focus. We find God’s pleasure and our purpose when we follow through on the passions and gifts he has given us.
This clip from Chariots of Fire is worth watching. It talks about honoring God, and it provides a terrific glimpse into what it looks like to enjoy God and to find our purpose here on earth:
What is your purpose? How are you living out your purpose?
Are You Building The Right Platform?
On Track. On Track. On Track.
If you’ve been following the blog the past couple of months then you know I released my first book on April 22, 2014. On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field is my first book which I self published through Createspace.com. Writing the book, reviewing the book and its cover, editing the book, and revising the book required a fair amount of work, but so much more of the work in releasing the book has been related to growing my platform and establishing a launch strategy and launch team.
The past couple of months have felt like I’ve been on a long promotional run of trying to get attention for my book and for me.
I’m guessing this is how many authors feel today. Marketing is left in the hands of the author. We have to push, push, and push some more. We have to talk about our book with as many people as possible. And it feels like we have to pump up our own name and brand in an effort to get the world’s attention. Today’s blogging and book writing worlds are all about platform development.
Look at me! Buy my book! Read my blog!
What if we have it backwards?
I think this is most likely the case.
I think we are pumping up the wrong thing – the wrong person. (Yes, I include the me in the we. I get it wrong more often than not.)
Our mission should not be all about bringing glory to Jon Stolpe. This is not my chief purpose in life.
My purpose is to bring glory to God. My main mission should be about bringing glory to His name. My chief goal in life should be to build God’s platform in this world.
Will this sell my books? Will building God’s platform bring me fame and fortune? Perhaps. It could I guess. But bringing glory to God most likely will not put me on the bestseller list. And this is okay.
I grew up at a Presbyterian church in New Jersey, and I went to a college with Presbyterian roots. The Westminster Shorter Catechism was taught or at least mentioned in both these places. The Catechism is a list of questions with answers and Scriptures which back up the answers The Catechism is used to help define and explain the key doctrines of the Presbyterian church. The first question from the Catechism speaks this topic:
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]
- [a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
- [b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
What are you chasing after? What are you pursuing? What kind of platform are you building?
Choose today to build a platform that will last – God’s platform!
Then go and enjoy Him forever!
Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” Psalm 66:2-4
Do you struggle with self promotion? How are you building God’s platform?
Donald Sterling, The NBA, The Clippers, and The Zipper
Have you been following the news in the NBA this week?
I’m not talking about the playoffs, wins, losses, or Lebron James. This week, the news has been filled with reports and opinions about Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. I don’t know all the details, but Sterling apparently made some significant racial comments that were caught on tape and broadcast across the country.
His comments set off a firestorm of calls for him to be removed from the NBA. His own players protested before their last game by taking off their Clippers shirts and wearing black wristbands and socks. Sponsors have quickly been pulling away from the Clippers organization unwilling to be associated with a team owned by such a bigot.
Clearly, Sterling’s remarks were completely wrong, and the NBA has dealt swiftly by banning him from the NBA for life and fining him $2.5 million (which is the maximum fine permitted by the league constitutional bylaws).
Do you think Donald Sterling would like to take back his words? Do you think he was really thinking when he spoke?
It’s easy to point the finger at public figures like Donald Sterling – after all, leaders are expected to be above reproach, and they should know better. And they are easy targets. Upon further thought, I know we’re all guilty of this kind of speaking without thinking. Hopefully, we don’t say things with such hatred, but I’m sure we say things we regret.
I was reminded today of a time when I was in junior high, and I was at a dress rehearsal for a musical that I was in at our church. Believe it or not, I was selected to sing a solo (who would have thought). As a result, I was equipped with a wireless microphone. During one of our breaks while I was in the men’s room, I said some things that I later regretted. When I returned from the break, I discovered from one of the sound people that my initial words were shared loud and clear in the sanctuary thanks to the wonders of wireless technology. Thankfully, they quickly muted my microphone. But it didn’t stop the feeling of embarrassment and regret that swept over me when I found out.
In all the cases above (including mine), the regret came after being caught. Did we ever stop to think that God can hear us even if no one else can? Did we ever stop to examine our hearts? I’m reminded of two passages that speak to this. First, in the first few verses of Psalm 139, we’re told that not only does God know our words, but He even knows our thoughts:
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. Psalm 139:1-4
Secondly, in the first chapter of James, instructions our given that we should be slow to speak:
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21
Sounds easy?
I’m not so sure.
I know that my thoughts and words are not always what they should be. So where do I go from here? I think it starts with being more in tuned to God, becoming more aware of times we think and say things that aren’t appropriate, and seeking God to help make a change.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Have you tasted shoe leather recently? How’s it taste? What did you do to get that taste out of your mouth?
On Track Book Releases TODAY!
I’m excited to announce the release of my very first book TODAY!
On Track: Life Lessons from the Track & Field
Here’s a bit of the introduction from the book to wet your appetite:
I haven’t always been a runner.
In fact, there were many moments when I utterly despised running.
Somewhere between college and my early thirties, I discovered running, or maybe it discovered me. I began pounding a couple of miles at a time around my neighborhood after I came home from work one night and realized I was starting to develop a bulge around my midsection. My love for food and my slowing metabolism had to be counterbalanced, and running seemed like the natural cure.
Despite running cross-country for a season in high school, along with a season of winter track, I was not a confident runner. Now in my thirties, I jogged around my neighborhood trying to go as fast as I could for as long as I could. I ended up running two or three miles, and I was done.
Then a good friend of mine invited me to join him in preparing for a half marathon. This was an utterly crazy idea in my opinion, but somehow he convinced me to join him on a nine-mile training run one Saturday morning. I had never run this far in my life. This nine-mile run flipped a switch in me. I suddenly wanted to run more. I was now looking forward to running the half marathon with my friend.
Writing has been a similar journey for me. I wasn’t a bad writer in high school. In fact, I somehow managed to survive four years of high school honors English. But my first love was always math and science. These two subjects pushed me into the world of engineering.
I wrote several papers in college as a requirement for classes, but writing was not something I considered fun. I graduated and entered the real world of construction and engineering, where I stayed away from long writing assignments unless absolutely necessary.
And then another good friend introduced me to the world of blogging. He helped me set up my first blog, and I was off and running (I mean writing).
Blogging, like running, became a refuge from the demands of work and raising a family. It became a place for me to reflect on life’s stretching moments and to stretch readers. As the years went along and the blog posts began to pile up, I began to receive encouragement and confirmation that my writing was connecting with readers.
My blogging took me down roads I never imagined. I’ve written about life from many different angles. Somewhere along the road my interest in running, my interest in writing, and my faith started to intersect.
This book is the product of this intersection.
This book isn’t just for the runner or athlete. I believe it provides practical life lessons we all can embrace.
If you’re stuck in a rut or need a little guidance in finding your way, I’m hoping this book will help you get On Track!
On Track has picked up several great endorsements and some wonderful reviews. Here’s what readers are saying about the book:
“On Track is a fantastic, quick read! The stories are inspiring, the lessons life changing and the motivation undeniable! Jon will have you hooked from the very first page! The only challenge to reading this book is wanting to stop to apply its principles in your life immediately! I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get or keep their life On Track!” Mark Sieverkropp, entrepreneur, speaker, author of Project: Success (www.sieverkropp.com)
“This small book packs a big punch. When Jon writes about his races, I feel as though I am there. He draws me in and then promptly gives me a life lesson to take away. Whether you’re an athlete now, have one hidden inside, or have never so much as laced up your running shoes, read Jon’s book to discover how to get your life ‘on track.’” Matt McWilliams, entrepreneur, leadership guru, author of The Power of Gratitude (www.mattmcwilliams.com)
“Jon offers a tidy little book, a parable if you will, comparing life to running at a track meet. Readers will enjoy sharing the author’s personal experiences and will find the extra boost they are looking for to get their life back on track. An easy, enjoyable and worthwhile read.” Matt Appling, teacher, artist, author of Life After Art (www.mattappling.com)
“In this marvelous, short, easy to read book, Jon Stolpe likens life to a track meet. He uses track and field analogies to help the reader think through life choices. Each scenario is practical and applicable, even if you have never had track and field experience. The reader is consistently pointed to Jesus Christ as the key to staying ‘on track’ in life.” Leah Adams, speaker, author of From the Trash Pile to the Treasure Chest and HeBrews A Better Blend (www.leahadams.org)
Head on over to Amazon today to order your copy!
Once you’ve had a chance to read it, I hope you’ll leave a review on Amazon. Also, take a few minutes to tell your friends about On Track!
Also worth considering, I am offering a FREE pdf copy of the interior of the book to subscribers of The Stretched Newsletter. Head over to the main page of the blog and sign up on the right hand menu bar to get your copy today for FREE!
Will you be picking up a copy of On Track? How would your life be better if you lived on track?
Be Aware of Bad Yeast – 4 Ways to Help You Find the Good Yeast
Yesterday for our Easter celebration brunch, I decided to make cinnamon rolls. My Mom is the queen of cinnamon rolls, and I figured it was time I give it a try for my family. I have such great memories of smelling and tasting Mom’s famous cinnamon rolls when I was growing up. Living so far away now, it has been a long time since I indulged in this delicacy.
I started out by following the recipe in one of our cookbooks. I combined flour and yeast. Then I added warm milk, sugar, and butter. I mixed the dough for a few minutes before adding more flour. I then proceeded to knead the dough for several more minutes. I was started to dream of the smell and flavor of the cinnamon rolls.
Then my plans started to unravel.
I set the dough aside for an hour to let the yeast do its work. According to the recipe, the dough should have doubled in the hour. When I came back to check on the roll dough, I was disappointed to discover that the dough did not rise.
The yeast was bad.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus warns his disciples to be aware of bad yeast.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:6
It’s a great reminder. We need to be careful about how we fill our minds and hearts. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
4 Ways to Help You Find the Good Yeast
- Use God’s Word as the standard. It all starts here. Be careful not to take God’s Word out of context. The Pharisees and Sadducees were known for taking parts of the Law from the Old Testament and forgetting other parts. In their focus, they missed out on the coming of the Messiah.
- Surround yourself with people who will help you grow. It’s important to find people who will build you up and point you in the right direction. The wrong people will drag you down and point you towards the wrong way. Who do you have in your life who helps you grow?
- Get rid of the bad yeast. When you discover a bad influence, you need to do some pruning. What is the bad yeast that you need to remove from you life?
- Be intentional about seeking out the good yeast. In Philippians 4, Paul charges believers to think about things that are just, noble, trustworthy, and praiseworthy. This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes focus. It requires us to be intentional. How are you being intentional about finding the good yeast?
I ended up making the cinnamon rolls anyway. They actually tasted pretty good, but they just weren’t the same as the ones my Mom makes. Time to throw away the bad yeast in our refrigerator, and time to get new yeast – good yeast!
Tomorrow is the big day!
On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field officially launches tomorrow on Amazon.
What’s Your Perspective?
Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude. Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines. Not just in the moments when life seems easy.
Henri Nouwen
In the picture above, it looks like I’m holding a giant pencil. In reality, it’s the Washington Monument held by my strategically placed hands.
Perspective is an interesting thing. We all come at life looking at things from a slightly different perspective.
In the world today, people seem to be convinced that perspective drives truth. Or better said, “Truth is based on my perspective. If you don’t see life from my perspective, you’re wrong.”
Absolute truth has essentially been thrown out the window, because today’s “truth” is based on our own perspectives.
There is something wrong with this when taken too far. If you think I can hold the Washington Monument between my two hands because of the picture above, you would be wrong. You don’t see the whole picture. I think this is true for many aspects of life especially in today’s culture.
The only way to truly have the correct perspective is to keep searching for the truth.
Readers could argue that this is my perspective, but I’m convinced that absolute truth comes from a perspective build on God and His Word.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
What’s your perspective on truth?
5 more days until the release of On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field!
Many Hands Make Light Work
Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. Michael Jordan
Last night after dinner, I recruited my wife and my son to join me outside to cleanup one of our flower beds. We gathered our tools from the shed – a wheelbarrow, a rake, a hedge trimmer, a straight-edged shovel, and three pairs of gloves. Then we proceeded to the flower bed by our driveway. We started by picking up the remains of last years flowers. Then we raked up all the leaves that were left from the fall. Finally, we cut a new straight edge between the flower bed and the grass in the front lawn. It took a little time, but I was amazed at how quickly it went with three of us working on it together.
Have you heard the expression – many hands make light work?
This was obvious yesterday as we worked together and cleaned up the flower bed in about half an hour.
I confess that I am not always good at asking for help. I go about tasks on my own. The job goes much slower. It doesn’t always get done as well. And I miss out on the company of others.
We must learn to ask for others help.
We must learn to let others join us in our journey.
Last night, I was blessed with time with my family and a clean flower bed. I’m glad I asked for help.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12