Ice Breaker – Songs On Your Playlist

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be inserting some of the top posts from the Stretched blog.  The post today (Ice Breaker – Songs On Your Playlist) originally appeared on the blog on March 23, 2012 and was the fourth most popular post of the year.  This post was one of many that confirmed by understanding that Jon Stolpe Stretched was not just a blog.  This post reminded me that Jon Stolpe Stretched is about The Stretched Community.  Ice Breakers have become a regular weekly part of The Stretched Blog.  I’m excited to repost this and get new feedback from you – The Stretched Community.  (Typically, the Ice Breaker posts appear on Friday – hence the introduction to this post.)

It’s Friday!  How did it come around again so quickly?

Friday means Ice Breaker time here on The Stretched Blog.  In case you’re new here or you forgot, ice breakers are questions used to help us get to know each other a little bit better.  Each week, I ask a question which I answer first.  After that everyone else answers the question by posting their answer in the comments.

Without further delay, here’s this week’s question:  If you could make a playlist of your favorite songs, what five songs would make the list?

My answer:

1. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
2. Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas
3. Where The Streets Have No Name by U2
4. Love Is The Seventh Wave by Sting
5. The Best Thing by Big Tent Revival

Each of these songs carries a memory of a time or place.  Leanne and I shared our first dance to Wonderful Tonight.  I remember listening to Sting’s song and playing hacky sack with my brother, Brian Willem, and Shane D’Entremont on the beach during a high school youth group camping trip.  And the Big Tent Revival song reminds me of Creation 97.  Leanne and I went to the music festival that year while she was five months pregnant with our daughter, Hannah.

Now it’s your turn.  What’s on your playlist?  I can’t wait to hear your answers!  Leave a comment by clicking here.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaMuBX4aMmw]

Ice Breaker – It’s The End of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

According to speculation and the Mayan calendar, the world is supposed to end today.  The Bible is pretty clear that no one knows when the end will occur, so I’m not real concerned about these predictions.  My hope is that I would be living my life with the same sense of purpose and urgency whether the world ends today, next week, next year, or a hundred years from now.  This week’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by the speculation surrounding today – December 21, 2012.

Question:  How would you spend your time differently if you knew you had just 24 hours to live on this earth?  What would you eat?  With whom would you hang out?  Where would you go?

My Answer:  Like I said in my introduction, I hope my daily life is filled with the same sense of urgency and purpose regardless of my end date.  On the fun side of things though, I would probably eat a nice steak dinner with jumbo shrimp cocktail, buttered carrots with bacon, garlic mashed potatoes, and creme brulee for dessert.  I would certainly want to hang out with my family.  I would probably write a blog post about the importance of making Christ first in your life, about the importance of stretching, and about the importance of appreciating each moment and each person in your life.  I’d probably hang out at home or go for a walk on the Audubon trail near our house.  And I’d call my loved ones just to say”I love you.”

I don’t think I’ll have steak for dinner tonight, and I’ll be heading into the office today.  But I’ll still have an opportunity to live with this kind of intentionality.  Even if it’s the end of the world as I know it, I feel fine!

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Laughter

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

They say that laughter is the best medicine.  While I’m often known as the serious one (just ask my parents or my brothers), I love to laugh.  There’s nothing like a great belly laugh.  It can be so healthy to laugh so hard that you cry.  With this in mind, I bring you this week’s Stretched Ice Breaker.

Question:  Tell us about a time when you laughed so hard you nearly cried.

My Answer:  Parenting has brought some of the biggest laughs more recently.  The kids say some of the funniest things, and sometimes they do things that simply leave you in stitches.

A couple of weeks ago, we were watching home movies in honor of Hannah’s 15th birthday.  We watched clips from the kids birth through the time Isaac was about 2 years old (which would have made Hannah 4).  Hannah was very cute, very independent, and very much in charge when she was a toddler.  Isaac often had a grin.  He didn’t have much to say (as Hannah was speaking for him), but he often left us laughing uncontrollably through his expressions and movements.

Isaac used to have an exersaucer that we put him in before he could walk.  He would sit in there for hours playing with toys on the tray.  The funniest part was when he would spin the exersaucer round and round.  He would spin so fast and so long that he would get dizzy.  Leanne and I could watch him for hours as he made himself dizzy and entertained himself.  We’ve had many, many laughs since then, but it started early.  Now, Isaac is 12, and he still cracks us up with his “Stolpe”-like humor.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Pearl Harbor (A Day That Will Live In Infamy)

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question commemorates December 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor Day.  This is the day that the Japanese invaded the United States by attacking Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.  Ever since, people have used December 7th as a day to remember this day which will live in infamy.  According to dictionary.com, infamy is defined as:

I hope you’ll chime in on today’s question.

Question:  What day will live in infamy for you?  How do you remember this day?

My Answer:  I wasn’t alive for Pearl Harbor, but I had the honor of visiting there several years ago.  As I stand over the U.S.S. Arizona, there is a sense of being at hallowed ground as I watched the oil floating up to the water’s surface from the ship below.  I can’t truly imagine what that day might have felt like for so many Americans, but I’m guessing it’s a day that will always be remembered with a bad reputation.

In my 40+ years, I’ve lived through a few of these type of days.  Besides 9/11, I’m not sure if any would match up to the devastation that must have been felt on December 7, 1941.  For me the first time I can really remember having a feeling anywhere close to this was the day Ronald Reagan was shot.  It was March 30, 1981.  I can remember getting on my bus at school to head home when we suddenly received the news.  I was shocked and saddened.  I’m not sure if I cried, but it’s possible.  I remember heading home that night and having a lot of questions for my parents.  This is one of the days that will live in infamy for me.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Top 5 Christmas Movies

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question is designed to get you in the holiday spirit.  The Christmas movies are starting to show up on television.  It’s time to schedule time to watch your favorite movies.  Today’s Ice Breaker will get you thinking, so you can properly prepare.  Have fun!

Question:  Name your top 5 Christmas movies.

My Answer:  I’m sure I could come up with more than 5, but I have to start somewhere.  Here you go:

(1)  It’s A Wonderful Life – What can I say?  This is my favorite Christmas movie by far.  I’ve always enjoyed watching this movie on Christmas Eve.  There’s something about being reminded every year that I have a wonderful life.

(2)  A Christmas Story – Many of us could probably recite the lines from this movie.  Believe it or not, I looked like Ralphie from that movie when I was a young kid.

(3)  Christmas Vacation – If you need a good laugh during the holidays, this is a great place to turn.

(4)  Polar Express – The animation, the music, and the story make this one of my favorites.  You gotta’ believe!

(5)  Christmas With The Kranks – This is one of our families favorites based on Skipping Christmas by John Grisham.  (If you get a chance, read the book.  It’s a great book!)  I love the ending of this movie when the community unites together to help the Kranks.

Honorable Mention:  Elf, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and The Muppets Christmas Carol

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Top 5 Christmas Songs

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question is designed to get you in the holiday spirit.  While malls, shopping centers, and television commercials begin playing Christmas music right after Halloween, our family typically doesn’t start listening to Christmas music until right after Thanksgiving.  Since today’s Ice Breaker falls one day after Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good idea to start thinking about Christmas songs that you like.

Question:  Name your top 5 Christmas songs.

My Answer:  My list will include a mix of Christian and secular songs.  (For my Jewish friends, you are welcome to chime in with any songs that may be part of your traditions.)

(1) In A Bleak Midwinter – This isn’t a real popular song, but I love the words.  “What shall I give Him? Give my heart.”

(2) Go Tell It On The Mountain – A fun song about spreading the Good News.  I especially when we sing this one on our neighborhood caroling adventures.

(3) I’ll Be Home For Christmas – I had a saxophone solo in this song when I was in the junior high jazz band.  As a result, this song has always had a special place in my heart.

(4) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Bruce Springsteen version) – I didn’t grow up with the Santa tradition, but I’ve always enjoyed hearing this song when it comes on the radio – especially the saxophone solo part.  I dream of playing that part someday with a live band.

(5) The Gift – I first heard this song when someone gave Leanne the Jim Brickman Christmas album by the same title.  I’ve had the privilege of hearing it live twice at Brickman concerts.  It’s a great song to put you in the right mindset for Christmas.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question is inspired by a Thanksgiving tradition in our house.  Each year, we put a tablecloth on the Thanksgiving table.  Each person in attendance traces their hand-print onto the tablecloth.  Then they write down five things for which they are thankful – one for each finger.  Over the years, our tablecloth has filled up with hand-prints of many sizes and shapes.  There are hand-prints for loved ones who have passed away.  Each hand-print represents a year of thanksgiving.  We’ve almost filled up our first tablecloth as we’ve been doing this for over ten years.  I’m looking forward to reading your responses to today’s Thanksgiving Ice Breaker!

Question:  Name 5 things for which you are thankful this year.

My Answer:  (1) I’m thankful for my trip to Xenacoj, Guatemala this summer.  This trip was a major leap of faith for me.  Through the trip, I saw God provide and I experienced major stretching as I interacted with the teenagers on the trip and with the people of Xenacoj.  This was certainly a milestone experience for me.

(2)  I’m thankful for the blogging community.  I continue to stretch as I participate in this community as both a writer and a reader.  I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

(3)  I’m thankful for my job.  I’m an operations manager for a company that designs and installs building automation systems.  Besides the technology, I love the people I work with every day, and I appreciate the opportunities I have to help people in their own career journeys.

(4)  I’m thankful for my kids.  Wow!  They keep growing, and they keep amazing me with their talents and with their thoughtfulness.  In many respects, they teach me every day about the importance of putting others first.  They teach me patience.  And they teach me to aim for the stars.

(5)  I’m thankful for my wife.  This is last but clearly not least.  Leanne is my treasure.  I appreciate the opportunities we have to work towards goals.  I appreciate the insights she brings into my sometimes thick skull.  I admire her heart for others – her servant’s heart.  I’m blown away by her beauty.  And I’m inspired by her example of encouragement that she brings to our marriage, to our family, and to all of her relationships.  I am blessed.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Charity of Choice

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question comes from a desire I have to make a difference in the world.  I’m excited to hear your answers as it provides more ideas for making a difference.  Many of us are involved in great organizations that are focused on helping others.  Today’s Ice Breaker is a chance to share about those organizations and to brainstorm about how we can all make a difference.

Question:  If you were to focus your energy and resources to a charity, what would the charity be?  And why would you select that charity?

My Answer:  There are so many great organizations out there that deserve support.  And to be honest, I would still select the local church as the place to focus my attention.  I believe that there is such power to change the world through the combining of efforts through the local church.  I’ve seen it in action at my own church.

Having said that, I still have a heart for other charities.  It amazes me to see the creativity and the resourcefulness of organizations who are committed to doing something positive in this world to make a difference.  For example, our family works with The Seeing Eye to provide guide dogs and freedom to people who are visually impaired.  This summer, I had the opportunity to work with Casas por Cristo who helps to provide reasonable housing for families in Mexico and Guatemala.  And locally, Philabundance helps to provide food to the needy in the Greater Philadelphia community.

All these are great, and picking one is pretty tough (I guess that’s why the local church is still the best option).  But if I’m forced to pick one, I would go with Habitat for Humanity.  I was introduced to Habitat and it’s founder, Millard Fuller, at a fairly young age.  As a teenager and college student, I worked on several Habitat projects helping to build affordable housing for those in need.  I found such satisfaction in using my hands to help create a home for someone.  I also enjoyed working with other people towards a common purpose.  I haven’t worked with Habitat for Humanity for several years, but this post is a reminder to check them out again.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – Lights Out

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

We lost power for 85 hours at our house this week.  Power was just restored before lunch time.  With this in mind, I’m hoping you can help out with this week’s Stretched Ice Breaker.

Question:  (Keeping it clean of course) What’s a fun family activity for times when the lights go out?

My Answer:  Reading.  I actually did a bit more reading with the power out.  There was no temptation to turn on the television or to be on the computer.  I finished reading Bryan Allain‘s new eBook, Community Wins, and I almost finished reading Love Works by Joel Manby.  These are two books that I would definitely recommend – even if you never lost power.  Maybe having the power out isn’t such a bad thing.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!

Ice Breaker – King or Queen for the Day

Each week on The Stretched Blog, we ask an ice breaker question.  The questions are designed to help us get to know each other here in The Stretched Community.  I’ll provide my answer to the question here in the post, and then you can leave your response in the comments.  While you’re in the comments section, see how others answered the ice breaker question.

This week’s question is somewhat inspired by my experience with Servefest this week.  Make your answer fun or serious.  Let’s here some great ideas!

Question:  If you were king or queen for the day, what rule, law, or policy would you decree?

My Answer:  This question could go in all kinds of different directions which could be a little scary.  Here’s my answer which is not meant to side with one side or the other of the political spectrum.  I would create a reward system of some type for businesses which promote community involvement.  There is so much power available in the companies of the world.  Look at what happened with the Extreme Makeover Home Edition where Sears, CVS, Siemens, and several other sponsors worked together to build homes for families in need.  If companies were serious about providing resources (including manpower and material resources) to help the community, it would be amazing to see what would happen in the land.  As I’m learning this week, it wouldn’t only impact the recipient; it would also help those in the companies (the employees) at they worked together to make a difference.  And that is what I would do if I were king for the day.

There you have it – my answer.  Now, it’s your turn.  Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment.  I look forward to reading your response!