Getting Back To The Basics – Cape Cod Baseball League

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big baseball fan.  I have followed the game for most of my life – first as a Chicago Cubs fan – and now as a Philadelphia Phillies fan (since 1980 when I moved to the Philly area).  It’s been fun to support the Phillies especially over the past five years as they have been very competitive, but…

Professional baseball isn’t what it used to be.  With steroids, free agency, lack of player/team loyalty, higher ticket prices, and a crazy pay structure, players and teams don’t relate to average fans – like myself.  I have found my overall interest in the game slacking off.  Much of this is due to the realities of adult life – I now have a family and a job that require my full attention.  But I believe that some of my fading interest in the game is related to the fact that professional baseball has gotten away from its roots.

This is why I loved going to see a Cape Cod Baseball League game when Leanne and I vacationed in Cape Cod a few weeks ago.  The teams in the league are made up of college baseball players who are looking for a way to work on their skills over the summer.  Players come from all over the country to play in this league.  They are not paid.  They live with volunteer host families.  And the games which are played at a high level are free to the public.  Players actually walk around during the game to accept entries into the game’s 50-50 drawing which is used to help offset travel expenses for the team.

We went to a game between the Cotuit Kettleers and the Hyannis Harbor Hawks.  We literally sat on top of the home team’s dugout.  We could hear the players talking.  We saw players who were not yet tarnished by the riches of the big leagues.  We saw the game of baseball the way it was meant to be played.

Our evening in Hyannis was a reminder that it can be important to get back to the basics.  We allow so many things to come along and distract us from why and how we started doing what we’re doing – whether it’s work, school, church, or even family.  It’s easy to be distracted by the next big thing.  It’s not steroids or free agency, but we are often distracted by other things like non-stop activities, efforts to accumulate the most toys and gadgets, or a drive to climb higher on the corporate ladder.  These things by themselves may not be bad, but I think we often lose sight of why we started a family or why we started working.  I think it’s important to get back to the basics, so we can rediscover our love for “the game”.

Has the push for more taken away your love of “the game”?

What can you do today to bring back the love?

Keep Going

I took this picture on our Cape Cod vacation a couple of weeks ago.  It’s a boardwalk that takes you out to the edge of the marsh from Grey’s Beach in Yarmouth Port, MA.  I ran out to the end of the boardwalk three of the mornings we were there.

In the picture, it appears that the boardwalk goes on forever.

Some days, things can seem like this.  We have a tough day at work.  Our parenting doesn’t seem to be making any head way with our kids.  Perhaps, we’re facing health issues that seem unbearable.

The Bible provides encouragement to keep going when we’re ready to give up.  I often draw encouragement from these verses:

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13,14

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

One of the last day’s that we were in Cape Cod, I took Leanne out to the end of the boardwalk to enjoy the walk and view together.  The long walk was well worth it!

What are you facing today that seems like it could go on forever – that seems overwhelming or unbearable?  What keeps you going?

 

 

Top Posts For July 2011

Once again, it’s amazing all the statistics that are out there for tracking blog traffic.  I had my biggest month so far!  Below is a list of my top 5 blog posts receiving traffic in July.  Four of the five were guest posts which I think is pretty cool.  If you missed them, you can click on the links below:

1.  Celebrating 15 Years!

2.  Faith Stretch by Beck Gambill

3.  Savor The Flavor by Alex Humphrey

4. God in the Spaces by Norman Stolpe

5.  Detours by Leanne Stolpe

I love the dialogue that happens through the comments.  I continue to meet new people from all over the place.  I’m looking forward to a new month in August.  As I’ve stated to many before, my blog is a place for me to process some of the things that are stretching me.  It’s nice to know that some of these thoughts may be helping others as well.

So here’s my question:  Do you blog?  What was your most followed blog post this month?  What was your favorite post this month?

I’d love to hear from you!

(If you’re interested in guest posting on my blog, please drop me a comment.  I’d love to connect with you.)

Lessons Learned From Stretch

Friday night, we finished up three nights of Stretch.  I have volunteered at this event for several years, and it amazes me how I learn something or am reminded of something every year.  Here are some of the things that I learned/remembered:

1.  Junior High or Middle School is an awkward stage of life.  At Stretch this year, I saw kids who danced, kids with green glasses, kids with short shorts, kids in wheelchairs, and kids with crazy hats.  I saw kids who thought they were cool and kids who weren’t so confident in themselves.  I saw all kinds of different kids.

2.  Many young teenagers are crying out for attention.  They wear tight clothing.  They style their hair to get attention.  They act tough.  They want people to recognize them.

3.  Young people today are very wasteful.  Maybe this is just the wasteful minority overshadowing the others, but I’m not so sure.  I can’t believe how many half full soda cans and half eaten cheeseburgers and candy wrappers and water bottles I found lying around.  Is this something learned at home or is this what happens when young kids have freedom (i.e. Lord of the Flies)?

4.  Young teenagers need positive influences in their lives.  Hearing the disrespect from many of these kids, it was obvious that many lacked this influence.  Perhaps, it was just normal teenage rebellion, but I’m not so sure.

5.  We have awesome volunteers at our church.  They helped pull off an “extreme” event for over 350 middle school students.  Wow!  I love these people.  It was so fun to talk with these volunteers and work with them in serving the middle school students.  I was inspiring to see them as they served.

6.  Young teenagers feel misunderstood.  They need adults in their lives who can come alongside them.  They need to know that somebody cares.  They need someone who will listen to them.

7.  We need to create events (like Stretch) that will attract people who are far from God.  These types of activities can serve as springboards to helping them find God and starting them on a growth path.

8.  Our churches need to focus on this age group.  I am so thankful for April Tatta who leads the middle school ministry at our church.  She brings an energy and a passion to this area that is so often overlooked.  Kudos to April for leading such a great event!

I can’t wait for Stretch 2012!

How do you remember your middle school/junior high experience?

For Such A Time As This

I like my job.  I get the opportunity to help other people succeed.  I get the chance to support other people.  And I have the privilege of setting a tone and example for others to follow.  I confess that I don’t always get it right.  But I do pride myself on living with integrity and making decisions that represent Godly values and character.

Being in a management role, I have the honor of walking alongside team members as they celebrate the joys of life, but I sometimes have to provide support through their tough times as well.  Yesterday, I received some tough news from one of my team members.  He and his family are facing a very challenging time.  My heart was heavy yesterday when I got the news.  My thoughts and prayers have been with this family yesterday and today.

I don’t know what role I will have in the whole process.  But I do know that I will have a chance to provide workplace support to this individual as he focuses on what really matters at home right now.  Perhaps, I was put in my position a few years ago for just this time.  I pray that for them, and I also pray that I can lead in a way that draws others close to God.

As I’ve been processing this news over the past twenty-four hours, I was reminded of the story of Esther.  Esther was given a chance to be queen at a time when her people (the Jews) were facing persecution.  As a Jew herself, Esther had the opportunity to speak to the king and to sway him to protect the Jewish people.  The story is much more detailed than my explanation, but the gist of the story is that Esther was made queen at just the right time.  This verse from Esther 4:14 echoes this thought:

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Obviously, my position in management at my company is not quite the same as Esther’s position of queen, but I’m reminded that God can use us where we are at home, at work, in school, in the community.  Are we open to being used by God for His glory?

Where does God have you right now?  How do you sense that God may be using your current position in life to bring Him glory?

Rest For The Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Stretch 2011 started last night, and it went great.  I’m co-leading the games again this year with a new friend.  Let me just say that we have an awesome Games Team this year.  Everything went very well last night.  And it was obvious as I walked around that the kids were having a great time.  I don’t know the numbers, but it seemed like it was the biggest opening night we’ve had since Stretch began several years ago.

After cleaning up and driving home, I didn’t get to bed until 11:30PM.  This is late for me.  So when my alarm went off this morning at 4:50AM, it’s no surprise that I was exhausted.  I managed to get out of bed and out for my morning run despite my fatigue.  As I ran, this verse from Matthew 11 came to me.

I don’t know what you’re going through right now.  Maybe you volunteered at Stretch last night, and you’re feeling weary.  Maybe you just drove half way across the country.  Maybe you are fighting illness.  Maybe you’ve poured your energy into a project that seems unending.  You’re feeling worn-out, tired, exhausted, weary.  The verse above is a reminder that we can come to Jesus when we’re weary.  He promises to give us rest.

How are you feeling today?  When was the last time you faced exhaustion?

Book Review – The Seed (Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work)

Last night, I finished reading The Seed (Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work) by Jon Gordon.  I received the book through Michael Hyatt‘s blog.  While I’m feeling pretty content with my life and work, this book offered some valuable reminders for pursuing purpose in both.

Gordon uses a story of a man who finds himself caught in the doldrums of going to work every day.  The main character, Joshua, runs into several different people as he travels around for two weeks with his dog, Dharma.  At the beginning of the story, Joshua is given a seed by an old farmer, and he’s told to plant his seed where he finds his purpose.  By the end of the story, Joshua discovers the four levels of purpose and he discovers his purpose.  He plants his seed, and he sees growth and a harvest that has lasting impact.

I didn’t have any major expectations when I opened the book for the first time, but I was pleasantly surprised.  The Seed is a quick read, and I think it’s worth the time to be reminded about the importance of living with purpose.  I would recommend this book.

(Jon Gordon has written several books designed to inspire passion and purpose.  I am most looking forward to picking up a copy of The No Complaining Rule – Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work.)

What are your reading right now?  What’s on your reading list for the rest of the summer?

Stretch Starts Tomorrow!!!

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/13617196]

Middle school (or junior high) can be an awkward time in life.  The girls are growing way faster than most of the guys.  Kids are trying to figure out how they work and where they fit in.  They don’t get the attention of elementary aged children, and they’re not big shot high school teenagers.

Tomorrow night, I’ll be volunteering at a FREE three night camp designed just for middle school students.  The camp is called Stretch (Yes, they used my nickname without consulting with me, but I’m okay with it.)  I have participated as a volunteer for this event since it started several years ago.  And this year is extra special as Leanne and I now have two kids who will be in middle school this fall.  If you live in the area and you know someone who is going into sixth through eighth grade, plan on bringing them to three unbelievable nights.

The night is designed for kids this age.  Here are some of the things that will happen there:

– Laser Tag

– Video Games

– Basketball

– Dodgeball

– Karaoke

–  Amusement Ride – I call it the puke machine

–  All kinds of food (pizza, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, soda, cotton candy, etc.)

–  Stage Games

–  Slip and Slide

–  Volleyball

–  Inflatable

–  Music

–  Great Speakers

If any of this sounds like fun, you don’t want to miss Stretch Uncut 2011.

Wednesday, July 27 – Friday, July 29, 2011

6:30PM – 10:00PM (Friday night until 11:00PM)

Christ’s Church of the Valley

1560 Yeager Road

Royersford, PA

Hope to see you there!

How does your church connect with middle school students?  What cool activities do you think would be great to add to an event like this?

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

This weekend, our family has been puppy sitting Boots.  Boots is a seven month old german shepherd who is being trained to be a seeing eye dog to help a blind person.  She’s being raised by a local family who is part of our 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club.  The Club meets once a month (tonight actually) to help puppy raisers with training tips and to conduct business to keep the club moving along.  We are currently on the waiting list for a new puppy which should arrive sometime this fall.

Our “forever” dog, Iso, was part of the program.  Iso is our seven-year black lab.  We got him when he was eight weeks old, and we had him in our home until he was eighteen months old.  From there, he traveled up to The Seeing Eye in Morristown, NJ where he was trained for eight months.  We got to see his “final” exam, a town walk through the streets of Morristown, and he did great.  So we were surprised when we received a phone call a couple of weeks later indicating that Iso was not going to pass the program.  Apparently, he was too social – he was too distracted by other dogs.

Fast forward, five years.  Iso lives with us, and he is a great dog.  He’s very friendly.  He doesn’t bark – which makes him a terrible watch dog.  He doesn’t fetch – which makes him a terrible retriever.  And he’s not real active – which makes him a terrible walking partner.  But we love him.  He is so loyal, and he loves our company.

This weekend has been a wake up call for Iso.  Imagine a seven month old puppy invading your turf – running circles around you – stealing your attention – disrupting the life as you know it.  Needless to say, Iso didn’t seem to happy about the whole thing when Boots walked in the door on Friday night.  As the weekend has moved along, a friendship seems to be budding, and Boots seems to be teaching Iso a thing or two.

Iso has actually barked a few times in response to the pestering of Boots.  We now know that Iso has a deep bark which could be scary if an intruder came to the door.  Iso has also dabbled in the whole fetching thing.  Boots loves to fetch her orange and blue ball.  She carries it around with her all the time.  I don’t think Iso understood this at first, but once he saw how much attention Boots received as she returned to the thrower with the ball, Iso started get it.  He actually went after the ball a few times and beat out the younger Boots to retrieving the ball and bringing it back.

So…I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!

We say goodbye to boots today as her family returns from a weekend getaway.  But we’ll remember Boots with fondness as we think of the new tricks she passed along to our forever dog.  Plus, we’ll get to say hello to Boots at each of the monthly Puppy Club meetings – including tonight’s meeting.

I think we can learn from this story of Boots and Iso.  Younger people have lots to teach “older” people.  If you are young, speak up and share.  (This is a good lesson for me as I am the youngest person on our management team at work.)  If you are “older” (and we’re all older than someone), watch and listen to those who are younger.  They can add value and new insights.  They can also remind you that things can be fun and exciting.  Great lessons from our weekend!

Do you have any pets?  What tricks can they do?

Who are the young people you hang out with for new ideas and new energy?

The Trials and Tribulations of a Suburban Chicken Farmer

“It’s a hot day to be a chicken and a hard day to be a chicken farmer.”

This was my post on Twitter on Friday night.

Thanks to the oppressive heat, I lost six of my eight chickens on Friday.  The other two are holding on for dear life.  As of this morning, it looks like they just might make it.

I’ve been raising chickens for the past two and a half years.  It’s been quite an undertaking.  For those of you who know my brothers and me, I would be the least likely to ever have chickens.  For some reason, the thought of having my own chickens and the fresh eggs that they produced every morning seemed so utopian three years ago.  After two and a half years, I’ve learned a lot:

–  Did you know that chickens poop once every eight minutes?  Can you imagine how much bathroom reading you could accomplish at this rate?  Obviously, this means quite a bit of clean up.

–  I read somewhere that you can power a 100 Watt light bulb for 5 hours with the energy produced by converting one chicken’s poop.  Yes, I’ve thought about how to put this to use at home.

–  Chicken manure is great for your garden – especially, tomatoes I’ve been told.  I don’t even like tomatoes!

–  Egg production is best in the summer when the days are longer.  In the winter, I’ve tried putting heat lambs and light timers in their coop to spur on further productivity.

–  Eggs from home raised chickens are clearly better than store-bought eggs.

–  It cost money to raise chickens.  While the eggs are “free”, the chicken feed and pine shavings (for bedding) add up quickly.

–  Chickens are messy animals.  Besides the poop mentioned above, they like to dig in your flower beds and garden.  I had to fence in an area for them to get them to stop destroying my yard.

–  Chickens are savage animals.  They will eat their own eggs.  Talk about driving down my production!  If we don’t get out there soon enough, they get the eggs before we do.

–  Chickens are loyal and love to be home.  When we let them roam around the yard, they always came back to their coop before night-time.

I’m sure that I’ve learned a lot more, but these are some of the key points.  Will I keep raising chickens?  Probably – but I won’t add to my flock for a little bit.  I need to do some coop modifications.  Yes, I also double as a chicken coop architect and engineer.  Perhaps, I should figure out how to get air conditioning into these hens before the next heat wave.

Do you raise chickens?  Do you have any other crazy home “projects”?  What advice or funny stories do you have to share?