Jon Stolpe
Jon Stolpe
It’s Off to Work I Go…
I’m extremely thankful for my job. One of the coolest thing about working in the building automation/construction industry is the cool things that I have seen as a part of my 14 years in the business. Here’s a quick list:
- Sunrise over Manhattan from the roof of the Liz Claiborne World Headquarters in North Bergen, NJ
- Arrival of celebrities at the Rockefeller Center from one of the top ten floors of 30 Rockefeller Center
- Storage corridors under the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- “Dash for Cash” through the halls of Parrish Hall at Swarthmore College
- Historic attic spaces above the ballroom of the Academy of Music
- Mechanical rooms of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Celebration of building openings at jobs like: Princeton University Genomics Building, Agere Systems in Allentown, PA, and the Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Participate in the pharmaceutical world through jobs with Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Nanosystems, Clinical Trial Services, Sharp, etc.
- Worked on the 5 story home of an Italian doctor living on the East River in New York City
- I could go on…
As I stated above, I’m very privileged to have these experiences, and I look forward to the many adventures that lie ahead.
Until the next post, I’m off on another adventure…
Prince Caspian
This afternoon, I took Isaac and two of his buddies to see Prince Caspian as we celebrated his birthday. Let me say, I thought the movie was great! This should come as no surprise as I feel bonded to the entire Chronicles of Narnia story thanks to my dad who read all seven books to me as a child. Disney did a fabulous job retelling this chapter in the seven book Narnia series. Besides all the special effects, I was struck again by how C.S. Lewis used this story to share important life truths. For whatever reason, I was especially struck through the movie by God’s grace for us. Just like Peter wanted to be in control and seemed to lose hope that Aslan would ever reappear, I often feel like I try to be in control of the situations I’m in, and I seem to forget that God is there for me. It was neat to see how Aslan showed grace to Peter at the end of the story. I’m pretty certain that this is the same way for our relationship with God. You gotta check out this movie to see what I mean.
Until the next post…
ARK
Last night, I watched Evan Almighty about a freshman congressman/family man who prays to God about changing the world. His prayers are answered when God asks him to build an ark.
One of my favorite lines in the movie provides some insight into how each one of us can change the world: “How do you change the world? One Act of Random Kindness at a time.” God (played by Morgan Freeman)
This is a great movie if you need a good laugh or is you just want a little reminder that you can do your part to change the world. Here’s the trailer:
Until the next post, let’s start ARKing…
This morning I was reading from the book of Psalms and and the book of Acts. I was struck by the passion of Paul and of the psalm writer. See what I mean below:
10 While we were staying there for several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 He came to us and took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands with it, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, “This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:10-13
1 As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God? Psalms 42:1,2
It seems to me that both of these passages demonstrate the passion that we should have for following Christ and for living our lives for him. Paul was willing to die because of his belief, and the Psalm writer pours out his desire to know and be with God. I’m challenged. Do you and I share this same passion?
Until the next post…
Dutch Oven Cooking – Pizza
With the countdown continuing towards my annual pilgrimage to the Poconos, I couldn’t help but get one of my dutch ovens out over the weekend for the test run at a recipe I recently found on Byron’s Dutch Oven Cooking Page website. This weekend I tried pizza in my 14″ dutch oven. Here’s the basic gist of what I tried (since it wasn’t exactly like the recipe that I had found). First, I but a layer of crescent roll dough on the bottom of my greased oven. Next, I evenly coated the dough with pizza sauce. Then, I piled on the toppings: mushrooms, smoked turkey sausage, pepperoni, red onions, parmessan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, italian seasonings, and cheese. Finally, I put coals underneath and on top of the oven and let it cook for about 30 minutes.The results were pretty good, but I did learn a few things for next time. First, my toppings selection made by pizza a little to salty tasting for my liking, so I wouldn’t try it exactly the same next time. Secondly, the bottom of my pizza was a little charred, so I will use less coals on the bottom next time. Finally, I would have liked the crust a little thicker, so I would probably use two containers of roll dough next time. Still, I can’t complain. This recipe was definitely something to try again on a future camping (or backyard) adventure.
Until the next post, the countdown continues…
Happy Mother’s Day
There are three significant mother’s in my life right now, and I’m so thankful for them.
First, for my wonderful wife. Leanne is an incredible mother to our kids. She is amazing with them. She is an encourager, a comforter, a teacher, a mentor, a coach, and a discipler to both of our children.
Secondly, for my mom. Mom has stood up for me through thick and thin. She has believed in me and provided for me as I was growing up. And I know this continues today. Mom is committed despite the fact that we haven’t always given her credit for her efforts.
Thirdly, for my mother-in-law. I’ll be honest it took me a few years to understand how much Leanne’s mom cared for our family and loved me as a son. I am so thankful for her role as mother in Leanne’s life. She obviously provided a great example. I’m also grateful for her acceptance of me as a husband to her daughter and father to her grandchildren.
I know I don’t say it enough, but thank you! You three are great!
Until the next post, “is your mama a llama”…
Mr. Money Bags
What would you do if you found $10,000+ on the side of the road? Tough question. My friend, Tom Nesspor, actually had this happen to him just the other day. Click here to see and read more about his story.
I’m thankful for a friend like Tom.
Until the next post…
Blessed
Sunday morning before I even made it into the auditorium of our church, I had been asked more than six times how I was feeling. This continued the rest of the day as I ran into other people. I am amazed at how many people care about me. This is the kind of community that I want to be involved in. The response to my brief illness reminds me how it must have been for the earlier church pioneers. Read Acts 2:42-47 below:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
I am so thankful to be a part of a group of Christ followers who are trying to figure this out and live it out.
Until the next post…
Sickening Part 2
Well, it finally happened. I caught the bug that the kids had last weekend. I haven’t thrown up, but yesterday and last night, I was miserable. The chills, not hungry, aching, feeling like I might throw up, and just plain tired.
This morning when I woke up, I was obviously starting to feel better. After hanging in bed for a while, I ventured down stairs to consume a few of those great bug dietary delights – banana, ginger ale, jello, chicken noodle soup, and saltine crackers. Yum!!! Late this morning and early this afternoon, I actually made it outside to cut the grass. After a short nap later this afternoon, I am feeling okay. I expect to feel better tomorrow. We’ll see.
Being sick isn’t fun at all. Dealing with a short 24 hour (or so) bug is nothing compared to what some people I know have been dealing with…
Dan – pancreatic cancer
Anna – cancer
Mike – brain cancer
Barbara – breast cancer
Kathy – breast cancer
Grandma – aging
These are a few of the people who have been on my prayer list. If you think about it, say a prayer for them (and their families).
Thanks!
Until the next post, try the B.R.A.T. diet (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast), it’s great…
Sickening
Did I ever mention that I hate throwing up? Well, it hasn’t happened to me (or Leanne) yet, but we’re wondering if it might be coming. Yesterday morning, we were woken up early by a sick Hannah, and Isaac joined the party last night after we were all in bed by puking first on our floor and then on his bottom bunk. One thing that I hate almost as much as throwing up is cleaning up someone else’s puke. So far we’ve survived. The kids seem to be doing pretty well this morning, but you can keep Leanne and I in your prayers. Leanne called from church this morning, and her call was interrupted by someone else tossing the cookies. Leanne is supposed to leave Tuesday afternoon for a conference in Chicago. Obviously, the stomach flu never comes at a good time.
Until the next post, does anyone have a carpet cleaner that we could borrow…?