A Vision For San Antonio

On Wednesday morning in Guatemala, our team took a trip 3 miles outside of Xenacoj (a 45 minute drive). We short way requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and a stomach built for motion sickness. The longer way is mostly paved, but it is up hill and curvy. San Antonio is the home for approximately 25 families. It is a mountain top community with an amazing view and an incredible level of poverty. Most of our morning was spent feeding school children and their younger siblings who attend a small two or three classroom school in the center of this little village.

The Road To The San Antonio Vision

Towards the end of our visit, Dave (the missionary we were working with during our week) took a couple of us on a short walk to a small area on the edge of the village. The area was covered in grass and had an incredible view of the valley below. We could even see Xenacoj as we stood on top of this small mountain-top meadow. This is where we stopped and listed to Dave share one of his visions for San Antonio.

Here’s what Dave shared.

Imagine a place where pastors can come for retreat, for relaxation, and refocus. Imagine a place where couples can come to recharge their marriages. Imagine a place where students can be taught the Bible and other important skills that will allow them to serve other communities in Guatemala. Imagine a couple of buildings on top of this mountain top where students can learn and sleep, where pastors can reflect, and where couples can connect.

I’m sure I’m missing some of the details, but this is the general idea behind Dave’s vision.

Dave believes in this vision. I’m not sure what the timing will be for realization of this vision. Regardless, it’s inspiring to listen to these ideas, thoughts, and dreams.

So often, we become content with the same old thing. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes I think we sell our earthly lives short. We stop dreaming. We stop capturing God’s vision for our lives. We settle for life as it is instead of going after something bigger, better, and far more fulfilling.

Listening to Dave share on this hilltop reminded me of the importance of listening to God’s voice, of dreaming big dreams, and of pursuing God and the visions He’s given to us.

I’m starting to do this again. Here are some of my dreams for the future:

To build another house in Xenacoj. No. To build 25 or more houses in Xenacoj. Our trip to Guatemala last summer and this summer showed me how helpful a simple house can be to a family in need in Xenacoj. I’d love to help in this way.
To travel to Guatemala at least two times a year for the rest of my life. This could take some time to realize, but I believe it’s possible. There is so much work that can be accomplished in a week or two in Xenacoj. In addition, I’d love to continue the process of building relationships with those in this community that has captured my heart.
To bring other people to Xenacoj with me. I want other people to experience what I have experienced. I want them to meet the people, to see the things, to touch the hands of the orphans and widows. I’d love to bring a group of bloggers to Xenacoj some day. I’d love to bring a group of families to Xenacoj some day. I’d love to bring a group of co-workers to Xenacoj some day. I’d love to bring members of my extended family to Xenacoj some day.
To write a book about my experiences in Xenacoj. I think this dream is closer than I realize. I’m sure I’m writing content for this book – right now! I want to write the book for several reasons: (1) I want to share my story of Xenacoj with as many people as possible, (2) I want to follow in the footsteps of my Dad who has written a few books, (3) I want to potentially earn money that can be used to fund future ministry opportunities in Xenacoj, and (4) I want to experience the process of writing and launching a book.

I’m sure I have more dreaming to do. My trip to Guatemala rekindled my desire to dream.

Now it’s your turn.

What are you dreaming about? What visions to you have for the future? What are you doing now to realize these hopes and dreams?

A New Perspective

Yesterday, I assembled our refurbished picnic table. It’s still in the garage, and it’s providing a great place to get a new perspective as I work on blog stuff.

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The Score Says It All

The score says it all. Way to go PV!

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The Stretched Blog Visits DanErickson.net

You may have noticed that this week’s Ice Breaker was moved to Thursday. Today, I have the honor of guest posting for my friend Dan Erickson. Dan lives in the state of Washington, and we had the blessing of meeting each other this summer when he traveled to the east coast with his daughter to visit family and to visit NYC. In my post titled Connecting Through Writing, I share about the connection I’ve found through my writing. Here’s a glimpse of my post:

Connecting Through Writing

I never thought I would have a passion for writing.

It’s not that I was terrible at it. I survived four years of Honors English in high school (I actually did okay). But my interest was always more towards math and science. My love for these two subjects led me to a college degree in mechanical engineering and a career in the engineering and construction field.

I had no idea that writing would become such an important part of my life. Writing has actually become a discipline that I look forward to each day.

I’ve been blogging for over six years. And I’ve started dreaming and planning to write a book (or two or three someday).

What has amazed me the most about writing is its ability to connect people. (Click here to read the rest.)

How has writing changed your world? How has writing resulted in new connections for you?

Ice Breaker – Allergies

Image by VerseVend (via Flickr – Creative Commons)

Each week on The Stretched Blog, I 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 ice breaker is making an appearance on Thursday instead of Friday due to a special guest posting opportunity tomorrow (more details to follow).

Question: Do you have any allergies? If you could be allergic to one thing, what would it be?

My Answer: Apparently, I’m allergic to caffeine. I get migraine headaches when I have caffeine. It stinks, but I would rather not have migraines.

If I could be allergic to one thing, I would be allergic to shopping. I’m not a big fan of shopping as it is, and think of all the money I would save if I couldn’t shop. I’m sure there would be significant downsides to this allergy, but it’s fun to imagine.

Answer this week’s ice breaker question by leaving a comment. I look forward to reading your response! (As always, feel free to share links.) And keep STRETCHING!

Also don’t forget to sign up for the weekly Stretched newsletter. Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Can I Get A Witness

A witness is someone who has, who claims to have, or is thought, by someone with authority to compel testimony, to have knowledge relevant to an event or other matter of interest. In law a witness is someone who, either voluntarily or under compulsion, provides testimonial evidence, either oral or written, of what he or she knows or claims to know about the matter before some official authorized to take such testimony. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witness)

Last week on the way home from work, I witnessed a pretty bad accident on the way home from work. I was right behind a car that pulled into an intersection prematurely leading to a three car accident. It was surreal. The accident seemed to happen in slow motion as an oncoming car slammed into the car as it crossed into the intersection. The car at fault was then pushed into another car across the street that was waiting to cross the road. I felt like I was in a movie as I saw two of the cars go airborne.

I called 911 explaining the situation. After recommending that an ambulance be sent to the scene of the accident, I explained that there were most likely injuries. The 911 dispatcher connected me with a state trooper who asked for details and requested that I stay there until a trooper arrived on site. Apparently, I was the only witness to the accident, and they wanted my testimony.

When the trooper arrived, he inspected the cars, the roads, and those involved with the accident. He took notes. He checked in with the paramedics who were already on the scene. He took a few more notes. And then he came over to me to get my take. It was a quick discussion. I was able to confirm the details that I observed. And then he sent me on my way. I had completed my job as the witness.

When you hear the word “witness”, what comes to mind?

Maybe, you think of the 80s movie (Witness) starring Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis in which a young Amish boy witnesses a murder.

Maybe, you think of The People’s Court, Judge Judy, Night Court, or another courtroom drama or sitcom in which someone is called to testify.

The term witness is met with mixed thoughts and emotions when it is tied to the church. Christians are often afraid to share their faith concerned with how they will be perceived. Some Christians are afraid that they will be compared with street preachers or Jehovah’s Witnesses. Many fail to “witness” because they are afraid of rejection. Some simply feel inadequate, “What can I say that would make someone follow Christ?”.

I’m not sure what you think about witnessing, but it seems pretty clear that we are called to testify – to witness – to others about the truth of Christ, His love, and His sacrifice on the cross. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) directs Christ followers to go into all the world teaching others about Christ – to witness.

What and who gives us this authority to share our testimony? The Great Commission provided by Christ himself provides this authority, and our own experience with God gives us a compelling testimony worth sharing. So how can we do this? Many of us wouldn’t proclaim to be gifted speakers or preachers. But that shouldn’t stop us. Witnessing to others can include words, but it also can be through our actions.

I love this quote by Saint Francis of Assisi:

Preach the gospel at all times — If necessary, use words.

So a challenge for you and me is to be intentional in our words and in our actions today. May our words and deeds bear witness to the truth of Christ that longs to permeate the lives of everyone.

How can you be a witness today to those around you who need to know the love and truth of Christ?

September 2013 – Top Posts and Commenters

Here are the highlights from September 2013. Thanks to everyone who read along and commented. Your readership and participation in the daily discussions are what make The Stretched Community. Thank you! Overall, traffic was up from August (8.20%). Traffic was up 37.40% compared to a year ago. The top 10 posts again included two posts from 2012 and two posts from previous months in 2013. David Bartosik’s post about happiness was tied for the most popular post. If you missed any of these posts, I hope you’ll go and check them out now by clicking below. The three posts with the most engagement were #2, #8, and #9 from the list below.

Top 10 Commenters:

Larry Carter (42)

Steve Y (37)
David Paul Stolpe (31)
TNeal (12)
Dan Erickson (11)
David Bartosik (11)
Caleb (11)
Dan Black (8)
Matt Cannon (5)
Travis Scott (5)
Arny (4)

As promised at the beginning of the month, I have randomly chosen someone from the top 10 commenters list to receive a copy of Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court. The winner of this book is…(drum roll)…David Bartosik. Congrats to David!

For the month of October, I’ll be giving away a copy of The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing [A Spiritual Memoir] by Jeff Goins. This month, the winner will be chosen randomly from the top 10 commenters.

Thanks to each and everyone for reading and for commenting. I’m looking forward to October with The Stretched Community! The month of October will include a couple of book reviews, more reflection on my Guatemala trip, and a couple of visits to and from other bloggers. October should be a great month!

How was your month? If you’re a blogger share a link to your top post in the comments? What was your favorite Stretched post this month? How were you STRETCHED in September?

In case you’re interested, here are a few other interesting stats about September (based on Google Analytics):

Visits – Increased 9.10%
Unique Visitors – Increased 8.63%
Pageviews – Increased 11.62%
Pages Per Visit – Increased 2.49%
Average Visit Duration – Increased 21.13%
Bounce Rate – Decreased 1.75%
New Visits – Increased 0.39%

Book Review: The Leadership Mandate by @dbonleadership

Today is an exciting day for my friend Dan Black. His new eBook launches today on Amazon.

The Leadership Mandate provides 10 practical and essential elements for developing leaders. This book is a helpful refresher for established leaders. But this book is not just written for people in positions of authority. The Leadership Mandate provides excellent advice for everyone who is serious about leading others or about leading themselves.

Dan Black has been blogging for quite a while about leadership. The Leadership Mandate focuses so much of Dan’s great daily blog content into a concise guide that will help you act like a leader. Dan presents 10 foundational things that will propel people to leading with influence and effectiveness. The Leadership Mandate teaches, and it challenges leaders to take action – to develop the leader inside you.

The Leadership Mandate is available starting today on Amazon.com for $2.99. Help my friend Dan out and help yourself out as well. Go pick up a copy today. Click the link below to get your copy today. As a special BONUS, Dan has put together a special package of extra material for anyone who purchases The Leadership Mandate between September 30th and October 7th. The BONUS package includes six great leadership books and tools (Vision Impact! by Bernard K. Haynes, Navigating Change by Ngina Otiende, The Little Guide To Figuring Out Your Dream by Kimanzi T. Constable, I’ve Been Promoted: Now What Do I Do? by Ernie Wenk, The Big Blog Push by Jared Latigo, and a discount on leadership coaching by Joe Lalonde). To get the BONUS, e-mail your receipt to Dan at danblackonleadership@gmail.com. To get more details on the BONUS, click here.

What do you think are the most essential elements of a leader?

(Please note: I received a copy of The Leadership Mandate for free in exchange for a review. I was not required to provide a favorable review. I truly believe this book can be a helpful reminder to any reader in helping them to take steps to become better leaders – at work, in the community, at church, and at home. It’s my honor to be part of the launch team for Dan’s new book.

Also to note: There are affiliate links in this post. Should you purchase The Leadership Mandate by clicking one of these links, I receive a small percentage of the purchase. These funds are used to support The Stretched Blog and to extend ministry and missions to Guatemala. Thank you!)

What Are You Thinking?

You know the clouds you see above heads in the comic strips? They’re filled with the thoughts of the person.

What are you thinking? I’d love to know!

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Nova

Nova may mean “no go” in Spanish, but it takes me back to my first car-a 1974 Chevy Nova!

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Connecting Through Writing

Top 10 Posts:

Top 10 Commenters: