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!

I’d Rather Have A Root Canal (10 Things Worse Than A Root Canal)

Yesterday, I had my first root canal.  I’ve heard mixed things about this whole procedure.  We’ll see how my recovery goes, but so far it hasn’t been as bad as I might have expected.  It’s amazing what they can do with some Novocaine and a bunch of drills.

As a fun way to commemorate my first root canal experience, I thought it would be “fun” to list a few things that  are worse than having a root canal procedure.

Here’s my Top 10 list of “fun” things worse than having a root canal:

1. Going shopping at the mall on Black Friday – I made it to a grocery store and the Goodwill store this Black Friday.  I can’t imagine subjecting myself to the swarms of mad shoppers looking for deals and big televisions and socks.
2. Colonoscopy – I haven’t had one yet, but it doesn’t sound like fun.
3. Sit through another round of negative presidential campaign advertisements – Don’t get me wrong here.  I’m thankful for the right and privilege to vote, and I’m glad we get to select a new president or re-elect a president every four years, but the negative campaign ads drive me nuts.
4. Cleaning up dog diarrhea all over the living room carpet – Yep.  I’ve done this before.  Trust me it was not fun.
5. Throwing up – I don’t like to throw up.  Cleaning up someone’s puke is also not high on my list.
6. Listening to John Madden – Okay, so I’m exaggerating a bit here, but you have to admit.  His announcing skills could use some refining.
7. Sitting through a Roger & Me movie marathon – I watched Roger & Me with some buddies when I was in high school.  Was it just me or was this a dumb movie for teenagers to be watching on a free Friday night?
8. Migraine headaches – I’ve had more than my fair share of migraines this past year.  It’s been getting better, but I still can’t stand them.
9. Watching the Yankees win another World Series – This one’s for my buddy, Dan Reischel.  I’m sorry, but I’m tired of seeing the Yankees win.  Let’s go Phillies!
10. Paying for a root canal – I don’t know how much the crown will cost yet, but the root canal procedure itself wasn’t cheap (even after insurance).

What do you think?  Have you ever had a root canal?  What would you add to the list?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4

Musical Stretch (Guest Post by Dan Erickson)

Today, I’m honored to present guest blogger, Dan Erickson.  Dan and I recently became friends through the blogging community.  He shares a little bit about himself in the intro to his post.  To connect with Dan, visit is blog (Intentional Rhythms) or follow him on Twitter.  Enjoy!

I’ve been stretched a lot in life.  I was a child victim of a cult.  I dealt with post-traumatic stress in my 20s.  I returned to college in my 30s.  I became a single dad in my 40s.  I have all sorts of sad stories I could tell, but I decided to keep this on the upbeat: music.

I’m a musician and a songwriter.  I’ve written 100s of songs throughout three decades.  No, you’ve never heard any on the radio… yet.  A few years ago, I reached a point that many call “writer’s block” as a songwriter.  I was burnt out.  I felt like I’d explored nearly every style and genre of songwriting.  I currently haven’t written a song in nearly two years.  That’s a record for me.  However, I’ve decided to stretch myself musically.

I’m taking some of my old songs and rewriting them.  I’m guitarist and drummer, but have picked up mandolin and banjo over the past few years.  Laugh, but I’m taking eight of my older songs originally written on the guitar and rewriting them on the banjo.  The songs are part of a project that accompanies my book A Train Called Forgiveness.  But enough about me.  What can you learn by this musical stretch?

1. Think again.  When you feel like you’re out of ideas, think again.  We often trick ourselves into thinking we have nothing new, nothing fresh.  But it’s the process of continually experimenting that creates new material.  If you keep mulling things around in your mind you’ll be surprised at the results.
2. Change tools.  If you always go back to the same tool day after day, you’ll only be able to do a limited amount of work.  It takes more than a rake to plant a garden.  As a songwriter, I was able to get some fresh melodies and textures out of my old songs by rewriting them on the banjo.  New tools can inspire and refresh.
3. Consider the angles.  We often beat ourselves up over not being able to complete a project in the form we’ve convinced ourselves is best.  Rather than considering new angles we tend to kick the project to the curb.  My latest musical project has taken on new life because I was willing to go back and rewrite old songs instead of demanding new material of myself.
4. Expand on skills.  If you’re a blogger who feels like your posts are getting repetitive, take some time to expand your skills.  Practice creative writing.  Work on the technical side of blogging.  If you’re a writer: take a writing class or read more books.  If you’re a musician: try another instrument or play a different style of music.

Sometimes life can stretch us.  I’ve had plenty of times when it has.  But don’t forget, we can also stretch ourselves by making choices to take our abilities to the next level.

Is there something in your life that you can improve upon?  Are you willing to rethink old ways?  Are you willing to try out new tools?  Do you consider the picture from a variety of angles?  Can you expand on your current skills?  If you answered yes to these questions, then you’re ready to stretch.

Can you describe a time in your life when you had to think outside of the box or use new tools to stretch yourself to the next level?  Please post your comments below:

Ringing Up Patience at Register Six (Guest Post by D’Anne Hotchkiss)

Today, I have the honor of presenting D’Anne Hotchkiss.  D’Anne blogs over at LifeIsHOTblog.  Today, she shares a recent STRETCHING experience with The Stretched Community.  A brief bio with her contact links is included at the end of the post.  Enjoy!

Life is not a road race. When we slow down, we have time to think, and to build our patience muscle. (The photo was taken by Brad Smith, and is used by permission.)

The other day I made my monthly pilgrimage to Wal-Mart. I picked a time of day calculated to have few shoppers and little road traffic. What is the virtue of waiting three light cycles to get through a single intersection? I love efficiency and I’m not a good ‘waiter.’ My idea of good use of my time would be to have my teeth cleaned, my hair cut, and a mani/pedi, simultaneously, preferably while I listen to a good book. Don’t ask me about lines at toll booths or airport security.

Shopping list in hand, it took me 20 minutes to pick up my items. Ah, the bliss of shopping off-peak. And then I got to the checkout. I picked a short line. I noticed that the clerk moved slowly and appeared to be of below-average mental capacity. But she was steady. Fair enough, hat tip to the hiring manager. Oh all right, the other lines were longer and those shoppers had more items.

Over on my blog, LifeisHOTBlog, I write about how being honest, open and true in all things makes us better people and bring us better relationships. So from time to time, I push myself to do something hard because it makes me stronger in my relationships. This was one of those times.

While the clerk rang up the women in front of me I bid my time and bit my tongue. I tried to find the shiny side of each irritating minute. I can tell you that every item was lovingly picked up by the cashier, carefully scanned, with a pause for the scanner beep, and only then gently placed in a plastic bag, as though it were a raw egg being readied for a long trip. My life has been rushed lately and I should take advantage of this time to slow down.

As each bag started to get full, the clerk would carefully rearrange items to make room for one or two more things. No sense wasting plastic bags that may end up in the landfill and that cost her employer a tiny slice of profit.

There was a misunderstanding about which item was being purchased in multiples and so required adjustments. Miscommunication happens to all of us.

Why, one week before Thanksgiving, did the shopper need a large roasting pan and this particular size of aluminum foil? Oh, to have childlike innocence and curiosity.

Finally, it was my turn. Yes, the clerk exhibited the same care, if not expediency, with my order as she had with the previous two. I pictured a cat I had who, when she knew she had no choice but to endure the vet’s exam or other indignation, became completely passive. Not a hiss or snarl or claw.

Honestly, I don’t know how long before I was sprung free, but I’d guess 20 minutes.

So what did I learn from my experience? Nothing new. But I was reminded of some things that I seem to need reminding of periodically. Number one, remaining pleasant and gracious on the outside lessens my feelings of impatience and aggravation on the inside. Number two, I can embrace my fight and flight emotions and hold them, without them holding me. Number three, hissing, snarling and clawing really get you nowhere.

What about you? Do you sometimes choose to stretch yourself by putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation? How’s that work for you? Like any exercise, it gets easier with time, so keep at it.

D’Anne Hotchkiss Bio:  Life is rarely perfect. Sometimes, it is not even good. These are the parts that especially deserve expression. That’s my belief and what has inspired me to create Life Is HOT. I’m on a journey to embrace life through Honest, Open and True living. Come along with me at LifeIsHOTBlog and follow me on Twitter, @lifeishotblog. Let’s see what happens.

Walking The Tightropes Of Life – Balancing Store And Steward

I feel like I’m walking on another tightrope.  Let me explain.

Have you ever purchased something only to put it on a shelf or in a closet to keep it in mint condition?

Maybe you bought a brand-new car only to park it in the garage.  Maybe you purchased a book only to keep it in its wrapping to protect it from being damaged.

I’ve done this before.  I’ve purchased things only to store them up to keep them pristine.  For example last year, I purchased a couple of packages of undershirts.  These can be difficult to find in my size as I require extra-large tall sizes, and most stores don’t stock tall sizes.  I still had some older undershirts that I wore for a long time.  Meanwhile, I let the new ones sit in my closet in the original packaging for the better part of a year – unused.

The more I think about it, this doesn’t seem like the best stewardship.  What good does it do to let something sit on a shelf that was meant to be used?

Last night, I wrestled with this as we finished up youth group at the church.  Our church currently has two buildings on its campus.  The first building was built with a focus on our kids ministry.  The second building which is currently being utilized as our worship area is primarily designed to focus on our student ministry.  As we continue to grow, we will need build another building or two to keep up, and we’ll need to be diligent in planting other campuses/churches around the area (but that’s another topic).

Getting back to last night’s youth group, I was cleaning up after the evening activities when I came across a piece of drywall.  Apparently, someone had ripped a hole in one of the wall’s of the building.  I have no idea how it got there, but I was initially ticked off.  What are kids thinking?  Don’t they realize the money that has gone into building a facility focused on them?  Why don’t they take care of it?

As I drove home, I continued to wrestle with my anger.  And then it hit me, there were seven new kids at youth group last night.  Every week, we are seeing new students checking out the youth group.  Most churches would be ecstatic to experience this type of growth.  The youth group is reaching students who come from broken homes, unchurched families, and typical teenager struggles.  The group is having an impact on these students and their families.

Sure it’s important to take care of our stuff – the resources that God has given us, and it’s also important to be good stewards of the things we have.  What good is a building that is locked up all week?  A building is meant to be used?  A building focused on teenagers will occasionally experience busted drywall.

I think this is what Jesus may have been getting up in the Sermon on the Mount when he said:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Matthew 6:19-21

Let’s store up things that matter.  Let’s be good stewards of what we’ve received.  And let’s learn to look at life and our stuff from a different perspective.

How are you doing with this balancing act?  What are you storing up?  Are you being a good steward?  Do you ever struggle with this?  Jump in the conversation by leaving a comment.

The First Sunday of Advent: Hope

We wait in hope for the Lord;

he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:20

If you come from a more traditional church background, you probably will be lighting the first candle on the church’s advent wreath.  Today, is the first Sunday of Advent.  Many people around the world will be talking about hope.  We can have amazing hope because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  We have hope in His second coming.  We have hope of spending eternity with Him in heaven.

As we go through this time of preparing for Christmas, may we be hopeful for what is to come.  May we share the hope we have with a broken world.

What are you hoping for today?

Today, I’m hooking up with The Sunday Community and Fresh Brewed Sundays.  Hop on over here and here to see what I’m talking about.

Pearl S. Buck Quote

None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.
Pearl S. Buck

November 2012 – Top Posts and Commenters

November was a huge month for The Stretched Blog.  Thank you so much to each of you whether you left or comment, shared a link to one of my posts, or simply read one or more posts.  Your involvement in The Stretched Community is amazing.  The Stretched Blog experienced its biggest month so far with traffic increasing 32.6% since the previous high (last month).  A major boost in the traffic came on November 7th when the daily traffic was over five times the average daily traffic.  Here’s a list of the top posts and commenters.  Check out the posts, and check out the blogs of some of the top commenters.  Here you go:

Top Posts:

1. How To Respond To The Election Results (November 7, 2012)
2. Ice Breaker – Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving (November 16, 2012)
3. Ten Reasons To Attend FamilyLife Weekend To Remember (February 27, 2012)
4. How To Waste Your Gifts (November 26, 2012)
5. I Didn’t Win The Powerball Lottery (November 29, 2012)
6. Guest Post: Wondering by Leanne Stolpe (August 2, 2012)
7. How To Celebrate Thanksgiving – 5 Ideas To Transform Your Holiday (November 12, 2012)
8. Charles M. Schulz Quote (November 3, 2012)
9. Ice Breaker – Top 5 Christmas Songs (November 23, 2012)
10. We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Program (November 28, 2012)

Top Commenters:

• TCAvey (19)
• TNeal (16)
• Larry Carter (15)
• Brandon Gilliland (11)
• Matt McWilliams (10)
• Leah Adams (9)
• Dan Black (8)
• Joe Lalonde (8)
• Bill (cycleguy) (5)
• chris vonada (4)

How was your month?  If you’re a blogger, what was the top post on your blog this month?  What was one of the top posts that you read around the blog world this month?  What was your favorite post on The Stretched Blog this month?

Nelson Mandela Quote

Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.

Nelson Mandela

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!