Book Project – Learning To Release / A Call For Your Help

Last week, I posted on the blog asking people to Help Me Pick A Book Cover Design.  Traffic spiked on this day as people responded with their thoughts, encouragement, and criticism.  I’m discovering courage is required when launching book ideas into the public.  I received so many comments.  Mostly, I received encouragement.  Some readers offered constructive feedback on how the designs could be better.  And I even had a couple of people submit their own design ideas.

Honestly, I wasn’t prepared for the deluge of feedback.  I’m glad I put it out there for the “world” to see.  And I’m thankful everyone responded.  It was so helpful, but I just wasn’t quite ready for the variety of responses.  I’m naturally a people-pleaser, so I am cursed with wanting to make everyone happy.  I don’t think this is possible.  Everyone has their own perspective and preferences.

I’m starting to realize the importance of writing and publishing for me first and then for everyone else.  Obviously, I want my writing to challenge people and even be well received, but this won’t always happen.

I am getting ready to launch my first book project.  If all goes well, On Track – Life Lessons From The Track & Field will be released by the end of the month.  There’s a natural tendency to hold onto it until it’s perfect, but I’m learning I need to let go and release it; otherwise, I will fall into the trap of failing to ship.

On Track takes a spectator’s perspective from the athletic field to the classroom of life.  Each chapter takes a look at a certain aspect of the track and field world and translates it to everyday life.  From the practice field and the starting blocks to the finish line, we can all learn important lessons from the track for living and running the best race possible.

Here’s where I could use your help:

1. Pray for me.  I’d really appreciate your prayers.  I want my writing to glorify God.  Pray I’d stay focused on finishing up this project.  Pray I’d release it.  Pray that it would stretch people.
2. I’m looking for some people to read and review the book.  You don’t have to be a track athlete to get something out of this book.  I think it has something for everyone.  At this time, I’m looking for the reviews to be posted on March 31st.  If you’re interested in reading and reviewing the book, leave a comment, send me an e-mail at jon@jonstolpe.com, or fill out the contact form below, so we can connect.  If you are up for this opportunity, I’ll send you an advance copy a week ahead of time.

[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’How will you help promote On Track?’ type=’text’/][/contact-form]

These two things will push me to the finish.  I appreciate your help!

What keeps you on track towards finishing a goal or project?  What project are you working on now?  How can I encourage you to keep going?

Special thanks to John Noonan of True Blue Media for the incredible cover design.  I’m looking for an editor who can read over the manuscript prior to release.  If you can help, let me know.

 

Second Chances – Does Pete Rose Deserve A Second Chance?

Is there anyone who is beyond a second chance?

Think about it.  Who would be on your list of people who don’t deserve a second chance?

Jeffrey Dahmer?  Dahmer, a serial killer and sex offender, raped and murdered 17 people in the Milwaukee area between 1978 and 1991.

Ted Bundy?  Bundy, another serial killer and sex offender, murdered several people during the 1970s.

Richard Nixon?  Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, who resigned in light of the Watergate scandal.

Bill Clinton?  Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, who had sexual relations (despite lying about it) with a White House intern during his presidency.

Timothy McVeigh?  Charles Manson?  Adam Lanza?  Lance Armstrong?  Barry Bonds?  Jose Canseco?  Michael Vick?  Jerry Sandusky?

Alex Rodriquez?  Rodriquez, New York Yankees third basemen, suspended from baseball for a year for breaking rules regarding performance enhancing drugs.

Justin Beiber?  Beiber, Canadian pop singer, recently arrested for drag racing and driving under the influence.

Lindsay Lohan?  Lohan, actress, repeatedly arrested for drug and alcohol related offenses.

Pete Rose?  Rose, all-time Major League Baseball hits leader, thrown out of baseball for betting on baseball.

We could go on and on with names of people in the limelight who have made critical errors.  Do these people deserve a second chance?  It’s a great question.  Each of these people have committed crazy crimes or done something pretty stupid.  Each of them is left with the consequences of their actions.  Some face death.  Most face public ridicule at a minimum.  Others faced fines, jail time, or other punishment.

Here’s the deal.  Just like this people above, we all make mistakes.  We may not have killed anyone (at least I hope not).  We may not have been caught for breaking the rules or doing something so stupid.  But we all mess up.  And we all have consequences to our actions.  Do we deserve a second chance?

What yard stick are we measuring ourselves against?

Sure our “sins” make seem quite minor compared to the “sins” of those on the list above.  But what happens when you compare our sins to God’s holiness?  Suddenly, we begin to much worse.

The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)  It goes on to say that “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)  With this in mind, none of us deserve a second chance.  We have all screwed up.

If this was the end of the story, it would be pretty depressing.  Don’t you think?

But there is more to the story.

The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that God loves us so much, he sent His son for us.  In Romans 10:13, we are promised that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  This sounds like a second chance to me.

Our church is doing a series about second chances.  On March 30th, Pete Rose will be on campus all three services to be interviewed.  It’s hard to argue with his playing skill, but many could argue about his place in baseball and in life based on his past.  I’m excited to hear what he has to say.  If you live anywhere in the Philadelphia area, I’d encourage you to make your way over to Christ’s Church of the Valley in Royersford, PA to hear what Pete Rose has to say and to see how are pastor responds.  I think you’ll be challenged and surprised.  For more information, check out our church’s website at moviechurch.com.  If you plan on coming, let me know.  I’d love to say hello.

How have you been given a second chance?  What did you do with your second chance?

I’m Turning Into My Dad

 

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to visit with some college friends.  We have all experienced changes since graduating from college.  We are older.  We have kids.  We have new jobs, responsibilities, and interests.  Our kids came with us, so they had the opportunity to meet our college friends and to hang out with their kids.

It’s fun to listen to the life updates and stories everyone has to share, and I enjoy jumping into the fray with my own stories.

Saying goodbye always takes some time which isn’t the greatest thing for impatient kids.  I was sharing a story with a couple of our friends right before we left which delayed our departure.  When we finally got in the car, my son began to mock me by repeating my story almost word for word.  I don’t remember is words exactly, but he said something about me droning on and on and on about something few people cared to hear.

It’s funny how the tables turn.  I seem to remember having the same response when my own father would drone on and on and on about this or that.  My friends actually started calling my dad Cliff Claven, the postman from the popular sitcom, Cheers.  Cliff was known for sharing a lot of details about a lot of trivial things. My dad seems to know a lot of things about a lot of things.

I smile as I think about a video my high school friends all refer to where my dad was briefly caught on video walking past a door.  As he walked by the door, he could be heard saying, “Do you remember the All In The Family episode?”  My dad has always been able to relate some sort of pop culture tidbit with a conversation or experience.

My dad is one of the smartest people I know.  Seriously, he knows so much.  His reading over the years and his ability to keep up with popular culture have helped to fill his mind with information.  When you meet my dad, you will eventually be blessed with a story or information taken from the huge database of his brain.  This trait used to drive me crazy as a teenager, but it has come to be something I greatly admire and respect.

As our family drove away from our college friend get together, I listened to my son, and I smiled.  Maybe, I am turning into my dad.  But maybe this isn’t a bad thing.  I wonder if he’ll have the same thoughts in 25 years when his kids give him a hard time about his stories.

How are you like your parents?  What is one characteristic of your mom or dad you’d like to have?

Ice Breaker – We Are The World

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.

On this day (March 7th) 29 years ago, a large group of popular singers released “We Are The World” and launched an initiative (“USA for Africa”) which raised money for Africa by selling over 20 million copies of this hit single.  If you lived through the 80s, you have to check out the video and remember the great hairstyles and attire of the singers.

Today’s Stretched Ice Breaker is inspired by We Are The World.

(I’m always looking for Ice Breaker question ideas.  If you have an idea, send me an email at jon@jonstolpe.com.  If I use your question, I’ll give you credit and share your links.)

Question:  What is your cause?  What is one cause you’d like others to know about?  What is one thing people can do to learn more about this cause?  And what is one thing they can do to further this cause?

My Answer:  If you’ve been reading here for any length of time, you know the people of Guatemala have captured my heart.  This year, I’ll be taking my family back to Xenacoj, Guatemala to work with GO! Ministries.  We will be specifically ministering to the widows and orphans of this area (James 1:27).  To learn more about GO! Ministries click the link above.  Here are a few things you can do to further the cause of GO! Ministries:

1. Pray.  Pray for guidance and effective ministry.  Pray for the widows and orphans.
2. Give.  On the website for GO! Ministries, there are a few different ways you can give.  Every bit helps.  I’ve seen the power of a few bucks.
3. Go.  Go on a short-term missions trip with me to Guatemala.  You can make a huge difference by going to Guatemala for a week.
4. Share.  Share with others about GO! Ministries.  And share about our trip.

Here’s our highlight video from last year’s trip:

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 Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.

Help Me Pick A Book Cover Design

I’m working on finalizing an eBook which I hope to release later this month.  I’d love to get your help in selecting a cover for the book.  I’ve put together four designs for your consideration.  The book is called On Track – Life Lessons From The Track & Field.  Could you do me a HUGE favor and vote on the design you most like?  Also, in the comments let me know what you think.  Should I go back to the drawing board?  Am I on the right “track”?  What do you like about the design you selected?  What would you change?

Number 1

 

 

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

A Thank You Note Deal

I don’t typically post stuff like this, but I thought it was appropriate considering today is Thank You Thursday, we are nearing the end of the 90 Day Thank You Note Challenge, and I just received my first order of Thank You notes from tinyprints.

Click on the banner above to have a look for yourself.  If you order thank you notes today, you get 40% off.

Thank You For The Everyday Stuff

It’s Thank You Thursday, and we kickoff the final month of the 90 Day Thank You Note Challenge.

Have you ever stopped to appreciate your stuff?

What is something you have that you really like?  What is something you have that makes your life easier?

Did you ever stop to realize there was someone behind your stuff?

In 1934, Clyde Champion Barrow took time to write Henry Ford a letter expressing his appreciation for his Ford.  Here’s the note:

Dear Sir: –

While I still have got breath in my lungs I will tell you what a dandy car you make. I have drove Fords exclusivly when I could get away with one. For sustained speed and freedom from trouble the Ford has got ever other car skinned and even if my business hasen’t been strickly legal it don’t hurt enything to tell you what a fine car you got in the V8 –

Yours truly

Clyde Champion Barrow

Apparently, there is some controversy about this note.  Clyde Champion Barrow is part of the notorious Bonnie and Clyde.  Bonnie and Clyde were killed while they were trying to outrun police in their Ford Model B.  Some have questioned whether or not the note is real.

Regardless, I think it’s a fun reminder for us to be thankful for the things we have and for the people behind these things.

One thing I’m thankful for is my new running shoes.  I’ve been running in Asics for the past several years.  This week, I switched over to Brooks.  The new shoes feel like I’m running on a cloud.  The right pair of shoes makes all the difference in enhancing your running experience.  Your shoes impact your feet, your knees, your back, and even your mind.  My thank you note this week will be going to Jim Weber, President and CEO of Brooks Running.  I’ll thank him for creating a product I enjoy!

What “stuff” are you thankful for?  Who deserves a thank you note for making your “stuff” possible?

I Want To Save Lives

I hate needles.

Seriously, ever since I was a little kid, I have had a strong dislike for anything sharp that is meant to penetrate my epidermis.

Yesterday, I visited our local Quest Diagnostics to have some blood taken from my arm.  This is one of the great “benefits” of being on a cholesterol reduction medication.  I must have my blood work done on a regular basis to make sure my cholesterol levels and sugar levels are healthy.  The medicine I take has definitely helped over the years to lower my cholesterol levels, and I’m pretty sure my diet modifications over the past couple of years is making a huge difference as well.  Based on my last blood test results, there is a chance I may be able to stop the cholesterol medication.  We’ll see.

Enough about my cholesterol health.

Since I have such a disdain for needles, I always let the phlebotomist know I’m squeamish when it comes to taking blood out of my arm.  (Who wants a 6′ 6″ 200 pound man fainting in their office?)  To help cut the tension, I usually talk and look the other way as they proceed to prick my arm.  It’s a way to keep me distracted.  As the phlebotomist was drawing my blood, we talked about my family, and she asked about my job.  She asked, “Are you a doctor?  You look like someone who saves lives.”

This wasn’t just a pickup line (at least from what I could tell).  She was serious.  For some reason, she thought I was in the business of saving people’s lives.

I told her I was an engineer.

As I walked out of the office with the band-aid on my arm, I couldn’t help but thing of her question and statement.

I know I don’t have the stomach to be a doctor, but I want to be in the business of saving people’s lives.

What does it look like to save someone’s life?

It could mean giving someone CPR.  It could mean donating your blood or your organs to someone.  It could mean pushing someone off the tracks to avoid an oncoming train.  It could, but I think it could be simpler yet more life changing.

Saving someone’s life could simply be a matter of introducing them to Jesus Christ.  It could be through words.  And it could definitely be through actions that lead to words.  Ultimately, this is the way to really save someone’s life.  If I really want to save someone’s life, I have to be alert, prepared, open to the opportunities, and intentional to step through the open doors.

One of my favorite verses is found in Colossians 4:

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:2-6

This is what it looks like to save someone’s life.  This is the kind of live saver I want to be!

Have you ever saved someone’s life?  Explain.

7 Ways To Get Unstuck

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck?

You keep doing the same things over and over again.  You get up, you go to work, you come home, and you go to bed.  The next day you repeat the cycle.  Over and over again, the cycle repeats.  It’s as if you are stuck on the merry-go-round of life.  Will it ever stop?  Will the horse you are riding on ever dislodge from the carousel allowing you to explore new territory?  Will you ever get out of the rut you’re in?

We’ve all faced this feeling at one time or another.  While routine is good, I don’t think we were meant to feel stuck.  I believe we are meant to feel excitement for life.  If you feel like your stuck in a rut, here are some ideas to help you break free.

7 Ways To Get Unstuck

1. Change up your routine.  This may sound crazy coming from a guy who thrives on routine.  But here’s the reality.  When we feel stuck in a rut, it can be helpful to do things differently.  If you’re struggling to get things done, try getting up 15 minutes earlier than normal.  On the other hand, if you’re really tired, give yourself permission to sleep in an extra 15 or 30 minutes.  Drive a different way to work.  Eat lunch in a different spot.  You get the idea.  Sometimes you need to change your routine just a little bit in order to break out of the feeling of being stuck.
2. Take time to breath.  When we feel stuck, it’s often because we haven’t given ourselves time to rest.  Most of the time, I wolf down my lunch and get back to work at my desk.  Yesterday, I did something different.  After I ate my lunch, I grabbed a book and walked out to my car where I read for 15 to 20 minutes.  I came back into the office feeling refreshed and ready to face the afternoon of work.
3. Lean into other people.  When we isolate ourselves from others, it can become more and more challenging to get out of the stuck feeling.  We need people in our lives who can bring new perspectives to us – who can be a sounding board when we’re facing the monotony of life.  Who are the few people who know the true condition of your heart and mind?  You and I need people in our lives who can speak truth and can lift us up when we’re down.
4. Try something new.  This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant.  Maybe you need to sign up for your first 5K.  Maybe you need to write your first blog post.  Maybe you need to try out a new restaurant or a new recipe.  Trying new things can inspire us to break free from the ruts of life.
5. Count your blessings.  Take time to list out all the great things about your life.  When we list out our blessings, we can begin to see how great it is to be right where we are.  It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the grass is greener on the other side.  The reality is we actually have it pretty good most of the time – even when we feel like we’re stuck.
6. Change directions completely.  I don’t necessarily recommend this to everyone; however, there may be times where we need to completely switch it up.  Maybe you need a new job.  Maybe you need a new location.  You’ll have to put some effort into this.  You might have to send out your resume, or you might have to move across the country.
7. Trust in God.  Regardless of your situation, you must put your trust in God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 is my go to verse for times when I feel stuck or worried about life.  It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  I love The Message translation of this passage:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

Are you stuck?  What helps you get unstuck?  What suggestion(s) would you add to the list above?

February 2014 – Top Posts and Commenters

Here are the highlights from February 2014.  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 down slightly from January (5.62%).  Traffic was down 12.36% compared to a year ago.  The top 10 posts included two posts from 2012, one post from 2011, and one post from 2013.  If you missed any of these posts, I hope you’ll go and check them out now by clicking below.  The post with the most engagement was a fun post from February 27, 2014 – 33 Reasons To Say Thank You.

Top 10 Posts:

1. Ten Things Every Small Group Leader Should Know  March 7, 2012 (135)
2. Violated February 18, 2014 (107)
3. Ten Reasons To Attend FamilyLife Weekend To Remember February 27, 2012 (97)
4. I’m Losing My Patients – 6 Ways To Rediscover Patience  April 2, 2013 (91)
5. 5 Things To Remember When We Say Or Do Something Stupid February 12, 2014 (65)
6. Send Me February 5, 2014 (51)
7. Ice Breaker – Winter Olympics February 21, 2014 (51)
8. Thank You Thursday – Everyone Should Give Thanks February 13, 2014 (50)
9. The Power of the Next Question May 20, 2011 (45)
10. 5 Suggestions For Handling Disruptions To Your Routine (#2 Is My Favorite) February 26, 2014 (43)

Top 10 Commenters:

• David Paul Stolpe (40)
• Steve Y (13)
• Matt McWilliams (12)
• Larry Carter (11)
• David (9)
• Leah Adams (5)
• TNeal (5)
• Matt Ham (4)
• Joe Lalonde (3)
• Heidi Bender (3)

As promised at the beginning of the month, I have randomly chosen someone from the top commenters list to receive a copy of Life After Art: What You Forgot About Life and Faith Since You Left the Art Room by Matt Appling.  The winner of this book is…(drum roll)…Matt McWilliams.  Congrats to Matt!

For the month of March, I’ll be giving away a copy of Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage by Allison Vesterfelt.  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 March with The Stretched Community!  The month of March will include more STRETCHING posts.  (I’m also excited to announce something new coming this month – read all the way to the bottom of this post for a clue.)  If you’re interested in guest posting here, leave a comment to connect with me.  March should be another 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 February?

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

• Visits – Decreased 4.28%
• Unique Visitors – Decreased 8.22%
• Pageviews – Decreased 5.04%
• Pages Per Visit –Decreased 0.89%
• Average Visit Duration – Decreased 6.10%
• Bounce Rate – Increased 1.91%
• New Visits – Decreased 1.67%

Don’t forget to sign up for the Stretched newsletter.  Check out this post to find out how to sign up.  (I’ll be making a more formal announcement soon, but here’s some exciting information if you made it this far.  In March, I hope to release an eBook called On Track – Life Lessons from the Track & Field.  All subscribers to the Stretched newsletter will get it for FREE.  So sign up, if you’re not already on the subscriber list.  The newsletter goes out periodically with extra STRETCHED content.)