It’s 40!
Yesterday, I shared about my Grandpa, and I mentioned that I think about him every year at this time. The reason I think about him especially today is that we share a birthday – today! Yep, that’s right, the Stretched blogger turns 40 today. How did that happen?
As I consider this milestone, I’m thankful. I’m thankful for all the life I’ve experienced so far and for the life that lies ahead for me. I’m grateful for the people that God has placed in my life. And I’m so thankful for a God who loves me in the ups and downs, the goods and the bads, and in my successes and failures. Today’s Psalm applies perfectly to my thoughts for the day.
1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the LORD
and put their trust in him.
4 Blessed is the one
who trusts in the LORD,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
but my ears you have opened—
burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, my God;
your law is within my heart.”
9 I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips, LORD,
as you know.
10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.
11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, LORD;
may your love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me;
my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased to save me, LORD;
come quickly, LORD, to help me.
14 May all who want to take my life
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The LORD is great!”
17 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
Psalm 40
How do you celebrate and process the milestones in your life?
December 3rd, 2011 Week In Review…
We’ve come to another weekend, and I have to say that this week didn’t let me down. It was busy, it was challenging, and it was fun! I hope you had a great week as well. As I look forward to what is sure to be a great weekend, I just wanted to recap the week.
After a slower week last week due to the holidays, it appears that people came back to the Stretched blog as they’ve returned to their regular blog reading routines. It also looks like we may have picked up a new reader or two. As always, I’m thankful for all of you who stopped by and left a comment or just checked things out. Monday’s post was a recap of my Thanksgiving Marathon experience. I really appreciated the encouragement of so many of you who cheered me on despite being miles away. On Tuesday, I shared my thoughts about our recent visit to the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. Wednesday featured my thoughts about seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway. Thursday, I shared my monthly recap post on what went down in November. Friday finished things off with another fun Ice Breaker about Christmas movies. This week we learned that It’s A Wonderful Christmas Story when you go on Vacation with an Elf and The Muppets. Check these posts out if you missed something this week.
Thanks a million for your contribution to the blog through comments. I’m hoping to catch up on returning comments this weekend. I love what you all contribute to this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!
A couple of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:
How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!
Thoughts From Seeing Mary Poppins On Broadway
Last week during our New York City adventure, we visited the New Amsterdam Theater to see the Disney musical, Mary Poppins. Our Broadway evening actually began in the afternoon when we lined up in the middle of Times Square to purchase discounted show tickets at the TKTS kiosk. As we waited in line we decided to pursue tickets for Mary Poppins or Sister Act. When we reached the end of the line, the Mary Poppins tickets were available at a better price, so we went with this show.
When we arrived at the theater later that evening, we discovered that our seats were up near the back of the balcony in one of the biggest theaters in the theater district. Nevertheless, we were happy to be there seeing a Broadway show with our kids.
As the show began, we quickly learned that we were in for a treat as we experienced sets and props that were amazing and actors that did an amazing job with the songs we all grew up listening to that were part of the original movie. My favorite songs were Step In Time and Supercalifragilisticexpaladocious (did I spell that correctly?). You couldn’t help but tap your feet and clap your hands as the dancing and hand jiving continued on the stage.
For me, the story as played out in the musical emphasized the importance of taking time for family. In the musical, Mr. Banks discovers that his focus on his career and wealth have clouded his focus on what’s more important – his family. By the end of the musical, Mr. Banks finds a balance between work and family. I was inspired by this part of the story. I generally believe that I keep my family first, but there’s no question that there are times when my focus on work and other things can overshadow things that should have a higher priority in my life.
And so…I left New York City seeing a great show and being reminded of a great lesson.
What’s got your focus right now? Are your priorities in the right order?
Have you ever seen a show on Broadway? Share your experience.
Thanksgiving Saturday! Week In Review…
Another week went by with a blur. I worked on Monday, but I was off the rest of the week. My family visited NYC where we had a chance to see Ground Zero, Times Square, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, F.A.O. Schwartz, Mary Poppins, and The Hard Rock Cafe. I also ran a marathon on Thanksgiving Day. We’re back home now, and we’re getting ready to eat our turkey dinner.
It was a somewhat slower week on the blog which I’m attributing to the holiday week. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for all of you who stopped by and left a comment or just checked things out. Monday’s post was a tribute to our daughter, Hannah, who celebrated her 14th birthday last weekend. Tuesday was a quick post indicating that I needed a break. Wednesday’s post paralleled my upcoming marathon with life’s journey. Thursday, I shared our family’s Thanksgiving tradition of being thankful, and I gave a quick update on the marathon. Friday finished things off with a fun Ice Breaker about Black Friday. Check these posts out if you missed something this week.
Again, I just wanted to thank each of you for your contribution to the blog through comments. It’s a real blessing to get your ideas and thoughts through this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!
A few of my favorite posts from the rest of the blogging community this week:
- Top 9 Books of 2011 by Michael Perkins on The Handwritten
- Getting the perfect gift for the blogger you love by Ben Reed on Life & Theology
- Harvest Your Budget by Alex Humphrey on Entreprelife
As I look forward to this week, I’m sure I’ll be sharing some reflections on our recent trip to NYC. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Until then, I’m enjoying time with my family. Happy Thanksgiving!
How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!
I Need A Break
Have you ever come to a point where you know you need a few days off?
The time has come for me. I’m taking a couple of days off from work, and I’m heading to NYC with my family for some time away together. The Stretched blog will continue, so don’t go away. It should be great to have some rest and recharge for the final sprint to the end of 2011.
“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
So seriously, do you need a break? When will you stop to take a breath?
My Little Girl Turned 14 Yesterday
Hannah many years ago during the backyard Easter egg hunt
If you want to talk about a “stretching” moment, my “little girl” turned 14 yesterday. How did that happen?
Hannah hanging with her brother this summer
We had a great weekend celebrating! Hannah is turning into quite the young lady. She’s smart. She’s kind. She’s beautiful. She’s caring. She’s compassionate. She is laser focused. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!
What’s your family celebrating these days?
It’s The Weekend! And What A Week It Was!
Wow! That seemed like one crazy and busy week. In real life, I literally had something going on every night of the week. Monday was my wife’s birthday which we celebrated at On The Border. Tuesday night, we volunteered with our H.O.P.E. group at our local nursing home. Wednesday night, I met with my M.E.A.T. group. Thursday night was an Awards Dinner for work. And last night was Isaac’s first basketball practice and Hannah’s sleepover birthday party. The weekend has several things going on, but I’m still hoping to catch some relaxation time.
It was also an exciting week for the blog. Monday’s post finished off the blog spotlight with the letters T through Z. Tuesday was an inspiring post about the Black and White notebooks that my daughter’s friends keep. Wednesday’s post examined some of my thoughts about Joe Paterno and grace. And I continued on Thursday by thinking out loud about grace and me. Friday finished things off with a fun Ice Breaker about our encounters with famous people.
I just wanted to thank each of you for your contribution to the blog through comments. It’s a real blessing to get your ideas and thoughts through this Stretched Community! I just wanted to remind you all to take the take to Subscribe to the blog, so you can have Stretched delivered daily to your e-mail inbox. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook fan page. Become a fan to keep up with some additional Stretched stuff. Thanks!
How about you? How was your week? If you’re a blogger what happened over your way this week? Did you read any great blog posts this week? Share with the rest of us!
Black and White
The other night, my wife and I work driving our daughter and three of her friends to a girls only event at our church. As we picked up each girl, it was funny how the car became more noisy. As we made our way to our destination, my wife and I listened as the four girls laughed, giggled, and discussed things from hair to birthday parties to the school play. We couldn’t help but eavesdrop when one of our daughter’s friends started sharing about The Black Notebook and The White Notebook. I didn’t catch all the “rules” about these two notebooks, but I did catch the general idea.
Each year, you start with two notebooks – one is white, and the other is black. In the white book, you write all the good things – things that happened to you that were good, good thoughts or ideas, and things you want to remember. And in the black book, you write all the bad things – things that didn’t go your way, bad thoughts or ideas, and things you don’t necessarily want to remember. As the year goes on, the pages of each notebook fills up with good and bad stuff. Throughout the year, you refer to the white notebook when you’re having a bad day – when you need a lift. And you generally keep the black notebook closed unless you’re adding something to it. At the end of the year, you burn the black notebook, and you keep the white notebook for future reference. And of course, you get two new notebooks to start the next year!
Seems kind of interesting. I think this is part of the reason that I blog and journal. I want to record my thoughts and ideas – especially the good ones. I think it’s helpful to see how God is working in my life. I think it’s an interesting exercise to burn the “black” books in our lives. I think it can be very healthy to put aside the things that drag us down and to focus on the future and the things that uplift us.
It’s amazing what you pick up when you listen to your kids and their friends!
What you have your kids taught you? How do you handle your thoughts and ideas? Do you journal or blog about the good and the bad?
Running Over Mountains
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. I Corinthians 9:24-27
I love running analogies! As a runner (I think I can say that), I especially resonate with a few of the scriptures that tie running or other sports to living our faith. The scripture above is definitely one of my favorites.
From yesterday’s post, you’ll remember that I ran over 20 miles on Saturday morning. I ran the Perkiomen Trail from Green Lane to Oaks, and I finished up my run at the parking lot by Pawlings Road. If you’re not familiar with the trail, there is a “mountain” in the middle of the trail. Seriously, Spring Mountain (our local ski “resort”) is 7.5 miles south of Green Lane. Skiers in our area joke around that it should be called Spring Bump, because it’s not that big compared to some of the ski mountains just an hour or two away in the Poconos. But I can tell you, that whether it’s a bump, a hill, or a mountain, it’s not easy to run up Spring Mountain. But it is possible. I did it Saturday in the middle of my long run.
How did I do it? That’s a good question. First, I knew it was coming. I’ve run every part of this trail several times. I knew that this obstacle was inevitable. Second, I stayed focused on one step at a time. I literally shortened by stride, put my head down, and concentrated on the next step. Third, I remembered that there was more to come. I still had 13 miles to run. I couldn’t let my mind and body give in now. Fourth, I thought about the prize waiting for me at the end. Leanne was scheduled to pick me up at 10 AM. I had to keep going in order to reach my bride. Finally, I remembered that this run was necessary to prepare me for my upcoming marathon. How would I survive the marathon if I gave in now.
I think Paul’s running analogy is so appropriate to life (and ties into my running experience this weekend). First, Paul talks about the importance of going into strict training. I think this means studying God’s word and finding how it applies to our lives. Second, Paul seems to point to the necessity for strategy in living out our faith. Living our faith aimlessly isn’t fruitful. Third, Paul realized that more was expected of him. Training wasn’t the end, there was more to come. There was more preaching and sharing that lied ahead. Fourth, Paul clearly had the end in mind as he trained to share his faith with others. He clearly pursued that through his life. And finally, he knew it would be hard, he knew it would take effort and hard work, and he kept going.
This speaks to me. I want to run the race of life in such a way that honors God and brings Him glory.
As for my running, my body is still recovering from Saturday, but I’m happy to say that I got back to running this morning. Just a few more weeks until the marathon!
How’s your training going? What are you doing to prepare for “the race”?
Running Partner
Jon Stolpe – Facebook Status
Saturday, November 6, 2011
20.87 miles 3 hours 10 minutes 40 seconds. The last 4 or 5 were pretty tough. I definitely could have used a running partner (or FIGILC – Joe will get this). I saw 68 people – 2 whom I knew, 6 deer, and a bunch of dogs. What a beautiful morning for a run on the (entire) Perkiomen Trail!
This was my Facebook status an hour or so after finishing a big run on Saturday morning. There’s a lot of different things you can pull from the update like the fact that I’m a big numbers guy (who counts people and deer while they’re running?), I must be serious about this running a marathon thing (who runs 20 miles for fun on a Saturday?), or that I was still positive after putting my body through over three hours of pure torture (did you notice how nice it was on Saturday morning?).
But I keep coming back to two sentences in this update. “The last 4 or 5 (miles) were pretty tough. I definitely could have used a running partner.”
I guess that would be expected. After Saturday’s experience and the soreness I’ve been dealing with since, I’m not sure the body was meant to run this long. For me, Saturday’s run was such a great reminder that we need people in our lives who will “run” the tough miles with us. Life will not always be easy. We will face times in our life when we want to give up, when we doubt ourselves, when we feel like we just can’t go on. These are the times when we need people who can push us, encourage us, and maybe even carry us.
While I didn’t have anyone with me for those last few miles on Saturday, I did have the anticipation of seeing my wife at the finish – that thought definitely helped. When it comes to the rest of life, I know there are people in my life who will “run” the tough miles with me. I’ve experienced this. When my wife and I went through tough times last year, we had family and friends who surrounded us with meals, prayer, and all kinds of support. I’m so thankful for these “running partners” in my life.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
How about you? Do you have any “running partners”? Who’s got your back? Who in your life will “run” those tough miles with you?