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!
Me and Grace: Is There Any Chance They Go Together?
Who would you give a second chance?
Yesterday, I posted about Joe Paterno, and I wrestled out loud about whether or not he deserves a second chance and about whether or not he deserves grace. There was really an interesting discussion that happened through the comments of the blog. As I thought more about the issue, the post, and the comments, I kept coming back to the same thing: What about grace and me? Do they go together?
I’m not in the national spotlight like Joe Paterno. I haven’t been involved in something so devastating and dark. But here’s the deal. When it comes to God’s holiness, I fall way short of the mark. I sin. My thoughts aren’t always the best and neither are my actions. I wrong others and God through my attitudes, my lack of response, and my general failures to get it right. So if I’m honest, I have to ask if there’s grace for me? Just like Joe Paterno, I need grace.
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
Do I deserve grace? Does Joe Paterno deserve grace? I think the answer is actually no. Grace is not earned or deserved. Grace is given. It’s an undeserved gift. So when I ask the question “does Joe Paterno or Jon Stolpe deserve grace?” what I’m really trying to say is “would you be willing to give me (or Joe) a second chance despite my failings?”
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
So what about you? How does grace fit into your story? Have you ever received grace from someone? Have you had the chance to give someone a second chance?
Paterno and Grace: Is There Any Chance They Go Together?
One of the blogs that should have made my spotlight list was the People Of The Second Chance Blog. This blog focuses on overthrowing judgement and liberating love. Over the past several months, they have featured pictures like the one shown above of various criminals, thugs, and misfits who have killed, raped, and committed various sins. The question always asked with these pictures is the same: “Who would you give a second chance?” The blog asks readers to post their comments but to also post their thoughts on their own blogs. When the opportunity to comment and blog about Joe Paterno came up, I thought it would give me a chance to “stretch” my own mind and heart a bit. So here goes…
First, you should know that I live in Pennsylvania, and I am a Penn State alum. While I didn’t graduate from the main campus, I’m still a Penn State and JoePa fan. So as the news broke a couple of weeks ago about the child sex abuse allegations and the apparent cover-up, I was deeply saddened. Is it really possible that Joe Paterno knew what was going on and didn’t say anything? Is this how it’s going to end for a man who has meant so much to so many players, students, and fans?
I haven’t read many of the reports or seen many of the TV interviews, but I’ve heard enough from the water-cooler conversations at the office and the passing radio reports that there was obviously inappropriate activities happening up in Happy Valley. And Paterno even admitted that he should have done more to speak up and stop what was going on. So why didn’t he speak up? Was he protecting his friend? Was he protecting his football program? Was he protecting Penn State? Was he protecting his own name?
The Bible says that a good name is worth more than any riches (A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1). In a week’s time, a name that was synonymous with greatness, values, and winning has been all but destroyed. Paterno was fired for his lack of action. He’s been all over the newspapers, internet, and television where he’s been labeled a hypocrite. He was removed from a list of names in line to receive a prestigious award from President Obama. And I heard yesterday that his name was removed from a championship trophy.
The morning after Paterno was fired, I talked with my son about the importance of standing up and speaking out when things happen around us that are wrong. Whether or not you’re a kid in sixth grade or a nationally known football coach, it can be hard to speak up. But these recent events are a great reminder that we can’t just sit on the side lines and pretend that things around us are always perfect.
So I guess this brings me to the question on the poster. Do you think Joe Paterno deserves a second chance? Do you think there’s room for grace in the middle of these awful allegations? I guess I fall on both sides of this thing. On the one hand, our actions (or lack of action) have consequences. There’s no getting around this. If the allegations prove true, many kids lives were forever blemished. You cannot overlook this. Having said that, I believe that there is still time for Paterno to make the most of this situation. First, he can come clean on whatever else he may know related to these allegations. And second he can do whatever he can to make things right – especially for the families of those who were most closely impacted. So yes, I believe that there is hope, grace, and second chances for Paterno.
What do you think? Have you ever been guilty of failing to speak up? Does Paterno deserve a second chance? Drop a comment here and be sure to stop over at the POTSC blog to add your input to the conversation.
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?
What Are We Doing Here?
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31
I’m always blown away by the conversations that emerge from my weekly MEAT (Men Eating And Talking) Meeting. And last night was no different. The conversation at the table in the diner went deep quickly. Without going into all the detail, the conversation eventually centered on the chief purpose of man. What are we here for? Why do we exist? How does God fit into this? How about Jesus? Are we doing what we’re supposed to be doing? These are all fairly deep questions.
As we talked, I was reminded of the verse above and something I’ve heard my dad tell several times before. I wish I could find the reference, but the general gist is that whether we lead a big company, preach at a church, pick up trash, or clean bathrooms, we should do everything for the glory of God.
Stop and think about that for a minute.
The first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism applies to this conversation:
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]
- [a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
- [b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
And so, MEAT once again left me with plenty to chew on. I’m looking forward to next week, when the conversation will continue.
What are you facing in the day ahead? How are you framing your activities for the day? How would things change if you really did everything for God’s glory?
October 2011 Top Posts
It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the end of another month. October was a good month at . Traffic on the blog decreased slightly since September; however, October traffic levels were higher than every other month! Comments continued to roll-in. And new people joined in the conversation and community. The blog added a couple of new subscribers, and the Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook Page attracted several new followers in its second month. The blog Jon Stolpe Stretched experienced its single biggest day of traffic on October 21st when Arny Sanchez helped Jon Stolpe Stretched celebrate its 500th post. Here are the top 10 posts and top 3 commentors for the month:
Top 10 Posts
1. Field of Changed Dreams? Guest Post by Arny Sanchez
2. Ice Breaker – Lunch Time Meet-Ups
3. Ten Things Every Small Group Leader Should Know
4. Ice Breaker – What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up
7. Top 10 Things To Do At Grove City College
9. How I Spend My Time Is A Moral Issue
10. A Rock Is A Good Place To Kiss
Top 3 Commentors (We are on target to see our 1,000th comment in the next day or two!)
1. Arny Sanchez
2. Larry Carter
3. Ryan Knight
I now have 20 regular subscribers. If you’d like to become a subscriber, see the “Follow Blog” window on your right. It’s great to see this starting to take off.
Thank you to all of you for reading and contributing to the blog and to the reader community. I’ve continue to grow a lot through this experience.
As always, I love to share other’s “stretching” stories on my blog, so leave me a comment if you’re interested in being a guest blogger on Jon Stolpe Stretched.
Finally, if you’re a blogger, how did your blog to this month? What was your top post? What was your favorite post?
Borrowed Beauty
Later this year, I will hit a milestone birthday – the big 4-0! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve thought about it too much. Although maybe I’m giving myself too much credit. After all, my blog post today is starting with this thought.
At any rate, something happened last night that made me feel old. Many of you know my daughter, Hannah, or have an idea of who she is thanks to my blog. Next month, she will turn 14. This is part of my aging process. It seems like yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital in her car seat and sweater outfit that Grammy made for her. Well, she’s not a baby any more. My Sweetie is turning into quite a beautiful and caring young lady.
Yesterday as part of her Columbus Day holiday, she went Halloween costume shopping with Leanne at our local Goodwill store. She came home with this beautiful red evening gown that she purchased for $20 with her own money. After dinner last night, she tried in on for me. Wow! How did we go from a baby sweater to a flowing red gown so fast? As I hugged Hannah and commented on her beauty, I asked her not to grow up so fast. She smiled as if to say, “I can’t help it, and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.”
I’m proud of her as well. As Leanne and I were talking about Hannah later last night, Leanne reminded me that Hannah is really on loan from God. God gave us Hannah and Isaac to nurture and support for a little while, but they were never fully ours from the beginning. They belong to God. I’m so thankful for the chance to borrow these two amazing kids. And yes, I will cherish each moment and day I get to spend with them.
How do you look at your kids?
What’s something you are borrowing that will one day need to be returned?
ServeFest – Norristown Community House
Saturday morning after witnessing the Phillies‘ dismal performance on Friday night, I had a chance to lift by spirits by spending time with my family and the Bowersox family at the Norristown Community House. Our church was sponsoring a huge day of serving in our area, and we hooked up with the Norristown Community House thanks to a Grove City College connection with the Peter and Becky Bowersox, who are in charge of the House.
So what is the Norristown Community House? Good question. You can go to their website to get more details, but I’ll give you my take. The House is located in the heart of Norristown, PA which is the county seat of Montgomery County. Norristown is one of the poorest communities in the county. The residents of the House are young adults – primarily college students – who attend local colleges. By choosing to live in the House, they are agreeing to become part of a community where discipleship, serving, and reaching out to the community are expected. Peter and Becky (shown above with their 3 kids) act as their resident directors and guides. They make sure the House is running smoothly, and they meet with the young adults on a regular basis to participate in the discipleship process.
It really turned out to be a great morning as we helped them clean out a garage attic that was filled with lots of trash, some relics, and a few treasures. By clearing out this space which obviously hadn’t been cleaned out in years, we helped to make storage space for the residents of the house. We discovered an old salon style hair dryer, Vietnam War veteran documents, old clothes and suitcases, a box full of vinyl records, license plates, and lots of dust! Our kids enjoyed sorting through everything as we removed it from the attic.
This clean-up project was a great way to introduce our family to the Norristown Community House. I think we’ll be back to help out on some other projects and to rub shoulders with the young adults and the Bowersox family. Thanks, Becky and Peter for the opportunity to help out – and for getting my mind off the commencement of the Phillies’ golfing season.
How have you served in your community? What things have you done with your family to serve others?
September 2011 Top Posts
It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the end of another month. September was the best month by far at Jon Stolpe Stretched. Traffic on the blog increased 28%! Comments continued to roll-in. And new people joined in the conversation and community. The blog added a couple of new subscribers and the new Jon Stolpe Stretched Facebook Page attracted several new followers in its first month. Here are the top 10 posts and top 3 commentors for the month:
Top 10 Posts
1. Top 10 Things To Do At Grove City College
2. The Birds and The Bees – Talking to Your Kids About Sex
3. It’s The People – Back From Grove City College Homecoming
4. Book Review: Hell Is Real (But I Hate To Admit It) by Brian Jones
5. Jon Stolpe Stretched Gets A Piece Of Toast Thanks To TentBlogger
7. Date Night
8. “Have You Ever Thought About Writing A Book?”
9. New Ways to Connect to the Jon Stolpe Stretched Community
Top 3 Commentors
1. Arny Sanchez
2. Ryan Knight
3. Brandon
I now have 18 regular subscribers. If you’d like to become a subscriber, see the “Follow Blog” window on your right. It’s great to see this starting to take off.
Thank you to all of you for reading and contributing to the blog and to the reader community. I’ve continue to grow a lot through this experience.
As always, I love to share other’s “stretching” stories on my blog, so leave me a comment if you’re interested in being a guest blogger on Jon Stolpe Stretched.
Finally, if you’re a blogger, how did your blog to this month? What was your top post? What was your favorite post?