To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Adventures

50 Years of AMAZING

blog_806959_2921732_1466082181Today is my sisters big FIVE-O! HALF TIME! (Lucky for us, the number of centenarians has doubled the last several years and the quality of life seems to be following….). So I’ve heard, the LAUNCH is into the BEST part of LIFE!

Before we LAUNCH, I wanted to share just what you can accomplish in 50 years. Five short decades, 18,250 days, 438,000 hours…This should be an inspiration to just about EVERYONE!

DECADE ONE (1-10)

  • Hone your public performance skills by the age of 6, by burping so loud your first grade assembly is halted- Thereby requiring a public apology to every class in the school.  (PREPARATION FOR A STRONG CAREER- CAN’T START TOO EARLY)
  • Achieve notoriety as a trail blazer who likes to have fun, by … getting kicked out of Girl Scout camp… It was only a fire cracker she said…. Long story-  You have to message me if you want to details!  (LEARNING TO HAVE FUN AND PUSH THE ENVELOPE IS CERTAINLY A LIFE SKILL WE ALL NEED- What FUN IS IT WITHOUT TAKING A RISK OR TWO…)

DECADE TWO (11-20)

  • Become a certified awesome dancer  (CREATING EXERCISE HABITS…)
  • Develop relationships with life long friends who will stand by your side every day from this day forward…(THAT IS HUGE). (Think slumber parties, college all nighters, stirring up just a bit of trouble))

DECADE THREE. (21-30)

  • Showcase your LIFE NINJA skills by dealing with some major LIFE CHAOS.. (WE ALL HAVE IT… pick a category….  BUT HANDLING IT LIKE A NINJA- WELL, THAT IS A SKILL WE ALL NEED FOR SURE… PS.  NINJAS CRY but NINJAS NEVER DROWN IN THEIR TEARS)
  • DEVELOP AN AMAZING START TO A GREAT CAREER…

DECADE FOUR (31-40)

  • JUMP into a HUGE ROLE as the BEST AUNT EVER!
  • GO DEEP in YOUR RELATIONSHIP with GOD, FAMILY and FRIENDS… SECURE THE BONDS and REALIZE THAT LIFE IS REALLY ALL ABOUT THOSE YOU LOVE.

DECADE FIVE (41-50)

  • Meet the LOVE of YOUR LIFE…EMBRACE TRUE JOY!
  • Become a person of great GENEROSITY in EVERY CATEGORY, and as a result GROWING IN A GREAT WAY!

As you can see, you can accomplish a lot. God uses every step in every phase to get you to the DESTINATION of a GREAT LIFE! I didn’t put the details in here, but my darling sister has certainly had a life riddled with as many challenges as I’ve seen anyone face. In spite of it all, she has overcome and remained with that sweet smile on her face, learning, giving and SHINING more deeply!

What an inspiration! Happy 50th sweet sister! The boys and I love and adore you.

(Photo credit: Some awesome photographer from the 1960s!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

blog_805194_2920053_1465679255We ALL NEED THIS!

I was searching for the perfect image for my mom’s birthday, which happens to be this very day! I love these ladies, especially the red head who is clearly the life of the party. As a bonus, this quote from Walt Disney was an IMMEDIATE STAND OUT!

I have been “old” at different times in my life and even now I love to hang out on a Friday watching HGTV or Hallmark. I tell folks at work, “I go to bed right after the Lawrence Welk show,” which is my way of saying, no way am I going out after our dinner meeting!

I really DO need to get HAVE A BIT MORE FUN!  How about you?
My mom is seriously a funny gal. I didn’t really know that until the last several years and I consider it a gift from God. She is pretty competitive and hearing her tales of winning the badminton games at the retirement community she lives in cracks me up. It is a gift to LAUGH and SPREAD JOY, and I know she is able to bring a ray of sunshine to her friends. I think she “GETS” this idea that it IS OPTIONAL TO GROW UP!

There’s no better time than summer to grab some popsicles or wave down the ice cream man and act like a child again! Have a terrific week!

(Photo Creds: Pinterest- HOW MUCH FUN IS THIS?)

Be a part of the pursuit.

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This idea of “PURSUIT” has been on my “to blog” list for quite awhile.

Not sure what held me back, but perhaps waiting for the absolutely PERFECT image to go along with the thought! This photo was on facebook, and I immediately asked if I could use it! It is simply WHAT I WANT TO PURSUE to LIFE:  Simple, Humor, Beauty, Relationships, Meaning, FUN. (Also, Seriously, who doesn’ love this picture?)

So I’ve titled this “Be a part of the PURSUIT,” and here is why: It seems that often when I’m listening to friends, my boys, neighbors, etc., (and looking in on my own life), we sometimes find ourselves unintentionally pursuing “things” or “activities” that are NOT WHAT WE ARE TRULY IN PURSUIT OF!

So…WHAT IF, WE ALL MADE THIS LIST OF WHAT WE WANT TO PURSUE…  COMPARE IT to what WE ARE ACTUALLY DOING and then MAKE THE NEEDED COURSE CORRECTIONS?

So what if we truly do want a more “simple” life?  Should we really have our kids in 3 activities, say yes to the PTO, the church choir and the company picnic committee?  Anyone who knows me knows I’m BRILLIANT at saying yes to all of the above (sans the choir, replace with anything else that doesn’t require musical talent…)…  WE HAVE A CHOICE! Imagine that? We don’t have to buy all of those “FUN” things at TARGET, and we don’t have to go out every night of the weekend. We CAN PURSUE what lines up with the LIFE WE WANT.

I’m going to work on my list… It may take more than a week-  (I actually have a list, but need to review it in light of this photo and this idea… )- I think I need to make some adjustments!

Would love to hear about your PURSUITS!

GO FORTH and CONQUER THE LIFE YOU DESIRE!

(Photo credit: Kia Bondurant, Courtesy of her family/friends weekend, but happens to also be a fabulous photographer – www.kiabondurant.com)

Life’s adventure!

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(Photo credit: My own, Scripture: Message version) 

Happy Sunday evening everyone!

I was in South Florida this week for corporate meetings, and during the week we had the opportunity to go out on this little fishing charter and enjoy the ocean. I love the lake, but hadn’t been out in the deep sea to fish, so a bit of an experience.

One of the guides, “Kunta” (I’m totally guessing on the spelling…) told us his life story. He was raised in Africa, and has traveled and lived across the world, and now spends his later years as a fishing guide.

“Kunta” shared that he was always out “looking” for his “life destiny or adventure.”  He has had a full life, now enjoys a collection of six Harley Davidson motorcycles, has some great connections,  but the closest he could find peace was being near the ocean.

blog_803373_2916380_1465137433(“Kunta” doing what he does best!)

His life is like many of ours, in that many times it seems we are looking and looking for whatever it is we need at that moment: peace, happiness, more adventure, financial freedoms, love…

The scripture above caught my attention, because I have found this to be THE ONE TRUTH I can absolutely count on. No matter what we try to seek for, HIS LOVE IS TRULY ALL WE NEED. We can find it in prayer and meditation, scripture reading or being with others that point us in that direction.

This is a simple, yet profound thought if we can grasp it and pursue it with everything is us. Have a terrific week, I’m praying for each of you! \

What is that one thing…

blog_795784_2899388_1462807567What an awesome picture! This week I am tackling creativity. The term “creativity” just seems to go hand in hand with “childhood.” I’ve been going through the masses of everything I have kept from the boys’ childhood and it has been a BLAST. (Not a fan of the dust and “uck” that accumulates in those basement boxes… but it’s worth it!)

The works from preschool all of the way up to probably middle school has been a treat in seeing their creativity. It makes you wonder why we ever stop using construction paper and glue!

So, today, I think we all need a JOLT of creativity. Let’s have a bit of fun and have everyone think of one thing they miss from their childhood and let us all know in the comments. I struggled with whether mine was the neighborhood kickball games, Marco Polo in the pool, tether ball with my sister (I’m pretty sure I won – hahaha) OR, SWINGING! It’s definitely swinging! For some reason I loved the wind in my hair and using my energy to go higher and higher. I loved this picture, because perhaps the very act of SWINGING allows your mind to think bigger.

Thursday we will talk about some specific ways to get creative as adults. As a hint, it starts with getting yourself in a creative environment. There is some cool information out there and I’ll share some highlights. In the meantime, this CNN article is truly a worthwhile read for us all and a great reminder that we need to encourage creativity!

Maybe my college boys won’t mind having some family nights coloring this summer? HMMM…. Not sure that is going to happen, but I’m drumming up some other ideas to keep the creative energy high! After all, our lives are made up of things dreamed of and dreams often happen when we are exercising our minds!

Definitely read this CNN article if you have time, or bookmark it for later!

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Hello, May!

blog_793625_2896171_1462115574It’s May! Woohoo!

A year ago this month I was in deep preparing for the boys high school graduation. (To my friends going thru this right now… I’m praying and cheering for you! If you need help, just holler!) It seems like all of the emotion and the excitement combined make times like these feel both overwhelming and invigorating!

My advice… Focus on the JOY and let others help you so you can enjoy it! It’s truly a special occasion and one that deserves your utmost attention. (I’d say preschool graduation deserves the same level of JOY!)

Today, a year past that, not as much drama, but a brief moment in time to step back and truly be JOYFUL for the month that lies ahead!  Here’s why:

  • May not only truly does bring “flowers,” but times for great celebration.
  • May brings us graduation and the launch of the wedding season… A season of new beginnings and DELIGHT!
  • May ALWAYS has Mother’s Day… What a great day to love on those mother’s in your life!  I know I not only was blessed with my mom, but many others that have played a key role in my life… Love that God puts the right people in your life and just the right time!
  • May HONORS those fallen soldiers that died while serving in our country’s armed forces. How amazing our country is and I can’t wait to approach this subject later this month. All I can say is that lump in my throat never goes away when I think of these men and women. #BlessedbeyondtoliveintheUSA

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Get out there and bring others with you!

blog_792239_2894125_1461621496Jeep ran a campaign I believe in 2007 that had the tag line “Have fun out there.” Nature Valley ran one “Get out there” a few years earlier. Honestly, I got them confused and thought “Get out there” was Jeep, which I think is absolutely BRILLIANT!

Regardless of who gets credit for the idea, my vision is that WE NEED TO GET OUT “THERE” to realize the fullness of life.

Sunday I talked a bit about being as strong as “Caleb” at 85 years old. In order to live a strong life we have to get out and explore the world. I had the opportunity to take my first bike ride of the season yesterday and honestly, we have some pretty cool places to explore right in our own neighborhoods. We need to model this for our families, in the workplace and wherever God has placed us. No matter your age or situation, get OUT!

Here’s another thought… Do you know someone that perhaps can’t necessarily get out there? If so, do everything in your power this week to get them out if at all possible. Even if it means pushing them around the block in a wheelchair or visiting a park, the zoo, or anything really. Help get others out who may not feel they have that ability. If you don’t know anyone in that situation, just give me a call or a message, I’ll hook you up!

Let’s all be AMBASSADORS in this category this week both for ourselves and for others. I promise your life will be richer for the effort.

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Have the best weekend ever

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(Photo credit: We Heart It)

This is a fantastic picture! Just the inspiration I needed for today’s post. I know it’s only Thursday, but according to my point of view, the weekend starts tomorrow.

Doing a tad bit of research I found out that the ever-reliable Huffington Post back in April 2012 launched a campaign called the #BestWeekendEver. Brilliant. Essentially, their readers and their friends began posting their favorite pics with this hashtag. I think we should re-initiate the campaign and post away this weekend. I’d love to see them!

I recently read a post about the number of weeks we have left if we lived until 90 and breaking that down… If that’s true, and assuming I did the simple math right, at age 48 and one month, I have about 2,180 weeks left. Only 2,180 weekends! I want to make each one count! Here is a perfect day for me – otherwise known as the 10 “ways” in the header!

  1. Have nothing truly scheduled that you don’t LOVE.
  2. Include some activity where you are serving others. This can be as simple as sending texts to those you have needed to FOREVER reach out to and tell them how much they ROCK, or a full on 10K for a worthwhile community charity.
  3. Sleep! Experts are split on the idea of if you can “catch up” or not, but I’m all for that Sunday afternoon nap as a pure self preservation strategy.
  4. Spend time with someone you you love – or a lot of someones!
  5. Walk! Walk the dog, or just walk yourself. BREATHE deeply. Do not turn on music or look at your phone, just walk and let your mind think.
  6. Get out there – My weekends that are truly the best always seem to include waking and exercising. I make this a point by meeting with my trainer, Amy, at 8 a.m. on Saturday. It truly does make a difference in the entire weekend.
  7. Clear the clutter – Be it the clutter on the kitchen counter, or the clutter in your mind… Breathe deep and develop a plan to knock out an area that has been calling your name.
  8. Have a good brunch! I’m a huge First Watch Fan, but weekends are for taking maybe a bit longer to leisurely enjoy.
  9. Take time to worship! I prefer to be in church to be surrounded by a community, but whatever you do, take time for gratitude and connection!
  10. GO WITH THE SEASON – Whatever season we are in, go with that as a clue! Farmer’s market, Royals game… Been to the zoo lately? The art museum?

Have an amazing weekend and then again next week, do it again! My best,
Lori

BONUS: I also found this very cool infographic below that has a pretty solid outline to achieve this goal!

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Adventure calls

blog_786682_2885967_1460298022Pure Beauty. I daydream, if you want to call it that, of taking a long road-trip adventure (In my mind that is what this gal is doing!) where you just go out and try to hear what God says about so many things.

What I have figured out along the way, and why this quote stood out to me, is that God seems to mold us during the “everyday adventures” if we are willing to listen and if necessary look back and own it.

I have a bold prayer today that both myself and all of my friends and family will be open to God’s plan for us through the big and small adventures that make up the days of our lives! Love you all! Listen deeply!

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Now THIS is a fun day!

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ST PATRICK’S DAY has always been one of my favorites.

My high school friends that may read this could tell you what fun we had at the KC Parade each year! (Too much fun actually!) When everyone wears green and the true Irish bring out their best leprechaun attire, bag pipe attire etc. the environment automatically signals: “This is a fun day!”

I have always been intrigued by the bag pipers, and when we were in Scotland for the boys senior trip I photographed them every chance I got – Just like in the pictures, they seem to be frequent around the city- SO COOL! I found a little bit of St Patrick’s Day information that I thought was fun, so follow the link for a bit more on this fun holiday if you have time!

Make it a point to pray the Irish Blessing today as well!
May the Road RISE UP to meet you
May the Wind always be AT YOUR BACK.
May the SUN SHINE warm on your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, May GOD BLESS YOU in the Palm of His Hand.

(Photo credit: Pinterest)