To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Faith

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Black History Month – Why we must continue to educate ourselves

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I loved this photo because it depicts a diverse and loving community of students. Students who don’t know yet the meaning of “minorities,” nor the impact race, religion or sex have had on the lives of their families and friends.

While, I love that idea, I also acknowledge that we must continue to educate ourselves and future generations on what America’s history looks like, so that we can be sure to learn from the best stories and those that don’t reflect our most shining moments.

This Proverb spoke to the idea of seeking wisdom. I hope all of you would say that wisdom is not only worth finding, but needed now more than ever in our lifetime!

So, on this first Sunday of Black History Month 2017, I hope you prioritize becoming more educated on America’s past and how it relates to us today. Our nation would certainly not be as great as it is today without the diversity and strength of this great community. As we struggle as a country to unify around all manner of issues, let this be a month of gaining the wisdom required to help us reach the next level.

I’m all in.

Some side notes:

In preparing for this blog, I found out some cool facts about African American leaders I didn’t know yet, which reminded of how little I know…

  • Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first self-made woman to become a millionaire. She was considered an entreprenuer and a philanthropist in her time (1867-1919). Isn’t that awesome?! Her product was beauty and hair products… some things never change for us women.
  • Thurgood Marshall was the first African American man appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. He served for 24 years and was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Please note that in 1967, our country was still divided over Civil Rights issues. Bold move by the president and AMAZING COURAGE by the Honorable Thurgood Marshall.
  • In 1992, Dr. Mae Jamison became the first African American woman to go into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Not only that, but she is a professor, dancer, actress and holds nine honorary doctorates in science, engineering, letters and the humanities. Can you say POWERFUL?

(Side note: If you haven’t yet made it to see “Hidden Figures” one of the Oscar favorites, you should! The amazing, unheard story of the brilliant African American women who played a key role in NASA for many years. It is a must see for students of all ages.)

Some major, fun lessons you and your family may want to sharpen your minds around this month:

  • The Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape into the free states.
  • Rosa Parks’ story, as well as the many women who lead the Civil Rights movement. Much to my surprise, there are several Rosas – she’s just the one most of us know!
  • Inoculatin (Vaccinations) were introduced to America by a slave named Onesimus.
  • The diverse history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Very cool story, and there are two state-funded HBCUs in Missouri! One in Jefferson City and anther in St. Louis. There used to be a private, religious HBCU in Kansas – Western University – but it stopped operating in the 1940s.
  • One in four cowboys was black… In fact it is believed that the real “Lone Ranger” was inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves.

Have fun learning. Share your stories if you learn something interesting… I’m sure we will all love it!

Simple thoughts Sunday – Are your relationships bringing you closer?

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Someone posed this question to me a few months ago. It’s intended to be focused on your intimate relationships, but it’s still pretty broad.

I first thought about how useful this question would be for my 20-year-old boys, and then quickly realized it is a completely legitimate question for me. I’m not married, and really only in the past year(ish) considered dating more seriously. I am grateful this question was brought to my attention, because in its simplicity it speaks volumes.

Shouldn’t I be filtering any potential “candidate” that may become a key part of my life through this life impacting question? After all, if he’s not moving me closer to God (in my case… I realize many others have different religions or viewpoints), then why should I waste my time? I shouldn’t. You shouldn’t.

Whatever is important to you, if your partner is not a part of helping you go in that direction then they probably aren’t a long-term part of your plan. (Clearly, if you are already in a relationship it may bring forth a different set of questions… like how can I bring my partner closer to God? How can I have a conversation that I need him to pray over me when I’m facing a challenge?)

The same would be true for friendships that you invest a lot of time with. Back to the school days when your parents tell you to “hang with the right crowd.” I think it’s worth it to take an inventory of those friends in your inner circle. Are they bringing positive energy? Are they investing in you and your happiness? It’s a good process.

Finally, how are you bringing your friends closer to God? Are you really praying for them, seeking their hearts and what they may be confronting right now? How can you step up in this area?

I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I hope it ignites a little fire in you that has you move in that direction.

Have an awesome week.

Game day jitters = “I can handle it”

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Game day jitters. We all have them, whether we are in the big game on the field, or the game of life. A test, a meeting with the boss, meeting someone new… knocking one off of the bucket list… AKA sky diving, or traveling globally for the first time. Game day jitters happen to us all. This year, one of the leaders I listen to, Steven Furtick, talks about his mantra, “I can handle this.” You can find it on his podcast via iTunes, or YouTube.

I normally don’t have Christian references in my weekly posts, but this one is really good and shouldn’t be missed. If you don’t want to use the Christian references, replace it with something you are comfortable with – I promise it’s worth your time to copy and paste this and put it front and center in your life. (It is better on video, or just to listen to it via iTunes… but the words are solid.) Here it goes:

“Today is a new day.

It will bring brand new blessings and brand new battles.

But within every uncertainty there is a hidden possibility.

So I don’t dread any challenge that lies ahead

Because I remember all the victories behind.

And my confidence is not in my circumstance.

The spirit of God is my supply.

I’m steady under pressure and I’m ready for whatever… ’cause whatever comes my way today, the outcome is “I overcome.”

Christ is in me, I am enough.

I can handle it.

I can’t afford to stay afraid or let my faith hesitate.

My purpose is at stake and he who called me is faithful.

His strength in me is greater than any pain I feel or enemy I face.

The promise of God is mine for the taking.

Every plan He has made is guaranteed to come to pass.

It will happen.

If I don’t back down, if I won’t let go, it will happen.

If I don’t stop short, if I won’t sell out, it will happen by faith.

But faith doesn’t take the fear away, it teaches me to fight it.

So bring the battle, I’m ready now.

I got something for Goliath.

I can handle it.

My power flows from presence so I won’t stay stuck in what was, or worry about what will be.

My regrets have been redeemed

And my tests have becomes my lessons

My focus is is fixed and my hear expectant

I’m set, I’m not nervous about what’s next.

‘Cause my eyes are on the throne

I trust the one who’s in complete control

The one who already knows how He’s gonna work it according to his purpose.

Even the worst situations are sure to turn in my favor, If I keep moving forward, keep moving toward Him.

God is with me in this moment, and whatever happens…

I can handle it.”

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Isn’t that awesome? Game day jitters impact us. Make us lose sleep, lose our peace and can distract us from our best. If we maintain our focus, prepare at the highest level, realize that we have support through the fan club of our family and friends… We can achieve a great game… not just today’s game, but every game we step in to.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Why faith must supersede logic

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Why did I get a bad grade on my paper when I thought I aced it?

Why, just when you think you are about to turn the corner financially, the dryer needs repair?

Why does the best team not always win?

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When it comes to life’s most challenging questions we simply cannot rely on logic. The human brain is wired to want to understand. “It just doesn’t make sense,” we hear a lot. As a Christian, it is often, “Why would God allow that to happen…?” We live in a world that although filled with so much good and so many wonderful people, is also a giant stage for our human imperfection.

Today, this idea that we must truly have FAITH and not rely on logic has come to me over and over again. Truthfully, I’m not very good at it. I wish I could say I was… I certainly try and have the right intent. I do believe that there is a divine plan for each of us, and that the universe is “unfolding as it should.” (Ref: Desiderata poem, 1927, Max Ehrmann) I not only believe it, but I’m counting on it. (Because we have some crazy things that happen in our world…)

Today, I am choosing to once again, give up my “logical” mind for all out FAITH. As you set out to conquer the year, I hope that you will join me. Doing this requires a commitment… a daily commitment, and maybe even an hourly effort. Things don’t make sense. There is bad and even ugly and unfair  and unjust, unreasonable and undeserved… There is also the life God promised us that assures us that the ultimate prize is a victorious life. A life of FAITH, allows us to give all of those things to God and allows him to work them together for our collective good.

Something to think about today… Have an amazing week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday – God, teach me to own the state of my soul!

(Photo Creds: Steven Furtick, Instagram)

WOW! I read this during the week and knew I had to share it here. Here’s the full post:

“The fact that it happened TO me doesn’t make it a part OF me. Just because it came to pass doesn’t mean it gets to stay. Just because it knocks doesn’t mean I answer. And just because it afflicted me doesn’t mean it crippled me. God, teach me to OWN the STATE of my SOUL.”

Seriously, who else thinks that is BRILLIANT? SOOOO good!

As you kick off this third week of January, my prayer will be that we reflect on this statement, and learn from it. God knows we get hit from all directions, financial, personal, etc. It doesn’t even have to be bad necessarily, just real life, like needing new tires or a comment that was made that may be bad… but it may have been nothing at all, just our mind on overdrive. If we can truly give it to God, he will soothe our souls. I believe that.

Tomorrow is the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. He is one of my personal heroes. His bravery and courage to tackle the big issues is truly incredible. I’ll write a bit about him and his work on Tuesday, but since I focus on faith issues on Sundays, I wanted to ask that you will pray with me that God raises up the Martin Luther King Jrs. around us today. We need more voices that are positive and inspire needed change in our country.

Make it an awesome week.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: HAPPY NEW YEAR

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Happy New Year everyone.

Today sets forth a blank page and new path. I prefer my paths fairly straight, with few rocks and beautiful scenery. Mountains, rivers, friends, fresh air… That’s good because God promises us paths that drip with ABUNDANCE.

As we all know, life has many paths and some are what I fondly refer to as “ass kickers” – and that’s okay. We don’t reach our highest potential, or enjoy life’s true beauty without some effort and “STRETCH.”

I’ve been putting together my 2017 plan over the last few days (while dealing with this awful cold that some handsome college kid delivered to my door step). I will pray over this plan today and in the days to come, and what I know is that God will put me on many paths this year. I need to follow his guidance and not my own desire to take the route of least resistance… To put on my explorer hat and be ready, fully knowing that whatever the path looks like, He’s right there with me, along with some really great friends and family He has put along the trail!

I pray that you’ll join me throughout the year as we find out what’s ahead and together, and fully know that whatever it is, the year is promised to be “CROWNED with GOODNESS.”

Merry Christmas!

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Merry Christmas!

It’s Christmas night – a time to reflect on the joy of the moment. Today we celebrated the greatest gift ever given and my prayer is that you embraced the tenderness and joy that this gift offers. I am concluding tonight with an excerpt from Ann Voskamp’s ‘The Greatest Gift‘ advent book as it captures this time so very well…

“Christ came into the world for you- and you came into the world for him.

The world will be still tonight.

There will be lingering, longing. We will long for this wonder to go on. One Christmas candle will flame in the quiet. This CANNOT FADE – none of this can ever fade.

‘For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given’ (Isaiah 9:6)’

God is with us.”

That’s all I need – all we need. God is with us. As we sit in silence to embrace whatever this day offers to us, be it joy, tears or love, we have what we need: God is with us indeed.

Merry Christmas from my sweet family to yours!

Simple thoughts Sunday – Love BIG

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Advent week 4 – LOVE! The final week as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. How perfect is it that LOVE is the focus this week?

I think all of my boys would say Christmas is the best time of the year, but one of my sons REALLY LOVES CHRISTMAS. I bought him a sign with a message that says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” a few years ago and he proudly hung it in his room everyday of the year until he went off to college. I love that he did that, and I love that he understands the message of Christmas and that it’s truly all about LOVE. My mom-heart hopes that he will hold on to this truth all through his life.

Loving well is central to our hearts as humans. We are meant to love and often we get it right, and sometimes we don’t love as well as we can or should. Regardless, we strive toward LOVE and the world usually magically gives it back to us.

As we head into this week, my prayer is that we love well – the best we can! Even when the world sometimes doesn’t give it back, we press forward and continue to love. Thanks to the Christmas story, we know the truth is that God so loved the world, and he gave us his only son…

And our hope in this wacky wonderful world is real and beautiful. Enjoy every minute of this week leading up to the MOST WONDERFUL DAY OF THE YEAR.

Love my friends! Love well!

Simple thoughts Sunday: JOY

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I love the JOY of this picture. I’ll never forget the first real snow my dog experienced years ago. She ran, galloped, rolled and literally jumped INTO THE JOY. This is our opportunity this week. It’s Advent week three and the theme is JOY.

As Christians, we begin to let the season sneak into our hearts. No matter your faith, we all find ourselves singing along to favorite Christmas songs… ‘Baby it’s cold outside,’ ‘Mary did you know,’ Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you,’ and the ol’ faithful songs like ‘O Holy Night.’

Those famous lyrics seem to GENERATE JOY and a feeling that something “is different” about today – about the season we are in. It IS DIFFERENT. It’s special.

As you go into your week, my prayer is that you will not only find JOY AROUND EVERY CORNER, but that you will EMBRACE the reason for this season.

For those who want to go deeper, the following is the Prayer of Peace of St Francis of Assisi (St. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in Roman Catholic history (had to look that one up). Even though this was written likely in the late 1100s, it stands true today.) 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is discord, union.  Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, HOPE.

Where there is darkness, LIGHT.

Where there is sadness, JOY.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Peace through obedience

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(Photo Creds: Billy Graham advent devotion)

Advent week two: Last week was focused on ARRIVAL.  The meaning of the Advent season and how to begin to prepare our hearts to truly understand the significance of this season in our lives. Week two is officially focused on PEACE, a truth that is top of mind for people all over the world. How do we get more of this? How do we participate in ensuring or improving PEACE? Big questions, without a straightforward answer. For that reason alone, we are compelled to go to God in prayer for his direction and guidance.

While preparing for this blog, I found this wonderful insight from the Reverend Billy Graham. His wisdom has always created a stir in my heart. This idea that we need only look at the beginning of the Christmas Story, where Mary and Joseph showed us how to gain peace around what seemed to be an impossible situation. What did they do? They listened and were obedient to God’s call on their lives. Please know that this was not without some initial push back (Joseph wanted to cancel their engagement), however, ultimately both followed the plan and had faith in the unknown. The result was a situation that escalated from unbelievable to scary to creating absolute wonder and awe.

As we think about the season we are in and try our best to embrace the moments of quiet, and those of joy and yes… even chaos, I pray that we remember that we can achieve PEACE throughout the year by being obedient. By listening and using our gifts that he gave us to best serve our communities and families.