To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Family

Sling a little mud

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Kids of all ages love the thrill of mud. The dirt between your toes (haven’t felt that in a while) is good for the soul. Boys and men love the idea of going “muddling” in a super cool Jeep and feeling the mud hit the tires.

When we went to Pine Cove summer camps (my son Sam is a counselor there this summer… Love you Sam!), they have a game for the kid campers called “Buffalo Hunt.”  While I don’t know the particulars I do know that the pictures are sooooo much fun! I really never understood why we didn’t get to play as adults, but I’m guessing it’s something to do with the liability of hip replacements and alike – ha ha.

So why is play important? It just so happens that getting out in the dirt, and really nature is primal. It’s something we were meant to do… This article has some fun reasons why. Here are the two I loved:

  • MEMORIES! I think we all need to be mindful that creating memories are critical in our relationships, families, and to our legacy. Did we have fun? Why not get the whole team at work or the family around a big game involving dirt, mud and ADVENTURE. I think that is why the “mud” runs/5Ks, obstacle courses, etc are becoming so popular.   (ToughMudder.com is a great site if you are looking to launch into a true effort) Our souls CRAVE nature, play and togetherness. I dare you to go build a mud pit this weekend in the hot sun and sling a little mud.
  • Creative Thinking! For many of us, our best thinking comes when we are around the lake, mountains, long walks and just being out under the BIG SKY. I consider this a great take away and an inspiration for me to do more of this. As we often talk about here, living with intention is the path to GREATER DAYS and FULLER LIVES of EXCELLENCE AND JOY!

The weekend is upon us soon… What can you do to “stir” up a little fun?

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!)

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)

Make VOLUNTEERING a part of your SUMMER PLAN!

blog_801593_2914021_1464656789I have to say that I am so thankful my boys are out of the phase of childhood where they are “looking” for things to do during the summer. I believe school has been out a mere week or two and I have already heard in passing neighborhood kids saying how bored they are.

I can smile now, but God help the parents and care takers during these summer months, that both seem to drag on and are fleeting all at once. As we talk this week about the idea of “honoring” there is one CLEAR message that we can all use, and that is HONORING BY HELPING OTHERS!

Sometimes I feel like I’m helping others, but when you go around the dinner table and ask when you last “volunteered” formally, the often answer is not lately. Now don’t get me wrong, everyday acts of kindness MATTERS and in a HUGE WAY. Honestly, those actions are the positive fabrics in our lives. In fact, a book I read over the long weekend (quoted above) was about that very idea. We are wired to be in “tribes” and a tribe in most cultures represents unity. Unity is found at the most basic level in helping each other to survive, each taking on their role to use the gifts/skills they have can that best serves the group. (This was a fantastic read – short and powerful. I highly recommend it!)

So what should we do this week in order ACT on THIS? For one thing, I’d love to hear what your plans are for summer volunteering. I will be helping with the American Heart Associations Heart and Stroke Walkon Saturday, June 18 and also the Spofford Home’s Community birthday celebration on July 30. I think volunteering with the family or friends at a food bank like Harvesters is a terrific need in our community, and there are literally hundreds of other needs out there ready for a helping hand and a willing heart!

What if we all be sure to incorporate a VOLUNTEER PLAN into our summer schedules?

(Photo credit: Pinterest, via a posting by CMC inc. Marketing)

Point out someone’s BRILLIANCE

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GRADUATION IS by far one of my favorite times of the year, and I love this pic coupled with one of my favorite bible verses.  (One that I have to remind myself of often, and also a “mom” favorite!)

Once again this year, we have several friends and family members graduating, from high school and college. What a great time of celebration and hope for a bright future.

I wanted to share a story that meant the world to me last year at my boys’ graduation. I have some neighbors,-turned-friends who have been long time supporters of me and the boys. I am especially close to Susie. Her husband Sid is one of those super cool guys my boys have always loved to be around, and more importantly a spiritual leader type of guy that has a way of encouraging even when we don’t know we need it. In 12 years, he has been a great encourager to me two key times and graduation was one. (I share that it was two times because I feel like it is important to note that it doesn’t have to be daily, or weekly, but any encouragement is important). In short, he pulled me aside and spent a good 10 minutes just “talking into” me God’s words of wisdom and celebration and assurance of a job well done… I was stopped in my tracks at their graduation party and had to take a moment to just soak in those words. It was powerful.

Why does this matter? Your words are powerful. You have the power to lift someone up and TAKE THEM TO A NEW LEVEL.

TAKE THE TIME. We have all had those moments when we felt something inside of us urging us to stop and take a few minutes to POINT OUT SOMEONES BRILLIANCE, or to truly embrace their moment of success. TAKE THE CLUE and pull them aside and speak God’s love over them. It will impact and inspire both them and you!

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

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)

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Today is about honor.
At some point in our lives we have all had one biological mother and perhaps many mothers that have played a significant role in our lives. Since this goes out later in the day on Sundays, you’ve likely already honored those ladies, but if not, stop now, and call, text, email or get in the car and go hug them if that’s possible.

If you are a mother, you know both the pure love and the work that the role requires, but it’s the truest joy of all. If you are one of those moms that has stepped in for other children, God will bless you richly. Keep doing it and know that you are changing lives!

Today I want to honor my mom who has become a true friend over the past few years. As many of you know, life isn’t always easy and my mom had to overcome some significant obstacles. The GREAT NEWS is that through time, God has stepped in and showed up. Despite all things, a mother’s love is the deepest of all loves and through God all things are possible. So, if you happen to be one of those who has dealt with the not so “Leave it to Beaver” version of family life, HAVE FAITH. God can and does redeem and my story is a testament to that! LOVE THAT SO MUCH!

So, today, Mom, I am grateful. Thank you for loving us and my boys!

My prayer is that we will take this IDEA OF HONOR into the WEEK. Each day this week, make it a point to honor someone who impacts your days and deserves a moment of gratitude bestowed upon them!

I’m making my list!

(Photo credits: Pinterest)

Books you might just love

blog_793981_2896884_1462383689At the end of last year, I posted a list of my top books for 2015. I had so many people that reached out to me that they really liked this, so I decided I’d post my list throughout the year as well, since they are top of mind!

My plan is to do a post like this three times a year: May, September and January for the prior 4 months. During the January post I’ll list my all time favorites for the year, too!

As you may know by now, I’m a huge reader! I’m an advocate for reading and constantly learning. I will have to say that I’m not much of a fiction reader however, but perhaps someday I will be. So here it goes… My favs from January 1 – April 30:

  1. Seven Women & the Secret of their Greatness, by Eric MetaxasWhat I loved: Corrie Ten Boom, Rosa Parks, Hannah More, Joan of Arc… Some I knew and some I didn’t, but learning about women who have literally changed our world is downright inspiring.
  2. Throught the Eyes of a Lion, by Levi LuskoWhat I loved: Levi and his family lost a little girl unexpectedly. With great sadness, Levi is able to shine a light on God’s grace and share the painful details but also inspire hope.
  3. Seven Men, by Eric MetaxasWhat I loved: Again, Eric crafts an amazing read which outlines how a handful of men exemplify true excellence. He profiles George Washington, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson and others. SO GOOD!
  4. Wake Up Happy, by Michalael StrahanWhat I loved: Practical information and fun stories that share about his life. His “Strahan Rules” include “Don’t pre-judge” and that help will come from the most unexpected places. It has a ton of advice and it’s just fun.
  5. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie KondoWhat I loved: It took me forever to actually buy this book that has been on bestseller lists since it came out. It’s a bit weird, but the idea of simplifying and only have items in your home and life that bring you joy is compelling.
  6. Originals, by Adam GrantWhat I loved: Everything! This is my favorite. It’s both a business read and one that will definitely make you a better person in every segment of your life. The insights and breaking down of myths on how we think and act are very cool.
  7. Being Mortal, by Atul GawandeWhat I loved: Dr. Gawande has written many great books, but this one tackles the tough issues of ethics and practical realities in the process of the end of our lives. Educational and thought-provoking.
  8. A Fellowship of Differents, by Scot McKnightWhat I loved: This book is about the pursuit of UNITY. The book talks about God’s desire for our church and communities to be diverse in order to achieve our true calling.
  9. The Lemon Tree, by Sandy TolanWhat I loved: I read this book at the recommendation of Pastor Adam Hamilton in preparation for my Holy Land trip in February. This book is a terrific real life story that illustrates the Palestine/Israeli conflict.
  10. H3 Leadership, by Brad LomenickWhat I loved: Brad is a a terrific author. The three “Hs” are Be Humble, Stay Hungry and Always Hustle. He categorizes 20 leaderships under these three areas. It’s easy to read and practical. I passed this one on to my boys who could embrace this as they grow in their college years and develop leadership skills that will help them in their careers and as spiritual leaders in their homes.

I hope you’ll pick out one or two that appeal to you and jump in!

(Photo credit: We Heart It) 

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)

Will you be silent?

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I was not familiar at all with the details of William WIlberforce until I read Eric Metaxas’s book ‘Seven Men.’ It is an excellent read, as is ‘Seven Women.’

With the many issues going on with our world, the quote above has gotten under my skin. Frankly, it’s keeping me up at night. Is there something I should be doing? My family? Voting isn’t enough.

It is tough to see the incredible pain as school shootings and bombings on city streets happen on a weekly basis. America is lucky that we haven’t experienced a war-torn country intimately, but our neighbors have and do as a regular part of their life experience.

I read the following last night which I think is a start, but tell me what you think:

  1. Educate yourself – As I learned in Israel, the issues are complex and we can’t rely on the world news to educate us on fairly.
  2. Educate others – We can’t “dial this one in,” so we must learn and share when we can.
  3. Work for change within already defined groups – advocacy and human rights
  4. Embrace non violent protest
  5. Help through financial contributions
  6. Lift up the situations in prayer