To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Inspiration

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Increase from giving

It’s the “season of giving,” and while our backseats are loaded with gifts and front porches stacked with boxes, we turn our focus on how to best show love to those we adore. It’s really so much fun.

The insight for today comes from what might be a reminder to some to put GIVING to those who may need a helping hand at the top of your conscious. (Side note: For many years, as much as I’m a natural giver, it was at the end of the list instead of at the top.)

As many of you know, I often use Sundays to discuss my faith and rely on scripture as my source. It is my source to tell you the truth. Today’s scripture is found way back at the beginning of the Bible, in Genesis where we find Abraham (yep, the same “father Abraham” that you may have sang about at some point in Sunday school…).

Abraham was the first real GIVER and he is the first person to give his land freely — and even to even give his son. As you read and embrace the text, all of his gifts were returned to him with more than he gave. That’s how the God I serve has worked in my life and I think that’s worth sharing. The more generous I have been (even when it was a sacrifice), the more God has given me in all areas of my life, providing me both protection and provision.

I now LOVE to give, especially to those who don’t expect it. Is there any chance this season that you know someone who could use a helping hand or a surprise gift that would be a game changer for them?

Bonus story: I am a fan of Joyce Meyer. She is a passionate gal who is often pointed in her remarks. She said in one of her podcasts (this won’t be perfect but you’ll get the idea…): “I am tired of Christians saying they know someone whose washer went out and they put it out in their ‘prayer circle’ for God to provide a new washer. If you can, you should just go and buy them a new washer, or offer to do so. YOU ARE THE PROVIDER. God gave you the ability, so why are you praying about it? Go do it!”

I love that, and it has been a mind shift that has been a game changer for me. I hope it inspires you as well.

The best gift idea

I found one of the best ideas I have heard in a while in Tyler Perry’s new book, “Higher is Waiting.” It’s a gem, and the type of read that is quick with some game changing takeaways.

This was one of those game changers — I hope you agree. In fact, I liked it so much that I told my boys, sister, brother and parents that this is exactly what I want and nothing else. (I did ask for it to be gift-wrapped since there’s such a thrill in opening presents!)

I’m as guilty as almost everyone else in that the days seem to suck me in and spending thoughtful time writing out my thoughts to a loved one is not something I do well. Sure, I send text messages, birthday cards and Facebook posts, but sitting down and giving thought only to that person who means so much… not my strong suit. In fact, I get a pretty low score on this… or maybe no score at all. So, I’m stealing this idea from Mr. Perry this Christmas and plan to write a few myself.

Have the best weekend yet this year!

Let your SOUL catch up this weekend!

(Photo Creds: Our recent Paul’s Journey adventure)

I REALLY like this idea. Boy does my SOUL NEED TO CATCH UP. How about yours?

As you get ready for the weekend, I’d like to get your thoughts rolling around what this means to you.

Does it mean you need to hit the gym?

Spend some time in nature?

Spend some time alone? As in really alone… listening to what the universe is speaking to you?

Do you need to take a hot bath and think through a problem on your heart… or perhaps think about nothing at all?

Find some time to spend with your favorite sounding board?

Put together your master list so this holiday season is full of  joy and not flying by the seat of your pants?

A one or three-day juice fast to cleanse your body?

I can assure you I need more than one of these and I’d love to hear yours. Taking care of our SOUL and spirit is perhaps the most important thing we can do to ensure we are at our best and able to truly SERVE WELL!  Think about it. 🙂

Check your complaints at the door

Have you ever stopped to listen to people around you, and even the conversations and comments that happen in your own home?

“The weather is awful. I can’t believe I have to go out this early in this cold.”

“We have nothing to eat.”

“Everyone else has their holiday stuff out already. I have no idea when I am going to do that.”

“The traffic was so bad this morning.”

“He/she is so rude.”

“I weigh 1,000 pounds right now.”

“I am so tired.”

“The line is so long.”

“Parking is disastrous.”

“I can’t believe we have to wait.”  And even: “What, they don’t have a Starbucks?”

All of this seems harmless, right? Except it’s not.

Too often I am struck by the ease by which we simply fill the world (as in the one we live in… in our cars, homes, workplace and yes, even when we are out actually doing something fun). The feeling I get from the barrage of these types of comments can be draining and honestly, I think it can make us physically sick.

I thought it was timely to point this out so we can redirect. It goes along well with the conversations we have had on joy, wonder and living positive lives so that we can serve our purpose here in the best way possible. I heard a message not too long ago where they suggested you pray for a spirit of conviction when you complain. Let me tell you, it’s dangerous… but good. You may feel like you are generally always positive, and this could surprise you. You for sure will notice the conversations around you need to be infused with something different.

Our words impact the ability for us to be AWESOME. Let’s do better!

Have a great week!

BETTER

I am always fascinated by what makes a place “all of the rage.”

You know, those cult-like places where folks like us stand in line for hours waiting for our share of their awesomeness. In KC, there are several of these, but my favorite stand out right now is an ice cream place called BettyRaes.

(Photo creds: Canva)

It is SO HOT that Trip Advisor named it a top 50 “ice cream shops worth traveling for.” And it’s only a few years old, if that. Believe me, folks do travel for it and most days the line is out the door. But why? (Other than the s’mores sundae with coffee ice cream — pretty much is the best thing I’ve ever had…)

My perspective: It’s better. As in truly better.

It has created a unique offering via it’s menu. The service is better. The shop is community focused.

As Seth Godin, the famous marketer, would say: it’s achieved the notion of BETTER.

As we think through how we serve better, let’s think about what else we can do better. Be kinder, more focused on those around us, more open minded, more giving, more courteous drivers, more patient (that one resonates with me!), etc…

If you are in business — profit or non-profit — how can we be deemed “worthy” of a line out our door? We start by looking in the mirror and identifying areas where we can be better, and then we dive deep to get to worthy… and ideally, sustainable.

Your ideas are welcome!

(Here’s a song to get you in the mood and the mindset!)

Yikes, I don’t know what to say… (reach out anyway)

(Photo Creds: Canva)

Have you ever been in a position where you really didn’t know what to say? Someone is sick? Someone lost someone they love? Maybe they went through a divorce or a break up? Perhaps someone you know is going to be alone this holiday season…

These situations create awkwardness as we contemplate possible uncomfortable circumstances where we really don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s easier to just live your life and not make the call or drop in, and instead pray that God will comfort them. I wanted to share what I’ve learned about this topic, but I also want to tell you I’m not necessarily good at it — it’s a work in progress for sure.

Here’s the deal: The answer to those prayers is likely you. We are the “feet on the street,”  the ones that God intended to use to comfort others, to lift them up, and this may just mean a simple conversation to let someone know you care and are listening. I have read some decent research and heard from friends — the answer is the same: WE NEED TO STEP INTO THE DISCOMFORT and just be there. Just being there is all you need to do. You don’t need to have the “right” thing to say, or to really say much. An encouraging word… a listening ear, a hug…

As you go into the weekend, who do you need to reach out to? I hope you’ll make that call or drop in with a small bouquet and let someone who needs it know that you care.

Hello November: Making plans to finish the year strong!

(Photo Creds: Canva)

Okay so it is SO cold today here in KC I had to go with the fire.

Honestly I want fall back and pretty fast. We are 54(ish) days until Christmas (roughly eight weeks) and that means we are running out of time to knock off our biggest goals, projects and plans for 2017.

I know it will all come through like a rushing wind if I don’t sit down and plan a few things to finish strong and also to ensure I’m intentional with my holiday plans. Who are those friends, family and colleagues I really need to thank for helping make this year what it has been? What are the few things I “must” get done… Is there anything I’ve been putting off (of course there is), like budgeting (don’t forget this or these 56 days can show up late into 2018!), travel anyone? Health goals (uh-oh…)? Learning or books, etc.? Planned giving that needs to be addressed? How can I serve best this month? Who needs my help?

Okay, so that’s my insight today. I would love to hear what you are doing to plan a STRONG WRAP TO THE YEAR! We can all use all of the creativity and help we can get!

Bridges and friendships

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I sure do like the idea of this. I heard it on a podcast and it got me thinking that some of my most long lasting friendships have come from doing something like this.

When my good friends Susie and Sid Womack relocated to Kansas City from Texas, I hosted a Super Bowl party so they would feel welcome. That small effort changed my world and the world of my boys. Susie introduced us to Pine Cove which has been a life-changing factor in all of our lives and likely will for generations. Sid spoke into the lives of my boys, and I will forever be grateful. It was pretty much all thanks to a pot of chili, and a few friends that showed up.

I haven’t done this in awhile with anyone new. Most days I feel like I’m doing good to see my closest friends and family a few times a year. This idea has me thinking where a bridge is needed. I hope this sparks your thinking…

If you read this blog a lot I’d love to start here: I’d love to invite you to our new home and put on a pot of chili and talk life. Let me know if you are in and I’ll make it happen. A little groupthink may make us all better!

Getting to mindfulness

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I absolutely loved swinging as a child — I still do when I get the chance. When we were in Tuscany, the property we rented for a few days had a wonderful swing and I snuck on there as soon as I got my chance without an audience. I am not sure why I find it to be so exhilarating, but I imagine it’s what it’s like to be “mindful.” To be a child again, not a care in the world, feeling the wind hitting your face, your feet swinging around and overall being aware. I like the idea of doing that more… If you do as well, follow the next few thoughts that I dug up.

With the onslaught of social media and life in general just plain being increasingly fast-paced, distractions are imminent. This is the genesis for the focus by wellness experts on “mindfulness.” As I shared Tuesday, the idea being that you get to a higher level of awareness and focus. I had no idea it had gone so mainstream… There is even a website addressing this — who knew?

So with or without the distractions we have today, the mind in general is wired to wonder 50 percent of the time, according to a Harvard study. The idea of  being more mindful doesn’t mean those distractions go away, but it does mean that our we handle them better via the mental training practices that we establish. It was related in one of the articles to a “mental gym.” I liked that idea, and thought you might too since it’s a bit challenging to wrap your head around.

So, what does this gym look like? I like the Huffington Post for topics like these, because they seem to drill it down to my level. Here are some of the many ideas they share:

  1. When you eat, eat. When you drink, drink. Focus all of your attention on the act of mindful eating.
  2. Walk mindfully. Pay attention to the movement of your body and your surroundings. This time of year is my  favorite because of the leaves crunching.
  3. Observe your breathing. When you pay attention to your breathing pattern it takes you out of your mind and into your body.
  4. Connect with your senses.  Touch, smell, taste, sound and sight: they are the gateway to the present moment. When you are lost in thought you don’t experience all your senses have to offer.
  5. Get lost in the flow of doing what you love. Incorporate more of that into your daily life.

As you power through the rest of your week, I hope that you’ll stop and think about the idea of being truly aware. Fall is a beautiful time to observe what life has to offer and going into the holiday seasons even more so… Enjoy! We have one life!

Coming up for air! (Launching into mindfulness)

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I’m finally coming up for AIR. (See side note below if you’re interested.)

Does anyone else ever feel that way after a period of being either gone or otherwise detained — or both — from real life?

In the business world, I worked with a colleague that often used that phrase, “Oh, he/she will come up for air once they realize (their mistake, or whatever)…” It took me a while honestly to understand what they meant, but boy do I understand it now, on soooo many levels. I find myself coming up for air in finally “getting” a new concept, in working with people and trying to understand their point of view, and of course when I’m swamped and actually am coming up for air.

When I was gone, I spent some time researching the concept of mindfulness. It seems to be a hot topic, and aside from reading various articles on the benefits of meditation and yoga, I didn’t really understand what the big deal was. Maybe it was just the world’s way to change things up a bit to get your attention again on a topic? Regardless, the end result is the same and worthy of our attention.

That would be an overall goal of improved focus and awareness.

This could be of something as simple as your breath, or as complex as seeing the intricacy in beautiful architecture. Using that last example, if you are local and haven’t really walked and admired the streets of downtown KC around the Power and Light area, please do so. I looked at this recently with new eyes, and we have some simply amazing architecture.  A dear friend was with me and she explained so much of the history that I had no idea about. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe I’m almost 50 and know so little. I think I need more than one life so I can consume all of these wonderful details life has to offer.  One more reason for those of us at earlier ages to realize the importance of becoming “mindful” to our world. All parts of it!

I’m going to spend the rest of this week, Thursday and Sunday focused on the topic and I hope it is of great benefit to you. As you set your eyes on being the best, on serving the best, loving the best — MINDFULNESS is a terrific place to start in going deeper and achieving a higher calling. I’m in for that for sure!

Side Note:  I am not one to share the details of my life because I figure everyone has enough of their own “stuff.” If you are on my Instagram, you may have saw that we went on a life trip, and journeyed through some of the places that the Apostle Paul traveled during this mission. (Paul wrote much of the new testament, credited with 13 chapters.) I was fortunate to have two of my boys along for the trip and really missed the third. At the same time we were preparing to leave we moved into a “pod” temporarily and then day we returned, into our new home. A little chaotic to say the least, but alas, daylight is coming through. If anyone is interested, I would so love to share the story of the trip. Please let me know!