Inspiration

Caring… the price we pay is WORTH IT!

November 10, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

When I was a kid, I could never sleep the night before a new school year. This lasted all the way up until college.

The excitement, the possibilities – both good and bad – all swirled in my head and I tossed my way through the night. At this age, I don’t often stay up all night. In fact, I’m one of those who works best with eight hours, and I covet my sleep. I also don’t believe in worrying, as I’ve learned that it doesn’t add any value.

Much to my surprise, I pulled an “all-nighter” Tuesday. (And it’s not that I didn’t go to sleep at a decent hour, the world was changing, and my body apparently knew it.)

As I was staring at the alarm clock every few minutes, this insight came to mind. Why do I care so much? I’m not alone I know. Most people I interact with care a great deal about a number of topics from finding homes for abandoned animals, to sports, cooking, their career, education, homes, family and friends. Caring is good – even the kind that keeps you up all night. (As long as it’s only one night!) Here’s why I think it’s good wrapped in a simple thought:

Caring is what makes us human. “Caring” ignites our passions that become our “causes,” and this makes the world what it is: awesome, despite who the current president is.

My friends, I hope that even if you lose some sleep now and then that you continue to CARE DEEPLY. It’s a great privelege to care so much. Take those “CARES” and cast them into ACTION that CREATES a better world.

When we are re-routed…

November 8, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I was simply pulling into my Saturday morning favorite coffee place to write when the road crew literally pulled the orange cones and tapes out and cut off the road I turn down. RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. The crew member simply smiled, as if to say, “Figure it out, lady.” I of course thought, “Are you kidding me? You just did it, step back and let me in… ” He didn’t, and I found a new route.

I normally have a short list of “blog ideas” to pull from that I write down throughout my days, but today, I couldn’t help but use this one. Seriously, how often this happens sometimes seems ridiculous. As if I’m in a Saturday Night Live skit. The difference is that in these fun skits, the impromptu changes (“improv”) and the actors’ reactions often end up being the greatest moments of comedy. Actually, I like that idea… Looking at closed roads as a moment to find some humor.

Let’s face it, we have a choice to make. We can get upset when life derails us on the road or at work or home, or wherever we are at the moment. We can get angry, and wonder if the world has somehow aligned forces against us – a planned attack, or an unhumorous attempt to help us “build character.” We CAN ALSO DECIDE that we are going to take it in stride and find some humor and fun in the “re route.”

Honestly, in the above example, I couldn’t believe he did that. I was actually on the phone with one of my boys and he said, “Man, those are the people you need to pray for.” He is so right.

We have a choice. We are called to SERVE BETTER by taking our road closures and turning them into something BETTER… a lesson, a laugh, an OPPORTUNITY to shine through the “mud and the muck.”

(Tonight many of us will have that opportunity when the election results, roll in. Practice, practice, practice… Breathe, smile and repeat….)

It’s LAUNCH TIME!

November 3, 2016

(Photo Creds:Rodrock Homes)

New seasons of life are fun, exciting and also scary! My family and I just “dug dirt” on a new home last month, and today I am launching my new and improved website. I call it phase 2.0. I think maybe I should call the move something else, something clever. I’m open to ideas! I tell my friends that this is my “big girl” house, complete with a guest bedroom that is actually safe from kid toys, teenage God-knows-what and most importantly, a lovely refuge for those I adore to get a good night’s sleep. It’s definitely a time of “ground breaking” all the way around, and a season that I am really looking forward to seeing where God takes it all (but it is a bit scary… needless to say! But what’s life without a little risk taking?).

If you, or anyone you know is in a season of “ground breaking” — change in any way, shape or form — I have found the following to be helpful when thinking about change:

1. It’s an opportunity for personal growth
If you’ve read my blogs at all you probably know that I am big on this need to constantly learn. I’ve heard it from wise teachers, centurions and respected leaders… That’s enough for me. Personal growth is critical to our happiness and change provides the occasion for us to dive in and grow. The “STRETCH” that happens with change gives us what we need to move toward our potential.

2. It provides a platform for re-evaluating life’s priorities
Whenever you are starting something new, you naturally think through how this aligns with your personal values and priorities. With the blog, well, I knew I wanted to continue to grow in that area so that was fairly easy. With the house, I had to put it to prayer for quite some time before I had discernment. At the end of the day, I want a home that my boys and eventually their families and my grandchildren will find refuge and fun in. I want to entertain and bring in community, to provide a refreshing place for all. (Oh, and I also want my guest room!)

3. Change adds EXCITEMENT
Without a season of planting we wouldn’t have the harvest. I can only imagine how boring the farmer’s market would be without HARVEST. Without change, we’d have a bunch of ugly caterpillars and no beautiful butterflies — you get the picture. One brings the other, and the other is often MORE EXCITING!

As I embark on this new “season” you can rest assured I’ll be focused on both the growth and the “STRETCH” that surely will come. I hope to share words of inspiration and insights along the way that I hope will also expand your personal growth.

I WOULD BE HONORED IF YOU WOULD ENTER YOUR EMAIL ON THE RIGHTHAND SIDE OF THIS POST AND SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE BLOG ALSO BY EMAIL.

Some notes about the blog…

I kicked off the website and blog in June of 2015 with the goal of just taking the step to get started. I have known for quite some time that I am meant to write, and blogging gives me an opportunity to do that on a consistent basis. I am also about 70 percent through my first book, To Serve Well. (I have no specific time that I want to release that but I feel like it will be before my big 50, so I have one year and five months, but who’s counting!)

I hope that the fresh look on this site will not only be more visually appealing, but allow those that land there to find posts and other resources or materials that will enrich their lives. SERVING WELL in this world is so important, and what we are all called to do. Having others come alongside and help us so that we can achieve that is a key of this site. I love it when folks take time to comment and share their thoughts on whatever the topic is so that others can learn and grow from each other.

I will still be posting three times a week, with Simple Thoughts Sunday being posted on Sunday early evening with the goal of inspiring your week. This posting generally has spiritual content. I also post on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and those are intended to focus on serving well in the community, home and workplace. If you have any ideas for me, I’d love to hear them! If you want to write a guest post, I’d also love that!

I’d love to give a shout out to my design team, Ruthie Stark, photographer and Andrea Corless, MO Design & Illustration — Both of these ladies are beyond amazing and have made me better through this process. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

And We Rise…

October 19, 2016

(Photo: Nancy and Denise were able to make it to all MLB ballparks over the last few years… How cool is that?)

James Taylor’s famous song, “You’ve got a friend” calls it out well…

“You just call out my name,
And you know where ever I am…
I’ll come running…
Oh yeah, to see you again…
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall,
All you have to do is call…
And I’ll be there, yeah yeah yeah…
You’ve got a friend…”

When my friend Denise was battling breast cancer, her best friend, Nancy Cline, showed us all what it looked like to be a real friend. Michelle Robin, another good friend, told me that she had learned from Nancy what it was like to be a true friend, and that she hoped to rise to that level. My observation was the same. I stood in awe and hoped that I would also rise if called to the bar she set.

Nancy’s care and love was so real, so raw and touching, that you felt you were in the presence of a saint, an angel or someone who truly was anointed. When you consider this insight and example today, I hope that you will allow yourself to go deep and truly think about your dear friends and how you care for them. I know upon my own assessment that I love well, but I’m not sure I get an A. Nancy showed me and those lucky enough to witness her in action a few things I believe deserve all of our attention….

Love when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Give your whole self.
When needed, shift your life’s priorities so that what needs the most attention receives it.

All of these are about intention, which is what we talk about a lot in this blog. Living fulfilled lives… serving well… All requires being intentional. If you aren’t, you spend the night at a PTA meeting instead of at the home of your dear friend in need.

Can I ask you who needs you more at that point in time? I know it’s hard… life seems to consume us… I’m guilty. It shouldn’t be hard. Nancy has clarified this for me, it is simply about who needs you and sacrificing personal or perceived other needs to be where you are needed the most.

This blog could be three pages, but I want it to stay focused. Focused on the clear message Nancy gave us and that is to RISE. Rise to be the friend you hope to be!

Nancy, we thank you for your heart, your example and pray that many lives will be enriched because of how well you serve.

Fire up the JOY: A retro post worth repeating

October 10, 2016

blog_845031_2965601_1476144341 I love this post so much from last October that it bears repeating!

JOY is CONTAGIOUS – It spreads the type of ENERGY needed to THRIVE! If you are in the workplace and happen to be a leader, well then, this may just help your employee satisfaction or engagement as well! Bottom line: Folks want to work, live and SERVE where they are happy!
JOY makes a person MORE PRODUCTIVE! – I don’t know about you, but getting a bit more done in my given 24 hours would be a huge positive! Check out this great little article to back that up.
JOY can MAKE YOU HEALTHIER! This little article outlines nicely the great benefits which include reducing stress, solving problems easier and fighting disease! I am ALL ABOUT all of those! A great blog post here that goes a bit deeper!

As you get moving on this BUSY TUESDAY (busiest day of the work week, in case you didn’t know), remember to take some time to SPREAD JOY! I promise you will be better for it! By the way, don’t put it off until later, stop now and send three brief messages and FIRE UP the JOY. Best five minutes of your day!

Books you might love – Round II

October 6, 2016

(Photo creds: My own, featuring a bird I love!)

I’m a little late with this! On May 5, I told whoever was reading at that time that I would make my top book list a few times during the year. I actually had a goal of doing this in May, September and January so at least 3 times per year… OOPS. I’m only a month late, so I’ll chalk that up to an aging mind and my move in July! So here you go – I hope that my fellow readers will find one or more that they will love as much as I did… Here are my top 10 and why! ENJOY!

IF YOU CAN KEEP IT by ERIC METAXAS – This is MY #1 FAVORITE. If you BUY ONE, BUY THIS ONE AND ALSO THE NEXT ONE! IT’S ACTUALLY A TIE!
Why I loved It? The subtitle of “The Forgotten promise of American Liberty” jumped out and it was also highly recommended. Pretty much everything this author writes has been golden. He dives deep into America as a “nation of nations” and challenges us to reconnect with the ideas of liberty and freedom for all and embrace our role in living out what our nation’s founders entrusted us with. It’s EXCELLENT.
CHASE THE LION by MARK BATTERSON – This is MY #2 FAVORITE.
Why I loved it? Batterson is my favorite Christian author. He seems to magically weave biblical truth and offers example after example of historical evidence to support his call here for us all to CHASE down our fears and go after our dreams. This is a book about “stretching.” Here’s a great quote to wet your appetite, “Napoleon Bonaparte made a distinction between two kinds of courage: regular courage and two-o-clock-in-the-morning courage, ‘The rarest attribute among Generals is two o’ clock -in-the-morning courage.”
PRESENT OVER PERFECT by SHAUNA NIEQUIST
Why I loved it? I had never read Shauna Niequist before, even though she has several books out there. I guess nothing seemed to resonate before. At any rate, this particular book addresses the seasons of our lives and the need to step into the craziness fully. A bit of a flavor: “If someone gave you a completely blank calendar and a bank account as full as you wanted, what would you do? The first thing that leapt into my mind: stop, I would stop. I would rest. I would do nothing at all. I would sleep.” She addresses a certain season as feeling like “off reading.” I for one have been in that season more than one time! If you have as well, you’ll love this one!
TRIBE by SEBASTIAN JUNGER
Why I loved it? Also highly recommended, I ordered this as one of my summer reads which I hope to be a little lighter but still a goal of elevating my life both personally and professionally. This book goes deep on the importance of community and the gravitational pull that a “tribal society” has had on people since the beginning of life. My favorite part which also is a challenge for all of us uses the example of veterans coming back from service. “Today’s veterans often come home to find that, although they are willing to die for their country, they’re not sure how to live for it. It’s hard to know how to live for a country that regularly tears itself apart along every possible ethnic and demographic boundary.” The book focuses on communities and unifying.
FRESH AIR by CHRIS HODGES
Why I loved it? Chris Hodges is the pastor of one of the coolest churches in America which is in Birmingham, Alabama. He’s down-to-earth and just plain likeable. I really loved the chapter which shared the learnings from his sabbatical. I am a huge fan of those, although I’ve never had one. I believe fully that we need to reset and recharge. Here are his learnings from that time: 1. It took three weeks before he was able to fully disconnect (In other words, our week vacations probably won’t cut it for true rejuvenation.) 2. He had lost his ability to even recognize what “tired” looked like. (Yes, most of us know that this will result ultimately in illness, emotional or physical.) 3. He needed a comprehensive life routine that includes rest as a key component. (Sounds Iike a good idea for us all.)
BRAVING IT by JAMES CAMPBELL
Why I loved it? I normally don’t read books like this, so this was FUN. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon it, but it must have been recommended. It is a great read which walks you through a father and his daughter’s adventures in the wild of Alaska. It is so much fun and there are certainly a few life lessons in there!
LOVE WARRIOR by GLENNON DOYLE MELTON
Why I loved it? I haven’t read Glennon either but I have heard her name plenty of times. This book is a memoir of her life, which dives into subjects such as alcoholism, marital challenges etc. It is downright raw in it’s honesty. The book is highly recommended by Brene Brown, another great author that I’ve written about before. If you like books about vulnerability, which offers both humor and pain grab this one.
A MILE WIDE by BRANDON HATMAKER
Why I loved it? This one is simple, Brandon focuses on LIVING LIFE ON A MISSION. Enough said – I LOVE THAT!
UNINVITED by LYSA TERKEURST
Why I loved it? Lysa attacks the tough topic of dealing with the hard stuff. She launches with a conversation about honesty… “Honesty is a suitor with piercing vision who isn’t swayed by pretending and positioning. I can try and make things appear better than they seem, but honesty will have none of it. So, I throw my hair in a messy bun and let my face stay splotchy…I simply emerge.”
A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS by DONALD MILLER
Why I loved it? Donald Miller is a well known author and while I tried to read his famous book, “Blue like Jazz,” for some reason I didn’t love it. This time around I caught on to his style, which is very unique. This book is about telling your story. I loved this quote: “It’s interesting that in the Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes, the only practical advice given about living a meaningful life is to find a job you like, enjoy your marriage and obey God. It’s as though God is saying, Write a good story, take somebody with you, and let me help.”

13 WAYS OCTOBER DELIGHTS!

October 3, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I think October is my favorite month. I know I have a few that I have grown over time to love, but October is delightful… I’ve listed below some of my reasons why I say that. Take a moment to add yours in the comments! I think it would be fun to share and who knows, you might just get a great idea to refresh your own list.

My No. 1 for sure… the COOLER weather: My dog is relishing in longer walks and gentle breezes. HIKING, and CRUNCHING IN THE LEAVES… INVIGORATING!
The COLORS: The leaves, all manner of pumpkins and vegetables that look like pumpkins to me!
COMMUNITY: It feels like everyone comes out and “GATHERS.” I like that idea of gathering. And with pop-up options like cider mills, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, what better time to hang out with old friends or make new ones!
FOOTBALL! I do in fact love football, from little league, high school, college and the NFL! It’s just plain FUN!
SOUP: My friend Nan always brings me soup. I love that! I also love finding a great butternut squash or pumpkin soup recipe. A bit of crusty bread and it’s the perfect meal, and as an added bonus, it soothes the SOUL! (I promise my trainer, Amy, that I’ll add some protein in there!)
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: I love how America has embraced this and over time the rates of SUCCESS if you get an early diagnosis are greatly improved. Research is necessary and this campaign showcases how, if we galvanize the troops, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
HOLIDAY SEASON SNEAKS IN: We get a glimpse but we aren’t fully deluged yet.
HALLOWEEN: To be perfectly honest, until my boys were born I didn’t really embrace Halloween. I mean it’s okay and I loved to fill my pillowcase when I was in 3rd grade, but then it sort of faded. Now that my boys are in college, it’s fading again, but OH HOW FUN IT IS if you have little kids! EMBRACE EVERY MOMENT OF IT! Make fun punch with dry ice, set up a bobbing for apples activity, host a neighborhood pre-trick-or-treating party… It’s a BLAST!
OCTOBER BASEBALL: Last year in particular, but I still LOVE MY BOYS IN BLUE! FOREVER ROYAL!
BONFIRES, S’MORES, ETC.! Being around FIRE IS PRIMAL and screams connectedness. The smell of the smoke… the whole thing is just perfect fun!
BOOTS, SWEATSHIRTS, SWEATERS: If you are a gal, need I say more? If you are a guy, ask your favorite gal! She’ll fill you in!
APPLES! Apple orchards, apple picking, cider, cider donuts, apple crisp, apple pie… It’s fully AMERICAN and fully AWESOME!
Last but not least… HAYRIDES: YEP, HAYRIDES. I need to find one this year. There isn’t anything more fun to me, than a simple trailer, some HAY, and family, friends and complete strangers! I hope you’ll find one too!

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale!” – Lauren DeStefano

Choosing who to do life with!

September 26, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It… I so love this picture!)

Life is full of decisions. Decisions on where to go to college, what to study, who to marry, where you will live and grow your family, how you will respond to life in the good and bad times, and perhaps at the top of the list, who you choose to “do life with” in your circle of friends.

Some are lucky enough to meet people in elementary school and still count them as close friends. Some find these friends in college dorms and late night conversation. Some in the workplace, some in church, some in neighborhoods and soccer field side lines. Some by happenstance, some are given to you as a gift and we call those family. We know they change at different times in our life and that is both cool and needed.

What’s important is that we choose wisely. These are the folks that both wipe our tears, lift our spirits, share our dreams, and celebrate with us. They don’t always have to be in our presence, but we are always in their thoughts and prayers. These are the people that run our fan club and don’t judge us when we inevitably say something crazy or simply need to have a pity party. They get us out of the house when we most need it and spur us on through a Tuesday morning text or a Facebook comment that reminds us that they are indeed cheering us on regardless of where we both may be at the moment.

Folks, these people are the “real deal” the one’s that SHOW UP for you and we need them desperately. I think no matter what your age, we should reassess from time to time whether we are truly surrounded with the people that we most need in our lives. People with a positive and honest spirit, and make us better by their presence and concern. If they don’t meet these requirements, perhaps we don’t need to take them into the next season.

I’ve seen this need in both 70 year olds and in elementary school students. Humans are designed to live in communities, and making this process of evaluation an “intentional” part of our life plan ensures that we are surrounded by the support, love and care that we all need to get through this crazy world.

I would love to know if this resonates with you. In the meantime, I’m thinking of just how I could come up with the setting featured in this photo, and invite my circle to celebrate fall in proper fashion!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Where there is unity, God commands blessing

September 26, 2016

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(Photo Creds: Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC)
I had the great opportunity to attend Code Orange Revival, in Charlotte, North Carlina last weekend. When I was a little girl, I feel like we attended several of these, but perhaps the one or two I went to were powerful enough for me to recall them clearly. This particular one provided 10 nights of, for the most part, well known spiritual leaders and pastors from across the world. It was powerful and if you have time on your hands and need to hear some inspiring thoughts, check out the speakers on their website.

Within a day of the close of that revival in Charlotte, the city experienced protests and rioting due to the shooting of a 43-year-old man who allegedly wielded a gun that he wouldn’t put down upon request. It’s so discouraging to see the unrest in our country and the pain that is held by so many. Most of it for good reason, although often hard for all of us to understand.

I loved this post from Elevation that came out this week on unity. It’s true and I believe we need to find faith and action in the very thought. The Bible tells us over and over again that we must unite with one another. I feel this more strongly now than ever.

America is such an incredible country. We owe it to those who built this nation to go back to the basics, so to speak, and honor timeless teachings. Our Pledge of Allegiance IS AWESOME… “ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY and JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

I believe in this promise that God will command blessing over UNITY.

So, what can we do? What should we do? We must pray for God’s direction and stand up and use our voices so that all generations can continue to have the privelege to live in such a GREAT COUNTRY.

VISION: What is your North Star?

September 21, 2016

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A friend on a recent business trip shared with me the “stargazer” app. If you aren’t familiar, you can literally point your mobile phone to the sky and it will point out the Little Dipper and all of the other constellations in our night’s sky. It is fascinating to me that an app can do that.

Honestly, I have had no real interest in astronomy other than reading my horoscope every so often and loving it if what is said is just the right thing! In fact, I had to look up the meaning of the North Star for this blog, so it’s pretty obvious I’m clueless. For those of you who are more technical, the North Star is also known as Polaris. (Read here if you really want to dive in deep…)

As we conclude the discussion on “vision” this week, this idea of following our “North Star” seemed appropriate. It’s a phrase often used so I wondered what it really meant. Of all of the information I could find, there was one sentence that stood out…

“And always keep this fact in mind: Polaris “aka the North Star” is more accurate than any compass.”

Simply put, if we have a life “VISION” or “NORTH STAR,” we should not get off course if we follow it! I kind of like that.

Sunday we kicked off the conversation on VISION with a focus on why we need to have one, the need for clarifying and owning it and the value in encouraging others. Tuesday we discussed the team you need to accomplish your vision. (Thanks to those who sent messages, as that is so helpful to me to know when something resonates!) If you didn’t have time to read it, go back and at minimum read the quote on the bottom. It’s a game changer.

My thought or insight today is the need to CAST THE VISION WIDELY. Put out into the universe what it is… Allow those in your circle to encourage you and hold you accountable. Here are some examples…

Is your vision to… Be a spiritual leader in your home? Be an excellent teacher? To be better at encouraging? To be a world class fisherman? To be a world traveler? To be at your highest level of health possible? You get the idea…

What is your VISION? (And yes, you can have several.) CAST IT OUT and let it be known, and watch the universe collaborate in helping you achieve success!