To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Leadership

When we are re-routed…

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(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!

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(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!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Our greatest hope!

blog_842603_2961876_1475426740(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
I couldn’t NOT use this incredible promise in my blog during this election season.

I’m not sure about you all, but I watched the debate closely last week, and am trying to really understand the various positions and I am finding myself without a lot of answers. I was at the Joyce Meyer Conference this weekend and Christine Caine, an Australian powerhouse preacher, spoke. All of 5 feet 3 inches and 130 pounds of her shook the room with this timely reminder. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I hope that you would also feel the POWER in this truth.

She continued with a few others statements that I loved…

“The world is not falling part, it’s falling into place.”

“God is as big as he needs to be, but the question is: How big is He to you?  (And God knows we need him to be BIG, REALLY BIG at this time in our COUNTRY.)”

So, on this beautiful Sunday, I’m going to keep it short with this simple thought, and pray that you all will join me in believing that we TRULY DO have GREAT HOPE! Make it an AMAZING WEEK!!!

In the Pursuit: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

blog_804354_2918997_1465438196(Photo credit: WE HEART IT – ISN’T THIS GUY AWESOME?)

Most people who have worked with me or lived with me, know that one of my top mottos in life is “Attitude is everything,” or in the work place, “Hire for attitude, train for skills.” It doesn’t matter what area of your life, or the time of your life, whatever “playing field” you find yourself on, ATTITUDE IS THE DIFFERENCE MAKER.

I’m never one to to re-create great content if I can find it. Today I wanted to share Jon Gordon’s writing on the power of ATTITUDE.  Jon is the author of the Energy Bus and the No Complaining Rule and you can find out more about him at www.jongordon.com.

My favorites are 2 and 7. I would love to hear yours! Have a strong wrap to your week!

11 Benefits of Being Positive – posted by Jon Gordon

Over the years I’ve done a lot of research on the positive effects of being positive and the negative affects of being negative. The research is clear. It really does pay to be positive and the benefits include enhanced health and longevity, order happiness, online career advancement, athletic performance, team building and financial success. Being positive is not just a nice way to live. It’s the way to live. In this spirit here are 11 benefits of being positive.

1. Positive People Live Longer – In a study of nuns, those that regularly expressed positive emotions lived on average 10 years longer. (The Nun Study)
2. Positive work environments outperform negative work environments. (Daniel Goleman)
3. Positive, optimistic sales people sell more than pessimistic sales people. (Martin Seligman)
4. Positive leaders are able to make better decisions under pressure. (Heartmath.org)
5. Marriages are much more likely to succeed when the couple experiences a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions whereas when the ratio approaches 1 to 1, marriages are more likely to end in divorce. (John Gottman)
6. Positive people who regularly express positive emotions are more resilient when facing stress, challenges and adversity. (Several Studies)
7. Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture which helps them identify solutions where as negative people maintain a narrower perspective and tend to focus on problems. (Barbara Fredrickson)
8. Positive thoughts and emotions counter the negative effects of stress. For example, you can’t be thankful and stressed at the same time. (Several Studies)
9. Positive emotions such as gratitude and appreciation help athletes perform at a higher level. (Heartmath.org)
10. Positive people have more friends which is a key factor of happiness and longevity. (Robert D. Putnam)
11. Positive and popular leaders are more likely to garner the support of others and receive pay raises and promotions and achieve greater success in the workplace. (Several Studies)

3 ways to give strength

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  • Love
  • Good Vibes
  • Strength

How can we give these in the best possible way? Question of the day for me is on strength! That’s been a bit of the theme this week… Here are some thoughts:

We can give others strength by:

  1. BELIEVING IN THEM… Truly believing in them. As a leader I have always loved to have the underdog on my team. Most underdogs aren’t underdogs at all. They are SUPERHEROS who needed someone to believe in them. As a friend or a leader or whatever our role, it is our duty to find the best in people and bring that out!
  2. CELEBRATING THEM… Yep, that’s right. Who in your world do you need to celebrate today? Who may not have had an encouraging word given to them directly in weeks? God created all people to be beautiful and even those that have made some bad choices and maybe seem to be a lost cause, quite honestly are not. It may take some thoughtful “digging” to identify but take the time. It’s worth it.
  3. SUPPORTING THEM… Celebrating them is really huge! I think we need to go a step further and offer our support. Ask someone today, how can I serve you the best? Where do you need someone to step in and help? In a mentoring relationship this is huge and we all should both me a mentor and have mentors. Maybe they need a simple introduction to someone to get that first job, or someone who can be honest with them and move them past hurdles… Every last one of us need support!

(Photo credit: I Heart It)

This picture gives me a headache

blog_789673_2890301_1461026190What is it about this picture that makes us a bit anxious?

It’s beautiful really. The excitement of community, vibrant colors, commerce live… But, it is NOISY!

Our world is filled with so much noise! In the stock market or finance world, the concept of “market noise” is well known. My favorite is the marketing world’s definition of ‘noise,’ described as:

  1. Unwanted sound
  2. Not useful
  3. Clutter

It has a negative connotation. On the positive size, “buzz” is positive. So, how do we clear the clutter and create more buzz in our lives?

Here are three ideas:

  1. KNOW WHAT IS IMPORTANT to you and your team. Be diligent about tuning out information and activities that don’t allow you or them to focus here.
  2. BOOKMARK anything that is not in your relevant personal or business goals for future use/access. I do this often. There is truly some great content out there: videos, links – lots of inspiring stories, facts and information. We just can’t use it all at one time, so save it and revisit!
  3. CURATE often. Do an assessment of what “noise” is grabbing your attention, “sucking” your time (you know, those nights you look down and see you’ve been on social media much later than you would want to admit to your kids), and generally speaking draining your energy.

If you make use of some of these ideas, I’d love to hear about how it went. If you have other ideas by all means, please share! We can all use help in this category!

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

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

This game will test your spirit

blog_765768_2847920_1455200994I’m not sure where I first heard this “phrase,” but likely a motivation read.  It stood out and I hope it does to you as well.  The truth is life is hard; it tests your spirit, sometimes multiple times a day.  Using the football theme for this week, Sunday’s game was hard at times for each of the players and coaches and God knows for the fans. (Thank you Joe and Sam for betting on the Panthers:  I officially won a bet and do expect my cash!).  While I don’t believe there is always a winner and a loser, I do believe we have to be “Game Ready” for whatever might happen.  As I’ve gotten older and a bit wiser, these unexpected tackles, or in some cases, “sacks” don’t (normally) take me by surprise anymore.  I have developed the following game plan to be as ready as possible:

  1. Assume positive intent-  Okay, so it’s true, Von MIller gets paid to go after the quarterback, but thankfully for us, most of us don’t have folks that are paid to take us down.  (Although sometimes it sure seems that way).  I have learned to always assume positive intent.  Heck, maybe they just had a personal loss, or their work life is just a wreck. Give grace and mercy every chance you get.
  2. Move on quickly- People have bad days, bad weeks and some people seem to live in constant chaos.  When you get tackled- don’t hang out there.  As you try to focus on giving grace (unmerited forgiveness is my favorite definition of that word-) you will find this step is much easier to embrace.  We were all wired with different talents and personality quirks, so take it all in, learn something from it and move on.

So here’s the deal-  tackles and sacks come in the form of rude or misunderstood comments, sarcasm, bad drivers, personal losses, illness, late alarm clocks, and the list goes on.  Some days they come at us hard.  My hope is that you will develop a personal game plan to not only pass the test, but be able to use the test to tell a great story (testimony), and help others along the way.

Cheers!

(Photo Creds:  We Heart It)

Three characteristics of a strong practice squad

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Last Wednesday there was a great little article tucked into USA Today. Definitely read it if you have time. The sum of it is that while Peyton Manning was recovering from his injury late in the season, he tagged a practice squad receiver, Jordan Taylor, to be his throwing partner.

Jordan, an undrafted 23 year old wide receiver, met him early before practice, and then went to the team practice as well, putting in a double every day. In the article, Peyton shares how hard he worked him, and how his commitment to the team, made all of the difference.

“I don’t think I could have gotten through my rehab and gotten back if it had not been for him,” said Peyton.

While I’m sure Jordan Taylor feels like the luckiest guy in the world that Peyton Manning chose him, the story is really about two things I think.  One, we all need Jordan Taylor’s in our lives that stand ready to help us (Thank you to Cindie, Nan, Susie, Michelle, Coretta, Kira, Joanne, Linda, Penny, Kathy, Mindy and the many friends that have been there for me personally.)

Second, that we need to be ready when our turn is called.  I’m tackling the first one today. Here are the characteristics of someone, like Jordan, that deserves a spot on your practice squad:

  1. Trust- First and foremost- These folks help us get better, and we need to associate with those that are willing and able to make that happen.
  2. Reliable- I don’t know how many times I have had to call Nan for something and she was right there, same for each of the gals listed above.  Regardless if it’s in the midnight hour or worse yet, the pre-dawn hour, we need our practice squad to pick up the phone.
  3. All in Attitude- Their immediate answer is “yes” and “what else can I do for you?”  They add joy to your life and give you that reassurance that they have your back.

Who’s on your practice squad?  Take a moment today to thank them!

(Photo with some of my favorite “summer practice squad” gals to Pine Cove Camps-And YES, the “MOMS” won the game!) 

Where do I need to act?

blog_762998_2843044_1454521277As we continue with the subject of important conversations we need to have, the idea of acting came to my mind quickly.

I fully believe that in America, we are diluged with information from every possible media (books, social media, tv, etc.), and if we are listening we have every chance to receive good advice and direction.

Thankfully there are some very bright people out there and those that have gone ahead of us took the hit and learned the hard way in many cases. The real issue is that because of this overwhelming amount of information we sometimes take good notes, have good intentions and then fail to act.

My encouragement today is that we choose two or three items that you need to act on to live a life of excellence and to serve in a way that is honoring and fulfills your life mission. This is again, a conversation with yourself, and also a conversation you should have with those in your inner circle. Don’t forget, those folks are absolutely essential to our growth. When we cannot even recognize ourselves these growth areas, they can point them out, and hopefully in a positive manner!

Some examples of where you may want to start:

  • If you want to be intentional about spending more time with your sister or brother, create a recurring calendar invite to have lunch on a regular basis in 2016.
  • If you want to be stronger in your career, put some time on your leader’s calendar today to have a discussion and identify the top areas where you can grow and develop, and the take the next step.

You get my point, right?

Today is the day to act! I’m cheering you on!

(Photo Creds: Pinterest: stihltimbersports.us)