To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Christian

Choose what you magnify!

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This is SO USEFUL! With the start of a new school year and the rigor of work getting fired up to its normal level, August can be stressful.

I have heard many a friend or colleague share their personal “madness” around this time of year. My own family is feeling the pressure with college starting back up. I remember August when the boys were elementary, middle and high schoolers, and it ranks right up there with my view of pure chaos. (For God’s sake if I need to bring Gatorade to another game, get another PTA email begging someone to sign up to help… Friday concessions anyone? Science Fair chair?) 

This chaos is the kind you feel when you get awakened in the middle of the night, aren’t even awake and yet know you need to take action, as in now. It can be rough folks. The sleepless nights, low grade anxiety or full blown freak-out mode… we can get caught up in the push and pull of this season.

I had this friendly reminder come across my email in a bit of a different form earlier this week. I have actually found a use for it more than a few times this week and hope you may find it inspiring as well. As you roll into your week, CHOOSE TO MAGNIFY all things that drive you to YOUR BEST SELF. You of course can choose to magnify the transition, the stress, the fact that your heart rate is increasing due to the anxiety of a new instructor, boss, etc., and all of the family/friend “stuff” that can consume us. YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO MAGNIFY the JOY that can definitely be found. CHOOSE TO DO THAT! I promise your week will be BETTER if you do so. SInce it’s Sunday, here is a favorite Bible verse to meditate on that has the same thought in mind:

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8 NLT) 

MAGNIFY ALL THINGS EXCELLENT THIS WEEK!

What is your agenda for me today?

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Don’t you love when an unexpected meeting, turns into a fast friendship? I so do! In fact, I consider it a gift from God. A little smile downward letting us know that we are surrounded by angels pretty much at every turn.

One of those great meetings is with someone I really love, “KP.” KP has a transportation company and is a local pastor. He is absolutely in love with his wife of many years and an amazing father. He has a gift with words and prayer and is one of those gifted in teaching. I learn from him. Last week while we were headed to the airport he shared that for the last several weeks he has been trying out this phrase to start his days:

God, what is your agenda for me today?

Isn’t that so cool? What if we just startour day out with that simple question? I believe that what KP shared is true… if we open our eyes and pay attention we will be amazed at what God shows us during the day.

blog_825755_2942381_1471214585He has been doing this for a few weeks now and has been astonished by the people that have come across his path. In fact, those people were probably there before (the young mom struggling to load the car with groceries with two kids in the cart and one by their side, the complaining older gentleman at the post office, the “Facebook friend” that seems to always be having an issue of some kind…).
The truth is, that sometimes, not intentionally we aren’t “fully in,” paying attention to the cues and the opportunities to reach out with a helping hand, an encouraging word, a silent prayer.

I’m going to give this a shot. It will take some intention… I’ll try to pay attention and share some stories as they come along. I’d love it if you joined me, and I’d love to share your stories if you are up for it!

I thought you might like to see KP so I asked him to take a pic with me. Also, if you ever need transportation across town or to the airport, he’s a trusted friend!

(Photo cred: We Heart It)

The Amazing Race

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I’m not sure if you had the opportunity to watch the Opening Ceremoney of the summer Olympics on Friday, but it was crazy good.

Some of the beginning was a little confusing, but art IS in the eye of the beholder and I’m confident that was art! My favorite part is the countries walking in and being recognized. The meaning of that moment for them… the culmination of a dream and the anticipation of their race. (Also the pure FUN that is evident and the momentum building….)

I think we could all benefit from having a moment like that. Maybe a moment like that every day.

As we get ready for work, school or to go out and serve our community, what if we thought of the day as “pressing on” with the ultimate goal to use our God-given gifts in the best possible way. That is actually what we are doing, so why not live it out in that narrative.

This week let us all try this out. Start your days with an intentional thought of how today is the day you are pressing on… you are going to nail it… to serve your purpose well… BETTER THAN WELL…. GREAT!

I’m cheering you on!  Have an amazing race!

(Photo creds: We Heart It)

WELCOME TO PASSION TOWN

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Seriously, what a COOL STATEMENT. At the recent KENNY CHESNEY concert at Arrowhead in Kansas City, he used this phrase to describe our GREAT CITY. I immediately pulled out my phone and put it into my “blog ideas” list. So, he may use this phrase in other cites as well… Heck, maybe he uses it every weekend at his concerts, but you know what, that is awesome if he does!

I hope every person is proud of where they live and recognizes that God put them in that place and that time, in this generation, to LIVE, GROW, and SERVE. This blog is all about becoming people of excellence and about SERVING WELL. I don’t know about you, but I want a PASSION TOWN t-shirt, so I can show off my city and remind myself that I need to show it the PASSION it deserves!

What is so cool about this picture, or a few things to get you thinking:

  1. THE PEOPLE! So, on the stage you have Christa Dubill, Emmy award-winning TV news anchor for channel the local NBC affiliate, who gives so much of her time to this community that it is truly amazing. You also have Gracie Schram, local singer, songwriter and philanthropist who at a very young age began a journey of showing her PASSION. In other words, no matter what your age, JUMP IN. God can and WILL use you! You also have some posters that are showcasing some local executives that stepped up to raise funds for the American Heart Association – how cool is that? They are using their platform in their industry to make a difference. Finally, let’s not forget the volunteers that are flanking the stage. These people give their time, weekends and all,  to make our CITY, well, PASSION TOWN…
  2. THE MESSAGE! This happens to be the AHA Heart Walk, but this is just one of hundreds of great causes that flank our city and that’s what brings out the best in all of us. KC is one of the most generous cities in America!
  3. THE FUN! We make it fun. A little confetti, a little enthusiasm… A Saturday morning that offers the unexpected delight of not only making a difference by raising funds to take care of each other, but the pure JOY of being with friends, new and old and making memories.

These are just the “top of my head” things that make KC PASSION TOWN! I’d love to know if you have others… There are so many! Who’s up for making a shirt?

Dear summer, please SLOW DOWN

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I am so excited to be back blogging. It was hard not to write each week because, well, I LOVE IT!

As you know, my great hope and prayer is that I touch someone with each post! I am often surprised when I hear from someone that I didn’t even know read the blog that they really appreciate the writing. So, in the past month I pretty much am thankful I made that decision even if it did create a disruption to this Type A personality.

We moved out of our home that we have lived in since the boys started kindergarten and you can imagine the drawers and closets that require attention. (For the record, I always felt like I purged along the way and much to my surprise, I am awful at this apparently because the gremlins just kept coming out of literally every corner, haha!) That project alone made it almost necessary to give it my full attention where it was needed. Can I say that I am feeling my age and disappointed in that as well. No one bothered to tell me that moving is equivalent to a marathon, or at least a half marathon at my age, and I WANT A STICKER FOR MY CAR for God’s sake! Ha!

Okay, so enough of that – Who is with me on the fact that we need to slow summer down!? I would normally say that fall is my favorite season, quickly followed my spring, but summer is gaining ground with me. Thanks to social media, we have access to all of the great things there are to do, as friends and family share their personal rituals from picnics to Theater in the Park to live music at a variety of venues each week to the coveted lake weekends. These ideas give us INSPIRATION to get out there and soak up the moments. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURES!

So, I know that school is starting soon, but let’s make a pact that we are going to ignore that little factor for this month. When I was young, you never started back until after Labor Day anyway… And that was clearly the best plan!

So regardless if some have to get their kids fired up early… Take advantage of the late nights, and make long weekends. Cranky and all… It’s worth it! Unless you have a junior in high school, then I recommend you takeaway a couple of those extra days… They catch up quickly and trust me it makes no difference. Kidnap the grandkids, have extra ice cream or frozen yogurt, make your Tuesday’s your Saturday’s and enjoy SUMMER all of the way until the cold sets in!

What will you do this month? Please share and give everyone inspiration!

American’s Liberty, A Gift to the World

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I wrapped up a week or so ago the best book of the year, If You Can Keep It, by Eric Metaxas. I will feature more details later in my book review posts, but for now, this quote gives you a great look into the book’s central idea.

I had not noticed before reading in the book, that Lady Liberty in New York City, faces outward, carrying her torch high… As if she is a light house, welcoming others toward America and TOWARD LIBERTY and the FREEDOM our great country represents.

As the well known scripture says, “To whom much is given, much is required”  (Luke 12:48), American has been given much, and it has been and continues to be our role to serve as a steadfast world leader. A country that represents the greatest character qualities of a Christian, shining our light for others… to help and to serve… And to welcome and enrich lives along the way.

As you celebrate Independence Day this weekend, be grateful to be a part of a country that has been called to SHINE God’s love on our entire world.

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

THE JOY A PET BRINGS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CINNY!

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Today is my amazing dog’s 14th Birthday!

Depending on how you calculate it and whose theory you use, she is either 98 (7 years X 14), or 78 (via webMD.com). I’m going with 78, well, because I’d love to have her around as long as possible.

This picture was in the last few days, so I know you’ll agree she’s pretty awesome looking still! (After all, there are a lot of youngsters in their 70s: Racquel Welch, Harrison Ford, Gladys Knight, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand…to name a few!)

She has been nothing short of PURE JOY and I know my fellow pet lovers will agree that there is nothing like a pet! Seems this summer PETS are a popular topic. “The Secret Life of Pets” is coming out in the next two weeks, and promises to be a summer block buster. One of the local pastors in our area did a sermon series, just these past two weeks on “The Gospel According to Dogs.” My son shared that one of these messages was a pretty darn good summation of just why DOGS bring us so much JOY. Here are a few thoughts from that message:

Like God, dogs provide us with…

  1. PROTECTION… Regardless if it’s a possum, the fed ex man, or leaves rustling… THEY ARE ALL OVER IT!
  2. LOVE… No better LOVE than a DOG’S! Even after being locked up for 12 hours they couldn’t be more excited to see you!
  3. LOYALTY… Like a good friend, DOGS don’t care much about what you wear, or if you worked out today. They see your heart and they want to be with you regardless of good or bad days!

Have a great wrap to your week. Take a moment to END THE MONTH STRONG BY SPREADING JOY TODAY to a few FOLKS that made your MONTH TERRIFIC!

Lessons on the Playground: “Is that all you have?”

blog_808433_2923537_1466504974I am huge fan of all manner of swings. Tire swings, rope swings (especially the version where you jump into a lake), and even a good old playground swing!

This idea of not forgetting to “play” captured me, because while I try to inject fun into my life, there is something invigorating about just swinging, legs pumping and going as high as you can.  It’s symbolic of life. You start out needing to be pushed and then as you get a bit more comfortable you ask “push” me higher and then…it’s up to you, to pump and push to achieve your goal! The sky is the limit!

This weekend, my sister was telling me how they watched their neighbor’s boy for a few hours and took him to the playground. Since it wasn’t their child, and he was small, they didn’t want to push too hard… The young man was adamant, “IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE?… I want to go HIGHER!” That’s awesome! At 6 years old he was ready to “fly” and he was being held back due to both his readiness and of course they were holding him back.

What a great lesson for us all… We can either not be ready and God won’t allow us, OR, we simply have someone or something that’s holding us back.  After we discern which one, we can either learn, grow and prepare or decide to get a new “champion” or in this case a new person to “push us.”

Let’s get out to the playground this summer literally and figuratively and see how far we can go!

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

Happy father’s day!

blog_807853_2922706_1466343528Happy Father’s Day to the many great men I know. No matter if it is your own child, or one you have adopted or simply a child you “stand in the gap” for because their dad isn’t there at the moment, today is the day for all of us to express our gratitude and honor you!

This blog is often about “honoring” those that God has put in our paths, and today is perhaps one of the best days of the year for just that. Since this goes out on Sunday night, I’m guessing that the celebrations are well underway or have passed, and my hope is that you will spend some time tonight thinking about all of those “other” men that have impacted your life. Some men never had children, but they have made an impact on your life. Reach out to them and thank them or drop a note in the good old fashioned mail!

My uncle is one of those men. He’s loving, kind and always encouraging. Though not my dad, whom is by the way down right hysterical and the best story teller I know, my Uncle Gary has been there for me and my sister and brother from day one. I can think of several others, from teachers to pastors to mentors who at some point helped me to grow much like a father would! I am thankful today that God put those men in my life.

For those of you have lost your fathers, my prayer tonight is that you will be filled with God’s love and know that your father loves you today as much as ever and can’t wait to run and hug you some day! I know I am looking forward to the day to jump into my grandfather’s arms!
Have a fantastic week!

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

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!)