To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Christian

Get out there and bring others with you!

blog_792239_2894125_1461621496Jeep ran a campaign I believe in 2007 that had the tag line “Have fun out there.” Nature Valley ran one “Get out there” a few years earlier. Honestly, I got them confused and thought “Get out there” was Jeep, which I think is absolutely BRILLIANT!

Regardless of who gets credit for the idea, my vision is that WE NEED TO GET OUT “THERE” to realize the fullness of life.

Sunday I talked a bit about being as strong as “Caleb” at 85 years old. In order to live a strong life we have to get out and explore the world. I had the opportunity to take my first bike ride of the season yesterday and honestly, we have some pretty cool places to explore right in our own neighborhoods. We need to model this for our families, in the workplace and wherever God has placed us. No matter your age or situation, get OUT!

Here’s another thought… Do you know someone that perhaps can’t necessarily get out there? If so, do everything in your power this week to get them out if at all possible. Even if it means pushing them around the block in a wheelchair or visiting a park, the zoo, or anything really. Help get others out who may not feel they have that ability. If you don’t know anyone in that situation, just give me a call or a message, I’ll hook you up!

Let’s all be AMBASSADORS in this category this week both for ourselves and for others. I promise your life will be richer for the effort.

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Plan on finishing!

blog_792044_2893278_1461514568

I so love this. Caleb was 85 years old when he made this statement. Today, to meet an 85 year old who has that type of robust strength is rare. Even in the biblical time period according to references this was true. What was the difference?

Surely, we all have our ancestors to thank for some of our genetic make up. In this case however, there are two key things that I feel need pointed out…

  1. Boldness: “I am just as vigorous.” – He made a choice not to back down in anyway.
  2. Faith: “Perhaps the Lord will be with me…” (Verse 12) – He decided to claim the promises and take the land.

I want to be like Caleb and FINISH STRONG INSIDE AND OUT. We all need to do this in order to live the life God intended for us all!  Where do you need to be bold this week? We have all been given the promises, we just need to decide to GO AFTER THEM STRONG.

Now… GET OUTSIDE and build the strength necessary to do just that!

(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)

SevenDays: A conversation that matters

blog_787945_2888090_1460593470Tuesday was the kick-off to the annual SevenDays events in Kansas City. I attended a terrific session on Tuesday night to hear Rabbi Alon Goshen-Gottstein speak on the topic of Interfaith and why it matters. I wanted to provide an overview of that session for you, but I also wanted to share a quick story on the topic.

I asked one of my boys to attend the session Tuesday night explaining why this idea of Interfaith is important. He was confused because in his mind he is certainly open to all races and religions and as far as he was concerned there was not a good reason to learn more about the topic. I loved that, because I think it explains how many feel. Not long ago most of our country could say that they embraced all others. As generations have become educated and society progresses we have indeed made great strides forward.

I have to admit that I also didn’t like this response at all, because I personally know that there is so much more. It wasn’t until just a few years ago (well into my 40s) that I attended a friend’s Passover Seder, which was an important step in understanding her faith. I still haven’t made the steps necessary to learn about my Muslim neighbors, and the list goes on. So, yes, we have made progress, but we have to do more to make the impact that is possible and necessary.

This summary below is just that, a high level overview… I’d love to hear your thoughts and also if you have questions, I’d be happy to moderate getting those to the Rabbi.

Why Interfaith? A lot of reasons, but in our current environment, understanding is the imperative to solving global issues that didn’t really exist prior to the current fast-paced communication and social media opportunities that ensure we have at our ready world-wide news and can react and respond right away.

A great example he gave:  In our country we enjoy freedom of religion, which is why my son answered as he did – makes sense. Unfortunately other countries do not enjoy freedom of religion. It is important for us all to understand the implications of this on world peace.

4 keys ways we can inspire each other in interfaith:

  1. ENCOUNTER one another – Yep, invite your Muslim neighbor over, or if you are Muslim, invite your Christian neighbor over to begin a conversation of understanding.
  2. STUDY other countries, religions, beliefs – We must challenge ourselves to understand fully the traditions of others to truly understand them.
  3. PRAYER–  The Rabbi included this and I thought it was great. This may seem like an easy list, but it isn’t. Even taking the first step seems some how beyond our ability to just jump out and make it a priority. We need to pray that God would give us a passion for understanding.
  4. SERVICE – Perfect that he ended with this. The idea being that once we come together we can translate that into ACTION that makes our communities and countries stronger.   Let’s contemplate that today!

In case you didn’t read Tuesday’s blog, there are some great activities/events happening in KC this week as a part of SevenDays. Check out the website for the full details.  And if you want to know more about Rabbig Goshen-Gottenstein’s interfaith work, check it out here.

Have a strong wrap to your week!

The word of God

I cannot wait to blog this week!blog_784142_2882018_1459691317

I stole this amazing idea from a blog I read Friday about the thought of “deloading.” It’s a concept those in the fitness world know well, and the rest of us have a bit to learn from this in life management. I shared a bit of it with some good friends on Saturday and it resonated deeply with them, too. I believe it will make a difference in your life.

In the meantime, the truth above is an ABSOLUTE TRUTH. As I have aged I have learned this to a greater degree. It’s a shame we aren’t wise enough (or at least I wasn’t) in our youth to embrace this as deeply. The word of God and the lessons, inspiration and help it offers, is a weapon like no other. My prayer today is that your week will be filled with people and truth that makes your life rich and amazing.

Hope rises!

blog_779096_2875342_1458488334You may have noticed that I have ended a few of my Sunday blogs this month with the thought that hope is rising. Well indeed, today is PALM SUNDAY and hope is rising!

This week we are going to talk about ideas! We are all always in great hope that we will have those IDEAS that create something special, something fun, meaningful and perhaps even INCREDIBLE. An idea that brings our family closer, elevates our career, fills our financial needs, or brings meaning to those things we care about passionately.

I fully BELIEVE that “GOD IDEAS” (A God idea is one that you can’t stop thinking about, and has grabbed your heart… one that surely must have come from God) – are quite possible for us to attract if we simply give our lives to God in prayer and faith. As the above captures so perfectly. Make him your first priority and he promises a fulfilled life.

Happy Easter Week! My prayers for you to be filled fully with HOPE this week!

(Photo Creds: Pinterest)

Now THIS is a fun day!

blog_777983_2873715_1458180302

ST PATRICK’S DAY has always been one of my favorites.

My high school friends that may read this could tell you what fun we had at the KC Parade each year! (Too much fun actually!) When everyone wears green and the true Irish bring out their best leprechaun attire, bag pipe attire etc. the environment automatically signals: “This is a fun day!”

I have always been intrigued by the bag pipers, and when we were in Scotland for the boys senior trip I photographed them every chance I got – Just like in the pictures, they seem to be frequent around the city- SO COOL! I found a little bit of St Patrick’s Day information that I thought was fun, so follow the link for a bit more on this fun holiday if you have time!

Make it a point to pray the Irish Blessing today as well!
May the Road RISE UP to meet you
May the Wind always be AT YOUR BACK.
May the SUN SHINE warm on your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, May GOD BLESS YOU in the Palm of His Hand.

(Photo credit: Pinterest) 

HUSTLE HARD TO BE A WELL WISHER

blog_774721_2867203_1457410035HUSTLE. What thoughts does that very word create in your mind?

For me, it’s a busy city, maybe New York or Chicago, bumping shoulders, everyone going somewhere; somewhere to fill the space and their dreams.

I also just think of sheer “rolling up your sleeves” and working hard, regardless of  the task. Applying some real “elbow grease,” digging deep and pushing myself to create my best work. It also conjours up some not so fun projects… dirty ovens, chaotic garages and a storage closet that holds god only knows what… HUSTLE feels like work in the purest sense of to word.

My father is a “hustle” kind of guy, always doing something and creating and spinning stories that showcase a busy mind and life. I guess you could say I was born to HUSTLE, to always work hard and not settle. I have translated this with God’s help to do the best I can to keep moving forward, exercise a strong work ethic and in the process strive to achieve my goal of making a difference.

I love this quote,  although It was anonymous… It’s one I wish I created: “Never do the envy, jealousy and insecure stuff.  Be the HUSTLER, the WELL-WISHER, the GO-GETTER.”  

I seriously love the very thought of adding WELL-WISHER to the idea. Think through that… We don’t have to only hustle to get the hard work done, but to do the work that is softer, but no less important. To spread kindness and to be there for our fellow man/woman.

Today, as you go out into the world, I hope that you will HUSTLE HARD to be a WELL WISHER! I’m certainly going to give it my best shot! (And would someone please pass this on to our presidential candidates… :))

(Photo Creds:  Pinterest, ref:  Etsy)

Simple thoughts (Oscar) Sunday

blog_771674_2860370_1456676823

I’ll admit it, I love the Oscars.   I have always loved watching the Oscar speeches, and I’m a huge Meryl Streep fan. (Watch her 2012 Oscar winning speech)

Tonight those who also have this adoration for those gifted with acting skills will watch this year’s nominees shine. My brother Brandon and his gal, Nikki are proud actors living in New York City and trust me, God gifted him with the stage and musical talent in our bloodline. It is amazing to watch him transform an audience and engage their very heart beats into the story.  In fact, that is what I love about the good movies, they transport us into another world and make us laugh and cheer on the underdogs and often teach us a few things about life!  blog_771674_2860372_1456676823

My son Sam and I have until this year tried to take in all of the best picture nominees in order to be somewhat educated about the films.  This year, with Sam in Michigan for college, my mom and I did this, and that was a gift to us both.  I chose this movie and quote because Sam and I both love the movie. It’s downright vintage for Sam, having been born in 1996, but it is one that showcases freedom, leadership and love for our fellow man!  To me, that is truly living.

Have an amazing week, and go out and TRULY LIVE!

By the way, my favorite movies tonight are Brooklyn and Bridge of Spies.  I’d love to hear what you think!

Oh, and I also hope Chris Rock has a fantastic night as host- We could use another repeat of Ellen’s fun performance and audience engagement. (Most retweeted photo ever up there under Mel Gibson… So much fun, and if you remember, she ordered pizza during the show for the audience). 

Simple thoughts Sunday – Love

blog_766571_2849775_1455410271Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love is such a rich part of our lives. I am sure I must have seen this before, but I couldn’t recall and I think it’s just perfect for the “Simple Thoughts Sunday” application. Simple and true. Love should be like that. On this day of “LOVE” I’m sure you’ve done it already, but in case not, take a moment to thank God for the greatest gift of love!

(Photo Creds: Pinterest)