To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Faith

Be sure to make your friends a priority!

(Photo Creds: My own)

I love the people that God has put in my life. Friends that showed up on the scene at just the right time. Friends that you had no idea at first encounter would be lifesavers. Friends that are there for a season – an important season – who have a life-long impact.

So, here’s the thing I have found: Time is fleeting.

The days go by, our priorities ebb and flow with the demands of the moment and we can end up moving through the year without truly investing in the friends God gave us. It’s “halftime” in 2017 and therefore it’s time to ensure we invest our remaining days just how we want!

In June I had the opportunity to celebrate two very dear friends on a destination trip to the Dominican for what I’ll call a “Marquee birthday celebration.” As you can see, they are twins. These two ladies have been a constant bright light in my life for 15 years now. It is nothing short of amazing to have them around for nearly 1/3 of my life at this point! That’s cool — no, it’s more than cool. (BTW: If you ever get the chance to have some friends from Birmingham, Alabama, RUN TO THEM AND FAST. They are the real deal.)

As you  size up your 2017 so far, I hope you’ll spend some time intentionally planning spending time with those friends that truly make your life what it is today. I believe that we are given just exactly who we need, when we need it and our role is to do our best to nurture and grow those gifts. Your life will be so much richer!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A spiritual retreat may be just what you need

(Photo Creds: My dear friend Deb lives in this beautiful part of our country – Idaho)

Deb posted this photo last week. It’s her daily view, and it’s stunning. It is usually by water that I hear the most from God, but I believe we can hear from Him anywhere really. In fact, right now, I’m having a “spiritual retreat” day and I’m simply sitting outside on my deck. It’s a fabulous summer Saturday and I’m open to hearing from Him on all manner of things from my boys and family/friends, to my career; finances and dreams – the list goes on.

Today’s “simple thought” is that there is great power in taking time to reflect and listen. There is even greater power in finding rest so that we can be fully present. In fact, in the Old Testament story of Elijah in 1 Kings, he goes up to Mount Horne/Sinai and seeks God. There, away from the distractions, he is able to hear from God. It’s an inspiring story and offers us important guidance.

I’m not sure about you today, but I need to hear from God. What are his plans for me? How do I serve the best I can and honor this life He’s given to me? Those are big questions. Over the years, I have learned the absolute power of getting away and seeking Him. There are a few sources that I’ve found which I’d be happy to share if you are interested in having your own “personal retreat.”

Have an amazing week my friends.

The Story of THIS ONE LIFE and the characters that enrich our story

(Design & photo creds: Canva)

I was looking back this weekend at “my life so far.”

I’m counting down the months until 50, so I guess I’m taking stock of the path God has had me on, and finding joy in how he has weaved every great moment and every pain together to magically design this ONE LIFE. One particular stand out I had was the impact of two teachers from my high school. Both, in different ways, stood in the gap for me. They inspired, encouraged and went far beyond their job descriptions… They are two of the heros in my story.

It made me wonder who the heros are in my boys’ stories so far? How about yours?

Do you ever reflect and wonder why God put certain “characters” in your story? Some are clear, such as these ladies who had a starring role in my life. Some of course are only in your life for a very short season – maybe even a business lunch or someone who got assigned to you in a volunteer situation. These “extras” play a role too, and sometimes send you off in a different direction or spark a thought, idea or inspire you in some way. (Or remind you of how not to act…)

I encourage this idea of “reflecting” and actually noticing those in your story. We do get to take the lead in creating our story, but we don’t always choose those that come along side in the novel. What can we learn from the heros? The antagonists? I have learned perhaps an equal amount from both and look forward to meeting the new characters as the script plays out…

As we wrap up June next week, I’ll spend some time on this topic and how a mid-year planning session may be what you need to ensure 2017 is truly the best year ever.  Some of us need a strong finish, some want or need to just “dodge” the bullets and stay in hiding, but all of us need to find joy and continue on the path of a life lived well!

Rewind: We need your voice

(Rewind: This is a relevant post circa June 2016)

I found this sign on my drive back from an appointment last week. I immediately did a U-TURN and turned around to go snap a picture. I know I have seen business owners/ churches, etc use their sign for humorous or inspirational messages before but this one is REALLY GOOD. It’s SIMPLE and YES, I do need to call my grandmother more often, and probably my dad for that matter. GREAT REMINDER, THANKS SONIC, I’LL DO THAT RIGHT NOW! IT’S IMPORTANT!

In addition to that thought, I am constantly thinking about how we should all use our voice. Whether you are America’s Drive-In, a 5 year old, or a 105 year old, God gave you a voice. Your voice is your point of view, your story, your contribution. The world needs it. Perhaps more than ever.

Our world is relying on it as a matter of fact. What insights do you need to offer your team at work? Your child? Your city? Raise your hand, write a letter, post a blog, tweet, Instagram or Snapchat. USE YOUR VOICE!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Your champion!

Our sermon last week focused on prayer, specifically about ideas on how to view God as we go to Him in prayer. Like most of you, I know the importance of prayer but don’t always get it right… don’t always commit the time or the intention. It shouldn’t be hard to maintain consistency here.

The “stand out” theme for me is to view God as my “champion.” The one who ALWAYS has my (our) best interests, the one who is ordering the steps and days of my (our) life (lives). I like that idea… a lot! I also like the added part in the quote above: for both my protection and my enrichment, to make me(us) better, to allow me (and you) to serve better – to make a larger impact.

As you launch your week, I hope that you will consider that God is your ultimate champion. The one who will ALWAYS be there and ALWAYS push you toward your very best.

On another note, tomorrow is my mom’s birthday! It seems she is getting younger each year… I’m serious! So thankful for her! Please help me in wishing her the happiest of days and the best year ever!

Simple Thoughts Sunday FUNDAY

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

A lot of people feel guilt for enjoying the gifts God has given us. I love the concept of “Sunday Funday” that became popular over the last several years. While Sunday is to be a day of Sabbath as a follower of God, it is also a day to get out there and HAVE FUN! To truly rest and refuel. One of the best ways I know to get truly refreshed is to have fun with people you love to be around.

As the scripture says, to “eat and drink” and enjoy what we have earned through working throughout the week. I hope that you have taken time today to HAVE FUN and if not, the night is still young!

Spontaneous acts are usually the MOST FUN. Grab your favorite and go get some ice cream, play Frisbee, take a walk… jump on the bed, catch fire flies… START YOUR WEEK OFF WITH CHILD-LIKE ENTHUSIASM!

Memorial Day 2017 – a day of honor

Memorial Day is about honor.

As we kick off this week, focused on honoring those that have served our country and lost their lives in that service, I pray that we will all consider the impact this sacrifice has had on our lives. In America, we experience freedom of every possible type. This has come at a price. It will personally be a great joy to lift up to God my many thanks for this gift. My gift in return will be to not only live a life of excellence, but to inspire others to do the same.

Let’s make this week all about HONOR. One of my favorite discussion topics, because we need to keep it front and center.

Have an amazing long weekend to those who will experience that – I pray that you will be refreshed and in spirit of taking time to honor those God has placed in our paths.

I want to also take a moment to recognize not only those who have left us through their service to our country, but to all who have gone ahead of us-  We are who we are because of your impact on our lives and this weekend we also honor you.

(Rewind – this post is from 2016)

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Trust over clarity

(Photo Creds: My own after my little road trip out to Comanche Iris Farm in Gower, MO…who knew such a cool place existed? Check it out.)

I absolutely love this blog I’m sharing with you today. I can’t begin to tell you how this struck home. (Also, I’m a huge Mother Teresa admirer.)

I also can’t tell you how many times the topic of “CLARITY” comes up in a given week. We all wish we had more and we all wish that God would somehow give us a preview of our life’s big decisions and how we should best select, choose, etc.

Read on and I know you will be so happy that you did!

This excerpt is from Pete Wilson’s blog, which is new to me but I sure do love it so far…

There is a great story relayed by Brennan Manning concerning Mother Teresa. He tells how the renowned ethicist, Jack Kavanaugh, journeyed to Calcutta to work with Mother Teresa in her ministry to the dying. When he got there, he asked her to pray for him.

She asked him what he wanted her to pray for, and he said, “Pray for clarity.” But Mother Teresa refused. She made the wise observation that Kavanaugh was clinging to clarity and that he must release it. He questioned her, saying that she had always seemed to have tremendous clarity.

She laughed. “I have never had clarity. What I have had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God.”

Interesting, isn’t it? I’d be willing to bet that some of you are praying for clarity these days.

God, how much longer is this going to go on?
 God, when will things get better?
 God, give me a sign of what we should do.

But, maybe you don’t need more clarity. Maybe what you need is more trust.

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”

God says, “I know the plan I have for you” not “You know the plans I have for you.”

Is there one area of your life where you feel maybe God is asking you to be okay with less clarity and at the same time engage Him with more trust?

Celebrating big this month: The power to imagine

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I am a huge sucker for good commencement speeches. My sister was telling me about Will Ferrell’s graduation address to USC over the weekend and, of course, that has to be an instant classic. We all need more humor and I am confident that most USC grads were beside themselves with excitement at the notion of Mr. Ferrell joining their celebration!

Although I’m sure that was terrific, I prefer the graduation speeches that are a bit more poignant. A bit more hit you right in your spirit, lump in the throat, type advice and inspiration. Something I can sink my teeth into.

I really love this quote from J.K. Rowling. It speaks to us no matter our age or degrees are – or perhaps are not. I sit firmly in the camp that we are all gifted with everything we need to CHANGE THE WORLD. IMAGINING the POWER that this idea has is something to really think about. What if God has already given me everything I need to make the impact I am supposed to make? To CREATE A LASTING LEGACY? To truly change our world for the better in my lifetime?

I hope today you will think of the POWER YOU HAVE. To join the thousands of graduates worldwide and just IMAGINE the possibilities… no matter your age. I am betting that we can add some significance to this day if we all do so.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Open the door

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I love water… I’m more of a lake girl than the ocean, but even a pool, pond or hot bath present a breath of fresh air for me.  It was perfect sybolism for this post.

I love the idea of being able to allow him into our week by simply “opening the door”.

It’s true, we can make a conscious decision to ask Him to step right into our week. To help us find joy, be of service to others and yep, even to fight our battles, be it navigating through summer road construction or a full-frontal type.

My prayer today is that you will open that door, take a deep breath and know that in His full beauty and protection He is on the path with you.  Make it amazing.