To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Faith

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!

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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

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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)

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)

Enjoy the brilliance of the game

blog_764385_2844933_1454892455Peyton Manning is no doubt my favorite quarterback of all time. (Brett Favre is a close second!)

I realize I’m joining the thousands who would agree and who are cheering him on in what is likely his last NFL game. Win or lose tonight, Peyton Manning has served his gifts well and is someone we can all learn a thing or two from. He has been a class act all along the way. I love the photo above because it simply portrays his focus and undeniable passion. Those character qualities make it no surprise that he quoted the above, showcasing his desire to keep his team’s eyes on the prize despite what will be thrown at them during their games. This level of leadership has placed him in the big game again tonight,  and those same qualities help us to rise to our highest levels as well.

For this Super Bowl Sunday, while (most) will watch the big game, enjoy great food, friends, family, and some entertaining commercials, we should remember to enjoy the brilliance of the game. The on and off the field preparations will culminate in grit and the glory and will all be played out in 60 short minutes and at the end the champion will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

As we forge toward the week ahead, I hope that we all are playing at our highest level, refusing to fail at the gifts God gave us!  Have an amazing week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday – January’s End

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It should come as no surprise that God gave us big goals to achieve.  When our minds wonder with the “what ifs” and the dreams of using our talents to best serve him he is in that moment trying to shake us out of our comfort zone…planting seeds through ideas and hopes.

Philippians 3:13-14 is a passage that can be misunderstood. “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:  Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” This verse I don’t think is really about the “past” but most likely about how doing the same things (aka being comfortable) will not take us to the next level.  In order to do that we have to be willing to step out and into those dreams and develop plans to get us there. As we gear up to start the month of February, (short and sweet: Finish strong Peyton Manning and of course the Oscars, love ’em or leave ’em it’s an opportunity to see the best of the best in screen acting being honored, which I think is always fun.) let’s all pray about where in our lives we are maybe too comfortable. Here are some ideas to get you thinking…

Am I too comfortable in my role as mom? Dad? How can I step up my game? Am I being the spiritual leader I know I can and should be?

Am I too comfortable in my generosity? Am I maybe giving some here and there and helping where I can, but not really sacrificing to help others?

Am I too comfortable in my career? Am I spending time to always deliver excellence? Am I reading and staying on top of what’s new and relevant in order to be at the top of my game?

Have an amazing week. Bold prayers for you all!  I’ll try to stay focused on the topic of important conversations! Stay tuned!

(Photo Creds:  We Heart It)