To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Faith

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Choosing peace & joy

The quote in the image above really spoke to me when I read it in a book a few years ago. I mean, who wants their problems to take over their mind and rob them of their peace?

The book continued:

“While God calls us out of complacency, his peace allows us to choose contentment with our place in the world.”

Chrystal Evans Hurst

One of my life mottos is that we must choose. Every day – and often more than once a day – will we choose peace, joy, etc. in the situations and conversations we experience? We have a choice, and I love that. Imagine if we didn’t?

She said it another way…

“Know Spirit? Know peace.
No Spirit? No peace.”

I believe that rings true in my life. When I stray away from my disciplined life of reading scripture, regularly attending church services, and spending time with other believers, I find myself farther away from peace. It’s funny how when we drift from what we know aligns best with our values and soul, we almost immediately are faced with signs that push us back to where our focus should be. If you are familiar with scripture, there is a terrific verse that touches on this idea:

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." – Galatians 5:22-23

Essentially, God provides for us “deep, abounding joy that is not dependent on our circumstances” (Hurst) if we stay close to Him. I hope that this week you will choose peace and joy!

Rewind! This is a throwback to an ever-relevant post from 2017. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did when I went back through the archives.

The power found in excellence & community

It’s FOOTBALL SEASON! CHIEFS SUNDAY BABY! (I’m more than just a little excited, obviously!)

Thousands of football fans across the country do their best to cheer on their teams each week and quite frankly, the energy is contagious! You know what else is contagious? Excellence! We all gravitate toward people, teams, places, experiences, and products that are amazing, above average, great and … devoted to excellence.

The Kansas City Chiefs are a great example to point to today on the topic. They have been in “build” mode for the past few years, and moving toward excellence. The one thing that stands out to me is that the team has quite clearly shifted toward this incredibly-positive energy that quite literally fuels the community into believing they can achieve whatever they set hearts and minds to. They are bringing forward extraordinary commitment and dedication in support of their goals and the community they play for. The end result is that this attention to excellence in all that they are doing shows up on the field, and that is a beautiful thing!

The COMMUNITY has rallied behind the team’s new attitude and approach and therein lies the POWER of EXCELLENCE. We all want to be part of it… a part of people doing great things, and of organizations that BRING their BRILLIANCE to the field every single day. I’m thankful for Kansas City and its dedication in all kinds of years, including the building seasons that aren’t always too much fun. No matter what you do, or who you find yourself cheering for, I hope you’ll stop for a moment and notice the level of EXCELLENCE and continue to move it forward. It’s a fun thought to think about the power we could generate if we all did this!

Praying for you all to have the best week!

GO CHIEFS!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Everything is provided for you

    Like most of you (probably all, frankly), life has been a series of twists and turns.

    With Labor Day weekend upon us, my mind drew a parallel between life’s twists and turns and those that come with a road trip during a long weekend. I’m visualizing great company, fun pit stops, convenience store snacks, an energetic sing-a-long to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and … perhaps a few tense conversations, some scary side roads off of the beaten path where you’re not totally confident you know where you’re going, flat tires, and heavy rain thwarting your adventures.

    I oftentimes stand in awe of the wonder of God. He takes every last detail and creates beauty. When I think of beauty, I consider deep meaning – a richness of love and life that can only be experienced by fully living. We do this by gathering up both extremes – the magical and tragic experiences – and continuing to move through them by listening and learning with an intent to grow. 

    Of the list in the photo above, restores & loves resonates the most to me at this point in my life adventure. This is certainly not an inclusive list, but it’s powerful. What stands out to you? Please share!

    Bold prayers for a wonderful week ahead my friends.

    Simple Thoughts Sunday: Love, baby, love! (How to do your best as we step into a new school year and season.)

    No surprises here with this message. Most of us know that LOVING well is not only important, but it is the best part of life, without a doubt. When God surrounds us with the people we need to love on, our hearts overflow.

    Today, I thought it may be good to talk about what that might look like when seasons change – kids start school, go off to college, mom or dad move into a retirement community… you get my drift. Transitions can take us off of our path. Like when your friend, family member or coworker isn’t responding how they normally would, or when your sweet little toddler develops their own opinions about… everything. It can be hard to know how to love well. Does anyone else feel that?

    What comes to mind for me is that loving well depends on a few key things. Today, my stand out is listening well. I have sometimes gotten this right, but oftentimes not so much. Looking back on my own children’s experience – and many others who have been part of my life – often these transitions and “impact seasons” have to be processed. Processing takes time and patience, because everyone is different in how they go about this. Some want to talk it out, some want to distract themselves and not hit it head on, some want to run and hope they don’t ever have to deal with this passing phase. No matter what, if we can just listen, observe, take it in and pray for a deeper understanding of how we can love the best “right now,” I believe God will provide us the direction we need to love well.

    It may sound easy, like a simple thought, but honestly I feel this is the most challenging and intention is required. How can you listen well and love well this week?

    Praying for everyone to have a strong wrap to August and a wonderful week.

    Simple Thoughts Sunday: Abundance is…

    Abundance is… Fill in the blank for yourself and for your family today. What does that look like and feel like?

    Here’s the thing, I truly believe in the idea that God wants us to experience abundant life – fully in, fully giving and receiving all the love that we can handle. The scripture, “His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine,” from Ephesians 3:20 is so strong in revealing that what we think is likely not even scratching the surface of what we can experience through the gifts He has given us. I love that.

    So, back to the first question: What is it for you? Where’s a solid place to start this week? Abundance to me feels like so many things, but it starts with the people God has put in my path. It continues with nurturing those through encouragement, listening, healthy conversations, a ton of fun and a lot of just doing life together.

    Abundance is in the everyday to me, whether it’s strolling through the market, watching the children giggle, or the older couples hand in hand, wondering what journey life has taken them through. Abundance is travel and admiring other cultures for their traditions and witnessing unbelievable joy in those who might not have much, and yet they have everything.

    Abundance… what is it to you?

    Simple Thoughts Sunday: Be a torch bearer

    Goodness… This quote hits all of my emotions.

    As a gal with a ton of faith (or rather “wannabe faith”), I’d be all over the fact that God has showed up with all manner of light and fire or “torches” in my times of need. He (or She, if that’s your narrative), has come to me in my darkest hours to provide the exact amount of hope and light I needed to move forward one step at a time. It’s a promise in the Bible, and one of the best Psalms: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” (119:105) SO TRUE. SO PROFOUND.

    Here’s my belief: God provides that light most often through the light of another human who crosses our paths at the exact time we need their support, energy, humor, positive affirmation and inspiration. I can provide a list of those people in my life without hesitation. How about you?

    On this Sunday, this day that we have the opportunity to reflect and focus on gratitude, my hope is that we are inspired to take some time to send a quick note to those “torch bearers” in our lives. Those that reflect God’s goodness and pave our paths with their light. I am forever indebted to these people that have most literally made my life as bright as it is today. Through their encouragement, they have helped me to shine my own light for others.

    Have the most incredible week. Let’s make it so… starting with all of the gratitude we can extend!

    “I am your provision”

    Wow! I heard the most powerful message this week – captured in the photo above – that I just had to share since I talk faith on the blog on Sundays. I tested it with much of my “tribe” this week and the feedback is strong – so I hope you find it to be a blessing!

    My take after listening all the way through this video (twice!) was just the clarity I needed. God has given me the exact provision I have needed each and every day of my life, and He continues to do so. Right now, this is clearer than ever.

    Do you feel that, too? Is it clear that you have JUST what you need?

    In the Bible, there are 18 direct passages where God flat out says, “I am your provision.” His message is that If you trust Him, He will show you the next step; and then the next step (note that this doesn’t mean 1,500 steps, or a mile, or a year ahead, which is often where my mind wants to go…). He will provide for you exactly what you need, one step at a time.

    Folks, we can trust Him with our hearts. His promises include that He IS the light of the world, the bread of life that we need, the gate that protects us and opens up when we are ready. His presence and provision are always in today!

    Have a crazy-amazing week! May God bless you and those you love in the most incredible ways. My prayer is that you stand in absolute awe watching god reveal His wonder.

    Airplane mode: ON

    Happy July y’all.

    It’s July 2, and therefore the perfect time to throw on the airplane mode feature on our phones, and (as much as we can) implement that idea into our lives.

    I’ve been writing the blog now for four years. Two years ago, I decided not to write during the month of July. The downtime creates space to think, pray, read, reflect and hopefully be inspired in my writing. That is the intention I’m setting!

    This year I am going to push out some inspirational messaging that I heard recently on Peloton. I purchased one of their bikes not too long ago, and it has been an incredible experience. While I won’t blog – although I’m sure I have plenty to say about the great content – I will focus on what I feel is a simple and powerful message during my regular posting days. I hope it will add a bit of fun to your summer.

    It is such an honor to serve you all with these short thoughts and I am so grateful for your support. My prayer is that you too will go on metaphorical airplane mode. Look around and savor the joy in this season. What a gift we have been given to live out what God has provided us with.

    Have a wonderful 4th of July celebration this week! Go America!

    And the greatest of these is indeed love! Congrats, Sam and Katie!

    As if i wasn’t blessed enough by my boys – three amazing young men – my oldest (by 2 minutes, but whose counting… other than Tucker and Joe), Sam, proposed to the beautiful Katie Knapp on Tuesday.

    Sam and Katie are the very definition of this verse (1 Cor 13:13). I know from experience that young love is powerful. I can only wish I was as smart as these two in their commitment to following God’s plan for their lives at such a young age. They are a role model for how to invest your energy into where God wants you to be this season. As best as they can, they are both striving to surround themselves with things that will help them make great decisions, including how to love and serve well with God at the very center. Watching them shine together gives me such hope.

    So, for today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday,” it is really quite simple: Love, my friends, is the greatest of all things, and I believe that like no other.

    Love is the very fuel of this universe. If we can get love right, we can do things we could never imagine. Love is what brings peace and joy. Love creates a culture of what is good and right. It builds our communities, homes and even our workplaces. Love brings out our best selves. It showcases the good in the world and ensures that we not only nurture safe places, but create thriving environments all around us.

    Love is everything. Let’s bring on the love this week! Let’s launch into the second half of 2019 with a commitment to have love shine above anything else! Who’s with me?

    Here is a perfect pic to wrap up this post. My handsome young man and his bride-to-be! Katie, if you read this, I’m so grateful. I know that this tribe of mine is praying that your year ahead of wedding preparations is all that your heart desires!

    Love is the greatest.

    Moving past fear & toward our true SHINE

    What in the world is going on when we allow fear to creep in and grab our thoughts? Catch this excerpt from an article on Quora: “Did you know that in the Bible ‘do not be afraid, fear not,’ or something in that framework, is listed arguably 365 times… one for each day of the year.” (Since it’s on the internet, it must be true. Haha-)

    Seriously though, us simple humans do (and think) a lot of things based on some level of fear. I didn’t understand or believe that fully until the past few years… thanks to some good friends – and maybe an insightful therapist…I’m not sure if it’s the “Darwinian” factor (survival of the fittest) or what, but it all comes down to this innate need to protect ourselves from whatever it is that we think may not serve us well.

    So, here’s the thing. I heard this message above not long ago. “Fear is not sustainable.” Sustainable as in “able to be maintained, upheld, defended.” I don’t know about you, but my fear of whatever – nailing the interview, playing a strong golf game, acing the test, clutching the public speaking assignment, being the perfect mom – absolutely none of it is sustainable!

    We can’t be perfect or even have the notion of thinking we can or really should be. We can be really damn good, and yet there is always something, someone, better. You know what? It doesn’t matter! At the ripe age of 51, I can honestly say it doesn’t matter. (My apologies to those – including my younger self – who thought that a 4.0 on their resume matters years after college… it doesn’t.)

    At work I interview for attitude and the capacity to understand this very concept. Public speaking? Be your authentic self and people will love it. “You” is exactly what the world needs more of. Golf? Who cares. The game doesn’t even matter if those playing aren’t bringing their positive energy to the experience. Whatever it is that you offer, the world wants and needs the true you to show up in every situation. That alone raises the bar for us all.

    We don’t have to be afraid of even heavier topics… Relationships? God always delivers what it is we need to know in that season. If we listen, He helps us make the hurdle and learn (whether it’s personal or work relationships). If you don’t believe this, give me a ring and I’ll share some personal stories that may help you lean in a bit more.

    Folks, what areas are you consciously or unconsciously letting fear creep in? Is it your health? The feeling that you may not be as sharp as you once were? That you can’t achieve that goal you are striving for? All of that is not true. Your mind is your most powerful asset. Get those thoughts right on out of your head!

    Fear is not where we are meant to live. Let’s do what we can this summer to shift our thoughts to all things that move us in a direction of growth and eliminate fear from our daily diet! You are worth it. You are beautiful and have everything you need to live out the most amazing life.

    Cheering you all on!