To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Friends

Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for each of you!

The history of Thanksgiving reminds us that taking time to celebrate the “harvest” is an important part of our country’s history. The idea that for generations we have maintained  integrity around “gathering” and offering thanks is powerful and necessary.

The first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, MA (1621) was a time for neighbors and family to “gather around the table” with those that had provided the bounty through hard work. Today, the Thanksgiving holiday provides us the same opportunity to carve out time to “break bread,” share our stories and offer thanks.

No matter what you find yourself doing over this holiday, my prayer is that you will take the time to acknowledge those that have provided blessings to your life over the last year. I also hope that you will be able to take some time to breathe deeply and celebrate your own success (or survival, as may be the case) so far in 2018. This pause just might offer you what you need for the strongest finish to the year.

Cheers to all of you, your family, friends and loved ones. My goal every time I write is that it might impact at least one person.

It is an honor that you take the time to read these little insights and I am beyond grateful for the gift of your time.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A stadium cheering you on

“Let us Run.” This has always been one of my favorite scriptures because to me it brings action to mind.

I am not a runner, but wish I was. I do, however, identify with the idea that in order to truly live that we have to get up and move forward, regardless of what is going on.

At work, I have the honor of working with seniors. I love them. Just this week I was talking with some of our patient ambassadors and they were sharing stories of their lives, including struggles with diabetes, cancer, family, etc. Their unified message was that you have to get up and move. They also shared about the faith and friends that have provided them strength during their “race.”

That had me thinking, that the first part of this scripture, is often not quoted… This part from my perspective fills in the key part of the truth.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Did you get that “surrounded” part? Envision a stadium – better yet, ARROWHEAD – where the loudest fans in the world are supporting you. Put yourself on the field and throw out any excuses, pain and discomfort, and make a decision to move forward in FAITH. You have a universe cheering you on no matter what position life has you in today.

Time to DOWN SHIFT!

It’s that time of year when work winds down and we shift — as in “DOWN SHIFT” — our FOCUS to our friends and family. (Thank you Mic Johnson, @mictastic, for the term.) 

I know many of you are still working through this week, and I hope you are able to take some time off during these next couple of weeks. We are in a society of constant connectedness, and our brains need to be able to shut down & reboot so that we can CREATE MAGIC IN 2018!

Whether your thing is taking in the new Star Wars movie, doing absolutely nothing and sitting by the fire, binging on your latest Netflix fav, getting a pedicure with your girls or reading some great books, do whatever fulfills you! Research shows that our brains need a break!

“Push yourself through too many hours or days of work and your brain starts to push back. Ideas that once flowed easily dry up, and tasks that you should be able to perform quickly become excruciatingly difficult,” according to Scientific American.

I personally don’t need too much convincing. My mind and body begs for me to take a break! I will be taking off Sunday and Tuesday from the blog, but please know I wish you the very best and am praying for each of you to be filled with the all the peace and joy the season can offer!

The best gift idea

I found one of the best ideas I have heard in a while in Tyler Perry’s new book, “Higher is Waiting.” It’s a gem, and the type of read that is quick with some game changing takeaways.

This was one of those game changers — I hope you agree. In fact, I liked it so much that I told my boys, sister, brother and parents that this is exactly what I want and nothing else. (I did ask for it to be gift-wrapped since there’s such a thrill in opening presents!)

I’m as guilty as almost everyone else in that the days seem to suck me in and spending thoughtful time writing out my thoughts to a loved one is not something I do well. Sure, I send text messages, birthday cards and Facebook posts, but sitting down and giving thought only to that person who means so much… not my strong suit. In fact, I get a pretty low score on this… or maybe no score at all. So, I’m stealing this idea from Mr. Perry this Christmas and plan to write a few myself.

Have the best weekend yet this year!

Bridges and friendships

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I sure do like the idea of this. I heard it on a podcast and it got me thinking that some of my most long lasting friendships have come from doing something like this.

When my good friends Susie and Sid Womack relocated to Kansas City from Texas, I hosted a Super Bowl party so they would feel welcome. That small effort changed my world and the world of my boys. Susie introduced us to Pine Cove which has been a life-changing factor in all of our lives and likely will for generations. Sid spoke into the lives of my boys, and I will forever be grateful. It was pretty much all thanks to a pot of chili, and a few friends that showed up.

I haven’t done this in awhile with anyone new. Most days I feel like I’m doing good to see my closest friends and family a few times a year. This idea has me thinking where a bridge is needed. I hope this sparks your thinking…

If you read this blog a lot I’d love to start here: I’d love to invite you to our new home and put on a pot of chili and talk life. Let me know if you are in and I’ll make it happen. A little groupthink may make us all better!

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!

We are meant to be together!

Is there any species better than dogs to remind us that we were intended to be together. I have come to truly enjoy the dog park, and watching the dogs just love each other’s company!

We were built to be in “community” as some folks call it: meant to “hang out” with those that make us better, and learn from those that don’t. As summer kicks off, and you begin to think through your weekends, my encouragement is to give some thought to who would make it the best summer ever. That would be true for you and your kids if they are in the younger set. Who could influence them and you for the best? Make it happen after you think through it a bit. I personally know I have some friends I want to connect with over a drink, a long talk on the deck or a local patio, or wherever really! Summer is fun like that… so many opportunities.

Who’s that one person (or group of people) you shared some of the best days of your life with but haven’t seen in years? Call them today and get it on the books!

Grounded and grateful: 3 reasons to reconnect with friends

What fun it was to spend a day with my college sorority sisters on Saturday. I have to say, after not spending any quality time with them over the past 25+ years, our time felt like we were still 19 hanging out talking about God knows what.

Today, my hope is that you will find value in connecting with some of your friends from the past. Here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea:

  1. They GROUND YOU! Sure, we have all moved on and experienced life, but these gals know me. They know me before the career, the family, the kids, the deaths, the divorce… Yes, life may change you, but your CORE is the same, and surrounding yourself with the folks who knew you “back then” is refreshing. I’m certain that if we would have had access, we would have permed our hair, put on some thick blue eyeliner, and sported some killer 1980s outfits!
  2. They INSPIRE YOU! This one I hadn’t really thought of and it was the most surprisingly cool part of the weekend. These ladies have gone through so much and despite it all, they have persevered and came out a quarter of a century or more later better and more beautiful. I felt like I could get through anything by hearing their stories.
  3. They PROPEL YOU! I know we were friends and we probably cheered each other on during college to some degree, but let’s be honest, at that point in our life we are all trying to get through, to achieve, to aspire, to move up the ladder of life. In other words, I’m not sure we propelled each other forward on purpose. What I know now, is that the encouragement these ladies gave me over the weekend is enough to keep me pedaling and pushing ahead.

We all need to be in “community,” and connected, and although I have an absolutely wonderful group of friends and colleagues, coming back to “home base” for me was notable. My encouragement is for you to reach out, schedule some meaningful time, tell the stories that “made you” and where you’ve been, what your hopes are…

It may be some of the best time you have spent in years… It was for me!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Reclaim your peace

(Photo creds: We Heart It)

Folks, I listened to this message this week, and it was a strong one. Joyce Meyer, who is one of the most amazing Christian preachers, seems to always speak to me quite loudly. I have her app on my phone, and on long walks I listen through her daily 25 minute podcasts. Joyce is 73, a motherly type figure for someone my age, but more like a wise sage in that she is so well-versed in the word of God and its application to real life that you hang on to every word.

So, this particular segment was about reducing stress. I can use that pretty much every day of the year. I would characterize myself as spirit-led, and the “type of gal” who is able to handle the daily stresses of life.

Even given that, stress seems to echo in the background noise coming from TV, social media, work life and the stress that enters the homes of each of us. It’s a topic that always leaves us wondering how to persevere better.

Joyce asked us to “make a list” of who steals our peace. Whoa! Immediately, I had three come to mind. None of you though, I promise. 😉

Next, she said to really ask God to take those people (that your human existence cannot seem to handle alone) on for you. It’s that simple. Right? Well, I talk to God about those things, but not sure I have “claimed” them as stealing my peace, so I’m going to give it a try.

She wrapped up her message with what we already know well, that in areas of your life you don’t have peace over, you lose your power. I need my power. As I age, I value every last minute/vial/whatever measurement of it.

As you get ready for another week and your goal toward having the “BEST YEAR YET,” I hope you see some value in this exercise. I’ll be praying for all of you, in fact, I am right now as I write this.

“Peacemakers who SOW IN PEACE REAP a HARVEST of righteousness.”  James 3:18

“Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”  Col 3:15

“Cast all your anxiety on him…”  1 Peter 5:7

Simple Thoughts Sunday – The fight is won

(Photo Creds: Steven Furtick-Instagram)

Love this. I don’t know who else is having some “battles” starting 2017, but I already feel the pressure. I know that many of my friends are struggling too… broken marriages and other relationships crushing their spirits, etc.  The cold, flu or whatever this nasty bug is that has entered the homes of most people I know is still running rampant. Pressures of work and really just the struggle to achieve the ultimate desire to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the midst of it all creates an uncomfortable “I’m not enough to do this on my own” stir. I believe this is exactly the point.  God wants us to rely on him for all things.

This photo came across this week and I thought I need to print that off and put it squarely in front of whatever path I’m on – I needed this message and I’m hoping that this falls on some other “ears” that may need it as well.

Let us all remember that WHATEVER comes our way, that because of our faith, we have already OVERCOME. Even IF at first glance it appears otherwise (beaten and bruised and otherwise ready to run down the street crying “uncle”). We have someone else fighting for us and that is such a relief.