To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The magic of humanity

Hey… you… yeah, you.
 
This post is about you.

As a woman of faith, one thing I know to be true is that God created us all with absolute perfection. Everyone you meet – every last one of them – was designed for a purpose, for the generation they were born into. Every person – especially the most seemingly hard to love – were once a child ready to be poured into and ready to pour out to improve our world.

It’s useful to be reminded, especially during the holiday season, that there are a lot of people that really could use this message. Our communities are filling with stories of pain, heart ache, dreams shattered, illness and love lost. The innocence of that once-happy child is only a memory now. It is up to us to recognize this reality and provide a light of hope and joy to those in our presence.

If you are reading this, I’m certain that you, like me, truly want to “serve well.” Your heart is willing and able and that is exactly what we need more of. We need to stand with an internal motivation to be on watch for those that this week could use some extra encouragement… to be seen, to be heard, to be loved. I feel this ability we all have is the magic of humanity. We have this great power to hold and be a lights for others, and that is where our beauty really shines.

Praying that you and your loved ones cherish the moments this week and that you are able to bring your joy to those who may be counting on you.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Breathing in all that is good

In high school I was a part of a group that was introduced to the power of controlling our thought processes through focused breathing and channeling in the good and out the bad stuff that tends to create anxiety. It admittedly has helped over the years, when I remember to do it.

If you ever find yourself in a place where you are upset or out of sorts, take a minute to breathe deep and thinking of calm and peace. Then with a strong exhale, push out all that is causing this distraction. For me, that exhale sometimes feels like there are 10 things that went through my mind…

This practice – which we now call meditation – is a hot topic in our increasingly-hectic world. As we start the new week, remember that we are all human, and we weren’t designed to take on all that we try to on some days. (Heck, we don’t even have to try. The issues just seem to come our way, at times – fast and furious.) 

The following scripture supports this idea that we are better if we are able to focus our minds in the right direction:

“Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.” Colossians 3:2

My prayer for you this week is that you will try to do just that. Keep your mind focused on the fact that we are here to serve well and achieve our purpose – the rest is simply a distraction. I hope that this idea of breathing in peace and breathing out the rest really is a game changer for you.

If you want to dive deeper into meditation, there are so many resources.  One I have found helpful is the CALM app. It offers a daily 10 minute guided meditation exercise I started using earlier this year. 

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.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The power of the wait

This is a Christian truth.

Wait, maybe it’s just a life truth.

There is POWER in the wait. As we hold tight to our faith, and pray that God will reveal our “next step,” our “best next move” our optimal “way to succeed” in this life, we try to keep our faith strong and forge ahead with grit and hope. It doesn’t matter if the topic involves, school, career, relationships, finances, etc., it’s all the same… the WAIT is a real part of our lives. We endure the WAIT so we can CELEBRATE the “next” outcome and eventually become our best self.

Here’s my thinking today… we just HAVE to try our best to be optimistic, hopeful and even eager to see where God wants us to go next. We have to believe there is a “better” for us… A place that helps us to understand why we have been where we have, and where we are headed. A “next” step to fulfilling our purpose and allowing us to use our gifts, talents and resources to improve humanity all around us.

Here’s what I know… as a 50 year old, I know that my faith is what helps me endure the wait. My faith gives me all I need (although sometimes it is not pretty) to know that His plan is perfect and I’m headed in the direction I’m supposed to. I have truly found that I am strengthened during seasons of waiting and that I am better able to sustain and even prosper during “dry” seasons due to my knowing that there is a better plan… A plan much better than my simple mind can understand.

As you go into the week, know that if you or someone you love is in a period of “waiting,” that God has them right where they are supposed to be. If it happens to be you, I pray that you will be strengthened by this post and are able to realize that the WAIT is WORTH IT and before you know it, you will be STEPPING up to the next level.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Operating from a place of full trust

When we operate out of a place of knowing and believing that God will provide, we can breathe easier.

When we know we will never truly lack, and that there will be the right words to say, the right resources to do whatever it is we need to do and a never-ending supply of grace to cover our misgivings we are truly free.

The opposite of that is operating out of a perception of lack and worry. That path leads us to be selfish with our resources and our full self.

If today you find yourself at times not believing that you are fully “covered,” then pray that God will give you a spirit of trust and abundance. Like the Fall harvest each year, there are seasons of bounty and seasons of “not so much,” but there is ALWAYS a harvest that provides exactly what we need.

Have an amazing week!

 

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Spiritual stamina

So love this. Stamina, endurance, staying power, fortitude, strength, energy, toughness, determination, tenacity, perseverance, GRIT.

How is your stamina today? How about your spiritual stamina? (Spiritual: “relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul…” Thank you, Google.)

When we go through our days, there is no doubt we encounter obstacles. We are all flawed people and most of us work, go to school or somehow interact with other flawed people daily. That fact alone makes it 100 percent likely that we will encounter challenging events, conversations etc. and will need to respond out of wisdom instead of emotion.

One of my absolute favorite stories in the Bible is found in 2 Chronicles where Solomon when he became king, asked God for wisdom above all things. We can and should all ask for wisdom. Wisdom allows us to take a deep breath and not allow ourselves to be caught up in an emotional reaction that we didn’t really intend or hope to have. Wisdom is healing.  Wisdom makes us better.

I for one am asking for wisdom right now. I pray your week is absolutely everything you want it to be!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Staying in the spiritual gym

Happy Sunday!

Just like our bodies need us to focus on building muscles, exercising our cardiovascular systems and eating healthy, our spiritual growth needs a game plan to ensure we are operating optimally. I loved this concept and thought it was worth sharing.

The three key ideas I captured were…

  1. Staying disciplined.
  2. Lifting the word of God.
  3. Understanding that “resistance” is what makes us stronger (exercising faith).

A simple thought really, but powerful nonetheless.

If we are able to stay disciplined in our spiritual life we will be stronger. We will be able to better handle what comes our way and perhaps be more grateful along the path.

If we focus on the truth we find in the word of God, we can be sure our minds don’t get off track and run down a rabbit hole that isn’t speaking life into us. If we can understand that challenges and resistance can help us stretch and grow we will be less frustrated and make meaningful strides. I believe that takes faith and exercising this is a daily grind. It is a constant commitment to change our thoughts and recognize that God’s plan has us right where we are supposed to be… if we listen, we will know how that plan is supposed to unfold.

Cheering you on this week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The difference between your social circle and inner circle

Happy Sunday night. So, I heard this recently and it really spoke to me.

The truth is, from our school years onward we encounter a myriad of people. Some become our closest allies and friends, and some that are better left for a different group. Here is what was powerful to me:

If they don’t believe God’s best for your life, then they don’t get to have access to speak into you or be in your inner life/circle. 

I had to stop and think if I have anyone in that category. I think I do. People I have allowed in perhaps a bit too much. Perhaps I have spent too much energy with a few of those, and not enough with those true cheerleaders that do have God’s best at the top of their minds for me, and I for them.

The final thought from this conversation was equally significant to me, and perhaps for you as well…

Draw your strength from men and women of God that are headed in the same direction (eternal) direction as you. 

I am praying your week is beyond wonderful.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: When I’m in over my head… God has me right where I’m supposed to be

Even when I’m in over my head… God is “over my head.”

Sarah Jakes Roberts shared a message that made this powerful statement. It’s a great reminder for us all today. It doesn’t matter how awesome our lives may be, there are moments when we all feel not capable, not “up for the next level,” not able to come up with the “right words” to coach a friend, or support our child. The list goes on. When I was younger, how would we even pay the bills comes to mind…

The feeling  of being “In over your head,” happens and it’s a part of life we need to learn to master. This is a good time to place front and center in our minds that God is the ultimate “play caller.” He is not only there with us, but has walked ahead of us and will provide us with just what we need at the right time.

*For those that want to go deeper, there are so many scriptures that support this, but my go-to is always Psalm 23. 

Emotionally exhale this Labor Day weekend

(Photo Creds: Canva)

How are you making this Labor Day weekend count? I like to think that this holiday isn’t just about taking a break, but rather about emotionally exhaling.

This weekend used to wind down the summer before school started. Alas, that isn’t the case anymore. August’s onslaught of obligations, activities, etc. are in full force for most of us. But wait, didn’t summer just start? So obviously, Labor Day weekend is a really good time to take a breather.

“Emotionally exhaling” doesn’t take much. (That’s sort of the point.)

Reading, life planning, sharing a meal or two with friends or family, a visit to the farmer’s market, and  a chance to take in the last days of poolside bliss. Those work for me, but for others it’s about rock climbing, marathons and shopping extravaganzas. Reflect on what this weekend should look like for you based on the season of your life. Be a little selfish – you deserve it.

There is a great book that came out a few years ago called “The Best Yes” by Lysa Terkeurst. It calls out to us to make the best decision for ourselves at that given moment and season. So, what does your soul need this weekend? There is still time to make it happen.

Whatever you do with the rest of your long weekend, I hope that you will emotionally exhale.