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Caring… the price we pay is WORTH IT!

November 10, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

When I was a kid, I could never sleep the night before a new school year. This lasted all the way up until college.

The excitement, the possibilities – both good and bad – all swirled in my head and I tossed my way through the night. At this age, I don’t often stay up all night. In fact, I’m one of those who works best with eight hours, and I covet my sleep. I also don’t believe in worrying, as I’ve learned that it doesn’t add any value.

Much to my surprise, I pulled an “all-nighter” Tuesday. (And it’s not that I didn’t go to sleep at a decent hour, the world was changing, and my body apparently knew it.)

As I was staring at the alarm clock every few minutes, this insight came to mind. Why do I care so much? I’m not alone I know. Most people I interact with care a great deal about a number of topics from finding homes for abandoned animals, to sports, cooking, their career, education, homes, family and friends. Caring is good – even the kind that keeps you up all night. (As long as it’s only one night!) Here’s why I think it’s good wrapped in a simple thought:

Caring is what makes us human. “Caring” ignites our passions that become our “causes,” and this makes the world what it is: awesome, despite who the current president is.

My friends, I hope that even if you lose some sleep now and then that you continue to CARE DEEPLY. It’s a great privelege to care so much. Take those “CARES” and cast them into ACTION that CREATES a better world.

When we are re-routed…

November 8, 2016

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I was simply pulling into my Saturday morning favorite coffee place to write when the road crew literally pulled the orange cones and tapes out and cut off the road I turn down. RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE. The crew member simply smiled, as if to say, “Figure it out, lady.” I of course thought, “Are you kidding me? You just did it, step back and let me in… ” He didn’t, and I found a new route.

I normally have a short list of “blog ideas” to pull from that I write down throughout my days, but today, I couldn’t help but use this one. Seriously, how often this happens sometimes seems ridiculous. As if I’m in a Saturday Night Live skit. The difference is that in these fun skits, the impromptu changes (“improv”) and the actors’ reactions often end up being the greatest moments of comedy. Actually, I like that idea… Looking at closed roads as a moment to find some humor.

Let’s face it, we have a choice to make. We can get upset when life derails us on the road or at work or home, or wherever we are at the moment. We can get angry, and wonder if the world has somehow aligned forces against us – a planned attack, or an unhumorous attempt to help us “build character.” We CAN ALSO DECIDE that we are going to take it in stride and find some humor and fun in the “re route.”

Honestly, in the above example, I couldn’t believe he did that. I was actually on the phone with one of my boys and he said, “Man, those are the people you need to pray for.” He is so right.

We have a choice. We are called to SERVE BETTER by taking our road closures and turning them into something BETTER… a lesson, a laugh, an OPPORTUNITY to shine through the “mud and the muck.”

(Tonight many of us will have that opportunity when the election results, roll in. Practice, practice, practice… Breathe, smile and repeat….)

And We Rise…

October 19, 2016

(Photo: Nancy and Denise were able to make it to all MLB ballparks over the last few years… How cool is that?)

James Taylor’s famous song, “You’ve got a friend” calls it out well…

“You just call out my name,
And you know where ever I am…
I’ll come running…
Oh yeah, to see you again…
Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall,
All you have to do is call…
And I’ll be there, yeah yeah yeah…
You’ve got a friend…”

When my friend Denise was battling breast cancer, her best friend, Nancy Cline, showed us all what it looked like to be a real friend. Michelle Robin, another good friend, told me that she had learned from Nancy what it was like to be a true friend, and that she hoped to rise to that level. My observation was the same. I stood in awe and hoped that I would also rise if called to the bar she set.

Nancy’s care and love was so real, so raw and touching, that you felt you were in the presence of a saint, an angel or someone who truly was anointed. When you consider this insight and example today, I hope that you will allow yourself to go deep and truly think about your dear friends and how you care for them. I know upon my own assessment that I love well, but I’m not sure I get an A. Nancy showed me and those lucky enough to witness her in action a few things I believe deserve all of our attention….

Love when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Give your whole self.
When needed, shift your life’s priorities so that what needs the most attention receives it.

All of these are about intention, which is what we talk about a lot in this blog. Living fulfilled lives… serving well… All requires being intentional. If you aren’t, you spend the night at a PTA meeting instead of at the home of your dear friend in need.

Can I ask you who needs you more at that point in time? I know it’s hard… life seems to consume us… I’m guilty. It shouldn’t be hard. Nancy has clarified this for me, it is simply about who needs you and sacrificing personal or perceived other needs to be where you are needed the most.

This blog could be three pages, but I want it to stay focused. Focused on the clear message Nancy gave us and that is to RISE. Rise to be the friend you hope to be!

Nancy, we thank you for your heart, your example and pray that many lives will be enriched because of how well you serve.

The brilliance of courage, take two

October 17, 2016

Revamped post from October 2015:

Brilliance: Exceptional Talent or Intelligence
Courage: The ability to do something that frightens one.

(Photo creds: Pinterest)

Courage is always BRILLIANT.

Courage is stepping into a boardroom prepared to give a killer presentation.

Courage is going into an interview for a job you desperately need.

Courage is signing for your first big purchase… and second… and third…

Courage is bringing your first child home from the hospital.

Courage is RISING TO THE OCCASION to help someone in need, in deed or voice.

Courage is FACING A TOUGH LOSS and making something BETTER out of the situation!

Courage is taking the long road to leave your home and cross borders to achieve your goal.

Courage is seeing the GOOD in bad situations with GREAT FAITH.

Courage is:

Nancy Cline: Who stood with my friend Denise Henning during her battle with breast cancer. I will highlight Nancy on Thursday and you don’t want to miss this! You will be a better friend and more “BRILLIANT” because of it… FOR SURE!
Tanesha Goshen: A wonderful young professional that I have a mentor relationship with who is trying to make a difference and facing the obstacles that come with the decision to stand for what she believes in. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK TANESHA! It will pay off!
Debbie Heiser: A friend and former colleague who picked up and moved to Idaho to follow her heart and dreams. She embraced the anxious thoughts that come when we are called from our “comfort zone” and demonstrated great courage… I believe her son and future grandchildren will be better for that decision of “courage.”
YOU: All of us display COURAGE on a daily basis through our everyday choices and actions. We STEP IN and STEP UP and we change lives for those around us.

Go be BRILLIANT!

Fire up the JOY: A retro post worth repeating

October 10, 2016

blog_845031_2965601_1476144341 I love this post so much from last October that it bears repeating!

JOY is CONTAGIOUS – It spreads the type of ENERGY needed to THRIVE! If you are in the workplace and happen to be a leader, well then, this may just help your employee satisfaction or engagement as well! Bottom line: Folks want to work, live and SERVE where they are happy!
JOY makes a person MORE PRODUCTIVE! – I don’t know about you, but getting a bit more done in my given 24 hours would be a huge positive! Check out this great little article to back that up.
JOY can MAKE YOU HEALTHIER! This little article outlines nicely the great benefits which include reducing stress, solving problems easier and fighting disease! I am ALL ABOUT all of those! A great blog post here that goes a bit deeper!

As you get moving on this BUSY TUESDAY (busiest day of the work week, in case you didn’t know), remember to take some time to SPREAD JOY! I promise you will be better for it! By the way, don’t put it off until later, stop now and send three brief messages and FIRE UP the JOY. Best five minutes of your day!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Where there is unity, God commands blessing

September 26, 2016

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(Photo Creds: Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC)
I had the great opportunity to attend Code Orange Revival, in Charlotte, North Carlina last weekend. When I was a little girl, I feel like we attended several of these, but perhaps the one or two I went to were powerful enough for me to recall them clearly. This particular one provided 10 nights of, for the most part, well known spiritual leaders and pastors from across the world. It was powerful and if you have time on your hands and need to hear some inspiring thoughts, check out the speakers on their website.

Within a day of the close of that revival in Charlotte, the city experienced protests and rioting due to the shooting of a 43-year-old man who allegedly wielded a gun that he wouldn’t put down upon request. It’s so discouraging to see the unrest in our country and the pain that is held by so many. Most of it for good reason, although often hard for all of us to understand.

I loved this post from Elevation that came out this week on unity. It’s true and I believe we need to find faith and action in the very thought. The Bible tells us over and over again that we must unite with one another. I feel this more strongly now than ever.

America is such an incredible country. We owe it to those who built this nation to go back to the basics, so to speak, and honor timeless teachings. Our Pledge of Allegiance IS AWESOME… “ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY and JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

I believe in this promise that God will command blessing over UNITY.

So, what can we do? What should we do? We must pray for God’s direction and stand up and use our voices so that all generations can continue to have the privelege to live in such a GREAT COUNTRY.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The Power In Vision

September 18, 2016

(Photo Creds: My iPhone, believe it or not! Cool picture from last weekend in Northern Idaho. The water was that blue, and the mountains that clear. God’s pure beauty showing off.)
I am going to be sticking with the theme of VISION this week. We all need a vision, and there is biblical support of that truth. This is true whether we live in a retirement community, on a boat, on a college campus, or in our homes and workplace.

At all times in human history, we have survived and thrived through the power of VISION. We must focus on three key things around VISION:

Seeing and clarifying the vision:Just where does God want me to go? For me this has only been made clear through the reading of scripture and other books, podcasts, sermons, etc., that seem to be delivering to me consistent and similar messages. This is how I know it is a vision I need to follow.
Owning the vision: In other words, being obedient to the vision. If we want to truly move forward from whatever it is, we have to take action and today generally is better than tomorrow (or putting it off.)
Energizing and Inspiring others and their visions: I happen to believe we are all designed to help others. It’s the only way this world has ever worked brilliantly. Whether it’s lifting someone up on your shoulders, or locking arms and walking through a situation together, or words of encouragement as they press on. Regardless of the way this is done, our actions are CRITICAL.

This has been a bit more than a “simple thought,” so I’ll press pause and continue Tuesday.

Have an amazing week and my prayer is that your vision would be made clear if it is not and that you make it a priority to continue to follow where God leads you and make a difference in our generation. There is so much power in that.

The 12th man – Who are you helping “win” the game?

September 14, 2016

blog_836804_2955958_1473892133 I love the “12th” man! The FAN, the one cheering on the team to victory! While I wish I would have been in KC watching the Chiefs win their home opener, I was fortunate enough to to be at the Seattle Seahawks game on Sunday, and their rallying cry is the “12th” man. Texas AM, also uses the “12th” man but it’s legacy is that of an actual extra “man” from the stands that they had to call into the game. (See the story below!).

Over time this legacy of the “12th” man has become the same rallying cry… The “12th” man is the FAN and the FAN helps WIN THE GAME. (After researching this, there are actually quite a few other schools that use this term… Apologies if you are a fan of one of those!)

While this concept to me is super cool, the idea really goes into an area that is actually super important.

Who are you helping “WIN THE GAME?” I am going to dive into a work scenario here, but hoping you can see it’s application in your world. I have noticed over the years that far too often, employees don’t have a “champion” that is helping to move them forward in the workplace. Someone that is pointing out their strengths, advancing their status and cause, and quite literally cheering them on to win. I have seen some of the smartest people be in their roles for far too long, without advancement, without proper recognition. Far too many leaders are so saturated with their own agendas, full schedules and personal goals that advancing their team is not taking the proper priority. This to me is one of the great crises of our workplace today.

If you do not have a champion at work, you need to consider whether or not you can work toward that, and if not, then you may quite honestly need a new “gig.” If you are a leader, I hope that this post is a call to action for you to consider whether or not you are truly championing your team and individual team members. No matter what their personal goals are at your workplace, how are you putting them out front and center and cheering them on? We shouldn’t be afraid of someone getting promoted on our team and sometimes even ahead of us. That means we did a great job hiring and being an effective “12th” man. It makes our teams stronger and our companies stronger and ultimately makes for a better world.

My hope is that we can all be a strong “12th” man for our teams!

COOL STORY ON THE ORIGINS OF THE TEXAS AM 12th MAN: (RE: BUZZFEED)

Origin: The 12th Man tradition began on January 2, 1922. A&M played defending national champion Centre College in the first postseason game in the southwest. So many A&M players were hurt during the first half that Coach D. X. Bible feared he wouldn’t have enough men to finish the game. He called into the Aggie section of the stands for E. King Gill, a student who left the football team after the regular season to play basketball. Gill put on the uniform of injured player Heine Weir and stood on the sidelines, ready for action.
Why it’s awesome: Although Gill didn’t actually play in the game, his readiness to play symbolized the willingness of all Aggies to support their team to the point of actually getting in the game, hence why the student body stands throughout the entire game.

(Photo creds: We Heart It, Pinterest)

Domino effect: The power of our decisions

September 5, 2016

I quickly finished Mark Batterson’s latest book, Chase the Lion. It’s my new pick for the best book of 2016.

(Having said that, I believe I owe you a toplist for this past period/quarter.)

This concept really became magnified to me as I was soaking in his multiple messages. It is simply amazing and you should stop and order it right now!

He goes into great length in one excerpt explaining the science behind the energy gained from a simple, tiny domino pushing over, it’s impact and so on. He talked specifically about not despising small beginnings, which is always a solid message, but my mind wandered to the chain reactions that are made from our decisions….

That word of encouragement you gave to that young middle school girl who is questioning her beauty and really herself. What was, or will be the impact of that? Potentially you set a course correction in her day, and perhaps her life.

That risk you took, to ask that girl to marry you, or to say YES to that handsome man? You ended up with a family and happiness and even a dog… and together have enriched the lives of so many in your neighborhood…

What if you didn’t join that group, get that honor, spend that week in that conference that helped you build knowledge to land your dream job?

The Domino effect is cool. It’s big stuff. It’s something worth thinking about. As you build your “story” and develop an intentional life, you grow and become more aware and you can help guide those reactions. In the meantime, I marvel at the chain reactions set off by so many who have touched my life unknowingly. The teachers, the counselors, the friends, the young camp counselor encouraging a young mom, the motivational speaker hoping his words landed in someone’s conscious.

Who in your life started a tiny domino effect that ended up changing your world? What decision? What Risk? What dream that you acted on?

(Photo creds: We Heart It, Ruthie Stark Photography)

Choose what you magnify!

August 21, 2016

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This is SO USEFUL! With the start of a new school year and the rigor of work getting fired up to its normal level, August can be stressful.

I have heard many a friend or colleague share their personal “madness” around this time of year. My own family is feeling the pressure with college starting back up. I remember August when the boys were elementary, middle and high schoolers, and it ranks right up there with my view of pure chaos. (For God’s sake if I need to bring Gatorade to another game, get another PTA email begging someone to sign up to help… Friday concessions anyone? Science Fair chair?)

This chaos is the kind you feel when you get awakened in the middle of the night, aren’t even awake and yet know you need to take action, as in now. It can be rough folks. The sleepless nights, low grade anxiety or full blown freak-out mode… we can get caught up in the push and pull of this season.

I had this friendly reminder come across my email in a bit of a different form earlier this week. I have actually found a use for it more than a few times this week and hope you may find it inspiring as well. As you roll into your week, CHOOSE TO MAGNIFY all things that drive you to YOUR BEST SELF. You of course can choose to magnify the transition, the stress, the fact that your heart rate is increasing due to the anxiety of a new instructor, boss, etc., and all of the family/friend “stuff” that can consume us. YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO MAGNIFY the JOY that can definitely be found. CHOOSE TO DO THAT! I promise your week will be BETTER if you do so. SInce it’s Sunday, here is a favorite Bible verse to meditate on that has the same thought in mind:

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8 NLT)

MAGNIFY ALL THINGS EXCELLENT THIS WEEK!