To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

To Serve Well

Emerge energized: Getting to radical transformation

Have you ever witnessed a butterfly emerge from a cocoon? I had the opportunity this fall to see that process for the first time. It is incredible. (that I recall… my apologies to some amazing science teacher out there that likely taught me at some point).

Here are the basic steps:

  • A caterpillar is hatched from an egg.
  • The caterpillar, or at this point, technically a larva, stuffs itself with leaves…. growing and growing and thru a series of molts it sheds its skin.
  • The caterpillar stops eating, hangs upside down from a twig or leaf and spins itself miraculously a silky cocoon, the proper name: “chrysalis.”
  • Within that casing it goes through RADICAL transformation and one day, BOOM… it EMERGES as a butterfly! (Only 10-14 days in this phase!)

So, I asked a good friend what she thought of when I said the phrase, “Emerge Energized,” and with a science background, she expressed the thought through this lens. Of course it was brilliant so I totally stole the idea from her. But, here’s the real question: What happens during that RADICAL transformation? I mean, what in the world could happen in such a very short period of time to create such a stunning creature?

In short, cells are organizing… They use the substance surrounding them, a protein-rich “soup” if you will, to fuel the rapid growth and form their best selves. This is where today’s primary message is directed.

Just how do us humans get this magical protein-rich “soup” to help us accelerate our growth… to help us have that spiritual, financial, relational, focus we so desire? (So many other categories, but those are strong contenders.) Folks, to me this points directly to the importance of community and surrounding ourselves with the people that are helping us become better people. I’ve shared this before, but it bears repeating... Are your closest friends and family bringing you closer to your best self? Is your spiritual life better because of their presence? Are they moving you closer to or further from your health goals? Do they elevate you and of course likewise? Do you encourage one another? Hold each other accountable? In short, do they make you better?

We CAN emerge energized. We can in fact, become stronger at this “life game” every day, but we cannot do this on our own. We need to be focused on who it is that speaks into our lives and we need to bring in those that can help us if we don’t have those people today. As we start the year, it seems the ideal time to run thru this exercise in each of our key categories of focus, such as those listed above, and then if we have a gap, develop an intentional strategy to ensure we have the right people on our team. I can assure you it’s worth your time. I have a bit of work to do and honestly I’m excited about new conversations and continuing to learn.

*This seems like a good time to throw this out there… so glad Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill and others are on our TEAM! GO CHIEFS!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: BYOS

Let’s keep the conversation this year on what brings us to our best selves. Bringing forward an agenda of wholeness resonates with me. The world delivers up some interesting distractions for all of us that can so easily take us off the course we planned or hoped for. (Hello, crazy week one in America.) If we are going to achieve our “life plan” if you will, then it is up to us to cultivate just that.

That’s where today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday” comes in. “Bring your own sunshine and swagger.” (Another shout out to Peloton’s Robin Arzon.) Her point: Sometimes we just have to BRING IT. My experience would prove that we have to BRING IT most of the time.

This old saying comes to mind: “If it is to be… it’s up to me.” Regardless of where it came from (lord knows I can’t remember), it’s spot on. We have to remember that energy begets energy, kindness; kindness, positivity; positivity, discipline; discipline… To me, no matter what, bringing my full self is the most important intention and action I can take. Getting the sleep, to have the focus in the morning, eating nutrient rich food to nourish my body, reading to fuel my mind and spur on creativity, etc. Every detail adds up to ensuring this is not only possible, but it’s probable. Literally setting yourself up for success.

Several years ago when I became focused on a more healthy physical lifestyle I came across this idea of “automation” of our habits to ensure success. That’s been a game changer. Here’s a great article that will give you more depth on the ideas, and of course, if you haven’t read James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” that is a really important read. I just checked and it’s now only $11.98 on Amazon. That will be the best money you’ve spent in years, I assure you! (If you don’t take the time to open the article or get the book, here’s one example of automating… use smaller plates to reduce caloric intake… That’s it… It’s that easy!)

Life it short. Life is amazing and it is in our court to achieve our hopes. Let’s BRING IT this week… full sunshine… full swagger…!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Happy new year, 2021

One of the doctors I used to work with had a rather large sign in her office, that said, “This is not Burger King, and you can’t have it your way.” I loved that. I feel like for the last few decades at least, we have been pushed this message all around us… “You deserve a break today,” (McDonalds) “Have it your way,” and now “Be your way” (Burger King), “Because you’re worth it,” (L’Oréal) We’ve been convinced we need a $5 coffee (OK, maybe we do need that?), a large house, a really nice SUV…. you get the point.

Like most of you, I love technology, new products and am a fan of evolving as a society. That said, Door Dash and Whole Foods delivery is now a “thing” in my house. I also have fallen for pretty much every one of those messages… I’m normal, and honestly, if you’ve ever done any mission work, you might know that this is not a great thing about America.

As the new year rolls in, it seems like as good as time as any to hit pause and really seek wisdom. What do I really need? When we were family campers at Pine Cove, one of the messages that stuck with me was “A choice to spend a dollar somewhere, is a choice to not spend it somewhere else.” Hmmm…. That’s clearly true, and yet, I too easily buy that latest Kansas City t-shirt perhaps a bit too quickly & definitely without registering that the same $15 might serve a better purpose in the community.

Regardless of how much it may appear that our society is thriving, it doesn’t take much research to see that 10% of people in Johnson County, Kansas and 15% in Jackson County, Missouri are food insecure (per Feeding America). In addition, of those, almost 60 percent of Kansans and 40 percent in Missourians are ineligible for federal nutrition programs (incomes above 185% of poverty). At an average meal cost of $3.42 in Kansas and $3 in Missouri, the additional needs come in at a VERY BIG NUMBER ($78M and some change)! That’s where on the ground and local food pantry resources kick in. They need all minds educated and activated on this truth.

Those are the brutal facts. Perhaps this is the year I take a hard look at what I’m spending my resources on and take concrete action to ensure it is being used in a way that aligns with my life goals. (Which certainly doesn’t include having more cute t-shirts.)

It’s Sunday! It’s the first Sunday in the new year and I hope you find yourself positioned to take on 2021 with whatever it is YOU NEED! No matter what it is, I hope you know that you have a team of people praying for you to find your power and strength, and to forge ahead with so much positivity and momentum.

Let’s AMPLIFY together in service to others

Happy New Year! The energy the turn of a page brings cannot be understated. The opportunity to start fresh is powerful, regardless if you are moving from second to third grade, into a new career or simply turning the calendar day over, launching into a new year ahead. A full 365 days to move toward your dreams and calling.

I was so inspired over the past few days while reading “Our Better Angels,” written by Jonathan Reckford the CEO for Habitat for Humanity. I am well aware of the organization, but have not been involved and honestly had no idea of the stories that he unfolded in the book. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Ruth, have been vested fully in this work for many years, and their work on homes while well into their 90s was enough to give me a swift kick in the pants (as my grandmother used to say).

Sometimes, we all need to a bit of a shake up to realize we can make a difference no matter what resources, circumstances or age we find ourselves at.

The title came from President Lincoln’s first inaugural address, he expressed hope that we could all remember our shared unity if we would hearken to “the better angels of our nature.” I felt like that was a solid statement as we launch into the year. My mind tends to go to the “What ifs.” As in… What if we all chose 2021 to focus on each other... for us all to make a commitment to serve others every single day? What if we all found ourselves stopping by a nursing home with a cheery card for the resident who needs it most? What if we stopped to listen, made that call, committed to sending messages of appreciation out each day? What if we truly went on a mission to understand poverty –– how it happens in our country and what needs to happen for us to collectively and meaningfully move toward a better world? What if?

I am in the midst of my 2021 planning and I don’t know yet how often I’ll blog, but I do know that God continues to call me to do so. I have changed over the years from 3 times per week to 2, for example. I would love to hear any feedback you have so I can learn from it!

What I do know is this idea of “To Serve Well” was a God-delivered title and a focus that I will likely always have. I may finally push my small book off to print this year. The manuscript has been sitting dormant for I think 2 years now… I’m not sure what the world needs, but I do know that I hope to do my part. I would love nothing more than to know I served well. It is my belief that we were all put here to do just that and to live out being the hands and feet of Jesus to all that God has placed in our path.

Have a truly great celebration this week, regardless of how small it might be… I’m praying that the intimacy of the moment as we transition to the new year brings you great joy.

Stillness is key (Advent, week 4)

Stillness. I can’t think of a better way to truly feel the presence of the season. The world reaffirmed that for me this week, when on three different occasions the question came up as to just what we need to do to let the peace of this time of the year overwhelm us with love and calmness instead of allowing hurry and adrenaline to fill our spirits.

I was reminded, that last year, Ryan Holiday’s book “Stillness is the Key” was one of my top 3. I believe this excerpt from the book’s introduction will tell you why:

“Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow. It inspires new ideas. It sharpens perspective and illuminates connections. It slows the ball down so that we might hit it. It generates a vision, helps us resist the passions of the mob, make space for gratitude and wonder. Stillness allows us to persevere. To succeed. It is the key that unlocks the insights of genius, and allows us regular folks to understand them.”

I might add…

Stillness quiets our pinball minds. Stillness brings us clarity and helps our mind sort out what is important at the depth of our souls. Stillness, on this Christmas week, is what allows us to center ourselves toward the sweet story that positions us toward our hopes and purpose in this world. Stillness brings us closer to hearing and feeling God’s presence wherever we find ourselves. Stillness gives us the best opportunity to breathe in deeply peace and expands our hearts.

Stillness, I hope, is a place you find yourself this week. In fact, I pray that you will prioritize quiet time around twinkling lights and that you will be washed over with all that brings you joy.

Happy Advent week 4 –– The candle of love. Love is everything.

Don’t miss the present –– the now

Today is the opportunity we have been granted.

This month is a great time to recommit and be fully awake to what is going on around us, and be completely open to living in the moment.

Tom Peters has a thought that “Excellence is the next 5 seconds…”

I want to be excellent. I want to be IN this moment, not OUTSIDE of it.

I want to be fully aware of the lights on the tree, the anticipation from the children for the holiday festivities, the tears that are hidden behind my friends smile, the extra-tight hug that shows a friend needs a little extra support right now… all of it.

I want to be fully awake. Don’t you?

I believe that if we can get better in this area, we will be closer to being fully alive.

Who’s with me on this?

(Rewind! This is a throwback post that felt like just what we needed right now.)

Simple Thoughts Sunday: For the joy that is ahead! (Advent Week 3)

Advent! Week three. The season is pushing through at a phenomenal pace. It seems I barely cracked open my Advent devotional to get prepared (my heart and soul) for the “real reason” for this season and now we are entering week three. I’m probably still on the 20-yard line, and I oh so badly want to go all in with all that Advent has to offer us: Peace that surpasses understanding, love that pours through our every being, and a deep knowing that this period ushers us to experience the greatest gift. “Advent is the season of expectancy, preparation, and longing.” (Tsh Oxenreider)

As I prepared for this, a simple Google search presented this simple and perfect explanation of week three: “For the Joy that is ahead.” And oh boy, I feel that…I sense the build up. I am beginning to feel the energy shift into delight and lighter spirits all around. Hanukkah started this week and my friends who celebrate have been sharing their stories. My friend Nan, posted a message with the classic menorah and Christmas tree merged together with a simple message that said “two celebrations, one hope for peace.” I loved that!

The days of the work year are dwindling and there is a feeling of expectation from young to old… School in all of its forms this year will take a pause at the end of this week for most, and with any luck, our preparations for celebrating those around us will come to a point where we can take a deep and restorative breath.

I hope that you will pause today and focus on all of the crazy good that is ahead. The promises of God surround us in both word and action. In truth, they bring us absolutely everything that we need, (down to the last detail), to fully achieve our purpose and find incredible and true joy in service to others.

What one word sets your soul on fire for the best year ever?

I really love this topic. My mind runs amok with the possibilities. Where in the world does God want us to go in 2021? It’s a whole new decade… the possibilities are endless! How do we best achieve our personal goals and purpose? How can we show up with excellence at home, in our neighborhood, as a friend, for our community and in our careers?

Now, of course I know “one word” doesn’t capture it all, but what would one thought be that galvanizes and energizes? Is there a specific area in your life that needs a specific focus? Do you need to for example cultivate your relationships? Do you need to have more days of connection and joy? Are you being called to adventure, travel or exploration?

So many ideas. Here are a few…

Discipline – This was my first “one word” from back in 2012, and it was the year I started working out on a regular basis and focusing on personal health. Total game changer.

Also… Elevate, trust, joy, stretch, acceptance, happiness, freedom, momentum, growth, unstoppable, shine, minimize, rebuild, peace, silence, brave, curious, perspective, thrive, aware, fresh, quiet, travel, adventure, journey, accelerate, game-changer, win, search, commit, dedicate, meaning, true, love…

If you choose to jump on this train, I highly recommend that you share your word with a few members of your tribe, write it down and put it front and center somewhere you see often. There are also other resources, including a website, which lets you join others across the world in the process.

In closing, I will share that selecting a word could be a challenge. Since I’ve done this a few years, I always want to give it some real thought and try to hear from God on what would be the most powerful word to help direct me. That said, my word for 2018 was “revival,” and I didn’t really understand it fully at the time, but felt it was clearly supposed to be my word.

Here is what I wrote in 2018 on this topic (referencing a message I had just heard at that time about “revival” being a “season of reintroduction”): “Revival is a time where God reintroduces himself, exposes you more to your next assignment, and gives you insights to conquer that next level.” As it turns out, it actually was a year of reintroduction, but in many ways not at all how I would have even began to predict or understand January 1. I think that is a fun part of this journey… sometimes what you think at the onset is not how it ends up.  

What we can count on is that 2021 will be an adventure! Have a terrific wrap to your week everyone!  

Search for where the light comes in

Happy Sunday! As I talk about often, Robin Arzon (@robinnyc), is the Peloton instructor I use the most. She is flat-out inspiring. On her Thanksgiving ride, she talked about this thought of “noticing or searching for where the light comes in.” It was profound. Here’s the line of thought:

The light has come in this year when…

My friend Joann had me over to her back patio for a surprising weekday breakfast with her warm spirit and incredible coffee, and gorgeous backyard that she has cultivated with her loving hands.

The pure joy of my sons when graduating from college this spring and a special ray of light when we had a modified “Aggie Ring ‘COVID’ at-home ceremonial ring dunking!” (If you are familiar with Texas A&M, this will make total sense.)

My son and his beautiful wife getting married in the most perfect backyard wedding this summer in Michigan. The fun dance Sam and I did is a forever memory and watching her mother and her grandfather dance was charming.

Watching the chickens and ducks and turkeys fly out of their coup in the morning light each day… the energy they express shouts “let’s do this!” So refreshing.

The endless stories of hope and resilience surrounding us. When I simply walk the halls at our clinics, I witness love in action as our patients are cared for so well. The intention of the team in preparing for each patient visit is extraordinary.

Watching our country unify around the Black Lives Matter movement. Witnessing our country seemingly truly trying to understand the depth of the issues and begin to course correct.

Watching online as my friends Gary and Trisha battled cancer as a team. He showed everyone what it looks like to truly stand by your partner and shine in the midst of a lot of pain.

Seeing online that my dear friend Kathy is truly embracing life and full joy as her and her husband enjoy early retirement, whether traveling across the country in their RV, or enjoying campground weekends with family, she shines a light on life.

The simplicity of being at home versus traveling so much for work this year.

My friends, the light comes in each day if only we will look and call it out in gratitude. This is the perfect time of year to soak in all that God has delivered. As the light peaks in each day, we can feel confident that his presence surrounds us and that his true delight is in bringing us joy overflowing.

*I don’t know about you, but even typing this out – thinking through the top-of-mind scenarios – made me crave documenting a lot more. It may be fun this week to spend some time with this exercise… Let me know if you do! Ann Voskamp did 1,000 of these in her book 1,000 gifts… I think with some time that could be terrific goal.

Heading into the season with a spirit of prayer & expectation

The saying above is beyond powerful. Let it saturate your soul.

Prayer is a first response. Prayer is a gift that can help us open up so many gifts it’s truly incredible. Prayer offers us a companion to…

  • Show our adoration & gratitude 
  • Intercede for others
  • Seek guidance 
  • Deliver us from self focus
  • Confess our misgivings and concerns 
  • Simply share our heart … (and so much more)

I have unintentionally strayed from a rich prayer life. Upon reflection, it is simply due to allowing life’s everyday distractions to consume me, edging me off center. I found the book “ The Battle Plan for Prayer” in my bedside table last week. It’s been waiting there for me. The book is part of the War Room project, which included a fantastic movie reminding us of the power of prayer. When I was in Columbus for Thanksgiving, my son had a prayer board in his room with various prayers and scriptures pinned up that he wanted to lean into. This was the point of the movie. (The “war” room is essentially the prayer closet.)

I am always fascinated by the ways God speaks, but never surprised. Right in my direct path, two reminders to nudge me toward perhaps the most powerful tool I have ever found in order to center me and give me direction and hope: PRAYER.

As we launch into December, it is the ideal time to lock into what we know is absolutely true for us… Seeking the roots of our life and spending our physical and emotional energy to ensure we finish the year strong and move steadfastly into God’s plan for us in the new year. I want my prayer life to go deep again; to truly start each day with the power of that connection, and never to consider it an add on to my days if time allows. How about you?

My prayer is that you will have one of those holiday seasons that you find yourself taking in wonder at every turn. What a gift this season is!

REWIND! This post is a throwback that feels exactly like what we need this holiday season. Enjoy!