To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

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Go ahead, jump the fence!

(Photo creds: We Heart it)

Having the right photo or image is always important to me when I prep for a blog. I told my son I wanted to do something funny today – something to perhaps add some levity to our day and get away from anything too serious.

Initially, this idea of “jumping the fence” was captured in a conversation about diversity and the need for us to not be afraid to experience different cultures, food, people, environments, etc. That is still a good idea, but what’s better (I hope for you too) today is this perspective of the image.

Through all of the stress that America has realized over the last few months, and what seems like a never-ending back and forth accelerated by social media, WE REALLY NEED TO LAUGH.

So maybe this photo captures how you feel as you try to get away from your friends’ viewpoints on Trump…? Or, perhaps you had so much fun watching the Grammy Awards on Sunday that you gave some thought to changing career paths to become a rock star… You know you’ve got that image now of you on Monday morning with your blazer on and your friends cheering you on running & jumping toward your new found PATH TO GLORY.

No matter what it is, make it a demonstration of fun, friends and no doubt a lot of laughs. (By the way, that may be me struggling to even get up the dang fence.)

I’m in the mood to jump the proverbial fence into brighter territory. Into something meaningful and beautiful and truly FUN. Grab your tribe this weekend and create some memories filled with laughter!

Simple thoughts Sunday: We can’t do it alone

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Many of you might know that Exodus is at the front of the Bible. I truly love the lessons I have learned by focusing on Old Testament wisdom over the last several years. It is clear that God knew right up front that we needed some solid advice on how to navigate life. This particular bit of advice is a key message that I can use over and over again. I hope you hear the message speaking directly to you, because I know for sure that many – if not most of us – don’t do this well.

I don’t know what “it” is for you, but I do know that regardless of whether it’s the simple act of getting through the day – sailing a proverbial boat – or a large project like getting out of debt or starting a new business… we are not supposed to get through it alone. We are meant to be a community, bringing others alongside us to accomplish our purpose.

I hope that this week you will put down the phone and think through what areas of your life you might need to delegate with the help of your community at school, work and home to be BETTER than you could be on your own.

Side note: As a mom, I hope all of you parents don’t hesitate to field some work to the kids… They need it… (note the “tough love” language in the verse). Tuesday we talk about developing “grit” in our homes and this is a good step.

Getting to the BEST YES

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

My friend and I were strolling through a string of boutiques and this shirt immediately grabbed my attention. It’s a hoot. It seemed that everyone that saw it got a good chuckle. (I’m not sure how many they’ve sold because, afterall, who has the guts to actually wear the shirt. I’m trying to get mine up the level where I will.)

It’s funny because it is sooo true. It seems all of us say “YES” to too many events that, at least initially, had the promise of being something we just had to attend. When the time comes, we are struggling to answer the question of why we said we’d go in the first place. I mean wouldn’t it be better to stay in… you’ve had a long week, and heck, it’s only 26 degrees outside. Maybe yes… maybe no…

A couple of years ago, author Lysa TerKeurst, wrote a nice little read on the topic of the “BEST YES.” The book offers insight into why we say yes in the first place and also how to rethink our decisions so we can get to the VERY BEST YES for ourselves at any given season of our life. She deals with the fear we have of not achieving what we need/want if we stop attending every networking event, etc. – and much more. It’s terrific and you should grab it if it’s interesting to you at all.

This is a short post today, but I want to say that for us to truly get to where we are living our purpose and serving at our highest level, we HAVE TO get to the BEST YES. That means, not attending that party, shower, happy hour… every single time.

It means looking at our priorities and ensuring our calendar is lined up with whatever we need to do to achieve our purpose. I only wish it were that easy. Perhaps we can cheer each other on to ensure everyone is truly choosing their BEST YES. We will all be better for it! No judgement! 🙂 Have a great week.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Black History Month – Why we must continue to educate ourselves

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I loved this photo because it depicts a diverse and loving community of students. Students who don’t know yet the meaning of “minorities,” nor the impact race, religion or sex have had on the lives of their families and friends.

While, I love that idea, I also acknowledge that we must continue to educate ourselves and future generations on what America’s history looks like, so that we can be sure to learn from the best stories and those that don’t reflect our most shining moments.

This Proverb spoke to the idea of seeking wisdom. I hope all of you would say that wisdom is not only worth finding, but needed now more than ever in our lifetime!

So, on this first Sunday of Black History Month 2017, I hope you prioritize becoming more educated on America’s past and how it relates to us today. Our nation would certainly not be as great as it is today without the diversity and strength of this great community. As we struggle as a country to unify around all manner of issues, let this be a month of gaining the wisdom required to help us reach the next level.

I’m all in.

Some side notes:

In preparing for this blog, I found out some cool facts about African American leaders I didn’t know yet, which reminded of how little I know…

  • Madam C.J. Walker was America’s first self-made woman to become a millionaire. She was considered an entreprenuer and a philanthropist in her time (1867-1919). Isn’t that awesome?! Her product was beauty and hair products… some things never change for us women.
  • Thurgood Marshall was the first African American man appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. He served for 24 years and was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Please note that in 1967, our country was still divided over Civil Rights issues. Bold move by the president and AMAZING COURAGE by the Honorable Thurgood Marshall.
  • In 1992, Dr. Mae Jamison became the first African American woman to go into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor. Not only that, but she is a professor, dancer, actress and holds nine honorary doctorates in science, engineering, letters and the humanities. Can you say POWERFUL?

(Side note: If you haven’t yet made it to see “Hidden Figures” one of the Oscar favorites, you should! The amazing, unheard story of the brilliant African American women who played a key role in NASA for many years. It is a must see for students of all ages.)

Some major, fun lessons you and your family may want to sharpen your minds around this month:

  • The Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape into the free states.
  • Rosa Parks’ story, as well as the many women who lead the Civil Rights movement. Much to my surprise, there are several Rosas – she’s just the one most of us know!
  • Inoculatin (Vaccinations) were introduced to America by a slave named Onesimus.
  • The diverse history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Very cool story, and there are two state-funded HBCUs in Missouri! One in Jefferson City and anther in St. Louis. There used to be a private, religious HBCU in Kansas – Western University – but it stopped operating in the 1940s.
  • One in four cowboys was black… In fact it is believed that the real “Lone Ranger” was inspired by an African American man named Bass Reeves.

Have fun learning. Share your stories if you learn something interesting… I’m sure we will all love it!

Building family connections: Do what it takes

 

Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Family connections run deep. No matter what your family looks like, how functional and/or dysfunctional they may be… the fact is, family creates a bond like no other. Family sees us at our worst and our best… tears are shed of both joy and pain. It’s raw, but a good raw.

It’s the vulnerability of “knowing” that they see the real us and we see the real them (and neither might not really like what we see) that can draw us closer or away at different times in our lives. Most of the time, even if we step away or create a distance, we are drawn back… because, well…. family is family.

Like many of you, over the years I have gone to extended family reunions and as a child thought it was fun, but missed the meaning. I have watched my boys and been surprised that at a younger age they seem to realize and HONOR the depth of family and it’s importance.

That has me thinking that perhaps we all could use a reminder to really INVEST in this area… It’s easy after all to put family on the back burner unless, like children, they need us for survival. Family will be there and we know it.

For that very reason, we should make a concentrated effort to INVEST AND HONOR THEM every chance we get. Say thank you, show appreciation, lift them up… We do this in the work place, and we do it with our friends… but do we tell our favorite “uncle” that he really means a lot of us and that his service to our country brings you so much pride and gratitude? I don’t do this enough. I need to.

Let’s pay attention to making some investments in those who are our greatest cheerleaders. It’s important I think.

What inspires you?

(Photo Creds: My own from Tuesday’s flight to Detroit. Cool, huh?)

Where people find inspiration fascinates me.

To me, inspiration incites joy. What moments make you smile and give you a dose of hope and excitement about our world? As I get older, the “small” moments for sure inspire me.

The street performer sharing their talents with the community, a giggling child and yep, even looking out the window of a plane, mesmerized by the beauty and complexity of our world.

Let’s keep dreaming here a bit… what else inspires? I would add “brilliant minds” to this list. Do you ever pick up a book, watch a movie or even engage with a great teacher or a colleague at work and just feel amazed with their ability to bring together insights that take you to the next level? I just love that.

I saw a movie preview for the upcoming film, “A Dog’s Purpose,” and I was moved immediately. The concept of the film is brilliant. Check it out – it’s great!

Finally, I would add to the list “simple kindness.” I know there is a lot of it out there, but honestly, I’d like to see it more… like everyday if possible. There is a warmth that comes from the simple act of someone going out of their way to open a door or send a message of encouragement. It’s what makes the days rich and the years more so.

As January brings us more cloudy days, perhaps we can all approach this one with an extra intention? That is serving well… both ourselves and the recipients!

What inspires you? I know the readers would love to hear from you!

Have an amazing weekend.

Solving pain points by generating ideas

(Photo Creds: We Heart it)

“We all have, let’s say, two or three dozen massive pain points in our lives that everyone can relate to. I try to basically write about those, and then I try to write about how I attempted to recover from them.”  James Altucher, quoted in Tim Ferris’ new book ‘Tools of Titans,’ which I highly recommend.

James is a hedgefund manager, entrepreneur and best selling author. I agree with this statement, but hesitate to think I have an even two dozen pain points to deal with, unless you count my lack of patience waiting for the elevator. At any rate, he may be overly stressed or just counting his “elevator” issues. Regardless, I found this section in Tim’s new book compelling. The one liner that caught my attention:

“James made his specialty exploring his own pain and fear.” (By generating ideas.)

Essentially, “what if” we walk straight into those issues and ask some really good questions to get us to the other side… James recommends WRITING DOWN 10 IDEAS EACH DAY for the sake of focusing your brain on generating a creative thinking habit. If you get in the routine and then are confronted with one of those pain points – think that ONE person at work, school, etc that just is beyond your comprehension – you will be able to more efficiently work through the issue because this “brain/creative muscle” has developed.

I have identified below some of his sample “lists” which I think some are just fun. I’m going to try this exercise and I’d love to hear about it if you do!

Sample Lists:

  • 10 ridiculous things I would invent
  • 10 books I could write
  • 10 things I disagree with that everyone else assumes is religion
  • 10 people I want to be friends with
  • 10 things I learned yesterday
  • 10 ways I can save time
  • 10 things I was interested in as a kid that might be fun to explore now (hello, teeter tot and tether ball)

I think I’ll start with….

10 ways I could serve better this year! How fun would it be if you each sent me 10 blog ideas? I’d so love that!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

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.

Stepping into the story – 2017

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I love the new year. The shaking off of the old and the excitement of the possible. The new…

For those of you who are readers, it is much like the anticipation of a new book that everyone has told you that you “must” read. For the artist, the joy of the rough draft… the promise of the mental image coming to life.

Every new year is an opportunity to create a new story – to draw or form a crazy awesome work of art.

Regardless of what you are facing this year – a new relationship, a new diagnosis, a fresh start, a challenging project – it is your opportunity to shine right through it! To “decide” that whatever comes your way, that you are going to step in with a new optimism, a spirit of faith and a “get ‘er done” attitude.

After all, the story of our lives is a combination of the people in our lives, the places we travel, art, music, movies, good books and great food (and more). While we don’t get to know what is around each corner, we do get to choose how we are going to “show up,” and respond.

My prayer is that your 2017 story is made up of so many amazing chapters, that you focus on the good and that you decide today that the crazy and harsh will be just that… and left in it’s place. Life is short as anyone who has experienced loss knows all too well.

Let’s all form a “tribe” of people that create a magical story that makes everyone around us want to not only read it, but be a part of it!

Raise a glass to those that help you be you!

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

As we all get prepared to spend the next few days with those we love, and that God has surrounded us with, I thought this quote was ideal.

Acknowledging those that help us along the way – that cheer us on through prayer, kind words or even constructive criticism – is so very important. It takes a bit of extra time and thought, but being intentional about this can truly deepen your relationships and increase your own happiness.

There are times when we get overwhelmed with people or processes – or just life. If we can stop and take time to write out the reasons we appreciate those people it really shifts our thoughts to the positive.

I think I’m going to write a letter of blessing to my boys and maybe a few others. I am also going to spend some time during the pre and post-holiday meals to thank those that have had true meaning in my life, such as my grandma Zillhart. Every year, she pretty much stuns us all with the most amazing prayer of gratitude before our family holiday meals. That simple prayer enriches the lives of my boys and myself. The little things… they are the big things.

I hope that you will take time to “call out” those who help you achieve your best and if you’d like I know the readers would love to hear your story!