To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Inspiration

Simple Thoughts Sunday – God bless America

It’s been quite a year for America.

I wanted to take a moment to just reflect on all of the good that we as a nation have been given. I know you all share my gratitude for the good in people and the love that we witness day in and day out through cheerful social media posts, a friendly hello on the street or the simple opening of a door at the local establishment.

I see good everywhere I look and believe America is the greatest nation. We certainly have a lot of work to do, bridges to build and more love to pour on top of the scary and challenging issues our country faces. This week it is our time to celebrate our great nation and I hope that you will do that in a BIG WAY! After the media onslaught this year, we may need more than the average celebration to be honest!

I also wanted to remind anyone who has been following for a while, that July is a month that I take off from the blog. I use this time to clear my mind and listen to God for what he’d like me to use my voice for with upcoming posts.

My great hope is that in the end, the break allows for producing better writing and greater inspiration for you all.

I am so appreciate of anyone who reads the blog. Sometimes people ask me my purpose, and It’s quite simple. I feel like I’m supposed to do this and if each post reaches even one person, then I am fulfilled. I hope to be a source of inspiration and to offer insights on life’s ongoing encounters that may help us all see a different perspective, sharing mine or others that have passed on their stories. As always, I’d love to hear from you on anything that would be helpful to you and to help me serve better.

Have the best July ever and truly relish the summer days. They are a gift.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A spiritual retreat may be just what you need

(Photo Creds: My dear friend Deb lives in this beautiful part of our country – Idaho)

Deb posted this photo last week. It’s her daily view, and it’s stunning. It is usually by water that I hear the most from God, but I believe we can hear from Him anywhere really. In fact, right now, I’m having a “spiritual retreat” day and I’m simply sitting outside on my deck. It’s a fabulous summer Saturday and I’m open to hearing from Him on all manner of things from my boys and family/friends, to my career; finances and dreams – the list goes on.

Today’s “simple thought” is that there is great power in taking time to reflect and listen. There is even greater power in finding rest so that we can be fully present. In fact, in the Old Testament story of Elijah in 1 Kings, he goes up to Mount Horne/Sinai and seeks God. There, away from the distractions, he is able to hear from God. It’s an inspiring story and offers us important guidance.

I’m not sure about you today, but I need to hear from God. What are his plans for me? How do I serve the best I can and honor this life He’s given to me? Those are big questions. Over the years, I have learned the absolute power of getting away and seeking Him. There are a few sources that I’ve found which I’d be happy to share if you are interested in having your own “personal retreat.”

Have an amazing week my friends.

The Story of THIS ONE LIFE and the characters that enrich our story

(Design & photo creds: Canva)

I was looking back this weekend at “my life so far.”

I’m counting down the months until 50, so I guess I’m taking stock of the path God has had me on, and finding joy in how he has weaved every great moment and every pain together to magically design this ONE LIFE. One particular stand out I had was the impact of two teachers from my high school. Both, in different ways, stood in the gap for me. They inspired, encouraged and went far beyond their job descriptions… They are two of the heros in my story.

It made me wonder who the heros are in my boys’ stories so far? How about yours?

Do you ever reflect and wonder why God put certain “characters” in your story? Some are clear, such as these ladies who had a starring role in my life. Some of course are only in your life for a very short season – maybe even a business lunch or someone who got assigned to you in a volunteer situation. These “extras” play a role too, and sometimes send you off in a different direction or spark a thought, idea or inspire you in some way. (Or remind you of how not to act…)

I encourage this idea of “reflecting” and actually noticing those in your story. We do get to take the lead in creating our story, but we don’t always choose those that come along side in the novel. What can we learn from the heros? The antagonists? I have learned perhaps an equal amount from both and look forward to meeting the new characters as the script plays out…

As we wrap up June next week, I’ll spend some time on this topic and how a mid-year planning session may be what you need to ensure 2017 is truly the best year ever.  Some of us need a strong finish, some want or need to just “dodge” the bullets and stay in hiding, but all of us need to find joy and continue on the path of a life lived well!

The magical moments of summer – What are yours?

(Photo Creds: We Heart it)

Summer is truly magical. Tomorrow marks the first true day of summer, although for those of us whose kids have now been off a month from school, it feels like it must be almost over. My encouragement today is to let summer SHOW OFF the MAGICAL MOMENTS. Hit the patios, have a water gun fight, watch the young and the old jump through the sprinklers (we need to see more of that…), take a road trip, enjoy late night conversations while the days are long, get out from the front of the TV and finally, jump in fully.

We are just about at halftime for the year (July 2nd-ish) and it’s time to begin to think about the RESET. Before we do that, let’s make a commitment to REJUVENATE and not let the magic of summer go by. Not even one week of it.

I’d love to hear from you all today on what your favorite summer activity or treat is. What brings out the child in you? Give us all some ideas to get our thoughts generating…. Here’s some I thought of:

  • The ice cream truck! I always love the ice cream truck. The Neapolitan ice cream sandwich or some flavor of bomb pop! Anyone else?
  • Fire flies… I still get a huge smile out of watching kids capture fire flies….
  • Fishing… I don’t really do this enough, but the thought of it makes me smile…
  • Starlight Theater – I hadn’t been for years and my mom and I went last year. It was FABULOUS. Simply charming.
  • State fairs (or at least the idea of them) and people watching at any festival.

YOUR TURN! Don’t be shy. We all need the inspiration!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Your champion!

Our sermon last week focused on prayer, specifically about ideas on how to view God as we go to Him in prayer. Like most of you, I know the importance of prayer but don’t always get it right… don’t always commit the time or the intention. It shouldn’t be hard to maintain consistency here.

The “stand out” theme for me is to view God as my “champion.” The one who ALWAYS has my (our) best interests, the one who is ordering the steps and days of my (our) life (lives). I like that idea… a lot! I also like the added part in the quote above: for both my protection and my enrichment, to make me(us) better, to allow me (and you) to serve better – to make a larger impact.

As you launch your week, I hope that you will consider that God is your ultimate champion. The one who will ALWAYS be there and ALWAYS push you toward your very best.

On another note, tomorrow is my mom’s birthday! It seems she is getting younger each year… I’m serious! So thankful for her! Please help me in wishing her the happiest of days and the best year ever!

Today is a great day to make an impact…

(Photo Creds: My Own)

I took this picture outside of my hotel windows while traveling.

I love to look at the architecture of old buildings. I think about the conversations that have taken place over the years, the weather that has surely beat on the exterior and the endurance of both.

Architects, artists, great thinkers… they bring us both function and beauty. If we take the time to “look up” and really appreciate the work, I feel we can be inspired. When I think of inspiration, I think of that as being the space I can make the greatest impact. (When I slow down to be inspired…)

Time to think. Time to evaluate. Time to CREATE IMPACT…

As we head into a long weekend – and perhaps some rainy moments of reprieve for a long nap, reading a book, or watching a movie – I hope that you take the time to CREATE the space for IMPACT. Our world needs us to be thinking about what WE CAN DO for the common good.

The power to CHOOSE

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Today’s post is a simple reminder: We have the power to CHOOSE.

Choose a chaotic or calm approach? How do I really want my home and life to feel? To look?

Choose to MAKE this a terrific summer, or choose for your days to be the same?

Choose to CREATE a plan to MAKE A DIFFERENCE, or not?

Choose to TAKE ACTION on your dreams and plans… To save for that great trip, or keep stripping away funds via Starbucks runs and too much frivolous spending…

Choose to LOOK UP & SMILE MORE, ENJOY the BEAUTY or walk around with your head down looking at your latest text, Insta post or Facebook feed?

It’s just a reminder that you get to CHOOSE. I love that… I need to CHOOSE better some moments and some days.

Celebrating big this month: The power to imagine

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I am a huge sucker for good commencement speeches. My sister was telling me about Will Ferrell’s graduation address to USC over the weekend and, of course, that has to be an instant classic. We all need more humor and I am confident that most USC grads were beside themselves with excitement at the notion of Mr. Ferrell joining their celebration!

Although I’m sure that was terrific, I prefer the graduation speeches that are a bit more poignant. A bit more hit you right in your spirit, lump in the throat, type advice and inspiration. Something I can sink my teeth into.

I really love this quote from J.K. Rowling. It speaks to us no matter our age or degrees are – or perhaps are not. I sit firmly in the camp that we are all gifted with everything we need to CHANGE THE WORLD. IMAGINING the POWER that this idea has is something to really think about. What if God has already given me everything I need to make the impact I am supposed to make? To CREATE A LASTING LEGACY? To truly change our world for the better in my lifetime?

I hope today you will think of the POWER YOU HAVE. To join the thousands of graduates worldwide and just IMAGINE the possibilities… no matter your age. I am betting that we can add some significance to this day if we all do so.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A day of honor… Heck, let’s make it a lifetime

Happy Mothers Day to all of the moms, mums, mamas, mommas, and to all of those who have filled this important role in someone’s life!

I am blessed to still have my mother and to also have had many step in at times in my life to take on some “mom duties.” It truly takes a village! Today I salute and honor all of these ladies.

Today is about honor. I am reminded of this Bible verse that reminds us that we are to be in the business of honoring at all times. My prayer is that this week you will make a short list of those that you need to honor, then go out at do it. That little bit of extra intention will surely brighten their life and yours.

I’m all about brightened days and loving and serving well. Have the best of weeks. As always, I’m cheering you on.

Humble, hard working and kind!

Thanks to Garth Brooks for coming back to celebrate the 10 year celebration of the Sprint Center with Kansas City. More than that of course, for reminding everyone in all seven sold out shows what is truly important:

Being HUMBLE, being HARD WORKING and being KIND… and THANKING THEM PUBLICLY for THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS! 

He spent a considerable amount of time – in that I mean more energy than I have ever heard any performer – on stage thanking the team that makes the magic happen: the road crew and others that work in the back ground. This was so cool.

No matter if it’s the front staff in a medical clinic, restaurant, the billing team, the surgical staff or line worker, our world is filled with people that are here to serve in the big and small ways. Ensuring our safety, our happiness and our overall experience with life! It takes ALL PEOPLE to make this world go around and I just LOVE that all of our gifts can be used.

Being humble, with a terrific work ethic and especially KIND is something that should be called out and recognized. That just flat out helps us ALL TO SERVE WELL.