To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Inspiration

Happy Easter Sunday!

blog_782046_2879190_1459085848Easter is an incredible holiday.

The Bible verse in this photo is my favorite and a perfect “simple thought” for Sunday. I love to remember that Jesus came to serve and save. The action has the opportunity to center us around a common purpose. I believe he wants us to serve others in the same spirit, every chance we get. We are in fact called to do so!

Let us pray today that our country will come together and unify around the idea of service and love for one another – ALL OTHERS.

Happy Easter my friends!

(Photo Creds: I Heart It)

Capturing great ideas

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We are closing in on the end of the first quarter of the year. I hope you have started strong and have built momentum. I run hard the first weeks of the year, and it’s about “now” that I could use another round of IDEAS to stimulate my thinking. Most generally this is for work, but that’s not always true. As a friend, sister, parent, and someone who wants to serve best in our community, I need to be “fueled” with thinking that elevates. How do I do that?  Here are three thoughts…

  1. STEAL ‘EM: For sure I fully believe that we don’t need to re-invite the wheel so to speak. If you are alert, read often, and invest time in others, you will automatically be reloaded on a regular basis with great ideas.
  2. MARGIN: Yep, I said it- We need to find margin” in our days in order for our mind to think as its equipped to do and create new ideas. We need to put down the phone,  open a blank page and just pay attention to what comes to mind. If you need a start, simply put a circle in the middle of the page with the topic you’d love to create energy around. Recently I had one of my boys do this, and simply engage thinking with the idea of “What do I need to do to achieve my goals?”
  3. RANDOM THOUGHTS: I will now advocate for that wonderful “notes” app on your phone – (Or really any post it note, pad of paper, etc.) – I believe fully that ideas are fleeting and I am often finding myself just taking a moment to write down the ideas that pop up – Such as this blog idea. I believe our  simple thoughts can be a part of something amazing: A simple walk, the recognition of a simple flower, a balloon floating by, passing by a father and daughter walking down the street… All can inspire.

What do I lack?

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It’s Tuesday and February is off and running. I don’t usually cite biblical references during the week, but this one ties right in and is the best example of this “important conversation”  with the topic of “What do I lack?”

In Matthew 19:20 the rich man asks, “The young man said to him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” Wow! Right there in print,  in the most read book of all time, we have this important conversation based on this thought that I feel is super important to serving well and living a life of excellence.

(In case you wondered,  I do not do cite the Bible typically mid-week because this blog reaches into the professional communities on Tue/Thursday and some people and organizations do not appreciate this- however, I pray for a day when that is totally acceptable and even valued.)

This can be a conversation with ourself, or those that hold us accountable, those we love and that love us enough to help us along in life by being honest and fair.  In sports, you often hear the announcers talking about whether or not the defense or offense lacks leadership, dedication, passion, talent, healthy players, etc.. Those are fair questions and I believe ones we have to ask ourselves on a regular basis if we truly want to excel in our key areas of value.

What are some questions you need to ask yourself?

Am I lacking discipline toward a healthy lifestyle?
Am I lacking energy in general and néed to seek answers from a trusted physician?
Am I lacking organization and sanity?
Am I lacking positive thinking?
Am I lacking love and protection of good friends that care about me?

In order to get better we have to assess the “gaps” and work on a repair strategy.  Let me know how I can help you with this tough question and important conversation. It would be an honor!

(Photo Creds:  Pinterest:  Subject: GoPro Shots- Very cool!)

What gives you energy?

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Energy is a what allows us to go out and conquer our days. This time of year it is even more of a valuable asset. One of the often overlooked concepts in the Bible is that of taking a “sabbath” or a day of rest.
Although I know that you receive this in the evening, I hope that you took today to rest, and to restore your mind body for the week ahead. If not, I hope you will spend some time this week to review and recommit to the entire idea of the importance of rest.

As you think through this, ask yourself a few questions:
– On a scale of one to ten, ten being the highest, how am I doing on energy level?
– What are my favorite ways to rest on Sunday or a day off? Have I done them lately?
– If not, what stands in the way?

We’ll have some fun conversations this week about energy in the blog: The power of food choice, sleep, and a few other tricks to getting more energy!

I know I need it! Have an awesome week and again THANK YOU for following my little blog. I am indeed blessed by you all!

(Photo credit: Pinterest)

Top books of 2015

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Honestly, this is a huge deal for me to try to identify the top booksI have read this year.  My boys will tell you that I read a book every 10 days or so, and that Amazon Prime loves to visit our front door step! I have however narrowed it down to 10 books! I hope that you will find one or two that you find as inspiring as I did!

  1. Life Is Good – Bert and John Jacobs: Let me tell you that I dismissesd this book several times while walking through airport shops, but finally decided to bite the bullet. I’ve never been a big fan of the “Life is Good” shops (t-shirts, etc.) for some reason, though my sister has always loved them. Now I’m a huge fan! This is a simple book, great story and full of simple life lessons. The brothers and founders of ‘Life Is Good,’ outline the 10 superpowers of a happy and fulfilling life. This is a great one for all ages! Great graduation gift idea!
  2. Essentialism – Greg McKeown: Mark Batterson, my favorite Christian author and also listed below, recommended this one from his summer reading list. The book does not disappoint and is useful for just about anyone trying to survive in our chaotic society. It’s all about a “mindset” versus a task and time management. Solid read!
  3. Fervent – Priscilla Shirer: Priscilla is one of my favorite authors and speakers and this short and simple book on crafting prayer strategies is one to hold on to or buy multiple copies and give away. I believe this book is a part of the resoures for the also now famous movie that came out in the Fall, War Room.
  4. For the Love – Jen Hatmaker: Jen is an author that will have you laughing the entire way through. She approaches the topic of fighting for grace in a world of impossible standards.
  5. Creativity Inc. – Ed Catmull: Ed is a co-founder of Pixar Animation studios (with Steve Jobs and John Lasseter). If you saw the 2015 blockbuster movie Inside-Out, you know why this is a must read. (Inside-Out was simply the most clever and creative movie I believe ever on the big screen.)  It’s really a quite powerful management book.  We all are being called to a higher level of creativity in our roles and this book is sure to take you to a different dimenision in your thinking.
  6. Anything – Jennie Allen: Jennie was a new author to me this year and I am thrilled I read this book. It’s actually a new edition of a book with the same title, with an eight-week bible study added. Essentially, it follows a story of what might happen if we were ready to do “anything” for God and truly walk in his will. It is short and powerful. It will keep you up thinking!
  7. The Boys in the Boat – Daniel James: This book is a true story based on how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit is all about. True grit is a characteristic we all need and you will get lost in this story! Well done!
  8. IF – Mark Batterson: My all-time favorite author- (Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, etc.) nailed another great book! I was lucky enough to be selected to serve on the “launch” team for this book which meant I got an early copy. I loved that opportunity because I truly think Mark’s writing is the best. Easy to read, and a combination of real life stories and use of history and science to bring home the sometimes tough topics. IF is all about possible “regrets” and “what if” possibilities. Mark unpacks the promises of Romans 8 and helps us to become conquerors in this read.
  9. LinchPin – Seth Godin: I wrote an earlier blog on this book which you might want tocheck out here. Seth is simply one of the greatest business authors of our time. He is one you should follow in every social media channel you can find! I have read almost all of his books, and he is a marketing genius. This book is all about being indispensable!
  10. Optimism – Helen Keller: First of all, who knew this book even existed? Thanks to Twitter, someone shared this little gem with me! If you buy one book from this list, buy this one! (I just checked Amazon and it’s $5.99 so a great price as well!)   It will take you less than two hours to get through – probably less – but it is essential for all to read! Now that I looked back on the list, it’s the most unlikely favorite, but the favorite for sure.

(Photo Credit: Life Is Good) 

Bold celebrations: Go Royals!

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Happy Thursday everyone!

We made it past hump day and on the home stretch to finishing week one of November. I started on Sunday with the theme of bold. Bold in our thinking, our priorities, our actions, our intentions, our love, our prayers.

Tuesday we got a little deep in talking about bold thinking… but, since most readers are Kansas Citians and we were celebrating our Royals winning the World Series, you might want to go back and check that one out if you missed it.

So, how do you wrap up a bold theme? Of course talking about the KANSAS CITY ROYALS 2015 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!

My top three thoughts on how we can learn and be inspired following the big celebration this week:

1. Salvy has shown bold passion every game, all season long.

With every dump of the Gatorade and every time he flashes that smile, he embraces the essence of hometown heart and a spirit that literally shines.

2. Hosmer has shown us what bold grit looks like in action!

His “roll up your sleeves” attitude and willingness to put himself out there and make the play is a big reason the KC Royals – and the rest of Kansas City – were able to celebrate this week.

3. Through 162 regular season games and 16 postseason games, Yost has demonstrated bold coaching.

Most of us know that a team cannot be their best without great leadership. Whether you are a fan that loves him, or questions his decisions, his results cannot be contested for long.  He loves his team, takes appropriate risks and has created a culture that is contagious.
Kansas City is thankful today and all other cities hopefully will take a close look at the beauty of this place! Bold and wonderful! 

‘What if’ decisions

blog_728896_2795414_1445521910What If we did in fact make some ‘pre-decisions,’ and they just aren’t going so well?

I was drawn to this particular image because honestly, sometimes our tractors and the weight of our decisions, are just a heavy load.

I just love the idea of a good solid tractor. It represents to me hard work, provision of food, real salt of the earth people who have likely followed a family labor of love. An old-beat-up tractor, has “been there, done that” and once shined brightly and no doubt worked those fields. Some days I feel like that. How about you?

So what’s the insight here?  Here’s what I’m thinking:

How do you take a ‘not so bright’ decision and recover gracefully?  You know, those decisions that become a heavy load. Maybe the tractor, like you, woke up bright and optimistic (or shiny), but just think about how you feel after a day, a week or years of not always choosing right.

Here’s the great news: Hang with me here, because I realize most of you reading this aren’t washed up or haven’t even made too many bad decisions. After all, most of our problems are what we call “first world problems” because honestly, in most of the world they wouldn’t even count as a factor at all. To make it more relevant, here is what I feel does make sense:

  1. You over-scheduled your children. They are downright cranky and you can’t remember the last time you had a great conversation around the dinner table.
  2. You have decided that the comfort of fall foods are just too much and you fall off the health train for a while. You already know where this is headed, but none the less, it’s a bit chilly, so surely it will be easy to get back on track when you – and I, for that matter – decide to do that.
  3. You haven’t taken any time at work or in your community to  build relationships. Everyone is busy, so you’ve decided it’s okay to just skip that part and stick to the agenda.

All of these are decisions we somehow made, and these are the decisions that become heavy loads and get us off track of a life of excellence. All of them can be reversed of course.

Make a short list today of the one, two or three things on your mind that are distracting you from yourbeing your best, and make a pre-decision to lay out a plan to reverse course!

Take on October with passion

blog_724556_2788721_1444097811Today’s blog is meant to shine a light on all of those who have battled, are battling or are part of team fighting breast cancer. 

I’m sure, or I hope, you know that all across America, October brings awareness to breast cancer!

I am going to highlight my friend Denise Henning, although I know she is simply one of the many ladies and families I know that have demonstrated great courage and, well, flat out passion while conquering this disease.

Denise in this case represents the true thinking behind the idea of “taking on October.” Taking it fully like you wouldn’t believe.

Denise had her first breast cancer diagnosis several years ago. It came, went, came back with a vengeance and repeat. It is difficult to understand the ‘whys’ of this, but one thing is for certain: her boys have a mom that is providing an amazing example of what it looks like to take on something with passion! Her passion = her boys.

Here are three ways Denise shows us how it’s done:

  1. Don’t take no for an answer! We have seen Denise take on a diagnosis that wasn’t favorable and get right down to the point where she couldn’t breathe, and yet, she continued strong and found another doctor who would offer a different approach, a different path, and an option that might give her the time she needed while researchers figured out how to conquer this disease. This take no prisoners attitude – being relentless even in great pain –  my friends, this is courage.

    What in your life do you need to ‘second guess’ that first answer or assessment?  Where can you be relentless in pursuit of something greater than yourself?

  2. Power through with great faith! I am sure when Denise was taken to church as a young girl, she couldn’t have dreamed of the challenges she’d face in her life. Thankfully in the process, she was given a seed of faith that is a full-blown, giant of faith today. Day after day, Denise exercises her faith muscle. She has given this fight to God, and yet as she is merely human like us all, she has a choice to make each day and she chooses to put on a smile, get dressed, get moving and show up. The truth is, she shows us all power by these daily choices to put her faith first and fight on!
  3. Focus on a cause greater than yourself! While many people have a hard time taking their minds off of their pain during these journeys, Denise is focused on saving lives through raising money for AEDS to be placed in Kansas City ballparks via the Tim Henning Memorial Foundation. Denise’s husband passed away three years ago of a heart attack while at ball practice with their boys. As you have seen, Denise is pretty darn special, through all of this she truly wants to leave a legacy for her boys that will outlive both her and Tim. I believe that a life worth living is one where we fully give back.

What can you focus on today that is greater than yourself? There are so many great things to do, from baking for an elderly neighbor or something much larger. I am confident we can all find a way to make a difference this month!

Take on October, my friends! And Denise, thank you for showing us how it’s done. We are forever grateful!

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Take on October!

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Can you feel the excitement?

Football, baseball playoff time, pulling on the cute type of winter boots (though they are not all cute…), sweater weather, crunching leaves, smoke-filled air from fire pits and fireplaces, and of course, comfort food with family and friends!

October is amazing.

So here’s the deal friends: We have approximately 90 days until 2015 wraps up! We have a full quarter – a full 25% – of our time left this year to make a difference. Businesses nationwide are driving hard toward having a successful year. Football teams are no doubt in huddles trying to figure out just how to win the game! Students are looking at those mid-term grades and making the adjustments needed to move into victory.

As you think about a life of excellence today, what do you need to do to achieve what success looks like to you over the next 90 days?

I leave you with my list of 13. Why 13? Because that’s my lucky number, of course!

  1. I really need and want to make healthy fall meals! Think soup, warm bread (sorry to my trainer, but I promise I’ll put in the work to cover it) and a yummy apple crisp.
  2. Plan ahead to ensure I have time to spend with the people I hold the dearest over the next three months, not letting the rush of the holidays be a barrier!
  3. When I am with those people, cherish every moment.
  4. Complete my annual “read through the bible” effort. I have done every year this for four years now, and it makes a huge difference in my life.
  5. Go see my grandma in Tennessee!
  6. Take in a few Chiefs games, and even take the time to put together an actual tailgate.
  7. Generate some ideas for my annual Christmas theme and act on making it magical for the family.
  8. Get to the Cider Mill, pumpkin patch and to my friend’s winery next door, which is so much fun!
  9. Review my ‘life plan’ and make sure I’m on top of my goals! “Achieve great success at work this quarter” is a big one.
  10. Make progress on my book, To Serve Well. I’m about halfway done right now.
  11. READ! I read 3-4 books per month, which is a terrific habit.
  12. Watch my Royals win the World Series… nothing wrong with having bold faith!
  13. And most importantly, love and cheer on my boys like it’s nobody’s business.

I’d love to hear a couple of yours – I am cheering you on.

Three reasons to celebrate at work

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I love hosting a version of this team-building exercise at work. It is a great example of celebrating others.

You simply take a large flip chart pad and put everyone’s names on them, post across the room, and then others go around with fun colored markers and write down the positive they see in their fellow team member. It is nothing but positive and it accomplishes so much! Both the writer and the receiver feel GREAT in the end!

Today, we will wrap up the series on celebrations. I feel there is so much left on the table with this topic, so I’m glad New Year’s is a mere three months away, as I’ll surely hit it again!

Here are three really good reasons you should plan a celebration today  (by the way, the reasons to celebrate are true in virtually any setting):

CELEBRATIONS… 

  1. CREATE MOMENTUM! One of my favorite life experiences so far was attending the speed skating event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It was a scene of ongoing celebration. What I learned was that for the Netherlands, speed skating is their national sport, much like baseball or football in America. I loved the sea of orange representing their national colors and the celebration that ensued at every play.  The celebration and cheers created momentum and ultimately helped them no doubt to achieve a medal on that winter day! When taking time to celebrate others we are in essence “cheering” them on to their next victory. We all need more victories!
  2. YOUR CULTURE DEPENDS ON IT! The Ancient Greeks initiated the Olympics in great part to promote peace during wartime. It was a chance to pause and allow disparate agendas to come together. The culture of our nations are notably more positive during these international games! I think a terrific example of planned celebrations. An old leadership adage (also applicable to parenting and friendship) is “What we focus on expands.” If we focus on creating an environment where we celebrate each other we are focusing on something we all want to expand and be a part of:generating positive energy, and thus, a positive culture. 
  3. MAKES US ALL BETTER! “A rising tide rises all boats.” We have all heard this and it’s one to always remember. This one is short, because of how obvious it is: we must be the ones that ‘raise’ the tide. Celebrations are one way to do this!

Have a strong wrap to your week and I hope many celebrations have ensued so far! I’d love to hear how you have celebrated, both small and large!