To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Serve Well

A great lesson from football!

I have always loved football and understand the basics of the game really well. I can thank my parents for that, who, before I was born, used to drive to another city and get a hotel just to watch the Chiefs play. That’s dedication, and was probably great fun for their generation.

We happen to have a great friend from our summer camp days that plays in the NFL as a defensive tackle. Understanding what that means is a whole other topic (reminder: I’m into basics). I didn’t really know, so my son gave me a great illustration to help me get it…

A defensive tackle, he said, is the guy who doesn’t really usually get the credit, but is setting his team up to succeed. He blocks, hopefully leaving an open path for pressure on the quarterback. How cool is that? My immediate thought was that this is the position we should all strive for: helping others to succeed, to win, to get the credit.

I was curious, so I consulted with the internet for some more fun, insightful and technical details…

  • The DT is typically the largest and strongest of the defensive players. (Well of course he is… it takes a big person to allow others to take the spotlight while you are a key building block for their success.)
  • They may be called to fill several different roles. (Always important. Flexibility to move and accommodate is critical to serving well….)

Have an awesome week! Let’s all go set someone up to succeed this week!

BE A DOOR OPENER

(Photo Creds: Purchased on Canva)

Vala Afshar is one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter. He is inspiring and thoughtful. Consider following him!

I have personally found this statement to be more than true. I know everyone is hitting the ground running this morning, so I am going to get right to the point. Who can you open a door for this week? We all have something to offer: career connections, personal hobbies, love for a child who could use an extra dose, wisdom in an area that needs sharing, and of course the door of encouragement is always needed.

As we think about “How do we serve well,” we SIMPLY MUST BE A DOOR OPENER and do SO INTENTIONALLY & GENEROUSLY!

Please let me know how you think about this topic? Have an AMAZING WEEK!

Celebration marks the moments of your life.

(Photo Creds: Cindy Reynolds and her lovely, and obviously fun, better half. Cindy and Dennis own Somerset Ridge Vineyards & Winery outside of Louisburg. It is beautiful, fun and one of the BEST KC experiences! Check it out.)

Okay, so for real… this eclipse experience was just FUN. I was on a plane, so did not get to experience it, however, the pictures were just a thrill to look at! I love it when everyone just stops and has FUN.

Props to the companies, schools and organizations that took the time to MARK THE MOMENT. Regardless if you are a science nerd and loved every minute of the details, or if you just wanted to don the cool glasses and join the festivities, it was something for everyone to celebrate! A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Celebrating is important! It is actually more than important and I need to do a better job of celebrating small moments. I actually decided I needed to ALWAYS have a bottle of pink champagne in my refrigerator to have on hand to celebrate the little things in our lives, family, neighbors, colleagues…

Here is a thought: How else can we make celebrating easy and top of mind? That’s the thinking for the day.

Celebrating is a GIFT we have on hand every day and week if we choose to use it! What do you need to celebrate? Seeking out the good in life is a key to happiness and to a life of serving others and yourself well.

Hello August!

(Photo Creds: We Heart It!)

Happy August ya’ll!

I don’t know about you, but July was both super long and also fleeting. I always have a bit of anxiety when July ends, because August seems to rush in with back to school and a lot of competing agendas in the workplace, community etc.

I always seem to be holding tight to the invisible rope attaching me to longer summer days and cancelled meetings due to vacation schedules. Summer is just a bit easier. August means we need to start the process of putting our game face back on and get fired up to make the last half of the year count! I’m ready – perhaps a little reluctantly! How about you?

So, here are some thoughts I have as we set ourselves up for GREAT SUCCESS in the last five months of 2017:

I think we need to start with a strong game plan. Not a multi-point strategic document, but a handful or less of key “must haves” for you to feel like you slayed the year in the best possible way.

Here’s my #1: Go BIG on PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS. Keep this top of mind, force it in my schedule, focus on my spiritual life, stop eating s***,  exercise more, challenge myself, renew my commitment to discipline in all things in this category… (Here’s the thing – I can’t do what I need and want to do without amazing health and energy, so it has to be #1)

Others on the list…

Stay focused on my “50 year” plan. That little document I put together to identify the 13 things I want to do this year leading up to my  big “50” in March… Let’s just say I’ve got some work to do.

Career growth. I launched a health care strategy company in May and need to get laser focused on where God wants this to go. It has a different “feel” or rhythm than my career so far, so I need to get in the “flow” of this new world!

Parenting. This is always a top priority because I want to be the best mom in whatever stage the boys are at. As they get older and they begin to take on this whole “adulting” thing, I need intention and guidance on how to step up in the best way possible. It’s always top of mind.

I think I have a few others, but the intent is to get you started with your “short” list this week. Let’s make every day count. I hope you’re reading this on a beach or lake somewhere and still soaking up summer. I pray it’s been ridiculously restoring and if not, that you figure out a way to carve out some time before the days shorten.

Always cheering you on!

– Lori

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.

Rewind: We need your voice

(Rewind: This is a relevant post circa June 2016)

I found this sign on my drive back from an appointment last week. I immediately did a U-TURN and turned around to go snap a picture. I know I have seen business owners/ churches, etc use their sign for humorous or inspirational messages before but this one is REALLY GOOD. It’s SIMPLE and YES, I do need to call my grandmother more often, and probably my dad for that matter. GREAT REMINDER, THANKS SONIC, I’LL DO THAT RIGHT NOW! IT’S IMPORTANT!

In addition to that thought, I am constantly thinking about how we should all use our voice. Whether you are America’s Drive-In, a 5 year old, or a 105 year old, God gave you a voice. Your voice is your point of view, your story, your contribution. The world needs it. Perhaps more than ever.

Our world is relying on it as a matter of fact. What insights do you need to offer your team at work? Your child? Your city? Raise your hand, write a letter, post a blog, tweet, Instagram or Snapchat. USE YOUR VOICE!

Simple Thoughts Sunday FUNDAY

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

A lot of people feel guilt for enjoying the gifts God has given us. I love the concept of “Sunday Funday” that became popular over the last several years. While Sunday is to be a day of Sabbath as a follower of God, it is also a day to get out there and HAVE FUN! To truly rest and refuel. One of the best ways I know to get truly refreshed is to have fun with people you love to be around.

As the scripture says, to “eat and drink” and enjoy what we have earned through working throughout the week. I hope that you have taken time today to HAVE FUN and if not, the night is still young!

Spontaneous acts are usually the MOST FUN. Grab your favorite and go get some ice cream, play Frisbee, take a walk… jump on the bed, catch fire flies… START YOUR WEEK OFF WITH CHILD-LIKE ENTHUSIASM!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Open the door

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

I love water… I’m more of a lake girl than the ocean, but even a pool, pond or hot bath present a breath of fresh air for me.  It was perfect sybolism for this post.

I love the idea of being able to allow him into our week by simply “opening the door”.

It’s true, we can make a conscious decision to ask Him to step right into our week. To help us find joy, be of service to others and yep, even to fight our battles, be it navigating through summer road construction or a full-frontal type.

My prayer today is that you will open that door, take a deep breath and know that in His full beauty and protection He is on the path with you.  Make it amazing.

Simple thoughts Sunday: Stay the course

(Photo Creds: We Heart It…quote from Brian Houston, Hillsong, Live Love Lead book)

I am often asked how I navigate life… You know, make life-changing decisions, dodge bullets, celebrate the good AND the bad.

I think it’s my age, as I recall being a decade (or three) younger trying to figure out this puzzle.  My answer today is always based on the insight in the quote on the photo. I have only been able to be successful in anything from raising my boys to growing in my career to caring deeply and giving generously to our community through the gift of God’s word.

To be honest, even though I’ve had a strong faith since I was I girl, I was well into my 30s before I was able to get past the first few chapters of the New Testament.

As far as the Old Testament, I quickly lost interest after the creation story. It just seemed too overwhelming and perhaps a bit boring and even unrelatable. Wow was I naive! The word of God is not only NOT BORING, but it is funny at times, and pours out advice for a life well-lived. It seems like every day, at least one of the scriptures in my reading (I follow the one-year Bible reading plan), I am confronted with something that seems to be timely to what I am going through. It is incredible how the world aligns and speaks so clearly through His word.

I always wanted that “proverbial billboard” to show up on my way to work and shout out my next round of advice… a vision… a message that validated where I thought I was supposed to go or not go. The amazing reality is it was right in my nightstand… waiting to be opened.

I encourage each of you if you don’t regularly read the Bible, to give it another chance. I had to get the new living translation (NLT) version because I needed the commentary at the bottom to understand much of the Old Testament, but it is probably my favorite now. I don’t know about you, but I could use God’s direction pretty much in every area of my life. It is amazing what you will find when you simply open the pages.

Have an amazing week! Two weeks until Easter… Hope is rising.

The Language of Rain

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Rain. Rain can be…

Generous

Giving

Replenishing…

And at the same time….

Painful

Desperate

Overwhelming….

I wonder if the language of rain helps us understand how we can wrap our heads around serving better. The picture painted in Ann Voskamp’s the Broken Way, is on point: “The abundant life doesn’t have a bucket list, as much as it has an empty bucket – the giveness of pouring out.” I for sure feel like my “bucket” is full when I am pouring out versus being poured upon.

Our lives certainly experience all matter of “rain,” both the refreshing kind and the drenching kind. Today, let’s focus on the filling/refreshing of others who are being flooded with life right now. I think it’s interesting that if you decide that you are going to be more aware of those in need, that you start to see need around every corner it seems. Honestly, I dare you to actually do this, because it shifts and shapes your own perspective. Your fellow co-worker, an extended family member struggling and sharing on Facebook, perhaps someone much closer. We need rain and we need each other to fill those buckets with encouragement and service.

Let’s go out today with the goal to REFRESH.