To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Serve Well

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The many faces of “mom”

There are way too many days to pick just one to honor the moms out there. Alas, today in America we pay a special tribute.

I am incredibly grateful to have my mom still. She is strong and courageous, and I hope to celebrate her often!

In today’s blog, though I thought we should look a bit broader.

I love this picture because it reminds me of one of my favorite roles: dog mom! That’s a fun example of one of the many mom roles that happen across our communities. We have the teachers and nurses (a special shout out to both professions that we recognized this week across our country) who nurture and hold us accountable to grow in knowledge and health. Needless to say, this was highlighted tenfold this past year!

We have the “bonus” moms and grandmothers who didn’t physically carry a child, but who stepped into a role that they embraced daringly. (God bless you all!) We have the aunts, the co-workers, the neighborhood moms, and a host of other women who play a big part in helping raise our younger generations. It takes a village, after all.

Today, I hope you will reach out to the ladies who have helped you out along the way. Perhaps also to someone you know others may not think to honor. (I guess I may even have to acknowledge the “cat” moms out there?! Kidding, kidding!)

Have the best week!

Stretch your body…stretch your mind

Stretch your body…
Stretch your mind…
Stretch your impact!

Happy Sunday! I’m all in on the blue zones and this wonderful photo of an older man stretching was just the inspiration I needed for today’s post. 

It’s spring, which is such a refreshing time, in part due to the ability to get outside more and move our bodies. Once we amp up the movement, it becomes clear fairly quickly that we might benefit from stretching to alleviate tight and sore muscles. It’s no surprise that one of the guiding principles of aging according to Blue Zones is stretching in order to maintain flexibility and mobility. Believe it or not, it also improves our energy levels. I’m all in for natural energy boosters! 

This idea of stretching has my mind bending toward what areas of life would also benefit from stretching. To me, knowledge is what I hope to stretch in the most. I am an avid reader already, which is the single best thing I can do to expand how I think, and learn from brilliant minds in so many areas. In today’s world where we are hit on all sides with headlines or just short bursts of information it’s really hard to know what to believe without diving in. To me, this is among the top five challenges of our life time. We all would be better if we committed to actually exploring and thinking  deeply about topics that impact our conversations and lives. We would be better yet if we actually study different points of view so we can embrace a larger perspective.

All in, I believe we can make a great impact by stretching! I am praying I can do so in the right directions and that God will lead me at every turn.  Have the best week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Acts of kindness belong at the top of our to-do list

“Outdo one another in honor.” Romans 12:10

This verse… is my life verse. This verse has the power to change the world alone. It gives us clear instruction to be devoted to one another in love and honor. It showcases that our humanity is here to help each other rise above and face both challenges and celebrations by turning our attention off of ourselves and on to the people God surrounded us with…even if we may not support their approach or their actions.

My dear friend Mindy Corporon is the most courageous and honoring person I know. Mindy’s story is known by many in our community, and now around the world. Her son and father – along with another lady in Kansas City – were brutally killed by a man whose life was infiltrated with hate. Her choice was to focus on the above – to love and to develop understanding, ultimately allowing her to get to honor. That’s a heavy story and the boldest example of what it means to love even though we flat out don’t want to. The significance of that cannot be described.

A part of this journey has resulted in the Faith Always Wins Foundation and Seven Days – Make a ripple, change the world. This week (or in a pandemic year- a couple of weeks …) is set aside each year to bring our community together to focus on how we get to love and honor by raising our awareness of our differences and embrace all who are walking this journey with us.

Acts of kindness are the ultimate example of living this out. They bring hope to the room, elevate the energy around us and even save lives.

So, what’s your act of kindness going to be? I think we need to start each day with this at the top of our to do list. There is no better time to spread love in every space we enter. Have the best week!

It’s time to add some fun to your calendar

I was in a conversation recently asking a friend what they are excited about. They honestly couldn’t think of anything. Have you ever been there? It’s been a long year plus and endless unknowns have created many to pause on planning pretty much anything!

I was thrilled to see that schools are actually planning to have graduations this year. The bottom line is that big and small “events” alike are important and are a significant part of the human experience.

“Studies from Cornwall University have found those who (for example) plan a trip in advance, experience better feelings about their social situation, economic means, state of health and life life in general.” (via goodnewsnetwork.com). When we have something to look forward to, we are filled with a sense of anticipation and even excitement. It can make the days leading up better and brighter.

Todays’ brief insight is focused on our mental health. Sure, it takes intention and planning, but regardless if it’s a staycation, a weekend getaway or a lifetime trip, (or not even a vacation at all, but a fun lunch or day out with those who bring you energy!) we will be happier and healthier if we take time to add some FUN AND JOY to our calendar. If you happen to take care of parents or loved ones in anyway, or even have young adults in your life, it would be good to see what they are planning, or help them come up with something to look forward to! There are so many opportunities at all price levels from free (well, maybe some gas in the car…) on up, so don’t let that be a deterrent.

I for one have a wedding I get to attend this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited to share in this love story. Praying for you all as you wrap the week and hoping to hear your adventure stories along the way!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A focus on Lent

Happy Sunday, everyone!

As I mentioned before, I am going all in on this season of Lent. Those of you who follow my Instagram have probably already seen this, but I am posting daily devotionals on my page. It’s giving me space to connect with the meaning of this season and I am loving it.

Today’s Simple Thought is short… Check out my Instagram daily devotionals if you’d like to follow along. During this season, I might post a little less regularly on my blog, so I would love to see you on my other platforms for now.

Cheering you on!

3 strategies to win the day

I am oftentimes reminded that we need to try to win each day, as tomorrow is never promised.

So, let’s jump in with some ideas around this thought!

  1. Start with what winning is to you! What brings you true joy? (Yes, that can include your career, school, etc.) Who are your “must haves,” as in I can’t imagine my life without [enter your closest friends and family names here]?
  2. Audit your schedule, specifically the last 90 days. Does how you spent your time line up with your definition?
  3. Align what your version of winning is with your next 90 days. Schedule that coffee date, start reading that book, connect with what or who fills your proverbial cup.

Here’s to a week filled with owning a life that allows you to full on seek and find joy.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Love, baby, love!

No surprises here with this message –– especially today! Most of us know that LOVING well is not only important, but it is the best part of life, without a doubt. When God surrounds us with the people we need to love on, our hearts overflow.

Today, I thought it may be good to talk about what that might look like when seasons change in our lives, be it a kiddo going back to in-person learning, mom or dad move into a retirement community… you get my drift. Transitions can take us off of our path. Like when your friend, family member or coworker isn’t responding how they normally would, or when your sweet little toddler develops their own opinions about… everything. It can be hard to know how to love well. Does anyone else feel that?

What comes to mind for me is that loving well is listening well. I sometimes get this right, but oftentimes not so much. Oftentimes, these big-life transitions and “impact seasons” have to be processed. Processing takes time and patience, and everyone is different in how they go about this. Some want to talk it out, some want to distract themselves, some want to run and hope they don’t ever have to deal it. No matter what, if we can just listen, observe, take it in and pray for a deeper understanding of how we can love the best “right now,” I believe God will provide us the direction we need to love well.

It may sound easy, like a simple thought, but honestly I feel this is the most challenging and intention is required. How can you listen well and love well this week?

I hope you have a blessed and love-filled Valentine’s Day, friends!

What stories call you to action?

(Photo courtesy of every other media outlet in America… Thank you, Google.)

This blog title has been on my phone and ready to use for quite some time. It turns out the time is now.

So, what stories call you? I mean, what stories, keep you thinking… they aren’t fleeting, and have staying power. The stories from the past that you share with mentees, children, colleagues, friends? The stories that light a fire and capture your imagination? Both types create life and those stories are what bring us together. In telling our stories, we are able to share what we’ve learned, bring laughter, healing and meaning to others. In hearing a story that ignites a flood of hope and makes us want to jump in, we are compelled to act.

If you haven’t yet heard Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb,” that she read at the inauguration last week, stop what you are doing and watch. After that, spend some time researching her story. I didn’t see any other part of the events on Inauguration Day yet, but a clip on Twitter left me wanting more. I found myself sending it to my tribe and running to Amazon to order her upcoming books. It left me with such hope for this coming generation, that I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Amanda Gorman represents what is good and what is the America that I know and love. I know I’m only one of many new fans* of Ms. Gorman. I hope the message she shared sits with our country for eternity. The multiple messages speak to life in general and to a nation’s opportunity ahead. (*She went from a few thousand followers on Twitter to 1.4 million this week –– and 2M new instagram followers, according to Buzzfeed.)

No matter what stories call you to action, it is helpful to identify them. Are there themes? Your dad’s classics? A story of how someone helped you grow? A story of a prayer warrior that inspired you to know the value of praying for others? Themes perhaps of humor, purpose, inspiration? Tell those stories. Share them early and often. Take time to honor new ones in the mix. Stories are how we learn. Every worthy book, ancient and new, brings us to the table through story. Stories call us to action and, like Gorman’s beautiful reciting of meaningful words, give us hope and meaning. What could be better?

Here’s to a wonderful week ahead! So thankful for the Kansas City Chiefs and their AMAZING game Sunday and the spirit of our great city.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: March out BOLDLY

Thank you to the @chiefs app for the image

By far one of my favorite parts of being at Arrowhead (or really any football stadium) is when the players run on to the field from the locker room. The Kansas City Chiefs come out with fire and smoke and the environment is electric! They march out with straight-up bravado and an obvious pursuit of winning. Isn’t that what we all want each day? To “suit up” and go after it? To be confident and bold in our knowing that no matter what the day brings, that God has provided for us all that we need?

One of my favorite parts of having the fortitude (yes, for me it takes endurance to plow through year after year) in reading the Bible and trying to get to a deeper understanding is that you happen across the most amazing scriptures. They seem to be freshly planted just for me for this moment in time. I came upon one of those this week, and it couldn’t be more relevant for the launch of a new year and a new season.

“Don’t be afraid, DON’T WAVER. March out BOLDLY tomorrow, GOD IS WITH YOU.” (2 Chronicles 20:17 MSG)

I have learned not to take one scripture out and shine a light on it, without understanding and being sure the context is appropriate. Sure enough, this one is spot on. The topic is of a battle, where God is basically saying, “this is not yours to fight.” What if we prayed this prayer in the face of our concerns, challenges, fears? What if we put it in our phone and on our refrigerators or bathroom mirrors, as a reminder… “Dear God, I pray that I won’t be afraid, that I won’t WAVER, that I WILL MARCH OUT BOLDLY, and know that you are with me, no matter what me or my family faces today,” or “Dear God, I pray that our country, despite the many tensions we face, that our leaders and communities will not WAVER… but will see that this is your battle and they will MARCH OUT BOLDLY, and ask you to center them and be with them.”

I find great power in this. I find it to be a perfect reminder, that we should be praying boldly. Like in this story, God has repeatedly said that He will fight our battles… If we can make praying this scripture an intention this week, I feel it could be a game changer. No matter what happens on the “field” today or on the “fields” of our lives, we can know that God is with us. That, my friends, brings so much peace and joy.

Sending you BIG LOVE and BOLD PRAYERS today as I write this.

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!