To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Great is our God

I have heard this song so many times, and never thought of it in the way that was shared at Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia a year ago. Here’s what they shared:

Great is our God….

In where he has positioned us in this world.
(May we grow where he has planted us.)
In our relationships
In our careers
In our finances
In our dreams…

I absolutely LOVED THIS perspective.

Essentially, “great is our God” in all of the areas of our life. If we choose to focus on the good and even great, it can be found anywhere. We were all born at this specific time in the world for a reason, each with a destined purpose to love those around us and to achieve the purpose set for us by using the gifts we have been given.

To me, that is the fun part. Understanding both my gifts and the gifts of those God has put in my “circle of life” so to speak and working together to do something magical.

As you go into your week, go out and do something MAGICAL. Great is our God indeed.

Simple thoughts Sunday

Our human thinking is often so limiting. We question God and wonder where He is in all of “this.” Whatever “this” is in the moment. Do you ever stop and think maybe God is taking you on this path for a reason? Maybe you think you want something, and maybe God wants you to have something better? Something that might exceed our greatest desires? Steven Furtick’s message last week was incredible… Here was the takeaway (for me at least):

“Faith cannot rest in God fulfilling OUR agenda.” If we “zoom out” there may be a purpose that is greater and a plan that is bigger than we can even conjure up in our simple minds.

I am believing this today my friends. I often find myself in a place of wondering. It is a familiar and well-worn path in my mind, to question where God is taking me. Despite being under some great teachers in my life, I get dragged in by my own reasoning. I am grateful today that God’s logic is not even close to mine and that His ways are greater. I am counting on better paths and in God’s great design to exceed my wildest dreams.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A game-changing strategy

Wow – do I ever need to remember this. Honestly, I always have, but sometimes I really need it – like when all of the “stuff” that has been in the news this week strikes.

The scripture, found in James 1, actually has a bit more to say: “You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” I’m not much of the “angry” type, but the rest of that would be a solid idea for a tattoo (insert lol). This is truly profound guidance, whether it’s in a relationship or in the workplace, or simply “cocktail party” conversation.

So, how about you? Anyone else find this timely? One thing that I’m learning is the importance of not only being slow to respond, but in asking really thoughtful questions. Asking the right questions, with the intent to learn and understand can be just the game changer you need to elevate a conversation. With a life goal of “serving well” and truly coming alongside one another to make each better, this is a must-have strategy.

Praying for you all as you enter our first full week of March. Let’s go!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: What, God? What are you trying to teach me?

As most of the folks who hang with me know, I am committed to my faith and believe 100% that God is guiding me and all of us along our relative paths. I believe that we don’t encounter lessons that won’t be used to help provide a light for our path. That we don’t meet people we aren’t supposed to love and serve in some way.

I want to admit today that I have had many life moments that have left me wondering years later what the intended lesson was. What in the world am I supposed to learn from this? How do I grow, and how can I understand it more clearly? Perhaps, on this side of heaven, we don’t get that opportunity. Perhaps I’m not patient or haven’t arrived yet at the right timing. I’ve found that’s why it’s called faith.

There is fairly common scripture, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Today, regardless of what is going on in your life and where life has taken you, I pray that you will join me in believing that there is a plan and that the plan is for your good. I believe that it is for you to achieve your best self – the you that feels pure joy and love surrounding you deeply.

Cheering you on. Bold prayers my friends, bold prayers.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: “We gotta take care of each other.”

I have to tell you, I was absolutely stunned by the Grammy Awards this year. I honestly don’t remember watching them for long the last several years, but the opening act this year and the ever-incredible Alicia Keys had me hooked from the beginning. (I guess you don’t “age out” after all.)

So, the strong message to me was beyond music unifying, although it clearly has in every generation. It was about using your platform, whatever that is that God has given you, to improve our world. Lady Gaga, (who, by the way, is my surprise new love) used her stage to talk about mental health, compelling us all to take care of each other. I honestly have never met a person who didn’t need to hear this. Have you?

From the beginning of time, God instructed us to take care of one another. There are numerous scriptures, but here are a few of my favorites…

1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”

Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens…”

Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted…”

As a Christian, I rest in these truths. But I have friends from many beliefs and religions, and I believe the sheer majority of the world believes in this truth.

I hope as we go into a new week we can all be on the look out for how we can best “take care.” I also hope that we can shake off every bit of negative feeling that comes with asking for help. Many of my best days are because I did just that. We are not meant to do life alone.

Have the best of weeks.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Elevate the SPARKLE this week!

Who else is ready to “shake off” winter and bring on the sparkle of warmer days? That surely is a metaphor for life in general… Sometimes, we need to “shake” off a season and pray that God will provide some clear skies and brighter moments.

There is a great scripture that points us to the fact that God is pushing us toward sparkle toward a life fulfilled and joyful…

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4

I’ve heard this read at weddings, and at other celebratory moments in life – those “sparkling” moments, if you will. It strikes me that we need “every day sparkle,” like the kind that happens on a cold winter day. The kind that shows up when a fun song hits the radio, throwing you back to your youth, when “adulting” hadn’t quite taken hold. The kind that makes you smile. We need this truth today.

Today’s simple thought is this: I am praying over each of you right now that God might remove any “yuck” and provide a path of clarity, richness and pure DELIGHT for you and those you love. I hope you will join me in elevating the SPARKLE this week.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Trust the re-route

I absolutely love this.

Actually, let’s re-phrase that… I have grown to love the idea of this. God has taken me on some crazy paths in my life, and often they have (at least in the end) made sense. Some, on the other hand, make me wonder “what the heck was that all about?” Sure, the twist and turns of life are what makes it interesting, but also downright scary sometimes.

Yesterday, I came across a scripture (Exodus 14:13-14) that I have needed to remember many times in my life. Actually, make that two scriptures. The second, was on a sign over my bed at summer camp a few years ago. It was new to me, and one that has given me great comfort in those scary times.

The first: “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” Isn’t that amazing? I have often needed God to be on a rescue mission for me and those I love. In fact, as I type this, I have several friends going through pure hell who are in need or rescue. I’m praying this over them right this minute.

The second: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” WOW. That is the one that hung over my bed. I walked into the room for night one of camp and while I’m not sure what season I was in on that day, the message sunk deep in my soul. I know I needed to surrender and let Him do the fighting. My human spirit had had enough, and could no longer muster up the strength to take on whatever giant I was trying to take to battle. I needed to surrender.

As you go through this week and connect with others, I hope that you will keep these two front and center. Trust the re-reroute. God has you and those whom you love absolutely covered. When trust is hard – because for me, it always is for some reason – remember that He is fighting for you. Stay calm and watch.

Have a simply beautiful week.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Our thoughts are powerful

Our thoughts have the ability to consume our lives – literally.

Our thoughts keep us up at night, and can cause us to drift off and end up in our driveway without remembering the drive home. Our thoughts can both energize us and make us physically sick. The Bible verse above continues on to say that we must take every thought “obedient to Christ.” The intent, to be sure our thoughts are leading us in the direction God would want us to go.

Lysa Terkeurst, a best-selling author, reminded me recently that “as we think, we eventually act.” That was powerful to me, and perhaps will be to you as well. As most of you know, on Sundays I keep it brief. Today, I am leaving this with you with this very idea…

Let us all be more in tune with our thoughts.

Are they leading you where you know in your heart you are supposed to go or are you unsure? If you are unsure, I would point you to prayer and reading God’s word or seeking the input of someone you know has a strong spiritual life that can come alongside you to help. I am confident they would be happy to! That’s what we are all here for… to help, encourage and elevate.

Have a great week and know that you have an army of people cheering you on and praying for your great success.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Stay expectant

“For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5 NLT

Living in a state of “EXPECTANCY” is important. We are reminded in scripture that God is always working in the background of our lives, creating, orchestrating and helping us navigate sometimes-tough terrain. He sends angels to protect us and to comfort us, and he clears our paths and minds so we can see more clearly and make better decisions. He elevates us by amplifying our strengths at just the right time, and turns even the bad situations we find ourselves in at times, into a story and lesson that helps us and future generations.

Expectancy is one of my dear friend’s “word of the year.” It is a good word for all of us. Leaning in to EXPECTING God to show up and to lead us is something that would make all of our years so much better. Expectancy brings us anticipation and hope in the knowing that everything is being worked out for our good. All we need to do (I know this is really hard!) is exercise faith by moving forward positively and by doing the “next best thing” that we feel God is calling us toward. You will be amazed how he will not only work out the details, but they will be perfect for your life at this specific time.

As I close this, I am expectant that our Kansas City Chiefs win the big game tonight! Fully knowing that we will put it all on the field and together, the city will rise in energy and admiration for the incredible season we have all had the opportunity to take a part in! Regardless of the outcome, this is Chief’s Kingdom… EXPECTANT. (If you are reading this from another area, insert the power of your COMMUNITY!)

Decide today that it is going to be an INCREDIBLE WEEK! #LET’SROLL!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: What does a victorious life look like?

WOOHOO! I’m 13 days into my annual Daniel Fast as you read this (assuming I make it a few more hours today… I have to say, not giving in to nachos at the Chiefs playoff WIN was a challenge). I often have people ask what I am “learning” during the fast, and I have to say so far it has been pretty clear that God is calling me to pray more specific prayers.

What does victory look like your life? What prayers might you ask that would provide that for you? I heard someone once ask “What would change in the world if all of your prayers were answered tomorrow?” Would they change your world, or would they go deeper and make our world better? That always gets me, because I definitely need to work on that!

I’m ready to step into this week asking for some clear and specific outcomes. I know God isn’t a genie and isn’t going to answer them all right away, but I fully believe that He will provide a clear “go ahead” or a clear “no” at the right time. I also believe that whether I like the response or not, the answer is perfect for me at this point in time.

“Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7

I for sure am praying for VICTORY for all of our lives as we embark on another week, and another opportunity to make a difference in the world we’ve been assigned.