To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

Simple Thoughts Sunday

blog_850025_2969749_1477246225

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

Experiences when God uses them =  Prepares us for our calling.

This is a great simple thought for this Sunday! I finally took the time to grab a hold of the classic book “The Hiding Place,” which I’m sure most of you are familiar with. This is the story of the Ten Boom family during World War II and their underground work to help Jews escape the Nazi occupation. The book is both disturbing and hugely important. The detail of t he persecution and the many who God used to help their neighbors, some known and many unknown, is a beautiful story of humanity and love over pure evil. The story captures what I like to feel is the spirit of the men and women that God created.

I felt like the quote above was perfect for a Sunday insight because, quite simply, Corrie, who led the movement and herself survived Hitler’s concentration camps, lived so deeply with God’s word and in return he spoke clearly to her and created pathway after pathway to help her do this gripping work. She also ultimately survived unfathomable conditions when she herself ended up in the camps, dodging death time and time again.

For me, the way she and their family adored the word of God was a huge lesson. In the US, we are blessed to have free choice to read what we want to read and to embrace our own beliefs. That is a truth that all surely don’t know. We should consider this deeply.

I myself belief that God will use us to do his work if we follow his lead. Through fellow believers, the scriptures, prayer and a variety of ways, if we pay attention intentionally then he will speak to us and prepare us to use our gifts to make a difference in our lifetime.

Get ready for an amazing week! Let’s make it so!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Iron indeed sharpens Iron

blog_846930_2967466_1476570633(Photo creds: Pinterest)

I can’t imagine my life without those that surround me and sharpen me. It is one of the lessons I try to impart upon my boys, although, for boys I know it is different. Boys don’t naturally share with one another like girls do, but it is just as important for them. God designed us this way.

Today, I thought it would be a great time to just sit down and make a list of those that have sharpened me and when possible send them a quick thanks…

To the teacher that invested in my life, drawing out a young girl, inspiring, pushing gently, pulling at times, but always encouraging, thank you!

To my sister who was and is the one who has the “hard conversations” and who also celebrates life’s important moments with us, thank you!

To the gals in my personal tribe, friends from many groups… WOW… I am far better because of all of you, thank you!

To my many peers at work… I couldn’t begin to list them, but I think of early mentors, both nice ones and the ones that seemed to be a little too tough on the younger generation… I especially appreciate those lessons now and glad there was a balance, thank you!

To my mentors or mentees… I have learned an equal amount from each of them, thank you!

To my boys who bring an entire new meaning to to “sharpen” and “iron” – haha! They have always pushed me to be the best version of myself from early morning feelings, to late night talks about college life… (And I won’t give up on the whole “boys need to be in community too” part…) Thank you, boys!

Who has “sharpened” you… raised the bar… elevated your “game”? I bet they’d love to hear from you this week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: ENLARGE YOUR TENTS!

blog_844702_2965112_1476031377

(Photo Creds: We Heart It)

This is SUCH A STUNNING SCRIPTURE! I had never really had it enter my mind fully until three or so years ago and then I only caught on to part one. I love how God shines a light on some things/ideas/etc at just the time we need them. When I was transitioning to a new role, this scripture served as a validation that I was indeed being obedient to what I thought was God’s direction or calling.

What I wanted to share with you all today was an “add-on” I just learned last weekend. So, if you really pay attention to the entire scripture, and not just the part that appeals to you, it goes on to say what would be required when enlarging your tent. The part I find the most significant is the idea of STRENGTHENING YOUR STAKES. In other words, go DEEP.

As it was explained to me, the larger your tent (when God gives you more responsibility, etc.), the more the winds will blow you around, and therefore the greater need to have secure and deeper stakes, tight cords… SECURED, LOCKED IN and LOCKED DOWN. NOW THAT IS HUGE!

How could I have missed it? Right there in front of me, in the very same scripture, God gives such clear directions. When we are “enlarging” (and that can be anything by the way – another child, a grandchild, a new role, a new place to live, a new financial responsibility, etc.), we MUST STRENGTHEN our minds and soul. How do you do this? Scripture, living in a community with people that lift you up and guide you and support you, ongoing learning, etc… There are so many opportunities to choose what methods work best for you!

FOR ME, I am deciding to GO DEEP in the word and in surrounding myself with people that hold me accountable and challenge me … I want to be STRONG and I want to endure the wind and storms well! If I can do that, I can serve well… Which is the whole point!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Our greatest hope!

blog_842603_2961876_1475426740(Photo Creds: We Heart It)
I couldn’t NOT use this incredible promise in my blog during this election season.

I’m not sure about you all, but I watched the debate closely last week, and am trying to really understand the various positions and I am finding myself without a lot of answers. I was at the Joyce Meyer Conference this weekend and Christine Caine, an Australian powerhouse preacher, spoke. All of 5 feet 3 inches and 130 pounds of her shook the room with this timely reminder. It was exactly what I needed to hear and I hope that you would also feel the POWER in this truth.

She continued with a few others statements that I loved…

“The world is not falling part, it’s falling into place.”

“God is as big as he needs to be, but the question is: How big is He to you?  (And God knows we need him to be BIG, REALLY BIG at this time in our COUNTRY.)”

So, on this beautiful Sunday, I’m going to keep it short with this simple thought, and pray that you all will join me in believing that we TRULY DO have GREAT HOPE! Make it an AMAZING WEEK!!!

Simple thoughts Sunday: Where there is unity, God commands blessing

blog_840039_2959603_1474826793

(Photo Creds:  Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC)
I had the great opportunity to attend Code Orange Revival, in Charlotte, North Carlina last weekend. When I was a little girl, I feel like we attended several of these, but perhaps the one or two I went to were powerful enough for me to recall them clearly. This particular one provided 10 nights of, for the most part, well known spiritual leaders and pastors from across the world. It was powerful and if you have time on your hands and need to hear some inspiring thoughts, check out the speakers on their website.

Within a day of the close of that revival in Charlotte, the city experienced protests and rioting due to the shooting of a 43-year-old man who allegedly wielded a gun that he wouldn’t put down upon request. It’s so discouraging to see the unrest in our country and the pain that is held by so many. Most of it for good reason, although often hard for all of us to understand.

I loved this post from Elevation that came out this week on unity. It’s true and I believe we need to find faith and action in the very thought. The Bible tells us over and over again that we must unite with one another. I feel this more strongly now than ever.

America is such an incredible country. We owe it to those who built this nation to go back to the basics, so to speak, and honor timeless teachings. Our Pledge of Allegiance IS AWESOME… “ONE NATION, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY and JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

I believe in this promise that God will command blessing over UNITY.

So, what can we do? What should we do? We must pray for God’s direction and stand up and use our voices so that all generations can continue to have the privelege to live in such a GREAT COUNTRY.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The Power In Vision

(Photo Creds: My iPhone, believe it or not! Cool picture from last weekend in Northern Idaho. The water was that blue, and the mountains that clear. God’s pure beauty showing off.)blog_837852_2957228_1474207925
I am going to be sticking with the theme of VISION this week. We all need a vision, and there is biblical support of that truth. This is true whether we live in a retirement community, on a boat, on a college campus, or in our homes and workplace.

At all times in human history, we have survived and thrived through the power of VISION. We must focus on three key things around VISION:

  1. Seeing and clarifying the vision:Just where does God want me to go? For me this has only been made clear through the reading of scripture and other books, podcasts, sermons, etc., that seem to be delivering to me consistent and similar messages. This is how I know it is a vision I need to follow.
  2. Owning the vision: In other words, being obedient to the vision. If we want to truly move forward from whatever it is, we have to take action and today generally is better than tomorrow (or putting it off.)
  3. Energizing and Inspiring others and their visions: I happen to believe we are all designed to help others. It’s the only way this world has ever worked brilliantly. Whether it’s lifting someone up on your shoulders, or locking arms and walking through a situation together, or words of encouragement as they press on. Regardless of the way this is done, our actions are CRITICAL.

This has been a bit more than a “simple thought,” so I’ll press pause and continue Tuesday.

Have an amazing week and my prayer is that your vision would be made clear if it is not and that you make it a priority to continue to follow where God leads you and make a difference in our generation. There is so much power in that.

The Amazing Race

blog_823565_2939576_1470615444

I’m not sure if you had the opportunity to watch the Opening Ceremoney of the summer Olympics on Friday, but it was crazy good.

Some of the beginning was a little confusing, but art IS in the eye of the beholder and I’m confident that was art! My favorite part is the countries walking in and being recognized. The meaning of that moment for them… the culmination of a dream and the anticipation of their race. (Also the pure FUN that is evident and the momentum building….)

I think we could all benefit from having a moment like that. Maybe a moment like that every day.

As we get ready for work, school or to go out and serve our community, what if we thought of the day as “pressing on” with the ultimate goal to use our God-given gifts in the best possible way. That is actually what we are doing, so why not live it out in that narrative.

This week let us all try this out. Start your days with an intentional thought of how today is the day you are pressing on… you are going to nail it… to serve your purpose well… BETTER THAN WELL…. GREAT!

I’m cheering you on!  Have an amazing race!

(Photo creds: We Heart It)

Simple Thoughts Sunday – Memorial Day

blog_801317_2913198_1464525790

Memorial Day is about honor.

As we kick off this week, focused on honoring those that have served our country and lost their lives in that service, I pray that we will all consider the impact this sacrifice has had on our lives. In America, we experience freedom of every possible type. This has come at a price. It will personally be a great joy to lift up to God my many thanks for this gift. My gift in return will be to not only live a life of excellence, but to inspire others to do the same.

Let’s make this week all about HONOR. One of my favorite discussion topics, because we need to keep it front and center.

Have an amazing long weekend to those who will experience that – I pray that you will be refreshed and in spirit of taking time to honor those God has placed in our paths.

(Photo credit: We Heart it)

Plan on finishing!

blog_792044_2893278_1461514568

I so love this. Caleb was 85 years old when he made this statement. Today, to meet an 85 year old who has that type of robust strength is rare. Even in the biblical time period according to references this was true. What was the difference?

Surely, we all have our ancestors to thank for some of our genetic make up. In this case however, there are two key things that I feel need pointed out…

  1. Boldness: “I am just as vigorous.” – He made a choice not to back down in anyway.
  2. Faith: “Perhaps the Lord will be with me…” (Verse 12) – He decided to claim the promises and take the land.

I want to be like Caleb and FINISH STRONG INSIDE AND OUT. We all need to do this in order to live the life God intended for us all!  Where do you need to be bold this week? We have all been given the promises, we just need to decide to GO AFTER THEM STRONG.

Now… GET OUTSIDE and build the strength necessary to do just that!

(Photo credit: We Heart It)

Why you need to ‘deload’ this month

blog_784543_2883135_1459823142

As I shared on my “Simple Thoughts Sunday” post, I am really excited about this “deloading” idea.

I only recently became familiar with the term as it relates to physical training. If you are wondering what it means, it is pretty much how it sounds: A short planned period of RECOVERY! The idea is to take your training a bit lighter, and ease up on your body. In this category it lasts about a week. So, this idea of “RECOVERY” is sounding pretty good right now! Anybody with me?

Why do it? So we can become our best! Seriously, if anyone runs at a reasonably fast pace, you know that you can only do it for so long before you realize you really are not playing at your best every single day. At some point if you don’t stop and “deload,” your body (or mind) will give you a gentle nudge (or maybe not so gently), and you will find yourself crying uncle.

We can do this in a number of ways. Tim Ferriss, the author of the famous, “4-Hour Workweek” shared some insights in his blog on Friday. If you don’t want to take the time to follow the link, I have summed up some of the ideas I loved:

  1. YOU MUST SCHEDULE AND DEFEND YOUR DELOADING PHASE! DEFEND! I LOVE THAT!
  2. You need room to ask “WHAT IF” without a conference call scheduled in 15 minutes.
  3. You must create large blocks of interrupted time….CREATE being the key word!

My favorite idea is his ultimate form of deloading, which is to play hard for two months, bringing your best game to all aspects of your life, and then to deload for a full month. I truly believe I could “up my game” if I was able to do that. Since my leader probably wouldn’t go for the idea – nor would my other obligations for that matter – here are some other thoughts:

  1. Screen-free Saturdays
  2. Allotted journaling time for the purposes of creative expression – minimum one hour block, daily
  3. Wednesday afternoon writing/brainstorming/thinking time – minimum two hour block

You get the idea… I seriously need to “deload” this month and I hope this resonates with you as well! If you are in KC, I hope you take up a Royals game while you are at it!

(Photo credit: My trusty iPhone at the Overland Park Arboretum on Sunday, April 3. Love these three sunbathing turtles! They are “deloading” I’m sure!)