To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

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!

Strengthen your spirit today

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

What a lovely scene in the picture above. The sun and the strength of the thoroughbred painted across a beautifully calm pasture.

Today’s post is around this idea of how we “steward” our light… What we offer up to our own souls and those God has surrounded us with on our journey. So, how well are you stewarding today?

By the way, a quick Google search helps frame up this role of a “steward” as: “A person who looks after the passengers on a ship for example… A person responsible for/managing…” Essentially, a person faithfully looking after what God has given him or her to protect and even grow.

Shaping the path of any given day requires a commitment that we make to ourselves. We make this silently, in the quiet of our meditations or prayers as we go to bed and rise each day. The thoughts that we allow to run wild as we drive, or walk or otherwise navigate our cities and communities. Pastor Adam Hamilton shares that he asks each morning that God would be with him on his mission for the day. I find that to be profound. I find that any power to steward well comes from God speaking through me, whether by word or action.

We have this enormous opportunity to “be the light.” As we go into this week and this season, let us be mindful that this is a gift and that it requires a steadfast dedication as it has for centuries on end, for everything and everyone from thoroughbred horse breeding operations, to NFL football clubs, to local business owners; to teenagers, seniors and every age in between… We collectively can bring the brightest light together if we choose. I pray that our actions bring forward the most powerful joy and light to all around our community.

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!

Simple thoughts Sunday: The more we learn, the more we don’t know

Nature. Isn’t is fabulous? Spring offers us this amazing opportunity to witness new life and to revel in it’s magic. The complexity of life seems to become more intriguing with each year. Those in the field of science, are learning that what we we were taught in high school about the basic structure of protons, neutrons and electrons, is perhaps only the tip of the iceberg. They have discovered a new level of dimension through the “muon” particle, and what that tells us that there are more forms of matter and energy that are still yet to be discovered. It’s pretty cool. (I hope that energy is the kind I need more of! :)) I stand in amazement and AWE of God’s design work.

That may seem “heady” to many, but I hope it’s simple enough to explain the intended insight today, which is that life, in all of its form, is complex and beautiful and that we should not stop discovering at any age. God continues to teach me and that is often done thru reading, the stories of others, and simply observing the amazing orchestration of the world around me.

One of the fun parts of our expanded universe – thanks to the online community – is that we have a whole world at our fingertips… literally. I learned this week about some live nature webcams, that are fascinating, whether you are simply intrigued, or if you want to just sit in simple amazement.

For my sister, who loves hummingbirds…(if you see her, ask her about her incredible hummingbird story!). You can find three different live hummingbird cams here.

For those sea adventures, watch sharks in the Atlantic, among other amazing creatures here. (You can also view the Redwood Forest, California on this site also…very cool.)

And of course, our national parks are perhaps our greatest asset as a country. (It’s also one of my dreams to adventure through them all via an RV with some good friends and family!) You can access their many nature livestreams here.

With the weather warming up, you could also find your own adventure in your own city. According to KC Trail Link, here in Kansas City we have 71 trails and 508 miles of parks, trails and stream to explore. Get out there and look up, look down (hint: turn over the rocks and see what interesting animals you might find…). and allow your soul to be immersed in God’s most beautiful work. Indeed, the more we learn, the more we realize that this universe is only a hint of what there is to know. I kind of love that truth!

The gifts of Easter

Sharing this throwback Easter post from 2020 that still feels like the message we need in 2021. Praying for you and cheering you on!

What does it mean to “have life” and “have it to the full?” This jumped out at me as if reading it for the first time this morning.

If I close my eyes and dwell on that for a moment, I see all that is bright, good, joyful. I see a day at the lake with family and friends. I see our college tribe laughing endlessly. I see my boys on soccer and lacrosse fields and, at this age, seeing their dreams come true after endless hours of studying. I see every post-holiday meal conversation in the living rooms of my grandparents, parents and sister. I see rollercoasters and oceans and the kindness of a door being opened for a young mom. I see an older couple, still nurturing and loving one another, hand in hand, despite those years that have not been filled with joy.

What do you see? What is a full life to you? It’s freeing to stop and think about what a full life is, and even going so far as to contemplate what areas of life aren’t quite full right now.

My belief is that God sent his son to live and to die – and of course, the best part: to be resurrected – so that we truly could have life. As our creator, He knew our fragilities and had a plan for that. A plan, that despite what we have gone through, would mean that we would be able to find ourselves in communion with Him. And in doing so, we would find peace, joy, and outrageous and indescribable love. His desire is for us to live fully and bring forth all of the gifts and promises to us, and by using us to bring light to every conversation and to every person across the world.

Wherever this Easter Sunday finds you, know that you are loved beyond your comprehension. Also know that in every season there is JOY- It often comes after a season of rain in the most glorious way. We can know that to be true thanks to the Easter story! My prayer is that his promises fall fresh upon you today.

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!

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!

The alchemy of a hustler

Alchemy = chemistry… transformation …

We all transform over time. We all learn, grow and adapt. The Kansas City Chiefs have certainly done that, and there are many lessons to be filtered out of their pursuit of another winning season. As most of you know, it’s been literally decades getting us to this place, with many twists, turns and absolute disappointments along the way. There was no magical “arrival,” but a transformative process that occurred methodically and with a commitment to overcoming and achieving. Regardless of what happens tonight, we have arrived at this point and should not only revel in it, but pay attention to the story that got us here.

Since you could literally fill a bucket with story lines and pick any one out, I decided to focus on Tyrann Mathieu’s (pronounced like “Matthew”) incredible transformation. Mathieu, aka “the Honey Badger” or the “Landlord” is a team captain and his enthusiasm is so strong it pours over into our homes. His life, initially rooted in chaos, covered by an intense article highlighted in Sports Illustrated last year takes us through all of the pain and then ultimately to the epic 2020 Super Bowl win:

“Tyrann Mathieu looked up, past the red-and-gold confetti falling from the sky, and saw only stars, like the whole galaxy had been lit. He could hardly speak. He couldn’t move. The screaming fans, the euphoric teammates, the thuds of bass coming from the speakers –– it all faded into a dreamlike silence. Mathieu asked himself a question he already knew the answer to: ‘How in the world did I end up here?‘”

Transformation stopping points:

  • A family turned upside down (his father was in prison, and his mom dropped him off for his grandparents to raise –– feels like abandonment)
  • Death of friends in the neighborhood (Mathieu has the 20 names all who died prior when he left for college all tattooed on his leg)
  • Failed drug tests (at least 10)

PIVOT…

  • Finding his voice with the help of a spiritual advisor, a naturopathic doctor and a mindfulness coach… a movement partly fueled by the notion that “happiness is an inside job.”
  • A commitment to vulnerability and “Holding a magnifying glass to his battered soul.”
  • Teammates circling him in support and encouragement.

I especially liked these two excerpts from the article: “Tyrann Mathieu can hardly recognize previous iterations of himself,” and “He became vulnerable in ways teammates never could have expected, sharing his story and his path- and how he took back control. He became a walking self-help book, it’s dust jacket covered in scars.”

The story resonates.

He has taken all of these transformative elements and has become a voice for social justice and a literal guardian over the peace and energy of the Kansas City Chiefs entire team and staff. Powerful.

We all transform. We all have stories. Please note the key themes, that align with often discussed topics on this blog:

  • Share your story to both continue learning and to heal (yourself and others)
  • Allow a “community” or a “tribe” to surround you and help you grow and achieve your purpose and best self.
  • Commit to using your story to serve and elevate others.

As we go into the game tonight, and the week ahead, I hope that we are all able to truly venture past the highlights and into the “grit” that brings us to this point in our lives. As we look at our own “alchemy” … what is our next step in “EPIC?”

Sending BIG LOVE and ENERGY to you all today. #SuperBowlSunday21 #THISISCHIEFSKINGDOM

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Time under tension creates strength

Good ole’ Job in the Bible had the absolute hardest luck. It seems he was under what most of us would consider torture and for days on end (AKA time under tension). His friends questioned his integrity and actions, assuming he must have done something in the eyes of God to deserve such a tragic episode of events. (If you aren’t familiar, think extreme illness, death of all close loved ones, etc. It was BAD!) He was in a bad way, and yet was able to keep his focus centered on God’s goodness…truths he had known throughout his life. He intentionally kept his attention clear and lived in full dependence on God’s promises. His actions are remarkable, given the human condition normally causing us to stir… to doubt… to question.

A week doesn’t go by where someone in my path is sharing how they just cannot believe we are still in this pandemic situation. They are anxious to somehow find themselves out of these restrictions, and back in a large crowd of people, enjoying live music, and sharing meals and drinks with lots of hugging, reveling, etc. That generally goes along with thoughts on just how many people have died and those who may still die… and a desire for good information that helps our minds make sense of it all. A flat out desire for clarity around a clear path forward.

Regardless of where you are in this season, it is true that we do not know how long or to what extent we will continue to encounter the new world we find ourselves in. What we do know is that we have been under this tension for almost a year now, and yet we are still learning. We are building mental stamina and fortitude that will no doubt be necessary tools as we move through our life journey. I have full faith that all of it will be used. I believe that, because no matter what I have gone through, it has all been used (every bit of it) for some greater good that I had no idea at the time would occur. (Perhaps an idea for another blog: the power of sharing our story with others…).

If you are a person of any faith, the Job story is there to show us how to persevere and to continue to be rooted in truth. To have the spirit, that “no matter” what comes our way, that we will continue to believe, and even be optimistic that something/someone much greater has a much larger view and is orchestrating the good and the bad together to create something we cannot even imagine.

Perhaps we needed more endurance skills, and to be reminded that being in pursuit of God is really the only way that we find true joy and purpose in life. I sure don’t know what the plan is, but I do know that I am focused on building strength in all keys areas of my life, with my faith being the most important area to continue to go deeper in. I am reminded early and often, that I have so much to learn. The depths of our faith and our lives can only grow with intention and action.

I hope that this week we are all able to take that in, and make the right decisions to ensure that we are taking this time of unknowns and intention and to seek God’s voice in all of it.

Also…one week until the SUPER BOWL! Let’s go CHIEFS!

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.