To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Top books for 2020

It’s mid-January and I am finally ready to share my top books.

I like to wait until the new year to do this because, well, you never know what that last book of the year will bring. It just so happens that I finished one of the best books I read all year on December 31.

We can find so much power in the books we read. The opportunity to learn and grow from others through reading is one of the best parts of life, from my experience. It’s like having a variety of mentors who offer valuable insights to propel you forward.

If you, too, are a reader of primarily non-fiction, this list may be helpful in picking your next “game changer.” If you aren’t a reader, then I have added a brief overview from a few of the books, to give you a flavor and perhaps pique your interest.

To give you some perspective, I read 49-ish books this year. So many good ones. If I had to sum it up, I’d say, in no particular order the top 13 would be:

  1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle
  2. Inspired by Rachel Held Evans
  3. See No Stranger by Valerie Kaur
  4. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson
  5. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emmanuel Acho
  6. Second Mountain by David Brooks
  7. How the Bible Actually Works by Peter Enns
  8. Breath by James Nestor
  9. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty
  10. The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner
  11. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
  12. As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene Peterson
  13. Manifesto for a Moral Revolution by Jacqueline Novogratz

Here are some of my insights into why:

Inspired (Rachel Held Evans): This is all about trying to find some solid ground when the Bible seems to create confusion at times, and the society around us often showcases faith as not bringing out the best of us… The trail this book led me on brought me to my word of the year, which is “deeper,” making it clear that I needed to work to understand context and history in order to truly understand. Honestly, I can’t wait for that education. This quote captured me immediately: “The Bible’s ancient refrains have given voice to the laments of millions of oppressed people and, too often, provided justification to their oppressors. ” Does that resonate with anyone else? That only touches the surface. Evans absolutely slays this book and calls us to be better and smarter and not accepting of everything at face value without challenging ourselves to further exploration.

See No Stranger (Valerie Kaur): I had the opportunity to hear this author speak way before the book came out at one of the “Seven Days: Make a ripple, change the world” events. Kaur is a renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker and civil rights attorney. This intro at the front of the book highlights well the crux of the story: “(she) declares revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents and to ourselves. It enjoins us to see no stranger but instead look at others and say, ‘You are part of me I do no know yet.’ Starting from that place of wonder beings to change: It is a practice that can transform a relationship, community, a culture and even a nation.”

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction (Eugene Peterson): Talk about that “trail” Evans started, this book is flat out central to that path. Peterson is also the author of the message interpretation of the Holy Bible. If you have the Bible App, you can toggle back and forth on different versions, and I find this quite useful to see how various prophetic voices have been called to interpret the same stories. This book is now over 40 years in print, but it is as contemporary as ever. One amazing excerpt: “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:2) Peterson dives in, “The psalm’s emphasis on actual, physical service (not a spiritual intention, not a desire to be of service) is picked up in the invitation to present our everyday, ordinary life. The motivation for service (not coerced or demanded) is picked up in the phrase, “God helping you.” But most significant is the remarkable last phrase, logiken latreian, “place it before God as an offering,” which another translation renders “reasonable service.” Service that makes sense. The service we offer God is extended into specific acts that serve others. We learn a relationship –– an attitude toward life, a stance of servitude before God, and then we are able to be of use to others in acts of service.” Peterson calls us to dive into meaning and brings the text forward in a manner that is logical. I find this very helpful.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man (Emmanuel Acho): Over the past several years, I have tried to pick up books that help me understand the history of injustice that our nation has allowed that continues, sadly, during our lifetime. I am thankful that so many beautiful authors have recognized the need for a national education. Acho provides a simple and profound read. He comes alongside the reader as if you were at a coffee shop with him chatting about life’s big questions. He is kind and yet clear. You won’t miss the point. One powerful excerpt: “Say you and I are in a race and the starting line official held me back for the first two hundred meters, giving you a two-hundred meter head start. If that were to happen, the only way to level out that race would be to either stop you from running or put me on a bike to catch up to you. This is white privilege in a nutshell.” Folks, it’s good. This could be a good one for the younger folks in our lives, with the help of an adult guide. (He’s also a former NFL player so that may get their attention.)

Untamed (Glennon Doyle): You may have seen this on several top books list. It was a runaway best seller in part due to Doyle’s transparent, fun and easy approach that she has within social media channels (and her excellent other books). She pretty much opens up her personal life for all to see and showcases vulnerability like none other. It’s honest and gritty. From the inside cover: “It is a story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live… discovering that the brokenness or wholeness of a family depends not on its structure but on each member’s ability to bring her (their) full self to the table.”

If you are interested in others, just send me a message and I’ll be happy to share. There is just SO MUCH good in expanding your knowledge that I hope you might pick up at least one and give it a try.

For those who can’t do the reading thing, don’t even get me started on the podcast world. I will definitely have to do a top podcast review at some point. For the drive across town, or across the country as may be the case, podcasts are a genius way to achieve the same goal.

Praying many blessings over you today. I hope that you have the most incredible week ahead.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: BYOS

Let’s keep the conversation this year on what brings us to our best selves. Bringing forward an agenda of wholeness resonates with me. The world delivers up some interesting distractions for all of us that can so easily take us off the course we planned or hoped for. (Hello, crazy week one in America.) If we are going to achieve our “life plan” if you will, then it is up to us to cultivate just that.

That’s where today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday” comes in. “Bring your own sunshine and swagger.” (Another shout out to Peloton’s Robin Arzon.) Her point: Sometimes we just have to BRING IT. My experience would prove that we have to BRING IT most of the time.

This old saying comes to mind: “If it is to be… it’s up to me.” Regardless of where it came from (lord knows I can’t remember), it’s spot on. We have to remember that energy begets energy, kindness; kindness, positivity; positivity, discipline; discipline… To me, no matter what, bringing my full self is the most important intention and action I can take. Getting the sleep, to have the focus in the morning, eating nutrient rich food to nourish my body, reading to fuel my mind and spur on creativity, etc. Every detail adds up to ensuring this is not only possible, but it’s probable. Literally setting yourself up for success.

Several years ago when I became focused on a more healthy physical lifestyle I came across this idea of “automation” of our habits to ensure success. That’s been a game changer. Here’s a great article that will give you more depth on the ideas, and of course, if you haven’t read James Clear’s book, “Atomic Habits,” that is a really important read. I just checked and it’s now only $11.98 on Amazon. That will be the best money you’ve spent in years, I assure you! (If you don’t take the time to open the article or get the book, here’s one example of automating… use smaller plates to reduce caloric intake… That’s it… It’s that easy!)

Life it short. Life is amazing and it is in our court to achieve our hopes. Let’s BRING IT this week… full sunshine… full swagger…!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Happy new year, 2021

One of the doctors I used to work with had a rather large sign in her office, that said, “This is not Burger King, and you can’t have it your way.” I loved that. I feel like for the last few decades at least, we have been pushed this message all around us… “You deserve a break today,” (McDonalds) “Have it your way,” and now “Be your way” (Burger King), “Because you’re worth it,” (L’Oréal) We’ve been convinced we need a $5 coffee (OK, maybe we do need that?), a large house, a really nice SUV…. you get the point.

Like most of you, I love technology, new products and am a fan of evolving as a society. That said, Door Dash and Whole Foods delivery is now a “thing” in my house. I also have fallen for pretty much every one of those messages… I’m normal, and honestly, if you’ve ever done any mission work, you might know that this is not a great thing about America.

As the new year rolls in, it seems like as good as time as any to hit pause and really seek wisdom. What do I really need? When we were family campers at Pine Cove, one of the messages that stuck with me was “A choice to spend a dollar somewhere, is a choice to not spend it somewhere else.” Hmmm…. That’s clearly true, and yet, I too easily buy that latest Kansas City t-shirt perhaps a bit too quickly & definitely without registering that the same $15 might serve a better purpose in the community.

Regardless of how much it may appear that our society is thriving, it doesn’t take much research to see that 10% of people in Johnson County, Kansas and 15% in Jackson County, Missouri are food insecure (per Feeding America). In addition, of those, almost 60 percent of Kansans and 40 percent in Missourians are ineligible for federal nutrition programs (incomes above 185% of poverty). At an average meal cost of $3.42 in Kansas and $3 in Missouri, the additional needs come in at a VERY BIG NUMBER ($78M and some change)! That’s where on the ground and local food pantry resources kick in. They need all minds educated and activated on this truth.

Those are the brutal facts. Perhaps this is the year I take a hard look at what I’m spending my resources on and take concrete action to ensure it is being used in a way that aligns with my life goals. (Which certainly doesn’t include having more cute t-shirts.)

It’s Sunday! It’s the first Sunday in the new year and I hope you find yourself positioned to take on 2021 with whatever it is YOU NEED! No matter what it is, I hope you know that you have a team of people praying for you to find your power and strength, and to forge ahead with so much positivity and momentum.

Stillness is key (Advent, week 4)

Stillness. I can’t think of a better way to truly feel the presence of the season. The world reaffirmed that for me this week, when on three different occasions the question came up as to just what we need to do to let the peace of this time of the year overwhelm us with love and calmness instead of allowing hurry and adrenaline to fill our spirits.

I was reminded, that last year, Ryan Holiday’s book “Stillness is the Key” was one of my top 3. I believe this excerpt from the book’s introduction will tell you why:

“Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow. It inspires new ideas. It sharpens perspective and illuminates connections. It slows the ball down so that we might hit it. It generates a vision, helps us resist the passions of the mob, make space for gratitude and wonder. Stillness allows us to persevere. To succeed. It is the key that unlocks the insights of genius, and allows us regular folks to understand them.”

I might add…

Stillness quiets our pinball minds. Stillness brings us clarity and helps our mind sort out what is important at the depth of our souls. Stillness, on this Christmas week, is what allows us to center ourselves toward the sweet story that positions us toward our hopes and purpose in this world. Stillness brings us closer to hearing and feeling God’s presence wherever we find ourselves. Stillness gives us the best opportunity to breathe in deeply peace and expands our hearts.

Stillness, I hope, is a place you find yourself this week. In fact, I pray that you will prioritize quiet time around twinkling lights and that you will be washed over with all that brings you joy.

Happy Advent week 4 –– The candle of love. Love is everything.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: For the joy that is ahead! (Advent Week 3)

Advent! Week three. The season is pushing through at a phenomenal pace. It seems I barely cracked open my Advent devotional to get prepared (my heart and soul) for the “real reason” for this season and now we are entering week three. I’m probably still on the 20-yard line, and I oh so badly want to go all in with all that Advent has to offer us: Peace that surpasses understanding, love that pours through our every being, and a deep knowing that this period ushers us to experience the greatest gift. “Advent is the season of expectancy, preparation, and longing.” (Tsh Oxenreider)

As I prepared for this, a simple Google search presented this simple and perfect explanation of week three: “For the Joy that is ahead.” And oh boy, I feel that…I sense the build up. I am beginning to feel the energy shift into delight and lighter spirits all around. Hanukkah started this week and my friends who celebrate have been sharing their stories. My friend Nan, posted a message with the classic menorah and Christmas tree merged together with a simple message that said “two celebrations, one hope for peace.” I loved that!

The days of the work year are dwindling and there is a feeling of expectation from young to old… School in all of its forms this year will take a pause at the end of this week for most, and with any luck, our preparations for celebrating those around us will come to a point where we can take a deep and restorative breath.

I hope that you will pause today and focus on all of the crazy good that is ahead. The promises of God surround us in both word and action. In truth, they bring us absolutely everything that we need, (down to the last detail), to fully achieve our purpose and find incredible and true joy in service to others.

Search for where the light comes in

Happy Sunday! As I talk about often, Robin Arzon (@robinnyc), is the Peloton instructor I use the most. She is flat-out inspiring. On her Thanksgiving ride, she talked about this thought of “noticing or searching for where the light comes in.” It was profound. Here’s the line of thought:

The light has come in this year when…

My friend Joann had me over to her back patio for a surprising weekday breakfast with her warm spirit and incredible coffee, and gorgeous backyard that she has cultivated with her loving hands.

The pure joy of my sons when graduating from college this spring and a special ray of light when we had a modified “Aggie Ring ‘COVID’ at-home ceremonial ring dunking!” (If you are familiar with Texas A&M, this will make total sense.)

My son and his beautiful wife getting married in the most perfect backyard wedding this summer in Michigan. The fun dance Sam and I did is a forever memory and watching her mother and her grandfather dance was charming.

Watching the chickens and ducks and turkeys fly out of their coup in the morning light each day… the energy they express shouts “let’s do this!” So refreshing.

The endless stories of hope and resilience surrounding us. When I simply walk the halls at our clinics, I witness love in action as our patients are cared for so well. The intention of the team in preparing for each patient visit is extraordinary.

Watching our country unify around the Black Lives Matter movement. Witnessing our country seemingly truly trying to understand the depth of the issues and begin to course correct.

Watching online as my friends Gary and Trisha battled cancer as a team. He showed everyone what it looks like to truly stand by your partner and shine in the midst of a lot of pain.

Seeing online that my dear friend Kathy is truly embracing life and full joy as her and her husband enjoy early retirement, whether traveling across the country in their RV, or enjoying campground weekends with family, she shines a light on life.

The simplicity of being at home versus traveling so much for work this year.

My friends, the light comes in each day if only we will look and call it out in gratitude. This is the perfect time of year to soak in all that God has delivered. As the light peaks in each day, we can feel confident that his presence surrounds us and that his true delight is in bringing us joy overflowing.

*I don’t know about you, but even typing this out – thinking through the top-of-mind scenarios – made me crave documenting a lot more. It may be fun this week to spend some time with this exercise… Let me know if you do! Ann Voskamp did 1,000 of these in her book 1,000 gifts… I think with some time that could be terrific goal.

Heading into the season with a spirit of prayer & expectation

The saying above is beyond powerful. Let it saturate your soul.

Prayer is a first response. Prayer is a gift that can help us open up so many gifts it’s truly incredible. Prayer offers us a companion to…

  • Show our adoration & gratitude 
  • Intercede for others
  • Seek guidance 
  • Deliver us from self focus
  • Confess our misgivings and concerns 
  • Simply share our heart … (and so much more)

I have unintentionally strayed from a rich prayer life. Upon reflection, it is simply due to allowing life’s everyday distractions to consume me, edging me off center. I found the book “ The Battle Plan for Prayer” in my bedside table last week. It’s been waiting there for me. The book is part of the War Room project, which included a fantastic movie reminding us of the power of prayer. When I was in Columbus for Thanksgiving, my son had a prayer board in his room with various prayers and scriptures pinned up that he wanted to lean into. This was the point of the movie. (The “war” room is essentially the prayer closet.)

I am always fascinated by the ways God speaks, but never surprised. Right in my direct path, two reminders to nudge me toward perhaps the most powerful tool I have ever found in order to center me and give me direction and hope: PRAYER.

As we launch into December, it is the ideal time to lock into what we know is absolutely true for us… Seeking the roots of our life and spending our physical and emotional energy to ensure we finish the year strong and move steadfastly into God’s plan for us in the new year. I want my prayer life to go deep again; to truly start each day with the power of that connection, and never to consider it an add on to my days if time allows. How about you?

My prayer is that you will have one of those holiday seasons that you find yourself taking in wonder at every turn. What a gift this season is!

REWIND! This post is a throwback that feels exactly like what we need this holiday season. Enjoy!

Attend to the moment

I haven’t thought about my “one word” for 2020 much this year (that reminder post is coming soon!). This week, it confronted me front and center.

I started Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts” study this week* and in session one my journal entry was, “Attend to the moment.” Hmmm… Sounded familiar. So when preparing for this I let it sink in that my “one word” was “available or present.” Digging a little further, one of my 5 intentions for the year was to “Feel the full expression of joy.” I am presuming that I intended doing that by being more present (i.e. “attending to the moment” more often).

I’ve reflected on this and I’ll give myself a bit of grace here and say I have done better than prior years. Partly that is the season of life I find myself in (If you are raising kids still or knee deep in school work or launching a career, this is truly difficult), and partly, it’s due to some great wisdom gleaned from terrific authors who have mentored me in this area via their work (Voskamp, Lyons, TerKeurst).

My dear friend Gretchen and my sister, Lisa, are role models for me by constantly pointing me to God’s beauty all around us –– often sending snapshots of the sunrise or morning walks. Redirecting ourselves to creation –– to immersing ourselves in the magic that is all around us –– takes a bit of intention, but the payoff is tremendous. Attending to the leaves changing colors, the wind carrying them off, and the animals preparing for winter. That alone is just incredible to observe and a reminder of the simplicity and complexity of God’s creation. All of these things… are gifts that God gives us freely if we simply will be aware.

My “Simple Thoughts Sunday” today is a call for us to truly dive into the season at hand. There is a lot of loss around us –– a lot of noise around so many topics, and yet, we can watch each sunset, knowing that God is in control and that tomorrow brings new hope and an opportunity to attend to finding and delivering joy. Praying you all have an incredible Thanksgiving week.

* It coincides with the season, and I assure you, it’s one of the best books you will read- If you aren’t a reader, jump on the video sessions that started last week, so you can catch up easily.

47 Days: A plan to finish the year strong

47 Days. That’s the magic number until the page turns again. This one into a year of great expectation –– 2021. But a lot can happen in 47 days to make this one count even more so we should be alert. Each and every day is a gift, as we have learned this year.

During one of my Peloton bike rides this week, Alex Toussaint –– who I think is a flat-out amazing instructor due to his outrageous ability to encourage –– cited the phrase in the photo above…

My thought: Let’s find it… (rhythm, groove and pace). Let’s find it today and let’s recommit to it everyday… Let’s countdown the next 47 days by listening to every bit of uplifting music and reading and watching only what positions us for positive and forward momentum. Let’s focus our last thoughts and actions each day with a focus toward building the energy all around us.

This post is for Sunday and as I often like to do as a grounding exercise, I turn to the scripture for guidance and seeking wisdom or discernment. Throughout the last few weeks, the recurring message is two-fold. The first is on the need to serve those in need. To turn any attention from my own personal challenges and those the world imposes, to the real needs that literally surround me. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” (Matthew 25:35)

Let’s expand that … “For I was sad, For I was anxious, for I was overwhelmed…” You get the idea. These words are a call for us to look up and to see that no matter if it’s a smile, a kind word, physical help or sharing our resources…there is a need at every corner, and we are just the people to do that.

The second message has been the initial focus of this blog… the need for us all to SHIFT into all that is good and plentiful and brings gratitude. The scripture, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8) We have 47 days remaining… let’s finish strong, let’s finish with locked arms toward building community and shining light in every dark corner that we approach.

Sending my love and prayers.

(Mom update: She remains under Hospice care at a local nursing home. She is holding her own and we honor each day and trust in knowing that God will carry forward the perfect plan. Your love and prayers have been what has and continues to hold us all up through this season. We are blessed beyond. Thank you.)

Rooted: Pursuing gratitude

November is an amazing month. It has so much to offer us that my heart might burst. I get this crazy smile thinking about the beauty of this life. The faces of those I love cross through my mind and I just can’t get over God’s goodness. I then skip to the open skies, ridiculously amazing sunsets, the Kansas farm fields, vast oceans and peaceful lakes. Those, of course, simply scratch the surface.

Sometimes I need to pinch myself to be sure I’m alive and this is real. We are literally surrounded by joy at every turn. Even a routine trip to the local Walgreens can confront us with warmth as we watch a mom and their child walking the candy aisle with excitement. That is, if we are paying attention. We need not go on a well-manicured and planned vacation to receive all of this outrageous glory. It’s right in front of us.

This November I’m committed to pursuing being ROOTED deeply in gratitude. I’m committed to all manner of attempts to truly embrace and offer my full thankfulness regardless of what the month brings.

Thank you for being a part of my story and my prayer is that each of you will let the love literally pour over your souls… let it seep into your every thought. Don’t let the days pass without feeling how incredible this life is and all that we have been given.