To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Christian

What “one word” sets you on fire for the best year ever?

I really love this topic. My mind runs amok with the possibilities. Where in the world does God want us to go in 2019? How do we best achieve our personal goals and purpose? How can we show up with excellence at home, in our neighborhood, as a friend, for our community and in our careers?

Now, of course I know “one word” doesn’t capture it all, but what would one thought be that galvanizes and energizes? Is there a specific area in your life that needs a specific focus? Do you need to for example cultivate your relationships? Do you need to have more days of connection and joy? Are you being called to adventure, travel or exploration?

So many ideas. Here are a few…

Discipline – This was my first “one word” from back in 2012, and it was the year I started working out on a regular basis and focusing on personal health. Total game changer.

Also… Elevate, trust, joy, stretch, acceptance, happiness, freedom, momentum, growth, unstoppable, shine, minimize, rebuild, peace, silence, brave, curious, perspective, thrive, aware, fresh, quiet, travel, adventure, journey, accelerate, game-changer, win, search, commit, dedicate, meaning, true, love…

If you choose to jump on this train, I highly recommend that you share your word with a few members of your tribe, write it down and put it front and center somewhere you see often. There are also other resources, including a website, which lets you join others across the world in the process.

In closing, I will share that selecting a word could be a challenge. Since I’ve done this a few years, I always want to give it some real thought and try to hear from God on what would be the most powerful word to help direct me. That said, my word for 2018 was “revival,” and I didn’t really understand it fully at the time, but felt it was clearly supposed to be my word.

Here is what I wrote in last year’s blog (referencing a message I had just heard at that time about “revival” being a “season of reintroduction”): “Revival is a time where God reintroduces himself, exposes you more to your next assignment, and gives you insights to conquer that next level.” As it turns out, it actually was a year of reintroduction, but in many ways not at all how I would have even began to predict or understand January 1. I think that is a fun part of this journey… sometimes what you think at the onset is not how it ends up.  

What we can count on is that 2019 will be an adventure! Have a terrific weekend everyone!  

Getting to our “one word” for 2019

Every year, I spend energy on finding what “one word” I want to focus on for the next year, and I know many of you join me in that adventure. We will talk about that in more detail Thursday.

In order to get to the “right word”… as in what I feel I’m supposed to focus on, I have found that it is useful to go through a process of figuring out where the current year has taken me… What has it revealed? Where am I today, because of what has occurred over the last ~12 months, and how might that inform what my 2019 focus could/should be? This year, I want to take you on a bit of the 2018 journey with me today- I simply looked back at the photos on my phone and audited what seemed like key parts or messages…

January:  I launched my son Sam off to Australia for his study abroad program. I also read a lot of great books and completed my annual Daniel Fast. I attended a terrific Martin Luther King Jr. event, which started me on a path of greater understanding that continued throughout the year. I focused on minimalism in this month, relying on this thought: “God, help me to see that so few things are really important and to at least take care of these first.”  (For the record… not sure I’m winning yet in this category.) 

February: February was Go Red Month, focused on a cause I am both deeply involved with and passionate about, the American Heart Association. I also reconnected for the second year in a row  with my college girlfriends, which has been a game changer in the best of ways. Perhaps staying invested for the long haul is the takeaway.

March: I launched my 50th year, making lists of my favorites that are still stored in my notes, which reminded me that I need more time to reflect and share. I was fortunate to travel to Australia — another experience that made it clear that we need to get out of our normal environments to truly understand our world.

April: A month of highs and lows. We hosted a “groom’s shower” for my cousin and it was an incredible time focused on this lovely couple. I was reminded of the hope that comes with young love. The month ended with my mom suffering from multiple seizures and a prolonged illness would begin- (she’s almost 100 percent back to normal now, and it isn’t lost on me that we are lucky,  and that life is short). The year seemed to pause here, as anyone who has experienced a drastic change in health of a loved one knows, things seem to stop all around you. This quote seemed to sum up this time for me: “If God has called you to it, he will equip you for it.” — Priscilla Shirer

May: Sam graduated from Michigan State University, which I took as another message from the universe: We have a lot of great people out there getting ready to take their turn at impacting our world. Also, I accepted and started a new job with Humana’s wholly-owned subsidiary, “Partners in Primary Care,” a senior-focused clinic model and it is the absolutely perfect fit for me. Little did I know that these people would become such an important part of my life. The theme for the month possibly being that you absolutely can plan some things in life (graduations) but you can’t predict them all, but God is designing your life in a way that will astound even you.

June: We celebrated my mom’s 75th and were more thankful than ever before. We also celebrated my dad surviving a health scare (when it rains, it pours). I met some friends who have become more than dear to me, and I co-hosted a baby shower. Again, the power of hope in our youth showed up and showed off.  

July: A perfect summer month. Any month with Kenny Chesney and Thomas Rhett concerts has to be amazing. A quote I saved that month, “What is life, but one grand adventure?” LOVE IT.

August: Another summer came to a close more quickly than I felt it should, with a clear message from the universe to “advance.” Now, if I could figure out what that exactly means it would be helpful (insert LOL). The theme seemed to be around the idea that “disadvantages can be double advantages.” Hmmmm….

September: Can you say Chiefs Kingdom? Also, I am loving my new work team right now and and cultivating new relationships seems to be the theme.

October: Chiefs, a brief girl’s trip to Napa, opened two new clinics (which seemed to consume every last bit of energy I had), and another message: “Life will keep bringing you the same test over and over again until you pass it.” Hmm. Which lesson is that again? Patience, perhaps? Simplification of the schedule…?

November: Chiefs, and the loss of my sweet Cinny Girl. This reminds me of the importance of deep loyalty. Of course, thankfulness is the theme for this month always. 

December: It’s all about strategy, time with those you love, finding joy, peace and reflection….

So, what about you? What has life revealed for you this year? Are there any themes that you see?

I am praying that you might find some value in this idea and that you might take the time to truly consider where and how you can best “advance?” 

(Thank you by the way for hanging in there with me through that brief review… Seems like I have a couple of leads on my “one word” for 2019. )

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God says Go

(Rewind! This post is adapted from December 2017.)

How many times have you had something difficult to overcome and you kept going to God in prayer, hoping he would take it away or change it somehow?  Frustration increased as it seemed like nothing was happening, and you began doubting your own faith? 

In my life there have been  plenty of times that I simply had to CLIMB over “it” (aka those “issues”) and through them.  Often it seemed like there had to be  blood, sweat and tears involved. (Okay… so maybe tears and night sweats but not blood so much, thank God.) , and yet I had to keep my focus to CLIMB.  I’m sure you might resonate. 

It is in those experiences that I believe we truly grow deeply and learn the most about ourselves.  I feel that it is how we endure these challenges that reveals who we are and how much we can achieve in life.  As you are planning your week, give some thought to anything that you have been hoping that God would take away or change. Perhaps your direction is to move up and over, or through it instead.  (After all, what fun would taking it away be anyway? Haha) 

I am praying for all of us to have the energy, resilience and peace of mind to overcome … to both CLIMB hard and with grace.

Have the very best week! Only a couple left in this crazy year!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Living the best life by sharing our “more”

How we respond to life matters. From my point of view, God blesses us with many gifts, some more recognizable than others. Our purpose is to use those to elevate the world around us.  The very community you are in — your group of friends, peers at work or those in your neighborhood — I believe all were designed to be in your life.

I heard a message last weekend that stuck with me. The idea being to ask ourselves what have we done with those gifts we have been given… (“the more”)

Did we receive an extra dose of JOY that others could use?

Do we have a cozy apartment or home that we can share with others?

Have our life experiences delivered a powerful story that would inspire and help others overcome their challenges?

I personally hadn’t thought about my “joy” as a gift, but I think it can be. Do I use it as often as I could… especially at home? Most of us have been given more than we need in every category and the next few weeks it is fun to see how people all around share that “more” in the many ways the season offers.

Have the best week and revel in sharing your gifts.  

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Pause, reflect, celebrate

Happy Sunday and welcome December, the month of culmination… love… joy and celebration. I’d submit that this is true only if we allow it. If we pause. If we reflect. If we set our intentions early on to achieve peace and resolve to find open spaces of quiet.

I’m committed to find this in the next 29 days – to pause and embrace solitude when I can and have quiet conversations that center around true joy. Getting to the depths of…

  • What brings me true peace?
  • Who brings me full joy?
  • What activities create a positive energy that leaves me wanting more?
  • Where can I see growth?
  • How can I curate more days of fullness and beauty?

These are not easy questions. I need to recognize that and take time to go all in. I would love for you to walk this path with me this month. I’d love to hear your stories and I’d love to know what questions you may add to the list. At the end of the month, let’s celebrate this reflection and forge into 2019 with a fresh view of God’s purpose for my life.

I am praying as I write this that you find yourself right now in a moment of gratitude and commitment to use the month to find the joy you so richly deserve. I believe that is God’s plan for all of us… to fully feel the love, joy and peace available to us.

Simple thoughts Sunday: You have the power over your “IT”

I firmly believe this statement.  Over and over again in my life I’ve felt it personally and I’ve seen it to be true on the front lines of the lives of my family and friends.

Isaiah 40:29 is one of the most known Bible verses, stating, “He gives POWER to the weak, and increases the strength of the powerless.” Some believe that the scripture is all about the sick or downtrodden. I believe it’s for all of us.

We all have moments of grief, sadness, and yes, even weakness.  As in… I don’t know how I can get through this situation, trial, or whatever life may have ushered in — God’s power is there for each of us to grab on to and when we don’t know how we made it through, we can know that God provided exactly what we needed for that moment. That may be extra sleep, a friend calls or texts at just the right time, a child belly laughing from across the room… He provides precisely what will give us the POWER to push through.

As you start the week, know that you have ALL THAT YOU NEED! We are covered in love and strength for our journey. Now, that is all of the good news I need to kick off this chaotic and fun time of the year.

Freeing our minds to allow space for gratitude

I am all in on gratitude and the idea of wanting to feel it as much as possible. Sometimes I feel like this week each year we are supposed to “flip the proverbial switch” and get into a blissful attitude of deep thanks, as if it’s somehow automated.  With the hustle in most of our lives, this idea can seem a bit far reaching. The good news is that we can help ourselves out with a small dose of intention and action.

Did you know we cannot feel the full expression of gratitude available to us when our emotional and physical environments are filled with clutter? Yep, science backs up that “getting to gratitude” is challenged by the world around us. (By the way, that would be the world that we allow” around us, since we get to decide what we allow in our lives.)

So, as you move toward absolute gratitude, think about what you can eliminate… Whether it be the contents of the junk drawer or the high standards you have for yourself.  There are no doubt a number of items that can be stripped out in order to free up your energy, heart and mind.

Some other ideas…

Declutter relationships. Are yours serving you well?

Declutter the fears and anxieties that keep you up at night. Name them and claim them “gone” from your mind and, if necessary, make an appointment with a counselor to deal with those that you can’t seem to release on your own. (I have found that especially helpful.)

Declutter the frustrations of the past. Decide to allow forgiveness to yourself or others …and move on.

Declutter bad habits. The extra dessert, hitting snooze too many times, not keeping the commitment you made to yourself to exercise even on cold days and nights…

I know I have a few areas to focus on. I am looking forward to freeing up my schedule a bit so I can think and be mindful of what really matters to me… the people I love and who God placed in my life.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: The magic of humanity

Hey… you… yeah, you.
 
This post is about you.

As a woman of faith, one thing I know to be true is that God created us all with absolute perfection. Everyone you meet – every last one of them – was designed for a purpose, for the generation they were born into. Every person – especially the most seemingly hard to love – were once a child ready to be poured into and ready to pour out to improve our world.

It’s useful to be reminded, especially during the holiday season, that there are a lot of people that really could use this message. Our communities are filling with stories of pain, heart ache, dreams shattered, illness and love lost. The innocence of that once-happy child is only a memory now. It is up to us to recognize this reality and provide a light of hope and joy to those in our presence.

If you are reading this, I’m certain that you, like me, truly want to “serve well.” Your heart is willing and able and that is exactly what we need more of. We need to stand with an internal motivation to be on watch for those that this week could use some extra encouragement… to be seen, to be heard, to be loved. I feel this ability we all have is the magic of humanity. We have this great power to hold and be a lights for others, and that is where our beauty really shines.

Praying that you and your loved ones cherish the moments this week and that you are able to bring your joy to those who may be counting on you.

Unexpected Gifts, Part 2 – Taking count & giving thanks

So, the entire idea of “Unexpected Gifts” I mentioned Tuesday has me on a path to identify and take account of those that I have experienced this year. I hope you will find some value in the idea that no matter what a possible “shit show” you think your life can be in some seasons, there are quite literally gifts at every turn.  (okay, so that was a strong word, but the point is that in the midst of even the toughest times, crazy blessings show up if you are paying attention.)

I really don’t want to overuse examples of my life, but I think it may be useful as a thought starter for you all.

January-March: At that point I had a growing consultancy business. It was a time in my life where I felt God had me in a holding pattern. Although I was completely unclear about where I was headed, I was constantly sent not only encouraging people, but clients that needed my service. Most of these I had never met and all came at the perfect timing. (Also, I turned 50… I think that is a gift of some sort of new stage of wisdom, right? So far, it’s a lot of extra time on the treadmill to keep up. Haha)

April-June: Our family was faced with what many of my friends are facing right now… The impact of aging parents and a health crisis. My mother suffered multiple seizures and all of a sudden our world as we knew it stopped so that we could attend to the situation. So many unexpected gifts here, including a renewed focus on how precious these years are, to quality time with relatives that we don’t normally get to connect with as much. What a powerful reminder that my world is filled with dear friends from all parts of my life that stood ready in whatever way was needed, to a deeper realization of the vast needs in our health care system. Since health care is my career, this opened up my eyes to see the incredible opportunities for improvement we have to address from the patient side. (Also, without my consultant business, getting away for a lengthy time period would have added way more stress – another gift).

Also during this time, I was recruited to lead Partners in Primary Care (senior-focused primary care clinics) and Transcend MSO for the Kansas City Community. The picture is a small part of our team. These people quite simply blow me away with their commitment to our community’s seniors and really to one another. The clinics have only been in KC for a year in October and these people are family as if they’ve worked together for years. That is a far reaching gift that will impact their lives and all around them in their homes and those these serve.

July-September: God placed some pretty incredible new friends in my life this summer. I will absolutely never get over how we are given what we need at the perfect time. These people have gotten me out of the house, and have shined a new light on the incredible importance of a tribe.  I am certain I have not seen a group love each other so well.

So, those are a few thoughts. I have at least 10 more significant examples and I think you will too if you take the time to really audit these unexpected gifts.

Have the best weekend leading up to our week of thanks with family and friends.

Unexpected gifts, part 1

I have had this blog topic in mind for a few weeks. It has so many story lines for me and I’m certain you too.

Today, my sweet “Cinny Girl” (aka Cinnamon Stick) earned her wings and she most definitely is the perfect “headliner” for the series.

Cinny Girl came at just the right time, nearly sixteen and half years ago. She has been everything a best friend should be… a guard dog, a companion, a ferocious champion, (even on your worst days) and always willing to join a good celebration (especially if there was food involved)!

Unexpected gifts to me are those that somehow end up in your life, and you didn’t know they were coming and/or certainly didn’t start your year with them in mind. Better yet, and more importantly, you didn’t know that you needed them.

For me, 2018 has been like a roller coaster, and not the one you find in the kid’s section. More like the wooden and rickety looking kind, where your head bounces back and forth between the bars and takes you upside down a few times just for the sake of giving you confidence that the bars in fact do keep you safely seated. In the midst of the “ride” there have been so many gifts, some obvious at first, and some that became more so later. It has always blown me away to see how God orchestrates every last detail of your life, from the people you meet and when, to the lessons that change you and move you forward, coming out of experiences you encounter. To me, that is one of the coolest parts about life… The puzzle becomes more clear and every piece is used to create a beautiful story.

I’m going to stick with this idea for at least another blog, and perhaps two more. I’d love any insights you’d like to share, or even an “unexpected gift” that has been a great part of your story. Unexpected gifts are powerful reminders that God knows what we need, despite what we have planned for ourselves or our families. And today, the unexpected gift is that we have a new guardian angel overlooking our family. I’ll take that gift all day long!