To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Faith

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.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Reset your soul

Starting 2019 by resetting your soul seems like a great idea. I have to be honest, that is absolutely my goal.

There is well known scripture, Ecclesiastes 3, that reminds us that there is a season for EVERYTHING in our lives. So, whether 2018 was a challenging year or a year of great favor, you can rest in the peace of knowing that there are all types of seasons in our lives — and better yet, we can (and will) not only survive but thrive in order to achieve our purpose.

I heard a message about the new year that highlighted the idea in the photo above: RESETTING your soul. Sometime between Christmas and New Year’s my phone did a hard reset. For several hours, it was completely wiped. I’m sure many of you can imagine the distress that might occur when literally everything had reset back to zero — nada, nothing. Not even one of my 18,000 photos, or a single app, password, or any of my hundreds of notes. Thankfully after reaching “Level 3 support” from Apple, I was able to recover much of the data, though it felt more like recovering parts of my life.

After that trauma, I could only be amused when just two days ago, it did it again. Then, I heard this message. I had to laugh. It was as if the whole thing was speaking right to me. Have you ever felt that way? (Somehow the universe always knows what we need to hear as individuals, and delivers us that message at just the right time.)

I do believe it is purely logical that God would power the whole thing (i.e. my soul) down, in order to resurrect it and bring it back. I like to think that when it comes back, it is FULLY RESTORED — or at least restored to the original, or maybe even a better self, getting rid of any “corrupted data” so to speak.

Do any of you need a reset? Perhaps a soft reset would be enough, and perhaps a full out hard reset would get you to your optimum level of power. I hope that over the last few weeks you might have been reset and restored. If not, I hope you might find time soon to get to that space. Winter is a great opportunity to hide out a bit and allow these resets to occur.

Cheering you all on as we go into our best year ever.

The final review: The best of 2018 books (including my No. 1, and the entire list)

Let’s start with my No. 1 book. If you read no further, go out now and get the Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters. The book is easy to read, and conceptually will grab you from the opening chapter to the end… The sub categories of EXCELLENCE runs from the “next five minutes,” to “email excellence” and pure gold in between.

As for this rest of this, I truly have no idea how to condense this list to a best of the best. In my May 10 blog, I highlighted 5 books that are definitely must-reads. If you don’t have time to open the blog and read, they included…

  • The Little Big Things, Tom Peters
  • The Daniel Dilemma, Chris Hodges
  • The Power of Moments, Chip and Dan Heath
  • When, Daniel Pink
  • Principles, Ray Dalio

On May 14, I blogged about the Soft Edge by Rich Karlgaard, and its emphasis on the importance of dialing in on trust. And on August 8, I did a deep dive on The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner, which helps us understand the characteristics of the environments and much more of the longest living people on earth. I think we need to add those two to the list for sure!

Since 13 is my lucky number, I’ll roll out 6 more here that I feel can be life changing for you. My full list of books from are included below, because there are so many amazing lessons to be found.

I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in a world made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown —This book is the one we ALL need to read. This book begins to help us understand our biases and, and “is a powerful account of how and why our actions so often fall short of our words.” You’ll be better for reading this one, and then acting on what you learn.

The Motivation Manifesto, Brendon Burchard — This came out in 2014, but somehow I believe I just found out about it… I’m certainly not sure how because the title alone fires me up. This book offers nine declarations to claim your personal power, stretching from reclaiming our agenda to amplifying love and slowing time. It’s pure gold.

The Business Romantic, Tim Leberecht — The words on the inside cover, “How can work be delightful – perhaps even magical?” had me at hello. Simple messages like, “Most great partnerships begin with the simple act of ‘breaking bread together,” and “I encourage you to prioritize joy over optimization” (by identifying and implementing small, enchanting changes…moments of surprise in the business day).

Imagine it Forward, Beth Comstock with Tahl Raz — I have this book marked up so much, I don’t know which direction to take you. The book is more or less a classic business book which pushes us to creativity through courage with a great deal of storytelling. The idea, “What’s needed are the skills of a social architect, someone who is committed to collaborating in a psychologically safe zone that allows for what I call agitated inquiry. Agitated inquiry is the practice of evolving an idea into action steps through heated exchanges and debate.” That captures the book well. If you are a business geek like me, you’ll love this one for sure.

Dare to Lead, Brene Brown — I loved this so much, I turned it into a leadership development program for our team. The subtitle, “Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts,” is the underlining focus. As a seasoned author, Brene raises the bar on her already stunning work. The book challenges us to think about how we “show up,” to truly dive into “the story I’m telling myself at any moment,” and to embrace that being clear is kind — always. So good. And even though lead is in the title, it is so much more than a leadership book… it’s a life book.

Becoming, Michelle Obama — I ended 2018 with this one on New Year’s Eve! It took me nearly the whole month to read, but it was worth it. I am so glad I took the time to dive deep into this one because I learned that I really had no idea who our former First Lady was, and the power of her story. Her ending focused on the idea of “becoming” and it’s a perfect way to end the year and today’s blog. “For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. It’s all a process, steps along a path. Becoming requires equal parts patience and rigor. Becoming is never giving up on the idea that there’s more growing to be done.”

Full List of 2018 books:

  1. One Day All Children, Kopp
  2. Boost your Brain Power, Harmon
  3. The Rhythm of Life, Kelly
  4. Enough, Bogle
  5. The Weight of Water, Shreve
  6. In Her Own Right, Griffith
  7. Crushing it, Vaynerchuk
  8. Serious Play, Schrage
  9. LOVEMARKS, Roberts
  10. The Experience Economy, Pine II & Gilmore
  11. The Genius of Birds, Ackerman
  12. Nudge, Thaler & Sunstein
  13. Sway, Brofman& Brofman
  14. The Pixar Touch, Price
  15. Powerful, McCord
  16. When, Pink
  17. The Leadership Gap, Daskal
  18. Prescription for the Future, Emanuel
  19. Strength in Stillness, Roth
  20. Power of Moments, Heath & Heath
  21. RePresent Jesus, Daniels
  22. The Excellence Dividend, Peters
  23. A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Quindsten
  24. Ayurveda- Beginner’s Guide, Weis-Bohlen
  25. The Soft Edge, Karlgaard
  26. I’m Still Here, Channing Brown
  27. The Business Romantic, Leberecht
  28. White Houses, Bloom
  29. The Blue Zones, Buettner
  30. The Motivation Manifesto, Burchard
  31. Life’s Golden Ticket, Burchard
  32. Tailor Made, Seeley
  33. Rebel Talent, Gino
  34. Hope in the Dark, Groeshel
  35. Do Something Beautiful, Moore
  36. Wisdom at Work, Conley
  37. Imagine it Forward, Comstock
  38. The Person you Mean to Be, Chugh
  39. Healing the Soul of a Woman, Meyer
  40. Whiskey in a Teacup, Witherspoon
  41. 5 Second Rule, Robbins
  42. It’s not Supposed to be this way, Terkeurst
  43. Dare to Lead, Brown
  44. Becoming, Obama
  45. Principles, Dalio
  46. Awaken devotional, Shirer
  47. Little Big Things, Peters
  48. Daniel Dilemma, Hodges
  49. Back to Balance, Fisher
  50. Mandela’s Way, Stengel-Richard
  51. Giving it All Away, Green & High
  52. Discerning the Voice of God, Shirer
  53. Building an A Team, Johnson
  54. The New Jim Crow, Alexander

LOVE BIG!

I think all of my boys would say Christmas is the best time of the year, but one of my sons in particular really loves Christmas. I bought him a sign with the message, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” a few years ago, and he proudly hung it in his room everyday of the year until he went off to college.

I love that, and I love that he understands the message of Christmas and that it’s truly all about LOVE. My mom-heart hopes that he will hold on to this truth all through his life.

Loving well is central to our hearts as humans. We are meant to love and often we get it right, and sometimes we don’t love as well as we can or should. Regardless, we strive toward LOVE and the world usually magically gives it back to us.

As we head into this week, my prayer is that we love well – the best we can! Even when the world sometimes doesn’t give it back, we press forward and continue to love. Thanks to the Christmas story, we know the truth is that God so loved the world, and He gave us His only son…

And our hope in this wacky wonderful world is real and beautiful. Enjoy every minute of this week… For many this is what most believe holds the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.

Love my friends! Love well!

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.