To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Football

Let’s not lose the power of play

Don’t you just love this guy? I have a friend and mentor, Dr. Keith Jantz, who not only looks a tad like this cool guy, but I honestly think we could find him rocking a hula hoop! He was always jumping into the annual musical chairs “experience” (those of you who were there, know for sure it was an experience), and the one who was up for almost any shenanigans the team could dream up. I want to be like Dr. Jantz.

As my boys have gotten older and are now mostly out of the day to day routine of my life, I feel like I’ve lost this a bit. I just wrapped up an excellent book called ‘Joyful’ by Ingril Fetell Lee, that spurred me to bring this up to the top of the list again. After sharing this idea with a few colleagues, I know that most of us can use the reminder.

Play is powerful. We were designed to play. As children, we were able to dive into play the majority of our waking hours. As time goes on, we actually start to feel a bit self conscious about wanting to play. After all, adulting is serious business. Some of today’s companies have done a good job of drawing out “play” by adding a ping pong table to their offices or something similar. As it turns out, play brings joy into our lives and, in fact, is vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships, according to Scott Eberle, M.D. That’s reason enough to incorporate it into our lives.

In another book, ‘Play,’ by Stuart Brown, M.D., he compares play to oxygen. Brown has spent decades studying the power of play in everyone from prisoners to business people to artists to Nobel Prize winners. For instance, he found that playing together helped couples rekindle their relationship and explore other forms of emotional intimacy. As many of you who have had a team outing know, play can facilitate connections between strangers or those you don’t know well.

In his book, Brown offers a few ideas for us on the idea of play:

  1. Change how you think about play – Give yourself permission to play or be playful every day.
  2. Take a play history – What did you like to do as a child? How can you re-create that today? (For me, swinging, tetherball, kickball, tossing the football… What are some of yours?)
  3. Surround yourself with playful people – And then, of course, schedule some time to play together (Who wants to go Ax-throwing? I so want to do this!)
  4. Play with little ones – Watch and soak in how magical that is!

As you go into your weekend, now is the time to make PLAY an ACTIVE part of our lives! Let’s jump in and create some FUN this weekend.

Thank you, Dr. King

Please don’t dismiss this week’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you are a news junkie, no doubt it has been front and center (along with football playoffs and winter) the last few days. Others are avoiding the news, instead gravitating toward anything but the often-negative stories that flood into our homes.

For this week, it is worthwhile to take in the story of his life… again.

If you’d like a simple place, use this. The “I have a dream” video is also worth your 5 minutes.

My friend Gretchen who substitute teaches (lucky kids) told me that she asked her class the other day who today’s heroes are. The collective group couldn’t really come up with any. Maybe some athletes, but overall the exercise provided pause that left everyone asking who deserves such a title today? Who is doing work that addresses the big issues?

Thankfully there are a LOT of heroes in our world. Many who are quietly serving – and some more noteworthy … spending their days working on complex & big issues. But there is always room for more stand-outs who can GALVANIZE our country. People like Dr. King who sacrificed their lives for the good of man and society.

The quote above is my favorite of Dr. King’s. It resonates with me and I hope it does with you. What issues have we been silent about? The definition of silence meaning that you haven’t really done anything to share your concern and take action to help improve the situation. This could be as easy as walking by litter in your own neighborhood, or as complex as taking on the hate that impacts our world.

 (A shout out to my friend Mindy Corporon and family who are working toward improvement in this area via their foundation and their annual week-long event bringing awareness to these issues.) 

Whatever the issue is that you have a passion for, please don’t be silent. It’s a new year and I’m often glad Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is celebrated this month, because this is a month to LAUNCH – to kick off or renew a commitment to what is important in our lives. (If you don’t have anything that stands out, please join Mindy and team.)

While you are at it, if you have children in your life that you can inspire, encourage them this week to identify those issues and begin to step forward as a leader to truly impact our world for the positive. I’m confident that today’s youth have what it takes to continue to make America the greatest country in the world.

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!

The power of community

(Photo courtesy of the Chiefs App, #ThisisChiefsKingdom)

Most people know that I am a huge football fan. Make that a huge CHIEFS fan. I come by it, honestly, as my parents used to drive to a nearby city to catch the game when it wasn’t televised locally.

Here’s the thing: As much as I love the grit on the field, and the thrill of the game, what I really love is how the community of fans come together to support their team. I love that no matter where you are, if a fellow fan has on Chiefs gear, you want to high five them. I love that no matter where you come from, the shared love for the team brings people together from joy. It is energizing and soul filling.

The power of community is one of the greatest parts of life, if you ask me. From sports team communities to work, church, neighbors… all communities you spend time with. We have such an opportunity to lift each other up and elevate the lives of others when we are together. I love that.

I hope each of you have a great weekend – and cheer big on Sunday – and no matter what, build, honor and love on your community!

Dominate THIS moment (and then the next)

dom-i-nate (verb) Have a commanding influence on; exercise control over.  Influence… Command… Govern… Direct, preside, master…

mo-ment (noun) A very brief period of time. An appropriate time for doing something; an opportunity. Instant… split second… jiff… juncture, stage…

Domination over our daily habits – and the systems we create to ensure we have positive habits – is a necessary action all of the time, but in particular this month. In his book, ‘Atomic Habits,’ James Clear shares how tiny changes can create remarkable results – GAME-CHANGING results.

One example is to be super clear on when we are going to do something we set out to do – identifying the what and when are the key. So, if you want to start doing 10 pushups you may say, “I am going to do 10 pushups, right after I brush my teeth and get into bed.” Easy, right? The difference is that simple. Establish a “system” around what you want to do.

It is mission critical for me to optimize my life so I can fulfill my purpose. I want to make an impact on those around me every single time I have the opportunity. I know many of you share that goal. We need to be on our game for this to actually happen. To that end, dominating our moments is just a tad important.

I hope this inspires you to think through what areas you need to dominate or influence in a short time to help you achieve your master goals… Dominating takes intention, but therein lies the difference we can make.

(As a side note for my #CHIEFSKINGDOM: Let’s dominate every moment of Sunday’s game like we did Saturday! Coaches, players and fans alike… let’s UNIFY to DOMINATE.)

“Our character is basically a composite of our habits. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character.” – Stephen Covey

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.

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. )

3 reasons that managing expectations could elevate our lives

Boy, I’d love to be fishing right now… especially if it were, say, 70+ degrees.

Thanksgiving made this topic super current to me and perhaps it may help you too as we go into the holiday “season.” Here’s what I know: everyone has a different expectation of what life should look like and this is heightened during the holidays.

Some people hope to have the family in the kitchen with old and young kids alike, baking cookies and creating culinary creations that provide comfort and holiday spirit to the house. Some perhaps want “life as usual,” without a lot of fanfare. Some want the family to play games, or to load up in the family caravan in search of the greatest light displays. Some want to hide by the fire and watch Netflix or the football.

What I know to be true is that we all come in to our days with what is going on in our current lives and our own opinion of what would be the perfect experience.

There are three key points that I feel are obvious (but we can all use a reminder… especially  me!):

  1. Expectations are good because we all need to have dreams and know what would create happiness and joy for ourselves.
  2. Expectations are not good if they are not shared with those that may play a starring role in what you are hoping for.
  3. Expectations are best achieved when we are open and honest with one another and are also open to modify ours to meet the needs of everyone involved.

Sounds simple, right?

On vacations, we often have everyone go around and ask everyone what is one thing they really hope to do. I have never really thought about doing it on other occasions or maybe even a weekly basis but it’s something to consider for sure. We can certainly all elevate our lives by having healthy expectations and conversations around those! Food for thought today…

When you don’t know what to do… Bless’M

(Photo Courtesy of Twitter/Cleveland Browns)

Jarvis Landry – now wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns – has become a household name in the short time since his now-famous “rant” on the HBO reality show, ‘Hard Knocks.’

In the show, he  launched into a “tirade about guys not giving it all on the field,”  His point was for everyone to rise above how they feel or whatever their current situation may be, for the sake of the team and the goal at hand. His messages underline a theme: whether we are negative or positive, it is contagious to those around us.

His tagline, “Bless’M,” is a reminder to us to have the attitude to “Bless’M.” In other words: be thankful for whatever and forge ahead with a positive spirit.

I absolutely love football season. The energy in the stadium, on the field and even in the house, inspires me. Unified fans cheering for a common goal is what America is about to me.

Guys like Landry are the fabric of that energy. Even if you aren’t a football fan, I hope you find yourself getting caught up in the passion. And if you get a chance, watch Jarvis Landry. He is fun, and his “Bless’M” response calls us to be better. I kind of love that!

Let’s GO CHIEFS!

VICTORY

I love these examples of VICTORY listed in good ol’ Merriam-Webster dictionary:

VICTORY lap

The general led the troops to VICTORY.

The passage of the law was a tremendous VICTORY for their cause.

It was a decisive VICTORY over the other team.

On Sunday, our family friends that play for the Buffalo Bills franchise had a BIG DAY!

After playing for 12 years as a pro bowl defensive tackle, Kyle Williams finally led his team to a playoff game!

The picture the Bills posted on social media says it all. Pure victory! We are so excited for him, and although we will cheer for our Chiefs, we love to see others be victorious! It’s one of the best parts of life, watching others succeed!

The picture inspired the post today.

One of you fine folks listed VICTORY as your word of the year. What would it look like to be VICTORIOUS at the end of 2018? Heck, what would it look like to be VICTORIOUS over the next few days?

I think I’m going to put this picture somewhere I can see it on a regular basis. It defines VICTORY. The effort, over time, to be consistent, disciplined and to showcase true grit and excellence is what I want to be about! That my friends is a VICTORIOUS life, and those moments should be celebrated!

Live, succeed.