To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Ideas

Check your complaints at the door

Have you ever stopped to listen to people around you, and even the conversations and comments that happen in your own home?

“The weather is awful. I can’t believe I have to go out this early in this cold.”

“We have nothing to eat.”

“Everyone else has their holiday stuff out already. I have no idea when I am going to do that.”

“The traffic was so bad this morning.”

“He/she is so rude.”

“I weigh 1,000 pounds right now.”

“I am so tired.”

“The line is so long.”

“Parking is disastrous.”

“I can’t believe we have to wait.”  And even: “What, they don’t have a Starbucks?”

All of this seems harmless, right? Except it’s not.

Too often I am struck by the ease by which we simply fill the world (as in the one we live in… in our cars, homes, workplace and yes, even when we are out actually doing something fun). The feeling I get from the barrage of these types of comments can be draining and honestly, I think it can make us physically sick.

I thought it was timely to point this out so we can redirect. It goes along well with the conversations we have had on joy, wonder and living positive lives so that we can serve our purpose here in the best way possible. I heard a message not too long ago where they suggested you pray for a spirit of conviction when you complain. Let me tell you, it’s dangerous… but good. You may feel like you are generally always positive, and this could surprise you. You for sure will notice the conversations around you need to be infused with something different.

Our words impact the ability for us to be AWESOME. Let’s do better!

Have a great week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: As the season starts, this is a great thought!

What a great reminder, and a needed one.

In the gospel of Matthew (18:3) we are instructed that we need to become like a child to enter heaven. To me, that means to truly understand the world as it was intended and live it out in its full glory. As the season starts, we can choose this option and be absolutely filled with WONDER. The experiences that surround our lives generally dilute the way we view the world.

What if we could truly approach the rest of 2017 with the excitement of a child? What if we limit distractions, judgement and responding in a way that doesn’t fill us with joy? (And if we do have a tantrum… let’s keep it short and sweet!)

I love these two little girls and hope to emulate their “fun” spirits starting… now! Anyone want to join in?

What is required: Getting to JOY

Honestly, I don’t know why the first quote on the photo caught my attention. I try to write about the things I feel the universe is telling me is relevant to me and you, the readers of this blog, right now. I hope you agree!

I am a visual thinker, and I immediately thought of this as a full-circle issue. We start with joy as a child… How could we be born any other way? We either learn to accept grace (my favorite definition is ‘undeserved forgiveness’) and give grace, or we don’t. That determines whether we can build strong relationships, because God knows it is required to do so. Life then puts us through trials, starting too young for some. We develop our character and, in the process, we strive for joy despite those challenges – and the process continues.

As I write this, I’m developing a better understanding of why the quote stood out to me.

You see, I, like most of you I’m sure, have faced some trials. Some pretty big ones, and some starting out way too young. I have often been asked where I find my joy. The answer is the faith I have in God. I think it’s worthy to note that I have been tested and I give grace and strive for joy because I truly want to add value to this world I live in. I want to use what I learned through each challenge as a tool to sharpen me as a human being. My little “carpet square” of the world wants to radiate happiness and inspiration.

We have a choice to turn our trials into joy. I hope you’ll choose that with me. The world needs us right now. My promise is that I’ll continue to encourage you to do so… It’s hard some days, I know.

Yikes, I don’t know what to say… (reach out anyway)

(Photo Creds: Canva)

Have you ever been in a position where you really didn’t know what to say? Someone is sick? Someone lost someone they love? Maybe they went through a divorce or a break up? Perhaps someone you know is going to be alone this holiday season…

These situations create awkwardness as we contemplate possible uncomfortable circumstances where we really don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s easier to just live your life and not make the call or drop in, and instead pray that God will comfort them. I wanted to share what I’ve learned about this topic, but I also want to tell you I’m not necessarily good at it — it’s a work in progress for sure.

Here’s the deal: The answer to those prayers is likely you. We are the “feet on the street,”  the ones that God intended to use to comfort others, to lift them up, and this may just mean a simple conversation to let someone know you care and are listening. I have read some decent research and heard from friends — the answer is the same: WE NEED TO STEP INTO THE DISCOMFORT and just be there. Just being there is all you need to do. You don’t need to have the “right” thing to say, or to really say much. An encouraging word… a listening ear, a hug…

As you go into the weekend, who do you need to reach out to? I hope you’ll make that call or drop in with a small bouquet and let someone who needs it know that you care.

Hello November: Making plans to finish the year strong!

(Photo Creds: Canva)

Okay so it is SO cold today here in KC I had to go with the fire.

Honestly I want fall back and pretty fast. We are 54(ish) days until Christmas (roughly eight weeks) and that means we are running out of time to knock off our biggest goals, projects and plans for 2017.

I know it will all come through like a rushing wind if I don’t sit down and plan a few things to finish strong and also to ensure I’m intentional with my holiday plans. Who are those friends, family and colleagues I really need to thank for helping make this year what it has been? What are the few things I “must” get done… Is there anything I’ve been putting off (of course there is), like budgeting (don’t forget this or these 56 days can show up late into 2018!), travel anyone? Health goals (uh-oh…)? Learning or books, etc.? Planned giving that needs to be addressed? How can I serve best this month? Who needs my help?

Okay, so that’s my insight today. I would love to hear what you are doing to plan a STRONG WRAP TO THE YEAR! We can all use all of the creativity and help we can get!

Bridges and friendships

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I sure do like the idea of this. I heard it on a podcast and it got me thinking that some of my most long lasting friendships have come from doing something like this.

When my good friends Susie and Sid Womack relocated to Kansas City from Texas, I hosted a Super Bowl party so they would feel welcome. That small effort changed my world and the world of my boys. Susie introduced us to Pine Cove which has been a life-changing factor in all of our lives and likely will for generations. Sid spoke into the lives of my boys, and I will forever be grateful. It was pretty much all thanks to a pot of chili, and a few friends that showed up.

I haven’t done this in awhile with anyone new. Most days I feel like I’m doing good to see my closest friends and family a few times a year. This idea has me thinking where a bridge is needed. I hope this sparks your thinking…

If you read this blog a lot I’d love to start here: I’d love to invite you to our new home and put on a pot of chili and talk life. Let me know if you are in and I’ll make it happen. A little groupthink may make us all better!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A final thought on mindfulness

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up the idea of mindfulness than this message.

This scripture gets me every single time. Most likely because I’m not so good at it. I totally get it though. The ONLY time I have truly felt I have heard from God was when I quieted my soul to reflect on what was happening in my life at any given time, truly listening to what I was reading, watching, etc.

I do believe the research I’ve found and shared, and the simple message of mindfulness goes hand in hand with this scripture.

I hope that you have found something valuable over the last week and know that GOD is indeed with you and guiding every single step. Even the ones that do not make much sense to you right now. If we can still our minds to listen, we will surely see him show up… step in and help us RISE to our next level.

Have a simply wonderful week. Relish a bit in the fun of the holiday and, as always, I’m so grateful today for each of you that read this and am always cheering you on.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God often speaks loudest when we are the quietest

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I am a huge fan of the author Mark Batterson.

He has crafted the Circle Maker and a host of books I regularly give as gifts. His latest, ‘Whisper,’ is coming out soon and I was lucky enough to get a preview copy. This topic is timely, real and critical that we all listen. My opinion of course.

The book is about hearing the voice of God and outlines some practical thinking and steps we might take to get to this goal. Most people operate in the hope that God will send a sign or at least a major clue that tells us where to step next. I for sure have lived most of the seasons of my life looking around the corner and in the mailbox for these. It’s human nature I think.

At any rate, the simple thought this week is from Batterson’s latest book: “God often speaks the loudest when we are the quietest.” We must carve out time for quiet. Our world is so noisy. In fact, studies show that most of us can’t hardly stand to not have something going on, be it TV, radio, “Alexa” chatter, checking our phone, etc. I absolutely know this is a truth that I can use to hear again and again. I have time and again heard from God in the quiet… generally through reading or spending time away on the water. I know I for one need quiet… A LOT OF IT!

I hope this insight speaks to your soul, and I hope that this week you carve out time for QUIET.

Don’t forget to say THANK YOU… I SEE YOU… I APPRECIATE YOU…

(Photo Creds: Canva)

I had a recent LIGHT BULB moment that really should not have been one, but it was. Honestly, I thought I had been pretty good at this, but not sure I’ve done it enough since college started, maybe even a bit before. As our children age, I think we need to get out the “basics” playbook. This is especially true I think with teenagers and young adults.

The insight is simple…

Don’t forget to CALL OUT the GOOD… Say THANK YOU… I SEE YOU AND RECOGNIZE YOUR EXTRA EFFORT.

My example is simple. One of my boys is really helpful with our dogs. With my crazy schedule, his help is incredible. Here’s the thing: I kind of take it for granted. Not intentionally, but I do and hadn’t realized that. One evening I was telling him how much I appreciate his extra help and attention and he said “thank you for noticing,” and it hit me. (He said it in a nice way, but still… OUCH.) He is one who doesn’t require a lot and honestly I think those are the people that we should intentionally recognize more. So, I’m dusting off the playbook and going to try to incorporate those basics more often.

At all ages we need someone to say “I see you.. I recognize you… Your efforts are not going unnoticed…” If you don’t have your own kids, this of course is applicable in all settings. I hope I’m not the only one who needed this reminder, but alas, if so,  perhaps it’s something you can pass on.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Capturing our best thinking… “THE” FLOW

I love coffee shops! That is where I do my best thinking… specifically, Black Dog coffeehouse in Lenexa. A bit off of my normal, beaten path, it’s just the perfect hideaway to get the “juices” flowing.

My second choice would be a good walk through trails or any place with an abundance of nature – the trees and creek types are my favorite.

There has been much written and researched on the concepts of “creative thinking” and just how we humans enter a state of “flow.” A place in our minds where we can really feel the ideas rolling.

Susan K. Perry, PhD and Social psychologist, speaks about the “busy mind: fragmented,  unfocused, distracted, too many things on your mind.” Sound familiar? The opposite of which is “THE” FLOW that I am characterizing. According to Perry, “FLOW: loose, relaxed and focused.” My guess is that many of us need to be able to get into this “FLOW” state more often in order to bring our best work.

Experts say that we can indeed achieve this state by facilitating certain conditions that optimize our thinking, offer a quality of awareness and creative expression. Here are 5 ideas that may help you achieve “FLOW” and produce your best work. (RE: Myrko Thum)

  1. Direct your Focus ACTIVELY – Direct it to what you want to achieve… Take the focus OFF of the not so good. (This includes environmentally setting yourself up to succeed, minimizing interruptions)
  2. Choose your most important task – Concentrate fully on the one thing that is most important at the moment
  3. Focus all of your attention with intensity as your task. (Again, no interruptions, cell phone out of the way, etc.)
  4. Do it for a set amount of time – 30+ minutes. Flow cannot happen in an instant.
  5. Stay with the task until it is finished. This will help you to feel accomplished and desire to get back into the “FLOW” or “ZONE” for the next task at hand.

The bottom line is that training your mind to develop a sharp metal focus is a key skill for success and self improvement and peak performance.

Go all in and OPTIMIZE THIS WEEK!