To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

And the greatest of these is indeed love! Congrats, Sam and Katie!

As if i wasn’t blessed enough by my boys – three amazing young men – my oldest (by 2 minutes, but whose counting… other than Tucker and Joe), Sam, proposed to the beautiful Katie Knapp on Tuesday.

Sam and Katie are the very definition of this verse (1 Cor 13:13). I know from experience that young love is powerful. I can only wish I was as smart as these two in their commitment to following God’s plan for their lives at such a young age. They are a role model for how to invest your energy into where God wants you to be this season. As best as they can, they are both striving to surround themselves with things that will help them make great decisions, including how to love and serve well with God at the very center. Watching them shine together gives me such hope.

So, for today’s “Simple Thoughts Sunday,” it is really quite simple: Love, my friends, is the greatest of all things, and I believe that like no other.

Love is the very fuel of this universe. If we can get love right, we can do things we could never imagine. Love is what brings peace and joy. Love creates a culture of what is good and right. It builds our communities, homes and even our workplaces. Love brings out our best selves. It showcases the good in the world and ensures that we not only nurture safe places, but create thriving environments all around us.

Love is everything. Let’s bring on the love this week! Let’s launch into the second half of 2019 with a commitment to have love shine above anything else! Who’s with me?

Here is a perfect pic to wrap up this post. My handsome young man and his bride-to-be! Katie, if you read this, I’m so grateful. I know that this tribe of mine is praying that your year ahead of wedding preparations is all that your heart desires!

Love is the greatest.

God wants more for you than an “almost” life…

“Almost.” The word may perplex you, like it did me.

If you are a person of faith, you know deeply that God wants us to have a full life… One full of extravagant love, meaningful relationships, purposeful careers, and surrounded by what is good.

Why then do we often settle for “almost?” As in…

  • “I almost eat right…”
  • “I am almost where I want to be financially…”
  • “My partner is almost the person I know I’m supposed to be with…”
  • “I almost have a spiritual life that I’m growing from daily…”
  • “I almost spend time with the people I love as often as I want to…”

We all settle for different reasons, be it lack of discipline, lack of belief that there really is something better, lack of faith that God could orchestrate the impossible in [name the area].

This idea of “almost” recently hit me squarely where God needed it to. I have had some areas where “almost” was starting to ease its way into my daily routine. I’m not willing to have an “almost” life and I know for absolute sure that is not God’s plan for me – or you.

If you think you may have some areas that you need to stop “settling” in, my prayer this week is that you will seek God’s plan full on with a spirit of both joy and accountability. You deserve to have all that is yours!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God’s timing – it’s perfect & it may be here now

(Photo credit to @ig_minimalshots)

God’s timing on [fill in the blank] is perfect. Does it sometimes seem unattainable? I mean… what does “perfect” really mean? And …could it actually arrive sooner than I think? I think the whole idea is actually a bit of a challenge to comprehend, or at least that has been my experience. I believe that “perfect” is really what is “perfect” for you… at a specific time and a specific season in your life. The notion is such a wonderful thought.

To me, God’s timing is the only avenue to what is perfect for my life. Looking back, when God was involved it ended up being the right time and the right place – even if the reason was for a big ole’ lesson to be learned by yours truly! Be it a career choice, a relationship, or even the decision to make a major purchase, if I actually listened and was obedient to what He was trying to get through my sometimes-thick skull, then I have found myself fully in His timing… which is right where I’m supposed to be! How do I know? Because quite simply I am at peace about it!

I don’t know about you, but I want that… FULL ON PEACE and a KNOWING! Unfortunately I, like you, am human, which means I often don’t listen fully and certainly am not as obedient as I really would love to be. It is an aspirational goal I constantly work toward. I want to be the best listener, and to have God’s direction guiding my life. How about you?

My insight for today is that sometimes God’s timing may seem really far away, but quite possibly, it just may be closer than you think. I know personally that it is quite likely right in front of you. Do what you can (surround yourself with encouragers, read the scriptures, listen to messages that inspire, etc.) to submit yourself to what you know God is calling you to do and muster up some deep courage to go in that direction. Make that call, send that message, stop that bad habit, move forward on that idea you have…

If you are able to take action and be obedient, you may just fast forward ahead, and your dreams just may be here now.

Have the best week ever! It is a beautiful time to create the world you desire.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Bring your energy this week.

ENERGY! We need it, we desire it, and it makes us all better.

The trainer I love via Peloton, Robin Arzon (@robinnyc on Instagram) has a 2019 goal which I think is worth sharing:

“If it’s doesn’t raise my spirit, I’m unavailable.”

(She also adds if it doesn’t raise her bank account – ha!) She is spot on! Positive energy is what brings a positive spirit into our lives. This happens on every single path we take…

In the workplace? Yep for sure! Have you ever walked in and felt a dull sense of enthusiasm (AKA none)? It feels like everyone dredged in and doesn’t want to be present. That is so sad.

Alternatively, I hope you have walked in and felt that vibration… the power of energy… high enthusiasm… passion for great teamwork and work itself… a noticeable environment of purpose. It makes a big difference, doesn’t it?

What makes this happen? What makes it happen is YOU.

Creating culture and a positive experience is everyone’s role. It is walking in with encouraging words, smiles, hugs (when appropriate), and a constant focus on bringing up the level of energy and therefore success! I have seen everyone from new employees to leaders bring this spark.

This is true in the home, in classrooms, in the corridors of our community… everywhere.

Let’s bring the energy this week. Let’s shine that light that ignites a fire of awesome all around us!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: You are meant to flourish – 4 steps to move forward this summer

Flourish… Grow… Prosper… Develop… Multiply – I love all of it.

God indeed intends for us to flourish. To become… To live out our purpose fully and with joy.

On Friday night, our church, Hillsong KC, had a women’s “sisterhood” night. It was a ton of fun and I had many friends join me, which made it all the more powerful. I believe God shines brightest when we are unified in our praise, celebration and, like it or not, in our struggles. The major takeaway for me was something I thought you all may find worth your attention as well: Co-pastor Liz Turner shared 4 steps for us to consider taking this summer. I hope you join me in putting them into action! (I do have to say that I surprisingly am somewhat of a traditionalist with many things, but the fact that she co-leads the church is awesome! It’s rare to see a woman as integrated in a key role at a church. Her spirit and passion make a huge difference to so many. More faith-filled women please!)

Here you go… SO GOOD!

1.) Sit down and spend some time truly thinking about what you are believing God for this summer… identify it and write it down.

2.) Ask God what He wants you to focus on. Do this through prayer and contemplation, reading scriptures… identify it and write it down.

3.) Stay connected with others that hold this same focus and intent for their lives. Speak life to one another and stand together. Be vulnerable as to where you may need support. God has assigned the right people to help you in this phase of your life.

4.) Ask for accountability. Make a personal, faith-filled declaration of who you are and where you are going. Share it and speak it over your life.

I’m going to work on this today. If you join me, let me know! Praying your week is absolutely brilliant, and that you set a spark to ignite a summer of flourishing.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Another in the fire

Want to build your confidence this week? Your bravado? Your courage? This truth is absolutely huge! Our church for the past several weeks has had an amazing song on their playlist – “Another in the Fire” (Hillsong United). It is incredible, namely because of the lyrics.

“There’s a grace when the heart is under fire…
Another way when the walls are closing in…
And when I look at the space between where I used to be and this reckoning…
I know I will never be alone.

There was another in the fire standing next to me…
There was another in the waters holding back the seas…”

In Daniel’s powerful story, the king who had thrown three in the fire was shocked to see that not only were there three walking around in the fire, but a fourth person appeared to be with them.

As a woman who believes firmly in God, this story prepares us for a life changing truth. No matter what is going on – the great celebrations and great tragedies – God is indeed with us. Sometimes it is just you and Him quietly praising or battling, and other times I believe He sends just the right person or people to serve that purpose and fill that need. I see it every single day, whether it be friends circling one another in prayer and encouragement, or ensuring someone is celebrated and honored. There are so many examples of this greatness around us.

You are never alone. We have each other… We have stories that help guide us back to truth when we have doubts, which we all experience. Have the best week my friends!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Paying honor to the many faces of “mom”

There are way too many days to pick just one to honor the moms out there. Alas, today in America we pay a special tribute.

I am incredibly grateful to have my mom still, especially after a tough 2018 with her health. She is strong and courageous, and I hope to celebrate her often!

In today’s blog, though I thought we should look a bit broader.

I love this picture because it reminds me of one of my favorite roles: dog mom! That’s a fun example of one of the many mom roles that happen across our communities. We have the teachers and nurses (A special shout out to both professions that we recognized this week across our country.) who nurture and hold us accountable to grow in knowledge and health. We have the “bonus” moms and grandmothers who didn’t physically carry a child, but who stepped into a role that they embraced daringly… including the perils of flu season, endless sleepless nights and the “know it all” years. (God bless you all!) We have the aunts, the co-workers, the neighborhood moms, and a host of other women who play a big part in helping raise our younger generations. It takes a village, after all.

Today, I hope you will reach out to a few ladies who have helped you out along the way. Perhaps also to someone you know others may not think to honor. I guess I may even have to acknowledge the “cat” moms out there! (Kidding, kidding!)

Have the best week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God meets you at the level of your expectation

I heard this strong message last week and it captured me. The very thought that God meets us where we are is not only comforting, but galvanizing. Whether we are in a mode of praise and gratitude or on a path of seeking and searching… He is there. If we are boldly moving forward with fresh thinking and new plans… He is there. If we find ourselves in a matter of hours (or moments) circulating through emotions of love and struggle… He will also meet us there if we are open to Him.

If we for some reason cannot get to our faith, we can build on a committed focus in 3 key areas (although I’m sure there are many more – so consider this a start):

  1. Surrounding ourselves with a community of people who are able to lift us up and provide both celebration and accountability.
  2. Prayer. No matter if it’s a two word prayer (i.e. “help me”) or a specific and verbose prayer – prayer is POWERFUL.
  3. Reading, listening to or watching messages that contain scripture and teachings that encourage our faith and help us grow in our understanding. One great benefit of our generation is that we have access to almost any type of media available that helps us however we learn best. I love that.

I hope that your faith will grow this week and that it is truly a week of happiness and extreme joy! Let’s all raise our expectations and allow God to step in with whatever we need right now.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Why you can stand still & hold your peace

Our Easter service last weekend was incredible. Sometimes I think, how in the world can someone tell the story in a different way, and somehow God showed up with a relevant narrative that hit home. I think it might for many of you as well.

The simple message above… stand still and hold your peace. God is indeed fighting for us all. He can take the best and worst parts of our life (and even those decisions we make that might not serve us well) and turn them into something productive.

Why do we, in our humanity, insist on letting our peace fall suspect to the latest concern or challenge? Our minds wander down trails of “what ifs” or “how did I get here,” or “what should I do next.” Sometimes we lose sleep and sometimes we can’t stop talking about whatever “IT” is, which only puts a spot light on something that may even be out of our control entirely.

The bible gives us this great news right at its onset in Exodus 14. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The reminder continues throughout the old and new testaments in Romans 8:31, Josh, 1:9 & 23:10, , Ps 44:5, Deut 3:22, Is 40:31. Clearly we needed a constant reminder that in every generation there will be challenges, and we can find rest in knowing God’s in control.

I loved this. I hope you do too. Stand still my friends and hold on to your peace. God’s got this.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: There is power in His name

Rewind! Throwing it back to a forever-relevant post from a previous Easter. Cheering you on, friends!

What a wonderful name! WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY!

For Christians everywhere, today is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For today, I thought I’d keep it simple and remind you of all Jesus can be in our lives (list below). I for one am thankful he is my counselor, teacher, and that his power shows up in every aspect of my life, providing peace, love, joy and forgiveness.

Have a wonderful week, and no matter what you celebrate today… you are loved indeed.

A short list of some of the names of Jesus:

Almighty   Rev 1:8

Alpha and Omega  Rev 1:8; 22:13

Author and Finisher   Heb 12:2

Beloved   Matt 12:18; Eph 1:6

Christ   Luke 9:20

Comforter   John 14:16

Counselor  Isa 9:6

Creator Isa 43:15; John 1:3; Col 1:16

Deliverer  Rom 11:26

Faithful and True  Rev 19:11

God of hope   Rom 15:13

Light of the World  John 8:12; 9:5

Lord of the Harvest  Matt 9:37-38

Lord of Peace  2 Thess 3:16

Mediator   1 Tim 2:5; Heb 8:6, 1 John 2:1

Rock  1 Cor 10:4

Physician  Matt 9:12

Shephard  Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25; 5:4

Teacher  Mark  6:34; Luke 4:15; John 3:2

Victor John 16:33; Rev 3:21; 17:14

Wonderful  Rev 19:13