To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

Simple Thoughts Sunday

Rooted: Pursuing gratitude

November is an amazing month. It has so much to offer us that my heart might burst. I get this crazy smile thinking about the beauty of this life. The faces of those I love cross through my mind and I just can’t get over God’s goodness. I then skip to the open skies, ridiculously amazing sunsets, the Kansas farm fields, vast oceans and peaceful lakes. Those, of course, simply scratch the surface.

Sometimes I need to pinch myself to be sure I’m alive and this is real. We are literally surrounded by joy at every turn. Even a routine trip to the local Walgreens can confront us with warmth as we watch a mom and their child walking the candy aisle with excitement. That is, if we are paying attention. We need not go on a well-manicured and planned vacation to receive all of this outrageous glory. It’s right in front of us.

This November I’m committed to pursuing being ROOTED deeply in gratitude. I’m committed to all manner of attempts to truly embrace and offer my full thankfulness regardless of what the month brings.

Thank you for being a part of my story and my prayer is that each of you will let the love literally pour over your souls… let it seep into your every thought. Don’t let the days pass without feeling how incredible this life is and all that we have been given.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Let us run

“Let us Run.” This has always been one of my favorite scriptures because to me it brings action to mind. If you need a reminder…

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”

Hebrews 12:1

I am not a runner, but wish I was. I do, however, identify with the idea that in order to truly live that we have to get up and move forward, regardless of what is going on.

At work, I have the honor of working with seniors. I love them. Just this week I was talking with some of our patient ambassadors and they were sharing stories of their lives, including struggles with diabetes, cancer, family, etc. Their unified message was that you have to get up and move. They also shared about the faith and friends that have provided them strength during their “race.”

That had me thinking, that the first part of this scripture, is often not quoted… This part from my perspective fills in the key part of the truth.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And, let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Did you get that “surrounded” part? Envision a stadium – better yet, ARROWHEAD – where the loudest fans in the world are supporting you. Put yourself on the field and throw out any excuses, pain and discomfort, and make a decision to move forward in FAITH. You have a universe cheering you on no matter what position life has you in today.

This is a throw back post from 2018 that just felt right. I hope you enjoyed it!

Wise words at just the right time

I was listening to a podcast earlier this week called “5 more minutes.” As in “It will be 5 more minutes, honey,” or “I am caught in traffic… just 5 more minutes.”  The host, Levi Lusko, shared this story about Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Billy Graham:

Long before she became bedridden, she was driving along a highway through a construction site. Carefully following the detours and mile-by-mile cautionary signs, she came to the last one that said, “End of Construction. Thank you for your patience.” She arrived home, chuckling and telling the family about the posting. “When I die,” she said, “I want that engraved on my stone.” She was lighthearted, but serious about her request. She even wrote it out so that we wouldn’t forget. While we found the humor enlightening, we appreciated the truth she conveyed through those few words. Every human being is under construction from conception to death. Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent. At the end of construction – death – we have completed the process.

I absolutely love this truth. I love her bravado in actually putting this on her head stone and am sure I would have loved her spirit. Anyone who has lived quite a few decades knows deeply this reality. 

As our family continues to push through these long days, this message helped me to navigate how my mom would have not only gotten a good laugh out of this, but she would adamantly tell you how true it is. Construction of any kind requires patience, planning, inspection, modification often and the need for ongoing maintenance. She was on this “building” trajectory until she became ill… She was becoming more beautiful with each day and season. 

We have been working on updating the Chicken House on my friend’s hobby farm this weekend. Every step of the way, the symbolism in this message has shined through. One insight today is that stopping to appreciate these steps –– even the “yikes” moments such as nails flying or a missed hammer strike –– can really transport you to the value of work in creating a strong and beautiful foundation for which you build your life on. 

***By the way, getting outside is so important right now! The fall weather is perfect, whether you are getting your hands dirty or just soaking up the afternoon sunshine and being mesmerized by the leaves falling, it is all a balm for the soul.

Have a crazy amazing week and know that your comments and support and prayers have all stopped me in my tracks and literally carried me through this week. My love overflows.

Whatever happens this season, bring your best self

This thought raises some questions…

  • Do I bring my BEST self to every conversation?
  • Do I bring my BEST self in my own thinking… my mind…?
  • Do I bring my BEST self to my work place in every moment?
  • Do I bring my BEST self in my financial decisions?
  • Do I bring my BEST self when caring for my community and neighbors?
  • Do I bring my BEST self in spiritual disciplines?
  • Do I bring my BEST self in my health choices?

Goodness, the questions are running rampant in my mind. I think first I need to define what in the world would I consider to be my “BEST” self in each of those categories. As I reflect, they seem to vary from question to question, and honestly from day to day or season to season.

What is my best self on one day varies the next.

I will never forget the lady that shared with me when I was a mom with toddlers, that perhaps focusing on community service at that time in my life wasn’t necessary, but that my best choice was to focus on my children and my career. I needed that permission, if you will, that I didn’t have to do it all… at once. I so wanted to, and clearly she could feel my stress in the conversation and she walked me straight to freedom with her words of wisdom. (I love it when God shows up exactly where you need…)

Seasons require different aspects of our gifts and energy. That alone is a powerful thought.

As we go into our week, my prayer is that we might ask God where and how we can bring our best self. I fully believe he will guide if we will be alert and listen. I believe we need to give deep thought and by that I mean spending time in prayer, silence, meditation, as we ask for wisdom as we fulfill our purposes here on earth.

As always, sending massive love your way.

Creating a joy list: It just may help you rethink how you invest your energy

I love inspirational thoughts and that often happens when people share their stories and experiences. Podcasts are a great venue for receiving this type of motivation for me. Brené Brown always seems to come through with some deep thinking that leaves me feeling the need to share it with you all... (just in case you don’t listen to her quite yet, I highly recommend her podcast, “Unlocking Us”.)

Last week, she shared that her and her husband created a joy list, and that the process was much harder than they realized. ( To me… this sounds fun after all… hard seemed at odds with that….) She shared that their best moments consisted of experiences such as cooking dinner together. I understand that, because a simple trip to the Saturday Farmer’s market would definitely top my list. They then thought through what she referred to as their “acquisitions” and “accomplishments”...The lists didn’t align, and this is where “hard” came in- an honest conversation that created some new thinking and a change of direction.

Think about purchases you make that are on your “this will make me happy list.” Like, a new sofa, a new outfit, etc., and of course degrees, careers, and so on. For her and her husband, those lists didn’t look the same. Even though it may have been a life-long goal to achieve something or to buy or acquire something, those things didn’t make the “joy list.” Not all together surprising, but yet important. It left me wondering how mine would line up.

While I realize that an acquisition for example can bring joy… (a beautiful and comfy sofa can make me quite happy actually) – it is important to recognize that what delivers true joy may be in conflict with all of the focus we bring to obtaining, seeking, acquiring. It is quite possible that a shift toward those “value creation” moments that weave together and create our best days… and ultimately our best lives is the best use of our energy.

This project may in fact be worthwhile for you to do individually, or with your family. No question the investigation itself will provide you valuable insights. What creates the most joy? Let’s do MORE of that, and align our time, resources and energy around building lives of joy.

Faith, in action: A powerful reminder that will strengthen us all

Here’s what happened this week. Profound.

I have been fighting for a bit over a week now with vertigo (dizziness) due to a chronic inner ear issue I have that flares up a few times a year. This time, it was much worse. I have fought my whole life with the need to be “in control,” so this inability to function normally absolutely drives me crazy! (Laughable, I know, because we all know how little of that we have. Yet… I persist.)

Life is unpredictable. God often grabs my attention (and this time perhaps pinned me down…) by reminding me that the plans that have been laid out for my life far exceed what I could dream up, initiate or “control.” I’m thankful for this, but for some reason my nature is to hold on tight. All that said, I wasn’t doing too well with this episode of feeling like I was pushed off of the road, so to speak.

I was focused on work on Tuesday afternoon when an intense episode came upon me. It took me aback and I sat there contemplating what to do next (as in, am I even able to get up, walk, and go tell someone?). In comes one of our team members. I happen to know this person is a fierce person of faith so I shared my situation. They moved on for their break and on their way out the door said something like, “I’m happy to pray for you.” That alone was comforting. But wait…

A few minutes later, they came back in and shared that their family was really working on “faith in action” and asked if I minded if they prayed over me quickly. I was more than happy to receive that covering. The whole thing undid me, and I found myself shaken not only by the dizzy spell, but overwhelmed by the fact that another person would take a few minutes to pray a genuinely beautiful and thoughtful prayer over me. I was moved to tears. I remember feeling strong enough to drive the 30 minutes home –– at least in that moment.

The experience was profound. The prayer, yes, but also the story… WOW. How often have I said “I’m praying for you” to someone? How many times did I have the chance to in that very moment either reach out for their hand or otherwise pray with them right at that time or even pick up the phone? You can guess the answer to that.

Faith, in action. This is a simple, yet incredibly powerful way to move to healing…. to love. I’m not sure where this teammate of mine is receiving their wisdom or guidance, but I want more of wherever that came from. If they happen to read this, I hope they know it was life-changing for me and perhaps will be for you as well. Their courage made all of the difference.

I hope this serves you all today and sincerely pray that it will strengthen you as you go into the new month afresh this week!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: God’s got you

I saw this on an Instagram post this week and it was fabulous! Here’s what the caption said: “Let me tell you the story of a girl who got so tired of struggling that she gave every single bit of it to God. YES, all of it… And then everything got better. It’s you… you are the girl.”

How great is that? What an important reminder for us all on this Sunday. This sabbath –– the day we are called to set it all aside and rest in His goodness. 

My boys are at that great age where they are realizing that all of this story of God’s power could be true, but yet ask the important question of “how?”

“It all sounds good, but no matter what I do (pray, daily devotions, etc.), I don’t feel God showing up like this promise says.” I’m certain most of us have been in that same head space… maybe you are there today.

Over the years, I have learned that it truly is about “long obedience in the same direction.” (Peterson) This knowing, along with proof points, can only be seen/touched/felt by a constant, surrendering… a commitment to asking God to show up every single day. He seems to always reveal himself over time and His ways of working aren’t to be predicted. Sometimes we wait and wait because God knows we aren’t ready for what we are asking for… That’s always been a powerful truth for me personally. Anyone else?

Sometimes we have to sit with a lack of peace for years on a subject as God quietly weaves it all together. Most importantly, we find His goodness when we literally are disciplined around a consistent thought life that repeats over and over –– “God’s got this.”

This week, what if we all start and end our days with this phrase…? I believe we may just have a shift in the right direction. In the meantime, I am praying that God will meet you where you are today and that the deepest desires of your heart will be received at precisely the time you are ready to receive them! 

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Beat the drum for hope

Hope is rising. Hope is expectation. It’s a desire for something to happen… a trust… a knowing. It’s the fuel for our growth and for our excitement. Hope gives life to our dreams and is the thread that pulls together our story. Hope. I am praying today that you feel hope.

For this “simple thoughts” Sunday, I wanted to ignite your thinking and mine around what good we are “beating” the drum for right now.

Hope for a fresh chapter? Hope for clarity? Hope for those starting school (in one of many forms) to have the best year despite the challenges in our environment? Hope for those that need a hand-up? Hope for our world to heal and for love and forgiveness to flow? Hope for deep joy?

I am beating the drum for all that is good for each of you. For each of you to feel the love that surrounds you this very day.

*Side note of interest: The drum in Native American culture symbolizes rhythms of life. Their beat equated to the beating of a heart. The beating often bringing balance and renewal to a person through participation in dancing, singing or listening to the heartbeat. My thought: Bring on the dance party my friends!

Catch my heart.

Happy Sunday. Summer is in full swing and the days are hot and COVID-19 is creating the need for us to think outside of the box, dig deep in so many ways and re-create our routines. It’s good folks. God has us right where we are supposed to be.

I was scrolling through social media when I found this powerful message this week, and it felt immediately like it was definitely a blog topic. As always, I hope and pray it resonates with at least one person. For the full context, follow @jenniesallen.

In short, she apparently didn’t fully express her thoughts, as we all so often DON’T do, whether it be via social media or an email or text. We forget that the other parties may not know our “complete thinking” and we leave out key factors. Jennie’s a nationally-known speaker and writer, so it’s pretty important that she does so, I imagine. For most of the rest us, it’s simply about wanting to be sure we aren’t hurting others by leaving out important parts. We all need the grace if we don’t quite say it just right.

Her friend’s advice was the power punch, as the picture/meme above shows. In essence, she said we should ask God to “catch” us where we fail, where we struggle, and where we don’t quite show up as we hope to. I could think of a few other words to fill in that sentence. How about you? I know others would love if you shared in the comments.

“God, catch my… inconsistent ways, my sometimes not speaking as gently as I’d hope to my own children, my not thought-through purchases…” The list is long.

Jump in! I am praying today that God helps all of us rise to the next level, by going to the depths during this season where we truly are on our knees, asking God to fill in all of our gaps. That he may fill our hearts with grace for others (my fav definition of grace is “undeserved forgiveness or pardon”), and a heart to always seek guidance and discernment no matter our age or situation.