"...And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
Over the weekend we went to OKC to visit Megan and Cori. Yesterday we went with them to church at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene where pastor David Busik was finishing a sermon series on great stories from the Bible. His message was from the book of Esther and by his own admission was a story that most of us knew from childhood Sunday School lessons. But then God stepped in and made the old new again, and the story as told by a master story teller became relevant for all of us in the sanctuary.
I won't spend time telling the story here, although I do encourage you to go and read it again, for the first time. However, the gist of the story is that God had placed a young lady in just the right place at just the right time. Although the circumstances were difficult, difficult to the point of potential death, and she was the least likely of heroes, she was reminded by her guardian Mordecai that "who knows but that you have come to this place (royal position) for such a time as this."
That's a powerful statement, one that has had my attention since Pastor Busik read it aloud. The end of the story finds Esther bringing justice to an unjust situation and lifting others, Mordecai and the Jewish people, to a place of security and peace. Without her intervention, Mordecai and all the Jews in that region, including Esther, would have surely perished. Now, make no mistake, this was no easy task and meant getting involved in a situation that was horribly fearful, and rightly so. But through prayer Esther believed Mordecai was right and that God had indeed placed her in that very position at that very moment, for "such a time as this."
I don't know where you're at in life. I don't know if the waters you're traveling are rough, or if the sea is smooth right now. But I do agree with Pastor Busik in that each of us has, is, or will face "such a time as this," some of us many times over. Could it be that we need to stop for a moment and reflect on the circumstances of life and ask if God has indeed placed me in this position "for such a time as this?"
We tend to want to run, leave it up to someone else, ignore it, or complain, none of which honors God. Mordecai's challenge to Esther may be God's challenge to us. You're time in that circumstance may be short or many years in developing, but to know that God has entrusted you with "such a time as this" is an overwhelming feeling.
I've been praying about my own life since yesterday morning and wondering about "such a time as this." What are you doing with the time you've been given. As Gandolf said in Lord of the Rings, "it is not up to us to decide the time, but to decide what to do with the time we've been given." Sounds to me like J.R.R. Tolkien had read the book of Esther.
What are you going to do with "such a time as this?"
Lead Strong,
Shawn
Monday, October 11, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Catching Up...
Ok, first off, you know you're not very good at blogging when you have to reset your password every time to even get into your own blog! But, I'm in and I've written my new password down somewhere, I just hope I can remember where for the next time I feel inspired, lol.
Life is busy but I wanted to play a little catch up:
This whole blogging thing is therapeutic, but also amazingly beneficial for me as a reflection tool (which if you've read my leadership philosophy you know is an element of it). And fun things happen too. Pearson Publishers is using one of my blog posts (the basic premise of this blog: Leadership = Relationships + Influence) in an upcoming text book. I'm honored, but what I know about leadership I owe to so many others. I have never said anything new, I only hope that I keep finding ways to say truth in ways that connects with people.
Any way, enough rambling. I hope I'm catching up on news now. Thanks in advance for your prayers for Rochelle!
Lead Strong....
Shawn
Life is busy but I wanted to play a little catch up:
- First off, the new job (5 months old now) is great, love coming to work every day!
- Rochelle is starting a new job next week. She is working under a grant through University of Texas (that is killing me as a Texas Tech Red Raider) at Amarillo College. She will work with AC students enrolled in Early Childhood and who currently work in the day care industry. She serves as a tutor to help these students graduate and learn to teach. She is so excited and she'll be off the road! Praise God!!
- All the kids are doing great. Cori is actively looking for a teaching job in the OKC area but still working at Le Petite. She is learning much that will aid her as a classroom teacher someday. Megan leaves Monday to work summer youth camp in OK. She's excited and I'm proud of her for giving of herself all summer. Emily finishes school next week and will be a senior, wow! Jack is growing like a weed and doing so many fun things.
- This month has also had its challenges. Rochelle was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will have surgery to remove her thyroid June 1. God has been so good though, our family doctor has been so great and we love the surgeon! Even with Rochelle switching jobs we will only need to carry COBRA for 1-2 months and her new insurance will pick up July 1, so God has been faithful. We are surrounded by wonderful family, great friends, and a wonderful church. Besides, you can't keep Rochelle down and she is too excited about her new job to let this set her back. Out mantra, I have cancer but cancer doesn't have me! We love that TV campaign and know that with a positive-fighting attitude and God's healing power this is "just a thing."
This whole blogging thing is therapeutic, but also amazingly beneficial for me as a reflection tool (which if you've read my leadership philosophy you know is an element of it). And fun things happen too. Pearson Publishers is using one of my blog posts (the basic premise of this blog: Leadership = Relationships + Influence) in an upcoming text book. I'm honored, but what I know about leadership I owe to so many others. I have never said anything new, I only hope that I keep finding ways to say truth in ways that connects with people.
Any way, enough rambling. I hope I'm catching up on news now. Thanks in advance for your prayers for Rochelle!
Lead Strong....
Shawn
Monday, March 15, 2010
Irregularity
I wonder if there is a laxative for blog posting irregularity? Oh, I know that's gross, get over it. Looking back at my posts it seems that I have a monthly blogging syndrome; posting on a monthly basis whether I need to or not. It's not that I'm not interested, it's more that I am having to choose what gets my attention. Work is great, but the new position is crazy busy. I actually didn't know you could cram so many meetings into one day. And because I have responsibility on two different campuses and most meetings seem to be scheduled on the Washington St. campus I find myself in transit a lot. Rochelle is still traveling quite a bit (that is actually an understatement, she's been traveling a lot lately) so once I get home with Jack I don't really want to post a blog. I just want to hang out with him, get him ready for bed, and by then go to bed myself. Add in wanting to spend time with Emily, keep up with Cori and Megan in OKC, church, etc. and the days get real short - real fast. No complaints, just causing me to prioritize and choose more wisely. Unfortunately, blogging has not made the top ten yet.
But as I write this blog post it strikes me that I am practicing good leadership. I am choosing the most important things to do and having to let other things go. I wonder what else I could let go of? I know the cell phone thing looks like an earring lately. But, it is an iPhone and has saved my professional life in past few months (thanks Rochelle for convincing me to get this thing). But what else could go? Hmmm, am I, are you, doing things that we've always done but we really can't explain why we do them? Choosing the most important, delegating what we can, and just plain letting go of other things. That really is good leadership.
I need to tell you, letting go of things can be painful. Maybe more so for those of us who are a little driven. And there are still times that I sense a little guilt for not doing all that I used to to do or think that only I can do. But I am so much more productive and useful by letting go of things. I have realized that I am surrounded by great people. I have two highly competent division chairs that run their divisions well. We have awesome instructors and support staff and things run well. The college is run by a great president and cabinet, and my personal support staff is awesome. Not to mention my incredible wife, kids, church, and friends. All these things make letting go easier, and I actually find that I have more time to invest in the lives of others.
Come to think of it, if you have a blog post laxative keep it. If I only get to the blog once a month then that it good enough for me. Choosing the more important things is just good leadership and working well for me. As I continue on this journey and develop more and more of a routine (like that's really going to happen) I'll post more. But until then it's the monthly blogging syndrome for me. And I'm okay with that.
Lead Strong (and choose wisely what you invest your time in),
Shawn
But as I write this blog post it strikes me that I am practicing good leadership. I am choosing the most important things to do and having to let other things go. I wonder what else I could let go of? I know the cell phone thing looks like an earring lately. But, it is an iPhone and has saved my professional life in past few months (thanks Rochelle for convincing me to get this thing). But what else could go? Hmmm, am I, are you, doing things that we've always done but we really can't explain why we do them? Choosing the most important, delegating what we can, and just plain letting go of other things. That really is good leadership.
I need to tell you, letting go of things can be painful. Maybe more so for those of us who are a little driven. And there are still times that I sense a little guilt for not doing all that I used to to do or think that only I can do. But I am so much more productive and useful by letting go of things. I have realized that I am surrounded by great people. I have two highly competent division chairs that run their divisions well. We have awesome instructors and support staff and things run well. The college is run by a great president and cabinet, and my personal support staff is awesome. Not to mention my incredible wife, kids, church, and friends. All these things make letting go easier, and I actually find that I have more time to invest in the lives of others.
Come to think of it, if you have a blog post laxative keep it. If I only get to the blog once a month then that it good enough for me. Choosing the more important things is just good leadership and working well for me. As I continue on this journey and develop more and more of a routine (like that's really going to happen) I'll post more. But until then it's the monthly blogging syndrome for me. And I'm okay with that.
Lead Strong (and choose wisely what you invest your time in),
Shawn
Friday, February 5, 2010
New Challenges - New Opportunities
Wow, I always have the best intentions to post more frequently, but life seems to interfere. These past few weeks especially have been a whirlwind professionally. I have recently been appointed as Dean of Career and Technical Education for Amarillo College. It is a new position that incorporates our East Campus ITT programs and our Business Division. I am thrilled and honored to have been appointed to this new position and anxious to get an office established and start gaining traction. I have wonderful faculty and staff within CTE and a great Administrative Assistant in Kathy Wheeler who brings experience and length of service with AC to her new role.
I promise to try and do better with the posts. I am seeking God's wisdom for leadership ability and hanging on to Proverbs 3:3 as a source of guidance "Do not let truth and kindness leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write tham on the tablet of your heart." What great leadership advice for all of us.
Lead Strong...
Shawn
I promise to try and do better with the posts. I am seeking God's wisdom for leadership ability and hanging on to Proverbs 3:3 as a source of guidance "Do not let truth and kindness leave you. Bind them around your neck. Write tham on the tablet of your heart." What great leadership advice for all of us.
Lead Strong...
Shawn
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
“Leadership Courage” by David Cottrell and Eric Harvey
The following excerpt from the book “Leadership Courage” by David Cottrell and Eric Harvey has been passed along by Jackie Marcum. It'll make you want to go buy the book and read it. It's now on my reading list. Enjoy...
A common requirement of leaders at all levels is having the courage to make tough decisions and take difficult actions. Courage is frequently discussed in meetings, rated in performance appraisals, and listened for in promotion interviews. Almost all would agree that it’s an important element of successful leadership. Yet, becoming a courageous leader involves a lot more than talking, rating, and correctly answering interview questions. The dictionary definition of courage is “the state or quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution; bravery; valor.” But what does all that mean in the business world? How can it be measured and quantified?
Perhaps the best way to understand courage is to define its opposite state. Some would say the antithesis of courage is “cowardliness” … avoiding (or succumbing to) pressure, difficulty, and danger. Others would say “fear” … being afraid to do the right thing when the going gets tough. Certainly, both of those answers are logical and appropriate. But there’s another description of the opposite of courage – one not as commonly thought of, although equally valid. That description is “conformity” … letting things be the way they have always been because of the high price associated with changing them.
As a leader, you need courage to do what needs to be done … to do what you know is the right thing. There will always be those who tell you you’re wrong – even when you’re thoroughly convinced that you’re right. There will always be some tempting you to take an easier and less resistant path. And, there will always be those who – either unintentionally or purposefully – create obstacles that will challenge your mettle. Even the very best leaders must regularly pass the courage test. Courage is about having the guts, nerve, and heart to do things that foster and support progress. And that begins with the realization that:
1) improvement won’t be found on the path of least resistance known as conformity, and
2) status quo is the archenemy of progress.
When you think about it, “doing things the way we’ve always done them” requires no leadership at all. What is there to lead to? How can others follow someone who’s not going anywhere? That’s why “leadership” and “courage” must be viewed as synonymous concepts.
To become a courageous leader, you must have an undeniable, indisputable, unwavering commitment to be the best you can be. The true measure of your leadership is the ability to look in the mirror and know that you had the courage to do what you felt was the right thing to do. The people you lead are counting on you. Don’t let them down.
For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your moment is now or sometime in the future, you must be ready.
A common requirement of leaders at all levels is having the courage to make tough decisions and take difficult actions. Courage is frequently discussed in meetings, rated in performance appraisals, and listened for in promotion interviews. Almost all would agree that it’s an important element of successful leadership. Yet, becoming a courageous leader involves a lot more than talking, rating, and correctly answering interview questions. The dictionary definition of courage is “the state or quality of mind and spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution; bravery; valor.” But what does all that mean in the business world? How can it be measured and quantified?
Perhaps the best way to understand courage is to define its opposite state. Some would say the antithesis of courage is “cowardliness” … avoiding (or succumbing to) pressure, difficulty, and danger. Others would say “fear” … being afraid to do the right thing when the going gets tough. Certainly, both of those answers are logical and appropriate. But there’s another description of the opposite of courage – one not as commonly thought of, although equally valid. That description is “conformity” … letting things be the way they have always been because of the high price associated with changing them.
As a leader, you need courage to do what needs to be done … to do what you know is the right thing. There will always be those who tell you you’re wrong – even when you’re thoroughly convinced that you’re right. There will always be some tempting you to take an easier and less resistant path. And, there will always be those who – either unintentionally or purposefully – create obstacles that will challenge your mettle. Even the very best leaders must regularly pass the courage test. Courage is about having the guts, nerve, and heart to do things that foster and support progress. And that begins with the realization that:
1) improvement won’t be found on the path of least resistance known as conformity, and
2) status quo is the archenemy of progress.
When you think about it, “doing things the way we’ve always done them” requires no leadership at all. What is there to lead to? How can others follow someone who’s not going anywhere? That’s why “leadership” and “courage” must be viewed as synonymous concepts.
To become a courageous leader, you must have an undeniable, indisputable, unwavering commitment to be the best you can be. The true measure of your leadership is the ability to look in the mirror and know that you had the courage to do what you felt was the right thing to do. The people you lead are counting on you. Don’t let them down.
For every person in every organization, there comes a moment when he or she must have the courage to step forward and meet the needs of the time. Regardless of whether your moment is now or sometime in the future, you must be ready.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jack's Baby Dedication
Yesterday we celebrated God's gift of life by having Jack dedicated at church. It was a fantastic morning for Rochelle and I, along with Cori, Megan, Emily, Mema, Grandpa and Grandma Tregellas, and members of our Life Group at FNC. A special gift came from a great friend. Jimmy Rifenberg wrote and sang a song for the special day which can be seen and heard on Rochelle's blog http://rochellefouts.blogspot.com (I know, I know, but I couldn't figure out how to get it to my blog). Jimmy is truly gifted of God as you'll be able to tell once you view the video.
Our pastor and friend John Donnerberg challenged us as parents to raise Jack up in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord and then charged our family, friends, and church to assist us with his nurture. It is great to be a part of a wonderful church family, and to have the support of our family.
To be given the gift of parenthood is an awesome blessing and responsibility. My faith and reliance upon God grows everyday as I watch 3 beautiful daughters take their individual places among their peers. Now it is time to raise Jack to take his place and help lead others as well. My daily prayer is that God would enable me to be the husband Rochelle needs each day and the father Cori, Megan, Emily, and Jack need during each phase of their life journey as well. As parents, may you share a similar prayer.
Lead Strong, your family needs you (and so does mine).
Shawn
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Choosing the "BEST" Pathway for Your Life
Where has the time gone?? Jack is 10 weeks old as of yesterday and I don't think I've even thought about this blog during that time. But here I am.
Last night at church during our prayer service I was reading through the Psalms and came across a verse that must have meant something to me at one time or another because it was highlighted in my Bible. As I re-read it the verse came back alive for me all over again. Psalm 32:8 says, "I (the Lord) will lead you down life's BEST pathway. I will guide you and watch out for you." Wow! What a powerful verse of scripture. If you're anything like me you've tried to force a lot of things into place at one time or another during your life. Or maybe, like me, you have chosen some things that you just knew we're ordained of God somehow. But I am so glad that when we are in relationship with God, and that is the key - a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ-that He wants to lead us down the BEST pathway for our life. Not just any pathway, or an easy fix pathway, or a well paying pathway, but the BEST possible pathway imaginable for our lives. That's totally amazing to think about!
But I think that goes farther than just us when we strive to be leaders. Remember, Leadership = Relationships + Influence. Just as I am in relationship with God and He leads me down the best pathway for my life, as I am in relationship with others I also need to help influence them to choose the best pathway for their lives. That's an incredible responsibility and privilege.
Who in your life today could use a little godly influence to help them choose the best pathway for their life? Build those relationships every day and influence them. In so doing your leadership equation comes to life and grows exponentially.
Lead Strong,
Shawn
Last night at church during our prayer service I was reading through the Psalms and came across a verse that must have meant something to me at one time or another because it was highlighted in my Bible. As I re-read it the verse came back alive for me all over again. Psalm 32:8 says, "I (the Lord) will lead you down life's BEST pathway. I will guide you and watch out for you." Wow! What a powerful verse of scripture. If you're anything like me you've tried to force a lot of things into place at one time or another during your life. Or maybe, like me, you have chosen some things that you just knew we're ordained of God somehow. But I am so glad that when we are in relationship with God, and that is the key - a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ-that He wants to lead us down the BEST pathway for our life. Not just any pathway, or an easy fix pathway, or a well paying pathway, but the BEST possible pathway imaginable for our lives. That's totally amazing to think about!
But I think that goes farther than just us when we strive to be leaders. Remember, Leadership = Relationships + Influence. Just as I am in relationship with God and He leads me down the best pathway for my life, as I am in relationship with others I also need to help influence them to choose the best pathway for their lives. That's an incredible responsibility and privilege.
Who in your life today could use a little godly influence to help them choose the best pathway for their life? Build those relationships every day and influence them. In so doing your leadership equation comes to life and grows exponentially.
Lead Strong,
Shawn
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