I have a book in my library entitled "The Power of Focus." Two of the authors are famous for writing the very successful books which we are all aware. Those are the "Chicken Soup for ........" Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen have been a vital part of the motivational speakers' industry with an emphasis of improving our lives. "The Power of Focus" is a book that reminds me so much of my wife Sue because she is the most focused person I know. She is almost possessed with the desire to write and improve her writing. Yesterday, we drove past Hazelwood West High School where she taught prior to turning to writing full-time for Jesus. She has NO desire to return to the teaching profession. She was emphatic with that as we passed the school.
In "The Power of Focus," there is a thought by Ralph Waldo Emerson. It reads as follows:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
As we face the challenges of life, there are no shortcuts. Endeavoring to find your place in the world oftentimes must be accepted by individuals close to you. For example, when a husband is afforded the opportunity to move upward by moving to another location, his wife must be a willing participant. It also works the other way when a husband fully supports the plans of a wife to find her place, even though there may be challenges in making the family operate smoothly.
Some action steps outlined by the authors to help the reader are listed below:
1. Do you recognize what you are good at and what energizes you?
2. Do you fully utilize your most-enjoyed skills?
3. Does your work further some interest or issue that you care deeply about?
4. Do you see yourself, through work, as making a difference in the world?
5. Do you view most days with a sense of enthusiasm?
6. Do you feel a sense of meaning and purpose for your life?
7. Do you have active goals this year relating to your purpose?
8. Are you living your life to the fullest now instead of hoping that things will work our someday?
Tough challenges in answering the questions; however, they call attention to many of our needs to make life better, not only for ourselves, but others. That really is a challenge.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
A CALL TO ONENESS
Today, I had the privilege of speaking to the St. Louis Clergy, a group of ministers who not only preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, but support public education in St. Louis. What an outstanding group of men and women. I shared a bit about our "College Begins in Kindergarten" program and had quite a few folks come up afterwards and share their interest and desire to be a part of this thrust.
That was a gratifying experience, but paled in comparison to the Black clergymen who are beginning a program that was featured today on national television. They have issued "A CALLTO ONENESS.". Their purpose is to promote cooperation, collaboration and commitment among African-American men for the betterment of our communities. Two of their objectives are: (1) To call African-American men together for a weekend of discussion, reflection, prayer, and recommitment in order that we may be reconciled to one another, to our God as we may understand God, and to our wives, mothers, and sisters who continue to love and support us. (2) To assert the moral strength and guidance of the Black religious experience in support of public school education."
During the weekend of May 30-June 1, a State of Emergency Panel Discussion is planned. The panel will consist of a variety of disciplines that reflect the many shades of blackness. On May 31, a Day of Information and Implementation will feature classes that ask the question: "How do we address the moral issues and concerns that face black men in our community." June 1 will be a day of worship, witness and reconciliation. This day will feature 20,000 men marching to Tandy Park for a venue of speeches and a platform for reconciliation. Along the route of the march will be women stationed along the streets to surround the men, showing their love and appreciation.
It is always a good thing to be in the presence of greatness. Today, I had that opportunity.
That was a gratifying experience, but paled in comparison to the Black clergymen who are beginning a program that was featured today on national television. They have issued "A CALLTO ONENESS.". Their purpose is to promote cooperation, collaboration and commitment among African-American men for the betterment of our communities. Two of their objectives are: (1) To call African-American men together for a weekend of discussion, reflection, prayer, and recommitment in order that we may be reconciled to one another, to our God as we may understand God, and to our wives, mothers, and sisters who continue to love and support us. (2) To assert the moral strength and guidance of the Black religious experience in support of public school education."
During the weekend of May 30-June 1, a State of Emergency Panel Discussion is planned. The panel will consist of a variety of disciplines that reflect the many shades of blackness. On May 31, a Day of Information and Implementation will feature classes that ask the question: "How do we address the moral issues and concerns that face black men in our community." June 1 will be a day of worship, witness and reconciliation. This day will feature 20,000 men marching to Tandy Park for a venue of speeches and a platform for reconciliation. Along the route of the march will be women stationed along the streets to surround the men, showing their love and appreciation.
It is always a good thing to be in the presence of greatness. Today, I had that opportunity.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A DAY WITH SERVING GIANTS
Yesterday, Ed Watkins and I left St. Charles at 7:30 am to drive to Windermere, a Christian conference center located on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. 176 miles to Winderemere aand 176 miles back to St. Charles at $3.49 a gallon. That was the only painful part of the trip, but it paled in comparison to what my son Rick paid to fill his Tahoe. $81 was the price for that.
Windermere is a beautiful Christian conference center with great facilities and is located, in my opinion, on the finest part of the lake, the Niangua arm. The water in that area is almost always clear and beautiful.
Dr. Arthur Mallory, chairman of the Windermere board and Dan Bench, the CEO greeted us and took us over the campus to see the varied parts of the center. It was fun touring and visiting. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the prayer chapel that is located on a hill that overlooks Windermere on one side and the lake on the other. What a special place for being alone with God!
During lunch we began a two-pronged conversation. Could we come up with a plan to bring people to Windermere during the off-season? The four of us talked and listened. Ed is in the beginning of a program for non-profit organizations to count the number of volunteer hours that help those folks and verify those hours on the internet. That was one way we could help Windermere. I suggested that perhaps having a state Upward basketball tournament at Windermere. What a great expereience for those little folks to come to Windermere and play basketball and have spiritual experience. Last year more than 1500 decisions for Christ were made at that facility. Arthur suggested that we find a way to bring minority kids to Windermere. I mentioned a man to Ed and he said that person was the perfect individual to make that happen. So Ed and I will meet with him and a leader in the Black churches of St. Louis and bring them to Windermere for more discussion about reaching those important kids.
Dan Bench is a special servant. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps. He SERVES as president/CEO of Windermere for zero salary. It is so easy to see his love for the center, its employees and it volunteers. What a servant! Arthur serves on many boards and is THE expert in the field of education.
Before driving back to St. Louis, Arthur agreed to help us in any way with the MOHELA "College Begins in Kindergarten" program. His first task will be to talk to Senator Kit Bond and seek his help. Sen Bond is the former auditor of the state of Missouri and two-time governor. He has represented us in the US Senate for many years and has great influence.
The drive back to the city, with a stop in Jefferson City for ice cream, was a great time of reflection. I was in the company of Christian Serving Giants. What a great experience!!!
Windermere is a beautiful Christian conference center with great facilities and is located, in my opinion, on the finest part of the lake, the Niangua arm. The water in that area is almost always clear and beautiful.
Dr. Arthur Mallory, chairman of the Windermere board and Dan Bench, the CEO greeted us and took us over the campus to see the varied parts of the center. It was fun touring and visiting. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the prayer chapel that is located on a hill that overlooks Windermere on one side and the lake on the other. What a special place for being alone with God!
During lunch we began a two-pronged conversation. Could we come up with a plan to bring people to Windermere during the off-season? The four of us talked and listened. Ed is in the beginning of a program for non-profit organizations to count the number of volunteer hours that help those folks and verify those hours on the internet. That was one way we could help Windermere. I suggested that perhaps having a state Upward basketball tournament at Windermere. What a great expereience for those little folks to come to Windermere and play basketball and have spiritual experience. Last year more than 1500 decisions for Christ were made at that facility. Arthur suggested that we find a way to bring minority kids to Windermere. I mentioned a man to Ed and he said that person was the perfect individual to make that happen. So Ed and I will meet with him and a leader in the Black churches of St. Louis and bring them to Windermere for more discussion about reaching those important kids.
Dan Bench is a special servant. He served our country in the United States Marine Corps. He SERVES as president/CEO of Windermere for zero salary. It is so easy to see his love for the center, its employees and it volunteers. What a servant! Arthur serves on many boards and is THE expert in the field of education.
Before driving back to St. Louis, Arthur agreed to help us in any way with the MOHELA "College Begins in Kindergarten" program. His first task will be to talk to Senator Kit Bond and seek his help. Sen Bond is the former auditor of the state of Missouri and two-time governor. He has represented us in the US Senate for many years and has great influence.
The drive back to the city, with a stop in Jefferson City for ice cream, was a great time of reflection. I was in the company of Christian Serving Giants. What a great experience!!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
THE LEADER'S TOUGHEST JOB
Usually when one is appointed to a position of leadership and has the responsibility of leading people, he/she must take the time to know the people, maybe even something about their personal lives, and learn how the company or corporation functions. A good friend of mine said that during the first year on a job, you usually just learn where the water fountain and restroom are located. If a leader is interested in moving the institution forward, he seeks wise counsel and makes decisions that are best for all. If he/she makes a mistake in judgement and decisions, the best thing to do is admit it. It is like making a mistake in parenting. When a mistake is made, don't try to bluff your way through, admit you were wrong. A number of years ago, One Accord was practicing in the worship center of Parkway Baptist Church in St. Louis County. I was at the piano and my son, Ricky, was sitting in the choir loft when suddenly he got out of his seat, walked across the platform and the many cords we had on the stage. I immediately leaped from the piano bench and loudly said:" Ricky, how many times has daddy told you not to walk across the microphone cords!" His meager reply was: "Daddy, Kenny asked me to come down." There I was with egg on my face, foot in my mouth knowing full-well that I had made a BIG mistake. How to correct it was my goal. I certainly apologized to Ricky, but didn't let it stop there. During the next several weeks, I often took the opportunity to tell people in front of Ricky what a bad mistake his daddy had made. The bottom line in that story was I should have trusted him. He was always easy to discipline and I should have had more confidence in him than I showed.
The leader of an organization has to EARN TRUST. It doesn't come just because you are an executive, superintendent of schools or CEO. There is always a question if the person is trustworthy. One becomes trustworthy when he/she endeavors to do the right thing. Bruce Weber, head basketball coach at the University of Illinois said:"No matter your position, you must be willing to carry the ice." A preacher must always be willing to set up the chairs. Chaplain Brown, in his making friends in the Regimental Area said: "A chaplain is the only one who can loaf and still be doing his official duty." He meant by that statement that the chaplain just doesn't stay in his office, but does his best to create relationships and build trust.
If the principal of a school or superintendent of schools is not trusted, then he/she has a BIG problem that probably will not be resolved until the individuals either change or leave. Doing the right thing in the treatment of employees will build trust.
The leader of an organization has to EARN TRUST. It doesn't come just because you are an executive, superintendent of schools or CEO. There is always a question if the person is trustworthy. One becomes trustworthy when he/she endeavors to do the right thing. Bruce Weber, head basketball coach at the University of Illinois said:"No matter your position, you must be willing to carry the ice." A preacher must always be willing to set up the chairs. Chaplain Brown, in his making friends in the Regimental Area said: "A chaplain is the only one who can loaf and still be doing his official duty." He meant by that statement that the chaplain just doesn't stay in his office, but does his best to create relationships and build trust.
If the principal of a school or superintendent of schools is not trusted, then he/she has a BIG problem that probably will not be resolved until the individuals either change or leave. Doing the right thing in the treatment of employees will build trust.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A VISIT TO THE "OLD HOME TOWN"
Earlier this week, I went to Springfield for a couple of meetings. Ken McClure and I are working on some things regarding today's One Accord. Ken and his wife, Joey, were in One Accord in the early years. In fact, Joey gave us the name and then they were married in the First Baptist Church of Springfield.
I also had a meeting with Dr. Arthur Mallory. I wish all WAJ'ers could meet Arthur. He has always been a leader and as I have said many times to many people, he was the best commissioner of education the state of Missouri has ever had. Parents as Teachers began in his brain and that organization may be the best export the state of Missouri has in the 21st century. Arthur is helping with the "College Begins in Kindergarten" idea that I have fostered. He will make a great contribution to that endeavor.
Finally, I went to the cemetery where my parents were laid to rest. That is always a very sobering time for me. As I stood above their graves, I had to reflect on their lives and what they did for me. They were always giving and loved doing so. They believed in me and helped me so much educationally. After leaving the Army, I went home and got things ready to go to Baylor. My mother said she wished she could go with me and my dad said: "Why not?" We'll come to Waco on Sunday and will bring you back home. My mother and I were deep into Oklahoma when she discovered she had her house shoes on. There were so many special things. My dad would always go way out of his way to help anyone. He had a vision for Branson before Branson did. As I stood over their graves, I could not help but think what death did to their bodies and silenced these very giving people. The first time I went back to Springfield after they died, I felt like an orphan because for the first time in my life I didn't have a place to stay and no parents with whom to share. Not only that, I lost great prayer support.
How grateful to Christ we should all be when we stand over graves of loved ones, that there is more. There is more because of Christ. Hallelujah. As John Hagee says: "Hallelujah to the Lamb of God."
I also had a meeting with Dr. Arthur Mallory. I wish all WAJ'ers could meet Arthur. He has always been a leader and as I have said many times to many people, he was the best commissioner of education the state of Missouri has ever had. Parents as Teachers began in his brain and that organization may be the best export the state of Missouri has in the 21st century. Arthur is helping with the "College Begins in Kindergarten" idea that I have fostered. He will make a great contribution to that endeavor.
Finally, I went to the cemetery where my parents were laid to rest. That is always a very sobering time for me. As I stood above their graves, I had to reflect on their lives and what they did for me. They were always giving and loved doing so. They believed in me and helped me so much educationally. After leaving the Army, I went home and got things ready to go to Baylor. My mother said she wished she could go with me and my dad said: "Why not?" We'll come to Waco on Sunday and will bring you back home. My mother and I were deep into Oklahoma when she discovered she had her house shoes on. There were so many special things. My dad would always go way out of his way to help anyone. He had a vision for Branson before Branson did. As I stood over their graves, I could not help but think what death did to their bodies and silenced these very giving people. The first time I went back to Springfield after they died, I felt like an orphan because for the first time in my life I didn't have a place to stay and no parents with whom to share. Not only that, I lost great prayer support.
How grateful to Christ we should all be when we stand over graves of loved ones, that there is more. There is more because of Christ. Hallelujah. As John Hagee says: "Hallelujah to the Lamb of God."
Sunday, April 13, 2008
WINDERMERE - A PLACE TO EXPERIENCE GOD
Windermere Conference Center, located on the shores of the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks is a place where thousands of decisions for Christ have been made in the 50 years the ministry has been in existence. I believe my first experience there was in 1961 when I took a group of young people (I was young then, too) from First Baptist Church, Springfield, MO to have a retreat. My friend Gordon Kingsley was the featured speaker and we even had a quartet to bring some inspirational music.
A little later, I became pastor of the Lakeland Baptist Church of Sunrise Beach, MO and we would go to Windermere often when they would bring in special speakers. One time, we loaded up Harold Klee's cruiser and took a long boat ride to hear the greatest orator-preacher in the history of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. R.G. Lee preached his famous sermon "Pay Day Some Day." Through the years, I have heard that sermon several times and through the word pictures that Dr. Lee painted, you were in the middle of what was going on. I have never heard a preacher with the command of the English language like Dr. Lee. Somewhere I have the video of the 1,200th preaching of that sermon.
In the 1980's, One Accord had the privilege of singing at Windermere numerous times and being there, hearing the word, enjoying the fellowship and experiencing the lake were always great times in the Lord. On one of our albums, there is an insert picture of Jamie, Rick, and Holly at Windermere when they were little kids wearing shirts with the title of a song Sue wrote for them entitled "Father, Can You use a Child Like Me?" I told Sue that we also have a picture of our bus parked next to the Harding Auditorium where we sang so many times.
This past weekend, so many memories came flooding my mind as Sue and I participated in the weekend retreat of the Windermere Board of Advisors. A good friend of mine from college days is Dan Bench and he is the administrator-CEO of Windermere. I had not seen Dan in 50 years. That was great. Dr. Arthur Mallory is chairman of the Board and he invited Sue and me to participate in the activities. Sue sang "Over and Over," and "Mary, For a While" and did a great job. I spoke to the group about some things on my heart and so it was a time of giving and a time of receiving. Christianity is a lot like that. Windermere is a special place to experience it.
A little later, I became pastor of the Lakeland Baptist Church of Sunrise Beach, MO and we would go to Windermere often when they would bring in special speakers. One time, we loaded up Harold Klee's cruiser and took a long boat ride to hear the greatest orator-preacher in the history of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. R.G. Lee preached his famous sermon "Pay Day Some Day." Through the years, I have heard that sermon several times and through the word pictures that Dr. Lee painted, you were in the middle of what was going on. I have never heard a preacher with the command of the English language like Dr. Lee. Somewhere I have the video of the 1,200th preaching of that sermon.
In the 1980's, One Accord had the privilege of singing at Windermere numerous times and being there, hearing the word, enjoying the fellowship and experiencing the lake were always great times in the Lord. On one of our albums, there is an insert picture of Jamie, Rick, and Holly at Windermere when they were little kids wearing shirts with the title of a song Sue wrote for them entitled "Father, Can You use a Child Like Me?" I told Sue that we also have a picture of our bus parked next to the Harding Auditorium where we sang so many times.
This past weekend, so many memories came flooding my mind as Sue and I participated in the weekend retreat of the Windermere Board of Advisors. A good friend of mine from college days is Dan Bench and he is the administrator-CEO of Windermere. I had not seen Dan in 50 years. That was great. Dr. Arthur Mallory is chairman of the Board and he invited Sue and me to participate in the activities. Sue sang "Over and Over," and "Mary, For a While" and did a great job. I spoke to the group about some things on my heart and so it was a time of giving and a time of receiving. Christianity is a lot like that. Windermere is a special place to experience it.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
FEW SERVE
Here are some headlines that are not unfamiliar to anyone who has interest in either local or national news: BROWN HIRED TO COACH UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL; BLACK ASSUMES PRESIDENCY OF UNIVERSITY; SMITH ELECTED TO CONGRESS; JONES TO TAKE SUPERINTENDENCY OF DISTRICT; JOHNSON NEW CEO OF AREA'S LARGEST CORPORATION.
Without attaching real names to positions such as the above, one main ingredient is missing from each headline. What is missing is one of the things that is wrong with today's America. So many take positions because of upward mobility and the salaries and prestige attached to the position rather than doing what the positions demand. One should SERVE as basketball coach; One should SERVE as president of a university; One should SERVE as superintendent of schools; One should SERVE as CEO. One should SERVE as a Congressman or Congresswoman.
As I view decisions made by individuals who know little about leadership and yet they are in positions of leadership, it makes me want to cry out "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?" I don't know a lot about a lot, but I do know what makes a good leader. I could list a bunch of characteristics that a great leader should possess, but that is not the purpose of this blog. What I want to do is underscore some decisions made by one of the best superintendents of schools that I have seen anyone serving in that capacity can make. That has to do with endeavoring to help with weakest students in the district. This lady has brought corporations, clergy, and the school district together to do some great things. In doing these things, she is SERVING as superintendent. Last week, I had a breakfast meeting with the president and CEO of what one person calls the greatest export of Missouri. That lady is SERVING in her CEO position.
As Chairman of the Board of MOHELA, I want to serve the state of Missouri and help our at-risk children be able to see the need for post-secondary education and realize they can have that experience. I want the state to see that College begins in Kindergarten. Nehemiah was a leader who SERVED. Jesus not only SAVED, He SERVED. In the final analysis, perhaps the best way to save is to SERVE.
Without attaching real names to positions such as the above, one main ingredient is missing from each headline. What is missing is one of the things that is wrong with today's America. So many take positions because of upward mobility and the salaries and prestige attached to the position rather than doing what the positions demand. One should SERVE as basketball coach; One should SERVE as president of a university; One should SERVE as superintendent of schools; One should SERVE as CEO. One should SERVE as a Congressman or Congresswoman.
As I view decisions made by individuals who know little about leadership and yet they are in positions of leadership, it makes me want to cry out "WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?" I don't know a lot about a lot, but I do know what makes a good leader. I could list a bunch of characteristics that a great leader should possess, but that is not the purpose of this blog. What I want to do is underscore some decisions made by one of the best superintendents of schools that I have seen anyone serving in that capacity can make. That has to do with endeavoring to help with weakest students in the district. This lady has brought corporations, clergy, and the school district together to do some great things. In doing these things, she is SERVING as superintendent. Last week, I had a breakfast meeting with the president and CEO of what one person calls the greatest export of Missouri. That lady is SERVING in her CEO position.
As Chairman of the Board of MOHELA, I want to serve the state of Missouri and help our at-risk children be able to see the need for post-secondary education and realize they can have that experience. I want the state to see that College begins in Kindergarten. Nehemiah was a leader who SERVED. Jesus not only SAVED, He SERVED. In the final analysis, perhaps the best way to save is to SERVE.
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