Ethical practice seems to imply righteousness. I know that isn’t the definition of ethical behavior but it is what most of us would understand when someone is said to be ethical. When ethical practice actually does equate with righteousness, then things go well, the business prospers and God is honored. But when your personal or business ethic deviates from righteousness, trouble is not far behind. Check out the video below:
If your boss asks you to do something, unless it is unethical or immoral, DO IT! Do whatever is asked with excellence and ahead of schedule. You may not understand why you were asked to do that specific task, or you may feel that the task is beneath you; that’s not your call. Your call is to be an exemplary employee or find a different job. Don’t turn a molehill into a mountain. Check out the Proverb below for more:
If you don’t have a teachable spirit you will constantly wonder why you are being persecuted… or avoided. In fact, if you regularly feel persecuted by your superior, or instructor, it could be a sign that you do NOT have a teachable spirit. Henry Cloud calls these people fools. Fools may be … Check out the proverb below:
When I was in college I took some psychology courses. One of the things I remember from that experience was the professor stating: “Stress will ALWAYS find a way to express itself.” I’ve found that to be true. It might be loss of sleep, biting your nails, headaches, grinding your teeth at night, being exceptionally cranky, etc. Stress will always find a way to express itself. Our job is to recognize the symptoms of stress and then drill down to find healthy ways to manage that stress. See the proverb below:
Really everybody needs multiple mentors across their entire life. So get as many as possible. I have had a few that deeply influenced my life. Some of my mentors taught me important lessons about what to do and how to live. From others I learned lessons about what not to do and practices to avoid. I don’t think I was very successful at finding or connecting with as many mentors as I could have. Check out the short video below:
This is called the Golden Rule and those who practice this in every part of their life are worth their weight in Gold! Let’s go one step farther; do unto others as you would like others to do unto your mother, daughter, or other loved one. When we treat others as we would like to be treated not only do they love it, but there is an inner affirmation that we’ve done the right thing. Check out the short video below:
I am excited about coming to the Lefleur campus as the Dean. I’ve been involved in adult higher education for over 20 years, helping people just like you realize their dreams of a better life by earning a college degree. I know what kind of effort and sacrifice it takes to push through to the goal of getting that diploma and I’m honored to be part of the team working with you. I want to do all I can to aid you in that process. In fact, our whole team of staff shares this same passion: your success in achieving your educational goals.
This blog is going to be part of our strategy in achieving that goal. You will find posts on here that will give you helpful tips and ideas about how to work smarter and keep balance in your life. Some of the ideas you may use immediately, others may have a longer-term benefit. Regardless, I want you to know up front that we, all the staff at Belhaven University, are rooting for you. Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us and we will do our best to answer your questions as quickly as possible.
If you find that the information in this blog isn’t quite what you need or hoped for, let me know and I’ll work to make it more relevant. You will also have the option, on the notification emails you receive, to unsubscribe to this blog, but I hope you’ll wait to do that until you’ve given me a chance to serve you through this venue.
Blessings,
Dr. Upchurch
Dean Belhaven Jackson/Madison
Associate V.P. Regional Campuses
Belhaven University
rupchurch@belhaven.edu
There is a great book about change and how change can create fear in our lives. It seems appropriate to revisit since change is constant and will always be with us on earth. Who Moved my Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal With Change in your Work and In Your Life, written by Spencer Johnson, M.D., is an allegory about two mice named Sniff and Scurry and two people named Hem and Haw. The characters in this book deal with a serious problem: the of lack cheese, which is a symbol of livelihood. In this blog I would like to focus on the character Haw “who learns to adapt in times when he sees changing can lead to something better” (1998, p.11).
One of the truisms discovered by Haw is “when you stop being afraid, you feel good” (1998 p.55). Fear can be paralyzing and counterproductive in our lives. It comes in many forms that are both healthy and not healthy: fear of things which keep us from danger and overcoming fears which can lead to freedom and new beginnings. President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous saying the only thing we have to fear is fear itself that fear in the face of change only makes things worse.
When Moses revisited the law in Deuteronomy to the people of Israel they were on the precipice of change that would lead them to into their promised city. Fear was very present and he spoke saying. “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (31:6).
I want to challenge you that when change happens and actions are needed, assess your fear factors, prioritize, show respect to the fears that could lead to harm, and sacrifice the ones that keep you from moving forward in your quest for CHEESE!
Johnson, S. (1998). Who moved my cheese? Abbotsford, British Columbia: The Braille Superstore.
Stress might show up in weight gain, weight loss, nail biting, teeth grinding, illness, headache, grouchy attitude, etc. This is true no matter the type of stress (good or bad, short-term or long-term) or the source of stress (work, kids, money, spouse, parents, car, etc.). It will usually evidence itself the same way in your life.
Check out the short video below:
Where are you going? Do you have a goal in mind? If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re in school at Belhaven or are considering starting. If so, then you must have an educational goal. What is it? To finish a degree that you started at some point? To start college for the first time as an adult?
After you determine your goal, the next step is to move forward! Take the step! How fast do you want to go? Are you thinking, “I need to do this in the shortest length of time possible. I need an accelerated program!” Or maybe you’re thinking, “I need to pace myself while taking classes. I have so many responsibilities already!” At Belhaven you have both of those options.
If you are a current Belhaven adult student, you may be thinking, “Yes, I’m in an accelerated program, and I feel the speed! My world is spinning with all the things I have to do. School. Work. Family. Church. Maybe I should slow down or take a break.” If that’s you, we understand. Life can become overwhelming at times. If that’s your situation, please talk to your Student Services staff and get their advice. We want to help you reach your goal. We’re here to serve you.
In the middle of it all, don’t forget your goal! Will a degree help your life? Will it help your family, your children? Keep your end goal in front of you. Keep moving forward. One step at a time. Remember the tortoise. Speed isn’t as important as reaching the finish line!!!
“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” Phil. 3:13