This is the 100th blog I have written since I started Triune Leadership Services, LLC. That is something to celebrate for me, as I have never seen myself as much of a writer. I however have found writing this weekly article to be a very rewarding part of my work, based on the feedback I receive.
I am also celebrating another very significant event in my family’s life this week as we welcomed our first grandchild into the world, Sylvia Grace Deterding. Seeing this miracle of a new life, and the amazing aspect of God’s creation and blessing, along with it being my 100th blog, I thought it appropriate to review why I started Triune Leadership Services and the origin of the name of the company.
I started the company to do everything I could to spread the understanding of servant leadership, and the impact leaders could have in their sphere of influence if they followed Jesus as their ultimate model of leadership. It is my daily purpose to Glorify God, by helping leaders to lead at a higher level to enable them to achieve their God-given potential. I help leaders to improve their lives and contribute to significant change that makes a difference. I want to move this world to focus on servant leadership by working with leaders who will then impact their families, their organizations, and their communities. Through multiplication we can have a significant positive impact on the world!
I chose the name Triune Leadership Services in reference to the Holy Trinity as I felt it captured all aspects of servant leadership.
First, God the Father is the creator of everything we enjoy on a daily basis and the giver of all of our blessings. Sylvia’s birth brought this into acute focus for me again this week! With this understanding we have to be in awe of our great God, and want to serve Him and others in all we do!
Second, Jesus the Son is the perfect model of servant leadership. Throughout his entire life on earth he clearly modeled a unique humility and an acute focus on God’s purpose for his life. In doing so he was in service to all mankind in giving up his life to save ours. We can learn everything we need to know about leadership by following his guidance and model.
Third, the Holy Spirit provides the power that each of us needs to be intentional in our efforts to be a servant leader. Servant leadership does not come naturally, in that it is not human nature to think about others first. The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance necessary to focus our efforts on serving others.
I am so excited and thankful for God’s gift of a precious new granddaughter. I look forward to God’s guidance to help me be intentional about providing a positive influence to her throughout her life.
I am also thankful to all of you who have regularly read this blog for the last two years. Please always let me know how I can be of better service to you!
Mark Deterding
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. Genesis 1:26
Congratulations Mark! First on being a Grandpa and second on your accomplishments. As one who has been greatly effected by your work, I am grateful you took the step to fulfill your life purpose! You do it well.
Jeremy, thanks so much for your kind comments! It has been an absolute honor to have the opportunity to work with you and your outstanding organization. I consistently learn from you as well!
Mark, congratulations to you and your lovely wife on the birth of Sylvia Grace! There is no way to describe the joy and wonder in this miracle! One more thing to celebrate as we celebrate the miracle, wonder and joy in the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
With much love and appreciation,
Lynndene
Amen Lynndene! I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for your thoughtful note!
Mark
Congrats to you and your family, Mark. The gift of a grandchild is an incredible experience that keeps giving and giving. Have fun and have a special Christmas!
Thanks so much Roger. We are truly excited about this next phase of our life. It is such a blessing, and we are looking forward to celebrating Christ’s birth with our new grand daughter!
Congratulations Mark! Grandchildren are such an enjoyment and blessing! You are living in God’s will for your life. I thank God for you and what He is doing through you.
Philemon 1:4
The Message (MSG)
4-7 Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
Congratulations on becoming a grandparent! It is a wonderful thing to be a grandparent. Enjoy!
Doug, thank you so much for such kind and thoughtful comments. I am humbled. I so appreciate all you are doing to advance God’s Kingdom in Willmar and beyond, and you are a model for all of us. Blessings,
Mark
Congratulations on your new grandbaby! The birth of a child is such a powerful reminder of how great God really is! Thank you so much for continuing to encourage/challenge/influence me with your blogs. You lift me up! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!!!
Maryke, thanks so much for your note! You made my day. We are certainly enjoying our grand daughter, and are so thankful for this amazing blessing from God. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon, hoping that you will be in the 2014 Leadership Roundtable in Willmar! You and your family have a Blessed Christmas as well!
Mark
Mark, You continue to be a real inspiration to me and those around you! Your servant leadership skills are truly a significant impact to many. When I sit down to read your blog, I am so thankful for the writing skills you have been given…those words you put down, speak right from your heart, and that truly is a talent. I look forward to your Long Prairie visit in January! Also, congrats on becoming a grandparent…you & Kim will be great! Gary & I look forward to the opportunity to experience that in May 2014. Merry Christmas to you & your family.
Marla
Marla, I really appreciate your encouraging note. It means a lot! I am also looking forward to getting back to Long Prairie in January to re-connect with so many great friends. Congratulations to you and Gary on your exciting news! You will be a phenomenal Grandma!! We are certainly enjoying it so far. You, Gary and family have a Blessed Christmas!
Mark