Years ago I had a popular program I called Purposeful Planning for Christian Entrepreneurs. For some reason just recently, I opened it up to take a look at it and moved it from archived to active again in my courses. I must’ve talked about it because the next thing I knew two separate people were expressing interest in it. I figured it was a great opportunity to take it out for a spin with them and to ask them to be beta readers and give me some feedback. So, that’s exactly what we did and we were beyond thrilled with the results!
I want to encourage you to write a plan, for without plans, we fail to produce… Benjamin Franklin said it this way, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
I want to encourage you to embrace a plan specifically to write to enhance your business/ministry according to God‘s calling on your life. That looks different for everyone but is necessary for growth for everyone. And
I want to introduce you to the Purposeful Planning program, and to the new edition of that program I am calling Purposeful Planning for Confident Writers!
Embrace a purposeful plan to write a plan1 and specifically to plan to write2 to enhance your ministry according to God‘s calling on your life. That looks different for everyone but is necessary for growth for everyone.
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Based on the results we all experienced in planning purposefully, I doubt if I will ever archive this Purposeful Planning program/course again!
Thank you, Lord, for new directions and inspirations and clarity!
Write Your Plan.
Are you a planner?
I am a planner! I even have plans for my plans and lists for my lists and it works… when I work the plan and pick up the list and when I am confident that I have received direction from the Lord! He is my Source of confidence! You need a good idea and a next step to reach long-term goals and your target market. The first step is a written plan aligned with your core values! Your writing projects take hard work and a lot of time. Hanging in there with the step-by-step process for your writing project planning leads quickly to a good writing plan with major points to encourage your readers and fellow writers.
“For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Proverbs 3:26, NASB
What does the Lord say about planning?
With God’s guidance and trust in His Provision, the Bible says that planning is important.
The word “plan” appears over 200 times throughout the books of the Bible. And while there is probably no best way to plan, He gives us some directions for a good plan! Let’s look at just a few of those verses.
Be a diligent planner: Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Sit Down! Consider the cost of not following God’s plan obediently: Luke 14:28 “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
Commit your work to the Lord. He establishes your plans!: Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. This is His Promise!
God’s plans for you are filled with hope: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s purposes are your priority: Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. And what are His purposes? The overarching message the Bible tells us is that our purpose is to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. We do that by worshiping Him, living our lives as an offering to Him, and sharing the Gospel with those around us. His purpose becomes our purpose. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Be orderly: 1 Corinthians 14:40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
What can we learn from the ant in this Proverbs passage about planning?
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest. Also Proverbs 30:25
Add the Scriptures above and the quotes below to your vision board, writing journal, planner, or pins and revisit them as often as you can.
What do inspirational leaders say about planning?
Leaders are Planners! Planners are Leaders!
And they have a lot to say about planning. They all believe in the power of meticulous planning and planning ahead. They plan purposefully.
Let’s look at just a few of their encouragements. I’ve obviously chosen my favorites as they align with my Purposeful Planning process, so bear with me!
Invest in intentional planning because “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Prepare to plan; prepare for tomorrow today. “For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” ~ African Proverb
Know, with confidence from the Lord, where you are going. “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” — Yogi Berra
Commit to seeing the plan through. “A plan is only as good as those who see it through. ~ Anonymous “Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.” ~ Peter F. Drucker
Choose your tools wisely. “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first hour sharpening the axe.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Take action! Planning is the foundation of success. So, create a blueprint for your future and take intentional steps toward achieving your dreams! “Planning without action is futile, action without planning is fatal.” ~ Cornelius Fichtner
Be flexible; adjust along the way! “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” ~ Confucius
Who would you quote to encourage us to plan well?
What does Karen say about planning?
Your plans have to be purposeful and intentional. They don’t just happen because you dreamed about it and thought about it. They happen when you follow your action plan aligned with your unique mission statement, actionable vision statement, and select core values.
Your plans have to be aligned with God’s calling on your life.
What happens if they aren’t aligned with God’s calling on your life? Well, you head in wrong directions and stop and start and stop and start and wonder why you’re not making progress and touching lives with your new directions and your new offers.
Your plans have to be aligned with and able to serve those God brings before you.
What happens if your plans are aligned with God’s calling on your life? You head in an inspired and guided direction with the help of the Holy Spirit. You are on target, and you see your life transformed and the lives of those you serve transformed. Even better, you see yourself and your clients turning to the Lord with every step you take. What a blessing to be part of seeing your and their dreams come true.
Your plans have to be specific according to your strategic goals as you hear from the Lord.
You have to commit to the God-given order for each planning stage. They must be aligned with your calling to serve, actionable, achievable, and measurable or trackable.
A plan that doesn’t evolve probably truly couldn’t be defined as a “plan” at all but more as a vision, or a dream, or a hope. Your unique plan will help propel your writing even if this is a new business for you or an established ministry; and when you struggle with writer’s block or have a solid writing plan and a prosperous writing career.
Now that you have a God-given plan for your writing ministry or business model and a confident project schedule, plan to write! I am a writer and my offers – services, programs and products – are mostly developed to encourage Christian Writers of all kinds.
Plan to Write.
Do you purposefully plan to write?
I finally learned how to plan to write. Everything but writing was on my calendar and I kept wondering why I wasn’t reaching my writing goals! Has that ever happened to you?
Now, writing takes precedence on my calendar and I’m achieving so much more than I ever did before!
What does the Lord say about writing?
God’s Words:
The Bible is God’s written word! There is no better Writer! There are no greater Words! I am so grateful for His Words.
God’s written Word is a testament to the value of the written word.
God’s words are His revelations and inspired words. His scribes spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit to write God‘s words down. 2 Timothy 3:16.
God commanded that his revelations and His very words be written down. The 10 Commandments were written on tablets by God‘s own finger in Exodus 31. God told Moses & Joshua and Jeremiah to write down His words in Exodus 34 and Jeremiah 30. The apostle John testified that he wrote down Jesus’ revelation that was communicated to him in Revelation 1. God commanded you to write down His laws and His divine instructions and teachings for your benefit and for others in Deuteronomy 31.
His words are written so you would remember and not forget God’s commands and His blessings, especially during your most difficult trials. I love the Psalms that encourage you to meditate on God’s Words, and remember His Presence as you witness others struggle through unimaginable griefs. One of my favorite Psalms is Asaph’s Psalm 77. I love the way he freely pours his heart out to the Lord in honesty, and doesn’t stop imploring of the Lord until he hears from the Lord and is comforted by Him.
God’s words are written so you will learn and grow in wisdom and righteousness and justice and equity. Proverbs 1, Deuteronomy 17, and like the Bereans in Acts 17.
His words were written so that you would pass His Truth on to future generations. The apostles referred to the Old Testament, and wrote to affirm their witness about Jesus in Luke 24 and Acts 17. Peter wrote so that others would be able to remember the truth and endure in 2nd Peter.
Old Testament prophets wrote down visions and prophecies, chronicling events and God’s messages. Jeremiah 20, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel. They wrote to preserve the prophecies for future generations, to allow you to test and validate God‘s words, and to remind you of God‘s promises, and of His warnings. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wrote accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry as they were eyewitnesses and testified to Christ teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Paul wrote to address theological matters, encourage believers, and provide guidance. Other New Testament letters were written to preach the gospel, give practical instructions for Christian living, settle disputes in the churches, teach deep theological truths, and to spread the gospel worldwide for decades and centuries after Christ’s ascension into heaven.
God‘s words offer blessings beyond your comprehension. His Words guide and light your paths. “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. His Word illuminates your way through dark valleys and shows you which paths to take. His Words impart wisdom and joy. “I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.” Psalm 119:162. His word uncovers precious truths about His faithfulness and compassion and mercy toward you. They give you hope, comfort, and abiding joy, because the word of God is sweeter than honey. Psalm 119:103
God‘s words teach that His love is steadfast and His faithfulness endures throughout history. You read of the stories of human struggles, and how God intervened on behalf of His people in need, and are reminded that He does the same for you. He sees and cares for you. He does not abandon you. He reminds you, “Do not be afraid.“ He gives you courage and faith-filled confidence.
Writing in the Bible serves as a bridge between you and God, preserving divine truths and guiding believers throughout history. Read His writings diligently! Then write what HE calls you to write with increasing confidence.
Your Words:
Your written words should be divinely inspired by God so you diligently record His encouragements for others.
In the Scriptures, God encourages you to write as a means of communication, expression, and preservation. And while there is probably no best way to write and best practices for writing vary, He gives us some directions for good writing goals! Your words, inspired by a Loving God, are powerful to convey messages, record history, and inspire faith within yourself and within others.
In your writing, you should:
Write readily or willingly: My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. Proverb 4
Write God’s Words: His words given to you should be the foundation of every message you share. “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.” Jeremiah 30:2
That foundation from which you write is one of
steadfast love and faithfulness – “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” (What a bonus!) Proverb 3:3-4
praise and thanksgiving – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 And Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Write with a clear vision for the benefit of others. “And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2
Write with confidence and strength from the Lord. Proverbs 3:26 – “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” and Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” And Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
What do inspirational leaders say about writing?
I love learning about writing from writers I admire! I try to find interviews they have given with hints at writing prowess! I write my first draft, and then I choose from their specific goals and step-by-step guides to reach a finish line and end goal that pleases me and my reader.
One of my favorite writers is Jan Karon who is famous for her Mitford Series of fourteen books that tell the story of a North Carolina small town with a wholesome heart. She writes of extraordinary but ordinary and endearing townsfolk who become family before you know it. They are tight-knit, loving, faithful, loyal, and friendly (well, most of them are) and they survive the toughest challenges and hurdles life can bring. Who doesn’t love a survivor? In her interview, I learned
“You are called to write and sealed.” Jan Karon quoted Blaise Pascal who said, “ There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can’t be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.“ She charges you as a writer to remember your calling and remember your sealing!
[from Karon, Jan. Writing and Wrestling with the Heart: Jan Karon’s Washington National Cathedral Lecture. Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.]
Let’s hear from other writers:
Your courage is reborn: “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” —Anne Frank
You are an explorer! “The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson
I say, if you are working within your God-given calling, you are probably writing something every single workday.
I say, if you are writing every single workday, you are a real writer. It doesn’t matter if you don’t consider yourself an author, you should consider yourself a writer. [Karen/Callie – NOTE to Link to the blog, you are a real writer, which I don’t think has been published yet FINISH IT!!! ]
I say, once you’ve mapped out a plan to write to enhance your business/ministry, and to serve the Lord by serving others He has placed before you…. You’ve got to buckle down and follow the plan and get to “writin”!!! Just do it!
Writing things by hand is magical, opens up a flow of creativity, and actually boosts your memory. I hate it. You have a tried-and-true method of writing that works for you – by hand, typing, dictating, and more. Challenge: Step out of that familiar place as often as you can, even if just for a few minutes and see what floodgates open up!
Remember F.O.C.U.S. stands for – Follow One Course Until Successful or Follow One Commitment Until Successful
Make a PACT – Plan, take Action, Commit, Track – from Kim Hawkins (kimshawkins .com)
Your writing should spring first from your firm foundation of Devotion to God – Who is loving and Faithful. Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth [Or faithfulness].” In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus impressed upon sister Martha that while her preparations and serving were good, Mary chose the good or better part – the best or necessary service was to sit at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
It doesn’t always take much time, once first things come first! Ask God for that initial idea and begin to establish tiny writing habits and God-sized big ideas and main ideas that will reach your readers with strong points and increase their confidence!
Dear Writer, seek Him first. Consider what the Lord teaches in His Word about your calling and writing. Learn from Him and from others you admire.
Karen is the Founder of Karen Bourg Companies and the RHEMA Group (with her husband Fred). She works with Christian women as they confidently navigate their paths – in life, through trials, and as they serve the Lord by receiving insight [rhema] from the Lord within their God-given calling.
As the President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, the Lord laid the theme of Cultivating Faith-filled Confidence on my heart early on. Years later we’re still seeking Confidence from Him as we serve God and the people He has entrusted to us! We’ve texted and messaged “confidence encouragements” to one another, we’ve held 100+ Zoom webinars about it, we’ve prayed confidence over one another at retreats and conferences, we’ve written about it and published our first Anthology!
I want you to receive confidence from the Lord for this new year in abundant measures and new ways. I’ll share why confidence is important, what I believe the Lord means by “confidence” and how to hear from Him to cultivate godly confidence in life, through trials, as you serve, as you grow and prosper in all dimensions of health, and as you write to share what He teaches and how He leads you!
Shout a resounding “YES” to God’s confidence and read on, subscribe, and share with us as we grow together in confidence!
Why is Confidence Important?
Confidence is a feeling or consciousness, even faith or belief, in your ability to act in a right, proper, or effective way.
When you are not confident, you are filled with doubt about yourself or in your calling from the Lord, and you react instinctively to survive. That’s a good thing! But it doesn’t feel too good, does it?
As a Biblical Counselor of families in crisis since 1995, I walked alongside others who struggled to survive. When faced with overwhelming stress, we automatically respond to protect ourselves. Professionals categorize these responses as fight, flight, freeze, fawn, or flop responses.
Without Confidence:
You fight to maintain power and control and to face a perceived threat.
You flee (in flight) to run away from danger. That’s not always a cowardly act. There is a proper time to flee to safety and wait upon the Lord!
You freeze with an inability to move or act against the threat.
You fawn or cower, even yield to please someone to avoid conflict.
You flop/faint or may even collapse and become unresponsive.
Faith-filled Confidence:
Next time, you can respond with steps to build confidence:
You can foster peace instead of fighting. In the Bible, God tells us in Matthew 5:9 that He blesses the peacemaker!
You can stay the course instead of fleeing (flight).
You can spring into action instead of freezing.
You can stand your ground instead of fawning or giving in.
You can stay calm instead of flopping/fainting. In Isaiah 7:4 God says, “…take care and be calm, have no fear and do not be fainthearted…”
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1-3, NASB
God understands and even writes about the impact of traumatic experiences and the lack of confidence we feel. The Lord was aware and understood our distresses long before we were able to identify and label them, and the good news is He promises that we can find encouragement in knowing God hears us!
What is Faith-filled Confidence?
Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.
2 Corinthians 3:4, NASB
With confidence, I can say true confidence comes from the Lord and from God’s word, and from no other source. Of course, there is a difference between how the world defines confidence and how the Lord defines confidence.
Confidence According to the World
Confidence is support, especially in a legislative body.
It is a discrete and trusted communication made in secret.
Confidence is a relation of trust or intimacy.
It is a firm belief in the integrity, ability, effectiveness, or genuineness of someone or something. You place deep confidence in others.
Confidence is great faith in oneself or one’s abilities.
It is faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way.
Confidence According to the Lord
There are seven different original lexicon words in Hebrew in the Old Testament for the word confidence.
From God’s Promises in the Old Testament, you learn:
You are to put your confidence in God. In 2 Kings 18:19-22, King Hezekiah was credited with confidence and trust in the Lord God as he reigned over Judah. Psalm 118: 8 and 9 tell us it is better to trust in the Lord than to place confidence in man.
Confidence in God comes with reward! Your foot will not be caught (Proverbs 3:26). You will have refuge (Proverbs 14:26). You will be saved and strengthened (Isaiah 30:15).
You can put your trust in trustworthy leaders.
From God’s Promises in the New Testament, you learn:
You can ask God anything, and He will hear you.
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
1 John 5:14-15, NASB
Paul teaches that confidence in the Lord will empower you to preach the Gospel unhindered! (Acts 28:25-31). Confidence in the Lord will affirm your love for God! (2 Corinthians 2:2-3). Your ministry will be commended (2 Corinthians 6).
Like Paul, you can be gentle and bold as you work for the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:1-2). You can be confident that in weakness and in strength, the Lord will use you (2 Corinthians 11).
Your heart will be comforted, and you will have confidence in those you serve (2 Corinthians 7:16). You will receive grace from those you serve (2 Corinthians 8:22).
In confidence, you will be led by and walk in the Spirit with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5). You will have a boldness for stewardship (Ephesians 3). Your life goal will be to “worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3). You will realize and receive a great reward in confidence (Hebrews 10:35).
Whatever you ask of the Lord, you will receive (1 John 3:21). You will be confident of eternal life! (1 John 2:28).
God’s way is that you would have a confident heart and a faith-filled life!
We Build Confidence as We Hear, Believe & Obey the Lord
Confidence comes from the Lord first and foremost. Our responsibility is to hear Him, believe what He says, and respond to Him in obedience. HBO – hear, believe, and obey!
Hear the Lord
Hearing God requires you to purposefully and intentionally meet with him as the CEE—Chief Executive of Everything for your life—on a regular and very intimate basis. I asked God some very specific questions as I felt Him prodding me to make some significant changes in my organization this year, and I heard His answers:
when I was willing to sit still long enough and
when I was willing to acknowledge His answers, especially as some of them were not exactly what I wanted to hear.
What will it take for you to hear from the Lord in this season—perhaps more intimately than you’ve ever heard Him before? Listen to God’s voice with a sincere heart.
Believe Him
I love the Scripture, “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief’” (Mark 9:24). I have found myself praying that prayer more often in the last 18 months. If I believed what I heard—truly believed it—I would have acted on it much sooner and with utmost confidence.
Are there areas in which you’ve heard from the Lord in preparation for this new season but unbelief has hindered you from moving forward?
Believe Him. He brings good news. Believing God will give you perfect peace and strong confidence.
Obey Him
Obedience is hard. There is blessing in obedience!
Leviticus 26:3-4 (NASB) states, If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out, then I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit. Then verses 5-13 go on to list additional blessings that will follow obedience:
Seasonal rains
Produce and fruit
Lasting harvest
Food to eat “to the full“
Secure living in your land
Peace in your land
Freedom from harmful beasts in the land
No war in the land
And more! Amen to all of these blessings!
Will you ask the Lord to reveal to you an area of disobedience and offer Him your willing obedience?
We Need Confidence in Life, through Trials, and as We Serve the Lord and Others
In life, do you sometimes look at the big picture and freeze? Through suffering, do you sometimes struggle under the trials of life—small and big—and wonder where you will find the strength to continue?
As God’s servant in business or ministry, have you started and stopped different projects and wondered how to get back on track?
Our lives and our work and ministry must begin with Who God is and who we are in Christ.
Confidence in Life
Life can be so complicated, so busy, so involved. You often feel something is testing your faith. Praise God! He is your Source of confidence. He is THEE SOURCE.
In 2 Corinthians 3:4 you read, Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Paul goes on to state that your ability is from God. The Lord makes you able to do what He has called you to do. Takes a bit of the pressure off, doesn’t it?
Confidence Through Trials
Suffering can often seem to hinder you from fulfilling your God-given calling. In your time of need, you ask God for relief. When you hear, believe and obey God with hope, you realize His hand is intimately mixed up in your troubles.
In 2 Corinthians 4, we read of the confidence of Paul’s ministry in spite of many trials. Lest we think his trials were mild, he describes them as affliction, struck down, being delivered over to death. Because he believed in Jesus and His Words, he continued to be confident to minister, to speak, even to die. He encourages you not to lose heart or hope when facing great trials and various sufferings of this world.
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, (NASB)
God is your firm foundation when major trials come. In his work, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis said, “Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
To find confidence from the Lord, especially during times of intense suffering, it helps to remember God’s promises and provisions. When you read through the Psalms of Aspah and of David pay close attention to their vivid descriptions of their suffering. They didn’t mince words. They were hurting and they talked about it! Remembering God’s promises and provisions increases your confidence.
Confidence as We Serve with Joy
Entrepreneurship and your good work in business and ministry can be a constant challenge.
The acrostic JOY stands for
Jesus
Others
Yourself
In all you do, especially in the work you have been called to, you are to keep fervent in your love for God to glorify Him through Jesus Christ. You are to serve Him!
Pray that you will be a good steward of what God has called you to do. Stewardship is about service (1 Peter 4:10). Stewardship incomes with great reward. And, yes… good stewardship requires you to be obedient and well-informed, even educated.
God gives us so much already, true, but He is also ready to give you so much more if you are willing to trust Him and plant that first seed… to give others some of what God has given you.
We Need Confidence in All 7 Dimensions of Wellness
God calls you to grow and prosper in all dimensions of life. He wants you to encourage others, to draw them to Him, and to bring Him glory and honor in your life experiences.
B.E.L.I.E.F.S.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
In my own Private Counseling practice, we wanted to be able to meet the client and his/her needs in all dimensions of health. We focused on 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and we used the acrostic B.E.L.I.E.F.S. to describe seven dimensions of wellness:
Body – Physical wellness is crucial to our bodies’ good health and optimal functioning. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Emotions – When we are experiencing emotion, we are often completely unaware of it. It’s important to be emotionally healthy. (Isaiah 26:3)
Livelihood – God’s vision of work and financial wellness can transform our labors into purposeful pursuits instead have-to drudgery! (Colossians 3:23-24)
Intellect – Giftedness for learning may vary, but we should all strive to reach our total mental capacity through lifelong learning and critical thinking. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Environment – Families should provide a safe and healthy home and outside lifestyle that honors and respects others and the surrounding environment. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Family/Friends – We were created for unity and togetherness. It is how we serve the Lord – we touch the lives of others! (Genesis 2:18)
Spiritual – Spiritual wellness is the first and foremost foundation of health and wellness and involves growing in faith and beliefs and seeking meaning and purpose in life. (Jeremiah 29:11-14a)
My Favorite Confidence Scriptures and Quotes
“For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:26
“For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.” Psalm 71:5
“And the work of righteousness will be peace, And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.” Isaiah 32:17
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller
“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Christopher Robin
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt
It’s my fervent prayer that you are encouraged and empowered with a confident heart and a faith-filled life from the Lord for this new year in abundant measures and in new ways. I’d love to be a part of your unique confidence journey this year and in years to come!
Be Confident and Blessed,
Karen
Karen is the Founder of Karen Bourg Companies and the RHEMA Group (with her husband Fred). She works with Christian women as they confidently navigate their paths – in life, through trials, and as they serve the Lord by receiving insight [rhema] from the Lord within their God-given calling.
What’s happening in the Cultivating Faith-filled Confidence Facebook group and then beyond?
Dear sweet Ben, I’m so glad you asked!
My older brother Ron is here too, keeping me on the straight and narrow and encouraging me along the way, so Ben, if you’ll allow me to adopt you, I’ll be sandwiched in encouragements by an older AND a younger brother! Does it get any better than that?
What’s happening?
Today, which is Wednesday, January 31, we will write again in Pomodoro style as many of you have with me before using the same link we always use – it’s posted in the posts in these discussions and featured in the post at the top of the group, at least until someone tries to spam us!
Essentially:
at 10 AM CST we will spend about 15 minutes introducing ourselves to one another and praying for one another
from 1015 to noon:15 we will mute our audio and stop our video so that all you will see is a Pomodoro timer ticking in the top right hand corner of your screen, and we will write Pomodoro style which includes a 25 minute session of writing with a five minute break / another 25 and 5 / another 25 and 5 / and another 25 minutes which equals two hours of faith-filled confident writing. We will come together from 12:15 to 12:30 PM to say goodbye and offer a word of encouragement to each other.
Beginning in February we will open up opportunities to write together in similar fashion on Monday mornings, Tuesday early afternoons, and Wednesday late afternoons. We will write in community in the same manner.
But on Monday mornings:
at 9 AM CST, we will come together for a faith-filled confidence writing tip session where I will share all I have learned as a blogger, author, and publisher in bite-size snippets!
at 9:30 AM we will share what our writing projects are for the week and spend significant time with a short devotional and in prayer for one another.
that set us up to begin our writing session at 10 AM.
We’re considering doing a 2nd Saturday of the month confidence community virtual weekend retreat, where we will begin our intensive writing day
at 9 AM with faith-filled confidence writing tips,
at 9:30 AM with a devotional and prayer time
Then, our three writing sessions that day will be from
10 AM to 12:30 PM (all CST)
2 PM to 4:30 PM
and
6 PM to 8:30 PM
We’ll take an hour and a half break between the 1st and 2nd sessions for lunch, and
We’ll take an hour and a half break between the 2nd and 3rd sessions.
I realize that February 10th is upon us pretty quickly and you may already have something on your calendar but I hope you’ll try to jump in and bring any writing friends you wish. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing emails and social media posts or your Magnum Opus, You ARE a REAL Writer because you re writing almost every working day.
Discipline and Prayer – Matthew 18:18-20, NASB
18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.
19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
I know you’ll be pleased with the progress you make, because “where two or three are gathered together” in God’s name, the Lord promises to be “in their midst” and He seems to always honor that when we are together, oftentimes, in miraculous ways!
Join me for writing, faith-filled confidence, and miraculous results!
Be Confident and Blessed,
Karen
Karen is the Founder of Karen Bourg Companies and the RHEMA Group (with her husband Fred). She works with Christian women as they confidently navigate their paths – in life, through trials, and as they serve the Lord by receiving insight [rhema] from the Lord within their God-given calling.
God is a God of Order, and through Him we can be orderly in body, soul, and spirit! By God’s Grace, every minute we spend organizing and ordering (body, soul, and spirit) can produce extraordinary results!
NACWE Members http://nacwe.org ) declared 2021 the year of Leveling UP for Christian Women Entrepreneurs.
For the entire month of February we focused on leveling up our organization(s) – on being organized, optimizing opportunities and tools, managing time, productivity, and efficiency! I immediately thought of my father-in-love’s disordered physical space and very ordered mind! I wondered what our God of Order says about being ordered in body, soul and spirit.
Join me for an initial look! Father God, Help us to be ordered and organized in all dimensions of our lives (body, soul and spirit) and in ways that please You! Amen.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
God is a God of Order in All Things
But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
ALL things: But all things should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
We are body, soul and spirit:
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
God is a God of Order – Body, Soul, and Spirit
I want to want to (want to desire to) be orderly and organized in body, soul and spirit! Even when I don’t want to! I want to!
It’s hard!
I am physically tired. Lord, heal my body.
I fight against a pervasive mindset that says large tasks are too overwhelming and I might as well not even tackle them! Lord, free me from defeatist thoughts!
I disobey when God asks me to invite Him in every day. Lord, forgive me for rebelling.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
My body doesn’t feel like His temple!
Have you ever thought through how many hours it takes to care for the body God gave you? If you add together hours for sleep, cleanliness, nourishment, exercise, and more – maybe hours for healing when you are physically challenged, it can easily add up half of your day!
During a health crisis, I have had to learn to give myself time to care for my body, to be orderly about it (I hate taking meds so a schedule is crucial), and most importantly, to remember that my body belongs to God, and to seek refuge and wisdom from Him.
What do you need to do to care for your body, His temple, now?
God is a God of Order for your Soul (Mind, Will, & Emotions)
And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37
A pastor once defined our soul as our mind, will and emotions.
You can have an ordered mind.
Yikes! I want to stop writing this! Too many personal convictions crop up!
Have you heard about the book Men are Like Waffles; Women are Like Spaghetti?
The basic premise is:
Men compartmentalize / divide into sections or categories their lives and thoughts. They even have a “nothing” compartment. Wife: “Honey, what are you thinking about?” Husband: “Nothing!”
Women entwine their lives and mix their thoughts throughout like a pile of spaghetti; there is no “Nothing” compartment!
I can’t speak for others, but I have to agree that this is true for me and Fred most of the time!
A clean desk is a sign of a sick mind!
For years my father-in-love always had a sign on his desk that said, “A clean desk is a sign of a sick mind!” And therefore, there was assuredly nothing “sick” about his mind! Now, you can’t find the sign or his desk! He’s not distracted by this holy mess. As a lifetime missionary, he has written hundreds of books, booklets, and seminary courses for those sharing and accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Obviously, God’s Grace is sufficient in his life in spite of what appears to be extreme physical disorder.
A clean desk is a sign of a clean mind!
We have a serene little house on the lake that we rent through AirBnb. Thanks to Vicki, a friend that watches over and cleans the house for us between guests, it is uncluttered and pristine! Everything is in its place! I’m amazed at the progress I make when I stay there for get-away work days. There is little to distract me, once I’ve spent sufficient time on the water, of course. I have written my “magnum opus” dissertation and several entire books at such a place.
And yet, O Praise the Lord; He commands us to order our thoughts/minds.
He commands us.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
Plus, He promises us peace!
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
God wouldn’t command us to order our minds if, through Him, it wasn’t possible!
How do you need to organize and order your mind today?
You Can Have Ordered Emotions
I’ve worked with families in crisis since 1995. It’s hard enough to keep our emotions in check when things are going well, but even harder during times of turmoil and suffering. Fellow counselors and I talk often about the heightened emotions in the counseling room and how it draws our emotions toward turmoil as well.
He commands us.
Do not be anxious.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9
Be angry and do not sin… Ephesians 4:26-27
He tells us how.
In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Hold back your spirit. Proverbs 29:11
Be slow to anger. Proverbs 15:18
Walk by the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-24
Let love be genuine. And hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9
Plus, He promises us …
Peace: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
A mind of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
Good will come from all things (Romans 8:28).
A glad heart (Proverbs 15:3).
God wouldn’t order us to order our emotions if, through Him, it wasn’t possible!
How do you need to organize and order your emotions today?
God is a God of Order for your Spirit
I have confidence that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are ordered beings.
God is Spirit
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24
His Word pierces and discerns thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
What does the Bible say about my spirit, as a daughter of the All-Mighty triune God?
We are spirit
He calls us His spirit children. (Romans 8:16)
Our spirit returns to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
We are heart
There is an element of “heart” in our soul (especially in our mind, will, and emotions).
And there is a greater element of “heart” in our spirit.
Keep/Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23
Let not your hearts be troubled. John 14:1-2
Perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18
God wouldn’t encourage us to guard our heart/spirit if, through Him, it wasn’t possible!
How do you need to guard your heart/spirit today?
Admittedly, many of us fall somewhere in between extreme disorganization and uncluttered & pristine in body, soul, and spirit!
This is where I live and work most of the time – somewhere between extreme disorganization & uncluttered and pristine. In some areas, I have to have things organized; in other areas, chaos ensues.
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23 & 10:27; Luke 18:27)
God wouldn’t encourage us to order our body, soul and spirit if, through Him, it wasn’t possible!
Claim it! Amen!
Your Turn
Challenges:
1. Post in a prominent place in your workspace:
With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
2. Purpose to start each week/each day asking God to order your steps in body, soul and spirit/heart. What does that look like specifically for you?
3. Spend 5 minutes asking the Lord specific questions about order, and record His answers.
POST an encouragement on Facebook in the ACHIEVE Coaching group: Karen Bourg Companies
Join our Thursday Prayer Calls by phone via free conference calling. All Thursday 8am CST Prayer Calls can be accessed by dialing 1-712-775-8968 / conference code 620259
Blessings,
Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Numbers 6, ESV
24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
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You have been called by God to a specific task as a Christian entrepreneur, to a position of blessing and influence, of empowered leadership. And He has granted you His divine favor in this calling. -Dr. Karen Lindwall-Boug
Seeking God’s Divine Favor in Your Life and Work is an intentional and purposeful endeavor!
He is our Firm Foundation!
In the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, it is our goal to provide a caring and connected community, expert education, networking opportunities, and encouragement to be missional (pay your blessings forward)! I am a teacher and a leader, so the educational element of our offerings takes priority for me; I admit it takes top billing sometimes at the expense of our other pillars!
Every year, we choose a theme of the year, then under that theme we choose sub-themes for each month, then under each month we seek 4-5 Christian Women Entrepreneurs who will present to us and encourage us under the monthly topic.
When we seek the Lord for His divine favor, we are always thrilled with the direction He gives.
For example, about 18 months in advance, I asked the Lord for His divine favor in planning and that very day He outlined the whole 2020 year of educational opportunities, and led me to Shae Bynes as our Keynote #2020NACWEConference Speaker!
As you can imagine, having those key offerings planned with conviction gave me the confidence and allotted time to move forward on other projects for our successful 2020!
Praise the Lord for His divine favor– His shield!
For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:12)
In her chapter on “Divine Favor” from her book, “Grace Over Grind”, Shae states,
Divine (or supernatural) favor is a demonstration of God’s sovereignty and loving-kindness towards His children. It is a manifestation of blessing that is designed to help you and to help others extend the Kingdom of God on earth; an amazing benefit of working by God’s grace.
Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t
Receiving God’s Divine Favor in Your Life and Work is an intentional and purposeful endeavor!
He is our Firm Foundation!
At our weekly NACWE team meeting, I rejoiced with everyone about God’s clear direction for our 2020 educational year so many months in advance!
They were all excited and very encouraging. Some had additional input about the monthly themes. Danika asked if she could help by meeting on Zoom and brainstorming together about the monthly order of the topics, and about the possible weekly encouragements and presentations.
We asked the Lord for His divine favor, not expecting the whole year to be clarified. We met for about an hour, maybe even less, and He gave us clear direction for all 52 weeks of the year 2020!
I have always felt our educational opportunities were exceptional (since 2010), but I have to say that 2020 and our #2020NACWEConference were some of the most encouraging and informative times of learning and growing together so far–in spite of the pandemic challenges!
Praise the Lord for His Divine Favor! His Blessing!
Ask for God’s Divine Favor. Invite God In. Listen to and heed His instructions!
Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me, find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35
HE IS SOVEREIGN!
We receive God’s divine favor because of who He is!
We receive His divine favor when we:
Believe in His Sovereignty – He works all things according to the counsel of His Will (Ephesians 1:11);
Accept His Favor with a surrendered will and heart – His favor is for a lifetime (Psalm 30:5);
Move Forward as He reveals His Will to us – He establishes the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17;
Express Gratitude to God (Colossians 3:17);
Live a life of Mercy and Truth (Proverbs 3:4);
Walk with Him blamelessly (Psalm 84:11);
Listen to and Heed His instructions (Proverbs 8:33-35);
Plant Seeds for opportunities for service (1 Peter 4:10);
Share His Favor with others (Isaiah 61:1-2);
Are diligent – Do not give up. (Galatians 6:9);
Are humble (Colossians 3:12);
REST in Him (Matthew 11:28-30 – Read this one in your favorite version and in The Message!);
Are expectant – Trust Him to make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 & Psalm 32:8);
Again, Shea says,
The favor of God yields both material and spiritual benefits. It brings influence, divine appointments, divine connections, promotion, unusual preferential treatment from people, sudden breakthroughs, financial provision, redemption from missed opportunities; all of which you could not have done on your own, and all of which will ultimately glorify God in the eyes of others, and draw you into closer relationship with Him. With divine favor, things that would have taken you ten years to do in your business will be accomplished within months. You’ll find yourself sitting in key meetings that you normally would not have the credentials to be invited to. Things that would have otherwise been impossible are suddenly made possible.
Shae Bynes, Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t
Ask for God’s Divine Favor. Invite God In. Listen to and heed His instructions!
Remember, Seeking and Receiving God’s Divine Favor in Your Life and Work are intentional and purposeful endeavors!
Your Turn
Challenges:
Share a story of God’s divine favor in your life and/or business/ministry in the comments.
In what areas of your business/ministry do you need to ask God for His divine favor?
___________
___________
___________
Journal for 5 minutes asking the Lord very specific questions about your business/ministry and recording HIS Answers!
Actions:
Join Us For Encouragement and Prayer!
POST an encouragement on Facebook in the ACHIEVE Coaching group: Karen Bourg Companies
Join our Thursday Prayer Calls by phone via free conference calling. All Thursday 8am CST Prayer Calls can be accessed by dialing 1-712-775-8968 / conference code 620259
Blessings,
Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Numbers 6, ESV
24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
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