by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jul 23, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
I’m so grateful to the Lord for prompting me and the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE @ http://nacwe.org) and Karen Bourg Companies (http://karenbourg.com) team members to focus on ENTREPRENEUR WELLNESS for the year 2020. As we made plans, merely human plans, we had no way of knowing about the crises that would surround us this year. We had no way of knowing that we would shelter in place for so many months under the threat of coronavirus or COVID-19. We had no way of knowing how drastically this threat would lead to losses of jobs, homes, relationships, even lives. We had no way of knowing that civil injustices and unrest would unsettle our country at the same time. We had no way of knowing, but God knew. So we focused on wellness using the B.E.L.I.E.F.S. acrostic we love so much!
The Environment of Your Heart – Body, Emotions, Livelihood, Intellect, Environment, Family/Friends, & Spiritual
In January we focused on Entrepreneur Wellness in general.
In February on Spiritual Wellness – I learned our spiritual well-being is the umbrella over ALL our lives and our work and everything!
In March we focused on Physical Wellness. I learned to hydrate better!
In April we focused on Emotional Wellness. I learned to BE STILL!
In May we focused on Occupational Wellness/Livelihood. I learned to F.O.C.U.S. (Follow One Course Until Successful) one task at a time!
In June we focused on Intellectual Wellness. I learned a lot about how my brain works on Entrepreneurship!
This month we’re focusing on Environmental Wellness, and next month we will focus on Social Wellness.
I know you want to know more! So, for a sampling of all of these trainings, check out our free training page at http://nacwe.org/courses/freetraining!
For even more training; actually, for over 800 trainings in over 30 classrooms, join NACWE at http://nacwe.org/join .
The Environment of Your Heart – Let’s Start Here!
As the team and I reached out for expert presenters to teach us about environmental wellness, we realized that environmental wellness encompasses so many different dimensions in our lives
- our hearts or spiritual well-being
- our souls-our mind, will, and emotions
- our physical environment-that of our body and that of our living and workspaces and world and
- our communities and the cultures established within every community in which we belong.
Fascinating!
The Environment of Your Heart Comes First
I started thinking about the spiritual environment of our hearts.
As a trained Biblical Counselor, I’ve always been taught that God says we are body, soul, and spirit. And when we look at what scripture says about our spirit, we see that God often addresses our hearts.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
The Environment of Your Heart Belongs to the Lord
I remember a biblical understanding that took my breath away. We’re all familiar with the 10 plagues God brought upon Egypt and her Pharaoh when Pharaoh refused to let God’s people, bound in slavery and hardship, go free. I read a scripture that said God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Wow! And I learned on a new and deeper level that God is the one who turns our heads and hearts toward Him. Our hearts belong to Him. On the one hand that frightens me because I’m a control freak and I don’t want to turn my heart over to God or to anyone! On the other hand, it frees me because I know He will do more with my heart, even for eternity, than any human being ever could, including myself!
And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, 4 Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.” Exodus 7:1-5
The Environment of Your Heart is Also your Responsibility
I also understand that the environment of my heart before the Lord is my responsibility. I have opportunity after opportunity every moment of every day to respond rightly to God when he turns my head and heart toward Him, toward His people toward His work. I am responsible for my response before the Lord. May every response bring Him glory and honor and pleasure!
I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Even, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
The Parable of the Talents
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25 and Luke 19
The Environment of Your Heart is a Mighty Catalyst!
The environment of your heart is the springboard or catalyst for all you are and all you do!
As God changes my heart, the environment of my heart; and as I respond to Him, all that I am and all that I do is changed, again, in a way that brings Him glory and honor and pleasure. Can you imagine what it would feel like to hear God say, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”
My Prayer for the Environment of Your Heart
Lord, we want to live and work and serve in ways that please You and bring You glory and honor. To do so, the environment of our hearts must be molded by You. You are the potter. We are the clay. (Isaiah 29, 41, 64; Jeremiah 18; Daniel 2; Romans 9.) Change us Your way. Give us the hearts we need to respond rightly to You in every situation. Overflow in our hearts to the point that others see Jesus in us and turn to You. Bless our lives and our work and our service to overflowing. Enlarge/Expand (1 Chronicles 4:10) our borders so that we can continue to respond rightly to You and serve You even more.
In Jesus Christ’s Holy Name,
Amen
Enlarge the Environment of Your Heart as we WORK GOD’s Way at our September 17-20, @2020NACWEConference https://nacwe.org/2020nacweconference/ where our NACWE Team and Keynote Speaker, Shae Bynes of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur will lead us to be WELL and Work God’s Way all weekend! Come for like-minded Community, Education, Networking and Missions, Fun, Food, AND Fellowship!
CONTACT US:
Community -When you need a Nurturing, Active, group of like-minded Christian Women Entrepreneurs whose goals are to provide Community, Networking, Education and Missions opportunities – join the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE) on Facebook http://facebook.com/groups/NACWEFreedom / our Website http://nacwe.org Once you’ve gotten to know us, we hope you’ll consider joining our more Intimate and Elite Group as well. NACWE was established in 2010 and has served thousands of women across the United States AND the world!
Coaching & Writing -When you need small group Coaching/Masterminds and/or Individual Coaching with opportunities for trips, retreats, VIP Days and more to achieve extraordinary levels of success worth celebrating, join Me / Dr. Karen Website http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me I’ve been coaching since about 2007 when I opened a Private Practice Marriage and Family Therapy/Biblical Counseling Practice and realized to grow took a whole lot more than “when you build it, they will come”! It took knowing how to run a business/ministry God’s Way!
Conference -Also, we hope you’ll consider joining us for our ANNUAL Conference “Working God’s Way” north of Dallas September 18-19, 2020. Our keynote Speaker will be Shae Bynes, Co-Founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur and the Author of Grace Over Grind. https://nacwe.org/savethedate2020conference/
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 11 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com.
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jun 19, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
Thank you for being a part of my life during the physical and emotional and occupational and intellectual and environmental and social and spiritual threat of COVID-19.
Thank you for being a part of my life during the physical and emotional and occupational and intellectual and environmental and social and spiritual upheaval of recent injustices leading to civil unrest and human rights conversations.
Thank you for being a part of my life before.
Thank you for being a part of my life in the future!
I don’t even want to think about living through the joys and challenges of my life without you here beside me.
Rubbing Shoulders With You Is a Divine Appointment
“When God anoints you, people will see it. When he appoints you, others will know it and when he uplifts you, the world will hear it. Because he is able to do what is unheard of.”
As Christian entrepreneurs, the comment made after the thrill of an awesome encounter with a like-minded person in business/ministry, “This was a divine appointment,” is blessedly common!
A divine appointment is a meeting with another person that has been specifically and unmistakably inspired, arranged and ordered/led by God. His appointing doesn’t always make the encounter easy, but definitely makes it blessed!
As a coach of Christian entrepreneurs, this is one of the primary blessings that makes my “world go ‘round!“
Thank you for being a part of it!
Take a moment to recall the most recent “divine appointment” God blessed you with. Pray for that special person in your life right now. Consider reaching out to them with an encouraging word!
Rubbing Shoulders With You Brings Growth
As a John Maxwell Team Certified Coach, every time I sign into anything JMT, I am reminded that growth is intentional and lifelong.
As a child and young person, I took growth for granted, assuming that it just happened and I was not responsible to purposefully pursue growth. Now I know better! And, it’s never too late!
Walking alongside Christian entrepreneurs
- being coached by amazing entrepreneur coaches – you always need a coach;
- coaching under the umbrella of Karen Bourg Companies, and
- leading as the President of the {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs
I feel, I know, that I have experienced the best of all worlds as I have grown and we have grown together with purpose and intention!
Thank you for growing with me.!
Take a moment to recall the most recent and powerful growth experience(s) in your life and business/ministry. Who is walking beside you? Pray for those special people in your life right now. Consider reaching out to them with an encouraging word!
Rubbing Shoulders With You Inspires Me To Strive To Be Worthy
As a John Maxwell Team member, I am constantly being reminded to lead well and to be led well! That his primary platform – leadership.
I want to choose leaders in my life cautiously and wisely. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the time and energy to waste following someone I was never meant to learn from in the first place!
Take a moment to recall leaders in your life that have led you and your business/ministry to extraordinary levels of success worth celebrating! Pray for those special leaders in your life right now. Consider reaching out to them with an encouraging word!
More importantly,
“You are never not leading: someone is always watching and following! Lead well, my friend!”
– Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the time and energy to waste leading someone I was never meant to lead in the first place! I choose my clients carefully. They choose me carefully! And I am reminded that if I am leading them or anyone, I am responsible to the Lord and to them and to myself to lead “above reproach.” That’s a tall order!
For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach… Titus 1:7-14
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach,… 1 Timothy 3:2
I am responsible to lead with grace, humbly, soberly, in faith, according to my gifts, and with zeal! I want to be more zealous! Do you?
Romans 12
Gifts of Grace
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Take a moment to consider those you have led in life and business/ministry. Pray for those who follow you right now. Consider reaching out to them with an encouraging word!
Thank you for leading me in ways that showed experience, knowledge, and good judgment. even as I led you wisely!
God Bless You!
CONTACT US:
Community -When you need a Nurturing, Active, group of like-minded Christian Women Entrepreneurs whose goals are to provide Community, Networking, Education and Missions opportunities – join the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE) on Facebook http://facebook.com/groups/NACWEFreedom / our Website http://nacwe.org Once you’ve gotten to know us, we hope you’ll consider joining our more Intimate and Elite Group as well. NACWE was established in 2010 and has served thousands of women across the United States AND the world!
Coaching & Writing -When you need small group Coaching/Masterminds and/or Individual Coaching with opportunities for trips, retreats, VIP Days and more to achieve extraordinary levels of success worth celebrating, join Me / Dr. Karen Website http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me I’ve been coaching since about 2007 when I opened a Private Practice Marriage and Family Therapy/Biblical Counseling Practice and realized to grow took a whole lot more than “when you build it, they will come”! It took knowing how to run a business/ministry God’s Way!
Conference -Also, we hope you’ll consider joining us for our ANNUAL Conference “Working God’s Way” north of Dallas September 18-19, 2020. Our keynote Speaker will be Shae Bynes, Co-Founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur and the Author of Grace Over Grind. https://nacwe.org/savethedate2020conference/
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 11 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com.
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jun 18, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
WHEN YOU FEEL ANXIOUS
Anxiety is a universal emotion. People have studied it for centuries. Feeling anxious is at the root of some of our most basic responses like fight or flight or freeze. National Institute for Mental Health reports that 18% of the US adult population has received treatment for anxiety in the last year. Let’s explore physical and spiritual ways to manage stress and anxiety.
DO NOT BE ANXIOUS
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith.
Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34 ESV
WHEN YOU FEEL ANXIOUS – SEEK GOD FIRST.
This Scripture, when reading with just a little thought, puts into perspective your importance to God. It outlines His concern for your most basic needs and more. God’s love for you is not just about food or clothing. It is about realizing that God made and cared for all these beautiful things in nature both for His glory and for your pleasure. Why in the world wouldn’t He care the same and provide even more for you whom He made a little lower than the angles and thought about always?
What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. Psalms 8:4-5 NKJV.
We are told not to be anxious but to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness. It is then that we can feel the trust that he will provide all we need in Christ. The question is, how do we do this practically, especially when we are overwhelmed with the physical and emotional feelings of anxiety?
WHEN YOU FEEL ANXIOUS – PRAY.
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 ESV
You know when you feel anxious. You have identified the symptoms and the triggers; now you are aware of the emotions related to stress and anxiousness. The next step is simple, and it is easy. Pray.
This verse says thanksgiving coupled with prayer and supplication are the road to trusting God and releasing our anxious feelings. Prayer is simply talking to God about what is going on. Supplication is the act of asking earnestly or humbly. However, don’t forget the thanksgiving part of this earnest and humble begging.
Thanksgiving is often about remembrance. It is about reminding yourself what God has done for you. Thanksgiving not only helps you remember, but it also boosts your faith and puts you in a mode to receive. Thank God for being God. Thank God for being bigger than whatever it is that worries you. Thank God for forgiving you for thinking anything was bigger than Him. Thank God for whatever you can remember that is meaningful to you. Thanksgiving is prayer. Thanksgiving requires remembering. Thanksgiving focuses your mind on the size of your God instead of the size of your anxiety. Thanksgiving is worship!
WHEN YOU FEEL ANXIOUS – BREATHE.
When you feel anxious, take the time to breathe while you are praying. Anxiety and stress can lead to a change in your breathing habits. It can result in shallow breaths or even holding your breath. Deep breathing has many health benefits – even yawning will help.
As you are in your practice of prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, take a deep breath every time you express thankfulness. Inhale to the point that you think you can’t take in a single molecule more. Then slowly exhale. A good rule of thumb is to inhale to the count of 8 seconds and exhale to the count of 8 seconds. It may take some time to work up to this. Start with 5 seconds if eight seems too difficult.
If you are too muddle-minded to pray, then start with deep breaths before moving on to prayer. Just don’t forget to pray because that is where we meet God, and his presence brings healing.
WHEN YOU FEEL ANXIOUS – FOCUS.
As previously mentioned in a post called “What is Anxiety?” we learned that an anxious mind is a focus on what happened or what could happen. The Bible says tomorrow isn’t a promise. It also tells us that our sin is removed from us as far as the east is from the west, buried in the depths of the sea. It is forgotten.
Focus on the moment. Start with prayer, always start with prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to be your helper as you focus. Using thanksgiving as a part of this process is also helpful. For example, I am outside writing today:
- Thank you for this beautiful sunny weather.
- Thank you that is today the perfect temperature for me.
- Thank you for the songs of all the birds around me right now.
- Thank you for this gentle breeze which cools me off at just the right moment.
- Thank you for the technology to sit outside while I work.
- Thank you for the provision you have given me to make all of this happen.
- Thank you that I am healthy enough to sit in this chair.
- Thank you for the comfortable chair.
- Thank you for the cushions in my chair.
- Thank you for every breath I take.
- Thank you for a good night’s rest.
Keep it up until you feel changed!
In the entrepreneur world – F.O.C.U.S. stands for Follow One Course Until Successful!
Focus on the moment you are in and realize that none of it is possible without the love and the grace of God – the God who cares for you more than anything else He created. You are the crown of His creation.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank you for providing everything I need when I need it. I repent for having fear, anxiety, and worry. I ask your forgiveness. Help me to learn to trust and rely on You more and more every day. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to be my comforter and guide, especially in my times of trouble. In Jesus Name- Amen
At Karen Bourg Companies, we can help you work through these anxieties toward a fulfilling life and a stronger faith.
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 12 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jun 13, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
Anxiety Revisited – What is Anxiety?
At some point in your life, you have experienced anxiety, worry, or stress. You may call it nerves or butterflies. Not all feelings of anxiety are bad. Emotions are an alarm system God designed so that we may be aware and able to make holy choices. Let’s talk about anxiety; it causes and from where it comes.
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Anxiety Revisited – What is anxiety?
“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” Amit Ray
Merriam-Webster defines anxiety in a few different ways, including a medical definition. Let’s review each of these definitions and put it in perspective with scripture.
Anxiety as anticipation is defined as “apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness usually over an impending or anticipated ill: a state of being anxious.”
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 ESV
We are specifically instructed not to worry about tomorrow.
The medical definitions according to Merriam-Webster is: “an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
This definition of anxiety is particularly helpful because it names the physical symptoms along with the emotions in case you weren’t sure what you were feeling was anxiety. Again, this definition reflects the reality that our thoughts and feelings direct anxiety. It is helpful to know the general symptoms of internal stress to respond well.
The final part of the definition describes anxiety as a “mentally distressing concern or interest; an ardent desire sometimes mixed with doubt, fear, or uneasiness.”
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV
All of us have experienced mental distress mixed with fear, self-doubt, and uneasiness even to the point of dread. It is great that God has sent us a Helper, a Comforter in the Holy Spirit, that we may receive the comfort we need from Him to do His will – even when we are uneasy.
Anxiety Revisited – Where does anxiety come from?
Anxiety is often synonymous with stress. There are diverse types of stress, all have an impact on your spirit, soul, and body, and should be handled accordingly.
Eustress is positive stress. It is the stress associated with things that make you feel excited and give you energy or motivation. Eustress is related to things like the first date with someone you like. Eustress could include the feelings you have about getting a raise, receiving gifts on Christmas morning, or taking a vacation. Eustress is often described as butterflies and is short term. It is the excitement and anticipation of something positive.
Distress is negative stress. It includes the feelings of dread that might come with meeting with your boss, having legal or financial problems, fighting with your spouse, or losing your job. Distress is often most associated with the feelings described in the medical definition of anxiety. Distress often impedes performance and clouds thinking. It can be a short term or long term state of mind.
When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 ESV
Being aware of the unexplainable stress you are feeling can help you deal with it in appropriate ways. Self-care and prayer are the most effective ways of handling anxiety. Prayer allows you to seek the answers you need to act on distressing situations. Self-care allows you to take care of your physical body and spiritual health as all stress and anxiety (positive and negative) influences all dimensions of your well-being.
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 12 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jun 4, 2020 | Celebrate Life!
It seems, in the midst of grief and mourning, one of the last things we think about is Joy.
Joy and grief are never far apart. In the same street the shutters of one house are closed, while the curtains of the next are brushed by shadow of the dance. A wedding-party returns from church, and a funeral winds to its door. The smiles and the sadness of life are the tragi-comedy of Shakespeare. Gladness and sighs brighten and dim the mirror he beholds.
Robert Aris Willmott
The Struggle is Guaranteed! UGH!
Let’s be honest, before we even coined the term COVID-19, because of the world we live in, we were all experiencing some level of grief and mourning. My family was adjusting to the ups and downs of my husband’s recent forced retirement, the death of a beloved uncle, concern for a daughter-in-love due to have a baby, and more.
What were you struggling through? The struggle is a guarantee. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation…
Look at the last half of John 16:
Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy
16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
I Have Overcome the World
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.[a] 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Are the JOYS Guaranteed? I certainly Hope So!
Let’s be honest, before we even coined the term Covid-19, because of the world we live in, some of us were experiencing profound joys. My family was actually enjoying the ups and downs of my husband’s recent forced retirement; and while we miss my uncle, it has been such a blessing to reconnect and visit with cousins; our son and daughter-in-love gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl; and more.
What were your greatest joys? The joys don’t seem to be guaranteed.
Or are they?
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Thomas Moore
I wanted to explore all sorts of passages in God’s Word to comfort you and assure you that JOY abounds even during our times of distress, but I never made it out of John Chapter 16! Go figure! It’s packed with HOPE and JOY! May we be able to contain it!
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Khalil Gibran
JOY is Guaranteed!
God promises JOY – we will see Him!
John 16:16, 22 “…again a little while, and you will see Me.”
God promises JOY – He knows what we want!
John 16:19 “Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so He said to them,…”
God promises JOY – from our sorrows!
John 16:20 ”…the world will rejoice… and your sorrow will turn into joy.”
God promises JOY – from remembering anguish!
John 16:21 “…she no longer remembers the anguish,…”
God promises JOY – He Protects and Preserves our JOY!
John 16:22 “…no one will take your joy from you.”
God promises JOY – If We Ask for JOY, He Will Give it to Us!
John 16:23, 24 “…whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give it to you.”
God promises JOY – He has Overcome the World! John 16:25-33
John 16:32-33 “…I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.””
How about you?
I don’t know about you, but I lose sight of His Promises during times of struggle like these. I’m going to post this one on the wall right beside my desk, my nightstand beside my bed, my makeup tray – maybe I just need to have it tattooed to my right arm or above my heart!
Thank YOU, Lord for Your Promise of JOY!
I LOVE YOU!
References:
Bible
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Quotes
https://bit.ly/2z4K8YM
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Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 11 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com.
