by Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
11 Tips for Everyday Gratitude – Part 1
Sometimes proverbs and platitudes can be helpful. For example, even a fool seems wise when he keeps his mouth shut. It’s pretty straightforward. Keep quiet and you will seem wise. But in this month of thanksgiving, there are so many cute little sayings about gratitude:
“Have an attitude of gratitude.”
“Start each day with a grateful heart.”
“Practice gratitude.”
or simply
Be grateful.
Whenever I hear things like this, I immediately think, “But, how?” I want practical steps on how to practice gratitude in my life. I realize it is important and I know there are times when a little gratitude for the situation I am in would go a long way. Job understood this when he said, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21).”
Try out these 11 ideas when learning to practice thankfulness in your own life:
Gratitude Practice Tip #1 – Be in the moment.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19
We have all heard this verse and think it’s about keeping your temper. But I think there is more to learn here. If you are quick to hear it means you are listening. If you are slow to speak it means you are thinking about what to say. You can’t be a quick listener and a slow speaker if you are not in the moment.
Being in the moment is about not worrying about tomorrow or even the next moment. It is about staying present with the people you are with. When you are present and in the moment, that is when you are able to see and recognize things to be grateful about.
Gratitude Practice Tip #2 – Be specifically grateful.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12
Over and over in Psalms and Proverbs we see how the praise is specific. In the gospels we learn God is concerned about the details. He notices the sparrow. He decorates the flowers of the field. When we practice being thankful we need to be specific. Not only does it help us realize how much we have to be thankful for, it’s also the way it’s done in the Bible.
There are times when I get aggravated with my husband. In those moments, I make a decision to be grateful. Instead of just saying, “Lord, thank you for my husband,” I start listing the things about his character I find so unique and for which I am grateful. This whole conversation takes place in my head. And, honestly, every time I do it, my attitude changes.
Gratitude Practice Tip #3 – Stop comparing.
As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
1 Corinthians 12:20
It is so easy to get into a place when you compare yourself to someone else. We tend to measure our success against another. We even compare the amount of stuff we have to someone else’s stuff. This is not a godly way of living.
You were intricately knitted together by God. He knew you specifically before you were even born (Psalm 139). To compare yourself or your life to another is to minimize the unique care and plan God has for you. Every part of the body is needed and serves a purpose. If you must compare, use the word of God as your reference. If you must compare, consider the person you were before salvation to the person you are now. These types of comparisons will naturally lead you to gratitude for all God has done for you.
Gratitude Practice Tip #4 – Be friendly.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. Ecclesiastes 4:9
We are not meant to do this life alone. It’s why God created Eve. He needed a friend. You are not alone. In the struggles of daily life it is good to have a friend who can help you find your gratitude. In real life, times will be hard, you will need support. Being friendly also helps you get friends to experience your journey with you.
Gratitude Practice Tip #5 – Stop complaining.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
Complaining is absolutely corrupt talk. It does not build you up. It does not build anyone else around you up. It is not grace filled speech for those who can hear it. So, stop doing it. Just keep your mouth shut. Instead, start thinking about how and what you could be specifically thankful. Take that thing you want to complain about and find something, even if it’s small, for which to be grateful.
Gratitude is an everyday practice. Never stop praying. Never stop praising. Be grateful in all things.
Learn the rest in part 2…
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 Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
The Healing Power of Gratitude
Gratitude is a biblical principle that involves more than thankfulness. The practice of gratefulness yields joy, hope and wholeness. Let’s take a look at an example from the bible:
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 11-19
This portion of scripture, at first glance, doesn’t seem to be about gratitude, yet, at closer look, it is gratitude that makes the leper whole.
Lepers were not allowed to be close the rest of the population. In these verses, leprosy refers to any condition of the skin. I imagine it could have been anything that could be seen by the human eye to affect the skin.
All of this population were outcasts. They were poor. They were disenfranchised. They were considered and treated as less than human. From a distance they shouted for mercy. They wanted to be healed.
God Requires Action
Despite the blessings He may bestow on us, God always requires us to take action.
In this scripture the action taken by Jesus was very simple. He required no dipping or dunking (John 9:7). He didn’t tell them to get up or take their beds (John 5:8). Jesus didn’t even spit in the dirt (John 9:6). Jesus sent them on their way to be examined and approved by the priests so they could return to society. Jesus told them to go. In order to be healed they had to GO to the priests so the healing could be validated and they could enter the community again.
The scripture says as they went they were cleansed. They were made clean from the skin diseases that afflicted them. It was a big deal. As they walked their skin cleared. It was made fresh and clean and new. Their simple action was to walk to the priests. Jesus had mercy. He instructed them to go. They went. They were healed. He required nothing more from them.
Jesus Has More to Give Us Than Clear Skin
One of the men returned to thank Jesus. He was a Samaritan. The Samaritans and Jews were at odds. Jewish people saw the Samaritans as outsiders. They were not truly included in Jewish society. Because of this Samaritans were careful to keep their space. Yet, this man, in his gratitude approached a man who is known to be a Jewish Rabbi. This man, in his gratitude, ignored what he was “supposed” to do. He was motivated by a heart overwhelmed with thankfulness.
Jesus again gave attention to this man. See, in these verses the man was healed from the sickness which afflicted him. He was healed physically. His body was restored to health. The last few lines of what Jesus says reveals the impact a grateful heart can have on a situation.
Jesus points out that this man is the only one who returned to praise God. I don’t think it’s because Jesus is shocked, offended or even surprised. Personally, I think it’s because Jesus had so much more to give these outcasts than just clear skin. The Samaritan’s act of gratitude by returning to praise God brought him complete wholeness.
The Healing Power of Gratitude
The man’s act of gratitude is what made him well. Jesus said, “your faith has made you well.” The healed man’s recognition and gratitude of the grace and power of Jesus made him whole. Not just healed but whole, and complete.
It’s important to recognize Jesus still healed the afflicted who didn’t return to praise God for their healing. He didn’t withdraw that miracle from them. But the man who praised God, the man who was thankful was made whole. I imagine he was filled with joy and danced away telling everyone what Jesus did for him.
How much more will our hearts be healed and filled when we offer thanksgiving prayers to God?
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 Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
Three Principles for Practicing Biblical Gratitude
Gratitude is a buzzword.
Oprah Winfrey made the gratitude journal popular. Even Instagram carries the on trend hashtag #blessed. A quick search using the #blessed yields everything from a mom’s gratitude for a basket load of unmatched socks to an underwear model’s love for her fans to a hiker’s view of a mountain. The posts seem sincere in the appreciation expressed for the abundance, but toward whom are these posters appreciative?
When you consider your blessings, where is your gratitude directed?
The dictionary defines gratitude as: the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Being grateful is a feeling or the act of showing appreciation for kindness.
Biblical Gratitude During Happy Times
There are many people on social media recognizing the abundance of their lives, families, friends and environment. I appreciate that! Even if it is a trending topic or just a fad, it makes them aware of their fortunate circumstances, whatever they may be. As a believer, I have been instructed in a certain way of doing things. One of those is to clearly recognize and be specific about my Source.
I am blessed. I am grateful. I am thankful. More specifically, I am blessed beyond measure by the Holy One, Adonai.
I am grateful to Jesus Christ for the sacrifice He made so I could live this life more abundantly. I am thankful for the good times and the bad times in my life because every moment gives the opportunity to build my faith and rely on God.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
These verses are key. In verse 18, it says that no matter what happens, I should always be thankful. This is God’s will for Christians. Being thankful in all things, no matter what happens is the key to always being joyful and blessed.
Gratitude in Hard Times
However, let’s consider real life for a moment. We all have very low days. Life happens to us and circumstances seem overwhelming. It feels bad. It’s hard to think of the silver lining when you are heartbroken and feel like your life is falling apart. So, instead of being thankful in those moments, we worry. Guess what? The Bible helps us with that too.
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
So in ALL moments, you are instructed to always be thankful. If worry has overcome you because, well, life is hard, then pray.
When we put it together, biblical gratitude is expressed by always being thankful no matter what happens, always praying (with thanksgiving). It is the act of constant thankfulness and constant prayer which gives you the strength to always be joyful.
Living Biblical Gratitude Daily
Biblical gratitude is simple but not always easy. Keep these 3 guiding principles in mind:
- Don’t worry, instead pray (with thankfulness) about EVERYTHING.
- Be thankful NO MATTER WHAT.
- ALWAYS be joyful.
We are instructed on how to be grateful. Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing Him psalms of praise.” Sing praises! Sing praises of thanks.
In another Psalm we are to, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done.(105:9)” Tell people. Let people in your life know what the Lord has done. This is a way to practice gratitude. You also overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11) Telling the whole world what the Lord has done for you is also a way to build your faith and joy.
During this season of giving and receiving, remember what it means to be truly thankful.
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 Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Entrepreneur Endeavors, Firm Foundations
Firm Foundations – What Kind of Leader Are You?
As a firm foundations leader and entrepreneur in the business world you set the tone. You set the atmosphere of the people you do business with. Even when you are a one person operation you can still have a company culture.
Your role as a Leader
As individuals representing Christ in our business interactions, whether we do it covertly or overtly we are to do all of our work as if we are doing it directly for the Lord. This should be the foundational motivation for everything we do.
When you set Jesus as the cornerstone of your business, He becomes the example. He becomes the reference point. He becomes the standard!
What is a Cornerstone?
The cornerstone is the first stone laid on the foundation of a building. It is the first stone in the first layer of mason work. It is the reference point for all other stones laid. When the cornerstone is not laid right it will reduce the integrity of the entire structure.
Jesus should be the cornerstone of the culture of your company. Jesus is the reference point of all your behavior when it comes to developing, practicing and establishing the culture of your company.
Setting the Tone
As a leader you set the tone for your company and business interactions. Even when you are not the one in charge, you can still change the “temperature in the room” with the way you respond to those with whom you interact.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
Always strive to show the example of Jesus in your speech and conduct. You will not fail if you err on the side of love, gentleness and forgiveness in your business dealings. Remain an upright partner to all through purity of speech and in every deed by being ethical and honest.
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
