by Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!, Entrepreneur Endeavors
Communication Tips for Ministers to Avoid Overwhelm and Burnout
“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.” – Dalai Lama
The amount of work ministers do is rarely understood by any other than pastors and helping professionals alike. Countless hours spent with your flock dealing with out-of-control teens, sickness, death, hospital visits, marriage counseling, and interventions. Add in the number of invitations you receive for this dinner or that, a birthday or other celebration and the hours are staggering! And it seems all of these responsibilities are amplified during the holiday season. It requires a lot of energy to balance all those relationships plus take care of your relationship with your spouse and your family. Not to mention, the required downtime needed for your own spiritual and mental health and well-being.
Your job is more than the sermon on Sunday, occasional wedding or the unfortunate funeral services. You probably have more than just one role as minister. You may be a jack of all trades – the accountant, janitor and sound manager. It is a job, a calling, a career and a lifestyle.
More than that, unless you are a minister or minister’s wife it’s hard to understand the burnout that can overwhelm you. Sometimes there are feelings of loneliness and depression. And, although you wholeheartedly love your congregation and consider it a privilege that God has called you to this life, resentment can crop up. For as absolutely glorious, miraculous and rewarding the calling is, it can be just as thankless and tiring.
So what is a minister to do?
Communicate Clearly
The concept of communication may seem like an easier-said-than-done task, however, the right communication can save your energy. The right communication creates space for you to cover all the bases and do the things you do best.
Establish a Support System
Most ministers have an inner circle or close network of personal support. If not, look around at the people who are most faithful to you, not necessarily to your church but, you personally. Consider the people you spend time with who, when you depart, leave you feeling energized and refreshed. These are people who can be a great help to you during draining times. Consider delegating some responsibilities to them. If they are not part of your congregation and you just feel better when you see them, purposefully schedule time with those friends when you start to feel overwhelmed.
Admit Your Need for Help
Yes, you are called to this work.
Yes, God will grant you wisdom, strength and endurance for the difficult times.
Cry out to God first.
“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” [Psalm 57:2]
God “accomplishes” for his saints whatever is good for them! He will do so for you as well.
Sometimes God is telling you, through that wisdom, to get some rest! You have a body that needs care. You have a need for mental and physical rest just as any other individual. Taking the time to get that rest is not selfish. You are not letting anyone down. If you took a two hour nap on Sunday, before the marriage counseling session, how much better would you feel? More than that, how much clearer and sharper would you be when assisting the couple in crisis. Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of those you serve.
The key is acknowledging and admitting you need help. Do you need someone else to mow the widow’s lawn? Or clean the bathrooms at the church? Or visit the hospital?
Tips for Improving Communication and Increasing your Energy
1. Acknowledge your need of help. Acknowledge it to God and to your personal and church support systems.
2. Communicate your need for help to others. Be clear about how you feel and what you need.
3. Utilize or establish your personal support system. Spend time with people who make you feel best. It’s ok to spend time with people who give back to you.
4. Be willing to delegate what you can, and accept that the task may not be done exactly to your specifications. It can’t always be perfect but often people want and need to help. It makes them feel needed and re-joins them to the church and serving community.
5. Take the time to rest and refresh. He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10] Stillness is a command for all of us. This is often when God speaks to us – when we are still and quiet enough to hear. Busyness is not a measure of success. The Hebrew definition is actually to stop striving, to let go, to surrender because God is your refuge. Another literal translation of “Be Still”, taken from the Greek, is – Hush! [Mark 4:39]
Benefits of Communicating your Needs
Do you think God can use another burnt out minister? How many stories have you heard about ministers who get exhausted and discouraged and leave the ministry? How many ministers do you know with this story? You were not meant to do it alone.
Don’t let fear or hurt from past attempts to get help and support stop you from doing it now. God will take care of those issues when you trust Him to heal the hurt places and pray He brings the right people into your path.
When the minister is vulnerable it is not a sign of weakness. Communicating your needs for support to the right people does not mean you have failed. It does not mean you are doing something wrong. It means you recognize you are not God; you are a human, imperfect, and you are just like everyone else you teach and serve!
Sanity can be maintained, mental health restored, and burnout avoided if you follow these tips for clear communication. Don’t wait until you feel you are at the end of your rope!
What are your Tips for Coping with Burnout and Overwhelm?
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!, Entrepreneur Endeavors
Dealing with Negative Emotions during the Holidays
“Tis the season to be jolly!”
(Deck the Halls by John Thomas & Thomas Oliphant)
It doesn’t always feel like a jolly season; and it is sometimes very hard to find the jolly and the joy. During the holiday season there is so much going on that we can lose our Christmas spirit. Or those around us are so The Grinch who Stole Christmas we wonder what we can do to help their heart “grow”.
The celebration of the season is sure to bring joy AND sorrows. Many people express the following emotions: depression, loneliness, overwhelm, busyness, anger, resentment, regret and anxiety. It is pretty normal to feel any of these emotions because we are much more likely to be social and dealing with other people during this time. Our interactions with loved ones can bring up a host of feelings – good and bad.
Here is a quick guide of how to deal with those not-so-joyful feelings that may surface during the Holidays.
DEPRESSION
Depression seems counter-intuitive to the holidays but it comes upon us for a number of reasons. It can occur as the result of comparison, because of the end of a relationship, or as we mourn the loss of a loved one who won’t be at our Christmas celebration. God will comfort you. He will not leave you dismayed when you call out to Him.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
He comforts us.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
LONELINESS
Even surrounded by friends and family, loneliness can be pressing. The feeling stems from not feeling truly connected to those around us. The Christmas season also has such a romantic feel with the lights and music and sappy movies – this can contribute to feelings of loneliness. One way to handle loneliness is to reach out to just one person and make a sincere connection. Remind yourself you are not alone with these verses.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
“For the Lord will not forsake his people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for Himself“. 1 Samuel 12:22
I love this verse because when I meditate on it, I am reminded the Lord is pleased to have me a part of His family. I picture Him smiling over me.
OVERWHELM
Between working, decorating, shopping, cooking, hosting parties and going to parties it is not hard to see where overwhelm comes into the picture. Truthfully, overwhelm of your to-do list can occur at any time, but add on the responsibilities and festivities of the holidays and it becomes a delicate balance.
Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”(Mark 6:31) He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Take it from Jesus, if not me, sometimes you have to go to a quiet place and rest. If it’s good enough for Jesus; it’s good enough for us.
BUSYNESS
Busyness will keep you from rest. It can steal your peace and make you feel hurried and pressured. It is hard to accept every invitation, meet all expectations and still function in your everyday life. If we could all take weeks off during the season, busyness might not be an issue. But since we live in the real world, keep these things in mind when busyness starts to wear on you:
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Just a reminder to remember this holiday is about Jesus.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
Psalm 46 is chock full with the bigness of God. Taking the time to “be still” may make the busyness feel much less oppressive.
ANGER & RESENTMENT
I love Christmas movies. Nearly every movie is about a family that has some minor discord, then overcomes together. In real life, families fight and argue, and sometimes rifts are healed and peaceful and sometimes they are not. This family-oriented time of year can bring up feelings of anger and resentment. You don’t have to let those feelings ruin your day.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
Read my Blog on Anger, “Three Steps to Clear Communication When You Are Angry”
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
It is so easy for resentment to grow during a season of giving. Just remember not to give up and keep doing good.
REGRET
Regrets come when we are reminded of relationship failures (which happen to everyone). Regrets can occur because you don’t have the resources to make all Christmas wishes come true. Don’t let regret become a stronghold.
“Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.” Psalm 51:8-9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Since the Almighty forgives us and cleanses us, shouldn’t we work on letting go of our regrets as well?
ANXIETY
If there is any time when anxiety will rear up – it is during the holiday season. Racing thoughts about the right gift, the right outfit, the right dinner menu, the right holiday salutation, the right decorations, and the right…ahhh!!! Just writing that list makes me anxious! We all want our holidays to be dreamy and perfect, but just remember anxiety is based on fear and is exacerbated by a lack of peace. This is The Season when peace entered the earth!
“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
When you feel anxious you should pray and thank God. Thank Him for what you have and let Him know what you need. This is the best way to ease feelings of anxiety.
The dread and stress that comes with the Christmas season can be a thing of the past. You can be full of peace and joy. You can feel all the warmth and comfort the season has to offer when your focus i s centered. It’s okay to be emotional during the holidays, just remember you can turn the negative emotions around with sincere prayer and meditation. Don’t wait until you feel you are at the end of your rope this Season!
What are some of the ways you deal with negative emotions during the holidays?
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!, Entrepreneur Endeavors
Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
Starting over means meeting with family and your team and your business coach and mapping out your goals and dreams for the new year.
“Don’t You Just Love New Year’s …you get to start all over!” – Forrest Gump
In the movie Forrest Gump, Forrest spends the holidays with Lieutenant Dan. They’re in a bar watching the magnificent ball drop on TV at the countdown to the New Year and two girls walk up to greet them. One of them says excitedly, “Hey! That’s, like, Times Square – we were just there! Don’t you just love New Year’s?” then wistfully, “You get to start all over.”
Well, I don’t know about you, but I must’ve been about six years old the last time I actually truly got to “start all over”! But there is that feeling of completeness – I survived and grew last year, and I am able to celebrate lots of exciting business milestones. There is that feeling of newness and the possibility of second chances. I have prayerfully met with my family and my team of counselors and my business coach and mapped out my goals and dreams for this year.
Mind you, this is no small undertaking. May I encourage you, if you haven‘t already, to stretch yourself and to map out the whole year, at least tentatively, completing the five following steps to “start over” your entrepreneurial endeavors.
ONE: PURPOSE in Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
First, ask yourself, “What is my God-given purpose?”
According to Scripture you are to do all that you can to bring Him “glory and honor” (Revelation 4:11). You are to do everything you do “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). You are to “study to show yourselves approved” by Him (2 Timothy 2:15). And only those things that point people to the Redeemer and further His kingdom belong at the top of the list!
TWO: PASSION in Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
Second, begin to ponder, “What are my passions? What is our mission statement and what is the vision of our organization? Are they in line with my passions?”
If you have never allowed a certified guide to take you through “The Passion Test”, I would definitely encourage it, for it clarifies and defines in the most unique way what you will do and how you will do it! I really feel my brand was not complete until I walked through the amazing journey of The Passion Test (http://www.thepassiontest.com/ ).
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
THREE: TEAMwork for Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
Third, look at your yearly calendar in one glance and synchronize your yearly calendar with those around you that are most important – family, associates, coaching events, holidays, the needs of your team and clients…
FOUR: PLAN for Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
Fourth, work each day or week with the following in mind:
–your most important yearly event
-your most important quarterly event
-your most important monthly event
Plan so that these big events aren’t left to the last minute causing you undue stress. As your calendar solidifies, work backwards. I have a list of tasks that need to be done to make a certain event happen and have worked backwards on my calendar placing those tasks at strategic points so that things will get done in a timely fashion leading up to the date of the event.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
FIVE: SUPPORT for Starting Over for Entrepreneurs
Fifth, get a second and/or a third opinion!
Run your calendar through another person – your associates or team, or your coach, because they will be able to see things from a different angle than you will! Two heads are better than one!
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
Are you looking forward to starting over? Contact me if you need help!
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 .
Posted on Oct 7, 2019
by Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!, Entrepreneur Endeavors
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY!
Think business healthy from my book – Wellness: The Awareness of the Whole Individual. While writing this, we at Rhema Counseling Associates realized business can be well or healthy too! Having a healthy business can be approached using the seven domains of wellness: consider that body, livelihood, emotions, intellect, environment, family & friends and spirit & soul are all areas you can explore when assessing the health of your business.
Let’s do just that!
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Body
A business you steward…
Your body is not your own, you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). It is the same with your business. It is not yours; you are the steward of His business. We are tasked to keep healthy, to move and maintain our temple.
How are you stewarding your business?
What changes would you like to make to be a better stewarding entrepreneur?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Emotions
A business that is fearless…
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.
I love this verse because it is too easy as a business owner to let your emotions and your fear get the best of you. Then, in fear, you fail to take risks. When you are fearful, remind yourself of this verse; then ask the Lord how (in what ways) you need to be courageous regarding your business!
What fearless changes can you make to forge forward today?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Livelihood
A business that produces…
In the Garden of Eden, before Adam ate from the tree of knowledge, God gave Adam the Garden to work it and keep it (Genesis 2:15). God wants us to be productive. You may have a service or goods business but, beyond the fundamental intention of your business, what does your business produce in your community or for your employees.
What do you want to add to enhance services and products this year?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Intellect
A business that is understanding…
Let your speech always be gracious so you know how to answer each person. Colossians 4:6
It is common in business to assume the customer is always right. Consider actually listening to what God is saying and asking you to speak as you work through each day.
How much more of an impact would your business have if you were to answer each person as God would have you answer?
How will you answer to Him and how does that change the focus of your business?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Environment
A business that integrates with environment…
As stated earlier, Adam was given the garden to work and keep. After the fall, he was cursed to work the earth. We are given charge over our environment by God.
How does your business integrate and care for the environment? This is not limited to recycling and energy efficiency. It is also about integration into your community both within your business and outside the business.
How can you enhance your inner business environment and contribute to the outer environment at the same time?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Family & Friends
A business that connects…
Family and friends are often the reason we start our businesses. We are motivated and encouraged to better our lives and ourselves. However, the Bible instructs us to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).
Does your business create or foster healthy connections?
Do you allow your employees to have enough time to connect with their family?
How will your business promote healthy connections and relationships this next year?
_________________________
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Spirit & Soul
A business that inspires…
Consider how your business can be inspirational. Your business is based on interactions with people. We are called to be the light of the world (Matt 5:14). It’s not necessary to broadcast your beliefs in every interaction you have. However, you can still inspire and build a solid reputation by simply being who Jesus has called you to be and by honoring Him in all business transactions.
How can you point to the Redeemer in every business transaction?
_________________________
You may be a Christian who is in business. You may not advertise as a Christian business however, you can still make every decision regarding the health of your business based on Biblical principles. Every interaction, every deal, every exchange can be full of the Spirit of God because the Spirit of God is in you. Take some time and prayerfully consider these seven domains in relationship to the health of your business.
THINK BUSINESS HEALTHY! Quest for Wellness
Consider going to Amazon and purchasing my book, WELLNESS: THE AWARENESS OF THE WHOLE INDIVIDUAL
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!, Entrepreneur Endeavors, Writing & Publishing
THINK HEALTHY! 6 Questions to Find Out if You are as Healthy as You Think!
When questions arise about how you can THINK HEALTHY, consider all the areas of your life (body, soul, and spirit) where you can improve your whole health.
THINK HEALTHY! Health is more than fitness!
All of us reach a certain point when we ask ourselves, “Am I healthy?” Brought on by age, fitness level, watching someone suffer because ill health, or simply feeling tired at the end of the day challenge our thoughts about being healthy.
There is so much more to health than if we can walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded or if we are eating enough good food. From a Christian perspective, we are not one dimensional beings. We have a physical body, but, we also have a soul and a spirit. So let’s consider all 3 dimensions of wellness here!
THINK HEALTHY! ABOUT THE BODY
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
We are referring to the physical body (soma in the Greek). This includes all muscles, bones, and fat; and comprises all the tangible matter that make up our person down to the smallest components, like our DNA. This is our body and it FIRST belongs to God.
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
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Because our body belongs to God we are to honor our physical body by taking care of it.
Consider these questions:
Question One: Are you moving?
This does not need to be an intensive daily workout. Moving can mean parking farther away from the door, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking a walk after dinner. Movement in order to take care of your body honors the temple of God that is your body.
OR
Have you made moving and fitness an idol? An idol is simply something you consider more important than your relationship with God or more important than the things God has asked you to do.
Dedicate your workouts and your body to God. It’s not about how you want the temple to look. It is about what God wants you to do with His temple!
Question Two: What is the state of your environment?
So often overlooked, our homes are part of the fitness of our body. Is your home safe physically, emotionally and spiritually? Safety in a home is about cleanliness, organization and mood. Being able to rest your body without concern of getting sick is part of temple health. Consider the stress you would feel if you tried to sleep in an environment where you were concerned bugs would crawl on you when you closed your eyes. Not a restful kind of sleep! Lack of good sleep is highly detrimental to overall health. And a strife filled home prevents adequate rest of any kind.
THINK HEALTHY! ABOUT THE SOUL
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7
The soul is the part of a person which needs rescue. Your soul encompasses our mind, our will and our emotions. Our soul is our ‘heart.’ Our soul is the part of us that is the decision maker and buffer between what our fleshly body wants and what the Spirit of God in us wants.
For example, you need to go out and take care of the yard. Your body is tired and it’s been a long week. Your body is telling you stay in your comfy chair and watch TV. The Spirit of God in you is reminding you this is the only time you have, plus you have determined to be a better steward with all God has given you. Your soul (mind, will, and emotions) steps in and makes the decision. Hopefully!
When considering the health of your soul ask these questions:
Question Three: What are you feeling?
It may seem like a silly sort of question but many people don’t feel their feelings. They stuff their emotions down and don’t really experience them. Emotions are given by God in order for us to act and grow. Emotions help us choose our behavior. Emotions help us know what we need to take to God and how to respond to other people. Experiencing your feelings in a healthy way that lines up with the Word of God is part of being healthy.
Question Four: What are you thinking?
Simply put, are you getting the intellectual stimulation you need. All humans need a level of intellectual challenge. The range is vast on what is challenging, such as a thought-provoking movie or a Sudoku puzzle or an engaging conversation with a friend. Participating in some intellectually stimulating activity is healthy.
Are your thoughts in line with God’s thoughts?
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
Making sure we know God’s ways and His thoughts should lead to our ways and thoughts being more like His; and that is a healthy position!
THINK HEALTHY! ABOUT THE SPIRIT
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being. Romans 7:22
The spirit is an essential part of our being. It is the most holy part of you because it is indwelt by the Spirit of God. Our spirit needs attention just like our soul and our body. It is the interaction with and health of our spirit which most affects our mood and the peace of our soul.
Taking care of our spirit can be pretty simple:
Question Five: Are you connecting?
You are not designed to live life alone. You are designed for relationship. This means you need to connect with other God and with others. Meaningful connections are essential to overall health. In order to connect with another person you have to be willing to be vulnerable and talk about what matters to you. This includes conversations with God.
Question Six: Are you praying?
Prayer is just a conversation with God. Yes, a conversation, a back and forth interaction between you and the Almighty. Prayer has been scientifically studied and proven to enhance health and wellness. Scientists don’t have good explanations for it. But we, believers, have the inside scoop! Prayer is healthy. Prayer is a hotline for health and wellness.
When questions arise about how you can THINK HEALTHY, consider all the areas of your life where you can improve your health. For more insight into how to THINK HEALTHY, check out my book from RHEMA Counseling Associates, Wellness: The Awareness of the Whole Individual on Amazon!
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
