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
by Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Sep 4, 2020 | Blog, Entrepreneur Endeavors, Firm Foundations
Welcome to the Firm Foundations Series
Building a firm foundation under your house or your bridge is simply an analogy for building a life on a firm foundation. You are building a life and the foundation you choose is the most important feature of your life.
Diving into Devotions
Firm Foundations under your earthly house:
Building your spiritual house on the rock foundation of God’s word.
We built our house on top of the hill with a firm foundation and moved into it in January 1998. We are “city mice”, moved to the country, so I must admit we’re still learning how to do things out here!
One of the first things we learned was that the foundation of our house and of our bridge – for, of course, I absolutely had to have the house built across a big creek and up a huge hill – must be securely built on a rock foundation!
In another series, I talk about cornerstones of our houses and that Christ is our cornerstone. Here I’ll tell you all about building the house! Today let’s talk about building this bridge.
Firm Foundations under your bridge:
The families that had owned this property for 300 years, assured us that there was absolutely no way we would be successful building a bridge across this creek. When the “rain fell, and the floods came, and the wind blew…” any bridge that they had ever attempted to build over various sizes and shapes of concrete culverts, were smashed to smithereens! They insisted on taking us for a walk up and down this creek to show us the leftover pieces of concrete along the floor and walls of this creek.
Dear husband Fred, being the engineer and “outside the box thinker” that he is, found an old tank or railroad car without end caps and decided that would do! Our foundation and road construction crew somehow got that thing on the back of a trailer and warned me that once they rolled it off of the trailer and it rolled down into the creek, I had to be content that was exactly where God intended my bridge to be built!
I don’t believe that railroad car has moved a single inch in the 18 years we’ve been here, in spite of torrential rains and whirlpool waters that have flowed through it and over it across the years! I praise God for this firm foundation under our bridge so that I can drive back-and-forth to the beautiful house we built here!
Our Railroad Car Bridge
Firm Foundations under your spiritual house:
Building a firm foundation under your house or your bridge is simply an analogy for building a life on a firm foundation. You are building a life and the foundation you choose is the most important feature of your life.
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) Build Your House on the Rock
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Jesus instructs us to build our life on a strong foundation by obeying His words, hearing His words, and acting obediently on them.
This month while you hear His words and listen to His teachings, follow this pattern of study and ask the Lord to secure a firm foundation for your life.
If Christ is your foundation stone, build your life on his teachings. Use a stone of remembrance to signify your relationship with Christ and your commitment to obey him wholeheartedly!
Is there a foundation stone on shifting sands that needs to be replaced on the rock of God’s Word?
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
5 Attributes of a Healthy Ministry
Healthy Ministry? What’s that?
As Christian entrepreneurs, we want to grow a healthy ministry, and to minister well and in ways that please the Lord. There are lots of interpretations for the best attributes of a healthy ministry and mission – here are my 5 from several sources.
Here are 5 attributes of a God-centered ministry and mission.
Calling is doing what God wants you to do.
Competence is being good at what you do.
Confidence is knowing what you can accomplish.
Character is good traits with the purpose of showing through.
Chemistry is fit and healthy culture!
As a Christian entrepreneur, I want them all in my ministry and workplace!
-Karen Lindwall-Bourg
CALLING
– the 1st Attribute of Your Healthy Ministry & Mission
God called us to ministry and to work that is aligned with our gifts, passions, and dreams. In the process of effectively cultivating our calling, we help others to discern their calling and the mission we all accomplish through God’s power and His resources.
Jesus said, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.“ John 5:30
Jesus’ will is “gelema” or “thelema” which implies what God wishes or commands. These words are found eight times in the gospels and remind us that Jesus wanted to do God’s will.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
As entrepreneur and ministry leader,
-why do you do what you do?
-how has God called you to this task?
-are you more concerned about God’s will in this calling?
-how is this calling aligned with your gifts, passions, and dreams?
-how are you helping others discern their calling?
CHARACTER
– the 2nd Attribute of Your Healthy Ministry & Mission
We should be more concerned with our character than with our reputation. Our personal character and that of those we encourage to work with us defines what we really are. It’s hard to determine good character in one meeting; it must be lived out and demonstrated. There must be the fruit of good character.
“You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:16
Character is a key element of Christian and biblical leadership and workmanship as evidenced in the passages of Psalms 1 and 15, Matthew 5-7 The Beatitudes, Philemon, 1 Peter, and 2 Peter 1:5-1. Psalms 1 provides us with a view of the righteous leader as the passage tells us what he does and what he does not do. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, we do a lot of work and handle a lot of different responsibilities, but we also live a life that demonstrates a fear and reverence of God in the way that we work and minister. A good leader listens well, reacts in a controlled manner, is humble, is active, and is controlled in his speech, and more.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
As an entrepreneur and ministry leader,
-list some godly character traits you believe you possess.
-ask others to tell you of godly character traits they see in you.
-are you concerned about good character that reflects Christ in your work and ministry?
-how is your character aligned with your gifts, actions, and dreams?
-how are you helping others grow in godly character?
COMPETENCE
– the 3rd Attribute of Your Ministry & Mission
People with strong, functional competence demonstrate improved levels of experience in their field. They are an asset to the organization as they use their skills in the ministry. They understand tasks and are quick to apply new information to see the task through with excellence. They are interested in increasing their education and training. 1 Kings 7:14 teaches that first we need wisdom and understanding (competence in thought) and then we need skill (competence in craft). In Jeremiah 10:9, the reference to competence is within the terms of “craftsman” and “skilled men.”
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
As an entrepreneur and ministry leader,
-what are some areas of competence you believe you possess?
-ask others to tell you of competence that I see in you.
-are you concerned about strong and functional competence in your work and ministry for the Lord?
-how is your competence aligned with your gifts, actions, and dreams?
-how are you helping others increase competence in your field?
CONTRIBUTION
– the 4th Attribute of Your Ministry & Mission
In any work or ministry we must demonstrate the desire and the ability to make a meaningful and positive contribution to the work and to do so with excellence. As a leader, it’s important to contribute well, but also to give to the organization through achieving significant results by utilizing the contributions of other people – by becoming a multiplier rather than a single contributor.
In Exodus 35:21 it states, “And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.”
Exodus 35:25 says, “And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.”
Our motivations is crucial. Fine Contribution is very important!
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
As an entrepreneur and ministry leader,
-what are some of the most significant contributions you have made in your organization?
-ask others to tell you of the most significant contributions they see in you.
-are you concerned about meaningful and positive contribution in your work and ministry for the Lord?
-how is your contribution aligned with your gifts, actions, and dreams?
-how are you helping others increase their contributions in your field?
CHEMISTRY
– the 5th Attribute of Your Ministry & Mission
When I think of chemistry I have a vision of my father, the chemist in the oil industry, with this white lab coat on leaning over bubbling test tubes and looking at scientific formulas and the periodic table of elements.
But in your work and ministry, chemistry is the interaction between two or more people and is necessary for a peaceful and productive work environment. Chemistry allows you to interact with your team to deliver positive results over the long haul. Chemistry is the “fit”. Christian work and ministry takes a lot of energy and a lot of courage. It requires a drive to overcome cultural barriers, the heart to care for people, and the passion to keep pursuing God in the spread of the gospel. There needs to be a chemistry with the agency itself and among the team as well. I love Daren Martin’s book A Company of Owners. He describes “employees” as those who aren’t vested in the work people, or organization. He describes “owners” as those who are vested as if the company is their own, who contribute to the well-being and culture of the team. I feel he’s describing a company of owners with chemistry!
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
As an entrepreneur and ministry leader,
-how have you promoted chemistry within your organization and ministry?
-ask others to tell you how you have promoted chemistry and a team mindset where you work.
-are you concerned about good chemistry in your work and ministry for the Lord?
-how has your chemistry impact aligned with your gifts, actions and dreams?
-how are you helping others increase their chemistry in your field?
Christian Entrepreneur and Ministry Leaders,
Are you focusing on a god-ordained and sure calling, good and fruitful character, wise and skillful competence, meaningful and positive contribution, and fit and courageous chemistry where God has placed you today?
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
Conflict Resolution – Be Reconciled!
Conflict is inevitable, but resolvable. Conflict resolution and the joy of reconciliation takes commitment, skill, and lots of grace!
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
Conflict Resolution – Conflict is Inevitable!
Conflict happens. If you have never been in conflict in your relationships then someone is not being truthful!
Too often we associate conflict with such negative ideas. We believe conflict always involves fighting and yelling. We think conflict always results in arguments and name-calling followed by the silent treatment. We think conflict is always about hurt feelings and being offended.
Conflict Resolution – Begins with Conflict and That’s a Good Thing!
It is time to change our idea of what conflict is and how we handle it. I don’t know any healthy person who actually enjoys conflict. However, it doesn’t have to be all bad. And avoiding conflict can yield wonderfully positive results and be actively engaging.
Conflict Resolution – Keeping the Peace or Making Peace?
There is a difference in keeping the peace and walking in love. Keeping the peace can often be interpreted as not speaking up and using your voice. Ultimately, this choice leads to resentment and anger in many relationships. Individuals feel diminished and overlooked.
The Bible does not bless the peacekeepers. God blesses the peacemakers. Peacemaking is hard work. It sometimes means communicating hard truths. It encompasses moving forward in conflict with the goal of making peace – not the goal of being right or winning. Peacemaking requires grace of speech and patience to make sure all parties are heard.
Conflict Resolution – It’s Worth the Effort and Discomfort
Peacemaking is not the easy way; however, it is the Biblical way to manage conflict in relationships.
Conflict Resolution – Helpful Steps
Consider these points the next time you are attempting a collaborative resolution to conflict in your life.
Pray – Pray before you talk. Pray after you talk. Stop and pray in the middle if things go sideways. Prayer is a great way to center and ground the conversation so you can demonstrate love and keep the will of God in mind.
Keep anger under control – Anger is not to be avoided. It is an alarm system – a red flag to warn you that something is wrong so you can decide how to act. But, out-of-control anger is destructive and will not lead to reconciliation.
Don’t rush resolution – Take the time to deal with big conflicts in your relationship. It is important to the health and wellbeing of all parties. Don’t rush it. If you don’t have the time to talk – set up a time to talk when you have the space to come to a conclusion.
Take breaks – Even though you don’t want to let conflict sit for too long, sometimes you need a break. Some disagreements can’t be solved in one conversation. Sometimes things get heated and a little break helps you bring the conversation back to a good working place. Don’t worry about it – just agree to come back to the table and figure it out.
Listen – Listening, in its simplest form, is the patience to understand the person talking to you. It is also your commitment to being understood. To understand someone else you must listen to the whole message. Take into consideration not just verbal expression, but nonverbal expression. You can’t hear someone when you are thinking of what to say next. In addition, you must listen to what another says to know if they understand you. Listening is the foundational skill for resolving conflict.
Be okay with compromise – Be ready to compromise. If you enter into a discussion with the goal of resolving conflict you must be willing to compromise. Otherwise nothing will get accomplished. A little self-examination will help you determine where you can compromise and on what issues you aren’t willing to budge.
Forgive and let go – Most conflict involves some need for forgiveness. Usually feelings have been hurt. Forgiveness is one of the best tools to promote resolution. Holding onto hurts and offenses keeps you from reaching resolution. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have given permission; it means you are choosing to put the transgression behind you in order to move forward toward resolution.
Understanding the difference between being a peacekeeper and peacemaker is the first step to successful resolution in any conflict. Stick with these tips and come up with some of your own to handle conflict in a healthy way. Share them with me!
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
