by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Jan 25, 2020 | Entrepreneur Endeavors
Hurry Up and Slow Down in 2020!
I
Simon and Garfunkel!
Does that date me too terribly? I love their song:
Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
Hello lamppost, what’cha knowing
I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’
Ain’t you got no rhymes for me?
Doo-ait-n-doo-doo, feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy
I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me
Life, I love you, all is groovy
Groovy!
That definitely dates me!
Hurry Up and Slow Down to Achieve Entrepreneur Wellness
We’ve been focusing on Planning Purposefully in our groups for entrepreneurs. We went through a 31 step process to plan purposefully four months ago. We held an intensive workshop on planning a month ago. And we are working through Planning Well this month in keeping with our 2020 theme: Entrepreneur Wellness.
When you think about planning, do you get all geared up towards making something happen and isn’t there some urgency about that process?
When I think about planning, I’m excited with anticipation because it’s one of my favorite things to do and because I know I will seek the Lord and receive clarity, and I know I will design a series of actionable steps to make that plan launch well. I’ll be successful!
But if you’re like me, that spurs you to hurry up and get busy, haul buns, make tracks!
Hurry Up and Slow Down to Find Balance
At the same time, I’m being encouraged every which way I turn to slow down! At first this feels like such a contradiction, until I remember that it really is about seeking balance and honoring the Lord!
Hurry Up and Slow Down – Work Under His Unforced Rhythms of Grace
The Unforced Rhythms of Grace Matthew 11
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
The Message (MSG) by Eugene H. Peterson
“Think of this scripture from a business context. If you’re tired and worn out, it means that you’re working in your own strength, versus allowing God’s strength to be made perfect in your weakness in your business. Jesus provides you with this offer… keep company with Him through your life and work, and He will be your teacher and show you how to work from rest (freely and lightly) in an unforced rhythm of grace.” – Shae Bynes [A Must Read: Bynes, Shae. Grace Over Grind: How Grace Will Take Your Business Where Grinding Can’t.]
Slow Down & Work Under His Unforced Rhythms of Grace!
What does living and working in unforced rhythms of grace look like to you? What do you need to embrace first? Let us know!
I’m learning to recognize that grinding feeling as a blessed red flag from the Lord and not only to slow down, but literally stop and hear Him before I move forward again! Yep! I’ve begun to experience a lot of stops in my life lately!
Hurry Up and Slow Down – Ruthlessly Eliminate Hurry!
“To choose to live an unhurried life in our day is somewhat like taking a vow of poverty in earlier centuries; it is scary. It is an act of faith. But there are deeper riches on the other side.” – John Mark Comer [Another Must Read: Comer, John Mark. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.]
CHOOSE un-Hurry!
What’s the first hurried lifestyle habit you need to change to act on faith and receive God’s deeper riches? Let us know!
I’m adopting a practice recommended by Coach, Kadena, and scheduling time on social media and sticking with the schedule! It’s on my calendar!
Hurry Up and Slow Down – Plan Well, Design Well, & Follow Through Well
Join us as we work on a “12-Week Year” basis to PLAN, DESIGN, & Follow Through, then “rinse & repeat” what works to achieve extraordinary levels of success with celebrating.
We’re combining 3 programs into 1 so for a limited time you get all 3 programs for the life of the programs for $149. Pretty soon it’ll change to $149/year!
Register here http://karenbourg.com/getclients.
Many PLANNING Blessings,
Karen
Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs http://nacwe.org
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | Oct 26, 2019 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
The need for premarital counseling.
If all you’ve thought about is the wedding and not the marriage, then you might need to think again. (Renae Willis)
I found this on old papers and immediately recognized it as a paper that was circulated from my college days!
—————————————
ON HIS PLAN FOR YOUR MATE
Everyone longs to give themselves to someone – to have a deep, soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly, and exclusively.
But, God, to a Christian says,
“No, not until you are satisfied and fulfilled and content with living loved by Me alone, while giving yourself totally, unreservedly to Me alone… I love you, my child. And until you discover that only in Me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with Me – exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give the most thrilling plan existing to you – one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you – you must keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things – keep experiencing that satisfaction knowing that I AM – keep learning and listening to the things I tell you… You must wait.
Don’t be anxious. Don’t worry. Don’t look around at the things others have gotten or that I have given them. Don’t look at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off and away up to Me or you’ll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready… I am working even this minute to have you both ready at the same time… Until you are both exclusively with Me and the life I prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and is thus perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with Myself.
Know I love you utterly. I am God Almighty. Believe and be satisfied.”
(Author Unknown)
If you’re single, and you want to know who to marry, run as hard and as fast toward Jesus as you can and if, out of the corner of your eye, you see somebody running in the same direction, take a second look. (Pastor Tommy Nelson)
Remember:
ON HIS PLAN FOR YOUR MATE
Blessings
The Lord bless you and keep you in your singleness as you prepare for marriage;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace and a future marriage that pleases Him!
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 | Oct 25, 2019 | Entrepreneur Endeavors, Firm Foundations
4 Business Cornerstones for Helping Professionals
Hosted by Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
…therefore thus says the Lord God,
“Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,
a stone, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:
‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
Isaiah 28:16
A cornerstone, in ancient building practices, was the first and principal stone placed at the corner of the structure. The cornerstone was usually one of the largest, the most solid, and the most carefully constructed of any in the building. Today, the cornerstone is most important since all other stones will be set in reference to this one stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.
We had just moved our offices into a newly constructed building. I assumed it had four corners so it must have been built on four “cornerstones”. Granted, I build thriving businesses, and generate innovative services and programs, and craft creative products. I encourage and empower and equip. I don’t construct buildings! Even so, I’m still going to present to you 4 “cornerstones”!
THE Cornerstone is Jesus Christ.
Jesus described Himself as the Cornerstone that His church would be built upon; the foundation of a unified body of believers. The Apostle Paul referred to Him as the “head of the corner” and the “Chief Cornerstone of the Church.” It is the desire of the Founders and team at Karen Bourg Companies to make Christ our chief and crown – our cornerstone.
Is Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone in your business?
What does that mean in your organization?
How do others recognize this sure foundation?
The dedication stone is your mission and vision.
They are foundational to and define your past, present and future growth. In older times, the completion of a building involved a ceremony of the rite of laying the cornerstone that was symbolic of the produce and the people of the land and the means of their subsistence. Some contemporary builders include an inscription on the stone indicating the construction dates of the building and the names of architect, builder and other significant individuals. For our team of Associates, this celebration will include a ceremony of prayer and dedication and the placing of a custom designed stepping-stone in our offices.
How can you celebrate and re-dedicate your business and stay true to your mission and vision?
Another keystone is your customer or client.
God has called you to serve them and to represent Him as you work together – you are His ambassador and builder.
Who is your ideal client?
Does defining him/her lead you to change or enhance your services or products?
A final, but crucial foundation stone is… You!
After all, it is You whom God has called to minister to others in this unique and effective way! And He will lead you to the equipping and expertise needed to draw others to Him as you follow your purpose and calling as entrepreneur! I waited 7 years for God to show me what this looked like, then realized (in this stagnant state) that I had to move as far forward into His will as I could before He would show me more of the purposes and vision for Karen Bourg Companies.
As you seek His will and look at what He has already shown you, what is the next step to take toward bringing Him glory and honor in your organization?
Let’s take it together!
Join me and share your cornerstones.
God Bless You!
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 | Oct 19, 2019 | Celebrate Life!, Entrepreneur Endeavors
Wellness for Women Entrepreneurs
As women entrepreneurs, we are focused on our calling and our passion. We have taken our God-given vision and with grace and elbow grease, we are making it work!
Performance Pressures Hinder Wellness
Let’s be honest, though—there are times when we get frustrated and discouraged. This entrepreneur journey is hard. And it’s not the only “performance” pressure we have in our lives. Relationships, parenting, friendship, and being a business leader all require our energy and effort to successfully maintain.
Personally, I sometimes struggle to stay encouraged and motivated when things aren’t unfolding the way I want them to. When I started out, there were times I felt I just couldn’t keep up. There was often no more “go” in my “get up and go”.
How do we get unstuck? How do we manage when we’ve lost sight of the horizon? How do we press on when discouragement lurks?
Wellness Checks: We are Multi-dimensional!
God wants us to be holy and blessed in every aspect of our lives.
And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
—Mark 10:52
A huge portion of His ministry included healing and restoring people to wholeness.
We are spirit, soul, and body. Whenever I feel super stuck, I check in within these three dimensions. What’s going on in my body? Is my soul getting what it needs? Am I neglecting something regarding my spirit?
Check Your Physical Wellness
- Sleep
- Our physical and physiological needs cannot be overlooked. Just like a toddler gets grumpy without enough sleep, our bodies and personalities are also compromised. Are we going to bed at a healthy time? Are we getting quality sleep? I can no longer go to bed with my iPad, iPhone, or laptop.
- Turn off your devices, including the TV. Put your head on the pillow, and close your eyes. If needed, put a pen and paper by the bed for those lists that rush in when your head hits the pillow.
- Nutrition
- When I get busy or excited about something I am working on, I will put off eating. And put it off. And put it off. Then, I am starving and eat a big, poorly chosen meal at the end of the day. Take it from experience, this is not healthy. Eating healthy and regularly is such an important factor to our mood, energy level, and brain function.
- Your body is trying to tell you what it needs when you feel hungry. It’s important you listen. That 3 p.m. energy slump with brain fog can be easily managed with a healthful snack.
- Hormones
- We are all women here, and let’s be real. To deny that hormones play a part in our bodies is naive. I know I have one or two crazy days when I feel really down and out. I don’t need medication; I need to be gentle with myself and aware of the pattern. For me, I know it will pass.
- Take a month and recognize when your mood swings to places you are not so fond of. Depending on your age and health, it may take more medical investigation. However, be encouraged; it’s totally manageable.
- Movement
- I know, I know. We hear it all the time. Exercise makes you feel better. And we aren’t talking marathon training!
- Did you know a 20-minute walk every day can help improve clarity and boost creativity? And a pace a little faster than a stroll can clear your head, wake up your body, and renew your energy.
Check Your Soul Wellness
Your soul can also be thought of as your heart, mind, will, and emotions. It’s the place where your spirit meets your decision-making process. Your soul finds peace and strength when you listen to the Spirit.
- Desires
- Sometimes, we ignore the desires of our hearts, and everything gets off kilter. We get disheartened.
- Checking in on your heart’s desire with prayer and listening can help ease discouragement.
- Positivism
- Thankfulness can transform a negative attitude into a positive one. Our soul is also influenced by the people around us—negative and positive alike.
- Selectively listen to those who speak into your life! Increase the positive influences and uplifting voices in your life.
Check Your Spiritual Wellness
Our spirit is that holy part inside where God dwells and communicates with us. Having an active and intentional spiritual life produces spiritual health. It is where we find the strength to keep going when we feel we can’t take another step.
- Prayer
- It requires conversation and listening to be a good friend, a good wife, or a good mother. The same is true with God. Prayer is the conversation. Quiet time is not just about reading and praying; it’s also about listening to what God is saying.
- Prayer can happen at any time. It doesn’t just have to be the 20 minutes you set aside in the morning before the kids get up. It can be part of your daily walk or in the shower.
- Find exhortation and encouragement from God’s Word.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
—Philippians 4: 2–9
- Worship
- Worship is similar to prayer in that you can do it anytime, anywhere.
- Worship is the singing we do. It includes the little moments when we take the time to recognize what a great and amazing God we have. It encompasses noticing the stunning clouds on a stormy day. It embraces appreciating the luxuries we have in life and acknowledging that He is the source.
- Thankfulness
- Gratitude is a popular concept today. It is effective in creating a positive and appreciative life view.
- It is also a great way to remind yourself of all the wondrous things in your life by taking the time to recognize and thank God for them.
Walk in Love
. . . be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
—Ephesians 5:18-21
Those moments of feeling like giving up will come. But, before we make up our mind to quit, we need to check in with the most important parts of ourselves and our God-given purpose!
Are there things you do to help keep moving forward?
What tips do you have for making progress when you feel stuck?
I’d love to hear from you!
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 | Oct 18, 2019 | Celebrate Life!, Entrepreneur Endeavors, Writing & Publishing
YOU are Creative; Yes, You Are!
Creativity is an essential part of building your business. It can also be one of the most daunting tasks. I have heard so many people say, “But I’m not creative.” Oh, yes, you are!
YOU are creative; YES, YOU ARE!
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. —Genesis 2:7
And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” —Genesis 2:23
You are Creative—Creativity is part of your Divine Design.
Creativity was not passed out to others in the creativity line while you were in the wrong line. Creativity is a gift to all God’s children. It is inherent in your design. We are all created in the image of God. God literally breathed His life into man as the crowning glory of creation.
Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. —Jeremiah 32:17
The God of the universe—the God who created the heavens and the earth and all things in, around, about, and under the earth breathed life into you. His creative essence is part of your divine design. It is not a gift handed out to just the painters or sculptors. It is a gift for every living being who is a temple of the Holy Ghost.
You are Creative—You have the creative power of the Creator.
The creative power of the Creative One dwells in you constantly. All we need do is ask for the power that works within us to help us accomplish the tasks set before us.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. —Ephesians 3:20
Creativity is defined as the “quality of being creative” or “the ability to create.” Now, before you write yourself off thinking you are not creative by definition, let’s consider what creativity encompasses.
Problem solving is a creative task. Communicating your ideas clearly to be understood is a creative endeavor. Decorating your home, baking, cooking, organizing your shoe collection, keeping the family schedule—these are all tasks which require creativity. If you can figure out how to get three different kids in four places at the same time, trust me, you are creative!
You are Creative—You are a well of Creativity.
You are in touch with an unlimited creative resource. Just prime your creative pump and get those divine ideas flowing! The more you exercise creativity, the more creative you will become.
Take some time to consider: in which ways are you traditionally creative and in which ways are you non-traditionally creative?
You are Creative—A blessing for Creativity.
As you consider your creativity, may God bless you with being in tune with the creative design of the Creator in all you see. May God bless you with knowing His creative breath lives and flows through you; you can ask for that which you lack and He will answer your prayers.
LET’S BE CREATIVE TOGETHER!
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 .
