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
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!
Mothers Love Their Daughters:
The proof is in a trip to Tokyo!
I love my daughter!
I traveled to Tokyo, Japan in September 2015 to prove it. She and her husband had just moved from Texas to Tokyo in June 2015 for work. It was a huge adjustment for her being away from us with a young child, and it was a huge adjustment for us being away from her for the first time.
I truly love my daughter!
I traveled to Tokyo again in May 2016 to visit and support their growing family as they welcomed their second daughter into the world!
I really, really love my daughter!
The proof is in my trips to Tokyo. Let’s count down the proof!
PROOF #5: MISSING AND GAINING DAYS
They are 14 hours ahead of us, so to visit by Skype I always have to stop and figure out the time zone difference. If it is morning for me, say 7 AM, then it is evening for them, 9 PM. If it is evening for us, say 7 PM, then it is morning for them the next day, 9 AM! I must have a mental block, because I am forever getting it backwards and making assumptions and missing phone calls and precious visits.
PROOF #4: JET LAG
Let me see if I can get this one right! I left on a plane at 7 AM on a Sunday. The flight took 13+ hours. They are 14 hours ahead of us. So I arrived in Tokyo and fell into her welcoming arms – including one layover and checking in and finding my baggage and exchanging money and finding a bus and meeting my daughter’s husband at the bus stop and walking forever and finding a taxi and locating our hotel and checking in and dropping off the luggage and walking to their apartment… – at about 4 PM on a Monday! But coming home I am told I will arrive in the United States before I left Japan!
PROOF #3: OH MY, THE FOOD
Now, I like just about everything, but… a girl has her limits. I don’t know if my daughter just wanted to take me to “the next level” since this was my second visit, but one bowl full of noodles had a bazillion little fishes with eyes looking up at me all over it! And another bowl of noodles had fish flakes (or so I am told) sprinkled on top and they were literally moving! She swears they were moving because the heat rising from the noodles made the fish flakes move. I traded meals with her and had a wonderful noodle and salmon dish with a creamy sauce throughout!
PROOF #2: CRAMPED LIVING QUARTERS
I’m a little bit ashamed of the amount of space we use in the United States. But I love our home and looking out over 25 acres of beautiful land covered with trees and running water and beautiful fields and “expensive yard art” (horses)! I promise, to get around my little hotel room, you sometimes have to walk sideways around the bed! I made a pact with my personal fitness trainer that I would walk and keep up with my planks, at least… Well let me tell you this has really been a challenge… as there is barely enough space on the floor of my hotel room to do a plank!
And finally…
PROOF #1: OH, THE PARKING GARAGES
Thankfully, I have yet to be run over by a car in Tokyo! But I have had about seven heart attacks in front of parking garages! For before a car even gets remotely close to an exit, the loudest and most irritating alarm will blare, practically blowing a pedestrian off the sidewalk and causing the most distressing heart palpitations I have ever experienced!
Just in case anyone needed proof that I really love my daughter!
About Karen Lindwall-BourgKaren 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
