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!
Veterans Day- Remembering 1945
from Grief Beliefs guide to Reconciling Grief and Mourning
1st Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) John C. Phillips, 1945
The Company Morning Report Data document for January 29, 1945 for First Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) John C. Phillips reads, “Battle Casualty. Missing in action in Belgium and dropped from rolls effective 26 January 1945.”
April 25, 1923 – November 12, 2013
Sgt. Lawrence B. Lyon, Junior, 1945
The same report for January 31, 1945 for Sgt. Lawrence B. Lyon, Junior reads, “Battle Casualty. Lightly wounded in action (right and left thigh). Transferred to 45th evacuation hospital and dropped from assignment effective 26 January 1945.” Biographical notes read, “from Hill County Texas. Born 1925. One year of college. Civilian occupation: sales clerk. Single.”
November 12, 1925 – July 17, 1999
Daddy:
Sgt. Lawrence Boyd Lyon, Jr (L. B.), Daddy, GrandPop – served in the Army during World War 2 in the Battle of the Bulge. He rarely talked about his time in the service.
1944
What does the Bible tell us about war?
God often ordered the Israelites to go to war with other nations (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 4:13). War is never a good thing, but sometimes it is a necessary thing. In a world filled with sinful people (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Sometimes the only way to keep sinful people from doing great harm to the innocent is by going to war. Ecclesiastes 3:8 declares, “There is…a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” In a world filled with sin, hatred, and evil (Romans 3:10-18), war is inevitable. Christians should not desire war, but neither are Christians to oppose the government God has placed in authority over them (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:17). The most important thing we can be doing in a time of war is to be praying for godly wisdom for our leaders, praying for the safety of our military, praying for quick resolution to conflicts, and praying for a minimum of casualties among civilians on both sides (Philippians 4:6-7).
SCARS: Daddy was shot in both legs and received the Purple Heart. When we 3 kids (Ron, Karen, Anita) saw his scars we would always ask what they were. He would explain that he got shot. We would ask how it happened and he would always reply/his only explanation was that he was standing up when he should have been lying down!
God can use our scars: Often, if we allow Him to, God will use our deepest hurt to develop our greatest ministry. The reason our scars can be beautiful is because God gives us opportunities to invest in other people because of the struggles we’ve gone through ourselves. We should look for how God may want to use those circumstances. If we allow God to replace our wounds with scars, and we are willing to use them to help others, He will redeem even our most painful experiences.
A few other stories about Daddy came from relatives (I always thought they came from Uncle J. L. Lyon).
AGE DECEPTION: We were told he lied about his age so he could enlist at 16; he wanted to serve so badly.
MP ENEMY ENCOUNTER: We were told that Daddy was on a mission alone and came upon a German soldier in the woods. They both drew their weapons on each other and both decided not to fire. Instead, they exchanged items – Daddy was given a German Bible which we still have; he gave the soldier a pocket knife – and they went on their way.
EXHAUSTION: We were told that his platoon returned from an exhausting mission and were presented to a superior officer for further instructions. They were cold and wet and tired, their socks were rotten, their boots were in disrepair, and they were hungry. It was said that the officer dispatched them further and out of despair Daddy supposedly jumped the guy! We know he could have been court-martialed and dishonorably discharged for such an infraction, but he finished his tour of duty and came home when the war ended.
1946
HOME: We were told that he came wearily home and greeted his beloved Mother briefly before falling into an exhausted sleep that lasted for days. His father returned home relieved to see him well and whole and they say he lovingly picked him up in his arms and cradled his returned son like a small child, shedding tears of love and relief.
What a beautiful picture of the love of a Father for his child – of God’s love for us!Jesus showed us that the Almighty God is our Abba Father! (Mark 14:36). The Holy Spirit lives in the heart of all of us who follow Jesus and he intercedes for us from deep within, crying out, “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 6:4).
Bible Verses on the Father’s Love
- “[The Father] guarded him as the apple of his eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10)
- “O Lord you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your hands.” (Isaiah 64:8)
- “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)
- “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor [or Comforter] to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14:16)
- “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
(See also Psalm 68:5-6; Matthew 6:4; Matthew 6:26; Matthew 7:11; Matthew 18:14; Luke 15:20b, 22-24; John 14:6,9; John 15:16; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 6:18 & 2 Samuel 7:14; Ephesians 1:3-5; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:15; Ephesians 3:20-21.)
NEW INFORMATION: On February 4, 2012, I (Karen) received an interesting call and soon after, we were put in touch with an Iowa veteran from the Battle of the Bulge 1st Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) John C. Phillips who saved our father’s life one fateful day in January 1945!
GRATITUDE: We do SO appreciate the service and sacrifice of John Phillips and of all those who join all branches of the military.
This is one of those passages in Psalms where the writer has enjoyed deliverance from peril by the hand of Jehovah. In the Psalm, he is expressing his gratitude and praise.
Psalm 116
“I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted: I said in my haste, All men are liars. What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalms 116:1-19, KJV).
We reap…
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
One of Job’s friends said: “God giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields,” (Job 5:10). Therefore, when we breathe, eat, relax, drink water and enjoy things here on earth, we ought to acknowledge God as the origin of it all.
SPIRITUAL BENEFITS:
Jesus Christ – the salvation which is now available in Him – is the greatest benefit God has ever given to man; the supreme example of God’s love for man, and His determination that sinners must have a way to be saved.
In Ephesians1:3 , we are impressed that “every spiritual blessing” is located IN CHRIST, then in verse 4 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”; verse 5 – He “foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ”; verse 6 – The grace of God is freely bestowed on us; verse 7 – “we have our redemption through his blood”; verse 8 – He gives us wisdom and prudence; and all through Ephesians, and all through the New Testament we see the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
We respond with GRATITUDE.
As we meditate on all the good things we have from God — our hearts should swell in gratitude; “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving…” (Psalm 116:17) (See also Colossians 1:3; 1:12; 2:6-7; 3:17; 4:2)
PRAYER: Lord God, we offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving for being our Father, for saving my father, for all you have given us. We pray for godly wisdom for our leaders, for the safety of our military, for quick resolution to conflicts, and for a minimum of casualties among civilians on both sides (Philippians 4:6-7).
1990 – Matthew Lindwall, Ron Lyon, Katie Lyon, Karen Lyon Lindwall, Andrew Lindwall, Anita Lyon King, Philip King, L. B. Lyon Jr., & Melanie Lindwall.
Join me in honoring the veterans in your life as we remember 1945!
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!
Veterans Day – Remembering Lt. John C. Phillips
from Grief Beliefs guide to Reconciling Grief and Mourning
Thank you 1st Lieutenant John C. Phillips for saving my father’s life!
1st Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) Lt. John C. Phillips, 1945
The Company Morning Report Data document for January 29, 1945 for First Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) John C. Phillips reads, “Battle Casualty. Missing in action in Belgium and dropped from rolls effective 26 January 1945.”
April 25, 1923 – November 12, 2013
Sgt. Lawrence B. Lyon, Junior, 1945
The same report for January 31, 1945 for Sgt. Lawrence B. Lyon, Junior reads, “Battle Casualty. Lightly wounded in action (right and left thigh). Transferred to 45th evacuation hospital and dropped from assignment effective 26 January 1945.” Biographical notes read, “from Hill County Texas. Born 1925. One year of college. Civilian occupation: sales clerk. Single.”
November 12, 1925 – July 17, 1999
Honoring Lt. John C. Phillips
November 14, 2013
Karen,
It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that our friend, John Phillips, has passed away. John had suffered a couple of broken bones over the past couple of years with a third just recently. At 90 years of age, John underwent surgical repair of this only to wind up contracting pneumonia resulting in heart and kidney problems. John was a good man and I was, and still am, honored to call him a friend.
I cannot tell you strong enough just how gratifying it was for John Rogers (from Tulsa, OK.), his son, Brandon, Tony Vecchio, and myself to find the fire break through the trees on the hill just outside Medel, Belgium, and the open field on top of that ridge where the action took place back in January of 1945 which resulted in the wounding of John and your Dad, Sgt. Lawrence Lyon. I will never forget that day. It was cold and windy and I had a phone which would reach back to the US. Gaining the top of the ridge I called John (7:00 A.M. in Des Moines, Iowa): John said: “Where in the hell are you?” I told him I was on top of the ridge. He was floored. Turned out our group of four was standing in the exact spot where your Dad, John, and the others were when all were hit by that German machine gun. While your Dad and Lt. John C. Phillips survived the others with them were all killed. We brought the pictures back and showed them to John. The man had an incredible memory. I guess if something like that had happened to one of us and we survived we would also never forget it.
After being hit by five slugs from a German machine gun, the German’s took everything John had on him at the time, including a small address book with the names and address of his men (including your Dad), and therefore he was never able to contact any of the men from his unit. Lt. John C. Phillips capture was followed by months in the German POW compound at Mooseburg, Germany.
Bob Holliday
Join me in honoring the veterans in your life as we remember 1st Lieutenant John C. Phillips!
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
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
