by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | May 28, 2020 | Entrepreneur Endeavors
You are persistent, especially when you really want something! Am I right?
What comes to mind when I ask what you last sought after and pursued with persistence until you succeeded?
I once had a writing coach say if we hadn’t written what we planned, then we probably didn’t really want to or were not called to write it in the first place! I was surprised at my strong reaction to her words! I diligently considered if what I had planned to write was assigned to me from the Lord or not. If not, it needed to be set aside so I could focus on His true calling on my life as a writer. If yes, I needed to buckle down and be persistent until the writing was complete!
We’re awaiting (somewhat patiently) the birth of our 11th grandchild; our 8th grandorable daughter! I just wrote a blog about the obedience of the Hebrew Midwives that led to great influence upon the Isrealite nation, the Egyptian nation, and subsequently upon our world.
Read here: A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE!
You are a woman of Influence.
Then I thought of Hannah and all those who are mothers and grandmothers, and/or may not have born children of their own, but are surrogate mothers of sorts! What would we do without them? They are faith-FULL! They are patient and persistent in their care.
A Woman of Persistence – Does NOT Give Up!
Be persistent in your faith and petitions to God. In most cases, He has given you the desires of His/your heart and being filled with faith, He expects you to obediently pursue those desires and to bring Him glory and honor every step of the way.
Consider Hannah in 1 Samuel who was so persistent in her faith-filled prayer for a son that God granted her desire and then some! (1 Samuel 2:21 – she had other children) She was persistent and faithful.
In her day, a barren woman was scorned, ridiculed, even mocked. In her distress, instead of attacking her mocker, she cried out to God from her great sorrow and loss, praying earnestly, even begging for a son. Her prayer was sacrificial, sincere, and specific. Her prayer changed the course of her life, her son Samuel’s life, the Priest Eli’s life, and the life of the entire nation!
1 Samuel 1 English Standard Version (ESV)The Birth of Samuel
1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.[a] 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”[b]
Samuel Given to the Lord
21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull,[c] an ephah[d] of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”
And he worshiped the Lord there.
English Standard Version (ESV) Bold = mine
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
A Woman of Persistence Can Impact the World!
Your life and ministry/business can influence a nation!
Your persistence in your life and entrepreneur endeavors can impact the world!
Honestly, I can’t think that broadly most of the time.
I’m content to try to wrap my heart around and try to influence and persistently work to impact just 1 person at a time!
But then I remember that Hannah’s persistent prayer changed the course of her life, the lives of her family, and the life of her world and yours and mine! God used her son Samuel as a powerful prophet during the lifetime of King David and we read about him today. God used King David to lead the nation and to complete the lineage of Christ and today we are Saved!
God delights in the faith and persistence of His people!
Be a Woman of Persistence!
Homework/Handout:
Re-Write Hannah’s Prayer as your own!
1 Samuel 2 English Standard Version (ESV)Hannah’s Prayer
2 1 And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
2
“There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
3
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
4
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
5
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
9
“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
10
The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;
against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
JOIN Karen Bourg Coaching to work through the Christian Women Leadership Institute 2020(2)
http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me
CONTACT US:
Community -When you need a Nurturing, Active, group of like-minded Christian Women Entrepreneurs whose goals are to provide Community, Networking, Education and Missions opportunities – join the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE) on Facebook http://facebook.com/groups/NACWEFreedom / our Website http://nacwe.org Once you’ve gotten to know us, we hope you’ll consider joining our more Intimate and Elite Group as well. NACWE was established in 2010 and has served thousands of women across the United States AND the world!
Coaching & Writing -When you need small group Coaching/Masterminds and/or Individual Coaching with opportunities for trips, retreats, VIP Days and more to achieve extraordinary levels of success worth celebrating, join Me / Dr. Karen Website http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me I’ve been coaching since about 2007 when I opened a Private Practice Marriage and Family Therapy/Biblical Counseling Practice and realized to grow took a whole lot more than “when you build it, they will come”! It took knowing how to run a business/ministry God’s Way!
Conference -Also, we hope you’ll consider joining us for our ANNUAL Conference “Working God’s Way” north of Dallas September 18-19, 2020. Our keynote Speaker will be Shae Bynes, Co-Founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur and the Author of Grace Over Grind. https://nacwe.org/savethedate2020conference/
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” 11 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 | May 22, 2020 | Entrepreneur Endeavors
You are a woman of influence!
As a leader, you are never not influencing someone.
You are never not leading someone.
Pardon the double negatives, but it’s true.
Are you influencing and leading well or poorly?
As a Woman of Influence – You Can Change the Course of History!
You are often faced with a chance to change the course of history as you lead and influence others. Believe it or not!
“… More often than not, it’s men and women with no power and little social standing who most significantly reshape this world.”
-John Maxwell, NKJV, Maxwell Leadership Bible, e-book. Thomas Nelson. Kindle edition.
Consider the story of Shiphrah and Puah, Hebrew midwives who feared God and refused to obey the wicked command of the king of Egypt who wanted them to murder all Hebrew male newborns as the nation grew.
They were, in the grand scheme of society, powerless and despised and disadvantaged. They were also very brave and chose to do the right thing.
Exodus 1:15-20
15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, 16 “When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. 18 So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women, for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.” 20 So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families. 22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
We have four sons and two daughters. Our 11th grandchild will be born soon! One of our daughters is a midwife and family nurse practitioner. She has a T-shirt that says
Before Moses delivered Israel;
Shiphrah and Puah delivered Moses!
Other T-shirts related to midwives online say
“Midwifery, as old as the human race.”
“The midwives refused to obey.”
“Shiphrah and Puah: the courage to say “and.” The ways of passion and courage.”
Shiphrah and Puah continued to deliver healthy male Hebrews, they risked their lives to protect the children that God had placed in their care; they disobeyed the ruler of Egypt to obey the God they feared. God showed them kindness by blessing them with families of their own who probably took part in the great exodus from Egypt.
They helped to spare the life of Moses – Israel’s God-ordained deliverer.
They protected the line of Abraham through which Jesus Christ would come, fulfilling God‘s plan for the Hebrews and for all mankind. For you and me!
I admire anyone who is willing to lead well and positively influence another, especially a helpless and impressionable child. But I rarely think that my love of and care for my children and grandorables will change the course of history! And yet, someone(s) changed the course of history for me! And for you! And not all of those influencers were leaders of nations, I bet!
A Woman of Influence – An Entrepreneur Called By God
To me that’s what entrepreneurship is all about – leading and influencing in a way that brings God glory and honor and draws others to Jesus Christ and encourages and inspires their growth in business and ministry!
Dear Christian entrepreneur,
I’m praying that you lead others well.
I am praying that you influence others in a way that brings glory and honor to God.
You do it every day!
Have you ever heard that song: Thank You For Giving to the Lord?
Thank You For Giving To The Lord
https://bit.ly/2TcQbRI
Ray Boltz
Thank You
I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn’t have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that’s why I’m here today
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
One by one they came
Far as the eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices made
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed
And I know that up in heaven
You’re not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave
I am so glad you gave
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: A Marvel / T Moran / A Tripoli
Thank You For Giving To The Lord lyrics © Salski Music, Moran Music, Sony/atv Tunes Llc Obo World Of Andy Music, Inc., Universal Music-z Tunes Obo Andy Panda Music
You never know what gentle touch or act of kindness or matter of influence and leadership might change a person’s life, and thus change the course of history!
Take care of yourself.
You are NO heavenly good if you aren’t functioning well on earth!
Resolve each day to serve the Lord as you are His willing vessel to influence and lead others well!
Look forward to the day when He will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25
Keep influencing!
JOIN Karen Bourg Coaching to work through the Christian Women Leadership Institute 2020(2)
http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me
CONTACT US:
Community -When you need a Nurturing, Active, group of like-minded Christian Women Entrepreneurs whose goals are to provide Community, Networking, Education and Missions opportunities – join the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (NACWE) on Facebook http://facebook.com/groups/NACWEFreedom / our Website http://nacwe.org Once you’ve gotten to know us, we hope you’ll consider joining our more Intimate and Elite Group as well. NACWE was established in 2010 and has served thousands of women across the United States AND the world!
Coaching & Writing -When you need small group Coaching/Masterminds and/or Individual Coaching with opportunities for trips, retreats, VIP Days and more to achieve extraordinary levels of success worth celebrating, join Me / Dr. Karen Website http://karenbourg.com/work-with-me I’ve been coaching since about 2007 when I opened a Private Practice Marriage and Family Therapy/Biblical Counseling Practice and realized to grow took a whole lot more than “when you build it, they will come”! It took knowing how to run a business/ministry God’s Way!
Conference -Also, we hope you’ll consider joining us for our ANNUAL Conference “Working God’s Way” north of Dallas September 18-19, 2020. Our keynote Speaker will be Shae Bynes, Co-Founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur and the Author of Grace Over Grind. https://nacwe.org/savethedate2020conference/
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” 11 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 | May 20, 2020 | Blog, Celebrate Life!
from GriefBeliefs guide to Reconciling Grief and Mourning
Has someone you love, died or been lost to you in other ways? Is it possible to find a new normal, full of grace? Is a new life after loss within your reach?
Grueling and Full of Grace
I watched the movie “The Impossible” the other day. It’s been described as a film that is grueling and full of grace at the same. I have to agree! “The Impossible” is about the journey of the Bennett family in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. I suppose “the impossible” is that anyone survived at all and that a family of five survived and found each other after such a tragedy. I remember thinking that even though they did survive, nothing would ever be the same again.
Then I recalled the story of designer Nate Berkus who survived the same tsunami, although his partner did not. Nate came back to the States and talked openly about this harrowing experience and his tragic loss within days of the storm. At the time I was the Program Director of Journey of Hope Grief Support Center in Plano Texas and I read an article in a magazine where Nate talked about trying to find a “new normal” after this grueling experience. This was the first time I had really begun to understand that concept even though I had been widowed myself 11 years before, and striving to experience a full and joyful life after loss.
I was struck with the grace that he portrayed when he visited with and interviewed other survivors, when he accepted gracious care from those who were able to offer it and was patient with those who weren’t, when he responded to his family, his partner’s family and the families of so many who were lost.
From that point forward, we introduced the concept of the “new normal” to our grief group support clients and I still address this idea with clients another 10 years later when we talk about life after loss.
Reconciling Loss as Part of Life
In our book, Strength for the Journey: Help for the Whole Family in the Shadow of Grief and Mourning ($9.99 – all proceeds go to the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center), we added that the family needs to reconcile and learn to live with loss and the realization that life after loss will never be the same. They can gain a renewed sense of energy, confidence, and a desire to become newly involved in activities and to enjoy life again. They can eventually establish new and healthy relationships.
What this new normal means to each person after their unique life after loss is different. But it is possible!
Nate Berkus said there was finally a time when he saw a glimmer of his former self and knew that he had a second chance at life!
New Normal is Possible
As we celebrated the beginning of this New Year, I couldn’t help but think through new resolves that I wanted for this new era in my life after loss and my business. And I was reminded of this “new normal’ concept after a grueling loss, still full of grace and promise. I found a “new normal” after Tim’s death, not because I was strong or because I understood the tasks necessary to grow after such a loss, but because I had a strong faith in the Lord and because I was reminded of His ability to make all things new.
New Normal is Possible, because…
HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, …through Christ…”
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 – you are made new!
“ And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Read Revelation 21:1-5 – there will be a new heaven and a new earth, no more mourning!
Listen to the song (God makes) All Things New – Steven Curtis Chapman
You smiled, You made the sun rise
To light up the very first day
You breathed across the water
And started the very first wave
It was You, You introduced Your Glory
To every living creature on earth
And they started singing
The first song to ever be heard they sang for You
Then the world was broken
Fallen and battered and scarred
You took the hopeless
The life wasted, ruined and marred and made it new
You turn winter into spring
You take every living thing
And You breathe the breath of life into it
Over and over again
You made the sunrise
Day after day after day
But there’s a morning coming
When old things will all pass away and everyone will see
Full Lyrics
New Normal is Possible, because…
HE DELIVERS AND RESTORES!
The Lord Had Pity
25 I will restore[d] to you the years
that the swarming locust has eaten,…
19 The Lord answered and said to his people,
“Behold, I am sending to you
grain, wine, and oil,
and you will be satisfied;
Read Joel 2:18-27
The Lord Will Pour Out His Spirit
28 [e] “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Read Joel 2: 28-32
New Normal is Possible, because…
HE REDEEMS AND SATISFIES!
4 He redeems your life from the pit,
and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 He satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Read Psalm 103:1-5
Will you believe God will fill you with the Grace of a “new normal” after this grueling loss?
Let me know 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.
by Dr. Karen Lindwall-Bourg | May 6, 2020 | Celebrate Life!
WHAT DO YOU DO TO SEE THINGS FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE? FOR YOURSELF? FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR MINISTRY?
My Inspiration to Seek New Perspectives and Have FUN Doing It!
A friend of mine posted a picture of herself with her kids sitting on their kitchen counter.
Megan: “There’s a couch. And we have a table. We are a strange little bunch. Apparently sitting on the counter is comforting.”
Karen: “(1) I haven’t sat on the counter in so long, I can’t remember! (2) There is no room to sit on the counter around here! (3) I resolve, in support of Team _____, to clean off and sit on the counter this week!”
Megan: “Brandon and I have had some of our biggest breakthroughs in our marriage while sitting on counters – something about sitting up there helps everyone open up!”
Karen: “(4) I will build an opening-up counter in our next counseling offices!”
Now, I just can’t stop thinking about sitting on the counter!
Do You Need New Perspectives on Life’s Problems and God’s Solutions?
Perspective very simply means: the way in which things are viewed; a way of regarding situations, facts, etc. and judging their relative importance; or one’s outlook, attitude, or way of looking at things; our frame of reference.
We very often need a different perspective in our lives, so we’ve sought the Lord and His Word for answers, we’ve asked trusted others to listen to our stories and to offer their advice, and we’ve tried on different choices to see how they “fit”!
The more we know about our Purpose and our Passion as we wear various hats in our families, with our friends, and in our communities, the better we will serve!
Do You Need a New Perspective in Your Business or Ministry?
We very often need a different perspective in our counseling offices, so we have switched seats in the counseling room, or counseled in a different office, at a table instead of from the couch, and with pipe cleaners or crayons or buttons or stones to inspire creative ways of looking at solutions to our problems. But never have I asked one of my clients to sit on the counter!
We often need a different perspective in our businesses and ministries, so we have hired business coaches, joined networking groups, listened to webinars, and read books (SO many books!)
The more we know about our Purpose and our Passion as we wear various hats in our entrepreneurial ventures, with our associates and vendors, and in our networking communities, the better we will work!
What Does the Bible Say About New Perspectives?
8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are My ways higher than your ways
and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55: 8-9 English Standard Version (ESV)
We had a Pastor once who quoted this verse and said that if it was true, we ought often to look at what we felt were solutions to our problems backwards or upside-down. He warned, “These new perspectives might actually be closer to God’s ways than our own!” It’s difficult and counter to being “me”, but especially when things are going well, I try to look at things backwards and upside-down!
In an article titled, What the Bible Can Teach Us about Perspective, Bro. Aaron Reisinger points out that we see a man who is blind, but Christ saw a man that needed salvation. The healed blind man saw men walking as trees, he had a blurred perspective (John 9:35-41).
(http://www.holybiblesays.org/articles.php?ID=479 )
- In anger, Moses smote the rock and lost the opportunity to bring God’s people into their land.
- In bitterness, Naomi changed her name to Mara (bitter) without turning to God on her journey of grief and mourning until God graciously provided for her and for her daughter-in-love Ruth.
- In discouragement, Elijah wished his life was over, but God had just given him a great victory on Mount Carmel.
- In disobedience, the prophet Balaam couldn’t see the error of his ways, so God spoke to him through a donkey!
- Because of peer pressure, King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, allowed his perspective to be blurred and lost the kingdom. We must be sure that those we allow to influence us are walking with the Lord and living according to His commands.
- Because his perspective was blurred by prejudice, Jonah was unhappy that God extended mercy to the Ninevites forgetting his own sins and unworthiness of God’s grace until finally his obedience led to their repentance.
- Due to stagnant Christianity, Eli’s eye “began to wax dim”, and he allowed the lamp of God to go out in the temple. 2nd Peter exhorts us “add to our faith” and grow in our Christian life on a daily basis so we will see the commands of God as a precious thing that requires our attention and devotion.
- Under great stress, we allow stressful situations to determine the way we view God and our circumstances, and we believe we surely are not exactly where God wants us, forgetting how He delivered His people out of Egypt. Moses told them, “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
- In worldliness, Demas looked at a short-term solution and forsook Paul and Luke when he could have followed and learned from one of the greatest Christians who ever lived with long-term blessings and successes (Colossians)!
LET’S ASK GOD FOR HIS PERSPECTIVES ON OUR LIVES, ON OUR BUSINESSES, AND AS HIS SERVANTS!
HOW CAN I HELP YOU RECEIVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE THROUGH COACHING?
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 | Apr 29, 2020 | Entrepreneur Endeavors
Are you growing your business using Established Steps?
As a business owner or entrepreneur it is so easy to work ALL the time. We eat, breathe and sleep our business. Your to-do list is the first thing you think of when you wake up. If you’re like me, you keep a notebook or your phone close to your bed for those things that pop in your head when you are trying to go to sleep or awakened in the middle of the night.
Your purpose in life is likely deeply integrated into your business. Your business is linked to what you hope to accomplish for yourself and for God. Your purpose gives you passion and drive to accomplish your goals. It’s such a fulfilling way to live life. But it’s also something we need to be careful about because our business can easily take an unhealthy priority in our life. So how do you keep things in check or with Established Steps, how do you keep your eyes on God and not let your business become an idol?
Your Purpose with Established Steps
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt on a journey which included amazing feats like parting the Red Sea. Can you image witnessing something like that – how would it boost your faith? But then two months later, it’s as if the Israelites lose their collective minds! Moses went up on the mountain to receive the 10 commandments and didn’t come back for a while. In the meantime, the Israelites build an idol and worship it. They even make sacrifices to it (see Exodus 32).
They became discouraged when they didn’t see things happening. They freaked out, felt lost and didn’t know what was going to happen next. So they took matters into their own hands rather than trusting in God’s love for them.
God has a purpose for you. When you aren’t sure of the exact next step or the right decision to make – trust God’s plan. Focus on the fact He loves you more than you can understand. You may not see things happening but God is working. He is making the way for you.
Learning a New Way to be with Established Steps
The Israelites had to learn to do things differently. They were rescued from slavery and captivity but they had been in the Egyptian culture so long it was familiar and even felt profitable to them. They understood and knew the practices of the Egyptians. Egypt was home. The Exodus was a miracle but it took them from the only home they knew.
They had to turn their trust toward God, Whom they could not see, from the idols of the Egyptians they could see. They had to learn to get out of their comfort zone. It was all new. They had to learn how much God loved them and how to love him back. The start of that difficult lesson was waiting on God’s plan to manifest, which began with Moses receiving the Ten Commandments.
When you make the choice to submit all of your business choices to God purpose with Established Steps, you must step out of your comfort zone. It is a new way of doing business – to rely on conversation with God to help you plan your business growth strategy.
God’s Way of Doing Things with Established Steps
God has an order for things. Look at how He organized the days when He created the world (read about that here). There are proper steps toward make things happen. When it comes to your business growth strategy, organize according to God’s plan and trust God’s plan for you. Sometimes it means waiting for the plan. Other times it means listening to what He is instructing and advising.
God doesn’t want us to do nothing. We have to step out in faith. When we set our hearts and intentions to follow God’s plan for us He will honor our intentions.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
Trusting the Process with Established Steps
Trust God has a plan for you – this is so hard. You have this general idea of what God wants for your lives. You even have a personal mission or vision for your future. But then what do you do today? Do you spend money on advertising here or there? What do you charge? Should you take this client?
This is when you must again trust the love of God and have faith in His Words; taking the time to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and love toward you.
There have been times in my life when it’s as if I had a map light in my hand and I knew exactly where I was going and where I would end up. It was all very clear. In comparison to more recent times. I’ve been instructed to cross a rushing river via stepping stones but sometimes the only stone I see is the one I am standing on. I know exactly where I’m headed – I can see the shore. But the journey requires stepping on one stone and a time.
Not knowing what is next is part of the process. It builds faith. It requires me to wait and listen. Sometimes you stay in the same place because there is something you are meant to learn.
Knowing, really knowing God’s intense affection for you will bring you peace in the times when you must step out of your comfort zone and toward that unseen stepping stone! Understanding He is always faithful and will never abandon you is essential when you have to make big decisions or just don’t know which path to take.
WHAT NEXT STEPS AND BIG DECISIONS DO YOU NEED TO MAKE?
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TAKE THOSE NEXT STEPS THROUGH COACHING?
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
