2013 - Page 6 of 21 - Purposeful Pathway CoachingPurposeful Pathway Coaching

Business Tip: Uniquely You

Uniquely You

Image courtesy foto76 at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is embracing a business that is uniquely you!

As I went out to eat with friends recently, I was reminded of how vastly eating styles can vary. For example, I am a vegan, and I thrive on raw, whole, plant-based foods. Yet not everyone thrives on that type of diet. We have different body chemistries. A source of optimal nutrition for one person may be a source of extreme food allergy for another. God created us wonderfully unique!

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

This wonderful uniqueness extends to our businesses. Our businesses, too, have different “chemistries.” What works well for one may not work well for another. It is important to try new things while being acutely aware of how our explorations impact our businesses.

So just how you can increase income and impact by being uniquely you?

Let’s walk through seven practical yet powerful steps.

Write a list of every activity you perform in your business. Yes, this may sound like a tedious task, but the process is very helpful. Examples may be daily social media time, a weekly newsletter, a biweekly post, and client coaching calls. Tally your activities and their corresponding frequencies.
Review this list and asterisk the activities which bear the most fruit. Review your files; assess your data; study your income sources. From where did you obtain the most product sales? From whom did you obtain the most referrals? How did you most efficiently grow your following? Mark the most powerful activities on your list.
Look now at the highest fruit-bearing activities and choose to increase them. What are the top three client-attracting and business-building activities? How can you do more of these more often?
Look at the lowest fruit-bearing activities and choose to decrease them (or, in some cases, remove them altogether). This is a crucial step. There are only so many hours in a day; in order to increase your highest fruit-bearing activities, you will need to make space in your schedule. Even if this action seems illogical or contrary to what you have learned, trust your unique business numbers. For example, if you consistently attract more clients from speaking rather than from social media, choose to increase your speaking time and decrease your social media time…yes, even if your respected colleague experiences otherwise. Remember: we have different body chemistries and different business chemistries!
Carefully monitor the changes. Keep track in your business journal when and how you implemented the changes and what results were borne; in doing so, you will discover which adjustments have been most effective and also which adjustments are still necessary.
Call on the Creator of your chemistry. Pray for guidance in every step of this purposeful process. God is the Creator of your unique chemistry, and He is the ultimate Guide. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Rejoice in your remarkable uniqueness! God has fearfully and wonderfully made you. Choose to embrace your uniqueness with frequent moments of contemplation, prayer and celebration!

“But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

I am excited for you as you embrace the uniqueness of you and your business!

If you need help with leveraging the “unique you” of your business, I would be happy to assist you. A healthy business involves health all around: body, mind and spirit. Join 3D Vitality Biblical Health Coach Ann Musico and me in a powerful journey for transforming your body, your business and your life here.

Let’s pray. Marvelous Masterpiece-Maker, we delight and rejoice in You! Thank you for making us fearfully, wonderfully and remarkably unique. Thank You for paving purposeful pathways for us that are delightfully different. Help us, Faithful Father, as we travel these paths for Your glory. Allow us to embrace the uniqueness of our businesses and of our lives in order to share Your love and light. We love You with all our hearts, minds, strength and souls. It is in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Sep 8, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Vocation / Career / Calling Leave a Comment

Guest Post: The Trust Shelter

Poetic Guest Post by Pastor FS Bhatti

Pastor FS Bhatti of theTrust Shelter, based in Pakistan, has been working for Lord Jesus Christ for last twelve years on arranging free summer Bible Camps, seminars and conferences for spiritual development. The Trust Shelter blesses others spiritually, morally, and ethically in order to be confident in faith and in order to stand for the Lord’s second coming. Pastor Bhatti shares spiritual poetry in the guest post below. Pastor Bhatti also translates books from English to Urdu for easy understanding in Pakistan. Please visit the Trust Shelter for ministry and translation services at http://shelterorgpak.weebly.com/.

Poem “Deception” written By Pastor FS Bhatti
Purpose of Delilah Blinding but deceiving
Purpose of world Greening garden but deceiving
Purpose of Jacob Receiving but deceiving
Purpose of Jezebel Believing but deceiving
Purpose of Robber on Cross Believing but receiving
Purpose of Prince of peace Seeding but bleeding

Critical Summary of Poem “Deception”
• It is famous story of Old Testament “Samson and Delilah” How she did come purposely to “Samson” to deceive and she blinded his eyes for anger of his mother and king. • The world shows green garden first of all but inwardly deceive. • Jacob, Brother of Esau, Isaac loved Esau but his mother loved Jacob, she prepared him to deceive his father and his brother Esau to get blessing of his father Isaac. • Jezebel spirit is in Revelation of St. John in New Testament, spiritual polluted women who believes but deceives like Ahab’s of old testament had same belief • Along with Jesus there was two more cross, on both were robbers and murderers, one of Robber accepted Jesus Christ as King by believing and receiving paradise by faith on cross at that moment. • Prince of peace, Lord of Lords and King of Kings is title of Lord Jesus Christ who came according to prophesies of prophets into this world for sinner and wrecked lives. In His holy love sow seeding righteousness in this world but he was crossed for not mixing up with world under their controls of that system. He did sow seeds of righteous, liberty, love, forgiveness. But he himself is blooded on cross without any sin and mistakes.

Poem “Hope” is written By Pastor FS Bhatti
In world of trouble where no hope In world of depression where no rope In world of blood shed where non stop In world of friendship where is loop In front of brutality Where always loop, cop In world of hopelessness Where always stop In world of Jesus Christ Where always hope, rope

Critical Summary of Poem “Hope” • After sin of Eve, wife of Adam because of Satan, there was troubles every where. Adam had been separated from presence of God. Earth had been cursed because of their sin. Satan is trouble shooter in the garden through Adam and Eve until today. There had been no hope. • Without God, this world is place of demons every where, full of depression. Rope symbolize mediator who can help Adam again to come into presence of God. • Because of cursed earth of whole world, first murdered of Abel took place by Cain. God spoke with Cain from heaven; blood of your brother is calling ME from earth. Where is your brother what Cain said, I am not responsible of him. Then blood shed had been continual until today as non stop. • Friendship is precious gifts of God who had sincere heart for other friend like Jesus Christ who shed his holy blood for us, but it become loop with selfishness as written Micah 7: 5 • In front of brutality in this world, no one can escape from loop and cop. • During 4000 years, God had been sending prophet in this world to warn and alert people from sinful world and destruction even in age of Noah whole world had been destroyed with hopelessness because of their sins. God always stopped on sin to bless the world. • In world of Jesus Christ, where is hope and rope. From First Adam, sin came into this world and separation of man and God but second Adam, Jesus Christ brought salvation and reconciliation man to God as mediator into this world, and we all find in Christ hope and rope in presence of Holy creator God.

Poem “Find the Mind” is written by Pastor FS Bhatti
When multitudes of thought come in mind
Root of causes which blinds the mind
Spirit and Flesh are different which rewinds opposite find
Which rewinds mind patient of physiology blind?
Which rewinds mind nature of person find
Nature of person finds where regrets bind
Which remind thoughts? These rewinds opposite find
Sheep is lost in darkness but found in Savior’s find

Poem “Is evil, good” written

by Pastor FS Bhatti

King’s blood shed

then why evil is head

Health came on sick bed

Then why head is red

Sadness into happiness of bud

But why innocent’s blood shed

Dark of wickedness is like mud

Then why evil is head

Who make good as an evil?

Then why evil is head

Poem “Storm” written by Pastor F S Bhatti
Storm fear in the river hope rear but in shiver faith tear but the leaver mountain bear but in shiver woke up Dear but deliver storm sear of unbeliever sever

Poem “Voice of voiceless” written By Pastor FS Bhatti
Christ is the voice of voiceless His blood is the price of priceless

His word is the sight of sightless

Everlasting hope of hopeless Sound for soundless Ground for groundless

Bound limit as limitless

Lost but found from Mess

Poem “Feeling” written By Pastor FS Bhatti
Feeding or feeling of what kind Seeding or weeding of what mind Wheeling or reeling but what rewind Heeding or reading but what bind Steeling but dealing of what blind weeping with deeding of what find Vicious has no peace of what wind

Poem “Grace” written By Pastor FS Bhatti
How beloved are to whom you trace But I am nothing without your grace Royal family of Christ is my trace I will be base having your lace. Hope of eternal life is your grace Life of the children is my base But I am broken vessel of race

Poem “Fight” written By Pastor FS Bhatti
Life spent in fighting of faith Life spent in biting of bait Don’t know where fate is

Pain in heart of eternal life But fighting again fighting

Biting again biting Don’t know when without plight

But with faith in His might on wrong path how i am right on right path

Jesus is in sight

Sep 6, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, God's Character Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Papa’s Present

“Papa’s Present” – Guest Post by Diane Landry

I recently read a quote by C.S. Lewis, “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different….”

Oh what a simple, but powerful truth. I have been thinking about it, chewing on it. A young mother may go about her daily activities, day by day. The endless laundry, the never-ending dirty dishes, the vicious cycle of dirty diapers, the house that doesn’t seem clean no matter how hard she tries to keep it tidy, and the list could go on and on.

But with each passing day, though each day is much the same whether an executive, a home manager, or any other work, the daily duties can be much the same, change is taking place, that will be evident when we look back.

Sometimes when we pray, we almost seem to approach some requests in much the same way each day. The request remains the same, but what is changing is us. We begin to search our hearts. Or we can begin to look on another person with more mercy.

That’s basically the lesson found in “Papa’s Present,” ordinary people doing ordinary things, just going about their daily lives, but then things change.

It’s also the sequel to “Granny’s Gift,” which is a redemptive story of a young woman who takes time out of her career to care for her Granny. In the process, she receives more than she gave, her own redemption. It includes a romance for hopeless romantics such as myself.

☼

Very excited that today Author Diane Landry will join the show! Born in Southeast Louisiana, Diane has lived a colorful life, which lends to inspiration and creativity in her writings. Happily married, she has seven amazing children and five precious grandchildren. She grew up in Southeast Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun country. After running away from an abusive past, she quit running and let God heal her. It was a long and sometimes painful journey, mostly because it was just hard to let go. She is thankful that God never let her go. He patiently guided her. And she can honestly say that He has healed all her hurts and pain. She began writing her life story, but felt directed to the idea of “Granny’s Gift,” which is her first Christian fiction. The sequel,”Papa’s Present,” is now available for pre-release sale.

☼ Join us as she shares how to truly let go and let God Wednesday, September 4th at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Join us live or via the archive at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/purposeful-pathway-radio/2013/09/04/how-to-let-go-and-let-god.

☼ Enjoy all episodes by subscribing to the Purposeful Pathway Radio show episodes on iTunes via https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/purposeful-pathway-radio-blog/id648359451?mt=2.

☼ Purposeful Pathway Radio is the haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. It is a journey in which faith and business gracefully intertwine. The guests on the show share insights for faith-based business; they will also share inspiration from their spiritual journeys. My hope is that, in listening, your businesses will grow and your lives will be enriched. My prayer is that these personal messages will allow God’s peace, love and joy to pave your purposeful pathways!

Sep 4, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Poem: My King Gives Everything

Image courtesy Dr. Joseph Valks at www.freedigitalphotos.net

^“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” ~ 2 Peter 1:3

(Send as an Inspirational Christian eCard)

Everything I have,

Yes, everything in You,

Every gift, every blessing,

Every treasure true,

Every joy, every bliss,

Every glorious grace,

Every song, every smile,

Every warm embrace,

Every happy thought,

Every delightful dream,

Every dancing flower,

Every smiling sunbeam.

Yes, everything I have,

Indeed even more;

Immeasurable graces

From Your heart pour.

So for You, my Jesus,

This song I sing,

As You are the Source

Of my everything.

All that I have

To You I shall give;

The joy of my life

Is for You to live.

I rejoice forever in

Every glorious grace,

Every song, every smile,

Every warm embrace.

Yes, everything I have,

Everything in You;

You are my Joy, Jesus,

My Treasure True!

Your King and my King gives Everything! How do you celebrate the eternal abundance we know in Jesus?

Leave a Comment

~*~

Want more joy for your journey? Schedule a complimentary “Take Me to Transformation” Consultation with Caroline Gavin via caroline@purposefulpathway.com. Walk away with heightened clarity, renewed energy and a customized action step plan.

Sep 3, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, God's Character, Inspiration, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Growth 9 Comments

Business Tip: Triumphant Trails

Image © 2013 Caroline Gavin

Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is trekking trails with triumph!

Ah, I love this time of year. My children and I have been savoring the summer weather. One way in which we have been summer-savoring is by trekking many a scenic trail. It is both enriching and exhilarating to venture to new places, to breathe deep the fresh air and to soak in the new sights!

Yet trekking beautiful trails does not come without challenges. We most certainly encountered some steep climbs and rocky roads. The breathtaking vistas, nonetheless, were worth all of these.

One trail in particular stands out in my mind as an apt metaphor for business – particularly for the Christian creative business. My children and I recently set out for a trail that wrapped around a tranquil lake. It seemed to be an easy and short trail, and we walked rather casually at the onset. Eventually, after having walked quite some time, we realized that we were not even close to the end of the trail; at points we could no longer see the lake, and we wondered if we were even on the trail any longer. Should we keep going? Or turn around to familiar ground?

Thankfully we trekked on. Eventually we saw the lake again…and traveled to even prettier parts of the trail…and, yes, made it victoriously to the end.

Isn’t this circling trail much like our creative businesses? We begin our businesses with an excitement, yet we often begin without realization of the immense commitment. After some time it can seem we are not making much progress or that we will never make it all. In our minds we hear, “Am I even on the right path? Should I turn around altogether?” During these times it is all the more important to heed God’s voice, to cling to His hand, and to keep on trekking.

Below are seven practical yet powerful steps for trekking the business trail with triumph:

Embrace the challenge. Realize that running a business is not a casual stroll. Running a business is a hike, and it can be strenuous at times. But the vistas are beyond beautiful and richly rewarding.
Study the map and be prepared. Just as one would bring food, water, a map and sturdy walking shoes on a trail, so too one needs to prepare with crystal clear goals and a business plan.
Purposefully pause to appreciate the vistas. Just as trails have special scenic points, so too our businesses have memorable milestones. Take time to savor the sights, celebrate the successes, and rejoice in the rewards. Trails exist not simply to be traveled but to be savored.
Travel with good company. Traveling trails with my children made the experiences all the richer. Travel your business trails with people whom you admire, respect and love. Not only will you garner more insights but you will also experience deeper joy. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
Expect the unexpected. My children and I found that traveling trails is accompanied by many unexpected things. Unusual animals. Strange twists and turns. Rare wildflowers. Learn to celebrate – rather than dread – the unknown. Embrace the awe-inspiring adventure of following God’s lead! “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Seek guidance. Even with the best of maps and the sturdiest of shoes, you may find yourself lost or hurt along the way. Seek wisdom, therefore, from God and from those who have traveled the trail before you.
Celebrate Jesus in every joyful step. Jesus is the One who paves our purposeful pathways, and it is a joy to travel our trails with and for Him!

“He holds success in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.” (Proverbs 2:7-9)

I am excited for you as you travel trails for God’s glory!

If you need help with trekking triumphantly your business trails, I would be happy to assist you. A healthy business involves health all around: body, mind and spirit. Join 3D Vitality Biblical Health Coach Ann Musico and me in a powerful journey for transforming your body, your business and your life here.

Let’s pray. Precious Master, He Who Is our Purposeful Pathway, thank You so much for paving paths of beauty. Help us, O Lord, as we trek our business trails. Cling to our hands as we heed Your voice and follow Your steps. Allow us to savor the vistas and to be strong in the climbs. We love you so much, and our hearts sing for You as we take each step. It’s in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Aug 30, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Purposeful Pathways to Success

Purposeful Pathways to Success on “Never Say Impossible” Radio

I am tremendously honored to have shared the trials and triumphs of my own “Purposeful Pathway” as well as “Purposeful Pathways for Success” on “Never Say Impossible Radio” with the beautiful and inspirational host Myra Goldick.

Myra writes:

“I recently met Caroline Gavin and was impressed by her spirituality, caring, and her mission of helping others change their lives. I was impressed by her honesty. I found my conversation with her evoked certain feelings within myself to once again go deep within and re-examine my reason for living. Finding yourself and finding your real purpose for living is not always as easy as it seems. Everyone wants to prosper in both their emotional and financial life. As children we expect that these things are a given. As we grow and experience what living is all about regardless of where we started or what our backgrounds are, each and every one of us is faced with the task of defining our mission here on earth. Everyone experiences disappointments and adversities to one degree or another. I always smile when I hear people chatting who seem to believe that the grass is greener in someone else’s backyard. Learning to share and give of yourself to others is a starting point that helps self growth and the development of spiritual knowledge. No one has all the answers, however, others who have traveled on their own spiritual journey can offer a great deal of support and guidance if you are open and receptive.

Here is a short exercise that can help you find your purpose in this life. This is work that can be done on your own. However, it is greatly enhanced when you work with another spiritual person like Caroline Gavin.

What do you value most in life?
Could it be a great relationship, financial independence, connection to God, making a difference in other people’s lives, traveling the world?
How do you define happiness in your life?
What would you like people to say about you at your funeral?
If you could start over, would you and how would you change your direction?”

Read more at http://www.myragoldick.com/2988/purposeful-pathways-to-success/ and listen to the inspirational conversation by clicking below.

God bless you on your Purposeful Pathway!

Aug 29, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Vocation / Career / Calling Leave a Comment

Business Tip: Mess to Masterpiece

Mess to Masterpiece

Image courtesy Panpote at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is transforming a mess to a masterpiece!

Have you ever painted with watercolors? Or watched someone do so? The painting often looks not much more than a hodgepodge of colors in its initial stages. There seems to be no semblance of the subject; there seems to be no harmony; there seems to be no hope for a beautiful outcome!

And, yet, out of the mess…slowly but surely…a beautiful masterpiece emerges.

Details emerge from the colors; patterns occur with precision; harmony blissfully happens. The vision once sparkling in the artist’s eye comes to luminous life on paper.

The same phenomenon occurs in our own lives. Messes happen. We stumble through hodgepodges of seemingly meaningless interruptions and trials. We experience random splish-splashes across our canvases.

Then God creates beauty from the splitter-splatter. A treasure from the trials. A masterpiece from the mess.

What does this have to with your faith-based business? Well, as a Christian creative, you surely have a vision sparkling in your eyes. Yet do you sometimes see only splish-splashes in the forms of sporadic successes, inconsistent feedback and less-than-pretty trials? My encouragement to you is that these trials are the timeless colors for God’s precious painting. So, rather than trying to wipe the canvas clean and start anew, step back and allow God to create a masterpiece from the colorful “mess.”

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Let’s explore seven practical yet powerful steps to transform a mess to a masterpiece.

Write about the “messes” in your business. Do you struggle with a lack of clients? Long hours? Lack of joy? Less than crystal-clear clarity regarding your goals? Make a list of your current business struggles.
Ponder the messages of these messes. For example, is a lack of joy actually a gentle nudge to course correct? Is a lack of clients a push to clarify and to work on client attraction? Are long hours a symptom of misaligned beliefs around to-do’s and task treadmills?
Release the timing to God; relinquish also the paintbrush to His hands. Having reviewed the “messes” and their potential messages, prayerfully commit all to God’s timing and ways. Trust in His will to make a masterpiece that will endure eternally. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Ask God for guidance regarding your role in this mess-to-masterpiece process. Our Lord is the Master and Creator, yet you co-create with Him your business masterpiece. Ask Him specifically what you can do to transform the mess to a masterpiece. “He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.” (Psalm 25:9) Perhaps it is taking that client-attraction class? Hiring a coach? Choosing to boost the fun factor?
Incorporate your mess-to-masterpiece activities in your business plan and daily activities. In learning from the Lord about your role in the fourth step, write now a list of specific masterpiece-making activities to which you commit. Incorporate these activities into your business plan and break them down into daily action steps.
Expect miracles! Yes, expect miracles when you work with God to transform messes to masterpieces. Open wide the eyes of your heart to see these miracles emerging. Perhaps you are having far more fun in business and in life? That is a beautiful breakthrough! Perhaps you sign on a new client with heightened confidence around your fees? Celebrate! Perhaps you experience an aha-moment about your niche? Smile wide! Yes, expect miracles in this masterpiece-making, and they will most certainly happen!
Document your success and delight in God. Delineate in your journal your mess-to-masterpiece transformations. What are they? When did they occur? Whom did they involve? How did they happen? What did you learn? Most importantly, rejoice in our remarkable Savior. He, after all, is the Master of masterpieces!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

I am excited for you as you work with God to transform messes to masterpieces!

If you need help with this mess-to-masterpiece process in your business, I would be happy to help. A healthy business involves health all around: body, mind and spirit. Join 3D Vitality Biblical Health Coach Ann Musico and me in a powerful journey for transforming your body, your business and your life here.

Let’s pray. Marvelous Master, thank You so much for creating beauty from chaos; symphony from cacophony; masterpieces from messes. We desire to open our eyes to this miraculous process that we may co-labor with You to create powerful results. We desire to bring You glory in every step of the way, every moment of every day. It’s in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Aug 25, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Poem: God of Glory

God of Glory

Image courtesy Gualberto107 at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” ~ Revelation 21:23

God of glory,

Love and light,

Lord of lords,

Master with might,

Song of songs,

Beauty in all things,

Wondrous Creator,

King of kings,

Sweet Savior,

Beloved of mine,

Precious Friend,

Symphony Divine,

I lift my arms

In praise to You,

Jesus, You are joy

In all I see and do.

Your music graces

The winds ‘round me,

Your love sweetens

The dance of each tree,

Your smile brightens

The sun of the sky,

Your kiss is the bliss

Of the birds on high.

So with all that breathes,

With all of the earth,

I sing of You, Jesus,

With sweetest of mirth.

You are my Savior,

Beloved of mine;

Beating in my heart

Is Your song divine.

You are the Son

Making bright the night;

Yea, You are God of glory,

You are love and light!

Praise the God of glory! How do you celebrate His glorious light in your life?

Leave a Comment

~*~

Aug 21, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Christian Poetry, God's Character, Inspiration, Nature, Praise 2 Comments

Business Tip: Course Correction

Course Correction

Image courtesy nuchylee at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Purposeful Pathway is a haven for faith-based entrepreneurs. Part of my mission is equipping faith-based businesses with information that is practical, actionable and Scriptural.

The theme of this post is course correction!

Setting crystal clear goals is a powerful practice in our faith-based businesses; in setting goals we delineate the destinations for our journeys. And, in creating the action step plans from these goals, we create our roadmaps – or, as I like to view them, our treasure maps!

Yet, for various reasons, God may have us “course correct” along the way. Although course correction is natural, so often we feel “wrong” for “abandoning” our goals. After all, we set our goals to achieve them, didn’t we?

But let’s look at why course correction is often necessary.

One reason for course correction is that our Omniscient Father has other plans for us; He will therefore nudge us to adjust our overall goals. Another reason may be that we need to better align with His timing. Yet another reason may be that our action steps, as well-planned as they are, are not in perfect alignment with God’s will. This does not suggest that they are morally “wrong” but simply that they are not in course with the “big picture” of His will.

So, as uncomfortable as it may be, course correction is a precious process to embrace!

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Let’s move to the practicals of this process. Below are seven steps for recognizing the need for and implementing the process of course correction:

Red flag of resistance. Encountering constant resistance on our paths is often a sign that course correction is necessary. For example, you set a goal to coordinate a certain convention; yet you discover that nearly every item is falling through (the presenters, the venue, etc.) Sometimes the resistance exists to strengthen fortitude and patience. Sometimes, however, the resistance exists to nudge us in another direction. It is necessary, therefore, to pray for discernment about this distinction. Ask the Lord to shed light on whether or not the resistance is a red flag. Joyfully trust in His love and wisdom. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
The gut feeling. As entrepreneurs, we can get so busy in “doing” that we tune out “feeling” and “being.” It is important to heed your feelings, subtle as they may be. They exist for a reason! For example: you may find yourself doing everything according to your thoughtfully laid-out plan, yet you sense now on some level that you should be doing otherwise. Ask the Lord to reveal the source of your feelings and where course correction is necessary.
Back to the drawing board. Once you are clear that course correction is necessary, it is time to go back to the drawing board. It is time to redraw your treasure map. Ask the Lord to guide you through any revisions in your goals, business plan and daily action steps. The mission of our faith-based businesses is to serve others and glorify Him. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:20)
Grow comfortable with the uncomfortable. Changing direction requires energy and focus. Envision a ship changing course. It is not an easy thing to do. It is easier to “go with the flow” of the current course. Expect discomfort in the process; expect also that you may question your course correction. It is important to review the reasons why you decided to course correct. Leaning upon the Lord, reviewing your reasons and conjuring your new vision will provide the necessary fuel to redirect your steps.
Get help along the way. We do not journey in a vacuum. God created us to be in relationship – with Him and with others. As you course correct and embark upon unchartered territory, seek support from others who have traveled similar terrain. Be proactive in seeking support from godly friends, peers, mentors and coaches.
Savor success. Document in your journal the details of your course correction: the steps you have changed, the dates you have implemented, and the fruit you have enjoyed. Savoring our course-correction successes enriches the journey and also provides motivation for future course corrections.
Celebrate Christ. Jesus Christ is the one who paves our purposeful pathways. He is the Director of our course corrections. Let us celebrate our Savior as we savor every step!

I am excited for you as you course correct your purposeful path for Christ!

If you need help with course correcting in your business, I would be happy to help in this powerful process. A healthy business involves health all around: body, mind and spirit. Join 3D Vitality Biblical Health Coach Ann Musico and me in a powerful journey for transforming your body, your business and your life here.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us with a perfect love. Thank you for nudging us to course correct when necessary. We ask for the grace to hear Your voice and to heed Your call. May our every step be purposeful and aligned with Your Perfect Path. We offer You our lives, our hearts, our minds, our souls. We desire to bring You glory in every step of the way, every moment of every day. It’s in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Aug 19, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Vocation / Career / Calling 6 Comments

Poem: Let Me Count the Ways

Let Me Count the Ways

Image courtesy Marin at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Proverbs 8:17

How do You love me?

Let me count the ways.

You love me immeasurably

In warm Sonrays.

You love me deeply

In serenade of a bird’s song;

In the cradle of Your arms

Do I surely belong.

You love me in the clouds

Who freely dance above;

Yea, too in colorful blossoms

I see Your love.

Higher than the mountains,

Deeper than the blue sea,

Stronger than the storms

Is how You love me.

So, my Lord Jesus,

Let me count how I love You;

You are Reason and Inspiration

For all that I do.

You are the Sonshine

In my bright, beaming smile;

You are the dance in my step

Every moment, every mile.

You are the pure joy

That sings in my heart;

You are Alpha and Omega,

The end and the start.

So let me keep counting,

For in counting I sing;

You are my Lover, my Light,

My Master, my King.

Here in Your strong arms

I most surely belong;

You are bliss of my being,

My eternal life song.

So how do we love each other?

Let us count now the ways:

Endlessly and infinitely,

Yes, today and always.

Countless are the ways that Jesus loves us! How do you celebrate His eternal goodness and love?

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~*~

Aug 17, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 2 Comments

Business Tip: Uniquely You

Uniquely You

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Image © 2013 Caroline Gavin

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