Caroline Gavin - 18/55 - Purposeful Pathway CoachingPurposeful Pathway Coaching

Get Off the Treadmill

(…and onto Solid Ground)

Image courtesy Chrisroll 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 getting off the treadmill.

Have you ever felt you were on a treadmill in your business – or in your life? Going and going and going with task after task after task? If you have, I can relate completely. It seems you are breathlessly running with very little fruit to show for it. My encouragement to you, garnered from my own experience, is to get off the treadmill.

Okay, I realize that is easier written than done. After all, if you could simply get off the treadmill, wouldn’t you have done so already?

Yet sometimes we do not realize we are on a treadmill, and sometimes it is very difficult to get off its endless movement. But there is good news: it is most certainly possible to accomplish, and doing so gets easier with practice.

When we are on a treadmill of endless to-do’s, we often become disconnected from our businesses, our clients and our overall vision. We become knee-deep in doing, doing, doing, and we lose perspective and traction.

Take a moment now to envision someone running on a treadmill. Running and running and running. That person, despite all her exertion, goes nowhere! In getting off the treadmill and in hitting solid ground, she can walk (rather than breathlessly run) and make substantial progress on her journey.

So how can you get off the treadmill and get on solid ground?

1. Recognize you are on the treadmill. If you recognize you are not bearing fruit consistent with your level of labor, this is a red flag of treadmill-traveling. Some projects, of course, require substantial upfront work. You, however, know the difference between delayed fruit and minimal fruit. Ask yourself: are my efforts being channeled in the most effective way? Are my tasks bringing me to my goals in the most efficient manner? Am I connected to my vision in my daily projects? Or am I lost in a tunnel of tasks?

2. If you are on the treadmill, commit to getting off it. It is not easy to simply stop. Indeed stepping off the treadmill can be rather dizzying. So commit to making the change despite the discomfort.

3. Take a break to breathe. Ask God for guidance in how long this “breathing” time period may be: perhaps a couple hours, perhaps a couple days, perhaps a couple weeks. It may seem counterintuitive to stop working in order to heighten productivity; yet the fruit borne from careful planning and refining will far outweigh that which is borne from treadmill to-doing.

4. Establish boundaries on this breathing time. Gracefully notify others about your “breathing” time period. Send emails, make phone calls, set up away messages, prepare your support team and notify colleagues and clients. Most importantly, respect the boundary yourself. Remember to use “no” in a positive way. Journal about your emotions, discomforts and discoveries; document ways in which you can maintain boundaries for this time.

5. Take the time to prayerfully reconsider your activities. Ask God for His guidance. Listen to His voice. “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) Be open to shocking revelations that may steer you in a completely different direction. If you have hit a plateau or have found your labors to be relatively fruitless, perhaps God does not want you to continue moving in a particular direction. Your “being stuck” is His attempt to get your attention and steer you elsewhere. It is His gift to you.

6. Create a plan with the revelations God has shared with you. Re-write your vision and mission statements, goals and daily action steps. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” (Luke 14:28-29) Take the time to thoughtfully and prayerfully plan your steps (while submitting to God’s will and accepting He may steer you away from this plan in the future).

7. Joyfully hit that solid ground! With your new plan, refreshed vision and aligned steps, go ahead and walk (and sometimes run) on solid ground. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Enjoy the beauty of traveling the most effective, efficient, powerful, meaningful and purposeful pathway.

Getting off the treadmill often requires more work than staying on the treadmill, as it involves a conscious, disciplined effort to stop the momentum of fruitless (or low fruit-bearing) activities. Yet, as all things, doing so grows easier with practice…and is made possible with God’s grace.

I promise you will find treasures when gaining traction on solid ground.

If you need help in getting of the treadmill and getting on solid ground, let me get you started. I offer to you a complimentary Boost my Business session. You will walk away with clarity, renewed vision and a completely customized next-step action plan. Simply email me at caroline@purposefulpathway.com to schedule a time or click here.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, thank you tremendously for the gift of walking purposefully in you. How blessed we are by Your love and providence. Open our eyes to any areas in which we may be stuck in a treadmill of to-do’s. Help us to see Your way, the perfect way, that we may channel our efforts and energies most effectively and powerfully for Your glory. We love You, and we desire to bring honor to You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

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Jul 8, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 15 Comments

Poem: Red, White and Blue

Red, White and Blue

Image courtesy Salvatore Vuono at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Fourth of July Christian Poem

“Blessed is the people of whom this is true; blessed is the people whose God is the LORD.” Psalm 144:15

Waving in the sky,

Bright red, white and blue,

Reminding our hearts

Of freedom rich and true,

Shining in the sun,

Aglow with God’s light:

Behold our flag,

Such a glorious sight.

For our Nation blessed

By our Father above

I lift this prayer

From a heart of love.

May God shed His grace

Ever upon thee;

May He shine His Face

From your sea to sea.

May His pure wisdom

Always be your guide;

In His eternal Word

May you ever abide.

Yes, this is my prayer,

This is my song for you:

America, America,

To our God remain true.

For then you shall prosper

By the touch of His hand,

Then His light will shine

Across your vast land.

With a heart of love

I lift this prayer high;

Yes, I sing for my Nation

On this Fourth of July.

I behold our flag,

Such a glorious sight:

Shining in the sun,

Aglow with God’s light.

It waves in the sky,

Red, white and blue;

God bless America —

For we trust in You.

How do you celebrate the Fourth of July? How do you celebrate the freedom we know in Christ?

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~*~

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 customized action step plan.

Jul 2, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 2 Comments

Living Water

Image courtesy Photokanok at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,

‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38

Waters of refreshment,

Streams of eternal love,

Flow ever freely

From Heaven above,

Gracing my moments,

Washing away sin,

Renewing my spirit

That new life may begin.

Such is Living Water,

Such is Life I know in You,

Such is You, my Jesus:

You make all things new.

With an open heart

Your Living Water I receive;

Endless life I know

For in You I believe.

And from my heart

Rushing rivers of life flow,

Because of the sweet love

In You I know.

So, my Lord,

I pray to You on bended knee:

May others be refreshed

When they meet me.

May Living Water

Flow from Your heart to mine

That I may touch others

With love divine.

May You grace their moments,

Washing away sin,

Renewing their spirits

That new life may begin.

For flowing ever freely

From You above,

Is Your Living Water,

Your streams of eternal love.

How has the Living Water of Christ brought refreshment, renewal and revival to your life?

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~*~

Jun 29, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

You are a Catalyst for Change

Heart in Heaven Poem - Christian Poem and eCard - Christian Business Coaching

Image courtesy domdeen at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Guest Post by Ann Musico of 3D Vitality Health Coaching

Do you consider yourself a catalyst for change? As women, we fulfill so many roles – wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, employee, business owner, entrepreneur! What I think we fail to realize all too often is just how many people are “watching” us and how much of an impact we can make.

As mothers we know our children watch what we do more closely than they listen to what we say. In fact if those two things do not agree, they will follow our actions before they listen to our words. It’s true in all of life. People are looking for someone who is authentic and walks the talk.

It’s especially true in health. If I tell my children soda is bad for them and I don’t want them drinking it, but they see me go through several liters a day – why should they do what I say? If I am your health coach and I tell you I will help you lose weight and get healthy, but I am overweight and sick because I am not following my own advice – why would you?

We, as women, are usually the primary influencers of our families. We are usually the ones who shop, cook, prepare meals and care for the children. (I know there are exceptions to this.) Begin at home. Simply by modeling healthy habits for your own children you could impact so many more because other children will be impacted by yours.

What if, like me, your children are grown and out of the house? You are a generational influencer! The example you have set and habits you have instilled in your children are bearing fruit in their lives and they are impacting other people, including their own families.

Just by doing your best to provide and prepare the healthiest meals possible and modeling healthy habits in your small slice of the world, whether that is home, office or school, can impact many more people than you could’ve ever imagined.

Join me here often and be refreshed and encouraged. I want you to know that what you do matters. I am here to help you to be the most powerful catalyst for change in your world. Visit my website here and find free resources as well as coaching and evaluations that will empower, educate and encourage you.

Ann Musico is a holistic health coach who considers the whole person, as well as an independent nutritional consultant. She is also a practitioner member of Shared Care and an expert listed on SelfGrowth.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. She is also a Top Health Blogger on Wellsphere, a Founding Member of IMPACT – International Membership of Professional Advisers, Coaches and Trainers and a member of Global Institute of Wellness Entrepreneurs. Read her profile on Brand Yourself here.

Jun 28, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Love Your Neighbor

Image courtesy Stuart Miles at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39

My child, please remember

In all whom you see

Do always your best

To also see Me.

For in every child,

In every father and mother,

In every girl and boy,

Every sister and brother,

In each and every person,

Whether young or old,

There lies a treasure

Yet often untold:

I love each one,

For each soul I did die;

So let the image of Me

Come to mind’s eye.

For if I love each one so,

I call you to love too;

As you desire to be treated,

Unto others also do.

Though they may not know Me,

Though they may be in sin,

New life in their hearts

At any time could begin.

So this is My call,

My will and My command:

To each person give love,

Reach out your hand.

As you love yourself

Love all whom you meet,

Then you will feel My love

Ever eternal and sweet.

Love one another

As I have loved you;

This, My precious child,

I call you now to do.

In serving your neighbor,

In loving one another,

You are surely My family,

My sister or brother.

So, child, please remember

In all whom you see

Open your eyes wide

To also see Me.

How has Jesus’ love allowed you to love your neighbor all the more?

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~*~

Jun 25, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Being Bold

Image courtesy Africa 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 being bold.

“The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.” (Proverbs 28:1)

We know that being bold about sharing our faith is a virtue. Shining radiantly with Christ’s light is how we lead others to Him!

Yet how often do we not step out in boldness in our businesses? As faith-based entrepreneurs, we have embraced the opportunity of sharing our faith, in part, via our businesses. We have decided to powerfully and purposefully use our God-given gifts to glorify Him and bless others. We have committed to building God’s Kingdom through our work. It follows then that we need to bold in business.

Before I move further on this point, let me clarify what I do not mean by bold. I do not mean brash, arrogant, pushy or presumptive. I do not mean greedy, rude, harsh or self-centered. I do not mean brazen, puffed-up or reckless.

I do mean courageous, brave and fearless.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

Being a faith-based entrepreneur in and of itself requires boldness and bravery. So I commend you for embracing God’s calling on your life! If you are sharing your message (aligned with God’s message) and serving others, you are being bold.

Yet my challenge to you (and to myself) is to be all the bolder.

Is there any area of your business (or life) where success is lacking or plateauing?

Is there any area of struggle or challenge?

My question is: how can you be bolder in those areas?

I will provide a personal example to illustrate. There was a point in my business in which I was delighted by the response to my message, and yet people – as much as they loved my message – were rarely stepping up to work with me. In taking a step back, I realized I was not sharing business posts and products consistently out of fear of not feeling or seeming “spiritual” to others and to myself. Rationally, of course, this makes little or no sense. But the subconscious can embrace lies ever so subtly. With prayer, meditation and contemplation, I exposed the lie that helping to build businesses is incongruent with spirituality; I replaced it with the truth that business-building equips other Christian entrepreneurs for success. I committed then to embracing the truth and to being bolder in this area.

How can you apply this principle of being bold in your business?

Look at all areas of your business, including reach, income flow, client pipeline, hours you work, level of enjoyment and employee contentment (if applicable). For each area honestly assess on a scale of 1 to 10 the current success. Write also several lines (or more if inspired) to describe why you ranked this area at this numerical level.
Circle the struggle points in the list in Step 1. Ask yourself for each area: “How can I be bolder?” Write down your thoughtful and prayerful answers. You may find yourself writing answers such as “I will reach out to more joint venture partners” or “I will ask for the business consistently and confidently” or “I will be clear and bold about the value I provide.”
Commit to these bold business actions. Trust in God’s provision and protection; worry not if your activities are well-received. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Be consistent. When we step into boldness, we often expect the world to reciprocate immediately. Sometimes, by God’s grace, the world does. Oftentimes, however, the borne fruit requires consistency and commitment. Continue with your bold activities even if they seem to “flop” initially. “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Keep a journal or journal entry for boldness success. Take note of your bold activities; then take note of when, how and through whom they bore fruit.
Give glory to God for His blessings on your boldness. Be intentional in celebrating God who rewards your faith in Him. Your celebrations will bring you closer to Him…and also encourage you to be all the bolder!
Don’t grow older; grow bolder. Once your emboldened activities are bearing fruit, do not allow them to plateau. Move onto the next level. Start at step 1 and work through this bold business cycle again.

It may seem simple or obvious that being bolder is a necessity for bearing better fruit in business, yet this principle is often neglected in practice. We can grow comfortable with one level of boldness and forget to keep pushing our comfort zone. I promise you will find that these steps for being bolder in business will bear fruit professionally and personally. Better yet they will bring glory to God!

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19)

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious faith you pour into our hearts through Your Holy Spirit. May we act boldly in our businesses and in our lives, for we know You have given us a spirit of power and love and self-discipline. We desire to glorify You in all we do, and we request Your blessings on our work and on our hearts. It is in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

In what areas are you boldest in your business? In what areas do you commit today to growing bolder?

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~*~

Jun 20, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 6 Comments

Sweet from the Start

Poem: Sweet from the Start

Image courtesy Natara at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

With abounding joy,

With love in my heart,

With an ever-playing song

Sweet from the start,

With a smile in my eyes,

With awe and admiration,

With a message to share

Of hope and salvation,

With treasures awaiting,

With Heaven on my mind,

With the Spirit bearing fruit

Patient, good and kind,

I live for You, Jesus,

Yes, with all these things;

I marvel the goodness

Your grace ever brings.

You bind the brokenhearted,

You heal those who are ill,

The empty and lonely

With Your Spirit You fill.

So with You and for You

I live all my days,

I offer You all I am

Now and always.

And I invite my brother,

My sister, my friend

To join me in this journey

Of love without end.

For to journey with You

Is to journey in love,

As surely every step

Is kissed by Above.

So with a smile in my eyes,

With awe and admiration,

I will share with all

Your hope and salvation.

Yes, with an ever-playing song

Sweet from the start,

I will live for You, Jesus,

I will live in Your heart.

Sweet from the Start is our Journey with Jesus!
How do you celebrate and savor every sweet step?

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~*~

Jun 19, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Little Children

Poem: Little Children

Father's Day Song: A Christian Poem for Fathers

Image courtesy David Castillo Dominici at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Sit with Me, My child,

I have something to share;

Come close to Me, daughter,

Come now to hear.

As a little child

I desire you to be;

For in being as such

You will taste eternity.

Be carefree and joyful

In all that you do;

Let the small things

Inspire sweet awe in you.

Find delight in butterflies,

Smile in smelling flowers,

Play in the sunshine,

Dance in rain showers.

Lovingly trust

Every single word I say,

Long to be with Me

Every moment, every day.

For then I will hold you,

I will carry you with love,

I will reveal many gifts

That await you above.

I will open your eyes

To miracles all around;

In the joy of My presence

Every grace will abound.

The secret, My daughter,

Is to be like a little child,

Rich with faith and love,

Ever tender and mild.

The Kingdom of God

Belongs to such as these,

For childlike faith

Does My heart ever please.

Yes, as a little child

I desire you to be;

Come now, My little one,

Let us taste eternity.

And cling to Me, child,

To Me be always near;

With My little children

Eternal joy I share.

How has childlike faith transformed your life?

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~*~
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 customized action step plan.

Jun 16, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 1 Comment

Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life

Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life: Home Program

Purposeful Pathway Business Coach Caroline Gavin and 3D Vitality Health Coach Ann Musico join together to offer a powerful and transformational program! Sign up for Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life and enjoy a 40-day transformative journey that includes…

Powerful preparation by clarifying goals
Equipment to reach goals through dedicated research
Refinement of goals into smaller steps and daily action steps
Creation of customized action plan
Cultivation of goal-supporting habits
Periodic overview to adjust goals and action steps as necessary
Simplification and systematization for maximized results
Enlistment of others to gain excellence
Client attraction challenge videos and worksheet exercises
Defining Target Market
Maximization of social media

Achieving peace through purpose
Practicing powerfully the seeking of God’s guidance
Business journaling for inspired action and heightened clarity
Embracing powerful quiet time routines
Leveraging pain points and power points
Heightening joy through practical, Scriptural steps
Enjoying vibrant, overall health and wholeness – spirit, soul and body
Setting honest health goals and priorities that align with core values
Harnessing the power of commitment, compliance and consistency
Identifying and transforming faulty self-perceptions
Making progress and stopping the sabotage of efforts

Increasing – with simple steps – physical activity daily for better health
Overcoming negative “stinkin’ thinking”
Creating positive momentum and effective routines and habits
Disinfecting toxic thought viruses
Ending the cycle of being sick and tired…of being sick and tired
Finding freedom in forgiveness
Achieving a more vibrant and healthy lifestyle
Nourishing your business, body, spirit and soul
Making the next season of your life the BEST season of your life
And much more…

Take the next step to your total transformation by signing up for this program with the small investment of $27. Enjoy this introductory price while it lasts!

Also, if you sign up before June 30, 2013, enjoy the BONUSES of

EBook Purposeful Pathway: A Journey with Jesus
Admission to the next 7-week Heart Centered Business Academy group coaching program
EBook Basic Keys for Living a 3D Life

We look forward to seeing you on the journey…and to nourishing a beautifully Healthy Business, Healthy Body and Healthy Life!

Jun 13, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Road Blocks to Total Wellness

Road Blocks in our Journey to “Total Wellness”

Guest post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

Over the last 3 months in my monthly newsletter I defined my vision for “Total Wellness”. The March newsletter talked about the importance of having a healthy mind and its role in “Total Wellness”. The April newsletter talked about the importance of having a healthy body and its role in “Total Wellness”. And most recently the May newsletter talked about the importance of having a healthy soul and its role in “Total Wellness”. We know that as much as 95% of all disease and illness evolves from stress so it is beneficial for us to have and keep a healthy mind. We know we must eat nutritionally sound food, and we must have some physical activity in our life because it helps us maintain a healthy body. A healthy body makes us feel good about ourselves, and when we feel good about ourselves, we take control and feel empowered to live life on our terms.

We also learned that a healthy soul can give us a more tranquil life because of the inner wisdom and peace it provides us. What about those road blocks that can sabotage our attempts to find “Total Wellness”? Well, the first thing we need to do is identify what the road block is. Is it a road block to a healthy mind, a healthy body, and or a healthy soul or maybe worse a combination of all three? Once we have identified what the road block(s) are we can more clearly focus our efforts in that area. While some road blocks can be more easily overcome such as finding a different route home that does not pass the ice-cream shop, others can be more frustrating and demoralizing.

In either case we must remember they can be overcome! Getting past some of our road blocks may mean we have to change the way we look at and approach life’s obstacles, and in some cases we may feel as though we are powerless to make the changes necessary to get past them. We must remember in those times The Bible says the Word of God can change the things we cannot change on our own. As D.L. Moody once said “The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge; the Bible was given to change our lives”. I started the year 2013 off with a Soulful Inspiration entitled S.S.D.D. (Same Solution Different Day) in which I asked the folks who were looking to create change in their life to ask themselves the following questions:

Have I made this decision before?
What solutions can I identify in the past that have not worked?
What new solution(s) am I going to try this time that will help me to make the change I want?

If you are trying to get past a road block in your life you can ask yourself these similar questions:

What have I tried before to overcome this road block?
What have I tried before in the past that did not work?
What new solution(s) will energize and motivate me to succeed this time?

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”

-Michael Jordan

Jun 12, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Get Off the Treadmill

Get Off the Treadmill

(…and onto Solid Ground)

Poem: Red, White and Blue

Red, White and Blue

Fourth of July Christian Poem

Living Water

Living Water

You are a Catalyst for Change

You are a Catalyst for Change

Love Your Neighbor

Love Your Neighbor

Being Bold

Being Bold

Sweet from the Start

Poem: Sweet from the Start

Little Children

Poem: Little Children

Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life

Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life: Home Program

Road Blocks to Total Wellness

Road Blocks in our Journey to “Total Wellness”

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