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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

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?

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 customized action step plan.

Aug 17, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 2 Comments

Are You Lying to Yourself?

Image courtesy Ann Musico at www.threedimensionalvitality.com

Guest Post by 3D Vitality Health Coach Ann Musico

“I can’t lose weight.”

“I’m too busy to exercise every day.”

“I have no time to cook healthy food.”

“I can’t afford healthy food.”

“(Fill in the blank: diabetes, arthritis, obesity, cancer) runs in my family. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Do any of those statements sound familiar to you? Before you dig your heels in and argue that you really are too busy to exercise or cook healthy food, I would ask you to take a deep breath and be really honest – with yourself. You can tell me anything and I won’t know the difference. But you know, deep down, if you are being honest or making excuses.

Because truth be told, even without knowing you or your situation I can confidently say you could easily replace the “can’t” in those statements with “don’t want to” and then you would be speaking honestly.

If you really don’t want to lose weight – just be honest – especially with yourself and with everyone else. Because if you try to lose weight when you are not ready to or don’t really want to for whatever reason, you will sabotage your own efforts – every single time.

Maybe you believe you truly want to eat healthier, or exercise daily or make some other healthy change but you seem to fail every time and don’t know why. Here’s an easy way to determine what your true belief is: if you consciously believe one thing – yet consistently do something else, your true belief is in conflict with what you consciously believe.

So let me leave you with the positive truth for each of the statements that opened this post:

“I can’t lose weight.” Either you don’t want to or are not ready to – yet. You may feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. I can help with that.

“I’m too busy to exercise every day.” Let’s be honest – you just don’t want to! But do you realize that even doing some kind of activity for 10 minutes at a time, 3 times a day will give you the same benefits of a 30 minute workout. Surely you can find 10 minutes here and there!

“I have no time to cook healthy food.” Again, maybe you just don’t know where to begin and get overwhelmed before you even start. It doesn’t take a huge amount of time and learning some easy, healthy recipes might be step one.

“I can’t afford healthy food.” You can’t afford NOT to buy the healthiest food you can! There are many ways to get the highest quality food at a good price. See this No-Nonsense Nutrition Report for some ideas.

“(Fill in the blank: diabetes, arthritis, obesity, cancer) runs in my family. There’s nothing I can do about it.” I talk about why you are not a victim of your genes here. Research proves heredity accounts for about 20% of your risk and lifestyle and habits 80%! You do the math.

Are you settling for excuses when you could be enjoying results?

Ann Musico is a holistic health coach who helps women, at every age, to exemplify lives of vibrant health and wholeness – spirit, soul and body. Her mission is to show women how to adopt a healthy lifestyle in a way that is simple and achievable, empowering them to take responsibility for their own health in order to be a positive influence on their families. You can visit her website at http://www.threedimensionalvitality.com. Be sure to subscribe for her free weekly No-Nonsense Nutrition Report and the 7 Days to Feeling Great Challenge!

Aug 14, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Biz Tip: The Fun Factor

The Fun Factor

Image courtesy Chrisroll at www.freedigitalphotos.net

7 Steps for Fruitful Fun

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 the fun factor!

As faith-based entrepreneurs we often go into business with glorious visions of serving God and blessing others while enjoying fun and freedom. We follow this blissful spiritual lead…as though walking on air! Yet the day-in and day-out of business can deflate this delight. Disappointments can cause us to question. Tight schedules can sap our joy. So, unlike the fun-shining horizon for which we set out, we can grow weary with laborious lists and “to-do treadmills.” Yes, the very thing which was meant to provide freedom can itself become a burden.

On a spiritual level we know that it is possible to serve God with grace and balance, yet too often we experience the “no pain, no gain” mentality. Now I wholeheartedly agree there is a benefit to suffering: joy blossoms from tears, as “those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5) Crowns spring forth from crosses, and triumphs emerge from trials. God indeed uses the pain of this world to create gain for us. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Yet the essence of our existence is not suffering. Our all-loving Creator did not create us to suffer. Our Divine Daddy created us to be in joyful union with Him. And, as Christians, we are no longer under the curse. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE’—in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:13-14) Indeed Jesus promises us that His “yoke is easy and [His] burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30) Yes, in this life we will encounter suffering, but we need not add to ourselves a burden by embracing a belief that there is no gain without pain.

If we are aligned with God, our fun is fruitful! “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

How can we practically apply this concept of fruitful fun in our faith-based businesses? How can we release the no-pain-no-gain mentality to further our fun while simultaneously boosting the bottom line?

Commit to having more fun. Choose to believe that having fun is important. If you see having fun as a trivial afterthought, you will not go out of your way to have fun. Choose to view having fun in your business as a component just as important as your highly-focused business-generating and client-attracting activities. After all, having fun is the window by which we connect to the truest bliss of being human, to the joy of being loved by God, to the beauty of being who we are. Our fruitful fun allows our creativity to blossom in Christ.
Ask yourself often “am I having fun now?” Whenever you are engaged in a task ask yourself if you are having fun. For example: when you are writing, are you having fun? If not, how can you make it fun? Take your writing outdoors? Write about different topics? In a different tone? In a different genre? Is writing simply not fun for you no matter what you do? If so, how can you outsource or delegate it? In all your business tasks, ask “am I having fun?” and choose to heighten the fun factor.
Schedule fun in every one. While you are heightening the fun factor in every activity, also add a pure fun block to your every day. Do something you simply love, something that brings out your fun-loving, God-loving child. “And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:3) Is your fun watching the clouds? Sitting in the sun? Singing? Writing? Walking in nature? Taking a scenic drive? Basking in a bubble bath? Playing freely with your children? Picking blueberries? I realize that some of our fun activities may be easier to incorporate during one season versus another. But the seasonal changes provide all the more opportunity for being creative. Do you dread winter? Take up a winter sport like ice-skating or skiing. Make snow angels again. Bake something that will fill your home with a sweet and heartwarming aroma. Choose to make the process of determining your fun activities a fun activity in itself!
Be caring by sharing. Share your fruitful fun with many! Invite others to join you in your fun activities. Bless others with the wisdom you garner from your fruitful fun. Smile more, laugh more and rejoice more. You will find that everyone has more fun when you do!
Capture your creativity. Enriching your days with fun will naturally boost your creative juices. Keep a notepad near you at all times so you can capture your creative thoughts while you are out and about. Are you on a nature trail and sensing a poetic line? Write it down. Are you taking a scenic drive and experiencing a great aha-moment to share with your following? Pull over and write it down. You can transfer your quickly-written notes to a more formal journal later in the day; at that point you can expand or explore the ideas. By capturing your creativity in a notepad, you will make your fun all the more fruitful.
Track the fruit of your fun. Having fun bears fruit, and this step will prove just that! Journal specifically how and when you have heightened your fun; journal also specifically how and when you started to bear the fruit of your fun.
Smile in Sonshine! While you are enjoying fruitful fun, be sure to give glory to God and to smile in His Sonshine! Surely our Father is the Source of fun. Thank Him for the beautiful blessings He bestows!

I am excited for you as you enjoy the fruit of your fun!

If you need help in upping the fun factor in your business, I would be happy to help in this powerful process. I offer to you a complimentary “Boost my Business” session. You will walk away with clarity, renewed vision and a completely customized clear-cut 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 so much for creating us to be in joyful union with You. Thank you, Divine Daddy, for transforming our pains to precious joy. Thank You also for allowing us to bear fruit from those very things we find fun. We delight in You, and we desire to bear fruit for Your glory. Help us to add more fun to our lives that we may bear more fruit for You. We love You with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. It’s in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Aug 10, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Is the Person You See in the Mirror Really You?

Is The Person You See in The Mirror Really You?

Guest Post by Heart and Soul Health Coach Mike Fenton

When you look in the mirror do you see the person you really are? Or do you say to yourself, I am only a shadow of what I once was, or what I could be? Many times what we feel on the inside does not mirror what we look like on the outside. On the inside we have this energy and drive, but on the outside we do not display that to ourselves or to others.

We can still be the person we once were and/or the person we envision ourselves to be. William James (US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist 1842 – 1910) once said “Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives”. It is never too late to change, if you are unhappy with where you currently are at make plans to change things.

Ask yourself, what is it I want to change? Is it my diet, making some form of physical activity a part of my daily life, getting better sleep, having a better relationship with God, a new career…etc. the list goes on and on.

Once you have decided what changes you want to make set smart goals. Smart goals are:

S (specific) – Goals should be simplistically written and clearly define what you are going to do.

M (measurable) – Goals should be measurable so that you have tangible evidence that you have accomplished the goal.

A (achievable) – Goals should be achievable; they should stretch you slightly so you feel challenged, but defined well enough so that you can achieve them.

R (results-focused) – Goals should measure outcomes, not activities.

T (time-bound) – Goals should be linked to a time frame that creates a practical sense of urgency, or results in tension between the current reality and the vision of the goal.

After you have set your smart goals now set a date to begin your journey to a “new you” and stick to it. Before long the person you see in the mirror will be the person you really are.

“Change your thoughts and you change your world”.

-Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993)

Mike is a certified health coach who inspires, empowers & helps people create desired lifestyle changes that will give them healthier alternatives to prescription medications. Contact him at mike@heartnsoulhealthcoaching.com to schedule a free health breakthrough session today.

Aug 9, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Forever Unchanging

Poem: Forever Unchanging

Image courtesy dan at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a season

For all things under the sun;

Yet forever unchanging

Are You, Almighty One.

Trust You may I

When rivers of change flow;

Cling to my hand, my Lord,

Wherever I go.

Comfort my heart

When all transforms ‘round me;

Remind me You are my Rock

For now and all eternity.

For surely like grass

All things will wither away;

Yet forever-enduring

Are the words that You say.

So when the leaves fall,

When flowers lose their bloom,

When sunny days pass

As time’s sands consume,

I will look to You,

To the Sun who does shine,

I will sing of Your light

Ever delightful and divine.

I will cling to Your hand

Wherever I go,

I will rejoice in Your way

Which I follow…

Yea, though there is a season

For all things under the sun,

Yet forever unchanging

Are You, Almighty One.

How blessed we are that God is forever unchanging! How do you celebrate His eternal goodness and love?

Leave a Comment

~*~

Aug 7, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 1 Comment

Biz Tip: Bless through your Bliss

Bless through your Bliss

Image courtesy arztamui at www.freedigitalphotos.net

Purposeful Pathway is the 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 blessings others through your bliss!

As a business coach, I find joy in helping others achieve success in their faith-based businesses. Clients often come to me confused and bombarded by the plethora of information, systems and processes available. As wonderful and helpful as it may be, the endless stream of information can be overwhelming!

Sometimes my clients feel stuck because of a message that they need to adhere to a certain model in order to achieve success. I have been there too! When a certain “must-do” model does not resonate with us, we may feel “wrong” for not embracing it.

Yet the truth is: there is one path to salvation (through Jesus), but there are many paths to success.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14) God has made each one of us wonderfully and beautifully unique. You have a certain collection of gifts, skills, experiences, passions and desires that makes you special. Do you feel called to speak on stage? Stellar! Speak freely. Do you enjoy conducting teleseminars at home? Terrific! Host with wisdom. Do you enjoy beta-testing niche sites? Beautiful! Experiment with excellence. Do you enjoy writing? Wonderful! Write with passion.

When we embrace our bliss we bless many more lives – and with much greater joy.

That being said, embracing your bliss does not mean that you should avoid experimenting with different modalities; after all, how can you know what you enjoy if you do not experiment? Additionally, embracing your bliss does not mean you need to re-invent the wheel. As it has been said, success leaves clues. Learn from those who are successful in your areas of blissful passion. Embracing your bliss, however, does mean that you discover the sweetest peace, deepest joy and most fragrant fruit when you fully embrace who you are and what you love to do.

Let’s look at practical steps now. How can you move forward today to bless others with your bliss?

Define what you love and what you dread. Create a list of two columns; one side includes those things you love, the other side the things you dread Do you love writing but dread speaking? Take note of this. Be completely honest, as we can be tempted even in this type of exercise to write what we think we “should” write.
Circle the top bliss-bearing activities. Review your list and mark the activities that bring you most bliss. Are you incorporating these into your business consistently? If not, how can you?
Aim to remove the drag-creating dreaded items. Again, reviewing the list, take stock of items you dread. These are the items that create “drag” in your business. Are you performing any of these now on a consistent basis? If so, how can you move away from this? Can you delegate? Outsource? Remove an unnecessary task completely?
Construct a list of action steps and commit them to the Lord. What specific steps can you take to incorporate your areas of bliss and to remove your areas of dread? After writing down these action steps, create a time-sequenced action plan. Be sure to “commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
Prepare for fear. When we step into our bliss, we may feel that we are doing something “wrong” as it feels almost “too easy.” Be prepared for the transition and pray for grace along the way!
Prepare to change. Do not be afraid to try things that are not on your bliss list. We change, and so too can our bliss-bearing activities. Be open to experimentation in business and in life.
Embrace blissful blessing! In faithfully taking the previous six steps, you will eventually find that your bliss bears blessing not only for you but also for many. Best of all, your beautiful bliss best glorifies God! Praise Him for creating you to be extraordinarily unique in order to serve Him in an extraordinary way. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Colossians 3:23)

Below is a poem that celebrates our unique qualities. Although it is not quite yet Autumn here, the words capture poetically what we have just reviewed practically.

To Each His Own Dance

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:12

(Send as an Inspirational Christian eCard)

The Autumn winds

Rustle through trees;

Leaves dance in the air,

Flying on the breeze.

Each leaf that falls

Displays its own dance;

God is perfect in His design,

Nothing left to chance.

One colorful leaf twirls,

Another leaf glides,

Another one spins,

One rocks to both sides.

Each dance is unique,

Each a marvel to my eyes;

So too are the dances

Of clouds in the skies.

As they ride the heights,

The clouds dance in the air;

Each a new formation,

Unique, without compare.

Is not my life

Also much like these?

Did God not make us unique,

As His heart did please?

Our Lord God is the Potter,

We are His clay;

He created each of us

To serve a special way.

Many a part

Has the body of man,

So too the Body of Christ

Reflects this plan.

Wonderfully unique

I am, and so are you;

Perfectly equipped we are

For what we must do.

As one leaf does twirl

And another does glide,

So too we dance differently,

Those who in Christ abide.

Come, let us rejoice,

With the leaves let us dance;

God designed us perfectly,

Nothing He left to chance.

And as Autumn winds

Rustle through trees,

Let us celebrate our differences,

For God we live to please.

I am excited for you as you embrace your bliss for your benefit, for the blessing of others and for God’s glory!

If you need help in embracing your bliss for your business, I would be happy to help in this powerful process. I offer to you a complimentary “Boost my Business” session. You will walk away with clarity, renewed vision and a completely customized clear-cut 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 so much for fearfully and wonderfully making me. Forgive me, Father, when I am distracted by what others are and do; allow me to embrace gratefully what You have given me that I may serve You wholeheartedly with these gifts. I love you so much, and I desire to glorify You in every action, every word, every thought, and every breath. Allow me, Beloved Daddy, to bless billions through my bliss. It’s in Jesus’ Name that I pray. Amen.

I would be honored for you to Leave a Comment!

Aug 3, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth Leave a Comment

Wisdom of Winds

Poem: Wisdom of Winds

Image courtesy nuttakit at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” ~ John 3:8

Winds of song

Are playing around me,

Dancing blissfully

Through every tree,

Carrying music

Of joy and of love,

Whispering so gently

Of Heaven above,

Winding gracefully,

Bearing words of hope,

Singing of freedom

Eternal in scope.

Yea, in winds of song

Playing around me,

I hear a song of Jesus,

Lyrics of eternity.

Listen now closely,

Surely too you will hear

The winds reminding us

He is always near.

Those born of Spirit

Resemble the wind blowing;

Whence is it coming?

Whither is it going?

Mysterious, wondrous,

Miraculous and pure:

Surely the Spirit

Does forever endure.

So with winds of song

Let us dance and sing,

For we are reborn

In Christ our King.

We follow the Spirit

Wherever He may lead,

Sowing His love

Through Spiritual seed.

We play His music

Of joy and of love,

Keeping our eyes fixed

On Heaven above,

And with winds of song

Playing for eternity,

We sing of how much Jesus

Loves you and me.

Blissfully beautiful to hear the wisdom of winds in song! What are some ways in which you, like the winds, follow the lead of the Spirit rather than that of the flesh?

Leave a Comment

~*~

Jul 31, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 7 Comments

Beauty of Boundaries

Image courtesy Gualberto107 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 the “beauty” of boundaries.

Boundary. The word often sounds cold and hard, doesn’t it? And yet, as I am sure you have, I have found there is a beauty to boundaries!

But before we explore this beauty, let’s take a look at what is a boundary. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “boundary” as “something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent.”

This is a helpful starting point, but what does this definition mean from an emotional and spiritual standpoint? According to Nina W Brown, Ed.D., there are four main types of psychological boundaries: soft, spongy, rigid and flexible. The ideal boundaries are flexible, as the individual chooses what to let in and what to keep out.

In reference to letting in, Jesus told us “it is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) In reference to keeping out, the Scriptures guide us to “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) Faith-based boundaries let in that which is from God and keep out that which is not from Him.

How does this relate to a healthy Christian business?

Healthy boundaries allow us to let in the projects, people and positions that will best glorify God and serve others; and, on the other side of the coin, healthy boundaries will allow us to keep out the projects, people and positions that are not best in glorifying God and serving others. It may seem generous to give all that others ask of us; yet we learn quickly that devoting our time, money and energy in the wrong places (or in the wrong proportions) only distracts us from pouring our resources into the right places. Healthy boundaries are a powerful part of a purposeful pathway!

We have looked at what boundaries are and why they are important. How can we better enjoy the beauty of boundaries in our businesses?

Determine that boundary-establishment and boundary-maintenance is important for your business (and your life). Without making this determination, you will have no incentive to move forward. Prayerfully commit to making and maintaining clearer and stronger boundaries.
Ask the Lord where weak boundaries have been detrimental in business and in life. Perhaps, for example, you find yourself discounting your services often. It may seem generous to do this, yet we actually disempower our clients when we buy into stories of poverty rather than hold them accountable to a new vision of abundance in Christ. We receive what we believe, and we get what we expect; holding boundaries around our fee structures allows us to raise the expectations of and build the faith in our clients.
Determine the specifics of setting boundaries in those areas. What will it look like to create boundaries in the areas you have listed? Some specific examples may be: standing firm on pricing, disengaging from people who demand too much of your time, and turning off your phone ringer in order to return calls when it is best for your business schedule. Specific action steps are the concrete materials that build your boundaries.
Prepare for others’ reactions in the initial stages. When we draw boundaries, it is often unsettling for those around us. Do not be discouraged by receiving some “backlash” such as pushing or complaining from others. Take heart; this will diminish. Eventually others will realize that your boundaries are firmly set, and – more often than not – they will respect you for this.
Prepare for discomfort internally. Yes, expect a reaction from yourself! Setting and maintaining boundaries is generally not an easy and comfortable process, particularly in the onset. Trust that the discomfort will pass and that it is well worth the fruit borne of a healthy boundary.
Document your progress. Journal specifically about what boundaries you set, when you set them, how you established them, how you maintained them, what reactions you received, and the positive fruit borne from them.
Bask in the beauty of the boundary! Enjoy the fruits of your labor! It is wonderfully empowering and enriching for you and for all around you when you set healthy boundaries. Document the fruit in your journal and, most importantly, lift praise to God!

I am excited for you as you build beautiful boundaries for your benefit, for the blessing of others and for God’s glory!

If you need help in establishing beautiful boundaries for your business, I would be happy to help in this powerful process. I offer to you a complimentary “Boost my Business” session. You will walk away with clarity, renewed vision and a completely customized clear-cut next-step action plan. Simply email me at caroline@purposefulpathway.com to schedule a time or click here.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for nourishing us with Your Word. Help us, O Lord, to let in that which is from You and to keep out that which is not. Help us to embrace those things which will further our businesses for Your glory. Strengthen us as we establish healthy boundaries to bless others and build Your Kingdom. We love You with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

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Jul 29, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 5 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Image courtesy Dan at www.freedigitalphotos.net

“…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~ Hebrews 12:2

Do you see what I see

In leaves aglow with sunlight?

I see a message of God,

Of His mercy and might.

Do you hear what I hear

In the birds as they sing?

I hear a song of Jesus,

Of His joy everlasting.

Do you feel what I feel

In the soft summer breeze?

I feel an embrace of love

Dancing through trees.

Do you taste what I taste

In the fruit of the field?

I taste a hint of Heaven,

Of bliss it will yield.

Do you smell what I smell

In the bright blooming flower?

I smell the fragrance of God,

His immeasurable power.

So join me, precious friend,

To taste, hear and see,

To feel and to smell

The bliss of eternity.

For though upon earth

We dwell now in time,

We see glimpses of eternity,

We hear Heaven’s rhyme.

To our Lord Jesus

Praise and glory let us give;

How sweet it is

For Him to always live.

And let us join joyfully

The birds as they sing

In a song of Jesus,

Of His joy everlasting.

Yes, let us shine

With leaves in sunlight:

Let us share the Message

Of God’s mercy and might.

Blessed we are that we see what we see and hear what we hear! How do you celebrate God’s mercy and might?

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~*~

Jul 25, 2013 By Caroline Gavin Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Business Tip: Triumphant Trails

Business Tip: Triumphant Trails

Image © 2013 Caroline Gavin

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