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Business, Life and Your Lenten Journey

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Business, Life and your Lenten Journey

Business, Life and Your Lenten Journey

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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 business, life and your Lenten journey!

It is hard to believe that springtime and Resurrection Sunday are nearly upon us! It seems not too long ago we were preparing for Christmas and the New Year. Yet here we are: traveling the 40-day Lenten journey. We tend to think of Lent as a personal pathway, and surely it is. Yet Lent is a spiritual journey, and our faith-based businesses intertwine with our spiritual journeys. For this reason it is important to prayerfully incorporate Lent into our businesses.

How exactly do we take our businesses on a Lenten journey? Let’s explore four actionable steps for those forty days:

 

  1. Contemplate. Contemplate any areas in which Christ is not first and foremost in your business. Perhaps in your mission statement? In your marketing? In your projects or products or programs? Prayerfully and thoughtfully compose a list. “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
  2. Capitulate. Surrender these areas to Christ and seek His forgiveness. The more we die to Christ, the more we experience rebirth in Him. This is true in every aspect of life, including our businesses. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
  3. Concentrate.  Having contemplated and capitulated, it is time to concentrate your efforts and energies to Christ-centered transformation. Ponder each area of surrender and determine the practical steps of repentance. How exactly will you revise your mission statement? What exactly will you change in your marketing practices or messages? What will you add, change or eliminate in your projects, products and programs? Determine the practical steps and commit yourself to their practice. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8)
  4. Celebrate. Lastly, celebrate the fruit and give glory to God! Lent is a time of testing and trial; yet the triumphant outcome is deeper intimacy with Christ, powerful transformation for His glory and sweet celebration in His presence. “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!” (Psalm 150:1-6)

 

Embrace this Lenten journey as a time to grow in God’s grace both personally and professionally. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

 

If you need help with traveling a Lenten journey for your business or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!


Let’s Pray:  Our Loving Lord, we thank You for this Lenten journey. We thank You for the transformation we will experience by Your grace. We thank You for the victory we will know by Your power. Help us, Life-Giving Light, to capitulate areas of sin and to concentrate on repentance. Help us to live every moment for Your glory. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it is in Your Name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Mar 15, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Biz Tip: Pressing Reset

Pressing Reset
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Pressing Reset

Pressing Reset

Image courtesy kangshutters 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 pressing reset!

Habits are powerful tools, yet they can accumulate over time to leave us stuck in an uninspired quagmire. Routines that once served us may no longer. Perspectives may need shifting. Beliefs may need revamping. As overwhelming as it may seem to overhaul our habits, we can ignite powerful change…and quickly! Yes, we can press that reset button at any moment.

How exactly do we press reset? Let’s explore five actionable steps:

 

  1. Vision Victory. If things are not ideal in your business or in your life, begin to envision what “ideal” looks like. How does your ideal day unfold from beginning to end? What type of clients do you serve? What types of programs do you offer? How much free time do you enjoy? How many vacations do you take? How much income do you earn? How much money do you contribute to churches and causes? Vision your victory with as much detail as possible.
  2. Evaluate and Evict.  Having envisioned victory in your business and life, evaluate your current habits and determine which ones should remain, which ones need refinement, which ones need to be added, and which ones need eviction. Write a comprehensive list of your current habits, document your notes by each list item, and seek God’s guidance throughout the process.
  3. Ride the Tide.  In adding, refining and eliminating habits, you will undoubtedly feel discomfort, disruption and pain. Choose to ride the emotional waves and to embrace the positive changes.  View the discomfort as birthing pains…and remember that these challenges are more than worthwhile. Ride the tide and keep your eyes on the prize. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. “ (2 Corinthians 4:17)
  4. Face the Fruit. Once you have overhauled your habits despite the discomfort, start documenting your short-term and long-term fruit. We often overlook the good fruit of our efforts unless we train our eyes and our hearts to see. Choose to see your fruit and to celebrate your progress. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
  5. Rejoice in Renewal. All things are made new in Christ, and we can press reset at any moment by His grace. Remember to give glory to God and to thank Him for the refreshment we find in His presence!

 

 

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)

 

If you need help with pressing reset or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!


Let’s Pray: Remarkable and Radiant Source of Renewal, we thank You for the new life we find in You. We thank You for the refreshment we find in Your living water. We thank You for the new creations You have made us to be. Help us to discern areas that need growth, and grant us the grace to press reset. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it is in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Mar 8, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Strength in Being Stretched

Strength in Being Stretched
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Strength in Being Stretched

Strength in Being Stretched

Image courtesy ponsuwan 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 finding strength in being stretched!

Ah, stretching…each of us has experienced the sharp pain of stretching muscles. Being stretched by life circumstances, too, is rarely comfortable; yet there are few ways far better for growing and gaining strength than stretching. God often stretches us through the people and situations He places on our paths. We can also intentionally stretch ourselves in order to grow.

How exactly can we gain strength in being stretched? Let’s explore five actionable steps:

 

  1. Choose to lose. Choose to lose the comfort of the status quo. Yes, it feels nice to stick with the routine and to avoid shaking things up; yet, in order to maximize growth and joy, we must choose to let go of the current paradigm. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
  2. Question the unquestionable.  Some things we take for granted as being perfect as is. These things could be our morning quiet time routine, our marketing habits, our friendships or our business goals. Yet we discover new visions and new energy when we choose to question the unquestionable. Write a thoughtful list of your many habits and routines; review this list and start questioning how you can improve, modify or even eliminate items.
  3. Break the boundary.  Having chosen to let go of the comfort zone and to question the unquestionable, you can now make steps to break old boundaries. Is your quiet time lacking in power? Increase the time you spend with God even if it means going to bed earlier at night. Are your marketing efforts bearing little fruit? Rethink your strategies, hire a coach or take a marketing class. Are some of your friendships dragging you down? Think about setting healthy boundaries and surrounding yourself with those who inspire you.
  4. Delight in discomfort. Having broken boundaries, you will most certainly deal with reactions both on an internal level and on an external level. Learn to rise above resistance and also delight in discomfort. The discomfort is a sure sign that you are growing and gaining strength. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
  5. Give glory to God.  God is the giver of all good things, including strength. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) So give Him glory as you stretch yourself and as you grow!

 

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10           

 

If you need help with stretching for strength or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Strong Savior, thank You for stretching us when we need to be strengthened. Remind us that we can do all things through You; remind us also that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Allow us to grow for Your glory that we may draw many souls to heaven and to Your heart. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it is in Your Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Feb 28, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Biz Tip: Embracing Emotion

Embracing Emotion
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Embracing Emotion

Embracing Emotion

Image courtesy tiverylucky 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 embracing emotion!

Emotions are a part of life and certainly a part of business too. Oftentimes we view painful emotions as “bad,” and it is no wonder why. They are uncomfortable at best and, at other times, downright heart-wrenching. Yet we are blessed when we embrace emotions, even the painful ones. Underneath the pain we discover treasures for our businesses and joy for our journeys.

How exactly do we embrace the good of “bad” emotions? Let’s explore five practical yet powerful steps:

 

  1. Resist running. When a painful emotion arises, do not judge it or run away from it. Allow it to surface in its fullness. Feel it completely and appreciate it for the gift that it is.
  2. Dig deeper.  Oftentimes our emotions have less to do with present situations than they do with past wounds. The current situation is merely a trigger to the emotion. Perhaps a situation triggers a feeling of abandonment, and this feeling is rooted in a situation of abandonment as a child. Or perhaps a situation triggers a fear of financial insecurity, and this fear stems from a childhood situation when there was lack. Pray about your emotions as you dig deeper to learn the true sources of pain. Study the Scriptures to savor verses of comfort based on the emotions you experience. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
  3. Heal with hope.  Having dug deeper, seek Jesus for healing. Place the situations and the people of both past and present into His hands. Forgive each person and wash every situation in His limitless love, forgiveness and mercy. Doing so consistently will bring peace, joy and clarity. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
  4. Strategize your Steps. Having dug deeper and sought healing, look now at the current situation with clearer eyes and calmer heart. Determine your best reaction to the situation and people at hand; strategize proactive steps that support the highest good of all involved.
  5. Journey with Joy.  When we embrace emotion, dig deeper, heal with hope and strategize our steps, we discover that Jesus’ joy melts away our pain. Cling to Christ, seek His wonderful wisdom and immerse yourself in the joy of His holy heart.

 

I encourage you to follow wholeheartedly the Holy Spirit rather than emotion. Yet, in embracing the gift of your emotions, you can learn much about yourself, others and God Himself. You can grow in Christ via the chisel of painful feelings. Choose to find the good in your “bad” emotions, as doing so will boost your business, deepen your joy and enrich your journey!

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”

The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

“I the Lord search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward each person according to their conduct,
according to what their deeds deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:7-10

 

If you need help with embracing emotion or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Joyful Jesus, we thank You for the glorious gifts of our emotions. Thank You for the treasures we find in them, and help us to discern Your direction from them. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it is in Your Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Feb 24, 2014 By Holistic Healing, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Step into Your Clients’ Shoes

Stepping into your clients' shoes
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Step into Your Clients’ Shoes

Stepping into your clients' shoes

Image courtesy goldsaint 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 stepping into your clients’ shoes!

 It is very easy for entrepreneurs to get lost in the details of doing…marketing, follow-up, planning, paperwork, web site maintenance, administrative details, etc. Yet treading through these activities can blind us to the very reason we do what we do: to serve others. When we raise our awareness to this and conscientiously step out of ourselves and into our clients’ shoes, we discover not only new and happier clients but also deeper fulfillment and joy.

How exactly do we step out of ourselves and into our clients’ shoes? Let’s look at five practical yet powerful steps:

 

  1. Who are they? First ask yourself, whom exactly do you serve? How old are they? What are their passions and professions and hobbies? Are they single or married? Do they have children? What is their biggest problem? What brings them deepest joy? You can walk through a more detailed list in the Free 21 Day Attract Clients NOW Challenge.
  2. What do you solve for them? Thinking now about your ideal client, inquire of yourself what you solve for them. How can you alleviate their pain points? How do you bring value? As examples, specifically how can you save them time, increase their savings or income, improve their health, heighten their joy or deepen their intimacy with God?
  3. How can you communicate to them?  Once you consider your clients’ pain points and the value you bring, it is time to consider how to communicate to them. Step into their shoes and question where they will be online and offline. Perhaps at a single mothers convention? A Cub Scout meeting? A church event for couples? What words will resonate most strongly with them? What language will speak to them? The point of these exercises is not to manipulate but rather to compassionate…to truly feel your client’s heart in order to best serve her.
  4. Release to Receive. Release the concerns about your income and business deadlines into God’s hands. Worrying about such things only distracts from the higher purpose of serving. God promises to provide all our needs when we keep our eyes fixed on Him and His Kingdom. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) So serve with your gifts and with all your heart…and release to receive.
  5. Grow and Glorify.  Stepping into your clients’ shoes will allow you to not only grow your business but also glorify God. Serving others is surely a way in which you shine for His glory.

 

I encourage you to step into your clients’ shoes, let go of yourself to makes space for God’s grace…and bring glory to His Kingdom!

 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

If you need help with stepping into your clients’ shoes or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 

Let’s Pray: Faithful Father, we thank You and praise You for all You provide. Help us, Loving Lord, to love others as You have loved. Help us to step out of ourselves and step into our clients’ shoes that we may better serve them and more radiantly glorify you. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Feb 17, 2014 By Vocation / Career / Calling 4 Comments

Release to Receive

Release to Receive
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Release to Receive

Release to Receive

Image courtesy Gualberto107 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 release to receive!

 One way to enjoy remarkable growth in our faith-based businesses is learning to receive. Our Loving Father desires to lavish us with blessings from His bounty. Yet how often do we stymie our receiving by clenching our spiritual fists? When we push too hard in our labors or when we cling too tightly to outcomes, we actually repel the act of receiving. Yes, it is important to plan, to give our best efforts and to be committed to highest results; yet it is equally important to release outcomes to God’s hands and to make space for grace.

How exactly do we release to receive? Let’s look at five practical yet powerful steps:

 

  1. Review. First things first: start with an honest review. Are there any areas in which you are pushing too hard or clinging too tightly to outcomes? Are there any areas in which you can open your hands to give more of yourself or your resources? Are there any areas in which you are spinning your wheels rather than seeking God’s grace? Ask God for His revealing light in these areas.
  2. Renew. Once you have reviewed, choose to renew these areas by God’s grace. Commit to Christ your desire to change; allow His Holy Spirit to spark the transformation. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
  3. Release. Having reviewed and renewed, it is now time to release. Release control of outcomes; release stress about success; release fear about finances; release perfectionism in your projects; release excess items in your environment; release unhealthy relationships in your heart; release your anxieties to God. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
  4. Receive. Having released, be ready to receive. Open the hands of your heart to God and to others by giving; in doing so, you open your heart to receive from God’s bounty. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)  And we know, as Jesus told us, to “give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
  5. Rejoice. Remarkable are the love and providence of our Redeemer. Choose to rejoice in Him and in His grace! “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

 

Yes, release to receive…and rejoice all the while! I encourage you to be intentional in this practice for boosting your business and deepening your joy!

 

If you need help with releasing to receive or with building your business overall, I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Remarkable Redeemer, we thank You for Your perfect provision. Help us to release that which hinders our love for You and for others; strengthen us to let go of that which is not for Your glory. We choose to release these things in order to receive Your goodness. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Jan 27, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Live Your Power: Freedom of Forgiveness

CarolineM.Gavin
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Live Your Power Radio Show: Freedom of Forgiveness

 
 

 

I am tremendously grateful to have shared my journey with Jesus, how to live with joy and how to find freedom through forgiveness on Jenny Craig’s inspirational “Live Your Power” radio show!

Listen to the interview via Live Your Power with Christian Business Coach Caroline Gavin

 

Jenny Craig shares: Caroline Gavin is a Christian Business Coach, Speaker, Author and Radio Host. Her life path involved overcoming the dark depths of depression and the near-death of an eating disorder. She is now passionate about sharing hope, inspiration and joy in her journey. As a Christian Business Coach and the Founder of Purposeful Pathway Business Coaching, she helps faith-based entrepreneurs pave their vocational paths, live with purpose and walk with God’s way.

* 3D Vitality Health Coach Ann Musico and Purposeful Pathway Business Coach Caroline Gavin have linked arms to offer a 40-day program called Healthy Business, Healthy Body and Healthy Life! This powerful journey is very affordably offered at an introductory price of $27 through January 31st. Visit PurposefulPathway.com and click on the “Healthy Business, Healthy Body, Healthy Life” tab to learn more and to register for this amazing program at an amazing introductory price! 

 

* Purposeful Pathway Business Coach Caroline Gavin invites you to sign up for the free 7-week Journey to Joy. Rich with Scriptural insights, practical step-by-step guidance and poetic inspiration, the “Purposeful Pathway: Journey to Joy” workbook is a gift from Caroline when you sign up at www.PurposefulPathway.com. 

 

* Purposeful Pathway Business Coach Caroline Gavin invites you to join the 21-Day ATTRACT Clients NOW Challenge! If you are an entrepreneur desiring to change the world for good with the gifts God has given you and yet you are struggling to find clients consistently, embrace the opportunity to sign up for this free 21-Day Challenge today. Simply visit www.PurposefulPathway.com and click on the “21-Day Attract Clients NOW Challenge” tab to register. Caroline looks forward to working with you to attract more clients and to create a fun, fruitful and profitable business for you! 

 

* Purposeful Pathway Business Coach Caroline Gavin invites you to reach out to her for a complimentary “Boost my Business” session. She is excited to offer five sessions per month to qualified candidates. From this 25-minute session, you will walk away with clarity, renewed enthusiasm and a clear-cut customized action plan to boost your faith-based business; simply email Caroline via caroline@PurposefulPathway.com to learn more.

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Jan 23, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling Leave a Comment

Adding Adventure

Adding Adventure
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Adding Adventure

Adding Adventure

Image courtesy pat138241 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 adding adventure!

My prayer is that you are savoring the start of this New Year! These past few weeks have involved a lot of traveling and shifting personal situations for me, and some have labeled my life as full of “adventures.” I must say that I have to agree! As disruptive as these “adventures” may be on the surface to a business, they are rewarding in that they shift perspective and boost creativity. It is very easy in our faith-based businesses to get lost in the practicals; it is important to remember the power of adding adventure!

 

How do we add adventure? Let’s look at seven steps for doing just that:

 

  1. Be open to it. Decide that adventure is an important component of growing and stretching…and decide to embrace it as part of your business (and life) journey. If you view adventure as dangerous or frivolous, you will not carve the space and the grace for it.
  2. Determine what adventure is to you. Your idea of a healthy adventure may be completely different than mine. What is a good adventure to you? What does it look like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste like? Sound like? Write down in detail what your fun and fruitful adventures involve.
  3. Open your eyes. Once you have defined your adventures and have opened your mind to them, keep your physical, emotional and spiritual eyes open as well. God is gracious to give us opportunities, but we must be vigilant to see them and receive them.
  4. Don’t dismiss discomfort. Yes, you want the adventure and you have been looking for it…but do not expect everything to smooth sailing. It would not be an adventure if that were the case, right? Remember that the discomfort stretches us, challenges us and changes us…and all for the better if we allow it. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
  5. Find purpose in pain. You may find your adventures to have periods of pain far beyond simple discomfort. Others may resist your changes, you may feel unsettled with new scenarios, old wounds may come to the surface; yet purposeful is our pain when we remember that God only allows what is for our best and for His glory. Choose to see the purpose in the pain, and choose to embrace peace by seeking God’s Presence. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 12:8)
  6. Find fruit in the fun. On the other side of the pain and discomfort is fun and joy. Learn to find the fruit in the fun. Grow in the midst of it. Be freed by it. Give glory to God in it. Allow fruitful fun to boost your Christ-centered creativity. “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
  7. Add adventures while adding value. Add value to your business and to God’s Kingdom as you are adding your adventures. Share the wisdom, the treasures, the insights and the love that you have gained with your family, friends, followers, clients and colleagues. Beautiful, then, is the ripple effect of your remarkable adventures! “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

 

I encourage you to be intentional in adding adventure for boosting your business and deepening your joy!

 

If you need help with adding adventure or with building your business overall, I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Awesome Adventurous Father, we dedicate all to You on our purposeful pathways. Help us, Divine Daddy, to add adventure for Your glory and for the blessing of others. Stretch us, change us, challenge us that we may become more and more like Christ. Allow us to enjoy fruitful fun for you, O Father. We love you with every fiber of our beings, every moment of every day…and it’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Jan 20, 2014 By Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 2 Comments

Biz Tip: Make Room for Miracles

Make Room for Miracles
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Make Room for Miracles

 

Biz Tip: Make Room for Miracles

 

Image courtesy Dan 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 making room for miracles!

So often in our faith-based businesses we rely on our own strength and intelligence and power. We plan and plan. We construct and control. We draw outlines and devise structures. Beneficial as it is to prepare, and it most certainly is, we still do well to leave room for miracles.

 

How do we make room for miracles? Let’s look at seven steps for doing just that:

 

  1. Embrace the unknown. Do you have a vision in your heart, yet you are not sure how it could possibly come to fruition? Rather than dismiss it, embrace it and smile. God has graced you with a beautiful vision for a reason, and He will pave your steps if you cling to Him with the hand of faith. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
  2. Take the next best step. Now that you have embraced (rather than dismissed) the “crazy” vision, it’s time to take the next best step. Is your dream, for example, to travel the world? Get a passport. Start a language program. Register for emails from travel web sites. Go ahead and take a step, the next best step, of faith.
  3. Be ready to redirect. Did you take a step and encounter a challenge? Don’t worry. Natural paths in the forest never unfold in a straight line. There are twists and turns, and these add to the mystery and the fun. Trust God to lead you, even if it means constant course correcting along the way.
  4. Expect varying visions. Expect your visions to change. God often directs only one step at a time; so too He often gives only one glimpse of a vision at a time. Your vision of a national ministry, for example, may evolve to a vision of an international ministry. Allow space in your heart for the visions to grow in God’s grace.
  5. Dedicate all to the Divine. As you are taking each step, keep Christ at the center of your path. Wherever you go, whatever you do, dedicate all to the glory of God. He will surely bless your steps. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
  6. Rejoice in your weaknesses. Stumbling along the way is inevitable. Yet our weaknesses, shortcomings and failures are the windows by which God demonstrates most powerfully His strength. Rejoice in your weaknesses, as they provide space for miracles. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  7. Marvel the miracles. Surely you will see miracles unfold if you faithfully apply the previous steps; marvel these miracles and lift praise to God. The more we give thanks, the more we behold God’s grace.

 

 

I encourage you to give space for grace and to make room for miracles. Surely your business will grow and your joy will burgeon.  “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” (Matthew 19:26)

 

If you need help with making room for miracles or with building your business overall…I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Our Miracle Maker, thank You for the blessings You bestow on us. Grateful we are for the marvelous miracles You perform on our purposeful paths. Help us, Faithful Father, to make room for miracles and to make space for grace. We love You, and we desire to glorify You every step of the way. It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Dec 9, 2013 By God's Character, Inspiration, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 4 Comments

How to Accelerate with Action

Christian Business Tip How to Accelerate with Action
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How to Accelerate with Action

 

Business Tip How to Accelerate with Action

Image courtesy Sura Nualpradid 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 how to accelerate with action!

All of us know that we must take purposeful action to reach our powerful goals, right? Yet how often do we stall, even unwittingly, in the progress on our pathways? I have seen this in my own life and in my clients’ lives. Are you experiencing any area of stagnancy or being stuck? I encourage you to take even one inspired action step in that area in order to accelerate your business…and accentuate your joy!

How exactly does action accelerate our businesses? Let’s look at seven ways:

 

  1. Creating Confidence. Action builds confidence. For example, a new coach may not have much faith in her skills. Yet, as she works with clients, she witnesses the results they bear time and time again. If she waited until she had strong confidence before enrolling clients, she may never start. Yet, in starting, she develops confidence. So don’t wait for confidence in order to do; rather do in order to build confidence.
  2. Strengthening Skills. What is more effective at strengthening your cooking skills: watching countless cooking shows or simply getting your hands dirty and actually cooking? “Hands-on” training is a powerful skill-builder. As much as I encourage my clients to be avid consumers of excellent content, we all know too well the “analysis paralysis” syndrome. Is there an area in which you are devouring information but stalling on action? I encourage you to stop the information overload and start applying what you have learned. “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:23-25)
  3. Wielding Wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) The Lord speaks to us when we love and revere Him. He speaks to us in His Word and through His Spirit. Often, too, He speaks to us when we are in action. I have learned some of the most valuable lessons by the actions I have taken and their corresponding failures or successes. Taking action not only reinforces what we know but also reveals to us new insights and inspirations.
  4. Jumpstarting Joy. Want to boost your joy? Delight in doing. Taking action shakes things up, shifts our perspectives, and shines light on the miracles of God’s moving hand. “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
  5. Discerning Direction. God often reveals to us only one step at a time on our purposeful pathways. Go ahead and take one step in the “Red Sea” of your life; the Lord will part the sea and lead your steps. It is prudent to pray for wisdom in your decisions, but do not stall so long that you avoid the direction-revealing power of action. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
  6. Propelling Prosperity. “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4) When we pause to watch the winds and read the clouds of life, we miss opportunities to sow seed and bear fruit. Sow your seed even when the winds are blowing and the skies are gray. God blesses the one who takes diligent and consistent action. “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8)
  7. Honing Holiness. We are made righteous by our faith in Jesus Christ, yet we express our faith in our doing. “But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)  Acting upon our faith is an essential element of progressive sanctification.

 

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”  (1 John 3:18)

 

These are seven powerful benefits of taking action. You may wonder now what action to take? Start with the next best step, and you can learn exactly how here in another post. Is there an area in which you have been postponing action? Pause to pray and then accelerate with God-inspired action!

If you need help with taking action or with building your business overall, I invite you to attract your ideal clients and powerfully boost your business over the next 40 days! There is no need to reinvent the wheel. I have organized my knowledge and experiences in business into an implementable 40-day series of actionable daily steps, instructional videos and powerful worksheets. If you need a serious boost in business, I encourage you to take the next step by visiting  Purposeful Pathway Business Academy today!

 


Let’s Pray: Loving Lord, thank You for inspiring us with action that glorifies You. Thank You for teaching us Your perfect ways and for paving our paths. Thank You for blessing us with eternal fruit when we sow faithfully in Your Name. Bless our businesses and our lives as we choose to follow You every moment of every day. It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

 

I Treasure Your Thoughts and Comments!

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Nov 18, 2013 By Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Growth, Vocation / Career / Calling 4 Comments

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