Deneen Troupe-Buitrago

Grow from your overflow

Connecting Faith & Business

When there is no more to offer

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A while back I felt like I had nothing more to offer. I was going in so many directions, following so many ‘experts’ and trying to do it all to make my business grow.  I thought I was doing it right. I thought this was what God wanted. Then I crashed. The very thing I thought I was to be doing was taken away from me. It was hard.

I decided to rest for a while and regroup. During that time, I felt empty. I didn’t know how to pick up and start again. In this rest-time I also discovered God in a new way and He taught me to put everything before Him, allow Him to fill me, and wait. Waiting is hard for me.

It took about six months and I must say it was worth the wait. As I have given God each of my ideas, my programs, my personality, my gifts, my. . . well, everything, I have seen tremendous growth in my life and business.

Empty

How about you? After a day of kids, carpools, laundry, meal planning, cooking, cleaning, marketing, phone calls, meetings, networking, and clients you can feel like you are going in many directions. And, you can feel a little empty. Let’s face it, a lot of empty. I forgot to mention your self-care that includes exercise, eating well, and spiritual renewal (aka, time with God). Are you there? Do you feel that drain as you read the list?  I feel the drain just writing it.

It was like that for the Widow in Debt. Do you remember her (2 Kings 4)? She had run out of everything and now her sons were in danger of being taken from her. She was at the end of what she felt she could physically do. But what she did have was. . . a little oil.

You might feel empty, but I bet you have a little oil.

Filling

God wants us to trust Him with the little things. He builds our faith on what we hold out to Him. You may feel you have nothing to offer, but you do. Think about those tasks that come easily to you. Give it to God for His use. He will pour it out and bless it.

For the Widow, healing came from acting. She is given a project to do so she is focused on what she has, the little oil, and not on what she does not have. She displayed her complete trust in God by getting to work.

God asks you to offer what you have so He can use it (Rom 12:1). He asks you to start with the small things in your life- your schedule, attitudes, and relationship with Him. Then He expects you to look at the bigger things in your life and hold th’re you do. What qualities has God equipped you with for your business that you need to hold out to Him so He can bless?

Start offering the oil so you can pour it out on all that God has for you.

 

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

P.S. Schedule a FREE Clarity Session. I would LOVE to discover how you can use your ‘little oil’ to do MORE for God.

 

Stepping into Challenges for Progress

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My challenge over the last few years has been around making progress toward my vision. After leaving teaching I became a serial entrepreneur. I began with teaching Spanish classes & camps, then went into direct sales & leading a networking group, and now I have transitioned into an author, speaker & Clarity coach.

I look at this line of adventures and ask myself- Have I made any progress?

Progress

For me, progress means taking one step at a time. There is the adage, ‘the journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step’. Looking back at all those years I feel like I have walked those miles. How about you?

Another thing I have come to realize is that progress only happens when you take on the next challenge. That means trusting God to provide help. Now, I am a risk-taker. That doesn’t always mean the risk pays off the way I thought but it does mean I trust God so I can take the next step into what He is calling me to do.

Making progress also means having patience. I have my timelines, and I work hard to achieve my goals, but sometimes I am anxious. That’s when I turn to Philippians 4:8 and use it as a check list and filter. What is true? What is right? What is lovely? What is praiseworthy? It really works to take those thoughts captive and turn them into Truth.

And, never forget to celebrate progress! Celebrate when you accomplish a step in your plan. The most beneficial times for me have been when I have taken time to look back and see all the small steps I have taken to get to where I am right now. God wants you and me to be satisfied in our work, not just satisfied when we finish the work. Jesus came to give us a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10).

Steps

What step are you wanting to take in your business? Are you trying to get started? Are you wanting to grow? God has you, He gave you the desire and He will give you direction. Trust Him and take the step.

What challenge are you facing right now in your business? It could be He is asking you to do something that is out of your comfort zone. Leadership? I know this is one area that God has challenged me. We can only make progress if we believe we are working as a leader. The Clarity Leadership Conference & Retreat can help you Clarify your leadership style and how to best use it for your business or ministry.

I guess I can say YES, I have made progress over the years. Each step I have taken has taught me a skill for the next. Each time I have waited on God the results have gotten better. And, it has been worth every step because I am doing it with God.

Look at your past week- What progress have you made for your business and other projects? Give gratitude to the Father for His help. 😊

 

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

 

 

What does God PROVIDE for my business?

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God wants more for you. He wants to PROVIDE so many things so you will succeed with His Calling for you. Do you believe that? Do you want more?

Since I LOVE acronyms, I am going to share a new one. Remember, God wants you to serve Him through your work. AND, these are some of the things He will PROVIDE for you when you align with Him for your success.

PROVIDE

Promises- God gives them to you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

No matter what you are going through there is a reason and God has your best at heart. Stay close to Him through Bible study and prayer. Use your journal to pour out your heart to Him and to hear from His heart what He wants to say to you.

 

Respect- God helps you earn it. The young stepped aside when they saw me, and even the aged rose in respect at my coming. Job 29:8

Building your business means also building a good reputation. When you are doing things with excellence and integrity it shows. Be known for doing what you say you are going to do and helping others get what they want.

 

Obedience- God expects it from you. But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and . . .” 1 Samuel 15:22

We all need help to do what is right. God gives you the ability to stand up and stand out in your business when you obey what He is asking you to do. The work He has for you is unique because He created you as the only person able to accomplish it.

 

Victory- God delivers it to you. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

God’s way to do business may look different than the world’s. But that is okay! He will give you the tools you need, the method to follow, and the stamina to see it through. He wants you to succeed and He will do it for you in the way that is true for you.

 

Inspiration- God breathes it on you. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Your idea, that vision for your business came from God. He designed it just for you. He wants you to go after it with passion. He will keep you feeling motivated, even when things get tough, because you will know it is from Him and He is with you every step of the way.

 

Direction- God shows it to you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

The way to know what God wants you to do is to ask Him. By staying close to His Word, praying, and talking with God, you WILL know what the next step is to take. He gives you opportunities and allows you instances to trust Him to take that step.

 

Equipping- God prepares you. May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Hebrews 13:21a

He never gives you a Calling without having given you all you need to live it out. Every experience, value, gift, talent and even your personality are perfect for you to do what He is asking you to do. Discover these parts about YOU so you will thrive.

Provision

God has PROVIDED all you need to live out your Calling and do it in the way that is BEST for you. He has called you to be a leader in your business and show His goodness in your sphere of influence.

Align with Him and grow your leadership abilities (for your business or ministry) at the Clarity Leadership Conference & Retreat. God is PROVIDING this opportunity for you.

Learn to better connect and communicate with your clients, team, and tribe. Clarify your calling and commit to moving forward with the plans God has PROVIDED for you.

 

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

 

 

 

Promoting God through your Work

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You may know the story of the sisters Mary and Martha from the Bible (Luke 10 & John 11). If you know the story then you also immediately identify with one or the other. Each woman loved Jesus in her own way. Each woman was transformed by the experience.

Here is a quiz for you to ‘just check’ to see if you are more of a Mary or a Martha. I hope it shows you that there is a little of both inside. Read the pairs across and check the one you most identify with in that line, Mary or Martha.

Mary writes poetry Martha writes to-do lists
Mary paints canvases Martha paints the walls
Mary sings in the rain Martha sings in the choir
Mary likes chocolate Martha likes cheesecake
Mary wears jeans Martha wears heels
Mary goes to amusement parks Martha goes to museums
Mary drives a convertible Martha drives a mini-van
Mary throws a fiesta Martha throws a tea party
Mary dyes her hair fun colors Martha dyes hers to cover the gray
Mary loves tiger lilies Martha loves daisies

 

Did you see that you really do possess qualities of each woman? What I love about the story of Mary and Martha is that Jesus did not ask them to change their personalities so they could serve Him. However, He did change them.

Joanna Weaver in her book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World says, “Two completely different women undergo a transformation right before our eyes: a holy makeover. The bold one becomes meek, the mild one courageous. For it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed.” That is the real heart of the matter.

In my own book, CLARIFY, I chose to profile Martha. She is the woman I most identify with because her transformation included bringing Jesus into every part of her life. She learns when she needs to take time to be with Him and when she needs to get up and start moving.

Martha is a great example of how God wants us to approach our work. Everything she did was to please Jesus (even in her fussing). As she grew in relationship with Jesus she learned to please Him by pulling her attention away from ‘work first’ to ‘Him first’. That’s the lesson.

Are you meeting daily with the Boss to check in and get the plan? Are you taking longer meeting days to have strategic meetings with Him? Are you learning what it means to connect Faith & Business so you glorify God in your work?

I want to invite you to the Clarity Leadership Conference. It is for women ministry and business leaders. Sign up today (early bird special going on) and get CLARITY by Re-focusing on Who you are serving; Re-energizing your Own body, and Re-connecting to the ONE whose passion is in your soul to do the work you are doing. Take time to learn to be like Mary and Martha.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

A Prudent Step is a Trusting Step

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In the dream I stood on the edge of a great cliff. The tightness in my chest told me I was in a scary place (because I am afraid of heights). But I also felt very excited. An almost palpable anticipation ran through me and I tingled from head to toe.

Have you ever had a dream or vision of something God wanted you to do? These dream images followed me into the waking world and I felt the excitement of being involved in something new, something BIG. God was asking me to trust Him and take the next step He was showing me.

That was over eight years ago. The vision was too BIG then, I didn’t understand it all. It was like a huge gaping ravine out in front of me that at any minute I might fall into or be asked to throw myself into. I knew I was going to be involved in God’s plan if I trusted Him and took the steps He was asking me to take.

Is God giving you a vision? Is there a tug at your heart to do something more for God? Something BIG?

I remember that feeling, it was exhilarating and terrifying. There were times I doubted it would happen. I allowed the enemy to rob me of my progress because he always had me looking at how far I had to go. I sometimes forgot to stop and celebrate victories along the way.

But God. . . He always comes through. He always makes a way for us to see the path ahead, even if it is only a little piece. Now when I look over the precipice, I see foot stones going out across the opening. God is creating the path for me and I don’t have to be afraid (even though it is a long way down and I am still afraid of heights). Each time I obey and do something He is asking of me; another flat stepping stone appears.

That first step was hard. It took quite a long time to get moving, I can admit. But now it is fluid and I can almost glide onto the next stone before I know for sure it is really there. I trust God that much.

For me this adventure has been full of twists and turns and I have learned new lessons along the way. Some of the most important lessons have been about getting to know myself better, how I operate, how God has designed me. Now that I know ME, I see how God is carefully transforming me into His image. Christlikeness.

So, what IS God asking you to do? Create a business? Lead a team? Go into a new field or job? Write a book? Create a course? What small vision of yours is God turning into a BIG vision for Him?

What would be your first step? Take it. Say YES to God and throw yourself full force into it. It will be amazing.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

P.S. I would LOVE to help you explore this next step at the Clarity Leadership Conference. We are ALL called to Lead. Get to know your leadership style at the Conference & Retreat.

 

 

 

 

Three Ways Your Personality SERVES Your Business

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By Design

God designed your personality so you stand out in your business. What is one thing about you that you know it is ALL you? Own it and use it to show YOU.

In my business it is my LOVE for learning new things and then teaching it to others in a way they can understand. I am especially fascinated with brain research, learning styles, and business strategies. It sets me apart in my coaching by creating personalized plans to meet each client’s needs.

How can your personality help you stand out in your business?

 

By Learning

Knowing your UVP (unique value PERSONALITY) attracts your ideal clients to you. What have your learned about yourself through assessments? Use these tests to get insights about how you function and lead in your business.

When I use my Command Strength to take charge of an event. I watch my tribe relax and become the participants instead of having to be ‘on’. It is FUN to watch these leaders take a break. They trust me to bring refreshing and refocusing to their businesses.

What part of your personality do you think attracts your clients?

 

By Acting

Don’t copy others. Show YOU all the time. Be your wacky, corny, serious, energetic self. How would others describe you to someone you just met? Showing up as your whole self is the way to be authentic so they know the real you. Never bring just part of you to the party.

Being who you are takes courage. Every day when I go out into the marketplace I prepare myself before by meeting with God (my CEO) and making sure I am aligning with Him. I can only be successful being ME by continually connecting with Him. This gives me courage to be ME.

What ONE thing can you do today to be more YOU?

 

By design, God created your personality so you can serve others uniquely. By learning, you can get to know specifically how He created you special and work within those qualities to attract those you were meant to serve. By acting, you can show up doing the things He has called you to do with courage because you know Whose you are and who you are called to serve.

 

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen

P.S. Looking to know yourself better? Start with the Leadership Quiz.

 

 

Five CORE Levels for Your Business

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There are five things that make up the CORE of your God-centered business. Think of it as a triangle. Start at the bottom. The first two levels deal with Jesus and your doctrine. These make up the foundation. The third level is the strategy you use to run your business. The next level is about your values and doing what is important to you. And, at the top of the triangle you have your specific methods.

Anyone who desires to have a God-centered business will have similar foundations but God calls each of us to show up differently through our strategy, values, and methods.

Over the last few years I have grown a business that is more focused, doing exactly what I want to do serving women I really enjoy. It has not been easy. But God has been at the CORE of everything, so my good and difficult times have been beneficial to get me here.

Let’s look at how these five CORE items can help you focus on what God is Calling you to do.

Jesus

He is the reason we have meaning in anything we do. Our view of WORK comes from the Garden of Eden. God created us to take care of His creation and to multiply. We are to take His creation and be creative ourselves. It all begins with staying close to Him.

The only way for you to know what God wants from you is to spend time with Him each day. Put that appointment in your planner first. God’s wants to give you a Vision. When God calls you close to Himself and says, “Do you see what I see?” it is because you have the heart of the Father in you. Don’t neglect this important foundational level of growing your business.

Doctrine

This is your view of God. We need it to be very high. We need to know that God has given us His Word and that it contains everything we need to run our businesses His way. Only when you align yourself with God and cooperate with Him can you enjoy satisfaction in your work.

God is asking you to do something specific as you make disciples for Him. You have a personal mission to carry out the Great Commission by telling others about Him. He has chosen you to do it through your business. These two foundational levels give you a Strong Base so you can have a Great Reach.

Strategy

The way you design your business is unique. God has given you all your qualities to do it in your way. No one else can bring your brilliance into the world the way that you can. That THING He has for you must be done in a way that keeps you motivated and energized. God gives you the passion and you can live it out courageously because you are standing on a solid foundation.

Your business solves a problem that your ideal clients need solved. No matter if you decide to make a product, create a course, or coach, you have the freedom to deliver your business anyway that appeals to you. Be driven by radical compassion for those you are meant to serve and find ways to serve them best. Do not be afraid to offer your solutions and charge what you are worth. Be the leader God calls you to be and help others become leaders also.

Values

God asks us to work and play hard. We are to live to serve others. Your values help you decided what is important to you. You must do your business in a way that honors what you value. When you work in your values, that which is important to you, then you have more passion, energy and grit to keep going (even when setbacks and disappointments happen).

Values are not moral ways of acting, they are a decision-making filter. If an activity, program, or business opportunity presents itself, you have a way of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because you can pull it through the filter and see if it aligns with where God is leading you. When something doesn’t align with your values you get that dread feeling and you know it is pulling you off the path where God wants you.

Methods

Your unique style is what makes your business appealing to your ideal clients. The way you lead in your business causes others to be attracted to you and your services. For this reason, you don’t have to look at how others are working their businesses (Galatians 6:4-5). God has given you a way to show up authentically to your people. All those talents, gifts and abilities create a mix that no one else will ever replicate.

You must also stay relevant and change with the times. This means to always be growing in Wisdom. God brings people and resources into your life to help you flourish continually in your business. Be open to opportunities for improvement in your skills and leadership. Remember, your business can transform lives for Him.

 

These five CORE elements will increase your relationship with God, allow you stand firm in God’s Truth, create a business that is appealing to others, take on projects that energize and inspire you, and allow you to show up in your business as YOU.

I have used these five CORE levels to help others get close to God, grow in His Wisdom, use their uniqueness to discover a business strategy that works for them, stay true to their values, and show up whole, holy and authentic in their business.

Schedule a Clarity Session and see what I can do for your business.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

The Person Driven Life Can Be Your Life

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I have read through the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren twice now. I went through the book the first time with a group at my church when it first came out. Then recently, I lead my Christian Women’s Network Group through the book for our Bible/Book Club.

What did I learn the second time around?

I want to change the wording. . . instead of Purpose-driven life I want to change it to the Person-driven life.

AND, I want to give you three ways to look at this Person-driven life for your Business.

Relationship

First, God has created you to be in relationship with Him.

This is the easy part for me because I truly believe that if you don’t fill up on God each day you will not overflow in your life in the way you are meant to. The vertical relationship with God is what He calls us to FIRST when we accept Him as Savior and Lord our lives. Don’t think anything will go the way it is supposed to go if this relationship is not consistent and growing.

Plan

Next, God has created you to do something specific.

You are part of God’s story. You are alive now to fulfill your part in that story, HIStory. I don’t want you to think though that it is ONE thing you are to do. God leads us to different parts of our ‘something’ as we live our lives. We can only stay on the path if we are willing to meet with our ‘boss’ and align our lives with Him. Staying in God’s Will means carving out time to allow Him to speak to your heart. Listening to what His heart is for you.

Belief

Last, God has created you equipped to live out your Calling.

You are the only YOU that will ever exist. God has given you the unique qualities that are designed to help you live out your Calling. He brings ideas, resources, and growth opportunities into our lives so that we can show up as our authentic selves. Your values, strengths, gifts, and experiences all work together so you are equipped to do what satisfies you most. He really does give you the ‘desires of your heart’.

All In

God is calling you to a life that is ALL for Him. There is no division between the personal, professional and spiritual parts of your life.

Does this mean you have no ambition? No, God has given you a will to be successful.

Does this mean you don’t utilize good business practices? No, God actually brings resources that are best for you.

Does this mean you have to give all your money away? No, God wants you to be financially independent.

It does mean that you have been given the opportunity to BLESS others through your business. God has given you a way to SOLVE the problems of your clients. That’s what a business is all about, solving problems. AND, as you build your business you can BLESS others who join your team.

By focusing on this Person-driven life you have your priorities in order. God filling you up in relationship with Him. Growing in your spiritual life as you become MORE like Jesus. God revealing your part in His story. Growing in your professional life with MORE of a passion for your business. God equipping you to live out your Calling. Growing in your personal life as you learn MORE about how He created you.

God’s vision for your life if so much bigger than yours. Trust Him and take the first step. Where are you not aligning with Him: in relationship, in His plan, in belief in yourself? Get these first three things in order; be Person-driven, you will succeed.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen