DeneenTB

Helping you to do MORE for God through your Work

Leadership

Everything God makes is GOOD

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

You are His masterpiece. Let that sink in . . . everything God makes is good.

When you understand that God created you unique and then learn exactly how He put you together, an amazing thing happens. You begin to believe that your TRUE self is what God wants to shine through.

Get to know you

I remember the first time I took a personality assessment. All those things I thought were weaknesses and things I should change about myself were actually the very things I could embrace and use to move forward in my life and do MORE for God.

There is nothing about you that God cannot use to bring about His story in your life. You can follow His Calling no matter your background or how many times you think you have ‘messed up’. He has allowed every experience and every situation to grow you into the person He wants you to be.

What do you feel God is calling you to do that seems WAY out of your comfort zone?

Get to choose for you

Another powerful tool I use in my life is a values’ assessment. By understanding which things are important to you, it gives you the power to say NO to many things. I use my values as a filter for whatever activity, event, or opportunity arises. I pull it through my filter and if it does not align with any of my values, I get to say NO (with no guilt).

I remember a time when I was super busy and super stretched. I was always saying YES to things because they were all things that came easily to me. BUT, this is what I realized, just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it.

If you had the power, What would you LOVE to say NO to right now?

Get to show you

Showing up in any situation authentically allows you to be who God has created you to be. He wants you to bring your whole self to the Sunday School class, the PTA meeting, AND to the Boardroom.

Never apologize for being the person God created you to be. Realize that we are all on a journey to discover our best selves. Forgive others (forgive yourself) and ask for forgiveness but never stop being your brilliant self, the one God created, because He loves you.

What are you trading of yourself to only bring part of yourself to the table?

Get to grow you

Celebrate your uniqueness. Discover your personality style. Create the business you want and that God wants for you. Design your future with Him. Develop your skills so you can be ALL that God is calling you to be.

Do all this at the Clarity Leadership Retreat! Register by FRIDAY. Get moving . . .
www.deneentb.com/clarity-leadership-conference

 

Be filled to overflowing,

DeneenTB

 

Your Talents & Your Successes

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We have been lied to! There are two BIG lies that we believe:

  1. We can be anything we want to be if we work hard enough
  2. We can be the best in the world

In our American culture we have been led to believe these two lies and it is hurting our view of how God wants us to view success.

The Talents

Remember the Parable of the Talents? There were three servants who were entrusted with different amounts of money while the Master went on a trip. When the Master returned and asked the servants to account for what they had done with the money, it went like this.

Servant One: I doubled the five talents you gave me by investing it here and there.

Master: Well done. You did a great job. I’m going to give you more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate!

Servant Two: I doubled the two talents you gave me by working hard.

Master: Well done. You did a great job. I’m going to give you more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate!

Servant Three: I took the one talent you gave me and buried it.

Master: What? You are so lazy. You could at least have put it in the bank and earned some interest. Get out of my sight.

Our Talents

Our work is really our way of being ready for Jesus to return. He doesn’t want us waiting around to go to heaven to be with Him and not do something right now to show His love and goodness in the world. Our work is our response to God’s calling on our life. We are stewards of the ‘talents’ He has given us.

If you look in the Parable you will notice that the servant with five talents and the servant with two talents got the same reward from the Master. It is not about being the best, it is about doing your best with what God has given you.

So, your responsibility is to figure out what God has given you to do through your work. What success looks like when you are doing exactly what He wants you to do. AND then, trusting God for the result. The ROI for God is watching you live out your calling.

Your Talents

God wants you to live in His Presence 24/7. His only concern for you is that you are in relationship with Him. He has given you exactly what you need to live out your ‘5-2-1 Talent Life’. Change your mindset and start your ‘Talent Life’ adventure at the Clarity Leadership Retreat.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

 

Reach Your Potential

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“The secret to success can be found in people’s daily agendas. If they do something intentional to grow every day, they move closer to reaching their potential. If they don’t, their potential slowly slips away over the course of their lifetime.” John Maxwell

Business & Faith-life

Working to reach your potential begins with working on YOU from the inside out. It is like a three-tiered fountain from which water bubbles up through the center and fills the first cup, you. As this first cup slowly fills it begins to glide over the edges to the other parts of the fountain, this is you, overflowing to the other parts of your life. You cannot be the person you want to be, the person you are called to be, if you have not filled yourself up first.

Ultimately it is your Faith-life that defines how you are filling up because only by drawing from God can you hope to live in the purpose and potential you were designed to live in.

How’s that going for you? Are you setting apart time for thinking, reflecting, and sharing your heart with God?

Faith-life

There is a super-abundance of power available to you by meeting with God each day. Power to handle the day’s stresses, power to overcome the negative thoughts in your mind, power to rise above the temptations that are presented to you. You can access His Power by learning more about Him and communicating with Him.

I have been studying many Spiritual Disciplines and have come up with these eight.

Prayer & Meditation

Bible Reading, Study, & Memorization

Praise & Worship

Service & Hospitality

Fasting

Journaling

Sabbath

Creative Silence & Solitude

You can find a more detailed explanation of each of these Practices as a FREE e-book to download on my website.

Daily-life

Start today with one of these practices. The first two are internal practices. This is where your first cup on the fountain fills up, YOU. Not only do you ‘pencil in’ an appointment with God into your daily agenda . . . come to this appointment with enthusiasm and excitement about what you are going to learn about God and how your relationship with Him will grow.

Where are you stuck? How are you showing up when you attempt Bible Reading and Prayer? You CAN make time for God. You CAN be filled with His presence. You CAN tap into His super-abundance. You CAN live up to your potential. It is all found in your daily agenda and being intentional.

Business-life

John says-

Good Decisions – Daily Discipline = A plan without a payoff

Daily Discipline – Good Decision = Regimentation without reward

Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A masterpiece of potential

Apply this in your business life as well. Fill up on good things so you overflow in all parts of your life in a way that is meaningful and in alignment with your calling.

God has called you to the marketplace and He wants you to live up to your potential. He has called you to show His goodness to those in your sphere of influence. He can only work through you if He is IN you.

Are you looking for something MORE to help you connect to God’s super-abundance and tap into His power in your life? Do you want to do MORE for God in your day-to-day activities?

Join me for the Clarity Leadership Conference & Retreat. This interactive, hands-on experience will give you the tools to access God’s power in your life and live out your calling as you serve others.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

Philippians 1:9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.

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.

 

 

 

 

Build Personal Relationships that Matter

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Personal relationships are what matter for your business. Your customers & clients, colleagues & vendors, business & referral partners are attracted to you not just for what they can get from you but for who you are. God’s design for your Calling is one only you can do. And, He will bring those people into your life that will help propel you forward while allowing you to share your gifts with them.

One of the principles I have discovered is- I serve God and others by developing relationships in the marketplace. We each know that business, especially small business, is all about relationships. Have you ever thought about it as being as way to serve God?

Support Relationships

Develop relationships with like-minded people. We see this example in the Bible with Priscilla. Do you remember her? She and her husband, Aquila, were friends and business partners with Paul. They had a relationship that equipped them to live out their Calling, to tell others about Jesus, as they worked in their profession of tent making. Their relationship encouraged and supported one another as they grew the early church.

The GFYO Christian Women’s Network Group is this type of organization for you. We are a community of Christian Entrepreneurs & Business Women who come together to meet Personally, support and equip one another to go in to the marketplace. Do you have a place where people ‘get you’, want to come alongside of you, and challenge you to do MORE for God? Click here to connect with the GFYO Christian Women’s Network Group in Metro Detroit OR go to the Facebook Group to connect with Women from around the world.

Mentor Relationships

Develop relationships that allow you to share your expertise. This is the mentor relationship. You do have something to give to someone else. Again, we see this with Priscilla. She is introduced to Timothy, a young man who becomes a dynamic leader in the early church. Through her and her husband’s guidance many new leaders emerge. They were the power couple that fueled the early church movement.

In business, this mentor relationship is not new. No matter your personality you can find others who respect you and could use your guidance. We are Called by God to be leaders. Do you believe you are a leader? Do you understand how God has gifted you for leadership? The Clarity Leadership Conference may be the place you need to discover your unique leadership style and how to use it for better communication & connection in your business. Get started with a QUIZ to see if you are a heart, soul, mind or strength leader.

Your Relationships

Developing relationships that matter connects you in a way that brings out your own best qualities and improves you. Ask yourself: Who can I encourage and support both personally or professionally within a group? How can I be better committed in relationship with others so they grow?

Personal relationships serve God by giving us opportunity to show His goodness in the marketplace. As you work each day with integrity, consistency, and trust you build a reputation that reflects who you are in Christ. Continue to build relationships that matter so you have opportunities to share your faith. Continue to meet with like-minded people for support and lead your team & following in the way God designed for you.

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen