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Helping you to do MORE for God through your Work

Faith Walk

Quiet Retreat Day

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Quiet Retreat

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.   Matthew 6:6 (NLT)

Your Day

The Quiet Retreat day will begin with a group discussion and instructions for your day in a common area. Each participant will have a room and restroom to themselves at the Retreat Center. There are various trails and places to go outdoors as well.

You may leave whenever you wish or need to do so. Before you go you will be asked to write a letter to yourself that will be given to the instructor to mail to you one month after. More detailed instructions will be given at the beginning of the day as to what to write about.

What to Bring

You will need to bring your own lunch and items for use of the beds ‘on top’ of the covers.  Recommended list of possible items: Bible, journal, writing instruments, devotional book, yoga mat, covers, pillow, etc. For outdoor activities: Tennis shoes, blanket, bubbles, etc. You may ‘do’ whatever you like in your room as long as it does not entail any noise. More detailed instructions will be given at the discussion group time if you are lacking ideas about your day.

Connect with God

The Quiet Retreat is a great way to connect your heart to God’s heart. He does speak when you take time to listen. AND, OCTOBER will be a Beautiful time to spend with Him. Do you need a Strategy Session with your CEO?

A Quiet Retreat is a very powerful way keep focused on where God wants you to go and how He wants you to continue this year.

This time is for YOU to connect to God in a way that is intimate and a true time of discovery. I look forward to guiding you through this important Spiritual Practice as you learn true intimacy with HIM.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

Suffering to Do Right

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Ready to suffer? No one is. But, as a believer in Jesus we need to be ready to suffer for doing what is right.

Many years ago I was in a job that required transporting mentally ill clients. We were in a residential treatment center so we took them to the grocery store, to their appointments, and to day programs. We were responsible for them and I took the job seriously as I drove the 15-passenger van.

Others who worked in the program were not as diligent as me. When it came to my attention that a few of them were showing up to work intoxicated I knew it would have to be me who reported it. What was even worse, the biggest violator was the boss’s own daughter.

It was not easy, and I did not make any friends. In fact, I stood alone in my accusations because the person who had told me would not back me up. But I knew it was right. After that, we had safeguards put into place to prevent this from happening again.

1 Peter 3:14 says, But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

 

When I think about SUFFERING. . . a few thoughts come to mind as I remember back on this situation.

Standing

If I had not been the one to stand up for the clients, then something horrible could have happened. I had to know what was right and be ready to say something.

Faith

Doing what is good is what we are mandated to do. God expects us to live in a way that shows our faith. That means doing the unpopular thing at times.

Risking

I thought about what the consequences would be if I did nothing and it scared me. I also thought about the awkward work environment and that I may have even lost my job.

Intentional

I could not just pray that the situation would go away. I had to make the effort to do the right thing. There could be no shying away from my responsibility.

Growth

By doing this one thing in the way God wanted, I felt empowered. My relationship with Him grew as I took one more step into being obedient.

 

It is not always in the BIG Moments that we become closer to God. It is in our everyday work as we do it with excellence, follow Christ’s example, and continue to do what is right. And the best part? God will reward you.

James 1:2-4 says, Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

So, suffering has a place and a purpose. How are you ‘suffering’ for your faith?

 

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

P.S. Grow your Faith with a Personalized Faith Plan. Only by cultivating your vertical relationship with God will you walk in obedience and grow into suffering for the right reasons.

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.

Leaning In and Working Out

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“We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.” Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead.

After I read this book I was intrigued with the idea of Leaning In . . . to God. Throughout the book one message rings clear, if you want something or want to do something then you have to stand up for it and sometimes fight for it. Are you, as a Woman of Faith, ‘fighting’ for the ONE relationship that matters most?

Let’s look into this concept LEAN IN. I love acronyms so I have devised this one to help you visualize the actions behind it.

L- listen to God

E- evaluate and reframe your viewpoint

A- access His power

N- note or place your attention, reflect

I- imitate the Father and Christ

N- His name, your reputation and whose you are.

Only by pulling together each of these actions can you grow your faith in a way that is not dependent on your church attendance but is dependent on God.

What is possible by Leaning In to God? Everything. How? First, you need to fill up on Him each day by taking time with Him. Then you can access His super-abundance by creating habits that matter. You take control of your spiritual growth by cooperating with God. AND, you show your commitment to the Father in your actions each day.

Leaning In to God takes your Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength. It begins with looking on the inside. Your Heart represents your feelings and emotions. Your Soul is that part of you that is imaginative and just knows when something is right, your intuition. The Mind incorporates your intellect and also gives you your ability to reason. Your Strength includes your actions and your experiences.

God tells us to love Him with all these parts of ourselves. Only by cultivating practices that grow your faith in a way that makes sense to you will you actually follow through and be consistent in Leaning In to God.

Imagine, Leaning In– to God, in your way; Leaning In to God the way He designed you. Don’t hold back from Him out of your fears or out of a lack of self-confidence. You can do it through the Personalized Faith Plan. Download it now and start your adventure connecting to God in a whole new way.

Raise your hand and say, “I will do it”. Step forward and make a commitment TO do it. And, Lean In to God . . .

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen

 

Fears & Consequences

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Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10

What do you FEAR? How is FEAR affecting you? AND, How can you overcome FEAR?

Types of Fears

Rejection

The fear of rejection is really the fear of people. If you go through life constantly seeking to please others in ways that will bring you happiness, you may be dealing with this fear.

Even with this fear, you naturally seek more out of life, however, because you are a people pleaser you refrain from making decisions or taking actions that might cause other people to deny you the things that you want.

Does this sound like you?

Failure

The fear of failure means going through life worrying about making mistakes, about hurting other people, and about being judged for your actions and decisions.

You can identify it in yourself if you feel like you are suffering from extreme emotions and reactions. You may be quick to anger. You also seek perfectionism and always try to do whatever it takes to over-please the people in your life.

Does this sound like you?

Success

The fear of success is possibly the most prevalent goal-oriented fear within society today. The truth is, the thought of stepping outside of your comfort zone brings a great deal of uncertainty and unpredictability that naturally stifles your decisions and actions.

You may find that you tend to procrastinate, to be disorganized, and seem to be gifted with a natural lack of productivity. These behaviors are self-sabotaging tools (excuses) you are using to lay the foundation for roadblocks toward your goals.

Does this sound like you?

Minors

Along with the above three fears, you may also deal with fears of inadequacy, change, commitment, confrontation, responsibility, and losing control. Each of these minor fears are powerful self-sabotaging forces too.

Overcoming Fears

Validate

You have no hope in the world of ever effectively dealing with something if you don’t first acknowledge that it exists within your reality. You must validate the existence of your fears (even though they are just irrational projections of your mind) in a way that will throw a little doubt and uncertainty your way.

Ask: Is this fear reasonable? Does this fear make sense?

Understand

The next step is to learn to understand your fears at a deeper and more profound level, which can be accomplished by moving back through time to gain a realization of how your fears came into existence.

Ask: Why does this fear have a hold over me? How did I originally come to fear this?

Consequences

To successfully overcome your fears, you will need to gain some leverage. You must first identify the potential losses that will come to the surface if you continue to hold onto this fear, while on the other hand acknowledging the potential gains that you are likely to achieve if you successfully overcome this fear in a rational and proactive way.

Ask: What am I likely to lose if I continue to hold onto this fear? What am I likely to gain if I manage to successfully overcome this fear?

Plan

This process involves looking ahead in time, identifying and strategically contemplating how you will deal with this fear under the blanket of different scenarios and perspectives. You must effectively determine how you will deal with your fear from an emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental perspective.

Ask: What’s the worst that could possibly happen? How will I effectively deal with this scenario?

Changing your Perspective

At this point I am going to ask you to become a courageous person. That means you are not going to simply accept reality.

A courageous person has a set of distinguishable habits that help them to successfully move through their fears and into a world of unlimited opportunities and potential. This means transforming your perspective about yourself, others and circumstances in ways that will help you overcome your fears.

Self

Believe you will achieve your goals and objectives despite your fears. Believe you will attain a positive outcome. And believe there are hidden opportunities around every corner.

Finally, have the unshakable belief that God is working for your betterment.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Others

Look at others in ways that will help to further your cause as you move through the fears and obstacles that are standing in your way. This means you must be fully committed to your goals.

Commitment is necessary as it helps you move through your fear-driven obstacles with a greater sense of determination and persistence that will keep you going despite naysayers.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:4-5

Circumstances

Identify the seeds of opportunity hidden within the problems and fears that are currently confronting. You have no limitations. Strive for seemingly insurmountable goals that keep you on your toes and moving forward each day.

Be patient and use rational thinking to encourage better and more proactive decision-making. And, have faith, faith that gives you a sense of confidence so you move beyond any obstacles.

The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?  Psalms 118:6

 

What are you fearing? How are you allowing fear to affect you? AND, How will you overcome fear?

Want someone to chat with about what you are going through as you seek to live out God’s Calling, connect with me for a Clarity Session.

 

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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.