DeneenTB

Helping you to do MORE for God through your Work

Prayer

Quiet Retreat- Reflect, Refocus, Reboot

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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, MARCH 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. It will give you time to look over this last quarter and plan for the next.

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

Practice Sabbath

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Sabbath is one of my favorite Spiritual Practices. It gives me 24-hours to relax, refresh, and remain connected to the Father. Do you trust God enough to take a Sabbath each week? That was the question I needed to ask myself AND I needed God to show me that I could.

Sabbath Begins

My Sabbath has evolved since I first started making this practice part of my week. At first, I wasn’t sure what to do except put away all my ‘work’. That could be hard because my mind does not stop thinking about my projects just because I don’t have it open on my computer.

So, I decided to save certain things for my Sabbath time. They are projects of a personal nature, things that truly relax me, or activities that I can indulge in without guilt. What I have found is that when I take this time apart, I come back to my work (my business) with new enthusiasm and ideas.

Another reason I decided on really showing up in an intentional way for my Sabbath is that I am not always able to go to church services. With my MS, it is not ‘restful’ for me to get up on a Sunday morning, get ready, and go to church. Since I am an entrepreneur, I need downtime for my body to recuperate after a week of working my business.

My Sabbath

What does my Sabbath look like? It starts on Saturday evening between 4-6pm and goes until that time on Sunday. I am trying a new thing by going to the Saturday service at my church as much as I am able. I like that it kicks off Sabbath for me. Each week I plan something that I am going to do. It can be something as simple as a bath to having brunch with a group of girlfriends. I love saving books to read and watching movies with my daughters.

One thing that is super important for me is an extended prayer-time with God. I do meet with God each day for Bible study and prayer, BUT this is time set apart to focus on people, projects, and relationships. It is time for me to listen to what God is impressing on me. Of course, I use my journal and colored pens to give me focus.

Begin Sabbath

What are some activities that recharge you? Think about things you really enjoy and allow yourself to do them during your Sabbath. What 24-hour period works best for you? There is no ‘set’ way to do this. God gave us the example of Sabbath way back in Genesis, not because He needed it but because He knew we would.

I would LOVE to give you a list of Sabbath Ideas to get you started. You can download them by clicking HERE.

Start this week with just one thing you really enjoy. Create the Sabbath that works for you and gives you the rest you need. Trust God that your business will be there (and flourish) when you obey His Command to Sabbath.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

Build a Life that is Whole, Holy, & Authentic

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Before Christ went to the cross He prayed for his disciples and He prayed for us too. In John chapter 17 He said, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”

Jesus prayed for you to love Him and the Father and to fulfill you part in His plan for the world. It is possible to live the life God has designed for you. It is possible to live Whole (healed), Holy (correctly), and Authentic (worthy). AND, it can be done as you serve God through your Calling and work.

Whole

We all have experiences, good and bad, that have shaped who we have become. Some experiences gave us confidence in who we are, while others tore at the core of our being and left scars.

God wants to heal you. This happens when we are in relationship with Him. Jeremiah 17:14 says, “O Lord, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!”

When we look for help outside of God, we can become confused and farther from Him. His ways and reasons are to always point us to Him first. Because Jesus died for us, we now can receive His healing and be whole.

“He (Jesus) personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

We can be who God has called us to be when we allow Him to heal the parts of us that were hurt by others, by sin, and by our own wrong choices. Each experience gives us opportunity to depend more on Him for our actions each day. We can live whole.

What hurts are you holding on to that you can give to God for healing?

Holy

Once we are believers in Jesus, God calls us into holy living. Being holy means being set apart to do something special. Our lives need to look different than others who do not know Christ. We can live holy because God gave the Holy Spirit to help us. Paul tells it to us this way, “We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.” (2 Corinthians 1:12)

Yes, we are not perfect and there will be times we disappoint God and ourselves. What is truly wonderful, is that God forgives us when we genuinely come to Him with true repentance. Sometimes we find it hard to forgive ourselves and the enemy uses that to make us feel like we will never measure up. But it is a lie.

God promises to be with us when we “. . . cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Yes, there are things we need to be doing to live correctly with God. And, as we do them (with the help of the Holy Spirit) we begin to see the fruits of living our life for Jesus: love, kindness, joy, peace, patience, self-control and more.

What thoughts play in your head and keep you from striving to be holy?

Authentic

This word is not in the Bible, but it is a popular word today. Some synonyms are true, reliable, faithful. God calls us to walk in a way that is worthy of Him. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of this, “We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.”

The word does not mean to be rude because you are ‘speaking your truth’. We are called to place others before ourselves and to meet the needs of those God has placed in our sphere of influence. Being authentic does not mean we get to do whatever we want. Being authentic allows us to show up as the transformed person God has called into relationship with Himself.

God will make you worthy of the Calling He has placed on your life. Your responsibility is to live well, “So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.” (1 Peter 1:10)

How are you aligning yourself with God to show up authentically in Him?

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God has put you in the marketplace so you can be His ambassador to those who do not know Him. You have a mission to go and make disciples and that comes from living a life that is Whole, Holy, and Authentic. God wants to heal your past, transform your present, and fulfill His plan for your future. Be the believer and disciple who lives in gratitude for all He has done for you by living to show His goodness and glory.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

How to Create a Word for Your Year

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“With a clear vision you will live on purpose and in your purpose.” -DeneenTB

I have chosen a word for the year for the last several AND it has made a huge difference in how I show up in my business and my life. Having a word gives me focus in a way that is real and allows me to have a quick filter to evaluate the opportunities that come in front of me.

Past WORDS

My first word was intentional. During that year I was creating my online presence for the first time. I needed to learn about social media, sales funnels, and leadership. Every course, workshop, class, and coaching investment went through the filter of being Intentional.

The next word was daring. During that year I was writing a book. I used my word to reach out to Podcasts, Magazines, and Influencers in order to get my name and message out. It was definitely something that was out of my comfort zone and took Daring.

Last year my word was meraki. It is a Greek word that means doing something with all your creativity, heart & soul. I looked at opportunities to advance my message and worked on projects where I could truly leave a piece of myself and feel good about it. It gave me a great focus on what I really wanted to do and what I knew God wanted me to do. If I couldn’t Meraki the opportunity, I left it alone.

Your WORD

So, how can you begin to determine your word for this year? I have three questions you can ask yourself.

  1. What is your power? Things you are good at doing, skills, talents.
  2. What is your passion? That idea/thing, that motivates, inspires, and energizes you.
  3. What is your purpose? The pull of your heart, your mission.

If I ask myself these questions (and journal the answers) I get concrete responses about goal setting, action steps, and habits. I am good at being organized and focused. I get out of bed each morning excited to work on the projects I know will help women grow in God and grow in business. I believe I was put on this earth to take away the guilt from Christian Business Women and show them how to serve God through their work.

My WORD

What is my word for this year? IMPACT

I am looking at how to have more impact on Christian Women. I am engaging in activities that will expand my tribe. I am opening up to where God wants to take me and bring more women together in a way that is new, relevant, and honoring. I will use the word to determine if an opportunity will have an impact (or not) on what God is calling me to do.

My word started brewing a few months back and has been growing. Is there a word that has been stirring in you? Use the three questions to bring it to the forefront. Oh yeah, write it down. Put it somewhere you will see it every day. It will make all the difference when you have a choice to make. It will also help you determine the next steps to take.

I would LOVE to hear what your word is going to be for 2019. Write it in the comments below and if you are still struggling. . . let’s chat. I have a FREE (no obligation) Clarity Call that will help. Click HERE to schedule your chat.

It is going to be a more focused year with your word leading the way. Ask God to bring it to your mind through the three questions. Ask Him for His guidance as you move forward in your business and life.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

Creating Disciples

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In Jesus’ day a disciple meant that you were so devoted to your Master that you would have gotten the dust of the road all over you as you walked with Him because you followed so closely.

What does discipleship mean to you?

As a follower of Jesus, you are a disciple. And, we are called to make disciples too. How can we do this through our work each day?

Here are four ways to get you started:

  1. Meet with Jesus.

Show you are a disciple of Jesus by making it a priority to meet with Him each day and listen to what He wants to say to your heart. The word discipline comes from the same root as disciple. Make this meeting a priority. You can only do what God is asking you to do if you align with Him for your success.

  1. Model the behavior you want others to follow.

This is a form of discipleship. In your work that may look like working without complaining, being helpful to others, and going beyond the expectations of your clients. It may also include the way you express yourself ‘thanking God’ for good things and talking about faith-based activities.

  1. Grow intentional relationships.

Ask God for the who and start to simply pray for them. Then look for opportunities to meet with them socially. Forming intentional relationships is the first step in discipleship. Relationships take time and can get messy. Look for ways to support and encourage before you ever share Jesus.

  1. Share your own adventure with Jesus.

Part of who you are as a believer is sharing Jesus with those around you. There are many ways to ‘show’ you are a believer, but God expects you to ‘tell’ others as well. Don’t be afraid of answering questions. Give honest answers based on your own experiences and don’t shy away from hard questions. Be willing to find the answers together.

One discipline I love is Silence & Solitude. I go on a ‘Quiet Retreat’ every quarter so I can spend the day with God and check in for a long strategy meeting. This is where I get insights as I reflect on my last quarter and plan for the next. I allow Him to speak to my heart and I evaluate how I am aligning with Him.

The hardest step is always the first one. God is calling you to live for Him 24/7. That means you are the same person in the Sunday School class, at the PTA meeting, and in the Boardroom. What is God saying to your heart about sharing Him with those you encounter every day?

What do you need to do first so that you become the disciple He desires you to be?

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

P.S. The next Quiet Retreat is scheduled for Monday, October 8th. Sign up HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Ways to Share Your Faith at Work

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The Great Commission says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” (Matt 28:19-20a)

BUT, look back at the command from Jesus. . . it begins with THEREFORE. That means there is something He said that was important before He got to this part.

It hints at the reason He gave the command to everyone present and for us today. As part of the Church, the bride of Christ, our role is to be an EZER, a helper, to Jesus.

How is this possible? How can we HELP Jesus? That’s where the THEREFORE comes into play. As we say in my Bible Study, “What is it THERE FOR?”

Back up to verse eighteen. Jesus says to his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” Woah! All authority? What does that mean?

Since Jesus died for us and took His place next to God in heaven He can do and send whomever He pleases. AND it pleases Him to send you and me into the world to be part of HIStory. You live in this time, in this culture, to personally live out the Great Commission.

He wants you to figure out your BEST way to Serve Him through your work. To live out the Great Commission through your business.

Four ways to get started

  1. Do your work with excellence

Show up with a good attitude and being helpful to others. Work with integrity and do what you say you are going to do. Build a reputation as a person who works with purpose, creativity, kindness, and encouragement. Remember, people are always watching.

“. . . shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. . .” Philippians 2:15-16 

  1. Give God space in your workday

Let people know in natural, easygoing, confident ways that you’re a Christian. Express yourself in ways that identify you with Jesus and what He is doing in your life. Don’t mentally censor your Christianity out of your interactions and conversations. You’ll be amazed at how people are often more interested in spiritual things than you think.

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Colossians 3:23

  1. Build relationships that matter

Ask God to show you one or two people He wants you to be intentional with and begin to develop a deeper relationship. Start by praying for them. Then, begin to have more interaction by inviting them to coffee or lunch. Continue the friendship by seeing them socially outside of the workday. Share yourself with them, show them your care about them, and you will get the opportunity to share your faith.

“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” Romans 15:2

  1. Change your mindset

You are in your job or have your business for a reason. You may be the only person that your coworkers, boss, clients, and team ever meet who is a believer in Jesus. See your daily work as your place to serve God. Take away the guilt about not being at the last church sponsored activity and see your workweek activity as the way you are serving God.

“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. . .” 2 Timothy 1:9

You can do this! Why? Because Jesus gave you a promise. . . “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20.

 

Want to learn more about how you can show up in your daily work doing what God is asking you to do? Connect with me for a 30-minute Clarity Session. It is FREE and there is no obligation.

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen

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

 

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.