Deneen Troupe-Buitrago

Grow from your overflow

Spiritual Life

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

 

 

 

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

 

P.R.A.Y.E.R.

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Prayer, What does it mean to you when you hear the word? Do you see yourself kneeling in church, lifting your arms toward the sky, or holding hands in a group? What does it mean to Pray without ceasing? How can Prayer help your life and your business?

PRAYER is-

Purposeful. Research shows that prayer is a powerful tool for self-control; making you a nicer person; increasing your ability to forgive; increasing trust; and, offsetting the negative effects of stress. But you probably don’t need to hear this. You know that prayer and praying are good for you, right?

And, prayer is part of your planning process. In the Bible, we learn that God used Rahab, a woman with a questionable reputation, to be part of the lineage of Jesus. She trusted God when she didn’t even know Him yet. She started with a Plan. Her thoughts were her prayers. She wanted to save her family, she wanted a different life, and God redeemed her through her Planning.

Make your prayers purposeful by bringing all your plans to God.

 

Real. Talk to God in the way you would talk to a friend. God wants your vertical relationship with Him to be your most intimate. How do you connect with people in the world? Through conversation, right? When we open up to God and are honest with ourselves before Him, then we are being real.

Our deepest need is that soul longing connection with God. In a conversation with a friend there needs to be authentic communication. Guess what? It works the same way when you are talking to God. He invites you to spend time with Him. You have to agree to have real connection with Him through prayer.

Charles Spurgeon said, “You learn to pray by praying.” That is the best communication practice you have that makes connection with God Real.

 

Adjustment. We are all following a path in this life. Some paths are straightforward while others meander in different directions. No matter where they go or how they are travelled we are each on our own path. It is okay. Galatians 6:4-5 says, 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.

God wants us to align with Him for our success. He will give you the vision for what He wants you to do. AND you know what? He also equips you to do what He is calling you to do. By staying in communication with Him through daily prayer you stay close to Him, know His will, and have no fear for the adventure.

Prayer can look different too. Find a way to pray that helps you connect to God. (For me it is using my colored pens & pencils in my Journal.)

 

Yielding. God’s will for you is better than you can imagine. The vision you have for your business was put there by God. He asks us to be satisfied in the place He has us now; then we are ready to move into the next phase. Do you really believe He has your best interest at heart?

Remember, 10% of life is what happens to you and 90% is how you react to it. So, the more you pray then . . . the better you can handle any situation. Do you see the logic? God wants to transform you into His image. He wants you to see your work as your way of serving Him. AND, He wants you to place Him at the head of life and business. Trust Him by doing what He is asking you to do.

Plus, prayer is your first line of defense so you show up in your business exactly as God planned for you.

 

Expectation. Your definition of success needs to be what God has designed for you. Many times, we can be caught up in the world’s definition of success. God has so much more for you. Celebrate successes along the way. Each time you obey God, success. Each time you make progress, success.

Expect God to show up in BIG ways for you. Ask Him for outrageous things. That vision He gave you when you began your business is small compared to where He wants to take you. And, don’t worry about feeling equipped. He will bring the resources you need to help you when you most need it.

Pray prayers of gratitude for all He has given you so far AND prayers of expectation as you plan the future together.

 

Routine. Have you found it hard to find time to pray? Do you think you are not good at praying? Are you not able to focus when you pray? You are like me (and a lot of others who are not being honest). I want to share a simple technique. Instead of working through an entire hour, stop what you are doing at the end of a ‘50-minute hour’ and allow yourself to switch gears by re-charging your brain. (This is science.)

Sit comfortably and quiet your mind by focusing on your breathing. Close your eyes or focus on an object/picture. Just breath normal and bring your attention to the breath moving in and out of your nose. Then feel the breath moving your chest and stomach as you inhale and exhale. Give yourself a minute or two just focusing on it. This gives your brain needed oxygen (yes, you will start to breath deeper, it is natural).

Now move into intentional thinking: Prayer

  • One thing you are Grateful for
  • One thing that is a Concern for you
  • One Friend
  • One Family member

No more than these four points. You can write it down or just think through it. By doing this exercise at various times during your day you will accumulate several minutes of prayer that will be better for your brain, your body, and your soul.

 

Pray, Plan, Pray MORE.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

 

 

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

 

We have given away our POWER

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As a believer in Jesus I am sad that we have given away our power. We have God’s own Spirit living inside of each of us and yet we throw up our hands and say, “The world is getting worse. What can we do?”

We can CHANGE the Culture, that’s what we can do. How? By standing up and being counted as Christians in the marketplace. By not segmenting our lives so that we don’t take Jesus with us from the Sunday pew to the Monday workplace. By acting like we are in survival mode instead of on the front line in the fight for the very souls of those around us.

Christ says, “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:33 Silence is also Denial. Are you silent about WHOSE you are? Are you silent about your FAITH?

The problem with many of us is that we believe in God when it is convenient. We are not really standing on His Truth, instead we are allowing the truth of society to corrupt and persuade us. If we truly believed that God has control of every part of our lives we would not give up so easily when confronted with the issues of the world. We would be Brave and stand up for what we are taught through God’s Word.

There will always be haters no matter what you do. Why not stand on the Truth of Christ in your life and give them a reason to TRY and hate you as you show God’s goodness each day? To live fully as a believer in Jesus you must embrace Him in every part of your life, ESPECIALLY in your Work.

The power of God is displayed when Christians unite and realize they CAN do something to influence the Culture. Where are you working in the Culture? Government, Business, Education, Arts & Entertainment, Economics, Media? YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. We can all Make a Difference if we work together.

Live in freedom! Stop following rules and just allow God’s LOVE to come through in all your interactions. Stop trying so hard to do good things, just show God’s GOOD in your life and in the world. Galatians 5:1 “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

We must Connect our Faith to what we do each moment. We must be not only be physically and intellectually connected when we are in our every day activities, but we have to be spiritually connected as well. Do you see God moments in your moments? Do you see opportunities to step into your Truth as you work, play, and interact with the world?

God is CALLING you into His Vision for your life. A Vision of inclusiveness of all your parts. No more segments, no more compartments, no more Silence. Take the Power inside you, God’s Power, and use it to be ALL that He is Calling you to be.

Find out more about Connecting Faith & Business by scheduling a Clarity Session with me. Go to www.Calendly.com/deneen for your 30-minute FREE Session.

Be filled to overflowing,

Deneen

 

How to Show Your Faith at Work

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We have been slowly unraveling what it looks like to show up in your work as a Christian. Your faith is part of who you are and there should be no pieces left behind as you go to your work each day. There should only be wholeness.

So, how can you show your faith at work and not break some unwritten, unspoken rule? Before we look at that, let’s back up for a minute and talk about where you are in relationship to faith and business.

Faith Levels

There are basically four types of Christians in the marketplace. Where do you place yourself?

  1. A Christian who is simply trying to survive.

You see no purpose in your job or business. It is the time between weekends. Your life is compartmentalized and you don’t see how your work has anything to do with your faith. You feel defeated in your faith.

      2. A Christian who is living by Christian principles.

You live your life ethically and morally. You like a set of structures and systems that are proven and make you feel like you are doing something. You want to do the right thing and that includes being good at what you do both at work and at church. The two never mix and you can be a little overwhelmed

      3.  A Christian who is living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

You have a heart toward God and are actively listening to what He wants to tell you. Prayer, Bible study and obedience to God are important to you. You also seek out opportunities to show God’s goodness in your marketplace.

     4.  A Christian who is transforming their workplace for Christ.

You have a mindset that is looking at the big picture to change the world for Christ. You see yourself as an integral part of what God is doing. You are looking to have a bigger impact in your industry so you can change it for good by watching for and acting on ‘God-incidences’ that show His power.

Source: Ed Silvoso, Anointed for Business

 

1 Corinthians 6:17 says, “. . . the person who is joined to the LORD is one spirit with Him.”

Do you think that by showing your faith through your work, you are breaking the rules? Are you afraid to move into the deeper levels of connecting your faith and business because you will get into ‘trouble’?

Faith Solutions

God has you at your job or in your business for a specific purpose. It requires a mindset shift to see your work as the place God wants you to show up as who He created you to be. He doesn’t want you sitting around, waiting to go to heaven. He began this relationship with you and now asks you to trust Him to start to show it by having a good attitude and seeing others as He sees them.

God has given us all we need to show others our faith. He has you ‘on mission’ as you enter your work week. There is no difference between the church you, the parent you, the friend you or the work you. Every place you go God is asking you not to follow a set of rules so you can check off the boxes. He wants to equip you to feel like you are the same person in all situations. He wants a you that is integrated and living to please Him in all things, not the expectations of others.

Growing your personal relationship with Jesus is important. Only by getting into the Bible on your own will you grow your faith so that it can overflow in your life. I always say, “If you are so filled up with God, He can’t help but stick out all over the place in your life.” This is where God wants you, in a relationship where He can show you just how wonderfully He designed you. See yourself as Christ’s ambassador in your workplace and business. You are to impact your sphere of influence and that includes the people you see during your working/waking hours.

God called you to step out and do more for Him as your live your Christian faith. It is not part of your life, it is ALL of your life. You have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you. Pray and ask God for His Spirit to give you the confidence to walk in His truth, His love, and His power as you enter your work week. Look for ways to be helpful, have a good attitude, and show others you care about them. God wants you to work with excellence not just for the paycheck but for Him.

Faith Life

God is looking for those who will step up to follow Him no matter the cost. He has you in your work (that job or business) so you can live out and share the gift He has given you. Bring your whole self to your work each day. Believe you are in relationship with Him so you can have relationships that matter with others.

There is no rule at work that says you cannot be you. God’s goodness comes through when you take time to listen to a colleague or invite someone to lunch to get to know them better. God designed you to be in community and to care about others. It is messy, but it is necessary. The more others know that you care about them, the more open they will be to hear about your faith. The more you open up about Whose you are, the more opportunities you will see to live whole, holy and authentic.

 

Be filled to overflowing,

 

Deneen