Month: May 2023

Productivity/

Faith-Fueled Habits for Christian Entrepreneurs

Daily habits are an absolute non-negotiable when it comes to shaping your life and business.

As I inch closer to celebrating four years in my copywriting and brand storytelling business, I can’t help but think about the role habits have played in my journey. And so, I thought about digging into some daily habits that will not only deepen your spiritual walk but also elevate your entrepreneurial dreams in the most glorious way. So, let’s jump in!

Faith-fueled actions can lead to extraordinary results. Today, let’s focus on one actionable step we can take towards our creative goals and commit it to prayer.

One of my favorite ways to start the day is by counting my blessings and expressing gratitude to God for His infinite goodness. Over the years, I’ve developed a morning routine that centers around appreciation. As soon as I wake up, even before I’ve had my first sip of coffee, I take a few quiet moments to reflect on the abundance that surrounds me. It’s an uplifting way to recognize the grace and favor that permeates my life.

I also find that journaling amplifies my sense of thankfulness. Writing down what I’m grateful for not only helps me remember God’s blessings but also makes me more aware of them in my day-to-day life. It’s like holding a magnifying glass up to the goodness of God. The more I express gratitude, the more I notice the small and big blessings that I might otherwise take for granted.

Along with this, I find solace in meditating on His promises. Whether it’s a verse from the Bible or a message I felt Him impress upon my heart, these reminders of His unwavering love and faithfulness serve as anchors for my soul, especially during challenging times.

This habit, inspired by Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it,” sets a positive tone for my day. By starting my mornings steeped in gratitude, I feel more grounded, optimistic, and ready to face whatever the day brings. After all, a heart full of thanksgiving is a wonderful platform for a day full of promise. I’ve also found that one of the most effective ways to ensure a productive day ahead is by planning it in advance.

About 30 minutes before I wrap up my workday, I take some time to plan for the next one. But this isn’t just about jotting down to-dos or penciling in meetings. It’s a thoughtful process that involves inviting God into my decisions and creative tasks.

Here’s what it typically looks like for me: I start by reflecting on my goals for the upcoming day. What tasks are most important? What deadlines are approaching? Where do I need to allocate most of my energy? Then, I take these considerations to God in prayer. I ask for His guidance and wisdom, trusting Him to lead me in making the most of my time and talents.

During these moments of prayerful planning, I often find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m reminded that even in the busiest of days, God is with me, guiding each step I take. Proverbs 16:3, which says, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans,” has been a great source of comfort and encouragement in this respect.

Including prayer in my planning process does more than just organize my day; it infuses it with a spiritual perspective. As I align my tasks with my purpose and seek God’s guidance in my plans, I find that my workday becomes not just about getting things done, but about serving God and others through the work I do. This way, my planning becomes more than a routine—it becomes a spiritual discipline that strengthens my relationship with God and centers my work on Him.

Prayerful planning is an opportunity to lay your desires at God’s feet and invite Him to shape your path.

Now, in the midst of a busy entrepreneurial life, I’ve learned the importance of intentionally carving out time for spiritual nourishment. It’s not always easy, given the demands of running a business, but I firmly believe that tending to my soul is just as crucial—if not more so—as tending to my business.

For me, this daily nourishment takes a variety of forms. It involves diving deep into the Bible, savoring the wisdom and guidance found in its pages. I may study a specific book, focus on a particular verse, or simply read a passage and meditate on its meaning. I’ve found that immersing myself in God’s Word not only fuels my faith, but it also often offers insight and inspiration that I can apply in my business.

I also like to read different devotions that align with my current season in life or business. Then there are days when I choose to listen to uplifting podcasts or sermons. The wisdom, teachings, and testimonies shared in these can be incredibly inspiring and uplifting, reminding me of God’s presence and provision in my entrepreneurial journey.

As an entrepreneur, I appreciate the immense value of social media. It’s an incredible tool for connecting with potential clients, sharing my journey, and promoting. But like many powerful tools, it’s a double-edged sword. Without proper boundaries, it can easily consume too much time and energy, or even lead to unfavorable comparisons or negativity.

Over the years, I’ve learned to set healthy boundaries with my social media usage. For me, this starts with being intentional about when and how I use these platforms. Instead of allowing it to permeate every free moment, I decide on specific times to engage with social media and stick to them. This could mean setting aside an hour in the evening for updates and interactions, and then closing the apps for the rest of the night.

But it’s not just about limiting screen time; it’s also about cultivating a healthy mindset towards social media. This means focusing on purposeful interactions, seeking to inspire others with my posts.I also recommend that you guard your heart when navigating these digital spaces. It’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when every post seems to highlight someone else’s success. Remind yourself that social media is often a highlight reel, and that everyone’s journey – including their challenges and success is unique.

So, I’ve got to admit that I’ve always been a big believer in the power of personal development. The journey towards growth and improvement, both personally and professionally, is a continuous one. One of the ways I invest in my personal development is by reading.

Whether it’s a book about entrepreneurship, a Christian-themed book, I constantly seek out resources that can broaden my perspective, improve my skills, or deepen my faith. I’ve found that reading not only fuels my knowledge but also sparks creativity, provides insight, and fosters empathy – all of which are invaluable in my work and life.

I also set aside quiet moments for reflection. This can be as simple as reviewing my day before bed, meditating on scripture, or journaling about my experiences and thoughts. These reflective moments offer me a chance to gain self-awareness, assess my growth, and align my actions with my values and goals.

The words of 2 Peter 3:18 inspire me in this journey: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” I take this to heart, striving each day to grow not just in my professional expertise, but also in my understanding and experience of God’s grace.

One thing I try to do is maintain a certain degree of flexibility in my schedule. This means recognizing that not everything will go according to plan and being willing to adapt when necessary. It also means allowing space for spontaneity, for those unexpected opportunities or moments of inspiration that don’t neatly fit into a predetermined schedule.

And most importantly, I’ve learned to prioritize rest. Contrary to what our always-on, hustle-centric culture might suggest, rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s an opportunity to recharge physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s a time to step back, reflect, and gain fresh perspective. And it’s a way to honor our bodies and minds, acknowledging our human limitations and the need for balance.

Personally, I spent too much of my time in go-go mode and not resting as I should when I worked in TV news. My mind felt like it was always on. That was one of those things that I didn’t want to take into my life as an entrepreneur. I find great comfort and encouragement in Jesus’s words in Mark 6:31: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus understood the importance of rest, both for Himself and His disciples. I tell people, if you think you can’t find moments of rest, then just think of Jesus taking a nap in the middle of the storm.

For me, it’s not enough to simply run a business; I strive to make it a vessel for spreading God’s love. I seek to weave His love and values into my services, and messaging. Whether it’s through infusing ethical practices into my operations or creating a work environment that fosters kindness and respect to my team members and clients, I want every aspect of my business to reflect God’s light. I see my business as a way for sharing His love with others, and it’s a privilege to use my entrepreneurial endeavors as a means of glorifying Him. Colossians 3:23 serves as my guiding principle, reminding me to work with all my heart as if I am working for the Lord Himself.

It’s so important for me to keep in mind that the resources entrusted to me are not solely for my benefit, but also for the advancement of God’s kingdom. I prioritize managing these resources wisely, making informed decisions that align with God’s principles. Effective budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding the importance of saving and investing are integral parts of my business practices. Luke 16:10 serves as a constant reminder that faithfully managing the little entrusted to me opens doors for even greater opportunities.

Joy is a compass that guides my entrepreneurial journey. I make a conscious effort to maintain a positive mindset, celebrating both small and big achievements along the way. I find joy in the process itself, appreciating each step of the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination. When faced with challenges or doubts, I remind myself of the joy that comes from pursuing my God-given dreams. Nehemiah 8:10 inspires me to find strength and joy in the Lord, regardless of external circumstances. With joy as my compass, I can navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, spreading positivity and inspiring others to embrace joy in their own lives.

Faith-fueled habits aren’t just about productivity – they’re about nurturing our souls.

Hopefully, this is helpful for you. At the end of the day, daily habits truly have the power to shape your life and business.

Now, I want to hear from you. What daily habits have had the most significant impact on your life and business? How do you integrate spirituality into your entrepreneurial journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Mental Wellness/

How to Overcome Burnout as a Christian Creative

Burnout has a way of easily sneaking up on you. It’s hiding behind your painting easels, laptops, and sewing machines. But guess what? With your faith, some self-care, and a whole lot of God’s grace, you can overcome it.

As a copywriter and brand storytelling strategist, I spend my week swimming in a sea of words, ideas, and strategies. I dart between crafting compelling narratives, to shaping brand identities, all while equipping you here at The Virtuous Creative. By the time Friday arrives, my mind often feels like an overused sponge—thoroughly wrung out and gasping for some replenishing moisture. Can you relate?

Personally, I’ve found solace in a few restorative activities including exercise, fresh air, journaling, practicing hand lettering. These may sound simple, even mundane, but don’t underestimate their power! And so, keeping that in mind, let’s jump into more ways to overcome burnout and rekindle the joy in our creative journey.

1. Spot those warning signs

Every creative knows that the details matter. In the same way, pay close attention to the subtle signs your body and mind might be giving you. Burnout often begins quietly, perhaps as constant tiredness, an inability to sleep, forgetfulness, or even just a persistent feeling of sadness. You might feel less motivated, less inspired, or find it harder to concentrate. These are your body’s warning signs, just like the flickering light of a candle about to go out. Remember Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” When you’re weary, it’s not a signal to push harder, but a call to rest, recharge, and reconnect with your Source of strength.

2. Self-Care matters 

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and self-care is the art of preserving and maintaining this temple. This can be as simple as designating a quiet day at home, watching your favorite movie, or trying a new recipe. Don’t forget mental and emotional self-care too. Start that book that’s been gathering dust on your shelf or write your thoughts and feelings in a journal. The process of translating feelings into words can be therapeutic and offers you a new perspective.

3. Boundaries are your best friends

Listen, I know you’re often wearing many hats. You might be a graphic designer juggling multiple clients, a potter with a bustling Etsy shop, or a blogger continuously researching and writing. It’s essential to draw your work-life boundary line with the confidence of an artist sketching her masterpiece. Remember, even God set boundaries when creating the world, separating the heavens from the earth (Genesis 1:7). Boundaries are not only okay—they’re necessary and healthy. So, follow His example and don’t feel guilty about it. Your work will benefit from you being at your best, and you can only be at your best when you’re well-rested and balanced.

4. Keep the faith

In the whirlwind of creative entrepreneurship, it’s easy to forget to nurture your spirit. Yet, your faith is your anchor, your compass, your source of strength. Set aside some quiet time each morning for prayer or Bible study, just like Jesus did. This spiritual primer to your day can make all the difference. When you begin your day with God, you’re reminded of His love, His promises, and His strength that carries you, especially on the tough days.

5. Find support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of fabric swatches, the endless blog drafts, or the countless jewelry beads, don’t hesitate to reach out. Seek and give support, be it from a friend, a mentor, or a therapist. Share your struggles, your doubts, your victories. Not only will you feel less alone, but you might also find that your story inspires and encourages others who are on a similar journey.

6. Embrace the Sabbath

The Sabbath is more than just a day off—it’s a day of rest, joy, and celebration of God’s creation (Exodus 20:8-11). It’s an invitation to stop, to breathe, to delight in the world around you. So, once a week, put down that camera, close your laptop, leave your studio, and step outside. The Sabbath is a reminder that we are human beings, not human doings.

7. Get creative with your creativity

If you’re a professional illustrator, try baking a new recipe. If you’re a wedding planner, explore painting. Engaging in different creative activities outside your work can spark new ideas and approaches. It’s like adding new colors to your palette—it keeps your creativity fresh and vibrant! These creative side projects could also turn into a relaxing hobby that you look forward to, providing a break from your usual routine.

8. Balance

Now, it’s a given that you’re passionate about our work. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between passion and practicality Just like a perfectly balanced composition in a photograph or a well-structured story, balancing work, rest, and play in our lives creates a harmonious rhythm that wards off burnout. It’s about knowing when to press on and when to pause, when to give and when to receive, when to work and when to rest.

9. Mindfulness and gratitude 

Just as an artist pays attention to every detail and a writer chooses every word carefully, be mindful of each moment. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, sketching a new design, or praying, be fully present. This can lower stress, increase enjoyment, and promote a greater understanding of yourself and your emotions. And also, express gratitude. Gratitude is the art of seeing and celebrating the good in every situation. It’s a joy multiplier, a perspective changer. Express gratitude for the blessings, big and small, in your life. Write them down in your journal, say them out loud in your prayers, or share them with a friend.

10. Embrace community 

Find or form a group of like-minded Christian creatives—whether it’s local or online—where you can share experiences, exchange ideas, pray together, and support each other. This is just one reason why I started The Virtuous Creative. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

In a community, you’re not just giving—you’re also receiving. You’d be surprised how much encouragement, inspiration, and strength you can draw from others. Plus, it’s always more fun to navigate the peaks and valleys of the creative journey with companions by your side! This mutual support and encouragement can be an incredible balm against the burnout that can come from feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

So, there you have it, my virtuous creatives! Ten things to add to your anti-burnout kit. But remember, just like any masterpiece, overcoming burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, a journey, a work-in-progress. It takes patience, practice, and a whole lot of grace. But trust me, it’s worth it. Your creative work has the power to inspire, to uplift, to transform. So, take care of yourself, because the world needs your creativity, your vision, and your unique expression of God’s love.

Now, I want to leave you with this verse from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Yes, even overcome burnout. With His strength, His love, and His grace, you’re not just surviving – you’re thriving!

Nutrition/

Nourishing Your Body: The Biblical Way

Summer is coming up and many of us might be wanting to focus more on our health. This could be for an upcoming vacation, a summer goal, or for any reason. All of these reasons are great! However, it can be easy for some of us to fall back into certain tendencies and begin to lose some of our motivation over time. When daily schedules and life events begin to pile up, searching for quick and easy alternatives can be tempting. Even hardships can bring us off of our routines and make us fall into bad habits. What some of us fail to realize is that God gives us guidance in order to keep our health at balance in a book many of us have already at home.

Here are some guidelines to remember from our Heavenly Health Coach:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

In today’s culture, food has become mainstream. It is more about mass production, choosing an XL combo, who’s a foodie, and the best deal. It seems as if food is always in our faces which leads to excessiveness and lack of awareness. There is little time to thank God or truly appreciate the food in front of us that comes from God’s creation. Remember your prayers and to thank God before every meal. This will help develop our gratitude for what we have been given and keep us mindful of the true place our food comes from.

And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. – Genesis 2:

With modern day groceries and food products, there also comes preservatives. Many of these preservatives are extremely harmful for our bodies and can deteriorate our health. God made our food natural, and preservatives are not natural. He made food for us to nourish our bodies with proper nutrition. And while many preservative filled foods can be as tempting as the forbidden fruit, it is better for us to stay away from them and their harmful effects. If we remember that our food is pure and given to us by God for our benefit, then this can help us in making better choices with the food we eat.

“Do not go to excess with any enjoyment, neither become a glutton for choice foods; For sickness comes with overeating, and gluttony brings on nausea.” – Wisdom of Ben Sira 37: 29-30

Have you ever groaned that you ate too much and needed to go to the medicine cabinet for some relief? While we can get sick from spoiled food or viruses, we shouldn’t be too full to where we make ourselves sick. Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins. Not only for how harsh of a sin it is, but because it actually can become deadly. Too much of anything isn’t good and if we eat too much, we are hurting our organs and their functioning which can eventually lead to death. Sin destroys and we shouldn’t let sinful food habits destroy us. Remember to eat proper portions and see how good eating a balanced meal really can be!

“Take also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils and millet, and spelt and put them in one vessel…” Ezekiel 4:9

If you’re looking for a good place to start in eating healthier, Ezekiel bread is the way to go. This bread can be made at home or bought from nutritional brands who carry it. With these ingredients alone, we are given plenty of protein, fiber, amino acids, minerals, and more. One important mineral that is lacking in our food and diet is Selenium, which helps in boosting immune function, improving hair and nail health, fertility, supporting a healthy thyroid, etc. Remembering to eat healthy food can strengthen us in many ways. And what better way to get these benefits than from bread? After all, Jesus did say that bread is life!

Following these guidelines may seem hard to do at first, but anything is possible through faith, patience, prayer, and making God your first form of strength.

Keeping God included in your diet will help keep you on the right track and guide you to feeling better on the inside and outside.

When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you look good. Why? Because God is all good. Remember that God is at your right hand and is holding your hand each and every day. Remember that He is there whenever you pick up your next plate and ask yourself…

Will this tighten my grip with God or loosen it?

 

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