Category: Productivity

Faith/

At His Word

I think the title of this post is my new favorite phrase right now. “At His Word” reminds me that Jesus is the one who makes all things possible even when we want to give up. Recently, I read through Luke chapter five and one of the most often repeated bible stories came alive for me in a new way. Here is the account from Luke 5:1-6 when Jesus sat in the boat teaching the crowd and what followed:

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him (Jesus) to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

I have read this passage many times. I always think of the fish and the nets overflowing and how excited the fishermen must have been after not catching anything all night. After their unsuccessful trip they were ready to stop, go home, probably rest, and make plans for the next fishing trip. However, that’s not what happened. This time Jesus was there, in the midst of their circumstances. That changed everything.

Jesus told Simon to push out into the deep to fish. Simon told Jesus they had toiled all night and not caught anything (as if Jesus didn’t already know), but “at your word,” we go again. Their nets were so full, they overflowed and broke. What made the difference? Jesus did! His presence. His word. Because He said so, Simon was willing to try again. They had done all they could, used all their training and skill, but came away empty handed. They did everything right, but Jesus made all the difference. Now I don’t know whether Simon thought, “I will do it and show you it won’t work.” Was he simply acting out of obedience even though he may have doubted their success? Or was he fully stepping out in faith trusting in Jesus? We don’t truly know what Simon was thinking. We just know he acknowledged he was doing it because of the word Jesus spoke.

Why did the simple phrase “at your word” grab my attention this time? I thought about the many times I have tried things my own way, in my own timing and my own strength and they didn’t work. Even though I was weary from my efforts, I know there are instances when God told me to try again. As creatives, we pour ourselves into our work and often face rejection. We don’t get that publishing contract, record deal, or whatever we are working to achieve. However, this story reminds me to be ready so when God tells us to go back and do it again, we are willing to obey. We must have the faith to trust that if God tells us to do it again, He has a blessing on the other side for us.

How many times have we tried to complete a project? How many times has our work been rejected? How often have we gotten discouraged when we didn’t see the results of our hard work pay off? It happens so often; we probably want to give up. Like Simon, we might be doing everything right with all the knowledge, training, and skill we have, yet we still come up empty handed. we see someone else succeeding and we decide to copy what they are doing since our efforts have failed. Maybe we see the success of others and decide to copy what they are doing, hoping that will make the difference. I can tell you it absolutely will not. God doesn’t give each of us unique gifts and abilities so we can copy someone else.

God wants us to walk in relationship with Him so that when He speaks to us, we hear His word and know exactly what to do and when to do it.

When He tells us to try again, be willing to step out one more time “at His Word” just like Simon did. Although, we may be reluctant to step out because of previous failures, trust Jesus when He speaks. If we are doing what we are called to do, we must not give up. One day, God will speak and put His word into action over the situation and breakthrough will come. We will see Ephesians 3:20 in action with “him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” Doors will open, divine appointments will happen when we least expect them. At His Word Jesus can fill our nets. At His Word He can bring dead things back to life.

Keep trying and don’t give up so when your “at His Word” moment happens you will be ready to pull your net in. If Simon had not still been in position with the boat, the net, and the other fishermen, he would not have been in place to receive that Word, act on it and then pull in the overflow.

Productivity/

How to Overcome Feeling Stuck

What happens when you feel like you are stuck in a rut creatively? Whenever I feel like I am stuck, I find myself doubting my ability to create anything at all ever again. Where did the new ideas and inspiration go? Where is the motivation?

As a creative artist, I believe we need to keep ourselves open to the Creator who inspires us. Sometimes, it may feel like we’ve lost that inspiration or even the joy of creating and it has simply become another task to check off our to-do list. I honestly do not believe that is the best way to function when we are partnering with God in the gifts, He has placed within each of us. I also know in this world we live in, we have so many other responsibilities that pull on our time and energy, that distract us from the creative work we want to do.

We all have different reasons why we might feel stagnant in our creativity. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to take a break. I have compiled a list of ideas that have helped me when I have hit a wall in my writing.

*Listen to music that inspires

*Read a book or article or blog you enjoy

*Look at other creatives that inspire us in a different medium

*Talking through ideas may help bring clarity

*Do something completely unrelated for fun – go for a walk, exercise, connect with a friend…etc.

*Pray for wisdom, seek God’s direction for your project.

Sometimes, we must simply be still, listen, pray, and wait for God’s guidance. Learn to be patient and give yourself grace. Do not rush the work. You can learn a lot in the midst of waiting that can be incorporated into your work. Our creative work is not about checking off boxes for the sake of saying we are productive. We should focus on the inspiration God gives us and when we do that, we will be able to produce the best work because it’s not about what we can contribute, but about what God wants us to do.

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.

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