Friday, May 28, 2010

Remember Memorial Day Blessings


"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that weshall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, supportany friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the successof liberty." -John F. Kennedy

Memorial Day is the time to remember those who have fought for our liberty as a nation. As Americans, we have a proud legacy of, and give high value to, freedom.

As women in business in America, we have every opportunity available to us. As Christians, we have every promise, opportunity and freedom in the Lord. What are we doing with this abundant freedom?

God has a good work that He prepared in advance for you to do. Your work in the Lord (yes, that includes what you do Monday through Saturday as well) has eternal significance. That being said, learn from yesterday, cherish today and seize your tomorrow. Embrace your God-given freedom to the fullest!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

From Mommy to Mom to Mother

My own Mom just sent me this heart-warming, and all-too-true message (author is unknown). I thought I would share this inspiration with you - to the business women with children.

MOTHERS:
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up....
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother........

The Images of Mother:
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom...

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from within her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

http://www.kbwomen.com/

Monday, May 17, 2010

Sistergirl Devotions Book Review

There aren't many who are speaking to the business women of faith right now. I can think of just a handful of people that I know of, and I was thrilled to find one more recently. Her name is Carol M. Mackey, and she is the author of a book called "Sistergirl Devotions - Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job."

Now, I know that devotionals are supposed to be read one section per day, but...These bite-sized pearls of wisdom from Carol are so good! It was too hard to read just one - sort of like potato chips!

I appreciate her writing style, which is both practical and filled with spiritual wisdom at the same time. Each devotional topic has a "Power Move" as she calls it, which drives home the main point while giving steps on how to make it happen. She also includes a "My Confession" statement at the end, which is similar to what an affirmation would be. It is a statement of intention, such as "I will seek God's direction for my life as I work toward the vision He's given me," found on page 129.

Next month, Carol M. Mackey will be our guest on KBWomen Radio! She will share information about herself, her book and what it's like to be a Christian woman in business and an author. You can find out more about our Monday morning KBWomen Radio shows at this link: www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio. We are a part of the CWA Radio Network.

Pick up a copy of "Sistergirl Devotions" and feed your soul and spirit each day as you take your faith into the world of business. I love hearing the stories of what God is doing, and has done, in someone else's life. It gives me hope, insight and inspiration. Thank you Carol!

Posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Inner and Outer Work of Faith


As business women of faith, you and I are involved in a lot of work on a daily basis; business, ministry volunteering, households, family, relationship building, etc., etc.

As I see it, we have two kinds of work in our lives.

1. The Inner Work - personal development, spiritual renewal, renewing mindsets, and attitudes, and things like that.
2. The Outer Work - things that we are doing daily - the actions we are taking.

Examples of inner work include:

  • Attitudes (adjustments :-))
  • Changing wrong mindsets and limiting beliefs about ourselves
  • Self-image
  • Conforming to the image of Christ
  • Becoming spiritually mature
  • Taking off old, unhealthy habits
  • Becoming aware of our values

Some of my personal inner work that I've done (and am still doing in some cases) are things like:

  • Self-confidence
  • Getting skills
  • Making sure my self-image matches who God says that I am
  • Checking my attitudes and motives
  • Learning to hear from God better
  • New mindsets about money

Now let's talk about outer work. Outer work is the wise, effective actions that we take in our lives on a daily basis. For example, today I sang at a wedding, helped my children clean their rooms, worked on business emails, wrote on my book project, etc. The outer work that you and I are involved in should stem from the inner work that is going on in our hearts and minds. What do you value? What do you believe in? That should show up in the outer work you're doing.

In life and in business, examples of outer work include:

  • Planning
  • Scheduling your time
  • Setting up systems
  • Building relationships/connections
  • Writing
  • Volunteering
  • How we spend our money
  • Caring for our families
  • The words that we speak
The words that we speak to others (and to ourselves) is a great example of how the inner work works its way out. When we endeavor to live and follow God, we have to change our vocabulary and change some of the old habits with the words we say (or don't say anymore).

Note: With the inner work and outer work both, we should remain teachable and continuously learning. You and I are not know-it-alls! Even though we might want to, the truth is that we just don't know everything. When we remain teachable, we leave ourselves open to the wisdom and growth that God wants to see in our lives. Do not allow pride or laziness creep up, because it will if we let it.

As entrepreneurs and business women who continue to learn, develop our skills and change bad habits into effective habits, God will be able to use us in a powerful way because of our willingness to do this inner and outer work. Maybe there are some who do not value this growth, but we will become better people for it.

Don't give up on the inner work, and persevere with the outer work! I pray that God blesses the work of your hands, and have a great day. Blessings to you.
~Krista Dunk http://www.kbwomen.com/

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Friday, May 7, 2010

Mother's Day Blessings


To all the mompreneurs and business women with children, blessings to you this Mother's Day weekend.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9

Without your good work, think of all those people who would have a hole in their lives. What you do has eternal value, and brings glory to God our Father. I pray that God blesses the work of your hands, that this Mother's Day weekend will bring you joy and love and that your children will rise up and call you blessed!

Enjoy, ladies and have a great weekend.
In Christ,
Krista Dunk

P.S. Just received a new KBWA member application from a Christian business woman from Greece! So cool! Join us at KBWA (Koinonia Business Women's Association). We even offer a free membership level! http://kbwa.memberlodge.com/

Monday, May 3, 2010

Free Videos for Businesses

Have you heard of http://www.animoto.com/? I had to share this great resource with you - so simple, yet professional. You can create short, 30 second slide shows (to include text or video clips) to promote your business, product line, service, event, or ministry - completely FREE.

Many of you have blogs, websites and events where you could put this free video service to use right away.

Watch this 30 second example of what I created last week. Seriously, this took me only about 10 minutes. We will be partnering with http://www.metrochristianguide.com/, and they asked for a promo video that they could use. Here it is:


Create your own video slide show now at animoto.com.

I hope you find this helpful! Have fun creating your free video slide shows and upgrading your business' image at the same time.

Blessings, Krista Dunk www.KBWomen.com