Koinonia Business Women Blog

Christian Mastermind Groups

2011-12-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings Business Women of God!

Coming in 2012, Koinonia Business Women is starting Mastermind Groups for Christian business women. At this time, we are looking for leaders who would like to lead a group of approximately 6-12 women in their area for monthly mastermind sessions.

Interested in learning more? Please visit our Mastermind Group Leader FAQ page at www.KBWomen.com/leaderfaq.htm. This could be the opportunity you've been looking for and the resource that others have been praying for!

Not sure what a Mastermind Group is? Visit our Mastermind FAQ page here and read how it can benefit your business and growth: www.KBWomen.com/mastermindfaq.htm.

The Staff of God, by Pastor Francis Frangipane

2011-12-01T13:00:00.000-08:00

*Hello business women of God, I thought you would enjoy reading this excellent article about "staff," whether you are in ministry or have a staff you work through your business. -Krista*

Imagine a church staff where each person's primary vision is to attain the likeness of Christ. Picture working with this group of people: Not only do they each fulfill their responsibilities but they are earnestly reaching for Christ's humility. When they see something wrong or flawed, they do not become accusers. Rather, they meet the need with Christ's redemptive prayer life; they correct each other, when necessary, in the love and meekness of Christ. They are committed to possessing unoffendable unity in their relationships, both with those whom they serve and those who serve them. Is there any doubt that with such a team God could change the world?

Before you say the above is impossible, I'm actually describing my pastoral staff during the years prior to my retirement. The key had been their participation in In Christ's Image Training. While no one on staff was perfect, and we still had to correctly match individual gifts with ministry needs, the compelling vision for each person was to truly become Christlike.

In Ancient Times
According to the dictionary, a staff is "a group of assistants to a manager, executive, or other person in authority" (The American Heritage Dictionary). Originally, however, a staff was not a team of people, but a strong, straight branch cut from a tree and sanded smooth. The purpose of the staff was for support and balance, and it was also used as a weapon to protect the traveler. From this simple origin, we can better understand the genesis of the word staff and how it came to represent those who support a leader. Just as a staff provided strength, balance and protection, so a leader should find these same qualities in those who serve as his or her staff.

Of course, when we talk about leader/staff relationships, my main focus is leadership in God's kingdom. Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that the Lord appoints individuals to serve His people. The idea that somehow leaders are not needed in God's kingdom is a reaction to the failures and abuses of the past. What we need are godly, humble leaders, not self-gratifying or abusive leaders. We need individuals whose transcendent goal is personal conformity to Christ. Such leaders should be supported by individuals who can work with, and also under, leaders placed in authority.

Amazing Power in a Godly Staff
The benefit of a godly staff is profound; it is a principle key to releasing the power of God in a church. Remember when the Almighty appeared to Moses in the burning bush? The Lord told Moses to cast his staff to the ground. Immediately, the rod turned into a dangerous snake from which Moses fled. Rather than being a source of protection for Moses, his staff became a threat. My first point is this: if a staff has not been touched by God to serve a particular leader---if it still harbors jealousy and selfish ambition (see James 3:16)---then it has the capacity to suddenly turn into a serpent, with tongues that spread poison.

However, in the above story the Lord told Moses to pick up the serpent, and as he did, it returned again to being a staff. When we lay our staff at the feet of God, that staff will be different when the Lord tells us to lift it, and this is my main point. When God gives you the staff He has chosen, there will be supernatural power accompanying it. In fact, listen to what the Lord said to Moses: "You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs" (Ex. 4:17).

The Holy Spirit placed an anointing not only upon Moses, but upon his staff---and it was with his staff that he worked miracles! Repeatedly, the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt did not come through Moses alone, but God released miracles, signs and wonders through Moses' staff! Moses pointed the staff, struck the waters with the staff and waved it up at the sky; the staff was the instrument through which divine power manifest.

Not only that, but from that point on Moses' staff was called by an additional name. It was now called the "staff of God" (Ex. 4:20; 17:9). Oh, I pray this is a revelation to your heart! It is not enough for a man or woman of God to be anointed---their staff must become the staff of God. It is here, in the oneness of Christ, where the staff of God attracts Heaven's greatest blessings and power.

Written by Pastor Francis Frangipane, Advancing Church Ministries, www.Frangipane.org

Superhuman Performance!

2011-11-29T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Business Women of Faith,

A friend of mine from the East Coast, Derrick L. Miles, has written a new book. It's called Superhuman Performance, and it comes out next week! It is a book/ministry/business after my own heart, as it speaks to people about discovering their gifts. It goes one step further and connects giftedness with career satisfaction and choices.

Check out this preview video for the book's launch (directed towards leaders and managers):

You can learn more about Derrick and this book at www.MilestoneBrand.com. Enjoy!

Posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Believe in the Truth

2011-11-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

by Sandy Rees of www.GetFullyFunded.com

If you’re like me and you grew up in church, you may be familiar with the passage “The truth shall set you free.” Regardless of what your religious beliefs are, I think there’s some wisdom in this for us as Fundraisers.

Speaking the truth may require you to shift your thinking. If you’re stuck in a poverty mentality, you run your nonprofit on a shoestring, and you believe that it makes you a more worthy nonprofit, then you really need to learn to speak the truth! These beliefs keep you stuck in a place of lack, and that’s not a good place for fundraising!

The truth is that your organization was started to do something worthwhile and make a difference in this world. Whether you’re feeding the hungry, protecting clean water, or preserving history, you’re really about changing lives. That’s the first piece of truth you must believe in.

Also, you must accept that if your organization is doing something worthwhile, it's worthy of receiving donations. Lots of donations. BIG donations. I'm astounded at the number of people who view their organization as "just a little nonprofit" and don't see it as equal to other nonprofits. They say things like "Our mission isn't sexy like _______." "We don't have major donors like _______ does." "We can't get the media's attention like _______ does." Do you see the stinkin' thinkin' here? When you think like this, you are actually setting the course for the future. You're dooming your nonprofit to remain small. Here's the truth: your nonprofit is just as worthy as any other nonprofit out there. So start acting like it.

Finally, you must believe that no matter what you hear on the news about the economy, there are people out there who want to support your cause and are willing to make a gift. (If you need to, read that sentence again and again.) It’s true. I heard from a client just the other day, that they reached their campaign goal already this year (and it’s just barely November!) and are in great shape to start 2012. Another client started 2011 with a cash surplus because they did so well last year during the holidays. I’m here to tell you that you are no different. You can do this too.

The success in fundraising happens when you use best practice fundraising techniques with a positive outlook, and you expect good things to happen.

Once you learn how to recognize and speak the truth, I bet you’ll find it incredibly freeing, and you’ll find fundraising to be easier and more fruitful.

Sandy Rees, CFRE, is a coach, consultant, and trainer who shows nonprofit organizations how to raise more money and grow their Boards. For free tip s on how to raise all the money your organization needs, visit www.getfullyfunded.com.

Christian Business Mastermind Groups!

2011-09-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

Check out our latest KBWomen Radio Show! Get the scoop on our upcoming mastermind chapters/groups for Christian women in business!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio" on Blog Talk Radio

Is This Business My Calling?

2011-09-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Am I in the right business? Is this the work God has called me to? Am I in the Lord's will with my plans and goals? These questions are a common theme within the community of faith-based business and professional women, and they are important to ask. As businesswomen of God, we truly want God's answers. When they remain unanswered, an inner frustration, lack of commitment, stress and uncertainty can occur.
I've been in this place of uncertainty myself. Synonyms (and symptoms!) for "uncertainty" include:

Doubt
Indecision
Hesitation
Vagueness
Insecurity

If you find yourself in this situation, there is hope! Here are some truths to contemplate, affirmations and helpful tips:

- God has established a work for your hands and favor is found there. (Psalm 90)
- As one of God's people, the Holy Spirit has given you gifts to be used for His purposes.
- You have unique talents, abilities and aptitudes that come easily to you. This is by God's design!
- When you cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, you will get direction and revelation.
- The work God has for you will always make a meaningful difference in others' lives.
- We have to be careful about listening to and following "worldly wisdom" systems and goals. It may seem right and good, but it leads to a separation of our path from God's.
- God's will can be permissive, meaning He allows us to continue in something even though it's not His first choice/plan A for us. We can seek Him for His perfect will.
- Examine what your heart's cry is for others and what motivates you at the core.
- Only God can reveal His plan to you. Searching for your purpose apart from seeking His face will be another source of frustration.

I pray that this information helps you today. As you may, or may not know, I have a special book that deals directly with this topic - God's people who are searching for their gifts and calling. To read more, visit the book's website at http://www.stepoutandtakeyourplace.com/.

You are blessed and called of God!

Krista Dunk

9/11: Pray - Remember - Pray

2011-09-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

This month marks the 10th anniversary of an event none of us wish to celebrate; the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It’s one of those times in life when everyone can remember where they were that day. On September 11th, 2001, I was 7 months pregnant with our first child and my husband was in Southern California on a business trip. He called me at 8:00 in the morning wondering if I had turned on the TV or heard any radio news yet. I had not.

As I pressed the button on the TV remote, I entered a chaotic war zone, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. All day, I sat planted on the couch feeling that I had to watch everything, see every interview and hear everyone’s story of their lost loved one. My heart felt that I owed it to those people to share their pain. Because all airports were shut down that day, my husband started his 18-hour drive home in a rental car that afternoon. It seemed like a small inconvenience for our family compared to what others were going through.

Every American has a 9/11 story just like this to tell, although some stories are much more intimately connected to, and came face-to-face with, the tragedy. Many Americans also share another common 9/11 thread – prayer.

“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” -2 Chronicles 7:14

Millions of people prayed that day: We prayed for survivors to be found, families to reunite, for justice, for healing, and for God’s mercy. Some people may think, “Why pray afterward when the damage has already been done?” Good question, but it really is necessary. Why? Prayer authorizes God’s hand to work on our behalf. Prayer makes a difference. Prayer changes things. Prayer helps us refocus our priorities and find answers. It’s a natural action with supernatural implications.

As you and I remember the heartbreak, heroism, loss and significance on 9/11’s 10th anniversary, please also remember to pray. Have a conversation with God for a few minutes while you’re in your car, while you’re on a walk, when you wake up first thing in the morning, while you’re in the shower, as you cook, as you rake leaves or mow your grass, etc.

Not sure exactly what to pray for? Suggestions for prayer topics:

· Pray for the people who are still suffering because of their loss and still have emotional trauma.
· Pray that plots for future destruction, such as 9/11, are thwarted beforehand.
· Pray for a covering of peace and safety on cities and schools.
· Pray for leaders to be led by God’s Spirit when making decisions.
· Pray for peace and healing for our land.

What could God be waiting for you to pray for, right now?

By Krista Dunk, In remembrance of those who died on September 11th, 2001.
www.StepOutandTakeYourPlace.com
www.KBWomen.com

Breakthrough Conference 2011 is Coming!

2011-09-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

I am very excited to announce a fabulous event happening this fall. November 14-18, Breakthrough Conference 2011 is coming! It is a 5-day virtual women's ministry conference with 10 amazing speakers that have 10, must-know teaching sessions for women of God. Since this is a virtual conference, you can participate from anywhere via your computer!

Learn more and register at www.BTconference.com.

For the past year, God has really been showing me how much we're missing - knowledge and wisdom we need to know as His people. Our lack of knowledge is hindering us in many ways, including in our emotional, spiritual, mental, physical/health, financial and relational areas of life. All of these hindrances also keep us from stepping out and taking our places within His plans and purposes (our calling).

Breakthrough Conference helps you, women of God, to breakthrough where you've been stuck, reveal practical steps to move forward with and will encourage you to take hold of all that God has established for you!

Your opportunities:

Attend the conference for ONLY $12. Yes, shocking, I know :-). Register today at http://www.btconference.com/.

Partner with this event by becoming a promo partner. Promo partners earn $5 from every ticket sold that they've referred. Simply sign up as one of our affiliates here: http://www.eventbrite.com/affiliate-register?eid=2060686569&affid=7517445. Then spread the word and invite women of God to the event using your affiliate link.

Become an event sponsor and get your products and services in front of over 25K+ Christian women. If this is your target market (or women in general), this will be a great opportunity for you! Sponsorship info: www.BTconference.com/sponsors.htm.

So join us at Breakthrough Conference 2011, and let others know too! Thank you...

Posted by Krista Dunk

Choose ONE Thing, by Natasha Golinsky

2011-09-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

by Natasha Golinsky, of www.fortuneandfaith.com

In working with my clients, I regularly run into business women who are burned out because they feel like they’re working on developing so many sources of income; however, none of them are succeeding. I met a woman recently who excitedly described herself as a “serial entrepreneur” meaning that she dabbled in many different businesses. Although she seemed excited all I could think was “she is making a big mistake and there is no way she can successfully handle all that in the long term.”

I admit that there is something fun and exciting about having many projects on the go but if you’re this type of person ask yourself “how’s it going so far?” Is it working? Do you own multiple domain names, run multiple Facebook pages and/or market yourself differently to different audiences? Just like I thought about the woman I met, until you focus on one venture and brand yourself as a person who can solve one type of problem for one particular market you will never truly gain traction with your business.

People always seek out the BEST person to solve their problem. They don’t want a Jane-of-all-trades trying to give them solutions but they want the specialist. What are you great at? What are you more passionate about than anything? Which one problem could you see yourself consistently, passionately solving for others? Which one idea can you stay excited about communicating over and over (and over and over)?

Trying to market yourself as being a bit of everything is not believable and also draws attention to the fact that you’re not sure who you are as a brand.

Take some time to explore your spiritual gifts and natural strengths. Be open to God’s wisdom to show you which market He has designed you to serve. We all have a call and a purpose on our lives. Like Seth Godin always says “In today’s market where anyone can get anything they want, people seek the experts for solving their particular problem.” Become the expert that people could not live without.

Originally posted at http://integratedwomanministries.com/choose-one-thing.

Don't Let Pride Silence Your Cries

2011-08-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Devotional by Katie Nolan, www.liasophia.com/katienolan

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see”. At first glance, the story of the blind men in Matthew 20:29-34 may not seem to apply to our modern day lives. But like many stories in the bible, once we dig deeper, we find we are not so different from the blind men by the road in Jericho. Like the familiar song Amazing Grace, we have been blind and even now may feel our vision is impaired in certain areas. We need a Healer. We need a Counselor. We need our God.
The accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke vary slightly regarding the miraculous recovery in sight but the message is the same. Matthew describes two blind men sitting beside the road who upon hearing Jesus was passing by began crying out “Lord, have mercy on us”. The blind men acknowledged their need for healing before Jesus and the crowd. They did not pretend everything was fine or just press on like we so often do. They went straight to the One who could heal them. We have many options in our lives for help and advice. Do we neglect going to our Source with all the options available to us?
Or do we let pride silence our cries? The cry of the blind men is defined beautifully. It is an urgent scream, a ravens piercing cry, and inarticulate shouts expressing deep emotion. They certainly were not whispering a quiet amen. They weren’t afraid to lift their voice in the congregation or the street to grab the attention of their Healer. Maybe we are too refined in modern day churches to understand the loud, emotional cry these men were willing to utter. It was a cry of desperation with no concern regarding what others would say or think. As a matter of fact, when the crowd tried to silence the blind men, the blind men cried out even more.
Those following Jesus rebuked the men, telling them to be silent. Simply following Jesus among the crowd did not mean everyone in the crowd was “saved” and it also did not mean (regardless of their salvation) they knew what was right for the blind men. The crowd did not discern Jesus had a divine appointment to fill that day. We must be discerning of the crowd surrounding us as well. Always turn to God first and foremost. If God is our first Counselor we won’t miss our divine appointments.
“Have mercy on us” literally means have compassion by divine grace. They called on the grace of God to heal them and it did. By calling him Lord, they were calling him master and supreme authority. They believed this man could heal them. “It takes grace to reach greatness. It takes faith to release grace”. These words come from my Pastor and this story illustrates them perfectly. The blind men believed Jesus could heal them and that activated divine grace to do just what they hoped.
The opening of their eyes refers to a physical and spiritual opening. We are told their sight was restored and immediately they followed Jesus which is defined as being in the same way with and to accompany especially as a disciple. The blind men were in the right place at the right time by being on the road Jesus traveled. Throughout our lives we will face trauma and difficulty. When it strikes, we need to be found on the path of Christ. We will then see difficulties as opportunities to cast aside pride, cry to our Healer, and when others try and silence us, we will cry out even louder. In our cry we are expressing our belief that God is able and we are giving room for His divine grace to go to work and accomplish what we asked for. The result is not only healing but a deeper following of our Savior.

Free Newsletters by Christian Women in Business

2011-08-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers,

Later this week, KBWomen's association KBWA, is having a tele-class on creating business e-newsletters. In honor of our e-newsletter theme for the month, below is a list of several free e-newsletters that you may be interested in receiving.
E-newsletters/e-zines, just like KBWomen's *BLING* newsletter, are a great source of information, inspiration, learning and trend updates, depending on their topic/focus. Browse this free newsletter list below, and feel free to visit these business women's sites for more info if they are of interest to you:

Toby Parsons: It's Your Image, Professional Wardrobe Consultant for Women, offers a quarterly newsletter. You receive a free gift/download when you sign up at: http://www.iyimage.com/.

Karen Wells: Receive the "Woman to Woman" ezine for women wanting hope, acceptance and change today! Get un-hooked from past pain. Sign up at http://mybestlifepossible.com/

Krista Dunk: The "Gifts & Calling Newsletter" for people of God who want more information about how to discover their God-given gifts and His calling for their lives. Sign up at http://www.stepoutandtakeyourplace.com/.

Tammy Redmon: Inspiring Action - Shifting Perspectives. Weekly tips that will motivate and propel you forward in life and business. http://www.tammyredmon.com/

Kathie Nelson: Sign up for Kathy's "Insights for Busy People" e-newsletter at www.kathienelson.com/sign-up.

Cherish Flieder: "Painting for Life" is an inspirational arts newsletter from a husband and wife artist team who paint for the Way, the Truth and the Life. Sign up at http://paintingforlife.com/.

Ericka Jackson: The "Greater Works" weekly ezine is for Christians who've been called to build a thriving ministry and need inspiration and equipping. Visit http://www.erickajackson.com/ to sign up.

Kathy Wright: Receive a free, weekly health and beauty tips newsletter for women - creating health and preventing disease, by Kathy Wright, ND. http://www.bkathywright.com/

Janice Campbell: "The Edge: Success Strategies for People Who Work with Words" is a monthly newsletter with career-building articles, events, tips and quotes for writers and editors. Sign up at http://naiwe.com/.

Tonya Fitzpatrick: "Positive Footprints"complements the "World Footprints Radio Show" and focuses on socially conscious & responsible travel and lifestyle. It features interviews with celebrities and newsmakers. Sign up at http://www.worldfootprints.com/.

JoJo Tabares: Receive the Art of Eloquence newsletter with tips on leadership, overcoming shyness, homeschool speech and debate, social communication, conflict resolution and sharing the faith among other things. http://artofeloquence.com/pages/newsletters.php

Koinonia Business Women: "*BLING* Newsletter" - for Christian women in business who want ideas, tips and inspiration. Get a little sparkle in your inbox :-). Sign-up link: http://www.kbwomen.com/

E-newsletters (AKA e-zines) are a great way to stay informed, get new information, hear about events, and/or learn about a particular topic...and they're free! If any of these newsletters are of interest to you, please visit the sign-up website that is mentioned.

Thank you for reading - please visit www.KBWomen.com for more information

Prayer for Men

2011-07-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is Gail Dudley. I am having one of those weeks in which I have not had in a long time. The Holy Spirit is speaking and I am simply being obedient.

Please - Please - Please pray for men around the world, Friday, July 8, 2011 throughout the day. Nothing organized, just need to pray.

Godly men are being attacked every day. Phone call after phone call I am hearing women cry out for the men in their lives (husbands, brothers, fathers, grand-fathers, co-workers, male pastors, friends, and the list goes on). Men are losing their jobs, therefore unable to provide for their family and to maintain the bills. Men are becoming stressed and becoming ill. Men are becoming discouraged. Men are not taking care of themselves, and they are losing motivation, becoming distracted, etc.

What I am seeing in the spirit is that men are being attacked by the enemy. The enemies plans is to take out and or distract the head. God holds the victory. Let us join in a time of prayer of intercession. Men, women, children, prayer warriors, please join in a day of prayer for men.

What I am hearing in the spirit is – this is urgent!

Mark 14:37-38 - New International Version (NIV):
"Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. 'Simon,' he said to Peter, 'are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.'”

Submitted by Pastor's Wife, Gail Dudley - www.MIMtoday.org

Never Sell Anything Again - And Watch Your Business Soar

2011-07-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

by Barry Moltz: www.barrymoltz.com (originally posted on the AMEX Open Forum)

I pity the small businesses that try to sell their products or services only through features and benefits. They think that hard sales tactics like cold calling or deep price discounting actually still work and are a solid way to build their business. They keep trying to sell to the same old prospects until they become so unresponsive that they are lost on how to find additional business.

Sales, in the traditional sense, is dead. In fact, trying to sell to prospects only breaks down our confidence and make us feel bad about our company. When a prospect says no to our product or service, we think they are saying no to us personally. We hate it. We feel the sting and it makes us reluctant to try it over and over again.

I learned a long time ago from Sander Selling Systems that the formula for people buying is actually very simple. Customers buy when:

1. They are in pain.
2. They have the money to solve that pain.

As a small business owner, the first task is to be able to describe the pain that your company solves and identify who has the money to solve that pain. In fact, this should be practiced as your “elevator speech."

The next step is to forget the “S” word. Now learn the “R” word: relationships. Relationships are the key to growing your company and can bring sales to you almost effortlessly. This is because we actually can’t sell anything to anyone. We just need to be there when people are ready to buy. This is why consistent marketing is so important. You need to continually remind people what you do and how you help others. When they have a problem you can solve (and the money to solve it), they will naturally buy from you. They may even know someone else that has the same pain and make a connection.

Don't waste your time by chasing the people that long ago decided not to buy from you. These are the same people that have stopped returning your phone calls or e-mail inquiries months ago. Remember, every prospect needs to continually qualify themselves for it to be worth your time in the sales process. As a result, the only way to grow your company over the long term is to keep investing in building trusted relationships. This is done by implementing a systematic method for "staying in touch" with people over a long period of time.

Three simple methods for doing this are:

1. Use CRM software such as HighRise, Salesforce, or Goldmine to know when to periodically contact people (monthly or quarterly). Any simple reminder system that can capture information can be effective.

2. Consistently reach out to people through phone, e-mail or snail mail. This is done not by selling them anything, but by giving them something of value they can use in their business. This can be a person they should meet, a lead, a resource article or a helpful website.

3. Use social media to “Like” or “Retweet” their comments or content. They will think of you for an instant and remember the value you bring.

Vow never to sell again. Think building relationships. It works every time.
Submitted by Barry Moltz: www.BarryMoltz.com

A StemEnhance Testimonial

2011-07-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

We commonly see health as the absence of disease, but being healthy is much more than not being sick. Many people falsely believe they are in good health until they suffer a quick blow, like a heart attack or kidney failure. God made our body self-healing, but less than optimal operating conditions make the arduous task even more difficult. At the vertex of health and wellness lay human adult stem cells which are there the day we are born. They're found mostly in bone marrow.

Stem cells are primitive or master cells. They circulate and function to replace dysfunctional cells, fulfilling the body’s natural process of renewal and maintaining optimal health. Studies have now shown that adult stem cells can be brain, liver, eye & muscle cells - Then they have the ability of becoming cells of all other tissues in the body. Thus adult stem cells are the natural renewal system of the body.

I was first introduced to StemEnhance in 2009. I had a slight injury in my hand - a boil which was getting itchy. I took StemEnhance, and to my surprise, the boil dried up in 2 days and today there is no scar on my hand. I started to introduce to my friends and I am amazed at the testimonies. StemEnhance is not stem cells or embryonic stem cells. But what, then, is StemEnhance?

StemEnhance is a patented breakthrough, first ever natural stem cell enhancer, anti-aging food supplement that increase the number of stem cells released from our bone marrow into the bloodstream. It is made up of 100% natural organic Aphanizomenon Flos Aqua (AFA) extracted from Klamath Lake, USA. The effect of StemEnhance on stem cells was tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Consumption of StemEnhance triggered a significant 25% increase in the number of circulating stem cells. It was published in Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine (Volume 8 Issue).

I do not suffer from any serious sickness…Praise God! But I do consume this for ‘maintenance!’ I do not feel easily tired, and even my mum has been consuming it. This year, after 2 eye check ups, the doctors confirmed she had a cataract. She doubled the dose of StemEnhance and praise God, today she says her eye sight is clear and there is no sign of cataracts. Truly, there are many testimonies and all I can say is to visit my website, http://www.nictangse.stemtechbiz.com/. Watch the video, and you will understand better.

Enjoy your life with good health! Submitted by Nicole Tang

Holy Boldness

2011-06-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

We often say that we are to operate in holy boldness, but what does this really mean? Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16

Holy - to be without mixture. To be pure. Nothing unclean.
Boldness - to move forward with certainty and power.
Throne of Grace - The seating place of the Father in Heaven, Jesus, and You.

Yes - you. You are seated at the right hand of Christ in Heavenly places at the right hand of The Father (Eph 2:6). But, how do we take our rightful and ordained place at the right hand of Christ and operate from that realm everyday?Asking yourself the following questions will chart your way:

1. In what areas of your life are you experiencing less than holiness?
2. In what areas of your life have you not operated boldly?
3. Are you spending all of the time you desire to in the presence of the Lord daily?

You and I have the ability within us to visit the heavenly realm on a daily basis. How else can we bring forth the things of the Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth? God allows us to do this through dreams, visions and meditating on His Word.

The part we don't talk about enough is that Jesus requires us to be holy in order to grant us full access to His throne. When we are living holy, boldly and in His presence we can easily approach His throne and our lives with Holy Boldness. I am working on it each and everyday and I pray that you will join me.

Love, Ericka

Written by Ericka D. Jackson, Evangelist, Author and Kingdom Trainer
www.ErickaJackson.com

Heart Motive: Money or Service?

2011-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Here in this world, we all need money. We've heard that if we're not making money, our business is just a hobby or that success is defined by profits. While there are great business skills and insights to learn to become effective, we need a different viewpoint. As business women in God's Kingdom, we are called to serve, love, use our gifts and trust God as our top priorities. In fact, Jesus tells us this in Matthew 6, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." All "these things" include provision of every kind; all of our physical needs.

As our capacity and stewardship increase (and heart motives shift to putting service first), God can add to your life anything and everything you need. Not focusing on the money as we work and do business is a test of our faith.

Money only defines success from the world's viewpoint, not God's. Check your own motives by asking yourself this question: "Did I do this/will I do this simply to make money, or is my #1 motive to serve others with the gifts and/or message God has given me?"

2011-06-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

Written by Diana DeAndrea-Kohn - www.writingilluminated.com

Do you ever wonder if your money is working for you? Are you invested in the right products? Are you covered if tragedy strikes?

These are the things that keep me awake at night. I think about my financial advisor. Well, I think about the guy I think is my financial advisor...I haven’t heard from him in years.

Every quarter I get my statement showing an increase or decrease in the account. But I really don’t know anything about my “plan.” I am not even sure I have a plan.

Linda Ryan is a financial advisor with Edwards Jones. Linda was passionate about knowing where her money was going and if it was working for her. She was so interested, that she decided to get certified and become a financial advisor herself.

She wants to help you feel confident with your money and your plan. Whether you are looking to invest for your retirement, your child’s education, or possibly look into disability or life insurance Linda is here to help you.

She wants you to feel comfortable with where your money is going. She wants to make sure you move forward with your investments. She will walk by your side to ensure your investment and insurance needs are handled with care.

Edward Jones is a strong business with over 12,000.00 advisors. They were voted JD Power best full service brokerage firm. Edward Jones has been in business since 1922 and is a stable trustworthy business. Linda Ryan is a dedicated advisor that cares about you and your money.

If you are like me and haven’t seen or talked to your advisor in months or possibly years, give Linda a call. She would love to hear from you. 360-466-2933 or on the web at http://www.edwardjones.com/en_US/fa/index.html&CIRN=522227.

Remembering Who You Are

2011-05-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Feeling fearful? We've all experienced fearful thoughts and anxious worry at different points in our lives, but some of us seem to be bothered by fear on a regular basis. Why is this? It may be a "focus" issue.

More and more I come to realize that we "live" in our thoughts. Thoughts create an environment, a mood, a disposition, an outlook. They also cause us to feel strong or weak, faith-filled or fearful. The more we feed our minds and thoughts with God, the more our thoughts focus on Him and His power. The less we feed our minds and thoughts with God's truth, we open the door to distractions, negativity, worry and fear. Why? Because that is the world's default!

Sometimes I temporarily forget who I am in Christ. Sometimes I temporarily lose focus on who our powerful God is. Sometimes I only remember who the enemy is. Maybe you can relate. However, there is good news - we have control of our focus, thoughts and what we feed on! Remember that you are God's property and that all authority has been given to the Lord. When you put on Christ, then you can take authority over circumstances and fears.

From this day forward, let's choose carefully where we focus our thoughts and remember who we are. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." -Philippians 4:8

KBWomen Radio - I Need a Heart Revolution 05/16 by CWA Radio | Blog Talk Radio

2011-05-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

What is the condition of your heart today? Have you downsized your dreams due to pain, hurts or fear? Check out this KBWomen Radio episode with Krista Dunk:

KBWomen Radio I Need a Heart Revolution 05/16 by CWA Radio Blog Talk Radio

Your Business Idea...Dream or Reality?

2011-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've begun reading an excellent book by John C. Maxwell: Put Your Dream to the Test.

Read this description (from his website:): "What's the difference between a dreamer and someone who achieves a dream? According to best-selling author Dr. John Maxwell, the answer lies in answering ten powerful, yet straightforward, questions. Whether you've lost sight of an old dream or you are searching for a new one within you, Put Your Dream to the Test provides a step-by-step action plan that you can start using today to see, own, and reach your dream. Dr. Maxwell draws on his forty years of mentoring experience to expertly guide you through the ten questions required of every successful dreamer.

In Put Your Dream to the Test, Dr. John Maxwell asks you ten powerful questions to determine how your dream can become reality. Now, in My Dream Map, he helps you create a detailed plan with interactive exercises and opportunities for personal exploration that will challenge, inspire, and direct you. This companion to Put Your Dream to the Test will help you uncover, perhaps for the first time, specific steps you can take to stop merely thinking about your dream and start living it."

It seems as though I've been dreaming about Business On A Mission, www.BusinessOnAMission.com most of my working life. It's only been the last few years that I've put contemplative time into imagining what I really want to accomplish with it (the result of my life taking a dramatic turn away from what I had been doing for over 30 years).

After reading about Mike Hyatt (President and CEO of Thomas Nelson, Inc.) in Put Your Dream To The Test, and the way he approached turning the trade book division of Thomas Nelson from the least profitable to the most profitable in only a few years, I realized that I was on track. Sometimes when I shared my dream about Business On A Mission with others they would respond with "What's your strategy for success?" I didn't have one. I couldn't even go there. And what I realized after reading this section is that my vision is most important and I am still formulating it.

When I have the vision for Business On A Mission crystal clear (I’m getting there!), the strategy will surface. Mike Hyatt learned that when people think about the how too soon, they hurt their potential (pg. 25). The first step for Mike was to go on a weekend retreat to develop his vision for the division. According to Mike...if you don't have a clear vision, no strategy will save you.

He came back from that retreat with a crystal clear and laid out for success vision. It was highly specific. When people began asking him how he was going to accomplish his vision his response was, “I’m not sure, but I am confident it is going to happen. Just Watch.” (pg 28).

As he kept focused on the vision, the strategy began to emerge. That gave me encouragement. I am often asked, “What is your strategy? How are you going to make money?” At first, this made me very uncomfortable because I thought, “Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this, maybe this idea can’t fly, etc. etc.” It was with the encouragement of a few people (who thought the idea was GREAT) that I kept moving forward with it.

I am a planner, a doer. I like results. This whole process has taken me out of my comfort zone. I’ve needed to take it a step at a time…I believe that small business can be a powerful force to change the world for the better. That business doesn’t have to only be about making a profit (but certainly that is a reality).

So I’m still refining my vision and my first strategy is to locate other small socially responsive businesses, learn from them, and then highlight them in a book and on my website.

One step at a time….

For all of you who are still formulating your business idea, get it and read it. For those of you struggling with business success, get it and read it. Maybe you just need to re-think what you are doing and possibly change course.

Written and contributed by Patti Grunkemeier of www.BusinessOnAMission.com - *

Two Great Programs You Need to Know About...

2011-05-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Readers! I have two, wonderful Godly businesswomen friends with programs you might want to learn about.

1. Do you want to get your figure back? Are you over 35 and finding it difficult to regain control of your figure and weight? Connie Huft, RN, has exactly what you need...Connie is offering a free call tonight, May 10th! Believe me, Connie really knows what she's talking about. See her before and after pictures - she lost 80 lbs at age 40 and has kept it off. Go to www.MyFigureNow.com to register for the free call and to learn more.

2. Are you a Kingdom minister wanting to see your vision for full-time ministry work come to pass? It's time for you to meet Evangelist Ericka Jackson, who offers a "Ministry Mastery" program for those people who have ministries, yet are not on staff at local churches. Find out how to go to the next level now - the program starts today! www.MinistryMastery.com

How to Burn Fat Effectively, by Lynnis Woods-Mullins

2011-04-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

One of the main concerns in health and wellness today is the amount of fat we consume. There is so much debate out there about good fat, bad fat, not enough fat, too much fat...it can get really confusing to make decision on what you should eat when it comes to fat content.

Well one thing is for sure - we will consume some kind of fat. It can't be helped we will always have some kind of fat good or bad in our diets. Given that how do we control the results of consuming fat - weight increase.

I have 10 tips that will help with this dilemma. These tips will actually help you burn fat, and that means eventually either losing weight or maintaining your weight.

*Start exercising early in the morning. Really jump start your metabolism by working out in the morning. As you get use to doing your work out in the AM, speed it up a bit. Instead of listening to Mozart, listen to Michael Jackson. Get your heart pumping and really get into your exercise. Studies show that people who use aerobic type activity as part of their work up burn fat even when they are NOT working out!

*If you are cleared by your doctor, pick up the running bug! Running is one of the best ways to burn fat. If you are able to run at least 4 hours a week, you will burn fat even when you are not running according to a new study from Yale University.

*For you walkers here is a great way to burn fat - wearing a weighted vest which is the equivalent of 10% of your body weight is a great way to burn fat and calories by about 8%!

*Increase your protein. Eating a protein-packed breakfast and lunch helps you burn more post-meal fat than if you eat lower-protein meals, according to Australian research.

*Try Aromatherapy - according to the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, studies have shown that if you smell strawberries or even buttered popcorn you are going to burn more calories than if you were to sniff neutral odors.

*Alternating a highly aerobic workout, with a slower work out that will involve stretching and weights will burn more calories than sticking with just one kind of exercise. Mix your exercise regime up with cardio, weights and stretching.

*According to Lyssie Lakatos, R.D., author of "Fire Up Your Metabolism', jump start up your metabolism by drinking at least five 5 ounce cups of green tea a day - two cups of coffee can have the same effect.

*Here is something important for your calorie counters and dieters. Stay above 1200 calories, anything less than that can really slow your metabolism. If you are on a diet be careful to cut you calorie intake gradually. When you cut your calories too quickly it will slow down your metabolism.

*Some of the best snack to cut fat and boost your metabolism are almonds,cherries, yogurt, grapefruit, whole grains, and spicy foods.

*Make sure you get plenty of vitamin D and C. Both vitamins help to burn fat. Go for 400-500 mg of C and 800mg of D. Supplements are good but if you can get them from eating foods rich with vitamin C and D that is even better.

Try these tips and you will see they will make a difference. There are many more tips and I will be sharing them with you as we go along this journey to wellness.

Lynnis of PraiseWorks: http://www.praiseworks.biz/

Blessings Always, Lynnis Woods-Mullins CEO, Founder - Praiseworks Health and Wellness Coach

www.praiseworks.biz

Be Transformed - Daily Devotional, by Erica Jefferson

2011-04-26T12:54:00.000-07:00

I have read today's verse many times but today it jumped out at me like never before. Proverbs 21:31 says, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord." Wow! This verse shows us a couple of things.

First, that it's necessary to be prepared. Preparation means that when we show up to battle, we are equipped. You may want to move to the next season in your life. You might have become a bit anxious after seeing the vision and the promise that God has for you. My question to you is, are you ready?

Before you shout yes, think about what you have done to prepare. What habits are you exhibiting right now? Are you seeking the Deliverer (God) as you prepare? If so, you better shout for joy because after the preparation, this verse shows us that deliverance is of the Lord!

This means you don't have to go into the battle field alone. You have to get prepared and let God bring the deliverance. God will soften the hearts of the right people, open the right door and send the right resources. Your job is to be prepared to receive what He has in store.

I pray that this message blesses you. Be Inspired! and have a blessed and productive day!

Submitted by Erica Jefferson of www.BeInspired-Online.com

KBWA Member Spotlight - Chris Creekpaum & Purs-onality Purses!

2011-04-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Purse-onality Purses!" is a small business owned by the mother and daughter team of Chris and Kayla Creekpaum. They started the business so they could work together while creating a fun and unique business.

They host in-home purse parties and fundraisers. They have a wide variety of purses and Bible bags. They have an inventory of over 500 purses. They will bring about 150 purses and Bible bags to your home or event.

If you are looking for a new fun way to raise money for your cause, Purse-onality Purses! is for you. They will host a purse party fundraiser for you, and then donate a percentage of their profits to your fundraiser.

Chris being a single mom wanted to incorporate her daughter into the business as much as possible. Kayla started working with her mom when she was twelve. Kayla, over the last four years has learned the in’s and out’s of small business ownership. She has learned everything from speaking at the parties to managing the money. Chris firmly believes teaching her daughter the core values of small business ownership will help Kayla throughout life.

Chris believes if you have a dream of owning a business to follow that dream! “It doesn’t have to be complicated. Anyone can do it. You own your business, it doesn’t own you. You can do it!” Says Chris.

From her unique purses to her passion to teach her daughter and others the power of a dream, Chris has a vision to follow her own dream and she is doing it one purse at a time. You can contact Chris at candle_chris@comcast.net.

Member Spotlight written by Diana DeAndrea-Kohn - a small business owner and writing in Kirkland, WA. For writing projects, you can reach her at http://www.writingilluminated.com/ or her business website is http://www.businsswithflair.com/.

KBWomen Radio Interview w/Erica Jefferson of Be Inspired!

2011-04-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found your calling twin? I did...and her name is Erica Jefferson! Listen as I interview her on KBWomen Radio about her book and inspirational website for women:
KBWomen Radio Interview w/Erica Jefferson of Be INspired 04/18 by CWA Radio | Blog Talk Radio

posted by Krista Dunk

Oh No! It's an Audit!

2011-04-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Oh No! It’s An Audit! by Diana DeAndrea-Kohn

Every day I walk out to get the mail hoping for a check. Most days it’s just more bills, but I still have hope. One day, as I quickly flipped through the mail, I noticed something I don’t usually see. It was a thick envelope from the Department of Revenue.

“Oh no!” I let out.

As I opened it, I felt the fear welling up inside me. Please don’t let this be an audit. Please don’t let this be an audit. I pulled out the letter. Sure enough, it’s an audit.

I rushed into the office to tell my bookkeeping client he was being audited. He assured me it would “be fine.” Be fine? Be fine! Does he not understand what is at risk here? I left his office and ran down to schedule my appointment with the auditor.

As I called to set the appointment I realized my client is like most business owners. There isn’t time to see the seriousness of this event. We all fear an audit, but we don’t prepare as we should. And that, in the long run, will cost.

The thick envelope was filled with instructions. The auditor had a list of everything he needed. I did everything I could to prepare. I gathered every piece of information he wanted. I had everything laid out for him. I cleared my whole day to be there to answer any questions for him. The audit went great. The damage was minimal.

Going through this, I learned some things that could help other business owners.

Time Time Time. Take the time to gather all the information the auditor requests. The less the auditor has to hunt for the better. Respect their time. Be prepared. Have everything they need.

Don’t delay. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible. The longer you take to have the audit the more stressed out you can become. Save yourself the stress. You already have enough to worry about.

Save everything. Make sure you keep all receipts. I know, it’s easy to lose a receipt. They seem so unimportant. But you must realize your receipts are money. If you don’t have a receipt you can’t prove you paid sales tax. If you can’t prove it, you may be charged again. That is worth repeating. If you can’t prove you paid sales tax, you will be charged sales tax again. Your receipts are money. Would you throw your money away?

Know your business tax regulations. I understand it’s not very exciting to run around learning tax code. But knowing it could save you thousands of dollars. Take an hour to learn what is taxable and what isn’t. What should you pay tax on verses what you shouldn’t? When do you charge tax? The Department of Revenue has booklets for different industries. It tells you all the different rules and regulations for your business. There are some weird off the wall rules out there. The average small business owner might not know every regulation. With that, some mistakes could happen. Take the time to learn your regulations.

There are many things we have to do on a day to day basis. It’s hard to keep track of each receipt and know every rule. It’s in our best interest to protect ourselves and our business. If we don’t do it, who will?

Diana DeAndrea-Kohn is a small business owner and writing in Kirkland. For writing project you can reach her at http://www.writingilluminated.com/ or her business website is http://www.businsswithflair.com/ .

Working Your Plan, or God's Plan?

2011-03-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

I worked my plan for far too long, with little results or fruit to show for it. Sound familiar?

How does knowing God's plan for your life sound instead, and bearing much fruit?

Listen to this 30-minute KBWomen Radio show where Krista Dunk discusses her past mistakes, her upcoming book, how you can be dedicated rather than just inspired, and one big reason many of us experience lack and scarcity in business and careers:

Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/03/21/kb-women-radio

posted by Krista Dunk

NDE - Amazing Story of Life After Death

2011-03-21T11:45:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what Heaven is like? Have you ever wondered what happens after your physical body dies, and your spirit leaves it?

I ran across a series of videos on YouTube that I believe will inspire your faith. A man named Ian McCormack explains, in detail, his near death experience. Click here to start watching this amazing testimony:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgF_iwUNqFU

Fasting from Worry - 21-day Challenge

2011-03-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

Do you struggle with worry? I do, more than I'd like to admit and I doubt I'm alone. As busy women, we could write lists full of worry-worthy items! Here's a thought for us for the next 21 days: Let's go on a fast from worry.

This weekend, during the week three session of my virtual workshop, I told a story about how God spoke to me about worry. When my son was three, he had several nights of bad dreams...about skunks. He had never actually seen a skunk before, but nonetheless they were plaguing his dreams! During the dreams, the skunks were coming into his room, and no matter how rational my explanations were about how "that's never going to happen - there is no way a skunk could get into your room...," he continued to worry about it. Then these words escaped my mouth:

"When you worry, you waste your thoughts."

God immediately convicted my spirit. I worry and waste my thoughts too! How can we escape this brain-draining and faith-stealing habit?

1. Purposefully pay attention to what our thoughts are focusing on. Worrying is a habit, and most of the time we do it without realizing it. Pause for a moment, and write something down on a worry list or journal. "I am worrying about _____." Having that visual written down will help us know what we're up against!

2. Use the Word of God. We can meditate on verses/truths like these that address the root of our worry:

Be confident my heart, because the Lord has been good to me. (Psalm 116)
You are working all things out for my good... (Romans 8)
I will be anxious for nothing, and I cast all my cares upon You... (Philippians 4)
My heavenly Father knows all the things I need, and I seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6)

3. Pray for God's perspective. Sometimes, I can almost hear Jesus speaking to me like He did to the disciples on the wind-tossed boat, "Oh you of little faith." If we could just get a glimpse of our situation or problem from His perspective, our whole viewpoint would change.

Are you with me? I'm going to take this 21-day fasting from worry challenge starting now. For the next several weeks, please send me your thoughts on this topic to include on the KBWomen blog. Thank you!

posted by Krista Dunk

Living a Secret

2011-02-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Living A Secret
Written by KBWA Member Karen Wells of Karis Counselling Services

We all have “stuff ” that has happened to us in our past that we do not want to remember and want to keep a secret from others. Some of that “stuff “is not so impactful and we can deal with it on our own. Maybe we can learn something from it, or perhaps it has made us wiser about future decisions or choices. That in itself is good.

Yet it is those impactful secrets that we really need to consider. Many women keep the secret of an abortion, an assault, a molestation, or a physical/emotional beating to themselves. The secret seems to be a form of protection. It seems to be a protection from lowered self-worth, guilt, fear, and even empowerment.

Yet, it is not. A secret is often a hook. It is often keeping a women from moving forward. Impactful secrets eat away at a women’s sense of self. Secrets silence hope.

Women do not seek support from a past experience for numerous reasons. They may convince themself that the situation was “not a big deal”. They may assume it is not safe to talk to anyone. They may have been taught to “suck it up”. Or maybe they are just plain scared to face the story!

I am not telling you that you should run out and tell everyone you meet about your struggle. What I am encouraging you with is that you should consider finding a safe place to expose your secret, so it does not have any more power over you. It seems so big when you are running from it, but I guarantee you that if you look at the “secret” in the face, it will shrink. It only has power if it chases you.

If you are holding a secret and you know it is impacting your life, then I encourage you to challenge it’s power. Find a safe place to get ‘unhooked”. Woman to Woman is here to help. Go to http://www.mybestlifepossible.com/ and decide if that may be the safe place you are looking for. There are numerous telephone services available, so location is not a barrier.

Blog Talk Radio Shows

2011-02-17T12:45:00.001-08:00

Hello business women of God!

Did you know that KBWomen hosts a weekly blog talk radio show? Yes...when we first started in January 2009, we had an independent show that we hosted twice a month. In March 2010, we joined up with the CWA Radio Network, where Christian women come to hear great show content from other Christian women radio show hosts.

Have you ever considered hosting your own internet radio show? In the beginning, I admit it was out of my comfort zone, but I've grown to love it! As business owners, authors, speakers, coaches, consultants, etc., having a show is great experience and an excellent way to market yourself and your business.

Click this link to get more information about becoming a radio show host through Blog Talk Radio:

You can get started free, and take it for a test run :-). If you'd like to hear KBWomen Radio, or other radio shows for women of faith, visit the CWA Radio Network link here: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/CWA-Radio

Blessings to you,
Krista Dunk
www.KBWomen.com

Inspirational, Daily Prayer

2011-02-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

A prayer for you today, forwarded to me by my friend First Lady Tomekia Williams from Jacksonville, FL.

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God. And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.

This is my prayer.
In Jesus' name, amen.

~Anonymous

Powerful Prayer for Women

2011-02-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

Most Sovereign Lord, my Father. You are the Creator of heaven and earth and all that we do not know. Your creativeness is unmatchable and Your thoughts are unreachable, yet You incline Your ear to hear the prayers of Your children. You hear every whisper and You answer every secret petition of our hearts, those we are too afraid or ashamed to utter.

You encourage us, by Your word and the gentle unction of Your sweet Holy Spirit. You stretch out Your hands and You call us to Yourself, quietly coaxing us onto Your lap, to comfort and soothe us in our time of need. Your love is unimaginable, however You spread it abroad in our hearts and teach us to live by it.

No matter what state we find ourselves, You are there. Our failings and shortcomings do not catch You by surprise...thus You are never disappointed, in us. You stand, in the midst of our frailty, and led us through the darkness and into Your marvelous light. The journey of Your choosing is for our best, whether You lift us up and out of adversity and trial, or give us the sustaining faith to endure the test. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, because You have destined us to prosper and not fail. We are Your workmanship. You are the Potter and we are the clay, thus You are molding and shaping us into the perfect beings that can only come because You abide in us.

Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom, therefore You are preparing our souls for eternity. Teach us to remain pliable, in Your hands. Cool us with Your breath, when the heat of the furnace is set to remove dross that is too deep for us to turn over on our own. We are Your watered garden, and help us to surrender to the process of Your pruning, because it is Your desire that we bear much fruit.

Abba, I come to You today, on behalf of my sister. She needs You in a way that I cannot know, but by Your Spirit. There is an ache, on the inside of her that can only be soothed by Your touch. So, touch her Lord. This may not be an ache of pain, but one of longing and desperation for more of You. The ache may be caused because of the breaking that is taking place, as You prepare her for this next move You have planned for her life...no matter the ache, You are the Balm in Gilead and declare healing for her soul...complete salvation of mind, body and soul.

Quiet her spirit, as You whisper clear instructions for her next steps, because You are a Lamp to her feet and a Light to her pathway. She cannot do this alone, so I pray You dispatch Your angels to minister to and protect her on this journey to which You have called her. She is NOT alone. You have prepared others to succour her and nurture her along the way. She is safe, in Your arms. Lead and guide her. Strengthen and keep her. Speak, Lord. She is the head and not the tail. No matter her past or present situation, let her know You are not finished with her. The race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endures.

Give her enduring faith and unquestionable trust in You, as You work with her circumstances to bring about her good. She wins! She is more than a conqueror! She is on top and climbing! She will not fail! She will not quit! You are on her side and Your thoughts toward her are good and Your end is what will be! Show her Your purpose for her life and grant her the peace to know that she will accomplish it, because Your word does not return to You void.You get all of the glory and all of the praise, because You deserve it!

Thank You, Father! I declare it to be done, by the power and authority You have given me, in the name of Jesus...AMEN AND HALLELUJAH!

submitted by Inez Reilly - http://iamsproperty.org/

KBWomen Radio: Caleb Quaye - from secular rock star to worship leader

2011-02-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

Did you know that KBWomen has a weekly internet radio show? Yes!

Here is a link to our most recent show:
KBWomen Radio - Caleb Quaye - from secular rock star to worship leader 2/7/2011 - CWA Radio Internet Radio Blog Talk Radio

Live Through Menopause by Loving Yourself

2011-02-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Most women spend their teenage years and their 20’s going through a stage of self-discovery. Ironically enough, when we enter perimenopause and menopause, that stage comes back – with a vengeance!

So many times I felt alone during perimenopause and menopause (I call it PM&M), except, of course for the SUMO wrestler in my head. You might have one too. He’s that big, scary guy, telling me horrible things, like; “You’re getting old and wrinkled”, “You’re not smart anymore” and “You’re already fat, so you might as well finish all that cookie dough and skip baking the cookies.”

In the end, my perimenopause and menopause journey actually taught me to look at some of the dysfunctional relationships in my life – like the one I had with food – and how to treat them with kindness.

Now, when my SUMO jumps in my face and begins yelling at me, I try to minimize him. I make him smaller in my mind. Over time, he keeps shrinking.

Being aware of your SUMO is so helpful because he shows up a lot! Forget the unrealistic dieting goals. Simply take care of yourself and your body in a way that brings you a sense of peace and calm. Love yourself, and when you look in the mirror every day this year, and for the rest of your life, reconnect with the beautiful person that you are, and say, “I am fabulous!” If you don’t believe it the first time, say it again, “I am fabulous!”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"E" is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, author of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness, a light-hearted, informative, easy-to-read book on menopause, and creator of http://www.shmirshky.com, a resource treasure trove for women going through perimenopause and menopause. E stands for everyone because everyone goes through menopause or knows someone who does. Ellen is passionate about promoting health and wellness in America. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. She has served on boards, committees, and chaired numerous events for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Angel Charity for Children, San Diego Hospice. Brandeis University, the Phoenix Heart Ball, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Brewster Auxiliary, and Handmaker Home for the Aging. Ellen’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy through board representation, fundraising, and event organization continues with her founding of Shmirshky Universal, which aims to promote women's health and well being around the world. For more information, visit http://www.shmirshky.com.

21-Day Fast - Lessons Learned

2011-01-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

Lesson Learned: More God, Less Me

There are many reasons people may choose to fast. Some may fast to lose weight. Others fast for religious traditional reasons at certain times of the year. What I have learned from fasting this year is fasting is to humble oneself before God; to completely surrender in faith and trust to God. In humbling oneself, we are asking God to take over and we are asking God to draw nearer to us. We are asking God to change us. God does not change for us when we fast because God is the same now as He was in the beginning, as He always will be. When we fast, we are changing ourselves in order for Him to work through us and in us. We are seeking our true selves through God. We are saying "Yes" to Him and saying, "More of you Lord and less of me."

If you choose to fast, you can take comfort in knowing that a fast is anything you wish to refrain from for a certain amount of time. You can take a fast of food which is the most common or you can do other fasts...you can fast from television, you can fast from sex, you can fast from smoking, you can fast from anything that you wish the Lord to speak to you about during your fast so that you can receive your breakthrough. It is important to pray while you fast, because like said, it is a surrender...and refraining from anything for any proportionate length of time takes patience and most importantly prayer.

Fasting brings you closer to God, it allows you to remove yourself from what it is that you are fasting from so that God can remove blockages from your life and work miracles for you. Have faith and trust that God wants to work wonderful things for you. He loves you. I have learned this over my previous fast: More God, Less Me.

Sincerely, Drisana (Angelica Carmouche of KBWA)

Marketing "MIATA"

2011-01-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

by Krista Dunk

Marketing isn't always an easy task, and most of us need some help. I've made many marketing mistakes myself in the past! However, I have learned a few important tips lately. When it comes to marketing your business and services, think MIATA - Make It About Them Always. Focus on your potential clients rather than making your marketing and promotional materials all about you, or what you do.

Honestly, most people don't care that much about what you do. But, they do care about what they want or need right now. If your business solves a problem for them or meets their need, by all means promote that fact! When you take that approach, your customers will be more likely to investigate what you have to say.

Even in networking situations this can be achieved. Look at these two answer options when someone asks, "So, what do you do?"

1. "I am a sales rep for Fluffy Bunny Software, and I work with independent preschools." (Boring)
2. "I help busy preschool teachers with software that opens the imaginations and ignites the reading skills of their students." (Catchy for parents of preschoolers and teachers)

Marketing letter:

1. "I offer payroll services, monthly bookkeeping, tax tips and business forms for small businesses." (Yippee)
2. "I partner with small business owners by eliminating the burden of bookkeeping, tax prep and payroll while keeping it in trustworthy, experienced hands." (This appeals to me!)

Promoting a service:

1. "Learn about healthy eating for your whole family and positive self-care habits." (Do they need this? Yes. Do they want this? Not really.)
2. "Come see how you can loose weight, have less medical expenses, make simple healthy lifestyle changes, and prevent disease." (They want this!)

Many of you know this already, but it serves as a great reminder for us. From your elevator pitch to your website, brochures to ads, keep MIATA in mind. Focus on what they want, and how your service meets that need. Also, use wording that describes their greatest wants, not their greatest needs. For example, does someone want to loose weight? Yes. Do they want to change their eating habits? No. Will loosing weight require a change in eating habits? Yes, and you know this as the expert who can help them, but it does not appeal to them.

So, in conclusion, discuss their "want," as that is what will catch their eye. Also, don't fill your precious marketing space with info about you; "I can...me, me, me." Show that what you have to offer is all about them!

Practical Life Wisdom

2011-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine sent these words of wisdom to me this morning, and I wanted to share them with you. The author is unknown, but whoever they are, they have some great thoughts to share:

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

2. Do you know why a car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on.

3. Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write.

4. All things in life are temporary. If going well enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong don’t worry, they can't last long either.

5. Old friends are like Gold! New friends are Diamonds! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a base of Gold!

6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

7. When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision."

9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES; it takes away today’s PEACE.

Enjoy,
Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

You Have Started a Business - Now What?

2011-01-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

You Have Started A Business, Now What?

As business owners, we all decide one day, “I can do this.” You no longer need your boss. Heck, your boss couldn't make it without you! You bravely make the decision to start your own business. You have been in your industry for years. You know all there is to know about your field of work.

You go out and get your business license. You get some business cards. You even get a website. You are ready!

Now what?

To be successful with your own business you have to start doing thing you never thought you would do; all the things your mom warned you about.

"Don’t talk to strangers." Yet, now you find yourself standing in the corner of a restaurant, by yourself, staring at your shoes instead of networking with other business owners. It’s hard to get the nerve to walk up and talk with someone you have never met before.

But it doesn’t have to be hard. If you go to a networking meeting ready, the conversation can flow as easy as coffee with your best friend.

You have a secret. No one knows you are nervous. Chances are they are nervous too. Put a friendly smile on your face and walk up to someone at the networking event. Find someone standing at the opposite corner of you. I guarantee they will welcome you.

Always give them a business card. If you are not comfortable just handing them your card. Ask for their card. Take that opportunity to give them your card in return. If you ask them about their business they are sure to ask about yours. Take the time to listen to them. Even if that person isn’t a potential client for you, they may know someone in the future that needs your services.

Follow up. After going to a networking event take the time to contact the people you met at the event. To be a successful business owner you must build your relationships. A quick note that says it was nice to meet you or loved hearing about your business will not be forgotten.

Remember, not talking to strangers has been ingrained in us since we were two. But to have a successful business talking to strangers becomes our biggest ally.

Submitted by Diana Kohn
Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the owner of FLAIR. Her business is designed to help small business owners grow their business through networking.She is also available for writing projects. http://www.businesswithflair.com/

21-Day Fast Blog Journal: Cravings

2011-01-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Cravings

Lord God in Heaven, I used to crave for physical things, more clothes than I need, more time than I need, more food, more of everything. All these physical cravings consumed my thoughts, my lifestyle, my everyday when I should have been craving more of you. I knew you were always there Lord, at my side and at my back, but I should have been looking for you at my front to guide me. I lost sight of what I was supposed to be doing. I was walking without a plan; had too many clothes, too little time and money management and too much food consumption. I had only to rely on you for a plan instead of relying only on me.

Over consumption of anything will lead to a loss of something with whatever I do. Spending too much leads to debt, not managing money and time wisely leads to waste. Allowing food to consume me has led to unhealthy body and an unhealthy spirit life. I don't want my spirit to starve Lord, so I rely on you so that I can resist the temptations and redirect my cravings onto you Lord. Jesus, Lord you were tempted so I know I am not alone. Temptation does not have to come in the form of food; it can be in any form, and produce all kinds of unhealthy cravings. Lead me not into temptation guide me towards your spirit of truth.

Today I sustain a deep craving Lord God; a craving for your spirit and truth. I wish to be consumed by the spiritual cravings of truth and life, not of darkness and death. The life of the righteous is in your hands. Lead me to the cross where I lay my burden down. God be with me. Amen.

Contributed by (KBWA Member Angelica Carmouche) Drisana - http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

21-Day Fast Blog Journal

2011-01-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Search for a Deeper Meaning

Sometimes when I write or think, I have rambling thoughts and everything comes out jumbled and confused. It is like I am typing on the keyboard and every second or third key that I hit sticks and I have to hit it several times and it ends up like ttttttttttthis. Does life seem like this to you sometimes? That is when I realize that I have to take deep breaths, quiet the noise in my mind and in my heart, and ask God for peace. I have learned over this past week how to truly allow God to take over, to hand over my problems, fears and concerns to God, not to pick those problems back up and try and tell Him what to do with them. In the past couple of weeks of fasting and prayer, I have found a portion of inner peace that has allowed me to truly surrender to God and not fear the future unknown.

Lord God, my life is in your hands. To you I give total surrender and hand over all my worries, fears, doubts, insecurities. I will not pick these problems back up and tell you what to do with them. I will let go, as it well should be with total faith in my surrender to you Lord. Keep guiding me Lord, and draw me closer to you so that I may have strength in the journey.

Amen

Drisana -

New Business Book - "Flash Foresight"

2011-01-19T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hello Business Women!
I just heard about a new business book, and wanted to share the information with you. Here is a snippet:

Have you ever wished you could predict the future in business—and be RIGHT? How valuable would it be to see invisible opportunities BEFORE anyone else including your competition? Are you ready for your business to thrive regardless of the changing economy?

Then you are ready for Flash Foresight: How to See the Invisible and Do the Impossible. By Daniel Burrus, renowned futurist and technology forecaster. HarperCollins has positioned Flash Foresight to be the lead business book in 2011.

Here’s what the experts are saying:

"I love this book! It's as much fun to read as it is inspiring to learn from. Buy it, read it, and put it to use--in a flash!" - Alan M. Webber, Co-founder, Fast Company Magazine

"Full of provocative insights and powerful strategies from a veteran entrepreneur. The 'Take Your Biggest Problem - and Skip It' chapter alone is worth the price of admission." - Steve Forbes, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes and CEO of Forbes Inc.

With change accelerating as never before, anticipating the future has become essential for business leaders and entrepreneurs alike. By adopting the principles in “Flash Foresight”, you can accelerate innovation and growth.

To help you make this your best year ever, Daniel Burrus has an extraordinary limited time opportunity for anyone who purchases a book. There are $20,000 worth of free gifts that you can take advantage of, simply by purchasing this $17.99 book! These bonus gift offerings are from top business, sales and marketing gurus.

Today we all face more impossible challenges than ever before. In Flash Foresight you’ll discover how to transform the impossible into the possible, revealing hidden opportunities and allowing you to solve your biggest problems – before they happen.

More information about the book can be found at www.FlashForesight.com.

I encourage you to check this book link out for more information. Have a great week everyone!

posted by Krista Dunk

Perimenopause: The Catch-22 Taboo

2011-01-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

This article was submitted by Ellen Sarver Dolgen, who has a book launching today called
*Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness* http://shmirshky.com/book/. She has some great information on a somewhat taboo and misunderstood topic - menopause. As women, it is something we have delt with, are dealing with now, or will deal with in the future.

Ever wonder what happens before “the change”? That’s right – it’s “the change before the change.”

Don’t worry, it sounds worse than it is. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about exactly what menopause is, so let’s clear things up a bit. Perimenopause is the six to ten years leading up to menopause. Menopause is defined as the moment after perimenopause, when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Often when women say, “I’m going through menopause,” they’re describing the perimenopause part of the journey. Who knew, right?

Well, perimenopause has long been something women didn't discuss much and personally, a time in my life that no one ever mentioned to me, until I already began the process. Why the silence? Probably because I would have requested a sex change immediately, had I known what would be in my future!

Perimenopause can be tough, but if you keep these three things in mind, you’ll be on your way to an easier perimenopause experience:

be prepared
trust how you feel
reach out for the help you deserve

Nowadays, older women are much more active, happier, and sexier than ever before. Aging is no longer our greatest fear. Remember, with so many new and different ways to share information, we must continue to break the silence!

Reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is OUT.

"E" is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, author of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness, a light-hearted, informative, easy-to-read book on menopause, and creator of http://www.shmirshky.com, a resource treasure trove for women going through perimenopause and menopause. E stands for everyone because everyone goes through menopause or knows someone who does. Ellen is passionate about promoting health and wellness in America. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. She has served on boards, committees, and chaired numerous events for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Angel Charity for Children, San Diego Hospice. Brandeis University, the Phoenix Heart Ball, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Brewster Auxiliary, and Handmaker Home for the Aging. Ellen’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy through board representation, fundraising, and event organization continues with her founding of Shmirshky Universal, which aims to promote women's health and well being around the world. For more information, visit http://www.shmirshky.com.

21-Day Fasting Journal Continued...Weekend Fasting Days

2011-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

I have learned that God speaks to you when you are quiet; when all the noise is quieted in your life, including the noise in my mind. I experienced my own awakening this weekend. I felt the presence of God while I was lying down, my child was sleeping, the television was off, and my eyes were closed. This is what I heard:

Some people who experience God tell you they have experienced Him and it is usually after a huge loss. The Lord has moved into their lives they tell you and changed them and it is after they have experienced a trial or a terrible circumstance. There is nothing wrong with that the Lord was telling me because it has happened to me. But what then...the Lord asked me personally, what have you done after God has come in cleaned everything up made you feel better and moved you forward in your life? Remember now....God was speaking to me...ok. Let me change the tone. The Lord asked me, "What have you done after I have cleaned everything up? You have taken the mile I have given you and regressed backward inch by inch until you are doing exactly the same thing you were doing before that led you to calling out to Me in the first place. If you would have just stayed with Me instead of pulling back you would have been even further along. Does that make sense to you?

The Lord asked me that..."Does that make sense to you girl?"

The Lord showed me in my mind where I had asked for His help, called out His name and how He had answered me. He showed me the times He had placed answers in front of me and I chose other paths. He even showed me how He had used those diverted paths of mine to better me. The simplest thing is this, God told me this in my personal prayer..."You don't need a loss to call out to me. You don't need a terrible circumstance or a horrible consequence. You don't need those things at all to have Me in your life all the time. You can have victory in your life without having to suffer loss after loss after loss. I don't want you to suffer, I want you to experience the freedom of knowing that I am with you every day, every moment, and that you can be secure and happy with that knowledge and move forward in a positive way."

As I prayed on this, I understood that I do not want to suffer any more losses either. I want God in my life without the pain of self-inflicted loss and I do not want to regress either. I didn't know how long it was going to take for my own spiritual awakening, but it was pretty quick according to my standards. I guess it is because I discovered that I am expecting again, and the Lord who knows everything revealed these things to me now in this short period of time. Now my prayer is focused on having another healthy pregnancy and birth. My faith levels have definitely been raised. My attitude about food has changed as my hunger for spiritual food has grown. It is absolutely amazing what God can do.

I pray that God continues to use me as an inspiration, and I pray that if you decide the same that you experience your own awakening with God.

Praise God by the power of His Holy Name, Lord Jesus. Amen

Drisana - http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Day 5 of a 21-Day Fast

2011-01-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to God that I started today out with a prayer. "Lord God, just be with me Jesus." I had no idea how much strength I would gather from those few words in a prayer. I can't express that enough because I have said those words many times today. "Lord God, just be with me Jesus. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There is nothing like the name of Jesus."

Oh, it was tough today, really rough. The devil was working all kinds of tricks on my mind and in my heart. But you know it wouldn't be God if the devil wasn't trying to work on me. My birthday is coming up, and a friend of mine wants to take me to lunch. I asked him if he would mind waiting until after 5:00pm and then told him why. "It is a fast from sun up to sun down," I told him. Well, he told me it was just foolishness that he would have to "plan his life around events," and he wasn't going to do it. So I told him "never mind." God, God, God, oh well - something must be coming to revelation that day on my 35th birthday. I will wait and pray on it. The Lord knows I am being true to my commitment.

Keep me in your prayers, this is as I have said a commitment to God and I am dedicated to keeping my word. It has for sure been a conditioning of mind, body and spirit.

Be still and have faith in the Lord whose strength I hold near to my heart.

Drisana - http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Virtual Mastermind for Business Women of Faith!

2011-01-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, you heard (or read) right...

On January 24th, KBWA launches the "Monthly Spotlight Q&A Calls" which is an opportunity for like-minded faith-based business women to connect, collaborate and grow. Does this sound interesting to you?

Learn more here at our association home page: http://kbwa.memberlodge.com/. Our main website address is http://www.kbwomen.com/ where you can find out more about Koinonia Business Women. This Christian mastermind group with a business focus might be just what you're looking for.

Membership is only $129 a year! Join us!

-Krista Dunk, KBWA Association Leader

21-Day Fast, Day #4

2011-01-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

"Not by my will, Lord, but by Your will be done."

That is what has been rolling through my head all day today as the 4th day of my 21-day fast. It is interesting to me how far from God and His perspective I have been in life; after removing food for just four days now, how much I have leaned on nothing but the support of the Lord God Jesus Christ. I have called on His name in my mind. It is interesting to note that this is not something that I have done in my life just recently. I have prayed, yes. I have seen God answer prayer and have felt the power of prayer in my life, yes. I have been a testimony and have seen my own personal miracles occur. But now, I can actually say that I have felt God pull me closer in to Him, and I have felt His presence more.

There is more to this I know; there is more than I have to learn. I want to learn more. I yearn to learn more, to feel more, to have more passion in life for Christ. I have committed myself to this fast, and it is absolutely amazing to me that I have a new desire a new driving hunger to have a more initimate relationship with God.

I cannot speculate on what will happen next. I am experiencing as I go through this and I am learning. It is not easy, but when it gets the hardest, and believe me the devil tries to play on my mind...calling on the name of the Lord and praying, "Lord, God if this be your will then let it be. Not by my will but by your will Lord God be done." Total surrender, total trust.

Have faith and be still.
Drisana - http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Angelica's Fast - Day #3

2011-01-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Day 3 has been both a challenge, and an answer to prayer. I honestly did not expect a call to my heart such as this when the Lord spoke to me. Some challenges have been on my heart. With challenges, we feel troubled, and with those troubles I went to the Lord in prayer asking for guidance. I received an answer to this prayer as quickly as my mind thought the request. I was told not only to keep blogging, but I was told to write the past troubles that I had gone through out.

Being an imperfect person, I have been through many different things. My own self-inflicted trials and tribulations to name a few, and have not always actively sought God in my life. Of course I always believed in God, I always believed that Jesus Christ died for me and my sins. Yet I did not fully know what that meant, and in my ignorance, I lived my life for myself not fully having surrendered my life over to God. I believed in God, and yet I lived as if He did not exist. I only went to Him if I saw there was no other way not fully realizing that He is the way.

Lord, I do not wish to live my life as if you were a sidebar to my question mark. I wish to live my life in complete surrender to you God. I wish to live my life in total trust in your truth and your word. God in giving myself over to you, I have complete faith that you will redeem me in what has been lost and I will be found in the protective Glory of your Grace and your Heavenly Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord God, for your mercy, thank you Lord God for all that you have done for me. That my sins have been forgiven by the sacrifice you made with your son Jesus. Thank you Lord God. In your Heavenly name I pray.

Amen

by Drisana - http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Fasting Day #2

2011-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of my 21-day fast has reached midday, and I have not had a single craving for food. I am leaning more on spiritual hunger and a thirst for more of what God has in store for me. Life gets in the way of a lot of things. I have found that when I am not thinking of breaking for lunch or what to snack on next, I am conversing more and more with God.

This challenge is just that - a challenge to discipline myself through prayer and devotion, knowing that the Lord will take care of all things that come my way. This fast, like any other challenge in life, is just one way to show that God has the reign no matter what we may think we are in control of. It is like my Grandmother used to tell me, the best way to make the Lord laugh is to tell him your plans. God has a positive plan for all our lives. I believe that more now than I have ever believed anything in my life. We make what we think are mistakes but God takes our "mistakes" and turns them for His Glory.

Lord, your ways, make known to me. Teach me your paths, guide me in your truths and teach me. For you are my God, my Savior, for you I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5

Drisana - I can do all things through the God that strengthens me.

(Angelica D. Carmouche) http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Day 1, of a 21-day Fast, by Angelica Carmouche

2011-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Day 1, of a 21-Day Fast

Well, it is day 1 of my 21-day fast, and of course the day was started out with a prayer. "Dear Lord, I do not know what I am doing but I know you will help me along my way. As I start this journey, walk with me Lord. Let me not close off my mind just to keep from thinking of food, but allow my mind to be open to you Lord Jesus. Allow my spirit to be receptive to what you want revealed to me over the next several days and lead me in the direction you wish for me to go. Thank you Lord Jesus in your Heavenly name I pray, Amen."

I am praying constantly in my mind, "be with me Jesus." Every moment, my mind is on the Lord. I surrender to God and trust that I do not have to rely on food for any comfort. That is hard, because for so long food has been my comfort. Now I am telling God, "Lord you are my only comfort here because I have removed food from my comfort zone." Only God is occupying my comfort zone.

Wow, how much does it take to say that and actually mean it? It is a faith feeling. I am drawing nearer to the Lord, believing in the promise that He will draw closer to me. I am walking a journey to discover what my true purpose is and how to fulfill it.

Pray for me as I continue to pray. I hope to inspire as others have inspired me, and during this time to keep hold to my faith and encourage me. I am reading AWAKENING A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom 21 days to Revolutionize your Relationship with God By Stovall Weams.

Pastors Stovall and Kerri Weams have been an inspiring aspect in my life and just hearing them speak and teach at Women's Conferences or on special Sundays at Healing Place Church (HPC), I have been blessed to have received the word from them. It is amazing how much being in attendance at HPC has changed my life. Pastors Dino and Delynn Rizzo, the leaders at HPC, are absolutely amazing. Through them, God has opened Faith doors for me. I thank God for them. It is only by walking through those faith doors that I have the devotion and strength to go through this, and I know that God will carry and see me through.

I look forward to this learning experience and the spiritual growth that comes from it.

Drisana (Angelica D. Carmouche)

http://askdrisana.blogspot.com/

Personalized Christmas Gifts

2010-12-22T09:38:00.001-08:00

Looking for last-minute Christmas gifts for kids? Or possibly for an upcoming birthday?

Consider KBWA Member, Margo Cromartie-McClure's business. She offers personalized books for children. I personally have one of these, and they are fabulous! Children love to read a book that they are in.

Visit http://www.justformesmiles.com/ for full details!

The One Flaw in Women

2010-12-11T11:25:00.001-08:00

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

~ Author Unknown

What is Prosperity?

2010-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

As Christians in America, "prosperity" is a word that has been, at times, used and abused by some teachers and ministers. As people of faith, we have become wary of its mere mention. The reality is, prosperity is a Biblical term and prosperity is a God-ordained state of being (or not being). However, I want to share a new perspective on this topic - one you may not have realized before. It starts with this statement from Pastor Gregory Dickow:

“Redefine prosperity - Prosperity IS God’s presence in your life. Genesis 39:2 says the Lord was with Joseph, so he was a PROSPEROUS MAN.”

Does this strike you as it does me? God's presence is the definition of prosperity. When God's presence is with you, you are prosperous. When God's presence is with me, I am prosperous. Prosperity does have evidence in the natural realm as well, including provision, wisdom, a fullness of life, and favor, but it all starts with God's Spirit being present with us.

There are all kinds of prayers that we pray for blessings of various types; material goods, finances, children, relationships, healing, etc. God knows what we need and it is good to express the desires of our hearts with Him. But, let's take prayers for blessings a step further.

Psalm 119:135 says, "Bless me with Your presence." I believe we need to ask for more of God's presence by seeking, praying, worshipping, and reading the Word more. When His Spirit fills us up powerfully, daily, then our prosperity will know no bounds!

Jabez prayed to have his territory enlarged. If we want to also pray that same prayer, I believe our ability to love needs to be enlarged first. This comes through fellowship with God; His presence. As you can see, it's all working together!

Taken from the KBWomen *BLING* Newsletter. Sign up today at www.KBWomen.com.

Free Newsletters

2010-12-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers,

I pray that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving week, and you're ready for the busy Christmas month!

A quick note for you today about email newsletters. If you are a business woman of faith, you may enjoy receiving our KBWomen newsletter called *BLING*. It goes out via email twice a month, and includes articles, scripture, a featured business woman, event info, and more.

You can sign up now at www.KBWomen.com - it's on the home page. You can also view archives of the newsletters by visiting the Newsletter link.

Also, I personally offer a free newsletter of a different kind. It's called the "Gifts & Calling Newsletter," and it has information for people interested in learning more about their God-given gifts and calling. I have been getting great response so far, and would love for you to know about it.

Learn more at www.StepOutandTakeYourPlace.com. As you will see, I have an upcoming book on this topic! Here is a link to the archives of this newsletter: http://community.icontact.com/p/kbwomen/newsletters/yourgiftedlife

By the way, did you know you can create your own newsletter system? I use iContact, and have been very happy with this service. They offer a free trial period to test it out. To learn more about iContact, visit this link: http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/508058/

Enjoy your blessed day,
Krista Dunk

Looking to Create a Business Website?

2010-11-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Business Women of Faith!

Thank you for visiting us here at the KBWomen blog. Today, we're talking about business websites. Do you need one, but aren't sure where to start? I can help!

Listen now to the (45 minute) KBWomen Radio Show for Monday, Nov. 8th, where Krista shares her thoughts and knowledge about creating a website.

Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2010/11/08/kb-women-radio

Please share this broadcast with anyone you know who has business website questions. Enjoy your blessed week everyone.

Krista Dunk

www.KBWomen.com

The Rush of Life, by Katie Nolan

2010-11-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is the quick intro for a monthly devotional Katie offers. I thought you might enjoy reading it. To sign up for her devotionals via email, send her a note at kknolan@comcast.net.

Sometimes the rush of life becomes a roar and we lose sight of what is truly needful. The Psalmist said "I have calmed and quieted my soul" (Psalm 131). I have quieted my appetites and emotions and set my focus squarely on God.

We can get carried along by the rush of life and slowly begin to lose sight of the need to stop, rest, and take a moment to breathe. We sign up for so many things, rush from place to place, even ministry to ministry, and our constant activity becomes a way of living. God is faithful to stop our movement at times so we can be refreshed and fix our focus fully back upon Him.

Success is not measured by the amount of things we accomplish each day. Success is listening to our Father and doing His will. That is hard to do if we are so busy moving we never take time to communicate with Him.

Contributed by Katie Nolan
lia sophia Unit Manager
www.liasophia.com/katienolan

Faith - Hope - Love. Which One Could You Live Without?

2010-11-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Faith, Hope and Love

While I was driving today, I was contemplating how important hope is for people. Without it, people dry up inside. The next thought I had was about love. "Well, the combination of hope and love in a person's life is so powerful," I thought to myself. Faith then entered the scene in my mind, completing the third leg of this table. Quickly, my mind brought up the verse that says,

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -1 Corinthians 13:13

Could we live without one of these? Do we live without one of these?

Interestingly, in this section of the Bible, Paul is writing about spiritual gifts and the work God has called each of us to. We'll come back to this thought in a moment...

What about living without faith?

Without faith, we focus on the natural, rather than on the unseen things God is doing around us. Without faith, there is no confidence to hope. It's easy to set up our lives in such a way that having great faith is not usually necessary. I've done it myself. In many areas of life, I rarely find myself with a need that requires faith (although in a few areas, there are needs that require much faith). Structure can replace faith if we are not careful.

What about living without hope?

Not sure I can say I'm someone who lives without hope (or ever have), but I've definitely known people who have. There is a particular person that comes to mind who lived without hope. She was sick, depressed, lonely, and ended up taking her own life. Hopelessness is more dangerous than we may realize.

What about living without love?

Now, most of us will say we live with love because we have people we love, or relationships who love us. God loves us, right? Right...but in this section of the Bible, we see that Paul is talking about having an attitude of love as we use our gifts, as we work and as we influence others around us. Loving someone and being loving (actions, behaviors, core being) are two very different things. I imagine that God hestitates to equip a loveless person with power.

1 Corinthians 12 and 13 are good chapters to meditate on. This segment serves as a very good reminder. It can help us to reconcile who we show up as in the world with the character God wants us to bring with as we go. It will help us answer this question:

What gifts and purpose has God given me, and how (with what spirit) does He want me to use them?

Just sharing my random thoughts with you today...thank you for reading. :-)

Krista Dunk

www.KBWomen.com

Money and Ministry

2010-10-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!
For you who are involved in non-profits, ministries or other businesses, this article is a great guide for the proper mindset about money and our work. Enjoy...

Money and Ministry by Asher Intrater

The relationship between money and ministry is very sensitive. Let's look at a few issues:

Lordship
We never do anything in the ministry for the sake of getting money. Yeshua said, "You cannot serve God and Mammon" – Matthew 6:24. Of course we need money for the work of the Lord, and God knows that. He will provide. We are never to worry (Matthew 6:25). Yet the motives we have for serving the Lord are not to make a profit.

Not Merchandising
Therefore we are not to treat the word of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit as a product to be marketed. It is not merchandise. "We are not like many who make commerce of the word of God" – II Corinthians 2:17. We are to be good stewards and act as responsible business professionals in the manner of our work, yet we are not to see the power of God as something to be sold. "Your money perish with you, for you thought to buy the gift of God with money" – Acts 8:20. The subtle ability to manipulate manifestations of God's grace as a trick to bring in donations is evil at its root (I Timothy 6:10).

Faith to Give
As we grow in faith, God teaches us to trust Him to be able to give more and more to help others. Yeshua purposely placed His disciples in a test. There were 5,000 men, in addition to women and children, in attendance. The people needed food. Yeshua said to His disciples, "You give them to eat" – Matthew 14:16. God demanded of them to change their identity from a taker to a giver, from being a needy person to being a supplier of needs. There is supernatural provision in faith.

Recently I felt God limiting my faith to be able to provide for the needs of our ministry. He wanted our staff and team members to grow in faith. After prayer, I told them, "Now you will begin to have faith to give and provide." This is part of discipleship. As we learn to give, God will provide. After the disciples fed the 5,000, Yeshua told them to gather all the crumbs. There were 12 baskets left over – enough for one basket to each disciple. God's economy is lavish in giving, yet frugal in expenses.

Paying Taxes
Paying taxes to the government is very costly and sometimes seems to be a waste of God's money. However, we are instructed to pay taxes as part of our faith in God (Romans 13:6). The tax services are not bothered by the fact that a person receives a lot of money. Quite the contrary – they just want their percentage of the income.

Yeshua instructed Peter to receive a supernatural supply of money to pay the religious tax on the Temple by taking money out of a fish's mouth (Matthew 17:27). He also instructed all the people to pay the secular tax to the government. "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's; and unto God what is God's" – Matthew 22:21. We have to distinguish between God and Caesar. Those who have money are not necessarily more spiritual. On the other hand, we can't over-spiritualize money. We have to pay bills; and we have to pay taxes. The rabbis have an expression, "Without bread (flour), there is no Torah; and without Torah, there is no bread" – Pirke Avot 3.

Keeping Records
There were moments in history of revival and abundance, where keeping records of every expense was not necessary (II Kings 22:7). However in our world today, there is much suspicion and much financial pressure. We have to be diligent in keeping records correctly. The process of keeping records is what demonstrates integrity. "That no one should blame us in these great donations, which are administered by us. We have determined to act with integrity, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" - II Corinthians 8:20-21. We purpose to show our morality, not just before God, but also toward men.

Don't Be Offended
One of the reasons that Judas betrayed Yeshua was that he saw Miriam of Bethany pour expensive perfume on Yeshua. He thought it was wasteful. He was offended (and was also stealing money himself). This offense triggered his betrayal (Matthew 26:14). Don't let yourself fall into the same trap.

Don't Compare
Comparing salaries and benefits can cause jealousy and anger. "Why does that person receive more than I do? I work harder than he does." Yeshua addressed this issue in the parable of the hired workers. Some worked longer hours. They expected more money. They were offended that they did not receive more. Yeshua answered, "Friend, I did not wrong you. Did you not agree to work for one denarius? Do I not have the right to do with my own money what I want? Are you envious because I am generous?" – Matthew 20:13, 15. The attitude that "I deserve this" is not appropriate when employed in service to the Lord. What we have is by His grace. One aspect of repentance is to be satisfied with one's earnings (Luke 3:14).

Wealth of the Nations
There are amazing promises of prosperity in the Bible. There are even prophecies that the "wealth of the nations" will come to us (Isaiah 60:5; 60:9; 60:11; 60:16; 61:6; Zechariah 14:14). Why would God want to bring us the wealth of the nations? It is not for us to live in luxury. The wealth of the nations will come to us in order to bring the gospel to the nations. Our motivation is not to GET the wealth of the nations, but to USE it. We desire not to take money from them but to give salvation to them. We need to enlarge our faith for giving, our faith for receiving, and our faith for the kingdom of God.

Written by Asher Intrater of www.revive-israel.org, and re-printed by www.frangipane.org

Life Wisdom

2010-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this with you today; it's life wisdom from a 90-year-old woman named Regina Brett. I didn't include all of the items on her list, but here are some of the highlights:

When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
It's OK to let your children see you cry.
Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
Always choose life.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. Have a blessed week everyone.

Krista Dunk, Koinonia Business Women - http://www.kbwomen.com/

KBWomen Radio - Want to Know Your Calling?

2010-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Business Women!
Do you know that KBWomen has a radio show every Monday morning? Yes...9:30am Pacific, 12:30pm Eastern. We are part of the Christian Women Affiliate network, and we represent the business show. All of our archives are available at the main page: www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio.

This week, I recorded the show by myself, which is unusual. We normally have guests who we interview. However, this week I wanted to share a message from my heart to yours. If you want to know more about seeking God for His calling for your life, please listen in to this 37 minute show.

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Enjoy! Have a great week,

Krista Dunk, KBWomen Co-Founder

Expo & Craft Show Event Tips

2010-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

"Tips for a successful event"

Whether it's a small craft show or a booth at a large venue, there are some important things you can do to increase your chances of success.

1. Introduce yourself to your booth neighbors and show interest in their product or service. Try to refer customers to them, offer to watch their booth while they take a restroom break. The collaboration could earn you free networking information such as when and where other similar types of shows are being held.

2. Have a visually appealing space. Don't have food or cups lying around. Create appealing displays by adding dimension and color.

3. Always have enough change to break large bills. Be clear as to what forms of payment you accept.

4. Greet everyone, at least with a smile. At most events people walk around once and then later return to the booths they are interested in. Your smile, could bring them back to you.

5. Have fun and smile. People with be drawn to you and curious about your service or product.

Contributed by Chris Creekpaum, owner of Purs-onality Purses, Olympia, WA

A Pencil's Lesson

2010-09-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

I had to share this great, simple message with you today. A friend emailed this to me recently, and it is definitely worth sharing:

A PENCIL MAKER TOLD THE PENCIL 5 IMPORTANT LESSONS JUST BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE BOX :

Everything you do will always leave a mark.
You can always correct the mistakes you make.
The important thing is inside of you.
In life, you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will only make you better.
To be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be held and guided by the hand that holds you.

You...a tool in the Master's hand! Enjoy your blessed day,

Krista Dunk, http://www.kbwomen.com/

Do You Know Your Everyday Calling?

2010-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Want to discover your God-given gifts? Want to stop wasting time, mental energy and effort on things you're not sure is God's will for your life? Do you enjoy your role on Sundays serving at church, but then remain unsatisfied with Monday - Saturday? Believe me...I've been there...But I did not stay there!

Just 1 week left to register for the October 2nd, 3-hour workshop in Lacey, WA, called The "Your Everyday Calling Workshop."

In this workshop, Krista Dunk will take participants through a series of exercises, assessments, group work, and questions to help each participant begin to seek God for His plan for their lives. Registration is just $34. For the cost of a pair of shoes, the information gained will be priceless...
Just a few spots left to be filled - sign up today at http://www.youreverydaycalling.com/!

Hope to see you there...

2010-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Love Me Where You're At - By Pastor Francis Frangipane (En Español)

I have discovered that, as we seek the Lord, our most difficult periods can be transformed into wonderful breakthroughs into God's love. For me, one such season occurred during the years 1979 to1981. The association of churches with which I was aligned had fallen under spiritual deception. Not only were its core doctrines increasingly seeded with New Age influences, but immorality crept in, and key leaders began leaving their wives for other women. I could no longer remain silent. As a result, in 1979 I left my congregation in Detroit, Michigan, where I had served as pastor, and traveled to the organization's regional headquarters in Iowa. I came to plead for repentance. However, after meeting with the senior leaders, I was asked to leave the group.

So here we were – we had left our church, we had no money, and we had four little children; we couldn't even afford basic housing. Desperate for anything, we finally found an old farmhouse in rural Washington, Iowa. The home was over a hundred years old, but it actually looked much older. After negotiating with the landlord, we were given a year of free rent provided I did basic repairs to the house, such as cleaning and painting.

Even so, the house needed more than I could provide. The furnace did not work well, so we installed a wood burner stove in the kitchen. That first winter, it turned out, was one of the coldest in Iowa's history. Frost formed on the inside walls, spreading a foot or two around each window; wind chills dropped to 60 below, and even colder on several occasions.

To keep warm each night, the whole family cuddled tightly on one large mattress on the dining room floor, about 18 feet from the wood burner in the kitchen. A fan behind the stove nudged warm air in our direction. My nightly project, of course, was to build enough heat in the stove to keep us warm until morning.

While I worked the fire, I also would pray and seek God. The wood burner became a kind of altar to me, for each night as I prayed, I offered to God my unfulfilled dreams and the pain of my spiritual isolation. Yes, I knew the Lord was aware of our situation. Though we had virtually nothing, He showed Himself to us in dozens of little ways. I just didn't know what He wanted of me.

As the seasons came and went, another child was born, and then we fostered a young girl from Vietnam, giving us six children. Still, as the family grew, the little area around the wood burner became a hallowed place to me. Even in the summer, I would sit on the chair next to the stove and pray and worship.

I would like to say I found the joy of the Lord during this time, but in truth, though I gradually adjusted to my situation, I felt an abiding misery in my soul. Our deep poverty was an issue (I barely made $6,000 a year), but more than that, I felt like I had missed the Lord. My continual prayer was, "Lord, what do You want of me?"

Three years of seeking God passed, and I still carried an emptiness inside. What was God's will for me? I had started a couple Bible studies and spoken a few times in churches, but I so identified with being a pastor that, until I was engaged again in full-time ministry, I feared I had lost touch with God's call on my life.

In spite of this inner emptiness concerning ministry, I actually was growing spiritually, especially in areas that were previously untilled. I went through the Gospels, hungry to study and obey the words of Christ. Previously, I had unconsciously defined a successful ministry as something born of my performance. During this time, however, the Lord reduced me to simply being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Indeed, a number of things I thought were biblical I discovered were really just religious traditions. The Lord desired that I take inventory of my heart and examine those few truths for which I would be willing to die. He said the truths for which I would die, for these I should live.

Frankly, things like the timing of the rapture or nuances about worship style or spiritual gifts dropped in their priority, though I still considered them important. Rising to the top of my focus was a passion to be a true follower of Jesus Christ – to obey His teachings and approach life not merely as a critic but more as an encourager. I also found myself increasingly free to enjoy and learn from Christians from other streams and perspectives.

Yet, these changes, though deep and lasting, occurred slowly, almost imperceptibly. They were happening quietly in my heart, and only in hindsight did I see what the Lord had done. Throughout this time, I was preoccupied with feelings of detachment from God's will. My prayer to know the Lord's plan for me continued daily.

The Breakthrough - One day, as I stood in the kitchen pantry, I repeated again my abiding prayer: "Lord, what do You want of me?" In a sudden flash of illumination, the Lord answered. Speaking directly to my heart, He said, "Love Me where you're at."

In this time and season, remember, I was not a pastor or minister. I was a television repairman doing odd jobs on the side to provide for my family. I hated what I was doing. In my previous church I taught against TV and now I was "laying hands" on television sets and raising them from the dead! The Lord's answer cut straight to my heart. I was awed at its simplicity! I asked, "Love You where I am at? Lord, is that all You want of me?" To this He responded, "This is all I will ever require of you."

In that eternal moment peace flooded my soul and I was released from the false expectation of ministry-driven service. God was not looking at what I did for Him, but who I became to Him in love. The issue in His heart was not whether I pastored, but whether I loved Him. To love the Lord in whatever station I found myself – even as a television repairman – this I could do!

A deep and remarkable transformation occurred in me. My identity was no longer in being a pastor but rather in becoming a true lover of God. Having settled my priorities, amazingly, just a couple days later I was invited to pastor a church in Marion, Iowa. In spite of all my previous anxiety about returning to ministry, I did not jump at the opportunity. For I had found what the Lord truly desired of me. Though I eventually accepted this call, my focus was not merely on leading a church but on loving God.

What God SeeksMore than one's ministry, God seeks our love. His great commandment is that we love Him, ultimately, with all our mind, all our heart, and all our soul and strength. If we love Him, we will fulfill all He requires of us (John 14:15). And it is as we love Him that He orchestrates all things to work together for our good (Rom. 8:28).

Beloved, loving God is not hard. We can fulfill any assignment – auto mechanic or housewife, doctor or college student – and still give great pleasure to our heavenly Father. We do not need ministry titles to love the Lord. Indeed, God measures the value of our lives by the depth of our love. This is what He requires of every true God-seeker: to love Him where we are at.

Lord Jesus, the revelation of Your love has swept me off my feet. Lord, You have drawn me and I run after You. Master, even in the mundane things of life, I shall express my love for You. Consume me in Your love.

by Frangipane Ministries, Inc.Copyright (c) 2010 All rights reserved. Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations were taken from the NASB.
Please visit our website for additional messages and resources. If you wish to contact us with comments or questions about this article, you may do so by writing us at comments@frangipane.org.

To Celebrate (or compete with) Someone's Calling...

2010-09-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

"The Lord has assigned to each his task...The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor." -from 1 Corinthians 3

In business and life, we come in contact with lots of talented people. We see leaders, CEO's, pastors, and mentors doing great things and making a difference in the world; planting and watering as 1 Corinthians discusses. That is often what we desire for ourselves and is one of the purposes of our businesses.

The problem is when an unhealthy spirit of competition rises up within us. When this happens, we covet someone else's position, impact and/or gifts. Have you ever had thoughts rise up that say things like, "I could do their job or run their business better, why don't I have that ability, how did they get to that level without the education level I have, or why did she get that opportunity and not me?" We may not realize it, but we may be coveting and competing with that other person's calling, rather than supporting it.

Maybe the truth is you could do their job better. Maybe you could have done something great with that opportunity or position too. But honestly, it doesn't matter. God knows the plans He has for you. He knows the good works He has called you to. Their calling is not your calling.

Having not known God's plan for me for many years, I say this from personal experience; Many of us who do not operate in our gifts and calling feel frustrated, and feel a sense of competition with those who do. I am not talking about the feelings you get when you see someone effectively using their gifts and abilities that spur you on to the next level, to getting creative or towards growth, as that is a good thing! I am talking about judgmental feelings; competitive feelings; jealous feelings; unsupportive feelings; even feelings of self doubt.

On the flip side, when we understand our role and God's unique plan for us, celebrating someone else's gifts and calling becomes easier. Being critical fades away, and encouragement replaces it. We begin to recognize when someone else has stepped up to take their place in business, in ministry or in life and we can celebrate and support them! Then, we can even feel more confident about, celebrate and thank God for the work He is doing through us as well.

Just keeping it real :-)

by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com, www.YourEverydayCalling.com

The "Your Everyday Calling Workshop" Invitation

2010-09-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Do you know your everyday calling? Join Krista Dunk on October 2nd, in Lacey, WA, for a 3-hour workshop. Please view this 4-minute video with more info, then visit www.YourEverydayCalling.com for full details. See you there!

Dream Chaser

2010-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

"On your mark... get set... G…… Hey, wait a minute... you didn’t wait until I said go. Hold up. Okay, fine. I can catch you anyway, at least I hope I can. I can. I will."

So, I run down the road, onto the gravel, hop over logs, up the dunes, down to the beach, into the waves, out again, into town, in the house, up the stairs. I stop.

"Hello? Where are you? I was right behind you for awhile but I couldn’t keep up. Why are you always running ahead of me? Yes, I am talking to you, my Dream. Why are you always running ahead of me? All I want to do is catch up with you. Can I do that for just a moment? All I desire, my Dream, is to live for a moment in unison with you. That is all I ask – just a moment here and there to live in unison with you. Did I make a wrong turn? Should I go back? Why do you avoid me? Why do you stay just out of my reach? Maybe the better question is why do I keep following you? Why?"

"O.K., really, why?"

"It’s simple really... because I believe in you, my Dream. And when the moment comes that I do catch up to you, and live in unison with you, that moment is a miracle. A natural occurrence of life."

Life is about following a dream wherever it may take me. And miracles are as natural as breath. The only thing unnatural about miracles is when they don’t happen.

So, yes I will follow my Dream. I will chase it, I will find short cuts if I can – but the key is that I know we will have our moments of unison – my Dream and I.

My life is nothing but living in, being with, waiting for, expecting soon, and sincerely pursuing my dreams and thus I live a life of miracles.

by Teri Hawkins - Master Teacher, International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, Money Magazine's Top 1000 Female Entrepreneurs, and President of the National Speakers Club www.NationalSpeakersClub.com

Do You Tap His Power Within?

2010-08-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

My computer has alot of power and capacity that I barely even use. Sometimes, as Christians, I think we are the same way. Equipped with great power and strength by God and for God but not fully aware of it and hardly scratching the surface as far as its use.

God has equipped us with strength, not just physically but across all aspects of our lives. Our charge is to recognize this as a fact and begin to realize it in our lives. What should overcome us when He that is in us has overcome the world?

by Katie Nolan, Lia Sophia Unit Manager

www.liasophia.com/katienolan

Visit us today at www.KBWomen.com

How to Manifest Your Prophecies

2010-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

The first thing that we must come to terms with in order to see the prophetic manifest in our lives, is the fact that the will of God is not automatic. Many of us think that just because we received a Word from the Lord, that it will automatically come to pass. However, nothing in God’s will is automatic.

For example, it is God’s desire that all men be saved. However, we know that, unfortunately, when the end of the world comes, there will be those who did not get saved. We always have a part to play regarding God’s will. God needs our permission and our participation. With our example of salvation, we had to believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus is the Son of God and that God raised him from the dead. We gave God permission by accepting his will of salvation and we participated in it by praying the Sinner’s Prayer. This brought salvation into manifestation in our lives.

The same is true with prophecy. It is not automatic. It comes to pass in our lives when we give God permission to move in our lives with regards to the prophecy and we participate by praying it into manifestation. In fact, prophetic Words are just like the written Word. When we find promises in the Bible that we want to see in our lives, we give God permission by asking him to bring it to pass in our lives and we participate by praying it into existence.Following are some pointers to manifest your prophecies.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
-Habakkuk 2:2-3

1. Write the prophecy down as best you remember. It will do you no good to just have a good feeling over what someone has spoken over you, but quickly forget what was said. This written account will be like the written Word. It will enable you to go back and remember what God promised to do in your life.

Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. -II Chron. 20:20b

2. Believe the prophet and you will prosper. The difference between a false prophet and a true prophet is that a true prophet will speak in accordance with the Word of God. If their prophetic word is not born out by Scripture, it is not of God. Also, a true prophet will exalt God, not themselves. If their prophecy does not bring Glory to God, it is not of God. So, once this test is passed, believe what the prophet has shared with you. Believing precedes receiving.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. -Mark 11:22-24

3. Take it by faith. In order to bring anything to pass in our lives, we must have the God kind of faith. We must see the situation as God sees it and believe it is already done in the natural realm, as it is already done in the spiritual realm. We must also speak it forth. We must speak to those mountains in our lives that contradict the prophecies, until those mountains disappear from our lives.

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare. -I Tim. 1:18

4. Wage a good warfare. Finally, we must wage a good warfare. We have an adversary, the devil, and he does not want our prophecies to come to pass. He knows that he will be hurt by us once we are operating on the level of what was prophesied. So, he’s going to put up a fight. Fight back! You are on the Lord’s side and He’s on your side. In other words, the power to win is on your side! Take a stand. Resist the devil and he will flee from you! Don’t give up until your prophecies manifest!

Written by Min. Patricia D. Samuels, MA. Patricia is the founder of Patricia Samuels Ministries, Inc. and the International Association of Proverbs 31 Women. Visit her websites today and be blessed by something you view, read, or hear: http://www.patriciasamuels.org/ and http://www.iap31w.com/

Mindset & Marriage Finances

2010-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

Is your Mindset keeping Marital Finances Strapped?

There are some wives that chose the position of money manager or Chief Financial Officer because they were aware of their husbands lack of money management skills. There are other wives who did not choose the position, yet someone had to do it and her husband was not volunteering for the job. Irregardless of how you got the position, being a Wife CFO means you are able to communicate, forecast, negotiate, save, spend, and plan ahead which all result in what is best for the family and marriage.

We've all heard, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, right? Are you sitting there reading this and thinking, I cannot afford this before you even know what the amount is? If you think AND speak you cannot afford something, you are right - you won't be able to. You just told your mind you can't, and your subconscious mind will work with you to deliver that which you concentrate on whether it is lack or abundance! Think about in these terms - if you tell a child he is bad and he thinks that he is, then that is the continued behavior you will see in front of you.

Did that information spark your interest? Or are you a wife that would like to save money but think it can't be done? Join Wife CFO.com today to get more thought provoking messages, encouragement and solutions such as the one above. Some of the wives in Wifecfo.com are currently participating in a Savings Challenge. Successfully meeting their goal at the end of the challenge will mean they will have saved $300. What would $300 (that does not belong to a credit card) mean to your family? As the creator of Wife CFO, my purpose is to help those wives that are struggling or have questions regarding marriage and money, provide resources and encourage them.

Understand http://www.wifecfo.com/ is a free and private membership site. It could just be the answer to a prayer or concern you have. Meet me at http://www.wifecfo.com/ and begin your path to financial freedom.

by Dr. Taffy Wagner, marriage money communication expert from www.WifeCFO.com

God is More Than Enough

2010-08-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

My friend, Marny Swedberg, recently sent this to me via email, and I wanted to share it with you.

God is more than enough:

He provides more than enough.
He owns more than enough.
He listens more than enough.
He comforts more than enough.
He loves us more than enough.
And, He gives us more than enough time to do everything He created us to do.

Believe it!

Marnie
http://www.marnie.com/

posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

2010-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Hello business women! I thought I would share a neworking/selling tip that my friend John Wheeler of www.BizNetCentral.com talked about recently:

When I used to oversee a sales force, I would teach them that the sales cycle had 4 steps:

1. Meet
2. Like
3. Trust
4. Do Business (get a referral or get paid)

Sending out a "Nice to Meet You," card is one great way to help speed the process of going from Meeting to Trusting.

Just another way to keep you top-of-mind in potential customers' minds, and show yourself as a considerate, friendly business person.

posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Billy Graham & Albert Einstein

2010-08-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.

Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.'

So he agreed.. After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century.

Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.' Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.' Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.' ''

Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.

You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this:

I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going."

posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Powerful Prayer for You

2010-08-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

My friend and author Inez Reilly sent this to me recently, and with her permission, I'd like to share it with you as well.

Most Gracious God, my Father - I come to You, today, giving You all the honor and glory due Your name. Sovereign ruler of all of the heavens and earth, You sit high and You look low, forever concerning Yourself with Your creation. You own the cattle on a thousand hills, and You have stored up riches and possessions for Your children to inherit, if we just believe.

I make Your name great in the earth. I will always declare Your awesome wonders to all who will listen. You intend to manifest Your blessings and favor upon Your people, Your chosen ones - the apple of Your eye - You have us engraved on the palms of both Your hands, never to leave or forsake us. Your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, and Your grace encompasses us, like a robe. You have crowned us with Your loving kindness and encamped us round about with ministering angels, like flames of fire.

It is by Your command that the sun rises and sets - You declare when the tide rolls in and goes out. At Your word, the moon shines brilliantly upon the earth - You are magnificent! You are awesome! You are marvelous! Everything You do is for our good, and I thank You for it all.
I come to You, Elohim, on behalf of my sister. I declare that Your greatness is made manifest in her life. I decree that Your glory will surround her, like a cloud, being evident to those around her. The ministry, You have called her to, is blessed. You have fallowed out the ground, therefore as she walks she prospers and increases - You have brought increase to those she has been allowed to plant and to those she has been allowed to water. She is a fruitful garden, with leaves upturned in worship.

Bless her with longstanding endurance like the palm tree - allow her to flourish and be continually verdant, like the evergreen. Let her words be soft and filled with power and beauty, like the rose. Touch her, with your love, and cause her to bow her heart in adoration as her face shines with your grace. Cause her to allow your Spirit to search her heart, her mind and her spirit, turning over every area to you, in submission to your will for her life.

Speak to her, on her bed, at night - greet her with your Presence when she awakes, in the morning - walk with her in the cool of the evening. Woo her, Adonai! Draw her to yourself and hold her close, when she cries out to you. Be fierce in your protectiveness, causing her peace as she walks through any valley - she shall fear no evil, because you are with her - comfort her, console her, build her up in her most holy faith.

Come into her situations, circumstances and her immediate personal space, as she communes with you. Let your Spirit surround her, on all sides, infusing her with power, might, strength and security. She is NEVER alone. Speak to her heart, right now. Make clear your plans for her "right now" season. Still her heart, so she can hear your whispers of direction. Light her way, as she leads those you have called her to lead. Help her to submit to whom you have called to mentor and lead her.

She is your daughter and you are her Father - blow your wind upon her, right now, in the name of Jesus and pull her onto your lap. Allow her to lay her head upon your bosom, to quiet her spirit. Lull her into the sweet sleep that you have designed for your beloved, at night - Refresh and revive her for the day's journey, in the morning. She is healed, by the stripes of Jesus - any sickness or disease that tries to attach itself to her, is trespassing and has no right. She is free, because Jesus, your Truth, has made her free. The enemy has no power over her, her ministry, her family or her friends - his assignment is loosed from her life and bound with the shackles, from heaven.

She will walk, daily, in the Light and power of your Love. I pray this and believe it to be done, according to the power you have given to me - by the name of your Son, Jesus - it is so - AMEN!!!

Posted by Krista Dunk, prayer by Inez Reilly of www.IAMsproperty.com

Planning for Business Profitability

2010-08-09T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple, straightforward article I found on planning for business profitability. I hope you find it useful:

Recently, ABC News Now interviewed me [see interview here] on my 5 Tips to Get Unstuck When Starting Your Own Business. One of my tips was about “working the numbers,” and I’ve received numerous requests to expand on this topic.

I meet many entrepreneurs passionate about creating businesses around their exciting ideas, which is great, but too often they forget to do a little math to ensure profitability. After all, if you’re not a hobby or a non-profit, you need to make a profit to sustain your business.
Don’t be afraid of the numbers because they can be really helpful in shaping your direction. Answering a few simple questions will help reveal the wisdom of your business idea, or uncover a flaw that you can rework to ensure success.

5 questions to ask yourself about your business idea:
1. What price can the market bear for your product or service?
2. What is your initial capacity to provide that product or service?
3. What are your costs associated with that capacity?
4. How many units of your product or hours of service can you realistically sell?
5. Do you have anything left over, profit, before taxes for paying yourself?

For fun, let’s take a business idea and run through the numbers for a month to see how it measures up. Let’s say that you love dogs, and have designed an adorable dog sweater that everyone loves and thinks you should sell.

1. Price: You think that you can sell the dog sweater for $40.
2. Capacity: You can knit one sweater a day times 20 work days in a month equaling 20 sweaters a month.
3. Costs: You know that each sweater costs you $10 in materials to make. So 20 sweaters = $200/month.
4. Sales: Assuming you will sell all the sweaters you make each month: $40 x 20 = $800
5. Profit: Subtract your costs ($200) from your sales ($800), and you have $600 in profit for a month.

This simple example shows you are profitable. But keep in mind that you will have other costs such as marketing, taxes, etc. So while this idea would not pay your mortgage yet, it’s a start. Your next steps would be considering ways to increase your profits.

First, let’s look at the income side of the equation. Ask yourself if you can increase the price. Perhaps you could focus on high-end doggie boutiques in wealthy neighborhoods or rich doggie catalogs. Another idea would be to explore how you can make more sweaters faster. Could you hire some low-cost contractors (maybe retired grandmothers looking for a little extra spending money?), or consider investing in a knitting machine to expand production?

On the flip side, look at your costs. Perhaps consider changing your business model altogether by selling the knitting pattern for your doggie sweater instead of the sweater itself. This lifts your limit on sales and you’re not held captive by your ability to crank out sweaters.

Get it? Work your numbers. By taking a little bit of time for planning and making sure that your business model is profitable, you’ll ensure that your business is a success!
© 2010 Ali International, LLC

Self-made multimillionaire entrepreneur and Inc. 500 CEO Ali Brown is devoted to creating financial freedom for women globally through the power of entrepreneurship. To learn how to create wealth and live an extraordinary life now, register for her free weekly articles at http://www.alibrown.com/.

Enjoy!
Posted by Krista Dunk
www.KBWomen.com

Marriage is a Gift

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I was reminded of something that made my heart swell. And when I really got into the core of the inspiration, my floodgates simply burst open; Floodgates of joy, not sorrow. In fact, it was a the gift in the midst of the flood that inspired my heart, and I wanted to share it with you.

When my husband and I were married 8 years ago, our Pastor counseled us on the gift of marriage. He said that our marriage was just like the gift of our salvation. God designed our union as a precious gift only to be shared by the two of us. I remember how honored I felt at that moment, and then to have that as part of our vows, I was moved beyond words. God loved me so much, that not only did He send His Son for My sin; He sent my husband as an earthly token of His unfailing love for me too. That stirs my heart even today.

On Sunday, I was brought back to that place of gifting with a joyous reminder of God’s heart for both my husband and me - And for you! No matter where you are in your life right now, know that you have a gift in your Salvation and you can use it daily for encouragement, for support, as your pillar of strength, as the lover of your heart. That God wrapped up your gift with an exquisitely beautiful package must stir your soul too.

Remember, this gift of marriage is for everyone. Even if you are in a marriage right now and you feel that you are in a season of drought, think of what you have done to stay nourished and drought free in your walk with Jesus. Now apply those same steps to your marriage. “But Tammy, you just don’t know my husband he….” Woman, I don’t need to know your husband or your circumstances to know that God is bigger than all of it, and the gift He has for you is so sweet. He has given us the steps to walk out the gift of the marriage too. It’s up to us to take the steps and lean on Him for understanding.

Know this, when you have a desire for the gift of God, you are on a collision course for the blessing of God. Marriage is a gift, desire that gift and let the giver of the gift conduct your steps as a bride.

To know more of the promises of the gifts God has for you head to Isaiah 54: 11-14.

- by Tammy Redmon

www.KBWomen.com

www.TammyRedmon.com

How is 'someday' working for you?

2010-08-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought that you could be living a life of passion, using more of the talents God blessed you with?

Or maybe you don't fully know what those talents are because you have been too busy taking care of others.

If you have ever said, "Someday I will listen to my heart and follow it," if your amazing potential is just sitting there, waiting for 'someday,' this is for you.

Thursday (today), August 5th, at 4:30pm Pacific/7:30pm Eastern, listen in as KBWomen co-founder Tammy Redmon discusses the upcoming Living Your Vision retreat.

Simply call: 712-432-0075, code 133903# and listen in to this free, 30-min telecall.

www.KBWomen.com/lyv.htm

Business Women: Walking Through the Fear

2010-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

My husband, Scott and I took our boys to Silverwood Theme Park this last week. The boys raced for the Tremors roller coaster as my husband, Scott, drug his feet towards the winding line. By the way...Tremor’s is an old wooden coaster that drops over one hundred feet at 65 mph into a pitch black underground tunnel.

Our oldest son was screaming back, “Dad. Hurry up. Let’s get on this one.”

Scott walked even slower.

I said, “What is it? Are you scared of roller coaster’s? Why the slow pace? The boys are waiting.”

Scott said, “Yes! I am scared. The boys aren’t scared because they don’t know we are going to die. I do!”

I laughed and pushed Scott towards the ever growing line. Reluctantly he went on the ride. As he hopped off the ride (still alive), he realized it wasn’t so bad. Actually, he wanted to try it again. By the end of our vacation he was in the front car of the coaster riding with his hands fully extended in the air. I believe you could see his smile from space. It was a true transformation.

As we road on Tremors, for the 4th time, I thought about the correlation between roller coasters and small business ownership. I thought about the fear in Scott’s eyes when he went on that ride and the sheer joy when he got off the last time.

Owning a business is a pretty scary ride. There are many times when fear can take over a small business owner. There are ups and downs like a roller coaster. Sometimes we may want to jump off. But faith keeps us going. We know as we drop a hundred feet straight down or go 65 mph into the pitch black, we will get through it.

It is our faith that leads us. It is our faith that guides us down the path to sheer joy; A joy we can only receive, walking through the fear.

Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there. ~Author Unknown

-by Diana Kohn

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the co-founder of FLAIR. You can reach her at 206-353-1003 or visit FLAIR's site at http://www.businesswithflair.com/ .

Business Networking Tips

2010-07-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Business Networking is a vital sales tool for entrepreneurs and small businesses. I’ve seen a lot of great advice given over the years – but very few people touch on what I have found to be the most important skill of all. Most networking advice focuses on what to say – how to position yourself, and how to develop your elevator pitch.

Most networkers rush into talking about themselves, and the services and/or products their business offers. However, networking is a long term game – and the initial meeting is just the beginning. Do not rush to blurt out all the details of your services. But be the first to ask “what do you do?” and focus on the other person. This gives you 5 advantages:

1. You can discover whether the other person is a potential customer or a potential referrer for you – and adjust your “elevator speech” accordingly.

2. You can see how to best pitch your services to hit the right "hot buttons" for them.

3. If you offer multiple services you can identify which service is the most appropriate for them and focus on a powerful specific message for that –particular service, rather than using a generic "catch all."

4. By listening to the way they communicate and the language they use, you can identify the best way to communicate with them in a compelling manner.

5. You can pick up specific areas where you can help people to connect them too or direct them to resources. By adding value for them before you’ve even talked about yourself you’ll make a tremendous impression.

-by Karmen A. Booker

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Karmen A. Booker is an Attorney, Business Consultant and Chief Consultant for Compu-Perfect Professional Services, a business consulting firm specializing in business incorporation, establishing limited liability companies, contract drafting & reviewing, and more.

CALL ATTORNEY BOOKER at (301) 408-1082. View her website at http://www.compuperfect.net/

She is also the author of “Business Tips” Report where you will discover tips that will put you on the Road to Business Success, Tips for creating and implementing a marketing plan, and more. This report and other books she has authored are available for online purchase at http://www.kbooker.wordpress.com/ by clicking on the respective report and book covers on the right sidebar of her blog site.

Creating Business Videos - Starring You!

2010-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Would you like to create video clips for your website or blog? Maybe have your own online TV channel? Last month when I went to Philadelphia for an author's conference, I met several people who wanted more information about how to make their own videos. I explained my process, and thought you might find it helpful too.

In 2010, I've started creating video clips, and to be quite honest...I'd rather talk to live people! But, with practice, my video recordings are improving bit-by-bit. Before I started creating videos, practicing with audio recordings was my first step. By the way, I use http://www.freeconferencing.com/ as my audio recording service. It's free, and recordings can be easily shared and downloaded as needed.

If you are ready for video, here are the steps I use so you can see the whole process:

Purchase a Flip-Video camcorder. Small and easy to use, they plug right into your computer to directly download your video clips. Software is included with each camera! Cost - $100-200. Note - Some laptops already have built-in webcams you could use to record!

Write an outline or script of what you'd like to say. Whether you prefer a more spontaneous style, or scripted, this will help keep you on track. Note - Glance at notes occasionally, rather than reading from them.

Set yourself up in a well lit area, and do test shots. Adjust the camera's placement as needed so you are centered and well lit. Note - Eliminate background noise.

Record your message several times.

Download the videos onto your computer and pick your favorite. Edit as needed using the software that is included. You can easily crop off unnecessary portions of the beginning and end of the clips.

Create a YouTube channel for free at www.YouTube.com, and upload videos to your channel. Note - Uploaded videos can't be more than 10 minutes long. Click here to visit KBWomen's YouTube channel.

Embed the video code into a blog or website, and/or share the video with others via email. Done!

Think about what questions your audience/clients/prospects have right now. Could you answer them in video? Could you record a short video (or audio) welcome message? Do you have a series of teachings or trainings you could introduce with video? Video is a great way for people to feel more personally connected with you.

Feeling nervous about it? Don't worry - so did I at first. If I can do it, I know you can too. Think of it as a great way to develop a new skill, and practice your presentation skills at the same time. Let a trusted friend view them and give you feedback along the way. You're going to be great!

Posted by Krista Dunk, http://www.kbwomen.com/

"Pray It Forward" Challenge

2010-07-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." -Mark 11:24

Thank you Jesus that we have direct access to the Father through prayer. It's one of our most powerful tools within the Kingdom of God. At my church, one of our associate pastors recently made this statement, "Sow where you want to go." Our main pastor added another twist by saying, "Sow where you want to grow." Today I offer a challenge to each of us; a challenge to "Pray It Forward."

Think about what you need in your business or ministry right now. Is it wisdom? More sales? Clarity of ideas? A mentor? A specific opportunity to open up? Someone to partner with you? A new skill? New clients? A sense of purpose? Whatever it is, pray it forward.

Let me explain...Don't wait until something good comes your way to pay it forward, as we've seen in movies, PRAY it forward, sow it now! Sow prayer into someone else's life and business for what you need. Bless them in the area in which you need a blessing from God. By doing this, you are sowing into others, and others can sow into you.

Here is what you can do:
- Define your need.
- Pick 2 business women of faith.
- Send them a prayer note - specifically about what you need, but praying it for them.

This is a perfect opportunity for you to set up a profile at KBWA (if you haven't already). We offer a free "intro member" level, and there you can easily select 2 women to pray for and send them a note. Or, maybe you already have 2 people in your network or church in mind. Either way, please consider taking our Pray It Forward challenge this month.

I'd love to hear feedback from you on this, and how it has impacted lives! I am picking my 2 ladies to pray it forward to now...

Posted by Krista Dunk, www.KBWomen.com

Starting Your Own Business

2010-07-01T17:02:00.000-07:00

Starting Your Own Business, by Diana Kohn

Do you ever feel God is tapping you on the shoulder? Maybe He is pushing you in a direction you are scared to go. Eventually He starts to yell out to you.

He is calling you, do you hear Him?

It can be scary to follow the path He has laid out for you. It can be especially scary when it involves starting a business.

How do you start? Where do you start? Is there anyone to help you?
As a business owner myself I understand the mixed feelings of starting a business. It’s scary and exciting. It’s daunting and thrilling. Its great risk, yet possibly great reward. If you enter a new business with the right intentions, with the heart to help, and following God's plan the odds are in your favor.

How do you start? Make a list. Below are some of the things you may need to add to your list. List out each task you need to start your business. Each day knock one or two things from your list. As you cross things from the list new items will be added. Before you know it all your items are checked off and you are a business owner.

· Get a business license
· Get business cards
· Join a networking group
· Set up your accounting

Where do you start? Start with organization’s like Koinonia Business Women. The whole purpose of an organization like KBWomen is to help you. This group was designed to help educate women. They are here to promote you. Take advantage of all the information they have to offer.

Is there anyone to help you? There are many professionals that have owned businesses for many years. The information they have is priceless. Our business FLAIR was designed to help business owners develop the tools they need to grow. We are here to support you and your business. We will enhance the skills you already have, to help build your business. From walking into your first networking meeting to making the final sales, FLAIR will be there with you.
FLAIR will help you with:

· Networking with FLAIR
· Branding with FLAIR
· Sales with FLAIR

Education and support are key to the success of your new venture. Sit down. Make your list. Get ready to start your journey. If you are following the right path, the doors will open and the customers will walk in.

Article by Diana Kohn. Diana Kohn is a member of Koinonia Business Women. She is the co-founder of FLAIR. You can reach her at 206-353-1003 or http://www.businesswithflair.com/

I Need You Here God

2010-06-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs, with an awesome message of faith. Take a moment and listen:

When I listen to this song's lyrics, specifically these two phrases, "I need You here, I need You here," and "I only want to be where You are," something interesting comes up for me.

At times in our lives, we need to cry to God and say, "I need You here! I'm in a mess, in this situation I need You to intervene Lord, save me from this problem, help Father," etc. On the flip side, when we can express to Him that, "I only want to be where You are," it may save us from a few of the other "save me" cries and situations.

Let me explain what I mean by that..."God, I only want to be where You are." For me, this statement goes beyond finding comfort and safety in His presence. Think about this: In your life, where is He? Which relationships and connections is He "in?" Which business ideas and plans is He in? Which organizations that you can partner with, join or support is He in? Which church is filled with His Spirit? What words that come out of your mouth is He in? What actions that you take is He in? What vision for your future has He given you?

When I pre-ask Him where He is, this helps me make better decisions in life. I don't know about you, but I only want to be where He is. Father, take me to the places, people and plans where You are.

The ABCDE Method for Setting Your Priorities

2010-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here is some great information that hopefully you find as helpful as I did. Thank you to Rich Whitaker of www.tannorthwest.com for sharing this with me.

The ABCDE Method for Priorities
The process of setting short-term priorities begins with a pad of paper and a pen. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by too many things to do and too little time in which to do them, sit down, take a deep breath, and list all those tasks you need to accomplish. Although there is never enough time to do everything, there is always enough time to do the most important things, and to stay with them until they are done right.

Setting Better Priorities
The best method for setting priorities on your list, once you have determined your major goals or objectives, is the A-B-C-D-E method. You place one of those letters in the margin before each of the tasks on your list before you begin.

"A" stands for "very important;" something you must do. There can be serious negative consequences if you don't do it.

"B" stands for "important;" something you should do. This is not as important as your 'A' tasks. There are only minor negative consequences if it is not completed.

"C" stands for things that are "nice to do;" but which are not as important as 'A' or 'B,' tasks. There are no negative consequences for not completing it.

"D" stands for "delegate." You can assign this task to someone else who can do the job instead of you.

"E" stands for "eliminate, whenever possible." You should eliminate every single activity you possibly can, to free up your time.

When you use the A-B-C-D-E method, you can very easily sort out what is important and unimportant. This then will focus your time and attention on those items on your list that are most essential for you to do.

Just Say No
Once you can clearly determine the one or two things that you should be doing, above all others, just say no to all diversions and distractions and focus single-mindedly on accomplishing those priorities.

Much stress that you experience in your work life comes from working on low-priority tasks. The amazing discovery is that as soon as you start working on your highest-value activity, all your stress disappears. You feel a continuous stream of energy and enthusiasm. As you work toward the completion of something that is really important, you feel an increased sense of personal value and inner satisfaction. You experience a sensation of self-mastery and self-control. You feel calm, confident and capable.

Next Steps:
Here are three ideas that you can use, every day, to help you set priorities and to keep you working at your best:

First, take the time to be clear about your goals and objectives so that the priorities you set are moving you in the direction of something that is of real value to you.

Second, remember that what counts is not the amount of time that you put in overall; rather, it's the amount of time that you spend working on high-priority tasks.

Third, understand that the most important factor in setting priorities is your ability to make wise choices. You are always free to choose to engage in one activity or another.

The Temptation of Titles

2010-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”" -Exodus 3:13-14

Today, I'd like to share an interesting thought with you. In the verse above, Moses was asking about credibility with his question. "They'll be looking for credibility God; what shall I tell them?" I AM. That is an amazingly profound, yet simple and humble title for the Creator of the universe.

Think about Jesus too. He rebuked unclean spirits which tried to announce and proclaim His deity while He was ministering. Even His birth happened in relative obscurity. While contemplating these things, I am learning an important lesson; Titles are a "people thing," not a "God thing." The Lord gives no value to titles.

The temptation for us is to strive for titles and then wield them for our own use in various ways; to acquire accreditations to please people; dare I say it, even to exalt ourselves. At times, that is even true within churches and ministry organizations where titles and positions are coveted. With Jesus as our example for living, I've had to learn the hard lesson that titles are tempting in the world, but irrelevant to God. Jesus says those who want to be the greatest in the Kingdom ought to be the greatest servants. We should be "known" by our fruit.

In the business world, titles, positions, education levels, accreditations, and certifications seem to be thrown around like socks. In fact, most of the time it feels like a necessity to flash them to get "in" with people, or to get where we want to go. Don't get me wrong; education is valuable and positions with powerful titles are a reality in our world. However, none of these things make us a "somebody." God would say, "You've always been a somebody. Even before you were born and I was knitting you together in your mother's womb you were a somebody. I qualify you. I am not a respecter of persons. I show Myself strong through you. Wisdom is known by her children."

When I asked God recently about what I thought were His many titles, e.g. Prince of Peace, Counselor, Healer, Sovereign Lord, etc., He said, "No. Those describe My character." Wow, Father, teach me to see others through Your eyes, and to put on the tremendously humble spirit that You have! Make me more like You!

How Would You Introduce Christ?

2010-06-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Watch this fabulous, inspiring clip by Steve Harvey, where he practices introducing Jesus Christ to an audience at one of his large comedy events.

Find more videos like this on Marketplace Leaders

Leadership Quote

2010-06-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, I read this quote on leadership. In my opinion, this advice is foundational for each of us in the business and ministry communities.

"Strong leaders have nothing to hide and nothing to prove, with no care for reputation. They assess themselves often, and are constantly learning and growing. They are vulnerable and can express themselves. They serve the many, yet take time for the few. They live values and not just teach them. The greatest value that ...they live is love, and it shows in their love for each one, regardless of name, fame, or gain."
-Robert Ricciardelli

Enjoy a blessed week everyone!
Krista Dunk

Olympia KBWomen Chapter Meeting - June

2010-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Business Women of Faith!

Just a quick note to say we have a slight change in a chapter meeting date for this month. If you attend the Olympia, WA, KBWomen Chapter meeting, we are meeting June 22nd. This is not the 3rd Tuesday like usual, it is the 4th.

To pre-register now for any chapter meeting, including Mt. Vernon, WA, Renton, WA, Olympia, WA, Puyallup (special note for June see page), WA, Omaha, NE, Jacksonville, FL, or Beacon, NY, visit our events registration area now: http://KBWA.memberlodge.com/events.

We look forward to meeting you!

Remember Memorial Day Blessings

2010-05-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

"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!

From Mommy to Mom to Mother

2010-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

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/

Sistergirl Devotions Book Review

2010-05-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

The Inner and Outer Work of Faith

2010-05-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

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/

Watch this message via YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwswAAYscd8

Mother's Day Blessings

2010-05-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

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/

Free Videos for Businesses

2010-05-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

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

Christian Women - Western WA Upcoming Events

2010-04-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

If you are a Christian woman in Western Washington, watch this 4 min video about some upcoming events you'll want to know about! These are not KBWomen events per say, but we do support them, and I will be attending (Krista).

Also, on June 26th from 11-2, in Puyallup, WA there is a women's ministry event at the local YMCA. This event is brought to you by the Women of Destiny organization, and will also serve as an informational intro for the new KBWomen Puyallup chapter.

May 21st Lynnwood - www.womensleadershipadvantage.com
May 26-28th Tacoma - www.christlifecenterchurch.org
August 14th Breast Cancer Benefit Concert with Chonda Pierce - www.BCRbenefit.com

How to Identify a God Opportunity

2010-04-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

There are those opportunities, choices and decisions in life that are really big. You know, the kind that keep you awake at night and may cause a couple new gray hairs! Right now, we just experienced one of those situations here in my family. My husband was offered a job with a different company. Normally, that would be an easy decision for many people who are looking to advance or otherwise move on, but he has truly enjoyed his job and has been highly respected. This was not an easy, or straightforward choice.

The pros and cons lists were out. Options, salaries, benefits, duties, etc., were being compared. Prayers for wisdom were being said, and wise counsel was being sought. Beyond all those natural factors that weighing choices involves, believers have an added layer to consider with our decision-making. Amidst our process, we seek God's will to be done and truly desire to align ourselves, our direction and decisions to God's will and purposes.

It was kind of like this; Imagine standing in a hallway with two doors, both open. They both seem similar and equally good, but God is waiting just inside one of the doors and not the other. As believers, our hearts cry is, "Take me to the place where you are Father!" When it comes right down to it, really there is just one question to be answered in these situations -

Is this an opportunity that is being presented by God, or is it just a distraction?

It could be choices about who to marry, jobs, to relocate, to start or close a business, health-related decisions, education paths, going into the ministry, etc. Everything else aside, what we really want to know is - Is it a God-thing? A God-idea? A God-opportunity? If not, no matter how good it looks, it's not the right choice.

Once we have this question in focus, then we need to know how to identify whether or not it is a God-opportunity! Here are some thoughts on getting "big decision" clarity:

Is it the desire of your heart? (Not just a path of least resistance)
Does it match your gifts?
Does the opportunity allow other people to "win" and benefit, not just yourself?
Is it a natural progression towards your ultimate goals (even if you don't think you're 100% ready)?
Which decision/option has peace with it?
In the future, would there be regrets if you didn't do it?
Have you heard directly from God about it?

A funny thing is, that the decision isn't always completely logical, meaning it may not always make sense on paper. Additionally, here is one important caution - don't always make decisions based on money. Just because the opportunity for more money exists in one option vs. the other, where the most money is, isn't necessarily where the right decision is.

I hope this story and information helps you. These, "is it a God-opportunity" situations are something we all face in life and business. If you are reading this and have additional thoughts about how you get clarity during this process of identifying God opportunities, please share.

By the way, my husband took the job. His first day was Monday of this week :-).

~Krista

Best Business Women's Tips

2010-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love it when we can collaborate and contribute wisdom for the mutual benefit of all. This blog post is one of those times. Last week, our *BLING* newsletter put the call out for business women of faith to contribute their best tips based on their area of expertise. Read below for some great ideas, thoughts and strategies from this group of blessed women:

"Many companies budget for advertising. Consider factoring in customer service to that budget. Doing so will make it easier for you to feel good about offering an extra discount when an order is unexpectedly delayed or sending a free product as a "thank you for waiting" if the first order has an error and needs to be resent. I believe you will find that taking extra steps like this will work in much the same was as advertising in the long run but on a more personal level."
-by Heather Ledeboer, owner of http://www.mom4life.com/

"Make room in your budget to use a professional graphic designer. It wouldn't cross our minds to attempt our own plumbing or mechanical work, so it is also advisable to seek professional help with something as important as business identity (which is presented to the world). Schedule an initial consultation with a designer who comes highly recommended, and bring the following information with you: Mission statement, values, target audience, and 3 descriptive adjectives about your business. Make sure you feel heard and that costs are communicated clearly and agreed upon. If your gut tells you to find another designer, then do it."
-by Trisha Ferguson, owner of http://www.ircprintanddesign.com/

"The Lord speaks hundreds of times in scripture about the use of our mouths, tongues and lips. In Proverbs alone there are many quotes about how our lips and mouths show our wisdom or betray our ignorance. Communication is vital for business owners, but not only for marketing and interviews. Effective communication skills are necessary for leadership, building relationships and getting our ideas across. The more effective we are at communicating our vision, the more favorable terms we get from our suppliers, the more our customers find us, the more productive our employees or downline and the more we represent the Lord in all we do."
-by JoJo Tabares, owner of http://www.artofeloquence.com/

"Women in creative arts businesses are often characterized as unorganized or chaotic. At some time, each of us probably experiences some chaos. Although chaos plays an important role in the creative process, and is fun for children, it hinders business effectiveness. Follow five steps and harness that chaos! Strategize by brainstorming ideas; Organize into S.M.A.R.T. goals; Arrange into an action plan; Harmonize with your existing business; Create accountability systems. This five-step process not only spells chaos in reverse but also turns it around and increases your positive influence as a business leader."
-by Marie M. Loeffler, Business Strategy Coach & President of The Organized Studio http://www.theorganizedstudio.com/

"Shakespeare was right: all the world IS a stage and we are but players on it. First impressions carry a lot of weight, especially when you are networking. If you want to attract business, dress the part. If you show up in sweats or a cocktail dress (unless they are your business uniforms), you don't look very serious about your own career and you don't look like a likely partner for other business people in the room. Bring business cards, real business cards, on heavy stock paper with a logo, your business name and as much contact information as appropriate. Your smile and hand shake will last a few moments, but that business card will either be saved for later reference or be tossed at the end of the evening with the rest of the waste paper. Food, drinks, and handouts are props to help people interact. If the only people you talk to at the event are your best friends, you have gained nothing more than a free meal on someone else's budget. Bottom line: be a good steward of the talents you have and the time that others are sharing with you."
-by Carol Ann Davis, Financial Advisor, AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., carol.a.davis@ampf.com

"When starting an organization that you would like to make a difference and help others, find like minded individuals and also ones who have the same drive as yourself. It can be frustrating if you can sense God's anointing on your vision and others are wanting to sit idle. Find those who encourage you and inspire you and others to be a visionary to change this hurting world."
-by Roberta M Cykon Founder/Executive Director of Integrity Beauty International "Healing Hearts and Inspiring Lives" http://www.msintegritybeauty.com/

"I want to encourage women to know they have permission to love themselves. Many women do not believe they can because of some past story in their life. Yet God says you can, because He made you valuable. He made you a 10/10 at conception. The stories of your life cannot take this truth away. Your stories are life-growth experiences, not self-value based experiences. Give yourself permission to genuinely love yourself, in spite of your life experiences. God does."
-by Karen Wells, M.Div., Karis Counselling Services http://www.mybestlifepossible.com/ - For women wanting hope, acceptance, and change today!

"Imagine your business is like a coin. There are two sides to this coin which requires your attention so you can create both a thriving life and prosperous business. One side represents discovering who you are authentically, including your values, purpose, mission and personal definition of success. The other side is about applying this insight into your daily life by establishing practical systems, like how to work with clients, ways to market your services and a schedule that leverages your time. When you address both sides, including the spiritual and the practical, you will achieve authentic success."
-by Shannon Bruce, PCC, Inner Wisdom Coaching Services, http://www.yourgreaterpurpose.com/ and http://www.shannonbruce.com/

"When your in business for your self it is very important to maintain your priorities, and stick to them, I built my company around my morals; God first, Family second, career third. I never let business get in the way of family, and I always honor God for everything, including the bad. I start each day with a prayer and ask God to bless my journey in business as well as in life. If you stick to your priorities and stick to your work schedule that you created, it will all work together in harmony. Always honor God first and fore most with all. Always love your family then you career will fall into place..."
-by Brenda Kessler, President/CEO - Secret Shoppers Network LLC http://www.yoursurpriseshoppers.com/

"To stand out from the competition, regularly mail out notes of appreciation. Mary Kay Ash, Tom Hopkins and Joe Girard knew the value of this. Mary Kay of Mary Kay Cosmetics sent out hand-written notes every day and taught her sales team to do the same. Joe Girard, famous for selling the most automobiles in a twelve year period, sent out thousands of cards a month for any reason. We’ve lost the “art of card sending.” An email or e-card is not like receiving a warm, heart-felt card in the mail. Others will APPRECIATE YOU for REMEMBERING THEM!"
-by Patti Grunkemeier, Independent Distributor - Send Out Cards www.sendoutcards.com/66325

"As we grow our business, there will always be ideas, goals, mistakes and different directions. Number one stumbling block for many business owners is not lack of money, lack of time or organizational issue. It is the moment when the fear overrides clarity. Give your mind a chance to clear and focus by combining physical activity that feels good to you (i.e. dance to one song) with mental reminder (i.e. read something that nourishes your passion as an entrepreneur). Use both sides of your brain."
-by Helena-Summer Medena, "Liv Delicious" www.LivDelicious.com/blog

"As a personal wardrobe stylist I see multiple "orphans" in my clients' closets. You can avoid bringing home another orphan that will never be worn. When you are shopping and see a "bargain" that's just too good to pass up, ask yourself the question "would I pay full price for this?" If the answer is "NO" walk away."
-by Debby Sutherland, Distinct Style Solutions, distinctstylesolutions@comcast.net

“For the past 8 years, I have done great housekeeping for residential customers and one commercial business through my Pride 'n' Polish housekeeping business. Hopefully some of my strategies will give you some ideas. When I arrive for a usual house cleaning, I always begin with the kitchen and the counterspaces, including the nearby eating areas. I intend to use the clean, unused towels and scrubbies first in the eating areas, and where we more frequently visit. I always show precedence for any food preparation or consumption areas, as these are directly effecting our health. My preferred product is "409 With Bleach" around the counterspaces and food prep areas. After making my way around the house, I conclude my jobs by vacuuming my "way out the door," so as to leave little or no footprints on the floors I would have already cleaned and/or spot-mopped.”
-by Deborah Lautt, owner of Pride ‘n’ Polish, willingvessel56@yahoo.com

"Step one of building a website for your business is to decide on its purpose. Will it be used as an online brochure, as a sales letter, a place for people to interact, a gallery of images, to directly sell something, be like a directory or resources list, etc? Also, what is it exactly that you’d like your website visitors to do? That is called the “call to action.” By defining the site’s overall purpose and the call to action, those two will help to answer most of the questions from there on."
-by Krista Dunk, Koinonia Business Women http://www.kbwomen.com/

"I am from the central region of Uganda in East Africa, and for those who would wish to have useful literature from English to Luganda please save by contacting me. Also, the best way to be at peace if you have irritating colleagues in your business is to know that what you do not like about them is the unknown you. So, work on what you do not know about yourself and life will go on. "
-by Sarah Mujabi, Good Shepherd Mission sarahmujabi@yahoo.co.uk

"Four quick tips to propel you to the top of the heap: 1. Lay a strong foundation in prayer before embarking on any business venture: Proverbs 3:4-5. 2. Give the LORD His due portion: Malachai 3:10. 3. Show sincere appreciation to all of your business contacts, including employees, and give thanks to the LORD daily for His provision: Ephesians 5:20-21. 4. Resond to all emails and phone calls ASAP."
-by Noreen Jacks, author and speaker www.NoreenJacks.com

Thank you business women - we appreciate your wisdom and contribution! You are blessed and highly favored.

New KBWA International Member - Karen Wells

2010-04-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here at Koinonia Business Women, we have a 6-week old. No, not a baby bundle of joy; our KBWA association! The Koinonia Business Women's Association (KBWA) opened March 1st with the goal to bring business women of faith together online and through virtual learning opportunities.

We'd like to welcome Karen Wells of Karis Counselling Services (Saskatchewan Canada) as our first International Member of KBWA! View her informative website now at: http://www.mybestlifepossible.com/.

Karen does amazing work, and I had the opportunity to interview her on KBWomen Radio last week. We talked about her great, unique business model, as well as her expertise in counseling women find freedom from their pasts. With an emphasis on past sexual abuse, post abortion stress and relational abuse, Karen counsels women on how to become "unhooked" from the pain, self-sabotage and anger that these life events have caused.

Listen to this radio interview now at www.blogtalkradio.com/CWA-Radio in the KBWomen on-demand episode section (April 6th show date).

If you are a business woman of faith who would like to join a community of like-minded women, collaborate and grow in business skills, please visit us now at http://kbwa.memberlodge.com/. Full Membership is just $129 per year, and has fabulous benefits. We even offer a free "Intro Member" level, which gives you a listing in our online membership directory.

Welcome Karen Wells, and we hope to welcome you next! Blessings,

Krista Dunk

Please Contribute Your Wisdom & Expertise

2010-04-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's no secret. We know that you know stuff. In fact, we'd love to know what you know. Will you please share?

That's the beauty of being a part of a community of business women of faith; collaboration and contribution. We can share our wisdom and make a difference in each others' lives. The information, skills and gifts that you have can make a big impact for someone else, and the opportunity for that to happen is being created next week.

Here is how you can help: What is your best tip for other business women, based on your area of expertise? It could literally be about anything you have extensive experience in, from parenting to sales tips, recycling to email etiquette, event planning to business branding, or from color, image and style to author coaching. Next Thursday, your best tip will be featured as part of an article on the KBWomen blog. Not only will you be sharing valuable knowledge with others, but your business will be getting online exposure at the same time. Win-win!

Here is an example of what we'd like to see (and how you will be credited):

Make room in your budget to use a professional graphic designer. It wouldn't cross our minds to attempt our own plumbing or mechanical work, so it is also advisable to seek professional help with something as important as business identity (which is presented to the world). Schedule an initial consultation with a designer who comes highly recommended, and bring the following information with you: Mission statement, values, target audience, and 3 descriptive adjectives about your business. Make sure you feel heard and that costs are communicated clearly and agreed upon. If your gut tells you to find another designer, then do it. -Trisha Ferguson, Owner of http://www.ircprintanddesign.com/

Please keep your tip to approx. 100 words or less. After the article is compiled and posted, you will get a quick email with the link. I encourage you to share it anywhere you can, including via email, on Twitter, Facebook, and post the link on your blog. When there is a good amount of traffic to the post, we all "win" again. Google may even pick it up and give the post a high ranking on their list it when someone types in "business women's tips" and other similar search terms!

Please, send in your tip now via email to questions@kbwomen.com. Please use the subject line "My Best Tip." Wednesday the 14th is the submission deadline, but receiving them sooner is preferable. Thank you all! This is just another way we can collaborate for the success of all.

Thank you ladies! ~Krista

Good Friday - From Confusion to Revelation

2010-04-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

“I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.” –Jeremiah 31:13

Today is Good Friday, 2010. It's funny, because when I think about this day being called "Good," I can just imagine it from one of Jesus’ disciples point of view. 2010 years ago, they certainly did not think this was a good Friday at all. This was the day of His crucifixion.

They saw devastating circumstances happening around them. They couldn't stop it – they didn't understand it. To those disciples, all they saw was the death of their Lord, which left them feeling disillusioned and distraught. The words that Jesus uttered as He breathed His last breath on the cross were, “It is finished.” To them, those words probably cut them to the core, not yet realizing the deeper meaning to come on Sunday.

Like these disciples, sometimes what we see is only the beginning or middle of the story. Thankfully God sees the beginning and the end at the same time, and the events of that Friday certainly did not signify the end.

In comparison, there are many in this country now who feel disillusioned and distraught too by government policies and actions. We also see senseless violence, bad behavior being celebrated and precious core values being deteriorated in our country. People are searching for employment, and some may be struggling with health issues or marriage breakdown. Thank God that He is still on the throne! Leaders will come and go, tribulations of various kinds pop up from time-to-time and we may be saddened by circumstances, but God is always in control.

Between Good Friday and resurrection Sunday, I bet God had a burning desire to shout out His fabulous plan to encourage the faithful ones - “Do you not see what I am about to do?! My power will be shown in all the earth, throughout all generations! Trust in Me!” I believe He would say a very similar message to us even now, during these tumultuous times. “Keep praying and trusting in Me. I will complete all the work I have started! I have prepared a place of peace for you!”

Just as the disciples saw Jesus being crucified on the cross, and then rising again on the third day (Easter Sunday), we too can learn a valuable lesson. God can resurrect anything! With God involved, situations can go from death to life, from despair to joy, from scattered to complete, and from empty to full.

There is a song I like to sing that says, “Though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.” Although there may be sadness and sorrow in what we see now, don’t lose heart! God is on the throne. His wisdom confounds the “wise” (or those who see themselves as wise in worldly wisdom). Problems, challenges, struggles, pain, and failure can be given to Him for redemption. Remember, the enemies of God thought they had won and had the final say. After all, Jesus was dead, right? Wrong!

Enjoy this Easter season, knowing God is in control and that He always has the final word.

~Krista Dunk

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