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I receive a regular Leadership Booster from Ps Phil Pringle and thought this one very suitable for this blog topic.

Getting motivated is essential.

From the inside, the outside, from wherever.

‘Why sit we here till we die’, say the four lepers in the Biblical record as they sit outside the besieged city of Samaria.

If we sit forever, we will sit till we die.

Being motivated is not just being inspired though.

Motivation goes to work.

If motivation doesn’t result in action it is futile.

Embrace work as your best friend.

As you go to work the motivation increases.

Accept work as your life. Accept life as work.

Not obsessive work without rest; not activity without productivity, but work that is paced, purposeful and productive.

The dreams of a lazy man will kill him.

Renounce laziness; embrace industry. Go for it!

Do something!

Stepping out with you,

Phil Pringle

I haven’t posted for awhile here – life has been very busy and those who read my other blogs will know some of what has been going on. The good news is I have just published a book based on The Proverbs 31 Woman blog I own and it is called Worth More Than Rubies: The Value of a Work At Home Mum.

But that’s not why I am here today, although the book has played a role. The most awesome thing happened today and I wanted to share it with you.

A few days ago I was annoyed to receive yet another email newsletter from some group I’d never heard of. Because they were obviously Australian, and bearing in mind the spam legislation here, I emailed them and asked how I got on the list – to give them the benefit of the doubt.

The guy answered today and advised I’d signed up for their regular newsletter last December and this was a special one-off. I emailed back and suggested that they actually advise who the ‘parent group’ is so that recipients know who the sender actually is. He responded and agreed and then he emailed me again:

Kathie, you’re a Believer! So am I!!

I just clicked on your link for http://worth-more-than-rubies.com/

Where do you fellowship?

He’d seen the link for my new book in my signature block and followed it and knew instantly where my heart lay.

We ended up emailing back and forth and it turns out that 3 years ago he and his wife was touched by a special ministry that operates from my church. More than that, his wife works at home but is struggling and none of their friends can relate as they are not in a similar position. He asked if I would consider chatting with her on the phone to encourage her and of course I said ‘yes’.

It is important that we always respond and ‘react’ to things in a way that is not seen as rude or bad character at any time. We never know who we’re connecting with and the internet allows us to connect with anyone and everyone at any given time. We are on duty, God’s duty 24/7.  If I had not responded ‘nicely’ it’s possible we would not have discovered what I now believe to be a ‘God-connection’ and it thrills me that once again, my Lord is using me to help others.

I was attending a business workshop the other day and as I was supporting the person doing the workshop, was there prior to people turning up, greeting people, handing out name tags and so on. This gave me opportunity to speak to everyone and get to know people and find out things about them.

Can’t remember the reason why but one of the women mentioned the church she goes to and I immediately told her about my church and the Business Ministry we have therein. She was interested and asked if she could be put on the mailing list and gave me her card. We had continued our conversation as others sat at our table.

Later, about a half hour or so into the presentation, her business partner turned up late and sat beside her in the chair that had been saved for the latecomer and the two proceeded to chatter constantly all the way through the presentation. I did feel this to be rather rude – people came to the workshop to listen to the presenter and not the two women who chatted constantly but it also saddened me. Because I was very aware that others had been listening to the earlier conversation I had with one of the women about our churches and the business ministry. What must they now be thinking of this same lady?

We are constantly reminded by Paul in the New Testament to follow his example, who in turn follows the example of Christ. If we are to be a light to the world then it is important that we show that light constantly and lead by example. Many only know Christ through ourselves and it is through us that they might decide to come to know Christ too. But if what they see turns them off, what then?

In Romans 14:13 we are encouraged to “Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way”. The earlier part of this verse also mentions not to pass judgement on one another and I’m at risk of doing the same and that wasn’t my intention, but rather just to make you, the reader, aware that we are always on show and what we say and what we do are seen and heard by others. It is important that we act as we speak.

There may have been a legitimate reason for these two women to keep conversing throughout the presentation – they were business partners and perhaps much of what was being said needed discussion for future application, however it did mean that the ability of others at their table to hear what was being said was depleted and unfortunately could have coloured their perception of a Christian in Business. KMT

Christian in business, lead by example, Romans 14:13, Ministry in Business

Have you noticed in the accounts of Paul in the New Testament, that whenever he entered a new town, he first went to their synagogue and the very next place to visit was their marketplace. Why do you suppose that is?

Paul knew that was where the activity of the town took place and where he would find key people in the community. He wanted to reach the business people, the ones in the community that made things happen, those that fed and clothed the families, supported the families and the people as a whole. He wanted to reach the decision makers, the influencers of the community and those who could support and encourage a new ministry being developed in that area. Paul wasn’t fussed about who those business people were. He spoke to both men and women in the marketplace and introduced the Christian faith to them all.

Who do you know in the marketplace that you can introduce Christ to?  Who do you know that needs a friend or just someone to listen to them?

In the business world we are often so wrapped up in what we’re doing on a daily basis, and meeting deadlines, that often friendships, or the potential for friendships, are shoved aside. But don’t forget we are on show always, and that we have the light of Christ to shine. How will people see that if we don’t do something about it?

One way we can touch others is to spend time getting to know them. That could mean at networking events, over lunch or a cuppa, at a staff meeting or in an elevator. It means making use of our ears, our hearts and our minds and really listening to what others are saying and picking up on the unspoken word, the body language, the ‘attitude’ or something that demonstrates they have a need or that something is missing.  Often this will take place over several occasions and not just one meeting, but sometimes you might just strike them when the need is urgent. Seek God and listen and He will point you to those who need to hear from you.  KMT

I was driving to a breakfast today not far from home. It’s Saturday and normally I wouldn’t be going out, especially not early in the morning – it’s my day for relaxing at home but this breakfast was special because I was a sponsor for the event. And the event was the local council Mayoral Prayer Breakfast – designed to coincide with National Thanksgiving Day.

Sponsorship is often an overlooked opportunity for gaining exposure for your business. Whenever people hear that word they immediately think $$ – lots of it – and dismiss the idea but it really is one worth considering. Not all sponsorships require lots of dollars and some accept payment in kind or in time. In fact, often these are the very things that are greatly valued.

For those reading this blog many are well placed to use their skills and abilities to contribute to local events, as well as events online. The recent Virtual Assistant Convention OIVAC had a steering committee (all voluntary) and a list of volunteers from around the world all pulling together for a common cause. On a local level it gives you the opportunity to get in front of local business people and others for a short time – enough for them to notice that you exist. And one of the themes talked about this morning related to the nature of volunteers and their work in many areas around the country – indeed something to be thankful for. We also prayed for the mayor who was in attendance and it is so good to see her attend these events. It’s not the first Christian event I’ve seen her at and she genuinely appreciates the support of the local churches.

As well as sponsoring the event, I also offered a give away – a book called The Business Mom Guide Book and the Pastor who won it knew of a lady who would benefit from the book so that was good to hear. He was actually sitting next to me and our discussions turned to other things and it appears our sitting together was God designed because there are other things I can assist him with – that are not business related at all. He made a comment that it was a God-incident we were sitting together.

Further I was able to renew old acquaintances with some people I hadn’t seen in a long time from my former church and make new acquaintances – particularly with some key people in my local community. I wasn’t looking to get business immediately – I was simply looking to get my business name into their minds so that next time they, or someone they know, has a need, my name is what comes to mind for them as the solution.

Whilst a lot of business can be conducted virtually these days, it certainly should not dismiss or shove aside the opportunities that surround us on a local level which gets our face in front of others and for a short time, exposure for our businesses that doesn’t have to cost the earth. So, next time you hear of a church related or community event that is coming up why not look to see if there are sponsorships available, or even offer a helping hand – it will be very much appreciated by the organisers and they will come back to you again and again when seeking support. I know, because today’s event I’ve been sponsoring for the past 3 years! KMT

virtual assistants, sponsor, sponsorship, exposure, local business