that I don’t fall into the money trap time and again, but I do it much less often now because I’ve developed

My son’s room has one of those wooden gates at the door to keep him corralled. One day I turn around to see what he was up to and, sure enough, he was half way up climbing over the gate.  He didn’t quite make it, but I applauded his effort.  A few weeks later he’s in the room playing again and when I turn around to check up on him, he has managed to rip apart the contraption, breaking a piece off and making it useless. He overcame the obstacle. I’m always surprised at the tenacity my boy has.  He uses whatever limited resources to push through and get what he wants. He doesn’t stop until it’s achieved. There’s no challenge he won’t take on. I think its because he doesn’t see the mountain, he doesn’t know the mountain can hurt, he only sees past the mountain to the promised land of whatever he’s trying to accomplish. There’s a goal, and he keeps his eyes and mind on it. We entrepreneurs, on the other hand, know this mountain all too well. This mountain represents bad breaks, broken partnerships, lost clients, disappointing numbers, persecution by your spouse, and fear of the unknown. The mountains paralyze us. We start blaming ourselves. The problem in front of us makes us feel incompetent. What happens when the mountain shakes and the mudslide is heading towards you? What happens when the volcano erupts and you’re looking at doom. What do we do when you can’t even see the vision anymore because the clouds thick with smoke and ash. This is when we need to know that God is bigger than that mountain. This is when faith is truly tested. This is when the Godpreneur within must fight his biggest battle. Our business weaknesses are no obstacle to God’s power. How?  How can you have this kind of faith with so much uncertainty? I have 3 steps to help Godpreneurs overcome mountains in your business life. Step 1 – Rely First, you must rely on your spirit.  You can’t rely on your own strength.  You can’t rely on your own eyes.  You must have a raw dependency on God.  This is the cornerstone on which our great businesses will be built. Step 2 – Admit Second, you must admit your weakness.  It’s in our weakness that He is strong within us (2 Corinthians 12:10).  The recognition of our weakness is what declares our dependency on God…which is all He’s wanted since our birth. Step 3 – Speak Third, you must verbally speak to your mountains with opposite and more powerful declarations and truths from God. The Bible says "I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart." Mark 11:23 NLT http://bible.com/116/mrk.11.23.NLT I have a list of bible verses that I’ve written down.  When I have mountains, I turn to those verses and each one of them are promises that God has given me.  Reading them and repeating them (out loud) makes the mountains melt away. I didn’t say they go away, I said they melt away…because they will come back.  Its like a glob: it will find its pieces again and form again.  We will always be fighting mountains of resistance. Godpreneur Rule #26: Godpreneurs sing the promise of God to the mountains that happen in business. #ArticulatingMyIdeas #WorkLifeBalance

Something I choose to work on a lot in my personal development is the art of patience – waiting for the Be honest with yourself and ask God to help you develop the patience you need to wait on Him and not

I had a client that, after completing everything for the job, put in a chargeback for $2500 with her credit card claiming she didn’t get the deliverables she wanted. The problem was that I didn’t have that much money in my bank, so when the credit card company pulled that money back from my account, it overdrafted. This then caused a domino effect because it was unexpected, so I had paid bills and all of those payments began to bounce, causing over a dozen overdraft fees of $35 each. Also, I couldn’t pay myself for a short period of time there. I wouldn’t have been so shocked if it was my fault if I deserved the chargeback because I didn’t deliver the services. But I did some of my best work! I spent so much time and energy on the project, going above and beyond what was agreed and paid for. I sent in the paperwork required to prove I was right, and eventually, the money was returned to my account as her credit card sided with me and denied her claims. I had a right to be bitter. I could have been very angry. I should probably still be holding on to resentment against her. After all, she caused me great distress and embarrassment as checks bounced and overdraft fees piled up. I have witnessed a lot of tribulation, abuse, and hurt by the powers of the marketplace. When I feel I have been created by a client, partner, or employee, I make a choice to allow myself to become bitter and withdrawn or I can decide to learn from the experience and become better. Here is the wisdom I’ve gained on the subject of forgiveness from the Bible: "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." Proverbs 17:9 NLT At the peak of my agency life, my partner was stolen from me by my best client. This rocked the entire operation. Both my client and my partner were an integral part of my income. But this was not the end of my life as I supposed. It was merely a temporary detour that eventually helped me move in a more positive direction with my company. God has revealed to me that the way I choose to interpret what happens in my business life, more than the actual circumstances and experiences, is what determines my destiny. Bitter or better—I get to decide! Here is my observation: It is the one who has been wronged in business who has all the power, not the one who does the wrong. And my power comes in the form of forgiveness. When I forgive, I liberate myself to live the business life God has given me. Godpreneur Rule: Forgiveness is a powerful force in the hands of the Godpreneur who has been wronged. #DebtFreedom #LaunchingMyBusiness

I don’t know about you and what this season of life is like for you, but in our little slice of Heaven, a battle is raging all around us. The warfare is heavy. The smoke and mirrors of the enemy are thick, and some days we’re just trying to put one foot in front of the other to survive. You see, we know we are on the cusp of a breakthrough in business and that God is moving, and we need to stand firm. We have done all that we can to stand and keep standing. Can I just say that in the midst of the battlefield, it’s super hard to hear the Commander’s voice, to know how to navigate when it’s dark, foggy, and smoke-filled? That like you, my spirit struggles to lead when the circumstances and flesh are screaming? It’s also a pure battle to make a choice to praise and worship when things are blowing up around you, and you feel like you’re the one wounded on the battleground in desperate need of the Medic. Below please find and pray with me an offering of praise and worship to speak and declare in the midst of your battleground. Be it business, family, the spiritual or relational victory you need, the call is to guard His presence, and He will encamp around you. Fight your way out of the darkness with the Light of Christ because He is Light, and in HIM there is no darkness at all. Be strong and courageous for the LORD your God is with you and your business, Kelly I worship You, Lord - I bring all that I am to You and worship You. Father, I come to You and lift up Your Name - the Name above all Names. I worship You, King of Kings. I come before You Father in the Name of your Son, Jesus, and thank You that I am welcome. I exalt Your Name for only You are great and worthy of praise and honor. I lift up my soul to You alone and cast away all the demands bombarding my mind, will, and emotions and lift my soul to YOU. I magnify Your name for YOU must increase, and I must decrease. I speak to my spirit to rejoice in You alone, my Saviour. I speak to my soul to magnify You. I speak to my flesh that you are crucified, and it is no longer I who lives, but it is Christ that lives in me and navigates this ship. I put on the garment of praise instead of the spirit of despair and declare that YOU are my garment! I offer You all glory, honor, and praise. I humble myself and forgive anyone You bring to mind at this moment, for You say we are to forgive whenever we stand to pray. Father, I worship You in the beauty of Your holiness and ask if there is anything in me that needs to be purified so that You can be glorified and so that You can be reflected. I trust You and let it go because I value Your Presence in my life more than my pride and anything of my flesh. Father, I exalt You and lift You up, and I thank You, Jesus, for defeating death so that I may live. Thank you, Jesus, that You hold the Keys! Thank you, that You are my victory! There is no defeat in You, and there is no battle that You have ever lost; You have WON! You have conquered! You are alive, and death is no more! You are LIFE! You are the Bright and Morning Star; in You, there is no darkness at all! I magnify You, Jesus; I magnify You, King of Kings! I declare that as the armies of Israel surrounded the Tabernacle to guard Your Presence, I set guards around my spirit, soul, and body to guard Your Presence in my life. In the Power, the Name, and the Blood of Jesus, I declare protection over THIS temple. I put on my armor - my Helmet of Salvation, my Breastplate of Righteousness, my Belt of Truth, my Shoes of Peace, and I take up my sword of the Spirit and my Shield of Faith. And Jesus, I thank You that YOU are my armor! YOU are my Salvation; YOU are my Righteousness, YOU are Truth that surrounds me, YOU are Peace. YOU are Faithful and True, and I lift You up! YOU are the Word! Jesus, it is only in You that I am safe. I set myself to honor You and thank You that no weapon formed against me will prosper because I am hidden inside You. I thank You that the Angel of the Lord encamps around me as I honor and protect Your Presence. I ask You humbly, that as You spoke to Moses face to face, would you please talk with me today and go before, and be a part of my conversations today. Holy Spirit, I ask that You would quicken to me anything that would offend, vex, sadden, or grieve You that I may walk with You in the Father’s Presence throughout this day. In YOU I live and move and have my being - I worship and exalt You, King of Kings. I praise You Victorious One! I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father and declare His Authority and Dominion in every timeline, age, dimension, and realm and declare Your Kingdom come, and You will be done on Earth as it already is in Heaven. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, AMEN. #GainConfidence

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. In fact, it’s my job to listen. As a Brand Strategist, I have to listen to what the entrepreneur is asking for in the company they want to brand or rebrand. I listen to what they want on their website, the logo they envision, and the overall business direction they want to go in. I then have to wait and also listen to the little spirit within that will inspire me to guide the entrepreneur towards their born-to-do identity, the business they were perfectly made for. The key here is to listen twice before speaking once. Listen to the client, then listen to the spirit. It’s a mistake for me to jump the gun and speak too quickly. The Bible says: Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. (Proverbs 18:13‭-‬15 NLT) Being a good listener leads me to the opportunity to say something that may powerfully affect the entrepreneur's entire business direction, and thus their life. When I’m listening intently and I let the spirit lead my strategy sessions, my clients sit there and drink up every word I’m saying. Such a great feeling to be used by God to pour into my clients! And what a great moment to thus minister to my clients. This is when they are vulnerable because they are hungry for guidance. They are about to make one of the biggest decisions of their life, and here I am given the ability to consult them in any direction. I’m constantly driving home the fact that we only should be doing the business that God designed specifically for us. Christian or not, my clients melt and I’m able to minister because it has to do with their future investment. My clients think they have all the answers. Not all, but most. So most don’t ask for guidance. I have to package the guidance up as business consulting. They’ll buy consulting and planning, they won’t buy advice on what they were born to do. Sell the sizzle, feed them the steak. And because I’m a Holy Spirit driven Godpreneur who is a good listener, my client’s hearts change and they become like a sponge ready to soak up any advice that might bring more meaning (and profits and success) to their business. I can look back now comfortably at my clients and see that most too have become good listeners. They become a good listener to the life-giving words of God, given through me. That’s what happens when two spirits speak to each other. Godpreneur Rule: Learn to listen to your clients and the spirit and discover your ministry opportunity to your client’s heart. #SharpenLeadership

Since 2005, entrepreneurs have sought out my advice in business, mostly related to marketing and branding. Beginning in 2013, I’ve felt a deep burden to want to do more for those asking, a burning desire to be more to those that are looking to step into the world of entrepreneurship. While spending time with God in early morning Bible reading, this is what he revealed to me: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV) That burden….that burning desire that I feel…that’s God making His appeal through me. Godpreneurs, He’ll do the same for you if you allow Him into your business. He wants to make an appeal through you to reach your partners, employees, contractors, vendors, prospects and even people on your email list you don’t know. My Prayer for Today is “Father, thank You for choosing me and using me. Today, I surrender every area of my business life to You. Show me ways to be a miracle to others so that my life brings glory to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.” #FindMyCalling #FindingMyBrand #FindingMyPurpose

We have to develop the habit and mindset of making our first meeting of the day a prayer and meditation Once we develop this habit, the trials and tribulations we go through in business and marriage will not We’ll experience peace and clarity – what most of our businesses and personal lives are lacking!

In my business, I use this CRM (customer relationship manager) called Infusionsoft. It’s a contact manager, pipeline manager, e-commerce store manager, AND email marketing manager. Oh, and did I mention that it does automated drip marketing and fulfillment too? COMPLICATED is an understatement. I still get overwhelmed when they come out with new stuff. Just purchasing this system took months of deliberating and planning because it was so highly complex. The more complex the thing seems the more resistance we have to get started. Even though the packaging promises that it’s going to save you thousands of hours (and thus dollars) if we implement it, we still have trouble making the decision and diving in. And once we’ve purchased it, sometimes we get overwhelmed that was just….another waste of money on a product or service I just couldn’t commit to getting to know and trust. If we can be honest with each other, we do the same thing with God. We know He’s good for business, for our life, for everything! But sometimes it can seem so complicated, such a commitment, so much to learn, and know, and do! We quit, we stop daily reading, we don’t pray every meal, we stop trusting, and the next thing we know, we’re off track. Here’s God’s promise in Psalms 91:14‭-‬16: “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God , “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me [my emphasis]. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!” This Infusionsoft program I use is a MIRACLE MAKER for my sales and marketing. It does deliver on everything it promises, but only if I commit to getting to know it, use it, and apply it in my business. I’ve had it for 6 years now and I wouldn’t be able to operate without it. That’s the same with God and bringing Him into my business. He has worked wonders beyond my imagination! It was all because I got to know and trust God. This commitment to building a relationship with Him daily and applying biblical principles in my business has made all the difference in my ability to REST in His presence, during good times and bad. Godpreneurs, if you’ll see God the same way you see a big investment in machinery or software in your business, you’ll be able to reap amazing benefits from the promises God has in store for you. Imagine if we all committed to getting to know God better and pulling the trigger of letting Him fully into every fabric of our businesses?! Godpreneur Rule # 12: commitment to knowing and trusting God is key to unlocking rescue from trouble in your business. #FindMyCalling #ArticulatingMyIdeas #FindingMyPurposes

Everything I say has an impact just by virtue of my personality and position.

Have you ever been pitched something in your business that, half way through the call, you know you’re not going to purchase, and you let them finish the entire presentation and at the end say “let me think about it?” I’ve done this, I believe, my whole business life.  I feel bad saying “no thank you”.  In reality, I’m a liar. I just told a big, fat lie.  I’ve made up my mind already, I don’t want that product or service.  In fact, the conversation should have ended minutes ago, I wasted both of our time. I guess I’m trying to be polite and let the man finish.  I think maybe my mom engrained in me that it’s rude to cut someone off or to say no. But now I’m learning the opposite is true, and in fact, it’s biblically true. Little white lies are often told to preserve the peace, as if telling the truth would in some way destroy peace. Yet the Bible presents truth and peace as existing together: “Love truth and peace” (Zechariah 8:19). Tellers of white lies believe they are speaking lies out of “love”; however, the Bible tells us to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Sometimes telling the truth in business is not easy; in fact, it can be downright unpleasant. But we are called to be truth-tellers. Being truthful is precious to God (Proverbs 12:22); it demonstrates the fear of Lord. I’m working to become a lot more confident in myself.  Not arrogant, confident.  Franklin Roosevelt said “Confidence…thrives on honesty, on honor, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance.” A dishonest businessman is full of rot and will be exposed, causing you great embarrassment. It is not a question of “if” but “when” you will be exposed. The writer of Proverbs exalts the virtue of honesty. Where does honesty rank in your set of values? I am ashamed to admit that I have often struggled with being honest. Maybe you have failings in this area of your life too. This salesman I tried to fool called me out on it the next call we had.  He straight up told me that if I wasn’t interested, I should not have lied and said “I’ll think about it.” He was right.  I felt so small, so dishonest. I vowed to change that from that conversation on. What an embarrassment when the truth was revealed.  I choose to never let that happen again. Once you are proven to be dishonest, it is difficult to regain the trust of others; difficult, but not impossible. Confess your lie immediately or take back what was stolen. Don’t let it go uncorrected or it will fester and become a “rotten stench” in your character. Face up to your sin and admit that it is wrong. That is the pathway to healing and restoration. There is nothing so pure and strong as a man with a clear conscience. Godpreneur Rule: Determine that honesty will be a hallmark of your business life and pay scrupulous attention to maintaining it at all times, no matter what the cost. #StrengthenIntegrity #SharpenLeadership

We Godpreneurs are not afraid when problems hit our business and personal life, but instead, we are confident

something in your business and, because God has tremendous patience, He’s asking us to wait so we too can develop

In 4 Steps to Deciding on a Niche for your Business, join Alex Miranda as he guides you to launch a brand with intention and purpose and decide on a niche already. COURSE HERE God has a unique calling for us, as entrepreneurs. He has put in our hearts a desire and passion that we may choose to accomplish His plans for usl. There may be struggles, but if we choose God, He’ll guide us to launch the business and decide the niche, He prepared for us. It’s His vision taking life in ourselves, following His guidance. TAKE COURSE HERE #GodpreneurAcademy #BusinessBibleStudy

When we’re feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, our mind is restless. There’s no room for rest when our thoughts can’t stop. We’re up at night, tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, wondering when things will go back to “normal.” But when we stand our ground on the calling that God has for us in this world, we can rest in that assurance. God wants to exchange your dark worries for His deep rest. I have several businesses. Most were negatively affected by COVID-19 and we’ll need to ride this storm out with those. But I’m standing my ground because I know I was called into those businesses. The hope I have in the outcome of those businesses lifts me above the challenges and sits me down to rest in His purpose for me. But when we don’t have a calling and purpose to press into for rest, we fill our minds and schedule with busyness to make ourselves think we have a purpose. We get the kids ready. We knock out deadlines. We attend more church Bible studies. We make more appointments. We check off tasks. All the while, the depression still doesn’t let us…rest. 11% of Americans now take medication to treat depression. And that number will rise during and after the pandemic. It’s depressing just thinking about it. But God not only designs us for rest, but He desires for us Christian entrepreneurs to experience a deep, purpose-filled rest in Him! The Bible says, "Be still before the Lord ; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him." (Psalms 37:7 AMP) Rest was designed by God as a tool to build trust in God. His plans are perfect when we trust in His playbook. Which business is distracting you from totally resting on Sundays?  In Exodus 23:12, God says, “Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed.” Rest isn’t just for you, it’s for your entire team.  It’s for your family. It’s for your office, equipment, car, and all the tools that help you function. When you commit to rest, you let others rest too. What projects are you working day and night on without proper sleep?  In Genesis, God rested after creating the Earth. In Psalm 37:7, God said, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” If you’re having trouble finding room for rest in your life, examine all the projects on your plate. What can you delegate, delay, or DROP in order to make time for rest?  You’ll find that it will give you more time to focus on the project God really needs you to work on. As I conclude my series on overcoming depression for Christian entrepreneurs, I want us to make a commitment to resting in God’s calling for our business. He’s got is in the palm of His hands. The pandemic only has a hold on our businesses if we allow it.  Resting in God places our trust back in His promises! Say: “I will rest in my calling.” “I don’t have to hurry to launch a business.” “I  don’t have to worry about how the money will come in.” “All my hope in entrepreneurship is in Jesus.” “My past business mistakes are gone.” “My  sins are forgiven.” “God  is so good to me and my business.” Amen! #EnhanceFocus #ShareYourTestimony Overcoming Depression in Entrepreneurship Join Us on a 5-Day Business Bible Plan to Shift Your Mindset to the MORE God has for You. Heard of the Godpreneur Academy? Grow Your Business, God’s Way! Bible-Based Video Courses for Entrepreneurs Putting God First In their Businesses Click here to create a Free Account