Lessons of Failure & Success

by Krista Dunk
(Pacific Northwest)

Can you think back to your early school years? I can, and it brings back memories of desks, PE, scraped knees on the playground, friends, mean kids, tests, ABC's, and new experiences.

While growing up, most of us were taught (at home and at school) that we should always aspire to have the right answers. Making a mistake equals failure and having all the right answers means success and recognition. Unfortunately, this reinforced "lesson" still keeps many adults in fear about trying new things or taking risks!

At a recent leadership conference, I paraphrased this statement based on the speaker's message: "Learn from people's failures. Be inspired by people's successes." God desires that we share our failures and successes with others for education and inspiration. The Bible has many excellent examples of both.

I consider myself someone who usually learns well from watching or reading other people's experiences and mistakes. Some others that I know are a bit more hard-headed and need to hit their own head against the wall a few more times and re-invent the wheel before they learn! Whether you can easily assimilate lessons learned from others or you need to experience failure first-hand to learn, there are benefits and pitfalls to both.

Those of us who can observe and learn, our advantage is being able to leap-frog over the pitfalls to reach a higher level quicker. Our disadvantage is that we keep tabs on mistakes. It might make us decide to not even attempt something.

Those who do not learn from the lessons of others will experience failure a lot more and waste time. However, their advantage is that they aren't afraid to take a risk!

In your relationships, career, business, ministry, or family life, get wisdom. You can learn a lot from the mistakes that others have made and will be inspired when someone has success and overcomes. Learning from the mistakes of others is crucial. Although, be careful that you don't watch the failures of others so closely that it freezes you from taking risks. Move forward with calculated wisdom!

We Are Like-Minded Women

by Krista Dunk
(Pacific Northwest, USA)

If you’re a Christian woman in business like I am, you may be able to relate to this article. Why? Because we are like-minded.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, like-minded is defined this way; having a like disposition or PURPOSE: of the same mind or habit of thought.

As Christian business women, what purpose, mindsets and thoughts do we share in common? Many of us are mothers and wives. We manage our households and serve at our local churches. Many of us are business owners or manage people, budgets or offices. On a daily basis, the different hats that we wear can change on a moment’s notice.

Wanting God’s will to be done in our lives, families, churches, communities, and businesses is a top priority for us. We endeavor to be God’s light in the world of business, using our skills to be an influence for the Kingdom. We enjoy fellowship with other women of faith, yet some of our Christian friends don’t fully “get” us and our ambition in business.

Sometimes we get frustrated that we don’t exactly “fit” into the image of a traditional Christian woman (or what we think that looks like). We have an inner drive that others may not understand, and sometimes we feel guilty about it. If we have selfish or vain ambitions, then that IS problematic. Otherwise, we really must stop beating ourselves up and comparing ourselves to others. God has created you and me for a special purpose. He has unique work for us to do to fulfill His purposes on the Earth! Stop feeling bad about who He has created you to be. God loves how he has created YOU.

Sure you are odd (in a good way), but you are not alone! I am too, and I kind of like it. As women in business, we are wired in a slightly different way, and that is OK! Now that you have permission to be your God-given self, let me ask you this. Do you have a community or relationships that can support and encourage your growth? Are there other like-minded women who can come along side you to mentor and challenge you? Have you found "your people" yet? If you’re feeling alone out there as a Christian woman in business, I would recommend you get connected with other, like-minded ladies.

Other Christian moms understand the mom portion of your being. Fellow volunteers at church share that common bond with you. Family members treasure your heart and contribution. Maybe you have a shopping buddy who you enjoy spending time with at the mall.

Other Christian women in business can usually understand the whole you. They “get” who you are and who God has created you to be because they can relate. As a community, we share common experiences, purpose and salvation. Let’s get connected! You need us, and we need you too.

No More Good Luck!

by Krista Dunk
(Pacific Northwest)

Do you know someone that seems to have it all together? Great family, nice things, good kids, peace, a job or business that they love, etc., etc. It appears that everything they touch turns to gold, like they've been hit by the lucky stick! As Godly women, we understand that luck has nothing to do with our situations or life's blessings.

Recently, I've decided to take the term "Good luck!" out of my vocabulary. Although I rarely say that, as soon as it escapes my mouth I regret having said it. Saying "good luck" has something inherently wrong with it. It assumes life is random. Most of all, it assumes God has nothing to do with what's happening all around us each day. Those without the knowledge of God have no other explanation or exclamation for blessings, other than "luck."

The truth is, God is orchestrating circumstances, we are making decisions, making choices, praying, and taking actions that all work together to shape our lives. God will not be mocked, what you sow, that also will you reap.

Lucky stick? I don't think so. Some people have discovered the sweet spot in God. They have become masterful decision makers and are overcoming their own flesh to walk in the Spirit. All the good things that are coming for them are the fruit of the Spirit. Psalm 91 says, "Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty." That sounds nice to me. He is in control and directing, and we can be covered and secure even during times of trouble.

Yes, even God's people who've found the sweet spot will have troubles in this world. Thankfully though, we have hope! From now on, my new exclamation is going to be, "Good hope!"

Good hope to each of you as you go out and make a difference in your world today!

A Christian Working Woman in God's Economy

by Krista Dunk

During these uncertain economic times, many Christians are asking themselves (and God) lots of questions. I myself know many Christian business owners who are feeling economic strain right now. Newspapers, TV, websites, and every other news source proclaims fear and depressing financial news on a daily basis.

Should we be listening to all the doom and gloom on the news and believing/internalizing what reporters and leaders say? Or should we be trusting in what God's Word says? We really cannot do both, as that is being double-minded. Jesus spoke in the book of John about believers being in the world, but not of the world.

So what does that mean for believers in the financial realm? Are we a part of the world's economy? My answer would be yes, and no.

We always have two options - to view things from a natural, worldly prospective, or from a faith perspective. In the natural right now, there is turmoil, fear, negativity, lack, and a feeling of helplessness that is spiraling downward. In the Spirit, we have access to a different viewpoint and a different power that gives hope, peace, the promise of a good future, and creativity. Now is the time to build yourself up in faith, skill and wisdom.

If you are a Christian business person, right now (like everyday) it is imperative to seek God for direction. Build up your faith by meditating on His Word, fellowship with other strong believers, pray, sing worship to God, and seek God's voice and direction.

Fasting and prayer together is a powerful way to hear from the Lord. Ask Him for creativity, ideas and new perspective. Ask Him to connect you with strategic people and resources that will not only sustain you, but also propel you to a new level.

Ask Him to reveal the vision of His purposes, how that applies for you, and what the next step is. These are all things God wants you to have. God wants you to seek His wisdom. His provision and abundance has absolutely nothing to do with worldly economic conditions.

During this seeking process, you may even discover a brand new direction that He is leading you towards. Something else might be in store for the next phase of your journey.

There have been times in my own life, when God shut the door on something - hard! He allowed a success in it for a while, then He clearly showed me, "This is not how you should be spending your time. This is not what I have for you. Its time to move on." Thank God He did that! This is where trust comes in to play.

Although I was disappointed and didn't understand at the time, I did trust that He knows what's best. Some of us tend to hang onto things a bit too long even when God's favor has clearly left. We try to force something to happen in our own power, and that ends up being hard, frustrating and unsatisfying. Been there... done that!

Be encouraged! God's purpose will be fulfilled in the earth. He will give you your daily bread. In the world we will have troubles but Jesus has left His peace for us to depend on. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

Trust God as your good Father, provider and business partner. Let us not be conformed to this world or its worries, but let's renew our minds daily with His Word and His voice.