Work Is Good: A Podcast for Christian Women Who Work from Home

It's here. The final episode of our Lies at Work Series and today we're talking about our actual battle plan. Piece by piece.Mentioned Resources:The Prayer Map Journal for WomenPodcast Insider Newsletter Sign-Up (at the top of the page)

It's here. The final episode of our Lies at Work Series and today we're talking about our actual battle plan. Piece by piece.Mentioned Resources:The Prayer Map Journal for WomenPodcast Insider Newsletter Sign-Up (at the top of the page)

In this latest episode of Working Upward, we take a look at some actual lies prevalent in the work at home space, the different categories they fall into and the truth that keeps us on our mission.Next week, we'll wrap up by taking a closer look at our battle strategy to make sure we don't fall prey to these lies and the others that dilute the truth, distract us from our mission or detail us from our mission entirely.Stay tuned!SHOW NOTESDesk to Desk:Here are two good questions to help transition any conversation from 'small talk" to spiritual:1. When you were younger, did anyone take you to church?2. Tell me more about your spiritual journey.Word of the Week: Discernment.According to GotQuestions.org, “Discernment is defined as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving something; a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.” The definition also stresses accuracy, as in “the ability to see the truth.” Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. It is basic to having wisdom. . . . . .I've used the idea of recognizing counterfeit money here before and it fits here perfectly again so I'll remind you of this principle.  There are so many different types of counterfeit bills that the best way to recognize them is to know the real money so well, it's easy to spot the fake money. The same concept holds true for the truth of the Word of God. Hebrews 5:14 says that when we know the Word of God well, we are “trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” In other words, we will be able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God. My prayer for you is that through a close walk with the Lord and time in His Word, you will develop discernment to recognize the lies in the work at home arena and beyond. Categories of Lies We Work at Home Women Believe:Category #1: Diluted LiesLies with only a smidgen of truth.Money = Success.You've Got This.Follow Your Heart.Category #2: Distracting LiesLies that distract us from our mission by directing our attention to ourselves.I can't do this.Who am I to do this? (Imposter syndrome).I need to look right to be successful.So and so is better than me (comparison game).Category #3: Derailing LiesLies that derail us completely from our mission. These lies are usually about our work itself. God doesn't care about my work.The primary purpose of work is to just put food on the table or to pay the rent.Recommended Resources:Episode #1: It's 9 o'Clock Somewhere (Or, Why Work Is Good)Episode #2: How to Know Your True Calling from God

In this latest episode of Working Upward, we take a look at some actual lies prevalent in the work at home space, the different categories they fall into and the truth that keeps us on our mission.Next week, we'll wrap up by taking a closer look at our battle strategy to make sure we don't fall prey to these lies and the others that dilute the truth, distract us from our mission or detail us from our mission entirely.Stay tuned!SHOW NOTESDesk to Desk:Here are two good questions to help transition any conversation from 'small talk" to spiritual:1. When you were younger, did anyone take you to church?2. Tell me more about your spiritual journey.Word of the Week: Discernment.According to GotQuestions.org, “Discernment is defined as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving something; a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.” The definition also stresses accuracy, as in “the ability to see the truth.” Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. It is basic to having wisdom. . . . . .I've used the idea of recognizing counterfeit money here before and it fits here perfectly again so I'll remind you of this principle. There are so many different types of counterfeit bills that the best way to recognize them is to know the real money so well, it's easy to spot the fake money. The same concept holds true for the truth of the Word of God. Hebrews 5:14 says that when we know the Word of God well, we are “trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” In other words, we will be able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God. My prayer for you is that through a close walk with the Lord and time in His Word, you will develop discernment to recognize the lies in the work at home arena and beyond. Categories of Lies We Work at Home Women Believe:Category #1: Diluted LiesLies with only a smidgen of truth.Money = Success.You've Got This.Follow Your Heart.Category #2: Distracting LiesLies that distract us from our mission by directing our attention to ourselves.I can't do this.Who am I to do this? (Imposter syndrome).I need to look right to be successful.So and so is better than me (comparison game).Category #3: Derailing LiesLies that derail us completely from our mission. These lies are usually about our work itself. God doesn't care about my work.The primary purpose of work is to just put food on the table or to pay the rent.Recommended Resources:Episode #1: It's 9 o'Clock Somewhere (Or, Why Work Is Good)Episode #2: How to Know Your True Calling from God

Since last week we talked about our wonderful Truth and all His glory, this week we're going to flip the coin and look closer at what and who  we're up against in our quest for truthful working, thinking and living.And in our desk to desk segment, I'm going to share some ways you can help improve your focus -- because that is something we all struggle with from time to time, some more than others.Listen in for Part Two of our Lies at Work Series on the Working Upward podcast. Show NotesA few ways to help you keep focus as you work:Start your work with prayer.Make a list of three essential tasks for the day and focus on those. A variation: Brain dump a master list and cross out those things than can wait.Ask a simple question to yourself: What is the next right thing for me to do?Try the Pomodoro technique and set a timer for chunks of time at a time.Listen to instrumental music -- I've found the Chamber Baroque station on Pandora to be incredibly conducive to focusing.Take exercise breaks. Intentionally recognize your work as worship.Recommended resource:The Non-Prophet's Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Todd Hampson 

Since last week we talked about our wonderful Truth and all His glory, this week we're going to flip the coin and look closer at what and who we're up against in our quest for truthful working, thinking and living.And in our desk to desk segment, I'm going to share some ways you can help improve your focus -- because that is something we all struggle with from time to time, some more than others.Listen in for Part Two of our Lies at Work Series on the Working Upward podcast. Show NotesA few ways to help you keep focus as you work:Start your work with prayer.Make a list of three essential tasks for the day and focus on those. A variation: Brain dump a master list and cross out those things than can wait.Ask a simple question to yourself: What is the next right thing for me to do?Try the Pomodoro technique and set a timer for chunks of time at a time.Listen to instrumental music -- I've found the Chamber Baroque station on Pandora to be incredibly conducive to focusing.Take exercise breaks. Intentionally recognize your work as worship.Recommended resource:The Non-Prophet's Guide to Spiritual Warfare by Todd Hampson

This episode of Working Upward launches our summer series (as promised earlier) which is all about the lies we work-at-home-women believe. But in order to recognize and fight the lies we believe, we must first recognize and know the Truth -- in all His glory.

This episode of Working Upward launches our summer series (as promised earlier) which is all about the lies we work-at-home-women believe. But in order to recognize and fight the lies we believe, we must first recognize and know the Truth -- in all His glory.

How to Spring-Clean Your Business (episode 14)Free Business Spring-Cleaning Guide Virtual Assistant FAQs and Resource Page$27  Virtual Assistant Course (The Upward VA Roadmap)

How to Spring-Clean Your Business (episode 14)Free Business Spring-Cleaning Guide Virtual Assistant FAQs and Resource Page$27 Virtual Assistant Course (The Upward VA Roadmap)

Read the devotional transcript here.Show Notes & Resources:The question of the week is: How do you or your family prepare your hearts for Easter, aka Resurrection Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook or email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. To read a hymn a day during Passion Week, follow or subscribe to emails from HymnsIllustrated.com (my hobby site).

Read the devotional transcript here.Show Notes & Resources:The question of the week is: How do you or your family prepare your hearts for Easter, aka Resurrection Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook or email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. To read a hymn a day during Passion Week, follow or subscribe to emails from HymnsIllustrated.com (my hobby site).

As business owners who want to integrate our faith with our work and who understand that even a financially successful business outside God’s will isn’t truly successful, we should avail ourselves of all God’s help available to us, right? But do we? This week we’re focusing on a specific way God helps us we tend to forget about.  But it's an encouraging truth best remembered!Note:The Theme of the Month is Burnout and the  Word of the Week is help.  You can read the devotional transcript here.**********Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: How do you or your family prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Book Recommendation: Crazy BusyBy Kevin DeYoungRecipes: Morning Glory Muffins & Cream Cheese Frosting (not too sweet, just right!)

As business owners who want to integrate our faith with our work and who understand that even a financially successful business outside God's will isn't truly successful, we should avail ourselves of all God's help available to us, right? But do we? This week we're focusing on a specific way God helps us we tend to forget about. But it's an encouraging truth best remembered!Note:The Theme of the Month is Burnout and the Word of the Week is help. You can read the devotional transcript here.**********Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: How do you or your family prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Book Recommendation: Crazy BusyBy Kevin DeYoungRecipes: Morning Glory Muffins & Cream Cheese Frosting (not too sweet, just right!)

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have superpowers? Snap your fingers and your laundry is done for the whole year. Blink like Jeannie and your kids are home from whatever they need to be home from? You say the word — it’s done!What a dream! But I can do you one better — no dreaming required.  As a child of God, it’s possible for your strength to be renewed every single day and though you may not be superwoman, you can still fly like an eagle. Keep reading . . . Note:The Theme of the Month is Burnout and the  Word of the Week is renew.  You can read the devotional transcript here.**********Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: What have you been reading in God’s Word lately?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Book Recommendation: Then Sings My Soul, Volume 1By Robert J. Morgan / Thomas NelsonArticle: What Does the Bible Say About the Eagle?

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have superpowers? Snap your fingers and your laundry is done for the whole year. Blink like Jeannie and your kids are home from whatever they need to be home from? You say the word — it's done!What a dream! But I can do you one better — no dreaming required. As a child of God, it's possible for your strength to be renewed every single day and though you may not be superwoman, you can still fly like an eagle. Keep reading . . . Note:The Theme of the Month is Burnout and the Word of the Week is renew. You can read the devotional transcript here.**********Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: What have you been reading in God's Word lately?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Book Recommendation: Then Sings My Soul, Volume 1By Robert J. Morgan / Thomas NelsonArticle: What Does the Bible Say About the Eagle?

The word of the week is rest and you can read the devotional transcript here. ******Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: What did you learn from the preaching of God’s Word this Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Article: What Does It Mean that Jesus Is Our Sabbath Rest?Article: What Say Is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday?Resource:  Christianbook.com (a promising alternative to Amazon for Christian resources)

The word of the week is rest and you can read the devotional transcript here. ******Desk to Desk Links and Resources:The question of the week is: What did you learn from the preaching of God's Word this Sunday?Email me at mail@workingupward.com or comment or message me on Instagram or Facebook. Article: What Does It Mean that Jesus Is Our Sabbath Rest?Article: What Say Is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday?Resource: Christianbook.com (a promising alternative to Amazon for Christian resources)

In this week’s episode, I share our theme for the month: banishing burnout. It’s real. It’s happening all around us and maybe it’s happening to you. I want to shed some Scriptural light on the topic all month long so be sure to tune in each work for a new word and devotional to help refresh our souls and give rest to our bodies.Desk to DeskIntroducing new monthly themes for our weekly words.Introducing a bit more structure in the Desk to Desk segment (coming next time!)Introducing the Question of the Week (because I want to hear from you to keep this conversation a little less one-sided)Word of the Week: StillRead the full devotional over at WorkingUpward.com

In this week's episode, I share our theme for the month: banishing burnout. It's real. It's happening all around us and maybe it's happening to you. I want to shed some Scriptural light on the topic all month long so be sure to tune in each work for a new word and devotional to help refresh our souls and give rest to our bodies.Desk to DeskIntroducing new monthly themes for our weekly words.Introducing a bit more structure in the Desk to Desk segment (coming next time!)Introducing the Question of the Week (because I want to hear from you to keep this conversation a little less one-sided)Word of the Week: StillRead the full devotional over at WorkingUpward.com

The Word of the Week is wisdom and the devotional can be found online at WorkingUpward.com on Monday morning. **********Desk to Desk Links & Resources: 1. Here's the article I referred to when talking about the dangers of digital wandering: Social Algorithms Are Today's Lady Folly2. Here's an example of my own "Link In Profile" page: workingupward.com/linkinprofile 3. I would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of my podcast page.4. Feedback, questions and comments are always welcome by email.

The Word of the Week is wisdom and the devotional can be found online at WorkingUpward.com on Monday morning. **********Desk to Desk Links & Resources: 1. Here's the article I referred to when talking about the dangers of digital wandering: Social Algorithms Are Today's Lady Folly2. Here's an example of my own "Link In Profile" page: workingupward.com/linkinprofile 3. I would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of my podcast page.4. Feedback, questions and comments are always welcome by email.

The Word of the Week is ready and you can read the text version of the devotional podcast segment at WorkingUpward.com. Desk to Desk Links & Resources: 1. Feeling sad, unmotivated or depressed? If you're currently struggling with feelings of sadness or lack of motivation, you may be suffering from depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder. You may also have an underlying health issue (i.e. hypothyroid or another kind of autoimmune disorder). If this is impacting your relationships or productivity in any way, I encourage you to seek help -- talk to a biblical counselor from your church and see your doctor to rule out any health issues. Your hormones affect your feelings and energy levels more than you might think. If unable to find a biblical counselor near you, please email me. I may be able to help.2. Linktr.ee is a popular "link in bio" service to give your social media followers a one-page resource of your recent or primary shared links. But it costs money. If you can create a web page, you can create one for free. Here's an example of a linktr.ee page you can use as a template: Theology of Work Linktr.ee (pretty simple, huh?)3. would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of my podcast page.

The Word of the Week is ready and you can read the text version of the devotional podcast segment at WorkingUpward.com. Desk to Desk Links & Resources: 1. Feeling sad, unmotivated or depressed? If you're currently struggling with feelings of sadness or lack of motivation, you may be suffering from depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder. You may also have an underlying health issue (i.e. hypothyroid or another kind of autoimmune disorder). If this is impacting your relationships or productivity in any way, I encourage you to seek help -- talk to a biblical counselor from your church and see your doctor to rule out any health issues. Your hormones affect your feelings and energy levels more than you might think. If unable to find a biblical counselor near you, please email me. I may be able to help.2. Linktr.ee is a popular "link in bio" service to give your social media followers a one-page resource of your recent or primary shared links. But it costs money. If you can create a web page, you can create one for free. Here's an example of a linktr.ee page you can use as a template: Theology of Work Linktr.ee (pretty simple, huh?)3. would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of my podcast page.

The Word of the Week is ambition and following is the text version of the corresponding devotional podcast segment. Mentioned resources and links from the Desk to Desk segment are at the end of the devotional.**********Ambition.I used to cringe whenever I heard or read the word ambition. To me, it just smacked of greed or worldliness and I couldn't help but picture climbing the ladder, elbowing people along the way and doing anything you could for more money and more success.But it turns out there are actually two different kinds of ambition and the Bible paints a clear picture of each. There's the version where you wake up and "pour yourself a cup of ambition" and go to the office -- or stay in your home office -- and work 9 to 5 and try to get to the top of the ladder even when everything's working against you -- yes, just like Dolly Parton's song. This is in line with Merriam-Webster's definition which states that ambition is “an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power.”Now think about that for a moment. Who gets the rank? Who gets the fame? Who gets the power? The person with the desire to get it. The person who is ambitious. It's all about that person.The Bible minces no words when it comes to this kind of ambition. It just calls it for what it is: selfish ambition.“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). In this passage and others where the Bible talks about selfish ambition, the root Greek word is eritheia which means faction, strife and contention. This is the same kind of ambition we read about in James 3, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. “Contrast that with what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:9. “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” The root Greek word for this good kind of ambition -- the kind that results in God's pleasure -- is philotimeomai which refers to striving earnestly. So my question for you this week is what kind of ambition do you have? The one characterized by contentious strife or the one characterized by earnest striving? The one that is focused on you getting what you want -- whether that's approval, recognition, fame or more money -- or the one that is focused on pleasing the Lord?Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how good and how kind you are. You know I love you but sometimes I really struggle with my motivation. Sometimes I'm selfishly ambitious -- craving approval, recognition and success the way the world sees it. But when I'm looking upward to you, that all goes away and I'm ambitious for your glory and for your pleasure. This week, please help me have the good kind of ambition -- the kind that esteems you and others higher than myself. I can't do this alone. In Jesus name, amen.Links & ResourcesI would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of this page.Book recommendation: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony ReinkeThe Upward VA Roadmap is now just $27.

The Word of the Week is ambition and following is a transcript of this week's corresponding devotional podcast. Mentioned resources and links are at the end of the transcript. **********Ambition.I used to cringe whenever I heard or read the word ambition. To me, it just smacked of greed or worldliness and I couldn’t help but picture climbing the ladder, elbowing people along the way and doing anything you could for more money and more success.But it turns out there are actually two different kinds of ambition and the Bible paints a clear picture of each. There’s the version where you wake up and "pour yourself a cup of ambition" and go to the office -- or stay in your home office -- and work 9 to 5 and try to get to the top of the ladder even when everything’s working against you -- yes, just like Dolly Parton’s song. This is in line with Merriam-Webster’s definition which states that ambition is “an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power.”Now think about that for a moment. Who gets the rank? Who gets the fame? Who gets the power? The person with the desire to get it. The person who is ambitious. It’s all about that person.The Bible minces no words when it comes to this kind of ambition. It just calls it for what it is: selfish ambition.“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3). In this passage and others where the Bible talks about selfish ambition, the root Greek word is eritheia which means faction, strife and contention. This is the same kind of ambition we read about in James 3, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. “Contrast that with what the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:9. “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.” The root Greek word for this good kind of ambition -- the kind that results in God’s pleasure -- is philotimeomai which refers to striving earnestly. So my question for you this week is what kind of ambition do you have? The one characterized by contentious strife or the one characterized by earnest striving? The one that is focused on you getting what you want -- whether that’s approval, recognition, fame or more money -- or the one that is focused on pleasing the Lord?Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how good and how kind you are. You know I love you but sometimes I really struggle with my motivation. Sometimes I’m selfishly ambitious -- craving approval, recognition and success the way the world sees it. But when I’m looking upward to you, that all goes away and I’m ambitious for your glory and for your pleasure. This week, please help me have the good kind of ambition -- the kind that esteems you and others higher than myself. I can’t do this alone. In Jesus name, amen.Links & ResourcesI would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of this page.Book recommendation: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony ReinkeThe Upward VA Roadmap is now just $27.

The Word of the Week is grace and following is a transcript of this week's corresponding devotional podcast. Mentioned resources and links are at the end of the transcript. **************The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.”It's a constant theme in the Bible -- in the Old Testament but especially in the new -- and it's most often referred to as a gift. God gave it to us through His merit alone - in other words, it's not something we earn or even learn by ourselves. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9The gift of grace came to us through the person and work of Christ. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. - John 1:17And His grace is not only given to us through salvation, it is given to us every single moment of our lives -- through hard times and good times. I love how the apostle Paul begins many of his letters with the phrase, “Grace and peace to you.” He ends many letters that way, too. Every time we take the time to stop and consider God's grace, we will find it amazing. My challenge for you this week is not only to take the time to consider God's amazing grace in your own life but to shine a light on God's grace by showing grace to others. I Peter 4 exhorts us to steward God's gift of grace by serving one another. This is such a relevant Scripture passage for all work at home businesses, especially those of us with service-based businesses. Verse 10 here says ”As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace . . ."This means we should:Show it to our clients -- when they struggle to give us something in a timely manner or answer that email or offer feedback or give constructive criticism that's hard to take. If you have virtual team members or those you've hired to help you with your work - show it to them. When they disagree with you. When they don't do something the way you think it should be done. Show it online-- in our social media posts, in our blog posts, wherever we talk about our work and life. Be bold with God's truth but always as gracious as possible. The world is a dark place, especially now -- make a point to be a light. God sees every comment. Show it to our families. When they interrupt a phone call or a project you're working on. When your children make a mess. When it's time to serve them even when you don't feel like it. Show it to ourselves and by that I mean remind yourself of God's grace so you don't consume yourself with guilt or take all the responsibility of the world on your shoulders alone. And so you don't endeavor to earn favor from God's that unearnable because it's already there. Show God's grace because He shows it to you.Prayer:Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your eternal grace displayed on the cross and through salvation. And thank you for giving daily grace to meet every challenge that comes my way. Help me to delight in your grace even more and show it to all I serve this week. In Jesus' name, Amen. Links & Resources:I would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of this page.

The Word of the Week is grace and following is a transcript of this week's corresponding devotional podcast. Mentioned resources and links are at the end of the transcript. The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word charis, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness.”It’s a constant theme in the Bible -- in the Old Testament but especially in the new -- and it’s most often referred to as a gift. God gave it to us through His merit alone - in other words, it’s not something we earn or even learn by ourselves. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9The gift of grace came to us through the person and work of Christ. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. - John 1:17And His grace is not only given to us through salvation, it is given to us every single moment of our lives -- through hard times and good times. I love how the apostle Paul begins many of his letters with the phrase, “Grace and peace to you.” He ends many letters that way, too. Every time we take the time to stop and consider God’s grace, we will find it amazing. My challenge for you this week is not only to take the time to consider God’s amazing grace in your own life but to shine a light on God’s grace by showing grace to others. I Peter 4 exhorts us to steward God’s gift of grace by serving one another. This is such a relevant Scripture passage for all work at home businesses, especially those of us with service-based businesses. Verse 10 here says ”As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace . . ."This means we should:Show it to our clients -- when they struggle to give us something in a timely manner or answer that email or offer feedback or give constructive criticism that’s hard to take. If you have virtual team members or those you’ve hired to help you with your work - show it to them. When they disagree with you. When they don’t do something the way you think it should be done. Show it online-- in our social media posts, in our blog posts, wherever we talk about our work and life. Be bold with God's truth but always as gracious as possible. The world is a dark place, especially now -- make a point to be a light. God sees every comment. Show it to our families. When they interrupt a phone call or a project you’re working on. When your children make a mess. When it’s time to serve them even when you don’t feel like it. Show it to ourselves and by that I mean remind yourself of God’s grace so you don’t consume yourself with guilt or take all the responsibility of the world on your shoulders alone. And so you don’t endeavor to earn favor from God’s that unearnable because it’s already there. Show God’s grace because He shows it to you.Prayer:Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your eternal grace displayed on the cross and through salvation. And thank you for giving daily grace to meet every challenge that comes my way. Help me to delight in your grace even more and show it to all I serve this week. In Jesus' name, Amen. Links & Resources:I would like to feature your work at home business in the podcast. To apply just click the first button on the top of this page.

Up until 2020, I've always been a stickler about celebrating Thanksgiving first and then celebrating Christmas. Thanksgiving just gets a bad rap, you know -- I mean, in stores I see Thanksgiving table settings and napkins go on clearance before the holiday itself to make room for more Christmas stuff. Which, by the way, began to appear on shelves in July. But this year, I'm making an exception. I am in full-on Christmas mode for some very good reasons. First, 2020. Need I say more? We could all use a little more holiday cheer, I believe. And second, we are in the process of packing and selling our house and moving to Iowa from Georgia mid-December. No Christmas decorations around here and definitely no Christmas ham coming out of my oven so I am celebrating creatively in other ways as early as I can. And one of those ways is this podcast which I've been itching to do for a little while -- where we'll talk about some new things coming your way in 2021 , how we can have a thankful Christmas this year and the imperative role contentment has in your mindset and your business. SHOW NOTESThe Apostle Paul on contentment: 1 Timothy 6:3-10Philippians 4:4-132 Corinthians 12:9-10Mentioned & Related Resources:Email me if you're interested in teaching what you know in an online course and would like a free consultation.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mission:Read Psalm 100 and Luke 2, back to back, in anticipation of a thankful Christmas.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

Up until 2020, I’ve always been a stickler about celebrating Thanksgiving first and then celebrating Christmas. Thanksgiving just gets a bad rap, you know -- I mean, in stores I see Thanksgiving table settings and napkins go on clearance before the holiday itself to make room for more Christmas stuff. Which, by the way, began to appear on shelves in July. But this year, I’m making an exception. I am in full-on Christmas mode for some very good reasons. First, 2020. Need I say more? We could all use a little more holiday cheer, I believe. And second, we are in the process of packing and selling our house and moving to Iowa from Georgia mid-December. No Christmas decorations around here and definitely no Christmas ham coming out of my oven so I am celebrating creatively in other ways as early as I can. And one of those ways is this podcast which I’ve been itching to do for a little while -- where we’ll talk about some new things coming your way in 2021 , how we can have a thankful Christmas this year and the imperative role contentment has in your mindset and your business. SHOW NOTESThe Apostle Paul on contentment: 1 Timothy 6:3-10Philippians 4:4-132 Corinthians 12:9-10Mentioned & Related Resources:Email me if you're interested in teaching what you know in an online course and would like a free consultation.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mission:Read Psalm 100 and Luke 2, back to back, in anticipation of a thankful Christmas.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

There's an old song that goes “There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus, joy that throbs within my heart.”But here's the deal -- while there is joy in serving Jesus -- sometimes you just don't feel it. Things happen. The days get long. The work gets hard. You find yourself fake smiling and easily annoyed. In this episode of Working Upward, we'll talk about what to do when you get to that place and how you can renew your joy of serving your clients and customers and those around you even when you don't feel like it. And we'll start with taking a closer look at the joy of the Lord -- the kind He both possesses and gives to His children.SHOW NOTESJoy Ride Through Scripture:“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” – Psalm 47:1“I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.” — Jeremiah 31:13“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises.” — Psalm 98:4“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” — Psalm 126:2“You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” — Psalm 30:11Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory— 1 Peter 4:13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:13These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. - John 15:11When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.— Matthew 2:1Mentioned & Related Resources:Email me if you're interested in teaching what you know in an online course and would like a free consultation.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mission:Joy out loud. Right now. Remember joy is delighting in God and in the gifts He gives. Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

There’s an old song that goes “There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus, joy that throbs within my heart.”But here’s the deal -- while there is joy in serving Jesus -- sometimes you just don’t feel it. Things happen. The days get long. The work gets hard. You find yourself fake smiling and easily annoyed. In this episode of Working Upward, we’ll talk about what to do when you get to that place and how you can renew your joy of serving your clients and customers and those around you even when you don’t feel like it. And we’ll start with taking a closer look at the joy of the Lord -- the kind He both possesses and gives to His children.SHOW NOTESJoy Ride Through Scripture:“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” – Psalm 47:1“I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.” — Jeremiah 31:13“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises.” — Psalm 98:4“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” — Psalm 126:2“You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” — Psalm 30:11Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory— 1 Peter 4:13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. - 1 Peter 4:13These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. - John 15:11When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.— Matthew 2:1Mentioned & Related Resources:Email me if you're interested in teaching what you know in an online course and would like a free consultation.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mission:Joy out loud. Right now. Remember joy is delighting in God and in the gifts He gives. Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

According to a 2017 Barna research report, only 17% of practicing Christians actually have a biblical worldview.This then begs the question, what worldview do the majority of these professing Christians have if it's not the biblical one? And how does this relate to the biblical mindset we need to live by and motivate us to work successfully in God's eyes?We'll take a deeper look at how your worldview affects your mindset in this episode of Working Upward. >>Get your free Biblical Mindset Bookmark Set here. (third resource down)

According to a 2017 Barna research report, only 17% of practicing Christians actually have a biblical worldview.This then begs the question, what worldview do the majority of these professing Christians have if it’s not the biblical one? And how does this relate to the biblical mindset we need to live by and motivate us to work successfully in God’s eyes?We’ll take a deeper look at how your worldview affects your mindset in this episode of Working Upward. >>Get your free Biblical Mindset Bookmark Set here. (third resource down)

Ah, there's nothing like a gentle breeze through your open window or sunshine on your shoulder, or even a quarantine to get you thinking about all the wonderful things you can do to spruce up your house, clean your car, and refresh your business -- but where to even start? Well, I'll leave those petrified french fries in your car for you to take care of, but I will help guide you through spring-cleaning your business in today's episode of Working Upward, using a simple method to ensure no detail falls between the cracks. And, like I'm doing with every episode in this Business Boosters Series, I have a free companion download for you. Be sure to grab your Business Spring-Cleaning Guide over at WorkingUpward.com/BusinessBoosters.SHOW NOTESThe simple method in a nutshell:R-A-P your way through every part of your business. R = remove what you don't need.A= add what you do need.P = polish it all up to look great and run smoothly.The Plan (aka, the Master Checklist you'll R-A-P your way through)Physical SpaceOffice ArrangementOffice SuppliesPapers and FilesDigital SpaceInboxHard Drive & Desktop filesDropbox, One-Drive and Google DriveNote-taking AppsOther Apps & Digital Libraries (Ex: Canva's Design Folders)Password ManagerOtherDigital Tools & Subscriptions Processes AutomationsServices and PricingWebsiteTime Management Customer/Client JourneyMission:Go to WorkingUpward.com/businessboosters to download the Business Spring-Cleaning Guide and use the list worksheets to start cleaning up your business today.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mentioned & Related Resources:The Business Spring-Cleaning Guide & Master Checklist Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

Ah, there’s nothing like a gentle breeze through your open window or sunshine on your shoulder, or even a quarantine to get you thinking about all the wonderful things you can do to spruce up your house, clean your car, and refresh your business -- but where to even start? Well, I’ll leave those petrified french fries in your car for you to take care of, but I will help guide you through spring-cleaning your business in today’s episode of Working Upward, using a simple method to ensure no detail falls between the cracks. And, like I’m doing with every episode in this Business Boosters Series, I have a free companion download for you. Be sure to grab your Business Spring-Cleaning Guide over at WorkingUpward.com/BusinessBoosters.SHOW NOTESThe simple method in a nutshell:R-A-P your way through every part of your business. R = remove what you don't need.A= add what you do need.P = polish it all up to look great and run smoothly.The Plan (aka, the Master Checklist you'll R-A-P your way through)Physical SpaceOffice ArrangementOffice SuppliesPapers and FilesDigital SpaceInboxHard Drive & Desktop filesDropbox, One-Drive and Google DriveNote-taking AppsOther Apps & Digital Libraries (Ex: Canva’s Design Folders)Password ManagerOtherDigital Tools & Subscriptions Processes AutomationsServices and PricingWebsiteTime Management Customer/Client JourneyMission:Go to WorkingUpward.com/businessboosters to download the Business Spring-Cleaning Guide and use the list worksheets to start cleaning up your business today.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mentioned & Related Resources:The Business Spring-Cleaning Guide & Master Checklist Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

Like you, I'm sure, I've been heartbroken and troubled by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a heartless police officer.And like you, I've been saddened and angered by stories from others sharing their experiences of racism.My eyes have been needfully opened to more brokenness in this world. As Christians, our natural response is to feel compassion alongside a desire to do good and fight injustice. But what if God's way to fight injustice isn't exactly what we're hearing in the mainstream narrative? What if there's more to this than meets the eye? Last week, I posted on social media that I was listening, remembering “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” - Proverbs 18:13But after listening, reading, watching and praying, I realized I should have encouraged not just listening –– but so much more, including listening with discernment.And I also came to the conclusion that instead of telling you step-by-step what to do to fight injustice, I wanted to point you to God's Word for direction. It can guide you much better than I can.So in the latest episode of Working Upward, we're looking to God's Word to help us fight racism through word and deed. I hope you'll listen in and not only be encouraged, but motivated to take Christ-like action as well.SHOW NOTES4 Truths You Can Stand On:God is a God of justice.He commands us to be compassionate and seek justice for others.God is love so He gets to define it for us. (hint: we love in deed and truth)We discern God's Truth through His Word.Biblical Action Points:Pray for wisdom.Listen well.Think critically.Share the Gospel.Mission:Read, watch and note the incredibly helpful mentioned and related resources below. These are good supplements to your Bible reading as you move toward a biblical understanding of racism, BLM, injustice and what God wants us to do about it. Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mentioned & Related Resources:Video: Past the Point of No Return Book: Generous Justice by Timothy KellerFree Resource: Gospel Presentations from GotQuestions.orgArticle: How Can I Increase My Spiritual Discernment?Article: A Biblical Foundation for Critical ThinkingVideo: Voddie Baucham explains the ideology of Ethnicity Gnosticism and how it undermines the gospel and compromises genuine relationships in the church today.

Like you, I’m sure, I’ve been heartbroken and troubled by the death of George Floyd at the hands of a heartless police officer.And like you, I've been saddened and angered by stories from others sharing their experiences of racism.My eyes have been needfully opened to more brokenness in this world. As Christians, our natural response is to feel compassion alongside a desire to do good and fight injustice. But what if God's way to fight injustice isn't exactly what we're hearing in the mainstream narrative? What if there's more to this than meets the eye? Last week, I posted on social media that I was listening, remembering “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” - Proverbs 18:13But after listening, reading, watching and praying, I realized I should have encouraged not just listening –– but so much more, including listening with discernment.And I also came to the conclusion that instead of telling you step-by-step what to do to fight injustice, I wanted to point you to God’s Word for direction. It can guide you much better than I can.So in the latest episode of Working Upward, we're looking to God's Word to help us fight racism through word and deed. I hope you’ll listen in and not only be encouraged, but motivated to take Christ-like action as well.SHOW NOTES4 Truths You Can Stand On:God is a God of justice.He commands us to be compassionate and seek justice for others.God is love so He gets to define it for us. (hint: we love in deed and truth)We discern God's Truth through His Word.Biblical Action Points:Pray for wisdom.Listen well.Think critically.Share the Gospel.Mission:Read, watch and note the incredibly helpful mentioned and related resources below. These are good supplements to your Bible reading as you move toward a biblical understanding of racism, BLM, injustice and what God wants us to do about it. Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Want Your Business Featured in the Podcast? (It's Free)Then go here.Mentioned & Related Resources:Video: Past the Point of No Return Book: Generous Justice by Timothy KellerFree Resource: Gospel Presentations from GotQuestions.orgArticle: How Can I Increase My Spiritual Discernment?Article: A Biblical Foundation for Critical ThinkingVideo: Voddie Baucham explains the ideology of Ethnicity Gnosticism and how it undermines the gospel and compromises genuine relationships in the church today.

If you do it right, your website can grow your business even when you're away from your desk. And it's as easy as 1-2-3 -- or as you'll find out in this episode, C, C, C.This is the first episode in my Business Booster Series where we'll be focusing on ways you can gain and keep momentum for your business through 2020 and end the year on a high note.SHOW NOTES:The Three C's Your Website Needs:CredibilityCustomer-Centric CopyClarityEpisode Summary:When planning or updating your website, you're looking for credibility, customer-centric copy and clarity.You need a credible domain extension like .com and apply the less is more principle throughout your design. You need proper grammar and correct spelling. Your website should immediately communicate when you are and what you do and what emotional benefits you offer to your prospective clients and customers. Your entire website needs to be customer-driven and you need to guide your customer through your website.Mission:Grab your free website makeover checklist here and then use it to improve your website step by step.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Mentioned & Related Resources:I may receive a commission when you click on a starred link and make a purchase. .Get your free website makeover checklist here.The Upward VA Roadmap & Support SystemCanva - professional photos and top design tool*Free Photos: Unsplash, Pexels, PixabayDIY Website Platforms: Weebly*, Squarespace, Kajabi*Fonts.com: Mixing TypefacesGrowthBader.com: Domain ExtensionsGrammarlyStoryBrand.comExample Website: SmartPassiveIncome.comCredits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

If you do it right, your website can grow your business even when you’re away from your desk. And it’s as easy as 1-2-3 -- or as you’ll find out in this episode, C, C, C.This is the first episode in my Business Booster Series where we’ll be focusing on ways you can gain and keep momentum for your business through 2020 and end the year on a high note.SHOW NOTES:The Three C's Your Website Needs:CredibilityCustomer-Centric CopyClarityEpisode Summary:When planning or updating your website, you’re looking for credibility, customer-centric copy and clarity.You need a credible domain extension like .com and apply the less is more principle throughout your design. You need proper grammar and correct spelling. Your website should immediately communicate when you are and what you do and what emotional benefits you offer to your prospective clients and customers. Your entire website needs to be customer-driven and you need to guide your customer through your website.Mission:Grab your free website makeover checklist here and then use it to improve your website step by step.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Mentioned & Related Resources:I may receive a commission when you click on a starred link and make a purchase. .Get your free website makeover checklist here.The Upward VA Roadmap & Support SystemCanva - professional photos and top design tool*Free Photos: Unsplash, Pexels, PixabayDIY Website Platforms: Weebly*, Squarespace, Kajabi*Fonts.com: Mixing TypefacesGrowthBader.com: Domain ExtensionsGrammarlyStoryBrand.comExample Website: SmartPassiveIncome.comCredits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

Today, we're taking a little bit of a break from all the coronavirus crisis news and addressing our need as Christian business owners to look upward and take the time to consider what the resurrection means to our faith and then how the fact of the resurrection impacts every part of our lives, including our work. SHOW NOTES:Special Announcements:1. The Work Is Good podcast will soon be titled the Working Upward podcast. Look for that change in coming weeks. The focus and direction of the podcast are the same, but the title will make that more clear and will work well with the rest of the WorkingUpward.com brand. 2. Since many women are seeking work at home opportunities right now for many reasons and because the Upward VA Roadmap & Support System meets a need there, I'm starting the Upward VA Ambassador Program.Apply to be an ambassador here and you could earn a significant commission for each Upward VA Roadmap student who purchases the course and support system through your link. I'm only selecting a few ambassadors, so please don't hesitate to apply.Because He Lives, You Can . . .Face tomorrow.Keep working.Stop the comparison game.Be bold in sharing the good news.Mission:Read the Resurrection Chapter (1 Corinthians 15 ) and saturate yourself with the truth of the Resurrection. Let it's truth keep you hopeful and moving forward.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Mentioned & Related Resources:The Upward VA Roadmap & Support System (COVID-19 Offer)The Upward VA Ambassador Program ApplicationAndrew Peterson's Resurrection Letters1 Corinthians 15Hymn: Jesus Lives and So Shall IThe Horse and His Boy by C.S. LewisCredits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

Today, we’re taking a little bit of a break from all the coronavirus crisis news and addressing our need as Christian business owners to look upward and take the time to consider what the resurrection means to our faith and then how the fact of the resurrection impacts every part of our lives, including our work. SHOW NOTES:Special Announcements:1. The Work Is Good podcast will soon be titled the Working Upward podcast. Look for that change in coming weeks. The focus and direction of the podcast are the same, but the title will make that more clear and will work well with the rest of the WorkingUpward.com brand. 2. Since many women are seeking work at home opportunities right now for many reasons and because the Upward VA Roadmap & Support System meets a need there, I'm starting the Upward VA Ambassador Program.Apply to be an ambassador here and you could earn a significant commission for each Upward VA Roadmap student who purchases the course and support system through your link. I'm only selecting a few ambassadors, so please don't hesitate to apply.Because He Lives, You Can . . .Face tomorrow.Keep working.Stop the comparison game.Be bold in sharing the good news.Mission:Read the Resurrection Chapter (1 Corinthians 15 ) and saturate yourself with the truth of the Resurrection. Let it’s truth keep you hopeful and moving forward.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Mentioned & Related Resources:The Upward VA Roadmap & Support System (COVID-19 Offer)The Upward VA Ambassador Program ApplicationAndrew Peterson's Resurrection Letters1 Corinthians 15Hymn: Jesus Lives and So Shall IThe Horse and His Boy by C.S. LewisCredits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org

How on earth do you market your product or your service in a time of fear and panic? When your prospective customers or clients are suffering financial loss or are holding tightly to their wallets and have shifted their attention to something else much bigger than you? When there's a need in the world that you never saw coming and aren't sure how your product or service addresses that need?Or when you just feel awkward selling because you don't want anyone to think you're ignoring -- or worse -- capitalizing on the current crisis? I'm doing my best to help answer those questions in today's episode.Read the Show NotesMentioned & Related Resources:Amy Porterfield's Online Marketing Made Easy podcastThe Upward VA Roadmap: My online course for aspiring virtual assistants.Become a Podcast Insider so you're sure to catch my next bonus episode.

How on earth do you market your product or your service in a time of fear and panic? When your prospective customers or clients are suffering financial loss or are holding tightly to their wallets and have shifted their attention to something else much bigger than you? When there’s a need in the world that you never saw coming and aren’t sure how your product or service addresses that need?Or when you just feel awkward selling because you don’t want anyone to think you’re ignoring -- or worse -- capitalizing on the current crisis? I’m doing my best to help answer those questions in today's episode.Read the Show NotesMentioned & Related Resources:Amy Porterfield's Online Marketing Made Easy podcastThe Upward VA Roadmap: My online course for aspiring virtual assistants.Become a Podcast Insider so you're sure to catch my next bonus episode.

As the world is dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak, life as we know it is slowing dramatically so we can stop the spread of COVID-19. It's a time of loss and uncertainty and for many businesses and employees, a time of financial decline. For students, it's a time to learn from home or someone else's home. And for work-at-home parents, you now have a full-house and quite a different schedule to follow. You, like me, are likely putting a lot of your normal life on hold – things like trips, outings and social events -- for very good and obvious reasons and you, like me, may be tempted to also put other parts of your life on hold – especially growth areas like work, business, and your spiritual walk. We're easily distracted by the constant news and social media updates and concerning thoughts about our future. In today's super-relevant episode, I share four specific ways we can keep moving forward in any type of crisis, but especially during the current coronavirus crisis. Stay tuned for encouragement and inspiration at a time when we all desperately need both. Read the Show Notes at WorkingUpward.com.

As the world is dealing with the Coronavirus outbreak, life as we know it is slowing dramatically so we can stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s a time of loss and uncertainty and for many businesses and employees, a time of financial decline. For students, it’s a time to learn from home or someone else’s home. And for work-at-home parents, you now have a full-house and quite a different schedule to follow. You, like me, are likely putting a lot of your normal life on hold – things like trips, outings and social events -- for very good and obvious reasons and you, like me, may be tempted to also put other parts of your life on hold – especially growth areas like work, business, and your spiritual walk. We’re easily distracted by the constant news and social media updates and concerning thoughts about our future. In today’s super-relevant episode, I share four specific ways we can keep moving forward in any type of crisis, but especially during the current coronavirus crisis. Stay tuned for encouragement and inspiration at a time when we all desperately need both. Read the Show Notes at WorkingUpward.com.

Decisions, decisions, decisions! If you love making decisions and know for sure you always make the right ones, then this episode is not for you. However if you struggle with overthinking, underthinking, general wishy-washiness or just making wrong choices, then what I'm sharing today is just what you need to hear. By the end of the episode you'll have a plan to help you confidently make your next big decision and then feel really good about your choice. Show Notes:Common Roots to Our Decision-Making Struggles Misunderstanding the dual nature of God's will. We think we're in charge. We're afraid. The AntidoteUnderstanding God's loving plan for us and trusting Him to guide us and work it all out. And of course the more we're in the Word of God and communing with Him in prayer, the less we struggle with these root issues. Pre-Decision Making PrinciplesAvoid "fleece" mentality.Clarify your priorities.Make decisions on a full stomach and with a well-rested body.Limit your choices wherever possible.Avoid crowd mentality.5-Part Framework for Making DecisionsGet the factsSearch the ScriptureSeek godly counselPray Make the decision confidentlyPost-Decision PrinciplesRemember not all decisions are permanent. They can be reversed.Routinely evaluate your decisions.Learn from your decisions.Mission:Think of one good decision you've made and one bad decision you've made. Pause for a moment and consider your thought process in each of those. What have you learned from each of those decisions? Bonus points if you write it down.Pay It Forward:Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes to help spread the word about the Work Is Good podcast.Mentioned & Related ResourcesGotQuestions.org: "Is it acceptable to lay out a fleece before God in prayer?"How I Podcast: Get your free guide.Credits:Intro and Outro Music by Purple-Planet.comDrum Roll Sound Effect by Mike Koenig, via SoundBible.com"Bike, Bell Ding, Single, 01-01.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org