The Gift of Grace, Entrepreneurship and a Messy Creative Christmas 

This is the season for gifts, and the frenzy is in full force to purchase, decorate, dress up, and run hither and thither as the days get closer and closer to Christmas.

I am doing Christmas in my own way.

• I am making creative gifts that are very low-cost and high in the “love factor.”
• My Christmas tree is a giant canvas that I painted (as pictured here).
• Zander is running amok as a cat should.
• And I am heading to California to see my family in a few days!

More important to me than all of the hoopla and the tinsel is the reason for the season, my faith, and my Lord Jesus.  I can’t help to view that through the eyes of my business.  I speak often of the fact that I believe that my business is a gift.  This is one of the core messages that I “preach” to my clients and members of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs.

I wholeheartedly believe that God has given me the business that I have, the clients I serve, the people on my team, and the platform I hold to share my gifts. I feel that it is my duty and my blessing to accept this gift and use it. I intend to use it, learn from it, honor it, and cherish it.  Whenever I think of doing otherwise, I feel like I would not only be dishonoring my Father but also dismissing the people He has given me. I am NOT willing to do that.

I AM willing to love my gift and show it off to the world.

I AM willing to do all that I can and give it everything that I have.

I AM willing to invest my full heart, mind, and intentions.

I AM willing to accept this gift from God.

This past week, I was sent a Grinch-like message, and it made me pause. I had to check my motives. I had to stop to reflect and pray.  I felt afraid to keep sharing my message for a little while, but I am back.

Today, I choose to continue to be me and pray for those who attack me. I am a mess. I am NOT perfect. I know you aren’t, either. That is the miracle of the season. We have the gift of GRACE.

I will celebrate my business this season. I will look back on where I have been over the past year and take inventory. I am looking at my future plans, and I’m excited about the thought of opening the box that says “2015” on it.  I hope you choose to do the same with your gift of a business and the gift of this life.

Be BRAVE my friends!

Diane Cunningham is the Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She is a “business therapist,” plane crash survivor, author, consultant, speaker, marathon runner, and fun friend. Find out more about NACWE and why 165 women joined in the first year at www.NACWE.org. Connect with Diane at www.facebook.com/DianeCunningham for fun updates, silly videos, and lively conversation.