CatholicMom.com » Theresa Ceniccola

How I Silenced Sister Mary Critical

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:00:57 +0000

Do you have a voice inside your head that tells you you’re worthless at times? A tiny nagging whisper that eats away your self-esteem? You may not hear it all the time, but I’m willing to bet you know what I’m talking about. Even the most renowned writers, musicians, performers (and other creative geniuses) hear the voice of the inner critic.

I recently attended a workshop with Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and expert on the relationship between creativity and spirituality. Julia has an interesting perspective on the inner critic. She says the voice never disappears – it just perfects its manipulation skills as you succeed. Instead of saying “You’ll never publish a book,” the voice says, “You’re a one-hit wonder.” And when you publish the second book, the voice says, “Now you’re repeating yourself.” The voice continues to hurl clever insults despite your success. And Julia should know – she’s published 30 books!

But Julia has an extraordinary method of silencing the malicious voice. She spends some time getting to know her inner critic. That’s right – Julia has a name, a visual and a story for the voice that attempts to destroy her creativity. Her theory: it’s helpful in battle to know the enemy!

So I decided to give this method a try…I sat down with my journal and asked my inner critic to reveal herself. I challenged her to insult me and deflate my hopes and dreams. As I listed all her offensive blows, I began to form a picture of this evil voice. And I named her Sister Mary Critical. That’s right – the embodiment of all my self-doubt wears a cross and a habit with very sensible shoes. (No offense to the many inspirational and caring nuns who served as role models and mentors to me as a child!)

Something encouraging happened as I playfully wrote the story of this imaginary nemesis. As I described her in detail, I realized I no longer feared her reproachful words. I began to associate the voice of my inner critic with a woman who had no emotional power over me. And guess what! I realized I wasn’t in elementary school anymore and I didn’t have to listen to Sr. Mary Critical!

So now when I journal (or write copy for a client, or make dinner for my family, or register for a triathlon) and the voice of Sr. Mary Critical tells me I’m going to fail, I envision this pitiful woman and smile. I’m not threatened by her anymore.

Ready to silence your inner critic? Try it in your journal – write a description of your inner critic or draw or paint an image of her. Include as much detail as possible and have a little fun with it! I have a hunch you’re going to enjoy destroying the self-sabotaging voice with this simple character sketch!

How to Turn Your Life Verse into a Spiritual Vision Board

Theresa Ceniccola — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:31 +0000

Have you ever been asked what your “life verse” is? You know, the scripture quote that seems to speak to you directly – the one that holds a personal meaning for you. When I first heard of this concept, I was immediately overwhelmed. With more than 31,000 verses to choose from, how could I possibly select just one? How could one verse define my entire life? Even if it seemed to fit now, would it still encourage and strengthen me in 10 years?

That reaction is my typical perfectionist response to any sort of challenge or assignment. I had to remind myself that THIS IS NOT A TEST! That God wasn’t waiting for me to choose the “wrong” verse and then condemn me for failing a quiz. And that there was no rule preventing me from picking a new verse any time I needed one! (After all, there’s a reason there are more than 788,000 words in the Bible – we need to read them at different times in our lives.) With those comforting thoughts in mind, I set off to find my life verse.

Selecting Your Life Verse

The mission took me several months. I tried a few verses on for size in my mind. I read them aloud to listen to the message behind the words. Wondered how they would serve me as a compass. I couldn’t make a decision. It still felt like such a commitment!

Then one Saturday morning, I was at a women’s retreat exploring the relationship between creativity and spirituality. We were making Spiritual Vision Boards and we were told to begin with our life verse in mind. Naturally, I considered and debated long after everyone else in the room started working on their boards. I eventually settled on a verse – it was more of a random selection based on the pressure to make a decision quickly before the others noticed that I didn’t have a life verse (how shameful!). The verse I selected spoke to me in the moment and has become a guiding force in my life ever since:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6

The weight had been lifted from my shoulders! I had a life verse and I was ready to create a Spiritual Vision Board to honor that verse and give it a prominent place to live in my home. This was the fun part! The activity gave me an opportunity to engage my right brain and exercise my creativity muscles, which I believe leads to infinite positive change. In fact, my mentor and friend, Whitney Ferre, taught me The Art of Being a Stress-Free Mom through regular creativity exercises!

How to Create a Spiritual Vision Board (or Spiritual Art Journal)

Step 1: Select a scripture quote. Any Bible verse that seems to be calling your name. Don’t overthink this part. You can make it easy and choose my verse if you want!

Step 2: Gather your supplies: a poster board or art journal; paint, markers or colored pencils; magazines, stickers or colorful paper; glue stick, rubber cement or craft paste; any images or phrases that inspire you. Some great resources are greeting cards, Christian magazines such as P31 Woman and materials from Bible studies you’ve attended.

Step 3: Set the tone. Play some inspirational Christian music. Light a candle or use your favorite essential oil for aromatherapy. Be sure you have an hour of time where you will be uninterrupted so you can fully immerse yourself in the creative process and use the time to reflect on God’s message.

Step 4: Create! Start wherever you feel most comfortable – you may want to paint or sketch an image on your poster board or journal paper. Or you may prefer to flip through the magazines and tear out images and words that resonate with you and arrange them on the board. Just cover your paper, overlapping images and adding decorative items like ribbon or stickers. Be sure to add your life verse somewhere on the board!

Step 5: Reflect. Find a place to hang your Spiritual Vision Board where you will see it daily. Take 10 minutes a day to reflect on the images and say a prayer. My Spiritual Vision Board serves as a daily reminder of my life verse. It invites me to devote my attention to the verse every day and it conjures up memories of the nourishing and rejuvenating retreat I attended.

For a more detailed instructions, check out The Complete Guide to Vision Boards by my coach and mentor, Christine Kane.

Do you have a life verse? Share it with me here (no pressure!).

It’s OK To Walk Your Bike: And Other Lessons from the Road to Success

Theresa Ceniccola — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:00:02 +0000

There was a time in my life when I would have considered this story I’m sharing with you a failure. I would have beat myself up for doing things “the wrong way.” And I would have been too embarrassed to tell you the truth – that I “cheated” my way to the finish line.

It all started on a spectacular October day in Asheville, NC. My husband and I were on a mini get-away before a business meeting and we planned to spend the day biking our way around the countryside, soaking up the fall foliage and treasuring some much-needed couple time. I had been praying for the gift of a beautiful day so we could experience God’s creations in all their autumn splendor! We intentionally chose a route that was described as “rolling hills” rather than “steep mountain passes” because I had no desire to spend the following day limping around town searching for Advil.

As we parked the car at the starting point, we realized that the first part of the ride would be on a heavily congested road that was under construction, making it unsafe for biking. Despite my exceptional skills as a navigator and map-reader (Girl Scout training!), I made a tactical error in adjusting our route. I found a small (seemingly harmless) road that would eliminate the construction and put us back on the original path.

Unfortunately, I did not notice the elevation changes on the detour and my splendid Saturday excursion quickly transformed into a painful test of strength and endurance. One minute I was chatting about the babbling brook and the beautiful old barn and the next minute I was facing a steep and windy road with no guardrail or sidewalk. (Have I mentioned before that my husband loves this kind of ride?)

At first, I was in denial. It couldn’t possibly be as steep as it looked! I shifted into my lowest gear and was determined to make it to the top – slow and steady. I knew if I stopped I would never be able to get back on my bike again. So I kept pedaling, my heart racing, my eyes filling with sweat from my forehead…just praying I would see the top of the mountain around the next bend. But each time the road twisted and turned, I was greeted with a new stretch of asphalt, just as long and unforgiving as the last.

Eventually I gave in. I got off my bike, told my hubby to keep going and started walking my bike in shame. It took me awhile to catch my breath and I realized that walking up the hill was almost as challenging as riding. When I finally reached the top, my extreme athlete husband was waiting for me with a huge smile and a hug! Here I was feeling like a failure because I couldn’t bike to the top, and he was so proud of me because I had made it there – one way or another.

It took me a few minutes to admit that I was proud of myself, too. I had to let go of my belief that there was only one way to the top of that mountain, and recognize that it didn’t matter that I did it my way – the end result was the same. And the view was just as rewarding. (If you’ve never seen the Blue Ridge mountains in October, you are missing out on one of God’s most spectacular canvases!)

I see my life journey in much the same way. Sometimes it’s frustrating because I know others who are “further along” the road to the top and I can’t seem to keep up. Whether it’s the journey of motherhood or entrepreneurship, I seem to compare myself to those just beyond my reach. Then, when I think I’m almost “there” on a particular phase or goal, I realize that there’s another long road ahead. And I fall victim to the pressure of all the things the experts tell me I “should” be doing. Well – no more beating myself up! I’m going to walk that bike of mine and be proud! When in doubt, I will remember my accomplishment in the Asheville mountains and find the encouragement and motivation to continue.

If you care to join me on this imperfect excursion, keep in mind the following lessons from my steep and windy road to the top:

“Pretty” Doesn’t Matter: Just because I don’t look like Lance Armstrong, doesn’t mean I can’t get to the top of the mountain. The same concept holds true in any goal I set for myself – we don’t have to be 100% polished and perfect every step of the way. We just need to decide to do it!

Tools and Training Won’t Do the Work for You: I didn’t have the proper tools (bike gears) to succeed at my task. Nor did I have the proper training. Sometimes I think we get caught up in buying the latest technology, reading the best selling parenting books and earning a set of credentials…then we remember that Disney got their start in a garage, Mother Teresa was filled with doubt and Bill Gates dropped out of college to launch his career.

Change is not the Same as Failure: So I had to change my plan – I had to walk part of the way. But I didn’t quit. And I didn’t fail. I simply made a change. God directs us on new paths all the time – he simply calls us to shift our focus…and yet, sometimes we see that change as failure. We need to give ourselves permission to change our plans every once in awhile, as he calls us to do. To explore a different tactic or a new route to success. To discover HIS plan for us.

Do it Your Way: It’s easy to become brainwashed by all the messages out there about how you “should” raise your children or run your business. But even if you follow all the rules and do what all the experts proclaim, you may still find yourself at the bottom of a mountain of stress and frustration. It actually takes more courage and faith to accept the wisdom and inspiration of others and then create a unique path for your business and your family.

Never Underestimate the Power of Support: Without a doubt, if I had been on that mountain alone, I would not have made it to the top. The one thing that kept me going was the fact that my husband was ahead of me. If he didn’t have faith in me, he would have gotten off his bike and offered to push both bikes up the hill. But he didn’t do that. He pedaled on ahead because he knew I would be just fine. (He actually rode back down the hill a few times to check on me – and to prove that it wasn’t difficult for him!) But just knowing that he believed in me and supported me was an energy boost more powerful than Red Bull. If you surround yourself with friends and colleagues who believe in you as a mom and/or a business owner, then you set yourself up for success!

What kind of support do you have in your life? Is there someone who has more faith in you than you do in yourself? How do you surround yourself with support so you can reach your own mountaintops?

Seven Unique Ways to Keep a Gratitude Journal You Can Stick With

Theresa Ceniccola — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:35 +0000

I confess – I have abandoned more journals than I care to admit. I always begin with good intentions. Like any devoted Oprah fan, I set out on a mission to write down three things I’m grateful for in an attempt to focus my attention on the blessings in my life. The whole process is like a diet – it works for a few weeks or a month and then I let it slip. I take a day off. Or a week. Or a month. Sometimes I pick it back up again and rededicate myself to the daily practice. (Once I even made it a whole year!) But eventually my journal ends up lost under a pile of papers or stuck between the seats of the couch cushions, collecting dust while my heart collects complaints and criticism.

I used to beat myself up for this abandoned gratitude. I dubbed myself a failure. But now I realize that I was setting myself up for failure. That there is more than one way to do this gratitude thing. Experts tell you how to do it “right” – select a beautiful journal and a pen that feels good, allocate time each day in your schedule and create a dedicated space where you can write comfortably without distractions or interruption. All great tips. But even when I follow them to the letter, I somehow end up getting derailed. This recipe for journal writing doesn’t work for all of us, all the time.

So, here are my personal tips for keeping an attitude of gratitude even if journal writing isn’t your thing!

1. Gratitude Cards: Who needs an entire notebook when you can do the job with a single index card? Buy a stack of colorful index cards and keep them someplace where you will see them. Any time you feel joy, take a minute to write a sentence or word down on an index card and post it on a wall, refrigerator or bulletin board so you can be reminded of your blessings. You can also use sticky notes.

2. Be Social: Turn your Facebook posts or Twitter tweets into a feed of gratitude. Make it a point to share your blessings with your virtual friends each day. You may be surprised to see some of them join in!

3. Gratitude Buddy: Find a partner who is interested in inviting more gratitude into her life as well. Make a commitment to share one thing each day that you are grateful for. Do it by phone, email, text or in person. It helps to have someone else depending on you and expecting you to deliver a thankful thought each day!

4. Thanksgiving Every Day: If you enjoy the tradition of going around the table at Thanksgiving dinner and expressing a sentiment of gratitude, why not make it a daily habit? If you have young children, make it a game. At my house, we play “High/Low” at dinnertime. Each person shares a “high” and a “low” from the day. It’s the one time of day when we all truly stop and connect with one another.

5. The Grateful Doodle: Sometimes there are no words to express our feelings. Let your markers and pencils do the talking by spending 10 minutes doodling your delight on a blank page. There’s a side effect to this creative exercise – you get to experience the Art of Being a Stress Free Mom!

6. Write Where You Are: Sometimes it’s just too much to add another place to go –another project to keep up with. What are you already writing on or in every day? A shopping list? Day planner? Devotional? Add a sentence of gratitude anywhere on the page! If you’re a digital momma, type it into an existing list on your smart phone. Don’t worry that it doesn’t “belong” there – that somewhere between the bananas and the paper towels you’ve written, “I’m thankful for my dog!” There are no rules – gratitude belongs everywhere!

7. Green and Grateful: For some people, it’s overwhelming to fill a book of blank pages or use a stack of index cards. Try the eco-friendly approach of expressing your gratitude on a chalkboard or whiteboard someplace visible in your home. When something new fills your heart with joy, erase it and start over. This takes the pressure off how many sentiments you have to come up with and how often you need to add to the list. And it spreads joy and gratitude to everyone in the home.

Now, does that help make the gratitude thing seem more manageable? I’d love to know what’s working for you – leave a comment here and let me know how you are practicing gratitude in your own way!

The Top Three Challenges of the Christian Mom Entrepreneur

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:00:40 +0000

I received a phone call the other day from a college friend I hadn’t talked to in many years. It was such a treat to hear her voice and catch up on our lives! One of the things she said to me was that she was so inspired by the way I seem to have everything in balance – how I juggle my business and my family and the way I embrace my faith as the foundation for everything. While I confess that I don’t often feel like I have it all together, I have to agree that I am so very blessed to have a flexible career that enables me to put faith and family first. And I often take that for granted — I forget that where I juggle, some women struggle.

Whether you work full time outside the home, or work full time raising your children, I’m willing to bet there are always a billion things competing for your attention. Even though people think I have the perfect balance, I must admit that being a mompreneur also has challenges!  I’ve been through most of them myself – and I have  dozens of clients who’ve been through them as well.  So I’d like to share some of my tips for making the  life of the mompreneur work FOR you – and not  AGAINST you.

The Christian Mompreneur’s Trinity of Challenges

Guilt: You recognize this challenge if you feel like:

It’s a constant battle to balance work and family and you never quite feel like you’re giving enough;

You have a difficult time setting boundaries and saying ‘no’ to friends, family, volunteering and pro-bono work;

You feel a little bit uncomfortable when it comes to sales, marketing and asking for the fees you deserve.

Overwhelm: You are experiencing this challenge if:

Your life is filled with multi-tasking chaos and there never seems to be enough time to do everything you want to do;

You spend all of your time responding and reacting to everyone else’s needs rather than proactively creating the business and life you desire;

You feel it’s easier to do things yourself than to rely on someone else to help.

Darkness: You can relate to this challenge if:

You feel it is isolating and lonely to run a “one-woman-show” with nobody to guide and encourage you along the way;

You’re not sure who to trust and where to turn for support;

You’re easily distracted by empty promises, “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities and other activities that steer you in a different direction leaving you feeling disenchanted and confused.

Does any of this sound familiar? I call them the Trinity of Challenges (or G-O-D) Challenges, because He (of course!) is the solution. The foundation for my work is simple: create your business in alignment with your values and He will lead the way. With the support of other Christian mom entrepreneurs, you CAN follow God’s plan and walk away from guilt, isolation and darkness and into peace, prosperity and productivity!

If you’re wondering how other moms manage to “do it all” while you struggle to keep on top of laundry and bills, then I want to encourage you to listen to the free audio recording of a recent teleseminar:

The Top Three Challenges of the Mompreneur – and How to Overcome Them!

On the recording, I share simple strategies for overcoming the challenges of guilt, overwhelm and darkness. I also tell you about some of the amazing and inspiring women I work with in the Christian Mompreneur mastermind and let you know how you can be a part of the next program!

Click here more information.

God Wants You to be a Guilt-Free Mom

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:00:56 +0000

How to balance business and family without feeling guilty.

When my first child was born, I had no idea what would accompany him into this world and forever embed itself in my mind and in my heart. No, I’m not talking about maternal instinct and the incredible bond of motherhood, although I am supremely grateful for the gift of experiencing those joys. I’m talking about something not quite as welcome…I’m talking about the G-word: Guilt.

Don’t get me wrong – I possessed my fair share of the G-word long before my transition into motherhood. In fact, the guilt that was planted in my heart as a child was so well nurtured that it became a part of me, like an appendage…something I carried with me without even realizing it. But just as pregnancy causes your ankles to swell, motherhood gave that Guilt Appendage a steroid injection that made it grow so quickly it soon became my most prominent feature.

I had a business. I had a baby. So now, all of a sudden, I had a whole new reason to exercise my Guilt Appendage. You know the dilemma: you are at work and you can’t stop thinking about how you should probably be spending more time with your children…savoring these precious years before they are gone forever. Then, you’re at Toddler Time at the children’s library and your mind is racing with thoughts about all the work you should be doing and the fact that colleagues don’t view you as the professional you once were because you now carry diapers in your purse. You can’t seem to get comfortable – you don’t feel great about either one of your jobs. You don’t feel like a good mother; and you don’t feel like you are giving your best at work either.

Do you let the G-Word get in the way of your happiness and success? If so, then I invite you to join me in a special club. Before you roll your eyes, I promise you that membership in this club will not require any additional time. There are no meetings. There are no dues. There are no bylaws. And you will never be asked to bring an appetizer to share. This privileged organization is The Guilt-Free Mom Club and I hope you will accept my invitation to become a member. The only requirement is that you make decisions that are in alignment with your Christian values and then release yourself from any guilt associated with those decisions.

As a certified member of the Guilt-Free Mom Club, you have permission to:

- Say “No” with clarity and grace to any people or activities that do not serve you and your family;

- Be fully present in your role as a mother; and be fully present in your role as a professional;

- Accept responsibility without undo burden;

- Let go of the misguided belief that YOU are the ONLY one who can possibly do it (whatever it is);

- Know that it’s OK let someone else take a turn being of service;

- Value your own time, skills and talents;

- Surround yourself with uplifting and encouraging support systems;

- Care for yourself by filling your own cup first, and serving others from the overflow.

My sisters, God wants you to be a Guilt-Free Mom! Lighten your load and join me.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28

Dimes from Heaven

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:00:49 +0000

I’ve heard of “pennies from heaven” before but had not known that some lucky people are blessed with dimes from above. My friend Laura told me a story this week about how she came to discover the dimes God places in her path. She was in her early twenties and was devastated after ending her first relationship. While attending an AL-Anon meeting, Laura heard the story of another woman who held a jar full of dimes, claiming that every time she was feeling lonely or lost, God would send a message of hope in the form of a dime. This piqued Laura’s interest. She rolled her eyes in disbelief and scoffed at the story, but deep inside she wondered if there was some truth to it.

Later that same day, she was sobbing uncontrollably, feeling the pain of her loss, standing in the quiet of an empty room. She rested her hand on the room’s only surface – a tall chest of drawers. She felt something smooth under the palm of her hand and stopped her pity party immediately. Imagine her astonishment when she lifted a shiny dime from under her hand!

Now, Laura was a believer…but not the church-going, pray-all-day kind. More of the “I’ll-call-you-when-I-need-you,” kind of follower. Well, let’s just say this dime was God’s way of telling her it’s time for a chat! Laura immediately recognized the dime as a comforting sign of his presence. And now, more than 20 years later, she still collects the dimes the Lord sends from heaven during times of darkness and despair. She’s found them in the most unusual places and is absolutely certain they are sent from above.

Why a dime and not a penny? I don’t think it has anything to do with inflation; more of a scarcity issue. The US Mint reports there are 1,454 million pennies in circulation; compared to 391 million dimes. So the chances of finding a dime are slim – unless, of course, God plants one in your path.

I must admit, I’ve never looked for God’s presence in the form of an abandoned coin. And I’m not one of those people who actually hears the voice of God talking directly to me. Nor do I have visions created by angels in my dreams. No, my dime is not nearly as shiny or obvious as these messages from heaven.

So how do I recognize the signs of God’s presence in my life? Well, I don’t always acknowledge it immediately, because he often speaks to me in a more subtle manner. He sends his dime into the center of my heart taking up residence along with the joy or pain I am feeling. Then he just sits there waiting for me to remember that he is with me. Waiting for me to recall that he is at the center of everything. He tugs at my heart – sometimes allowing me to tumble deeper into darkness – until something triggers my understanding. A kind word from a friend. A song lyric or scripture quote. A stranger’s tragedy. Something captures my eye and brings his presence into my awareness again. It’s not as elegant a process as finding dimes in the street. And I don’t have a jar full of tangible proof. But it’s his way of getting my attention nonetheless.

How does God get your attention? What kind of dime does he place in your path? I’d love to hear your story.

Inspired Women Succeed

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 25 May 2011 23:57:53 +0000

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to our friend and CatholicMom.com contributor Theresa Ceniccola for her part in the recent publication of the book Inspired Women Succeed. I’m happy to share some information about this book, as well as Theresa’s contribution below. LMH

Wichita Falls, TX – Today’s success-driven culture often puts a pressure-cooker demand on Christian women in business. Countless women struggle to succeed—to be, do, and have it all.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we determine success greatly impacts our lives, according to the newly published bookInspired Women Succeed by Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore.

As they seek to redefine success, the authors challenge readers, “What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts?”

This Chicken Soup for the Soul®-spirited book features a collection of 40 real-life inspirational accounts that are designed to prove success is an individual experience. “For Christian women, success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by a loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome,” Cunningham said.

Co-Author Jo Ann Fore elaborates, “Inspired Women Succeed leads readers on an inspirational journey; a journey which teaches women how to entrust the hard spots of life to a sovereign God who has a plan. The book is about real women doing real life. Through a vulnerable transparency, the stories of this book offer women a permission to be real; to confront the tough issues of life with a new perspective. We want women to reframe life experiences which may have blocked their progress—those same experiences can be used as a catalyst to success.”

Authors Cunningham and Fore model authenticity, as intimate details about the rough spots of their own lives are woven throughout the book. They, along with contributors such as Catholic Mom contributor Theresa Ceniccola recount how they transformed difficult circumstances into a successful life—success on God’s terms, that is.

“Sometimes we have to refocus,” contributorTheresa Ceniccola) said. Inspired Women Succeed supports the very real evidence that reframing my own life events offered an opportunity for me to seek God at work in my life.”

From Devastation to Inspiration: Journey of a Christian Mompreneur

By Theresa Ceniccola

Have you ever felt like a fraud? As if everyone sees something in you that isn’t truly there?

For many years, I felt this way about my business. Sure, I was successful by the traditional definition. I had managed to earn a six-figure income working part-time as a freelance writer and marketing consultant. I was blessed for 15 years with a business that provided me the income and flexibility I desired during my early years of motherhood. Friends and colleagues often commented that I had “the best of both worlds.” But I didn’t feel successful.

Don’t misunderstand me; I was extremely grateful for the lifestyle my business allowed me to create for my family. But as my children grew from babies to toddlers to school-age, my business did not experience growth. And my professional life was stagnant. In fact, I found myself working on the same projects I had been doing for nearly ten years. I took on assignments I was overqualified for or uninterested in simply because it was easier than making a change. I worked on autopilot, just going through the motions from one day to the next. Yes, I was thankful to have the work. But I was comfortable. I was anything but inspired.

I knew in my heart that I was not doing the work that God called me to do. I was not using my gifts and talents to serve others in a way that was making a difference in the word. But, as a self-proclaimed control freak, I was perfectly content as long as my life was predictable. As long as everything was under control. My control.

I remember the day I realized that I was no longer in control—my own personal Black Friday. I wasn’t 100 percent certain, but the empty pit in my stomach told me my time had come. Call it intuition, but when my client requested a private meeting in person on a Friday afternoon in the midst of a recession, anxiety became my best friend. I barely slept that night, bargaining with the Lord as I tossed and turned in my bed.

When the sun finally peeked through the curtains, I was filled with a sense of urgency and panic. I recited a litany of my favorite prayers, too preoccupied to be mindful of the words, yet finding comfort in the familiar sound of the words. It was difficult to focus that day. As the meeting drew near, my mind wandered from the job and the anxiety mounted. I doodled in my journal, asking the Lord for strength and comfort, writing my new mantra, “I will accept what is to come with grace and dignity.”

“Due to budget cuts, your contract cannot be renewed,” my client said. My qualms were confirmed as I watched the door close on this 15-year client. So much for grace and dignity—my immediate response was tears and devastation. I spent the weekend in the depths of self-pity and panic.

Eventually I opened my heart to the possibility of turning my business over to the Lord. I placed my concerns in his hands and asked – begged – him to lead me to success as He intends for me. I wrote one of my favorite scriptures in my journal as a reminder of God’s plan to bring me success:

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future(Jeremiah 29:11).”

My transformation as an entrepreneur didn’t happen overnight. I didn’t receive a sign from the heavens telling me what to do next. There was no visit from an angel in a dream. But I felt the gentle hand of the Lord every day as I made small decisions that kept me on the path he laid out for me to follow.

My Lord was there for me when I was offered more than one job. He held my hand as I wrestled with each decision, unsure if I should choose a steady income over an unsure future. He opened doors for me that enabled me to pay the mortgage without abandoning my entrepreneurial journey. He did what he promises his children he will do – He provided for me.

Then, the Lord called me to lead. He called me to step into my fullest potential as a writer, a marketing expert and a Christian. It’s not as if I heard his voice telling me to go forth and lead. But he sent his messengers and opened my mind to receiving their words. He sent mentors to inspire me to fulfill my life’s purpose. He sent the love of my husband to support me. He sent colleagues to encourage me, clients to praise me, and strangers to lift me up. And he sent the seeds to plant and nourish so that The Christian Mompreneur would bloom in his glory.

When I first stepped into my brand as The Christian Mompreneur, I received interesting feedback. My corporate friends said things like, “How cute!” as if a mompreneur is not to be taken seriously. And others were horrified that I would embrace my faith in such a public way and connect it with my business. But here’s the thing— my Christian faith is the foundation for every decision I make – as a mom and an entrepreneur. I don’t want to hide it, apologize for it or separate it from my work. And through my work with other Christian moms in business, I’ve discovered that I am not alone.

So The Christian Mompreneur reflects my priorities of faith, family and business. In embracing my role as The Christian Mompreneur, I am fulfilling my call to empower and inspire moms who are running a successful business that enables them to serve others and follow God’s plan. And there’s nothing that feels fraudulent about that!

Easter Journal – Easter Sunday: Alleluia!

Theresa Ceniccola — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:00:14 +0000

Editor’s Note: I would like to thank Theresa Ceniccola for leading us through an amazing series of Lenten reflections Today, as we rejoice in the glory of Easter, I pray that you have enjoyed this series as much as I have! Happy Easter LMH

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

The Passion of Christ is such a powerful story and yet sometimes I forget how much it relates to my own life today. I simply go through the motions during Holy Week and don’t allow myself to truly experience the lessons as God intended. I think this is because the traditional mode of “listening” in church is not enough to engage me.

I’m a visual-kinesthetic learner, which means I need to see and move in order to process information. That’s why journal writing is such a critical tool for me. I use my journal to help me reflect and examine different perspectives. I even bring my journal to church to take notes during the homily, write down scripture passages or hymnal verses and remain fully present and engaged during Mass. If you’re looking for a new way to explore the lessons of Holy Week, try keeping a Lenten Journal.

Day Twelve – Easter Sunday: Alleluia

Just as Jesus overcomes death, we are called to rise above our failures, our burdens and our struggles. Write a prayer in praise of God for His almighty power and thanking Him for your own personal victories and triumphs. Make a list of “50 things God has done through me.”

Lenten Journal – Jesus Dies on the Cross: Surrender

Theresa Ceniccola — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:00:59 +0000

Editor’s Note: For the next twelve days, leading up to Easter, Theresa Ceniccola will be leading us through a series of Journal Prompts related to the messages of Holy Week. We encourage you to spend a few moments praying with and journaling your responses to these prompts, or feel free to simply share your perspectives in the comments below. LMH

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Eleven – Jesus Dies on the Cross: Surrender

Just before He died on the cross, Jesus called out in despair, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Describe a time when you felt abandoned and hopeless? Later, Jesus surrenders to God’s will: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Name one area of your life which you desire to turn over to God entirely. Write a dialogue with God asking for Him to lead the way for you in this area of your life. Promise to follow His lead.

Lenten Journal – Soldiers: Worldly Possessions

Theresa Ceniccola — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:00:31 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Ten -Soldiers: Worldly Possessions

Jesus was stripped of his clothing and soldiers gambled for his belongings. Name three of your most prized possessions. Why they are so meaningful to you. What would happen if you were to lose them? Write in your journal how you would feel.

Lenten Journal – Mary: Finding Joy

Theresa Ceniccola — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:00:34 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Nine – Mary: Finding Joy

Jesus meets his mother and tells her not to weep. Describe a time in your life when you were able to find humor, joy or a ‘silver lining’ in the midst of pain and suffering. Use clustering or mind-mapping to explore your thoughts on the word “Joy.” Start by writing the word “Joy” in the center of your page and then use free- association to add words or phrases that come to mind. When you have covered your page, take a look and notice any themes that emerge.

Lenten Journal – Criminals: Forgiveness

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:00:45 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Eight – Criminals: Forgiveness

Jesus tells the penitent criminal “Today you will be with me in paradise.” He also calls out to God, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Recall a time when you were forgiven by someone. How did it feel to be relieved of the burden? Write a letter of forgiveness to someone who has wronged you.

Lenten Journal – Women of Jerusalem: Compassion and Empathy

Theresa Ceniccola — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:00:23 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Seven – Women of Jerusalem: Compassion and Empathy

Describe a time when you showed compassion or empathy for another who was troubled or grieving. How is it a gift to yourself when you are able to help others? Name a time when you focused on others rather than yourself. How can you allow others to receive a gift by helping you? Write a thank you note to yourself from someone who has received the gift of compassion or empathy from you.

Lenten Journal – Simon: Service

Theresa Ceniccola — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:00:08 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Six – Simon: Service

Recall a time when you felt pressed into service for another. Did you accept the task willingly? What are the crosses you bear today? Find a scripture verse, hymn or quote to inspire you and lift the burden of those crosses. Write it in your journal or on a nice paper and keep it someplace where you can see it.

Lenten Journal – Soldiers: Criticism

Theresa Ceniccola — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:00:58 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Five – Soldiers: Criticism

Describe a time in your life when you felt mocked or criticized by others. How did you react – anger, defensiveness? Write a prayer asking Christ for the strength and patience to react with conviction and humility.

Lenten Journal – Pontius Pilate: Courage

Theresa Ceniccola — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:00:59 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Four – Pontius Pilate: Courage

Pilate was persuaded by the crowd to condemn Jesus to the cross. Describe a time when you acted out of fear or were persuaded by others to do something you knew was wrong. Write a letter asking God for the courage to stand up for what you believe.

Lenten Journal – Peter: Denial

Theresa Ceniccola — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:12 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Three – Peter: Denial

Recall a time when you were willing but weak — a time when you avoided doing the right thing. Are you facing a difficult choice in your life today? Describe your choice in detail and listen for God’s voice as you consider your options. Try scripting a conversation with God in your journal.

Lenten Journal – The Religious Leaders: Envy/Jealousy

Theresa Ceniccola — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:00:37 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day Two – The Religious Leaders: Envy/Jealousy

Write about a time when you experienced envy or jealousy. Describe a time when you judged others unfairly or felt unjustly judged by others. How did you call upon the strength of Christ in this situation? Now write about the same situation from someone else’s perspective. Can you see both sides of the story now?

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Theresa Ceniccola — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:13:21 +0000

Explore the Messages of Holy Week in a Journal

Day One – Judas: Betrayal

Write about a time when you felt rejected or betrayed by a friend. How did you react? How was this similar or different from the way in which Jesus reacted to the betrayal by Judas? Write a description of this person. Describe the friend in detail including all of his or her strengths and weaknesses. What do you know about this person that may have caused him or her to betray you?