God Will Provide!

The summer is upon us and I know many of us are thankful that the snow and cold are gone and new life is blooming.  As we move quickly towards the end of the year, I don’t want another moment to pass without you being prepared to achieve your God Given Dream.  Last month we talked about facing our fears, this month we’ll address the issue of lack.  We must remember there is no lack in God, He has it all in hand and He has made provision for you.

Have you ever felt that you could not achieve your God given dreams because you didn’t have what you needed to make it all come together?  You feel you can’t go forward because you don’t have the proper resources to do what you know you’ve been called to do.  But God is great and there is no lack in Him!  There is always a way to get started even if you don’t have a million bucks in your hand.  If God called you to do it, then you have what you need in your hand – Read Judges Chapter 6 and use Gideon as role model, I do!

There is one simple fact that cannot be denied when you are facing a lack of resources to move forward in your God given dream.  You know someone, somewhere who has what you need or you know someone who knows someone who has what you need.  All you have to do is pray and then ask.  I’ve gotten more stuff that I’ve needed in the last few months from folks simply by asking!  Staff volunteers, recording equipment, financial donations, assistance in booking just to name a few, just from asking.  The Word tells us to ask and we shall receive, so get to asking.  And remember the universal law of reaping and sowing, if someone asks you, be sure to give it if you got it! Get yourself some paper and answer the following questions:

What are your biggest needs to get started?

Who can you ask for assistance to get moving?  List those folks:

Select a concrete date on when you’ll ask them for what you need:

Remember!

-          Always remember, the first person to ask is the Lord, He has everything you need!

-          Don’t be afraid to ask them for suggestions if they don’t have what you need

-          Take what they are willing to give, God can do much with a little

-          Apply the 2 Step Approach, “Pray and Then Ask!”

How have you been working to overcome your fear?  After you ask for something you need, please share the praise reports as well!  I’d love to hear more about it.  Please leave me comment on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima or here on the blog!

To learn more get the training manual, Go With What You Got!To Learn More Purchase The Book - Go With What You Got!

3 Power Keys

I can be my own worst enemy.  Clinging onto past mistakes, missed opportunities, fear and doubt.  It’s almost as if I forget the God I serve has all power in heaven and earth in His hands. What would it mean to truly grasp the promises of the Lord in 2015, to forget about the past, overcome the fear and move past the pain?  That’s my heart’s desire.  I believe I’ve stopped myself, been my own worst enemy way to long.  I’ve been praying for clarity and asking for wisdom and these three things have come up in my searching for total freedom in God.  I like to call them my power keys!

Power Key One

Leave the past in the past.  We’re always focusing on worrying about tomorrow, but in truth isn’t our worry about tomorrow often based on what happened yesterday?  Let’s all sing a great Disney tune and simply, “Let It Go!”  If you fallen short, God forgives, if you are harboring guilt, you can’t change the past, if you’ve been hurt, more then likely the other party has already moved on.  If it didn’t happen quite the way you thought it would, trust that God has a bigger and better plan, after all, His ways are high above our own.

Power Key Two

Worship before work.  At this moment I have 8 things on my “To Do List” and that’s not counting all the things I have to do on a daily basis that are not on the list.  Important things like, the laundry, quality time with my husband, playing with the puppies, working on my booking schedule, writing, practice, ministry events… you get the drift.  It is easy for me to get overwhelmed and lost under a mound of paperwork, songs that need to be practiced or dinner that needs to be cooked.  And sadly I must admit that I have allowed the pressure to build that I skimp on the most important priority – my time with the Lord.  I justify it with – He’s always there or He understands or I’ll chat with Him as I lay down for bed.  Then I find myself weak, weary, and worn down.

I know from past experience that the Lord can accomplish more in ten minutes then I can accomplish in an entire day.  So I’ve adopted the attitude of putting Him first and what doesn’t get done, just doesn’t get done.  He knows what needs to get done and by when and He is so faithful to always make a way.  I choose this year to worship before I work!

Power Key Three

Victory is right around the corner, if only you believe.  We know faith without works is dead.  You have the faith, you’ve covered it all in prayer, now simply go for it and trust that the power, resources and support you need will be supplied by an all mighty God who has your best interest in heart.  Victory is the ability to overcome opposition – it is the small steps taken consistently that build up to produce breakthrough!  Be consistent, be a person of action, and cover it all with prayer, praise and worship.

What Power Keys or Faith Nuggets are you holding on to for 2015?  I’d love for you to share!  drop me a note either via email or leave me a comment on my blog page or my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima

Planning a women’s ministry event?  Interested in a house concert or special music for your church event?  Need a guest worship leader?  Please contact me, I’m now taking requests for bookings for 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email at naima@ministryofnaima.com. 

The Numbers of Love

The year of no goals… wow, it’s been a difficult one so far.  I guess I never realized how many goals I actually set.  For example, in one of the online mentoring groups that I am a part of, at the start of each week they ask us to share what our goals are.  Mine usually revolve around the number of bookings I’d like to secure.  How unaccomplished I feel when at the end of the week it’s time for our report back and I have nothing to report. 

Furthermore, how aimless I feel stating at the start of each week, “Well Lord, where would you have me go?” and often feeling like the question is just hanging in the air.  Not to say that bookings have not been coming in or that I am not seeking new connections, networks and new opportunities. I am!  But it’s been hammered in my head so many times that the without a goal I’m unfocused and lacking ambition.  And when it comes to sharing the saving love of Christ, the hope of things unseen, the comfort for the broken… I am not out there just drifting in the wind!

Even with hosting the 1^st Creative Christian Women’s Online Conference this past week.  I had in my mind the number of registrants I wanted to obtain.  This specific number signified to me success, financial success, among other things.  I wrote the number down and placed on my prayer alter and then remembered, I wasn’t setting goals.  My prayer, had to change from, “Lord send 50 people to attend the conference.” to “Lord send the people ordained for this event.”

 Needless to say, we didn’t make my goal, but we sure made the Lord’s goal.  And what was the lesson in all of this?  Things I already knew but often struggle with.  Numbers don’t define success, obedience to the Lord’s word does.  It doesn’t matter how many people show up, you do the same for one as you would for a thousand.  You give your best no matter what the outcome is going to be.

Because the God we serve loves us so much, that He would have someone spend hours planning a conference that might only change the life of one person.  And in the end, with that kind of love pursuing us, isn’t it better to follow His definition of success instead of wasting time setting up our own goals?

How do you define success? I'd love for you to leave your comments!

The Year of No Goals

2014… what a year of trials, valleys and rocky places, I am so thankful that I made it over with my faith and my strength in tact.  And it seems that I am not the only one who had a year that left them just a bit battered and bruised. But let’s not rehash it, let’s shake it off and move forward with our faces lifted towards the sky, standing on the promises of the Lord.

The New Year is a time to set your resolutions, personal, ministry and business goals, mapped out an in depth action plan.  Every year I toil over my personal goals, spend hours making a map, figuring out the plan, and every year I come up feeling like I fell short. I pass through the same places and feel like I’m making no difference.

But not this year… this year is the year of no goals.  I actually started talking to Jon about this several months ago sharing how depressed I felt when I hadn’t actually arrived where I thought I should arrive. 

The Bible tells us in Habakkuk 2: Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run."For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.…

Well, I’ve written my vision for 2015 – To use music and education to lift up the name of Jesus so that all men may be drawn unto Him.  I’m not setting any goals, I’m not making any elaborate plans, I am simply going to wake up each morning and ask the Lord, what would you have me do today? 

Now I’m not suggesting everyone take this approach, I think goal setting is good. Goals give focus and direction.  When accomplished they bring great motivation and personal satisfaction.  So do set your goals.  But for me, after years of not seeming to meet my personal goals, I’ve come to realize that either something is wrong with the goals I’m setting, my approach is incorrect, or my goals are simply that – my goals, not the goals that the Lord has designed for me. 

There are still projects and plans in place, don’t get me wrong.  I plan to get back to the basics, spend more time singing and leading worship as the Lord opens doors.  The new CD is coming out and I want to share that with the world.  And the new book is done to, Lessons From The Back Seat or How I Learned to Become a Wife.  But I’ve not set any goals in regards to how many books I want to sell or where I’d like to sing this year.  I’m just going to knock on doors and go through them as the Lord opens them, I going to spend more time praying and seeking Him then promoting things and I’m only going to work on projects that He nudges me to work on.  A different way to approach building a ministry for sure, but I think that if I keep the vision central in my sight – To lift Him Up, I’ll achieve greater things then what I can put down on paper.

I’m off on the adventure of a lifetime, and there will be plenty of updates, so come share in the mayhem and let’s lift up the Name of Jesus.  No goals on paper, just a desire to follow where He leads and bless those He puts me in front of.

Would Love Your Feedback!

What do you think of me not setting goals this year?  I’d love your prayers and feedback, drop me a note either via email or leave me a comment on my blog page or my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima  I’d love to hear from you and I’d love your prayers!

New Book! 

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new book – Lessons FromThe Back Seat (Or How I Learned To Be A Wife) from Amazon!

How Can I Serve You?

Planning a women’s ministry event?  Interested in a house concert or special music for your church event?  Need a guest worship leader?  Please contact me, I’m now taking requests for bookings for 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email at naima@ministryofnaima.com. 

Go Climb A Tree

I can’t see much right now.  It’s one of those times in my life where it seems like I can’t see what the Lord is doing and my only choices are to trust and to worship.  And it can be a challenge to trust and to worship when you feel isolated and shrouded in darkness.  We are always taught to press through these times, forget about what’s going on and focus on the Lord and what He has done in the past.  We pull out those platitudes that while true are quoted to placate us in times of trouble.  The ones like, “God is never late, He’s always on time!” or “He did it before, He will do it again!”  Like I said, true, but not always what you want to hear when you’re so crowded by troubles and issues that you can’t even see a glimpse of the hope that you know can and will deliver you.

At times like these, you gotta just climb a tree.  I loved to climb trees when I was younger although I didn’t climb to many growing up in the Bronx.  And I never went very high when I did because I was always afraid of heights.  But when I did get a chance, I would clamber up as far as I dared to get a different perspective of the world below.  So that’s what I’m going to do now, climb a tree.

In Luke 19, Verse 1-10 Zacchaeus the tax collector climbed a tree because he was too short to see Jesus through the crowd.  Zacchaeus was so determined to see the Lord that he even ran ahead of the crowd and climbed the tree.  And Jesus saw him in the tree, called him down by name and came to his home blessing him with salvation. Zacchaeus’s entire life was changed because he climbed the tree. He changed his outlook on life and changed his actual behavior because he met Jesus when he climbed a tree.

Well, I can’t literally climb a tree and wait for Jesus to pass by.  But what I can do is go higher and change my perspective about what is going on. I can believe that Jesus will see me when he passes by.  Going higher simply means that no matter how I feel, I should worship more, I should trust more, I should read my word more, I should serve Him even more.  I have to change my perspective and trust that at the end of this trial I will be changed.  I am going to hang out up high so I can see Jesus when He passes by and most importantly because I’m hanging in a tree up ahead I believe He will look up, call my name and my life will be changed forever.

Kicking It Will Get You Kicked and Other News from the Homefront!

The Calling, January 2014 The Official Newsletter of Broken Box Ministries and the Ministry of Naima

Did You Know!?
Happy New Year! I pray that you had a wonderful Christmas. I am looking forward to 2014, I believe that there are great things in store for the people of the Lord. Would you pray for us, that the Lord would use us to evangelize, encourage, uplift and educate all those we come into contact with this year? It is our desire to impact the world with the truth of who Christ is and see many people inspired to a worshipful relationship with Christ. We love you all and we are thankful for your continued support in 2014. There are lots of exciting things going on and we want to encourage and meet your needs! Hang out at www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima and www.twitter.com/NaimaJohnston.

Dr. Nay’s Random Life Lesson for January
Have you ever heard or used the term kicking it? It means to be hanging out, messing around, having a good time, just chilling. We all need to kick it once in a while, rest is good for the soul and spending quality time with loves ones always is a blessing. But sometimes when we know we’ve been called to do a great work for the Lord we find ourselves kicking it to much and not working on the things that we have always dreamed of achieving. So if you want to achieve your God given dreams in 2014 and not be kicked off your assignment remember, “Too much kicking it, will get you kicked!”

Report of the Ministry
This year we are on a mission build this ministry and employ new programs and projects that meet the needs of the people we are called to encourage and uplift. Through much prayer and wise council we have revamped our ministry tagline and mission statement. We are also recording new music, having a new logo designed, launching our T-shirt line and putting together a new website! Please let us know what you think about our new mission statement and tagline – do you feel it accurately describes who I am and what Jon and I do with Broken Box Ministries? Our new tagline is: The Ministry of Naima, Worshipping God, Encouraging People. Our new mission statement: Inspiring the world to a lifestyle of worship through music and ministry.

Did You Miss?
I know Christmas has passed, but if you missed the last Worship Note or the Broken Box Ministries end of the year please take a peek!

Are you in the Year in Review Christmas Video!? http://youtu.be/7xHL4zFG3Ds  

Check out the Worship Note, Christmas Everyday for a worship reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. http://youtu.be/e1GjpVzy5iU

Don’t Forget!
Are you a Creative Christian Woman? Are you seeking support, fellowship, educational opportunities and spiritual growth? Then join the Creative Christian Women’s Network with both online and in person meetings and educational seminars! For more information email me at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more information!

We are now booking for 2014! George or Kim would be happy to book a date! Call 901-409-5505 or email them at info@vincentcreativegroup.com if I can be of service.
Praying blessings on you all! Now go out and achieve… Your Calling!

© January 2014, The Calling is a publication of 7thirtyseven Logos, a division of BBM, All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication can be republished without express permission from the publisher.

The Deeper Project!

Last year I found myself in a place where I was so desperate to discover God’s perfect will for my life that I determined that the only way to find it was to get so close to Him that we were face to face. It seemed to me that if I could get that close to the Lord I could actually get past all my fears, frustrations and issues and live in the center of His will.  And if I could live in the center of His will, I could accomplish anything and everything He had created me to do.  I wanted to get past the surface and get as deep into the Lord as I could. And in the midst of that moment I started to sing the song that became, Deeper (Center of Your Will) the title track of my new EP releasing winter 2014.

As a songwriter I express myself best through lyrics and music.  In the melody, meter and rhyme I craft the things I want to say but often don’t, share the secret desires of my heart and present it to the world in hopes that they will understand.  I want to sing to the world in hopes that they will see that in the middle of all the messiness of life, there is a God who can heal, restore, give hope, love and keep them.  I want them to meet the beautiful Savior who died on a cross so we could have a true relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.

Jon and I decided to start recording this project two years ago, as artists and ministers we don’t often have extra money, and although sometimes it’s difficult, we would not trade the life we live for anything.  We found things came to a standstill as we transitioned back to Nashville and had to find a new producer.  But the scripture that tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8 Verse 28) is so true.  In what first seemed like a delay, I wrote new songs that were much more suited to the current place I was in – a place where I was learning joy, to overcome fear, to see the Lord work his marvelous wonders in my life.

I now have a collection of songs I humbly ask for your assistance in recording.  Although we’d love to do a full length album at this time, we are starting with an EP of 5 or 6 songs that both Jon and I truly believe will encourage all who hear them. We’ve tried to come up with some fun gifts to give back to you for believing in us so much that you would donate to this new project and any donation of any amount you make is more then appreciated.

We face some possible challenges, anytime you set off on a journey; you can do nothing but your best to get to where you are trying to go.  And I promise to do my best.  There may be delays in the recording process and other administrative hold ups and life moments we may need to pause for.  But we go forward trusting the Lord and relying on Him to get this new project into your hands.

I’m working with a dynamic producer, Evan Sieling who has seen past my insecurities and musically pulled out the best in me.  Between Evan and the constant encouragement from Jon, I am facing my fears head on, singing with a new found freedom and from a perspective that truly understands who I am and whose I am.  Before I sang because I was compelled to, now I sing for joy!

Our plan is use the money raised to record 5 to 6 songs, duplicate the project, shoot a video and do some basic promotions.  If we exceed our goal we will record more music then we originally planned.  I always have more songs then I have resources to record.

Thank you for taking the time to consider donating to the Deeper EP.  Words can’t express my excitement about sharing these new songs with the world.  I hope that you will partner with Jesus, Jon and I so that we can encourage the world to go deeper and explore the riches of our matchless God.  And together we will live fearlessly, singing for joy, in the center of His will.www.gofundme.com/Naima

Random Life Lessons On Marriage - Lesson One

Tomorrow Jon Bush and I celebrate 3 years of marriage! I can hardly believe it. In honor of our 3 years I have compiled a list of 4 life lessons I've learned about marriage. I'll be sharing them over the next four days.

Lesson One: You can’t change anyone. Don’t ever marry someone thinking you can. And don’t spend too much time asking the Lord to change them into what you think or want them to be. (I thank the Lord I knew that coming in!) Ask the Lord to change you instead, so you can be the wife or husband you’ve been called to be. Praying together daily as a couple makes all the difference in the world. Making Christ the head of your marriage is the most important thing you can do.

Matthew 19:4-6
"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

The Climb

The Climb….

I have a dirty confession to make; I own the soundtrack from the Hannah Montana Movie. I know it might sound strange, but I stumbled upon the soundtrack by accident because I went to see the movie on purpose. In my last year of singleness, during the time I lived in Nashville, I came to a point where I was simply ok with being single. I was determined to live my life, have the most fun doing it and reach as many people for Christ as I possibly could.

So every Tuesday night I took myself to the movies. I never had to justify what I wanted to see, I never had to debate the movie choice, and I never had to share the popcorn. And although I wouldn’t trade my husband and permanent movie date for anything, I will always treasure those times alone in the movies. It taught me how to be with me and to be ok with being alone so I could be a better wife and share of myself freely.

But back to Miley and Hannah, besides being a cute little movie, the soundtrack to Hannah Montana is brilliantly written. With artists such as Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and the writers behind the bubble gum pop songs that Miley Cyrus sings, the song, The Climb is a real gem.

Tonight while organizing my I Tunes library I found the tune hidden as an unidentified track in my messy musical listings. And I listened to it… several times, thinking again what a powerful song.

At this moment in time where I am adjusting to being married, taking time to refocus and redirect my ministry, still battling vocal issues and finding myself back in Ohio helping rebuild a church, I struggle with what I’m suppose to be doing and how I’m suppose to be getting there. Sometimes I feel so frazzled, pulled in a million directions, called to a million projects trying to figure out what God’s will is for my life.

And then I remember this scripture:

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5 16-18

So instead of being frazzled I choose to enjoy the journey. Pause as I climb the mountain and take in the view. I choose today to give thanks when it’s more then difficult, joyful when it is challenging and prayerful to the point that I hear God’s voice so clearly that I know which steps to take as I climb upward like doe on mountain paths and high places.

Today I am determined to enjoy the climb and sing while I pull myself upward…

There’s always gonna be another mountain,
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna me another battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ani’t about how fast I get there
Ani’t about what’s waiting on the other side…
It’s the climb!

Enjoy the climb, it’s a blessing from God!

And don’t forget…

Check out www.reverbnation.com/Naima for tour updates!

Follow me on Twitter – www.twitter.com/NaimaJohnston

Now Booking for 2011 – email naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more info!

Get Your Copy of Called To Sing, 12 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry – www.createspace.com/3374444

Meet Boucho, The Wee Wee Monster's New Step Brother - LOL

Called To Sing: The Book!

Are you called to sing? Here's a chapter from my book, Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry! If you'd like to purchase a copy visit Create Space at www.createspace.com/3374444!


Mistake Number Eight:
Hiring a Person/Business That Produces No Results
By Dr. Naima Johnston


I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My Eye
(Psalms 32 Verse 8)

I recently received a phone call from an individual offering his services to my music ministry based on a recent request I put out in my quarterly newsletter. The person expressed that they had expertise in a particular area in which I had been praying and seeking the Lord about an open door. The interesting aspect of this situation is that this same individual had worked with several other musicians that I knew and they were all unhappy with the lack of results this person had produced. In an effort to be Godly, yet wise, I shared with the individual if they felt that they had a viable proposal they should schedule a time to meet with members of my advisory board and I. Needless to say, I have yet to see said proposal or take a meeting…

In our desire to make great strides in ministry we can fall prey to organizations or individuals who either fail to produce results, lack the connections they espouse, or are just incompetent. And as much as we do not want to admit it, there are some individuals in the Gospel/Christian music arena who do not have your best interest at heart. We hate to think that in a profession where people tout that they are servants of the Most High God that there would be those who seek to only elevate themselves at the expense of others. But we should not be surprised, for even the Bible warns us to watch out for those who come as an “angel of light.”

When I first started in music ministry I was inundated with offers to join websites that would promote my music, organizations dedicated to the advancement of my ministry, contests that would put me in the lime light of major record companies and businesses who wanted to manage me yet required me to do all the foot work while demanding huge retainer fees. Some of these options excited me and I did in deed waste valuable time and money pursuing offers that produced no results, but I bless God for the wisdom that was garnered from such experiences. I am embarrassed to say that I paid a monthly retainer to a Christian artist development company of over $300.00 for over a year because I believed that they would help me move my music ministry to the next level – that is almost $3,000. What a shame that was – and I often think now how much outreach I could have done with that money, how many much needed items I could have purchased – how much music I could have recorded!

Before you run off and sign a contract, create a partnership or link up with a business or individual who promises great results make sure that they can really produce the results that you desire, failure to do so can lead you down a road of lost time and resources, all to the detriment of those you are ordained to reach and to your personal ministry and life.



Thoughts to Ponder:

If you are thinking about signing a contract that will charge you fees before you see results find out the following information:

 Are they a legitimate business? Are they registered with the state? Anyone can hang a shingle out and set up shop, make sure that they are recognized by the appropriate organizations in your area.

 Have you checked with the Better Business Bureau? Are there complaints lodged against them? How long have they been in business? The local BBB will have a record of any complaints lodged against this organization if individuals have filed them. Most people walk away from a bad situation in disgust, but once in a while a diligent person will fill out the proper paperwork, thus saving you a great deal of grief.

 Have you checked their doctrinal beliefs, and do they line up with your own? What church do they attend and who holds them accountable for the spiritual concerns of their business/ministry? Do they have the blessing of their Pastor? Although these may seem like personal questions, in a business that is also a ministry we cannot be ignorant of those who we are charging to help us grow and share the gift God has given us and the call on our lives. As the Bible teaches us, we should know those who labor amongst us – how can you link up with one who is unclear about their spiritual stance in relation to your own business/ministry?

 Ask for recommendations and referrals. If you shake a tree hard enough something will eventually fall, so you should expect to find one or two disgruntled folks from the past. Unless their horror stories kick your discernment into high gear take them for what they are worth. What you are looking for is a pattern or a red flag. Most people when asked will produce the names of satisfied clients for you to follow up with so make sure you ask probing questions that will get you the answers you want. Questions such as: “Can you tell me about a time when they did not meet your expectations, how was that handled and how did you feel about the situation?” or, “If I was your child would you recommend this organization to me?”

 If it is a contest, ask them who won last year and what are they currently doing in the music business? Find out if you can contact them and discuss with them how the contest has benefited or advanced their music ministry.





Finally before you take the deep plunge and link up with someone who promises big returns make sure you:

 Fully understand the contract you are signing and be aware of your options to terminate.
 Make sure that you clearly express your expectations, put them down in written form and share them with your employee.
 Remember that these people do in fact work for you, they may have expertise that you need and may in fact know better than you in many situations in which you have hired them to handle however, they should in fact be giving you a report of their accomplishments and work done on your behalf.
 Make sure that they fully explain and give to you in writing any expectations that they might have of you.
 Be sure to define how you will communicate, how often and by what method – always set a time to evaluate progress and share concerns. Always be honest, failure to do so may result in being caught in a situation that you have a difficult time getting out of.
 Make sure they understand your vision and are dedicated to helping you achieve it. Share your goals with them and jointly create goals and ways to measure the achievement of those goals so that you know you are on the right track.

And finally and most importantly, the Word says if any man lack wisdom let him ask and God will give it. Go before the Lord in prayer and make sure this is His will for your life. If you ask and expect an answer you will receive one, just be prepared to be obedient to what the Lord would have you to do.