Friday, January 31, 2025

When Ken and I came to faith in 1991, we didn’t expect it to change every part of our lives—but that’s exactly what happened. At the time, we were struggling in more ways than I like to admit. Our finances were a mess, we barely knew how to communicate without arguing, and some days it felt like we were more partners in chaos than in life. What changed everything wasn’t a quick fix but a gradual shift as faith took root in our decisions, our marriage, and even how we ran our business.

Looking back, one of the most powerful lessons faith taught me was to let go of control. I used to believe that success—whether in real estate, family life, or anything else—came from pushing harder, working longer hours, and solving every problem on my own. I didn’t trust anyone else with the outcome, and that included God. But as I leaned into prayer and reflection, I realized that my role wasn’t to control everything. Instead, it was to do my best and trust God with the rest.

That shift changed everything. I went from staying up all night worrying about situations and deadlines to finding peace, even when things didn’t go as planned. I remember a client situation early in my career where we lost a deal on a home they desperately wanted. The old me would have taken it as a personal failure. This time, I prayed and reminded them that if this home wasn’t meant for them, something better was on the way. Sure enough, the next home we found was a perfect fit—and we never would have discovered it if the first deal had gone through.

Faith also reshaped how I view success. For me, it’s not about the number of homes sold. It’s about the relationships we build along the way. I don’t just work with clients—I walk alongside them. Ken and I pray for them, not just during transactions but long after. We care about their dreams, struggles, and victories. When you treat people as more than a transaction, something incredible happens: you create lifelong connections built on trust and mutual respect.

What surprised me the most was how faith influenced the type of clients we attracted. While about half of them don’t share our faith, they’re drawn to the values we live by—integrity, service, and genuine care. I think they sense that we’re not just here to sell them a house. We’re here to help them find a home where they can thrive and build a life they love.

But don’t get me wrong—faith doesn’t mean life is always smooth sailing. We’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way. However, when things get tough, I remember something Ken and I really believe:

“The money will take care of itself when you take care of the people.”

That mindset keeps me grounded, especially during high-stakes situations. I know that when I focus on serving others and making decisions aligned with my values, success follows in ways I couldn’t have planned.

I’ve also learned that faith is a journey, not a destination. Ken and I continue to grow through daily habits like prayer, Bible study, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive community. One of our favorite routines right now is memorizing Bible verses together. It keeps us aligned and reminds us that the words we carry in our hearts shape the choices we make every day.

So, what does all this mean for you? I am convinced that when you align your decisions with your core values—whether that’s through faith, family, or service—you open the door to long-term success. It might not always look like you imagined, but trust me when I say the journey is worth it.

If you’re wondering how to take that first step, Ken and I would love to connect with you. Building wealth wisely is about much more than money—it’s about creating a life where you can grow, thrive, and give back.  

Contact us at together@dekkerteam.com, and let’s start your journey together.