Tomato-tactic: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Juicy Tomatoes from Seeds Indoors

Tomatoes are the juicy, red fruit that adds flavor to every salad, sandwich, and sauce. What if I said that there’s no longer a need for you to depend solely on the grocery store in your area?

By utilizing the proper equipment and methods, it’s possible for you to cultivate juicy and ripe tomatoes in your own domestic setting. Yes, you heard that right! With a little patience and TLC, you can go from a novice gardener to a seasoned green thumb in no time.

So, put down that store-bought tomato and grab your gardening gloves. It’s time to learn the art of growing tomatoes from seeds starting indoors!

Getting Started: When to Plant Your Tomatoes

Ah, the age-old question – when is the best time to plant tomatoes? Well, my friends, the answer is not as simple as you think. It all depends on where you live, the climate, and the type of tomatoes you want to grow. But fear not! I’m here to guide you through the maze of tomato planting so you can grow the plumpest and juiciest tomatoes in town.

First things first, let’s determine the right time to plant. If you reside in a warm region, you can commence planting tomatoes as early as February. But if you live in a cooler climate, you may need to wait until April or May. Keep an eye on the weather, and make sure the last frost has passed before you start planting.

You can use the USDA Hardening Zone Map to determine the best time to plant tomatoes based on your zip code. You can click here to figure out the best time for you.

Now that you know when to plant, it’s time to grab your gardening gloves and get ready to get your hands dirty. Trust me; there’s nothing quite like the feeling of watching your little seedlings grow into big, beautiful tomato plants.

Preparation: Gather Your Supplies

Are you ready to turn your green thumb aspirations into a reality? Then it’s time to gather your supplies! Before planting your tomato seeds, you need to ensure you have everything you need.

First up, you’ll need some tomato seeds. Choose a variety that’s well-suited for your climate and has the taste and texture you’re after. Next, get your hands on a quality planting mix. This will give your seedlings the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.

And what’s a garden without pots? Pick a container that is spacious enough to allow your seedlings room to grow but not too large to make them feel lost.

Finally, don’t forget the water! Your seedlings will need a consistent supply of water to thrive.

Now that you have all your supplies, it’s time to plant. But wait! Before beginning, be sure to possess patience and a strong affection for your plants. Growing tomatoes from seeds starting indoors may take some time, but the result will be worth it. So, let’s get prepared and get started!

Choosing the Right Tomato Variety and Planting Mix

It’s time to delve into the essentials of tomato cultivation, including selecting the right variety and planting mix. With such wide varieties of tomatoes, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to grow. But fear not; I’m here to make the process a little less daunting.

First, consider the climate in which you live. Some varieties are better suited to warm climates, while others thrive in cooler conditions. Then, think about the flavor and texture you’re after. Do you want a sweet, juicy tomato for salads or a firm tomato for sauces? The options are endless!

Now that you’ve chosen your variety, it’s time to pick the right planting mix. This will give your seedlings the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Look for a high-quality, organic mix rich in compost and has good drainage.

With the right variety and planting mix, your tomato plants will be off to a great start. So, get ready to taste the difference in your next salad or sauce, and enjoy knowing you grew it all!

Planting Your Tomato Seeds in Containers

Are your tomato seeds trying to break out of their packets and start growing? Then it’s time to get planting! When it comes to growing tomatoes from seeds indoors, containers are your best friend. Not only are they easy to manage, but they also provide the perfect environment for your seedlings to thrive.

When planting your seeds, plant them at the right depth. Generally, they should be planted about a quarter of an inch deep. And don’t overcrowd your seeds – give them enough space to grow.

When it comes to choosing containers, the options are endless. From stylish ceramic pots to practical plastic ones, the choice is yours. Just make sure your containers have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent root rot.

And don’t forget the importance of giving your seedlings a warm environment. If your home is cool, consider using a heating mat to keep the soil at the ideal temperature for germination.

Bootstrap Farmer has a variety of seed starting kits that you can use. Check them out here.

Germination: Caring for Your Tomato Seedlings

Water is key – keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. And don’t forget the importance of light. Tomato seedlings need lots of light in order to thrive, so place your containers near a sunny window or invest in grow lights if necessary.

As your seedlings start to grow, you may need to thin them out. This means removing the weaker seedlings to give the stronger ones more room to grow. It may seem harsh, but it will help ensure you have healthy, robust plants.

And don’t forget to give your seedlings a little love and attention. Talk to them, sing to them, and watch them grow. With the right care and attention, your seedlings will be ready to be transplanted in no time.

So, prepare to tend to your little sprouts and watch them grow into strong, healthy seedlings.

Hardening Off: Preparing Your Seedlings for the Great Outdoors

Your seedlings have grown into strong and healthy plants, and now it’s time to prepare them for their new home in the great outdoors. The process of ‘hardening off’ is crucial in helping seedlings adapt to their new surroundings.

Start by placing your seedlings in a sheltered area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside over a week. This will help them get used to the temperature, wind, and sunlight changes.

Don’t forget to protect your seedlings from harsh elements like heavy rain or strong winds. A simple solution is to place them under a porch or cold frame.

By the end of the week, your seedlings should be ready for transplantation. They’ve grown stronger, tougher, and more resilient thanks to their hardening-off period.

Transplanting Your Tomato Plants to Your Garden

The moment has finally arrived – it’s time to transplant your tomato plants from their indoor containers to your garden. This is a big step for your plants, but they’ll thrive in their new home with a little care and attention.

First, make sure to choose the right spot in your garden. Tomatoes should be grown in a location that receives between six to seven hours of sunlight daily.

The soil should have good drainage and be rich in organic matter.

When it comes time to transplant, handle your plants carefully and loosen the roots before planting. Don’t bury the stem too deeply – The top surface of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.

Adequately water your plants after transplanting, and consider mulching around the base to maintain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Now that your tomato plants are settled into their new home, all that’s left to do is sit back, relax, and watch them grow. Remember to give them a little love and attention each day, and your garden will overflow with juicy, delicious tomatoes in no time.

Caring for Your Tomato Plants: A Guide to Growth and Harvest

Congratulations, your tomato plants have finally made it to their new home in the garden! Now the real fun begins – it’s time to care for your plants and watch them grow into juicy, delicious tomatoes.

First things first, make sure your plants get enough water. Tomatoes love water, but If you’re watering your plants too long, they might develop root rot.

Next, give your plants a little love and attention by fertilizing regularly with a balanced fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth and boost your plant’s production of those mouth-watering tomatoes.

Keep an eye on your watch for signs of disease or pests.

A simple solution is to practice good garden hygiene and keep your garden free of debris and dead plants.

Finally, it’s time to harvest! Pick your tomatoes when they’re fully ripe, and enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits of your labor.

So, sit back, relax, and watch your plants grow. With a little care and attention, your garden will burst with ripe, juicy tomatoes in no time.

Reaping the Rewards of Your Green Thumb

Nice job; you crossed the finish line of your tomato-growing challenge. From starting seeds indoors to transplanting to the garden and caring for your plants, you’ve put in the hard work, and it’s time to reap the rewards.

Your garden is now brimming with ripe, juicy tomatoes, thanks to your green thumb and dedication. Take a minute to reflect on all that you’ve learned, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new varieties of tomatoes in the future.

Gardening can be relaxing and satisfying, even for those who don’t like it all that much, not to mention the delicious, fresh produce you enjoy. So, keep your garden growing, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Your taste buds will thank you!

Thanks for taking the journey with me, and I hope you’ve learned something new about growing tomatoes from seeds starting indoors.

Happy gardening!

Ashley M. King

gardening growing tomatoes

The Best Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

I’ve never cooked with Cod before so why now? I shopped via Kroger online and opted for the substitute option just in case something I wanted wasn’t available. I purchased tilapia and somehow ended up with Cod. I wasn’t sure on what to do with the cod and the only thing I could think of was sandwiches. I wasn’t any in a sandwich type mood, so I snooped around the internet and come across some ideas. I looked in my fridge to see what I had and came up with the idea to make pan seared Lemon Butter Cod over Jasmin rice.

The recipe takes about 30 mins from preparation to plating, so this is a great recipe to make if you’re short on time a looking for a quick fix for the family.

About Cod

Cod is mild in flavor, flaky fish that it packed with protein and vitamin B. High in protein but low in calories, fat, and carb makes Cod a healthy option. If you are expecting, Cod is also a good option because it’s low in mercury. However, it is in lower in omega-3s than other fatty fish like salmon.

Atlantic Cod vs. Pacific Cod

Generally, when you hear people speaking about Cod they are referring to the Atlantic cod, found throughout the northern Atlantic Ocean. Lighter in color and said to be sweeter than its counterpart. Then you have the Pacific Cod which is smaller and has a milder flavor than Atlantic cod and found in abundance in Alaska.

What Cod pairs Good With

If you want to pair you Cod with some sides here are a few options

Rice
Mash potatoes
Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or French green beans
Baked potatoes

How To Prepare Cod

Cod can be prepared various ways. So there isn’t really a best way to cook it. It can be baked, fried, broiled, grilled, smoked, and seared. But be mindful that if overcooked, it may cause the Cod to dry out and become tough, which no one wants. Depending on how the Cod is cooked, cooking time may vary but when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily upon being scraped gently with a fork, you can consider it done.

I have to admit that pan frying the Cod in the lemon butter sauce was oh sooo delicious. A recipe that I plan to make again and especially when entertaining guest. It’s simple, elegant, tasteful and did I mention delicious?

I am a fan of garlic and that’s generally the first season I put on my food. And the rich butter flavor mixed with the zesty and flavorful lemon sets its off. Not to mention the floral, tangy, and saltiness that capers bring. If you’re not a fan of capers then the dish is still great without them but I think the capers just add another dynamic flavor profile to this dish.

Why Combine Butter and Olive Oil

When cooking with butter and olive oil you want to make sure not to use to much olive oil because it will overpower the butter taste. Using olive oil and butter has its advantages. One benefit is that you cut down on the amount of fat intake from the butter. Secondly, olive oil has a higher smoking point then butter does. Butter will burn faster than the olive oil and the olive oil will begin to smoke later than the butter. So ultimately what does this mean for you? When you want to create a butter sauce that’s not too thick –this is when you want to use the mix.

Lemon Butter Cod Ingredients

Cod- 1-inch thick fillets (roughly 4 to 5 pieces)
Flour- enough to coat your fish
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Onion powder, and whatever else you may like).
Fresh garlic
Fresh Lemon or Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon is preferred, but avoid the seeds.
Capers
Butter (unsalted preferably)
Olive Oil

How to Make Lemon Butter Cod

Prep Time: 15 mins. Cook Time: 15 mins

Mix flour and seasonings: In a mixing bowl mix together your flour and seasoning. You want to make sure that the seasoning is well mixed well with the flour.
Decrease the water in Cod: Cod has a high-water content so I recommend to lay out your cod and use a paper towel to soak up the access water. Doing so will help keep the Cod together when cooking and doesn’t cause the oil/fat to splash on you.
Put the Cod in flour mixture: Put the Cod in the flour mixture and cover both sides. Make sure to get a nice coating, in order to get the golden flaky look.
Heat oil and butter in skillet: Melt 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook cod: Add cod to pan and cook on both sides roughly for about 5 mins and sear until golden brown. After cooking, place aside for flavoring.
Melt remaining butter: Reduce temperature to medium-low and add roughly 8 Tbsp butter in same skillet. If the amount of butter is too much for you, you can substitute 4 tbsp of butter with chicken broth.
Sauté the garlic: Add fresh garlic to the butter and sauté until it slightly changes color but you don’t want it burned. So, 15 seconds should do it.
Add lemon juice and capers to butter: You can turn off the stove and add your lemon juice and capers. Be careful because there will be a lot of steam. I generally count to four as I squeeze.
Pour sauce over cod, garnish and serve: Immediately pour sauce over cod fillets so it can soak up all the buttery goodness and ENJOY!

This simple cod recipe will surely be a hit at the table. Let me know how it turned out. Please feel free to follow me on Instagram @christandcreativetherapy.

For a wonderful dessert. Check out our sweet potato pie recipe by clicking here.

The Moxx Box (Mocktail) Review

Mocktail Recipe

For the video version of the review, please click here.

I was scrolling Facebook one day when I saw this young lady making this cute ice cream drink. I stopped scrolling on my feed to watch to see what she was making. OMG, it was the cutest mocktail that I’ve seen. The creativity and energy she was bringing was contagious, so I decided to try out one of her mocktail subscription boxes. I placed my order, and about a little over a week, my box arrived. I loved the box’s contents, and how she gave a personal touch with a thank you note addressed to me. Everything was visually appealing, easy to make, and not to mention the drink was DELICIOUS! If you want to check out the video I created of the unveiling of the Moxx Box, be sure to click here. Other than that, let’s get into this mocktail recipe.

Passion Fruit Colada

The Moxx Box I purchased was the Passion Fruit Colada which was A-MAZING. I didn’t even add all the ingredients before I tried it and was blown away. Here are the ingredients if you want to try it out yourself, but make sure you purchase one. Visit https://www.instagram.com/themoxxbox/ to get the latest drink as it changes every month.

Passion fruit juice
Passion fruit syrup
Pineapple juice
Mango syrup
Sparkling coconut water or soda
Fresh lime juice (you’ll need at least half a lime simple syrup)
Ice

Garnish:

Dried Hibiscus Flower
Lime Wheel

Benefits of Mocktails

The Moxx Box is a great monthly mocktail subscription box to purchase, especially if you enjoy specialty drinks or entertaining. The ingredients are provided, so you don’t have to worry about going to the store to shop. It comes directly to your door. You have the option to purchase the kit for two or four people, which is excellent for small gatherings or if you just want to chill solo and enjoy a good drink while you watch your favorite show. Not everyone drinks. Not to mention the effects that alcohol have on the body, so mocktails are the perfect healthy alternative. If you have a gathering in which alcohol is served, mocktails are a great option to offer guests who do not drink alcohol (for whatever reason) so that they won’t feel left out. If by chance, you are one of those amazing people who have the patience and discipline to count your calories, mocktails have fewer calories, and without the alcohol, you are more than likely not to overindulge and blow through your caloric intake. Mocktails are also budget-friendly as alcohol is generally the most expensive ingredient in a drink. So if you’re on a budget but still want to host in style, mocktails are a great choice. I hope you enjoy the drink as much as I did! Until Next Time, Enjoy Life, Praise God & Take It One Day at a Time!

Best Books to Read to Babies

As an expecting mom, at 28 weeks pregnant, I find myself wanting to put a kid’s library full of baby books in my son’s room. I imagine myself reading bedtime stories to him and to entertain him when he’s wanting all my attention. And as an author, I value the lessons that baby books can teach our little ones and how books can expand their mind.

Investing time reading to your child has extremely important and exciting benefits. Hearing books read aloud teaches a child to love language and makes learning to speak and read much more natural and enjoyable. Stories read aloud also foster imagination, understanding, and good listening.

You can start to build a reading habit with your child right away, helping to establish it as something to look forward to. You might try decorating a designated reading nook, setting aside a special time of day for reading, and making trips to the library so your child can see the beautiful variety of books there. Children also love to imitate, so reading in front of your child is likely to inspire your child to ask for books and read-aloud time. The time invested building this habit is well worth it for your child’s own growth, as well as your own relationship as you share this sweet routine.

Don’t betray your dreams

We have dreams when we are growing up. Most of us have vivid visions of what we imagine our lives will look like and be when we grow up. Here’s the thing, most of us forget those dreams as the realities and responsibilities of living day-to-day shove the dreams down, to be buried and forgotten. Even though these dreams may have been rooted in our passions, we are slowly taught to be practical or that we don’t have what it takes to achieve our dreams. The messages may have been subtle or they may have been loud and clear. Maybe the pragmatism is warranted, but you don’t need to abandon a dream altogether.

So I ask you, did you pursue your dream or did you betray it and leave it buried?

First, examine the definition of “to betray” or “betrayal.” According to Webster, the definition that best suits here is “to disappoint, prove undependable; to abandon, forsake.” Do your dreams fall into that category?

Don’t live your life without including your dreams in some way. Scientists are finding that dreams, waking dreams and sleeping dreams, are important to our mental and physical health. They give us a reason to get out of bed and have the drive to meet the day.

Use your time to discover a fun way or even a pragmatic way to connect with your dreams in your everyday life. For example, did you dream of running track, but you are now past the age when that is a possibility? It is not too late to be connected to that passion. You may not be able to run competitively, but you can still run. Join a running club and run on the weekends. You will be surrounded by like-minded people. They will give you energy.

Another suggestion would be to spend some of your free time volunteering with a high school track team or, if possible, join the staff of a track club. Don’t overlook how exhilarating and how connected to your dream you can feel if you do something that is a part of your dream.

Did you dream of being a dancer? The fact is, dancing is a profession that also takes years of hard work and discipline. It takes access to teachers and studios and, quite frankly, it’s also expensive. If none of that was possible (and in reality, you have two left feet), but you are still passionate about dance, find other ways to make it part of your life. For example, you could:

open a dance studio,
take advantage of adult dancing lessons,
volunteer at the local dance theater,
create your own opportunities to dance for for fun,
work for a dance company nonprofit

What about another type of dream, such as the type of environment you would live in or the lifestyle you would have? Did you dream of living near the ocean, but in reality, you are stuck in some urban jungle? Take action to make the ocean setting become a part of your life. Start planning to actually move closer to the ocean. Explore jobs that might be in the vicinity you are dreaming of.

Another option would be to make living near the ocean the location of your second home. Why not take steps to acquire that second home. At least some of the time you will wake up to the sound of the ocean waves. What kind of action could you take to make it a reality?

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” Henry David Thoreau

You may not have reached your actual dream, however, keep in mind that the perceived “failure” of a dream may merely mean it’s time to open another door. This is when God’s guidance is so important. Ephesians 4:23 says we should “…be new in the attitude of our minds…” and as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us,

God is always a part of our dreams. He has given us skill-sets. Those skill-sets may lead us to a new aspect of our dream. You may not be able to fully realize your dreams in the way that you originally envisioned, but with a little ingenuity, if God has truly put this dream in your heart, you can usually connect with it in some way.

Nurture your mental health; don’t betray your dreams. Be very intentional about maintaining a connection with them, even if you are past the time in your life when you can actively perform a dream such as professionally dance or run competitive track.

We all have a purpose in life and that purpose is often connected to a dream or a passion. Stay as close to your dreams as possible. Try not to be guilty of betraying your dreams. Life is to be enjoyed and there is joy and contentment in following your dream or at least keeping them close.

What dreams have you betrayed, abandoned and left behind? I would love for you to leave your comments below.

You were meant to live an abundant life.

The seeds of greatness are in you; you were meant to live an abundant, successful, and fruitful life. Unfortunately, many of us don’t live anywhere near the abundant lives we are naturally entitled to.

Why aren’t we living that abundant life? Why is it that the majority of us spend most of our lives asking that very question? For the answer, look inside. Look at the messages you feed your brain – consciously and unconsciously. Most of us are living and breathing unhealthy thoughts about success and living abundantly. Our attitude is not a positive one.

Granted, there are events and issues that we may have no control over, but we do have control over how we react to them.

Check your messages. How do you process them? Do you listen to what others are saying to you? I’m not referring to the bona fide wisdom that many can impart to us, rather I am referring to those messages that kill dreams and smash hopes even before they come to fruition. These are the messages that negatively define who you are and put limitations on how far you can go, how much you can achieve.

You are meant to live an abundant life, naysayers not withstanding. Remember, naysayers and dream smashers are usually coming from their own place of limiting beliefs; their place of failures and doubts. If you listen, they will prevent you from soaring.

If you are in doubt about the life you are meant to live, take a peak at what God has says about have what you need and will have. You will be convinced that living abundantly was intended for you.

The next time your little voice inside or someone’s loud voice out side says “no, you can’t,” shut them out. Believe in the power of God to make things happen in your life for the good. This is particularly important if you are an entrepreneur or considering becoming an entrepreneur.

Adopt a positive attitude and use it like a shield when the cash flow doesn’t match your expectations or when the contract you coveted and expected to come your way does not, but is awarded to your competition instead. Without a positive attitude your thoughts will turn to the land of “never” – “I’ll never be successful, I’ll never get the good contracts, or I’ll never make enough to pay the bills.” I don’t doubt that you can think of more thoughts that creep out of the land of never.

Maybe it never occurred to you to use the Bible as one of the means to keep that positive attitude even in the face of adversity. There are many stories and many verses illustrating that belief in the power inside and outside of yourself makes it happen.

Faith is powerful, belief is powerful and a positive attitude can’t exist without them both. With that positive attitude you can make things happen; you will live the abundant life you were meant to live. Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Can you think of those times in your life when you ignored the naysayers, kept a positive attitude, took it to God and you made things happen that added to the abundance in your life? Share them. In sharing you help others see that there is power in believing and that they can live abundant lives.

Live abundantly.

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Do Not Limit Your Prosperity

Prosperity means many things to just as many people. For some prosperity is limited to the amount of money you have, for others it takes into account the quality of health, relationships and the ability to maintain a particular lifestyle.

However, and here’s the thing, many Christians are actually reluctant to add monetary wealth to our list of what prosperity means, partly because of what is often taught about money. We are often taught that money is a bad thing and that God will frown upon you if you prosper monetarily. In reality, money has no value except that which is assigned to it by one’s culture.

We each have to find our own truth about prosperity and wealth based on our religious teachings. However, from many of the verses in the Bible, it appears that God would like us to be able to take care of our families and to be able to honor him with tithes. Neither can be done without faith in Him and without prospering in our businesses or our careers.

The one thing we should not have is limiting beliefs about the success you can have in your business. The consequence of success is usually wealth. Further, your business is a reflection of some portion of your talent. We know that our talents should not be squandered or ignored.

Consider that when you have a fear of becoming wealthy, you just might subconsciously sabotage your business. This is because the more successful you are, you are bound to make money. With limiting beliefs, you limit how successful your business will be so that you don’t make money. In turn, you may limit how much you can bless others because you don’t believe it is good to be wealthy or that being wealthy will somehow interfere with Christian beliefs.

Deuteronomy 8:18, 19 says, “And thou say in thine heart, Mine power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth, But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish his covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.”

There are many other verses that point to God’s intention for you to prosper if you obey his commandments and laws because by doing so you are able to then glorify him. Those verses also point to His hand in your prosperity, whatever your definition.

Consider how many more can be blessed if you have the money like Bill Gates, who developed an extremely successful business. He is able spend millions on research, medicines and vaccines that will, in turn, save millions of lives. Wealth, even modest means, can help eliminate some of the suffering in the world on an even larger scale. Eliminating suffering and ministering to the those that have the least is what Jesus teaches in his words.

Focus on giving and serving. In fact, giving is the ultimate definition of prosperity to Jesus. His teachings are tied to giving. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives…” James 4:3. The ultimate motive should be on how can each of us best serve others because when you do, you also serve Jesus. Working with the goal of making your business prosper, you serve others with your products and services and you go on to serve and share your prosperity.

Ultimately, growing your business is tied to using your talents, which you are told to do. You should not hide, ignore or hoard your talents, which goes against Gods principles. Acknowledging and using your talents, growing your business and, subsequently, blessing others, allows you to prosper and experience abundance in many ways, meeting some of your definitions of prosperity.

Just remember, if monetary wealth is a goal, cling to your faith in God, obey his laws and precepts; allow God to be your guide and prosperity, whatever your definition, will be more attainable.

“…the Lord your God will bless you in all you produce and in all the works of your hands, so that you surely rejoice.” Deuteronomy 16:15

I ask you, “Do you have limiting beliefs about prosperity? In what area of life have you prospered?”

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Is your faith showing?

Walking in faith is like wearing your heart on your sleeve. You are understood and admired by many, but many more may ridicule and admonish you about being so open concerning your beliefs.

It is often the same when we start a business. Not everyone believes in your venture, nor will they support what you are trying to accomplish by becoming an entrepreneur. Instead, you hear all the reason you should not follow through on what you believe. There are many reasons for this: jealousy, lack of understanding, even lack of courage. Sound familiar?

While you can’t always cut naysayers out of your life, you can control and even limit the amount and the quality of time you spend with them. In a sense, it is not very different from what I do with my t-shirts.

Some time ago, I created my line of t-shirts because I believe strongly in spreading the Word and I know that others would like to as well. What better way than to wear your beliefs where they can be seen? What better way to witness even in the face of those who want to know why you would want to spread the word let alone wear it? or believe anyone else would want to wear it.

I have faith in my God and I have faith in my abilities to be successful with my business.

“Everything is possible for him who believes.” Mark 9:23
If you are starting down the path of entrepreneurship, you should have that kind of faith in your ability to be successful. You are your own support.

I encourage others to explore their own beliefs without ever in saying a word. My line of t-shirts made it possible to silently affirm or to engage in lively conversation about faith. I am inspired when I see how warmly they were accepted by others who also walk in faith. But I am continually disappointed when I am approached by those who clearly would rather not have to read the words on my shirts.

Faith is an important, driving, living force in my life. It cannot be separated from the entrepreneur in me, my relationships or any other part of my life. It is “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:3

Is God on your team?

As I review my company and what I want it to look like in the coming year, I realize something very important to the company’s survival: Just because one is a solo entrepreneur or very small business owner does not mean that you are running or, even should be running, your business alone. Admittedly, it can sometimes make you feel very powerful when you are in control of all the various aspects of your business, but the elation only lasts a short while. You cannot know it all and there is certainly not enough time in the day to address all that needs to be done.

Sometimes there are individuals you consider members of you team who don’t even know they are. I have team members like that. These are persons you might emulate or follow. Usually they are in the same business you are and have already made through many of the challenges you know you may face in the future.

However, if you are a person of Faith, there is one member of you team who is very important and you should check in with him daily. That team member is God. God never expects you to handle life’s challenges alone. It is written that you should ask him for help. He should be a permanent member of your team. He is a major part of mine. I turn to him daily, sometimes multiple times during the day, in order to get guidance for major decisions or clarity on the direction my company takes.

It is quite obvious that no one else will nurture your company the way that you do, but God will. His input will keep you on track. Obeying his principles means you will not stray far from the best course of action and you will make fewer mistakes.

The input of other team members should also be valued. I am very glad for all of these those that I work with. It keeps my business going, but so is my Faith in God essential to the survival of my business.

I look to God as my most trusted team member, always remembering, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. I start my day speaking with him and I end it the same way.

As for the value of having a team you can turn to for help with the areas you don’t have the expertise or the time for, “Come let us get together says the Word. If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the fruit of the land.” Isaiah 1:18 – 19.

Who is on your team? Include God as your most important member.

What’s Governing You?

As I was reading Matthew 28:11-15, it made me wonder what’s ruling people. In the passage, I saw the guard’s decision to report back to the chief priest instead of the governor as fear, as it was the governor who gave them the assignment. I saw the chief priest’s decision to lie as pride because it was their ultimate goal to disprove Jesus as the savior.

People are sometimes ruled by what’s going to make them the most money, perhaps by integrity, fear, greed, love, gluttony, and so many other things.

Reading this passage made me do a self-check. Is there anything I am allowing to govern me besides God’s will? Have I made some decisions based off of fear? Have I not been honest with myself because I’m afraid of what the truth looks like? Have I disregarded God’s instructions because I wanted to please my flesh?

I’m not “super-spiritual” to say that you need to seek God to figure out if it’s ok for you to cross the street, but I am a proponent of seeking him daily. Why not? Why not converse with God daily to hear what he has planned for you and to ensure you’re not being governed by something else that isn’t God’s will. Why not spend time with the creator as he has given you everything you need?

So, whether you converse with God daily or only when you need him, I challenge you to do a self-check. What’s governing you? What have you given to rule over you?