Oh how I enjoy writing to you all. Believe it or not after writing this article I will be sitting eagerly waiting to write to you again.

Today I want to share with you some business wisdom. As I’ve mentioned before I lost my job earlier this year. As a result of my displacement from the job market I decided to make use of all the books I’ve bought over the years. The books on how to start a business, how to be a trusted adviser, and how to get out of the rat race.

My journey has been far from perfect. There are moments when I feel like I’m doing the right thing. Then other times when I feel like quitting and going out to get a real job.

When I was an employee of a company I worked X amount of hours then made X amount of dollars. I worked my hours and got paid, guaranteed money.

Now as a business owner I have to find my own clients and work. Basically, I need to fish for my own food.

In my journey I’ve learned some great lessons. The lessons are great because they can be used if you own a business or not.

First of all you must DECIDE to change. I’ve had many conversations with people who disliked their lot in life. They are tired of the extra pounds and dissatisfied with their job.

When it comes down to it, you can think about it and you can talk about it. True change will be birthed when you stand up and say, “I’m sick and tired of my situation!” “I will no longer take it anymore!” Say it and say it with purpose.

The next step is to PLAN. You need a plan. Remember, “A man without a plan is like a ship without a sail.” or “If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.”

You need to first write down where your are in life. Next write down where you want to be. Then write out what it will take to get there. Without a clearly defined plan you will just be floating out in the middle of the ocean.

Finally you need to TAKE ACTION. You see you can decide to go to Hawaii. You can plan out your trip. But if you never buy your ticket and get on the boat, you’ll never get there. All you will have is a dream.

All of the above seems easy enough. Your probably thinking I can do all that. I leave you with one more piece of advice. Get a mentor or accountability partner. Share your journey with others and ask for their help. Not only is it more helpful to have a coach, it is also more enjoyable to share your successes with others.

Last week my wife and I went on a double date with my little brother Joe and his wife Krystal. We were supposed to triple date but the other couple backed out because of a lack of funds.

We both thought that was very responsible on their part. The funny thing is both of us said finances were tight and we went anyways. Our perspective was that we were doing our part to stimulate the economy.

After dinner I watched a sermon from Matthew Hagee of Cornerstone Church, San Antonio, Texas. The message totally convicted me. His message was about the difference between increased seed and a harvest.

He referenced 2 Cor 9:10 “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.”

In summary, If what I have doesn’t meet my need then I have seed. If it meets my need then it is a harvest. Lets say I have a need of $5,000 but only have $20. In that case my $20 is my seed. Now if God multiplies my $20 to $500 then he increased my seed 25 times. Lets say I take that $500 and take my beautiful wife to a fancy restaurant like Ruth’s Chris. We give thanks to God for the blessings and enjoy our dinner. A couple of days later as I am reviewing my finances I say to God, “Where is the $5,000 I’ve been asking for?” God will reply to me, “You ate your seed.”