Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Wednesday, October 3, 2012

My New Shingle

google image

There used to be a saying.(now I am revealing more of my generation), "put out a new shingle."  This saying
was referring to a new business in town or a change of name for an existing business.

Women are known for having various "shingles" hanging throughout their seasons of life.

My most important "shingle" is
Wife - delightfully serving in this capacity - 32 years
Mother - thrilled to have been a mother, who is still raising children at home - 29 years
Home Educator - still in service - 24 years

Then there are those other "shingles" we hang out...volunteer, community service, extended family, neighbors and friends.

At some point in most women's lives there is also employment beyond the walls of their home.  My shingles in this area are

Mother's Keepsakes - an art consignment store I owned, managed and contributed to through the first years of my firstborn son

Classic Stitches - my from-home business consisting of sewing... developed into a full fledged decorating business - it survived through three pregnancies, four children and many years while home schooling

Employee - Insurance Data entry - I worked at home during the evenings and weekends...allowing me to continue home schooling and being taxi cab driver to music, sports and youth activities

Employee - worked at a Home Educator's Bookstore - consulting, selling and distributing home education supplies 

Encouragement Pocket Pillows - my own online business for designer pillows I made with scriptures and words of encouragement on them

First Impressions Design - my own company that included interior selections for custom homes

Now to 2012 - at age 51, I really would like to put all my shingles into retirement and just continue the task of wife, mother and home school mom. However, once again I am looking into the closet for an additional "shingle" to hang.  This summer, I started a VERY part-time/part-time job of keeping kids at our church...this only takes me from the home on evenings and Sundays.  With the recent unemployment of hubby, I posted availability to clean houses...this would be two days a week while Benjamin attends outside classes.  Each of these would meet some financial need, however, they will not energize me.  I still want to be faithful.

"If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry.  He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well."
Martin Luther King Jr.

"Most people don't enjoy their work.  It's been said that  80% would change jobs right away if they felt they could move into work they have a passion for.   - Instead, they just keep plodding along, doing what they don't like every day - year-in and year-out. - Dennis Waitley: "Chase your passion, not your pension."  - When you're passionate about your job, you'll be amazed at your productivity, as well as your motivation."
The Ultimate Self-Help Book - 31 Days in Proverbs - Al Fike

So I went before the Lord and put out my fleece.  He knows the situation. He knows my heart's cry is to be with Benjamin...hey, He gave me Benjamin at age 45!!!  He knows what my passions and gifts are...He formed them in me.

Last week, I interviewed for house cleaning and I also had the delight of an interior decorating consultation with a client. Out of my consulting with this client, I decided to hang out my "shingle" again in this area.

Simply Your Decor

I will be opening a instructional blog that will go with my business...this will remain the blog in which I share my heart and walk with the Lord.  (www.simplyyourdecor.blogspot.com) will feature past interior decorating adventures and hopeful new transformations.  All I can do is put out my fleece, as I have learned before in each of my endeavors, the true owner of my business will guide and provide me with clients in His time.

My prayer taken from The Ultimate Self- Help Book
Lord, I commit my gifts, talents and the labor of my hands to You.
Through the opportunities You have given, may I honor You,
provide for my family and serve others today.








33 Joining in with more words:

Christine said...

~big sigh~
You have such resilience. God sees you and your huge heart. He knows.

Janette, I am praying for you, right now. Peace be with you.

(what a cute card!)

Angela said...

Check your email. I'm sending you a potential client:)

Vee said...

All the best, Janette, with this new venture. Love your new business card and business model. Praying for you and your hubby to both find satisfying work worthy of the hire. God is our Source!

Cindy said...

So inspired! I'll be praying for the Lord to give you direction and wisdom in this venture!

Cindy said...

So inspired! I'll be praying for the Lord to give you direction and wisdom in this venture!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Can you hear me shouting??

It's a huge praise from Rockwall this morning! The way you thought and prayed about this is so well said in yur blog. All of those dreams, passions and gifts are built into us by the very one who goes before you in this new adventure.

I am thrilled Janette!!! :)

Theresa said...

Congratulations! If I were closer I would use your decorating services, for sure!
Thanks for sharing about the Lord giving you your son at 45. It is a great encouragement to me!
Have a great week, friend :)

Anonymous said...

Janette,
This post is so beautifully written, beautifully expressed.
I know how talented you are in your decorating and painting. No wonder you have had these businesses before!
You are terrific.
I shall be praying blessing over you and yours.

Farm Girl said...

That is awesome. You have wore so many hats in your life. I know this one will be a blessing to your family too.
I will be praying for you.
I wished you lived closer I would hire you in a minute. :)

myletterstoemily said...

way to go, girl! i'm hopping over for some
much needed advice!

myletterstoemily said...

as always i leap before reading everything.
WHEN you open for business, i will be
leaping back!

Debbie said...

Oh Janette what a WONDERFUL idea. I just know you will be soo good at this. Like I said, what I wouldn't give to have you close enough to work your magic on my kitchen. I'd hire you in a heartbeat. I will pray about all of this for you. I am anxious to see the new blogspot too. Praising God with you! HUGS

no spring chicken said...

Congratulations. I too have hung many shingles and been blessed for each season as God saw fit. My prayers are with your newest fleece!

Blessings, Debbie

Lisa said...

How exciting Janette! I've definitely have some things I need help with. I'll email you.
PS This is your season and it's your turn.:)

Unknown said...

I was so super excited to read this my sweet friend. YAY!! I clean houses on the side because I can do it with Analeigh and still be home. Not my dream job but God has been so faithful to honor me with 5 every other week houses that only take me a few hours to do. It has helped us greatly with taking on Alyssa's 465.00 school bill. I am so excited for you new business Janette-I am praying God blesses you socks off with this new journey. I love the name and your business cards. Can't wait to see what God will do with all your wonderful talents. Love you.
Hugs

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

Jeanette, you are such an inspiring individual and I pray the Lord's richest blessing upon your endeavor. I'll enjoy keeping up with your additional blog as well. Blessings my friend!

Sue Anne McKinney said...

Something about this post reminds me of a talk we had a long time ago about digging another well...Do you remember that? I hope this season brings another deep, deep well of refreshing for you and others. Your enthusiasm for creating a beautiful home will help so many that feel so helpless in this area! Go, Girl!

Always Nesting said...

I love the "shingles" as you transition into another season. You are so wonderful, with a heart of gold, and I just know you will be successful.

Kathleen said...

What a fabulous example of "making lemonade out of lemons"! It pays to have a plan, to be flexible, and to go forward as God leads.

I pray you will soon be saying, "and it came to pass" as He leads you to amazing new chapters.

Rebecca said...

Replacing your "shingle" (showing your generation) with a "fleece" (timeless)! You're clearly answering God's question to Moses, "What's that in your hand?"

I'm SO excited for you and those whose lives & homes you'll touch.

Debbie said...

I love it!!!! Even before the job loss, you had shared your heart with me about your own business, and I've included it with my prayers (which are going fervently and faithfully I hope you know) I know I've said it before, but you really are one of my inspiration people.

We just studied the "unless the LORD builds it" psalm this morning. Because I know your heart, I am convinced that He is building this, first in your heart and then with your hands.

And, dear laborer friend, you will not be laboring in vain.

Sandy said...

Janette, I believe our prayers are being answered!! I know you are going to be successful at this business venture because you are living your life in such a way that the Lord is being glorified in all you say and do. I can't wait to check out your new blog. I love decorating too I and know it is going to be great.
Love you~

Maryann said...

Janette, I will be praying for you in this new adventure. I think it is an absolutely wonderful idea. I wish you lived closer I would hire you in a minute

Sally said...

You are handling your situation admirably. Keep the faith.

Marcy said...

janette, sounds so cool what all you're up to - i sent you a FB message - did you get it? i'd love to advertise your new venture! love you.

Pom Pom said...

Oh, I wish you well, Janette!
I cleaned houses before I went back to school for my teaching certificate. It's hard, but satisfying!
You have such a cheerful heart!
The decorating business sounds like it holds great promise. You know how to make a home.

Debbie Petras said...

Good for you Janette! This seems to be something you've enjoyed in the past. And I think you are so creative. I'm amazed at the items you find and make them into something special. Whatever you do work at with all your heart. You do this well, my friend.

Love,
Debbie

Angela said...

Lord, I commit my gifts, talents and the labor of my hands to You.
Through the opportunities You have given, may I honor You,
provide for my family and serve others today.

amen amen amen...I'm off in a few minutes to start another new endeavor also, having play dates with moms and their children. Providing Circle Time, crafts, light refreshments, sharing recipes and child rearing/tips. God has opened the door for me to start doing this at the daycare I am a supervisor for (but I'm laid off at the moment).The agency has graciously offered me the place and any money's that come from the endeavor I am able to keep.God is good....thanks so much for visiting this fearless friday and praising God for His leading me to both your blogs today..ok gotta go..hubby is saying..'let's go'..LOL

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

Janette!

Oh, I there is SO much in this post, dear friend! I understand so many portions of this. He has created you with gifts and talents that will bless others. Your love for home no doubt will be something your clients will seek and share with others. I am praying for your family and claim that verse for you that He will provide all of your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!

Catherine said...

Dear Janette, I am so happy for you and I will pray that this takes off. I know you have passion and will see through. Blessings dear friend. Catherine xo

Vickie said...

Well Congratulations, Janette! I'm excited for you - and God knows what you need for your family and He will provide. This sounds like something that you will enjoy immensely! Good luck and I'll be praying for this new venture for you and also for your hubby's prospects!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

A huge congrats...funny...your post runs simliar to mine today. Stepping out and following your dreams...taking a risk...way to go!!!!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Praying for your new endeavors, Janette. With your passion and creativity, I know you will be a blessing, and receive blessings. Keep us posted with updates. We are all in your corner, along with Him.

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