STEPPING OUT IV: FINISHING SCHOOL THEN STARTING A BUSINESS

 Happy Jamuhuri day God's Artwork🎊💕🎊

I didn't think I was going to do part 4 of this series and if so, not this soon... But I'm really excited to share this today. As some of you know, from the previous post, I finished school a few weeks ago... 4 weeks ago to be exact. I had hoped that I would spend my November and December sleeping and catching up on any movie or series  I may have missed and loooots of blogging. I had even been saving to get a new mattress for me to do that but I realized the stepping out series was not over for me ...

I know, I know, I overuse this pause but don't you see the mystery? Open arms, open gate? Jamuhuri kwangu😂

On day 3 of lots of sleep I heard the love of my life ask me, "Isn't this the best time to pick up some or one of your creative ideas?"

I knew the particular one God was referring to...

I've had a passion for stationery and particularly notebooks since I was a child. I used to make quick notebooks for my friends on Sunday whenever they forgot to carry their notebooks. Yeah, you read that right... And in campus that thing came back in 4th year, and I started making notebooks for myself😅.

The cover of this one came off... I made these from my old exercise books that hadn't filled up.

I decided to take that passion seriously and started doing lots of research about stationery and I came across particular notebook designs that I like. I also developed a writing culture, particularly journaling. Stay in tune as I'll be sharing the 5 types of journaling I do daily that take me 15-30minutes a day and how they've influenced my life. 

In the meantime feel free to visit, like, follow and share our new Facebook Page: Andika'mi Books and Publications for more information on the currently available journals and notebooks and their prices.

Yes! We are googlable... And... Aaaaw look at today's Google caption😍.... Proud to be Kenyan.

So, how has it been like starting a business? Wueh! Crazy – the good kind of crazy though. I've been doing this in the midst of other activities like clearing from campus, moving to a bigger house and catching up with family and friends who felt I had dumped them😂...

But even more exciting its the faith lessons I have learnt all through. When God dropped this idea I had just come from scraping every coin in my possession to clear my school fee balance. Most of my shopping was running out and my airtime subscriptions were expiring the next day. I knew I couldn't call any friend or relative because I had just come from asking for their help towards my school project.

So now what?

I took my Bible and didn't even know where to turn. And then after a while of flipping through my church notes guess which verse decides to pop up?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

I read this verse and laughed because rich was the last feeling I had at that moment. And even more funny was when the Holy Spirit recited it to me with one of my nicknames, "Tell Dollar Billionaire–Yve Azar, not to be proud or trust in uncertain riches..."

I truly repented for thinking that money should be the determinant of whether I obey God or not. Later that day, I received an M-pesa message from a friend who had promised to sponsor my finishing of school cake😜 (see previous post). I knew that money couldn't finance my notebook idea so I asked God, "What is this for?"

He said, "Buy the cake you wanted then the rest do what verse 19 says." I had friends who had various celebrations and there were calls to support them. I sent my contributions to each as an act of good works and it was for sure the foundation I needed for the time to come.

Loved the way Easy to Read Version put it😂😂

 After that, I did everything I could towards the notebook project that could be done without money. I made phone calls to make my suppliers and team aware. I created a simple advert and shared with those on my contact list. By God's grace one of my first customers gave me a huge tip that ensured I supplied my first batch of notebooks debt free.😀

So what was my major lesson? It is possible for you to be caught up in the pride of the rich men of this world even when you don't feel rich😅😂😂. Refusing to acknowledge God as your source whether in times of abundance or in times of need is pride. I was glad to learn this lesson at a time of need because as I enter a season of abundant overflow, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be more watchful.

So, dear God's Artwork, as we come to the end of this year has God surprised you with another dose of stepping out into the waters😁? What verse did He use to keep you afloat? Feel free to share with a loved one or in the comments section below.

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Recommended links:

1. Previous post

2. Andika'mi Books and Publications

3. Stepping Out series

4. Abundant Overflow 2021 prophecy by Dr. Jerry Savelle