“Either I win or I learn, but with God’s help I never lose.”

A year ago my best friend had asked me if I wanted to join starting up a restaurant. I was pretty excited! I mean i never own anything that big, but yet at the same time thinking: there's quite an amount to invest and it will be a long time return. My family is never a business-minded people and we always "play things safe" :we buy things when we have money, we don't owe the bank and we're not risk-taker. And with my dad's unstable health condition, we always have to make sure we have hard cash on hand! I was a bit contemplating whether or not I should join and finally ask my parents for permission. I don't own a lot of spare-money so this investment is indeed significantly reducing my bank account.

And here we are a year later, my lil' restaurant made me proud, but we're not doing as well as we thought we would. We struggle in marketing and promoting our place. I pray for our place every morning, for God to bless our place and was feeling a bit discourage when things are stagnant but today i came across this article, just what i need, and i thought i'd share :) (It's applicable too if you're a worker)

"I pray that you are inspired by God’s word.  Your faith in yourself and your business are key to your long-term success. Starting a small business is a spiritual journey. You should pick a verse that will inspire you. I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorites. Use these bible verses in the good and tough times in your small business." - Melinda Emerson

1. Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  All of our skills and special talents that we use in our businesses are all given to us by God.  He gives us the ability to make money and cut deals.  He did it for our parents and mentors and he does it for us too.
2. Romans 12:2 NIV Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.  The bible commands us to be innovative in our businesses. We should not ever try to be like anyone else. The world is still waiting on a better mousetrap, and we should never rest on our successes. We must renew ourselves by being lifelong learners and reading constantly.
3. I Thessalonians 5:16-19 NIV Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; this is the will of God for your life.  It is important to have a prayerful life as an entrepreneur; it will help you on those days when things do not go your way.  You need to have the strength to thank God, even when you do not win that big contract. God protects us when we do not get opportunities that we think we can’t survive without. Always be grateful.
4. Proverbs 16:18 NIV Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Many entrepreneurs struggle with pride. Do not be afraid to tell clients or employees that you do not know the answer. Try to diffuse any issues with truth and by taking full responsibility for fixing the problem.  Never let your ego get in the way of doing what’s in the best interest of your business.
5. II Corinthians 9:8 NIV And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. God always delivers to us what we need in order to do our best work.  Sometimes he sends a check we need just in time, and other times he sends us creativity to find the best solution to our challenges. Trust in the Lord at all times.
6. II Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. Fear is the enemy of entrepreneurship. God wants us to go out with the power he gives us to pursue our ideas in business.
7. Hebrews 12:11 NIV No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. You must be fiscally disciplined in business. You cannot put all your hard work at risk by not being focused on your big picture goals and your monthly sales goals. It is painful at times, but it will produce quite a harvest.
8. I Corinthians 9:24 NIV Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Running a business is hard. It’s a marathon not a sprint. There will be plenty of stumbling blocks in your way. Everyone trips and falls while running this race, but winners get up faster than everyone else. You must do what you need to do to win your race.
9. Mark 5:36 NIV Overhearing what they said, Jesus told them, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” There will be times when you are the only person who believes in your business dream. Don’t be afraid. Believe in yourself and your business idea.
10. Ecclesiastes 11:4 AMP He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. You must be willing to make decisions in your small business. No one is going to come along and do it for you.  Make hard decisions quickly, so you can move on to doing the work needed to help your customers.
11. Proverbs 11:14 NIRV Without the guidance of good leaders a nation falls. But many good advisers can save it. It is critical to have a kitchen cabinet of advisors for your small business. Your business will not survive on your experience alone. Pull together four to five people who are invested in your success. The group should include an existing entrepreneur, a customer, a mentor, a lawyer and a accountant. Seek out a mastermind group or peer to peer mentoring program to help as well.
12. Philippians 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Whenever you struggle with your self-confidence read this bible verse to yourself.  There will be times in your business when you need to force yourself to stretch beyond what you think is possible. You can do it. I believe in you.

We experienced number 5 during the fasting month (Lebaran) in Indonesia, we have to give our worker THR (13th salary) for the Hari Raya, and that month despite being the fasting month (Lesser people eat lunch) God provided more income that month so we can pay our workers.

We are now in need to boost our sales up to cover our monthly cost and currently looking for anyone who can help us in marketing, if you know anyone that would be interested, please pm me for details.

In the mean while i'll continue praying :) I hope we are all encouraged! My mom is proudly going to retired this year... I really hope my lil' investment could bless my parents. God's time is best. God knows what's best. CIA YOU!

Oyeah... and our house is done :D we're looking to move starting end of this month to early next month, slowly, thank God for the close distance. Praise God who provides! :)

and happy b'dayyyyyy WESSS :* I hope i can be there to kiss squeeze and hug you, and you'll probably end up crying after i did all thatttt hehehee