I have a little pressure washing and painting business. I enjoy making things appear new again, refreshing them. And I'm good at it. It's how I make a living. This winter has been rough. Winters always are in this kind of business, but this year seems to be the slowest I have ever seen. I haven't had a job to do in the past 2 1/2 weeks, which is really crushing me financially. Mainly because I am only able to save enough money through out the year to float myself for about a month during the winter season. Here in Wilmington, NC the winters are usually very mild, with many 60 and 70 degree days. This year has not been like that at all. Our average temp the past month or so has been around 45 degrees. We even had a bad ice storm roll through here a week or so ago.
Well, I'm not one that sits on the sidelines, waiting for something to happen. I try to contribute to their happening. So, I have spent a bit of time, making some really good graphics to use as a part of the advertising I do on Craigslist, and a few other online directories and indexes. People seem to be using the internet more these days to find what they want, than they use the phone book. It's at least occupying my time, instead of sitting in a bunch of fear and financial insecurity.
Today I am grateful that winters don't last forever and spring is not so far away. When people spend time outside, around their home is when I get a good dose of solid work. They aren't just running from their car into the warmth of their house to get out of the wet or cold. It's when they are mowing their grass, washing their car in the driveway, fixing a childs bicycle, planting some flowers, etc that they are outside, and their homes condition gets their attention. Then my phone starts ringing a few times a day. It's during the spring that I also put fliers in the newspaper box, below peoples mail box. So, all things considered, I do what I can and then, I just have to trust the results to my HP.
What I have found is that my HP never shows up late. He might push things into the 11th hour, and show up at 11:59, but He never shows up at 12:01. Always on time with what I need. Today, I'm getting a little bit fearful... so I need to keep leaning on my trust in Him and doing my part. I was once told..."you and God are on a two seater bicycle. He steers and you peddle. If you don't do the foot work, you are not going to get any where because He steers, He don't peddle". Well, I have been trying to do the foot work, and he has surely provided me the time to do it this winter, so now I am going to turn it all over to his care and get on with the rest of this day.
Here are a few examples of the graphics I have made in the past few weeks. I like how they show up as a slideshow on the message board, I think its pretty cool.
I leave my financial decisions up to God also john and do the foot work , I am a painting contractor and its slowed down for me in the last 2 weeks also, but I know this is a time to catch up on house stuff , have more time to go to meetings, enjoy some time off from stress that work bring on and gear up for spring and summer like what your doing. I have done flyers, canvased neighborhoods with door to door flyers even, and I just kept leaning on God to give me what I needed and stay in motion.
This is every year, I save during the summer only paying bills I may spend on maintenance business stuff but I save just for these times and worse. I try to have 3 months emergency put away, it's not easy, I do without spending on non work related items most of the year, I just had a guy call looking for work I get thoughs alot during winter often.
. ....''yer can't always get what you want,,,you get what you neeeeed!''....wise words of guidance from Mick Jagger of all people !!
......I've been resuming my work as an independent boat repair guy,after a 'few' years absence,,managed to get through november before the flow fizzled.....it's amazing what 'surrender to struggle' can do,,,,I was at a meeting,,asked a fellow what he does for work at a meeting's (smoke)break,,,,,,was working doing building maintenance within a few days--my first 'employee' job in ~20 years!
...this work is for a building very active for drugs and addicts in vancouver's notorious eastside, ,,a place I came close to living in my active addiction,,was rather terrifying to start with,,but I get a very 'live' step one each day,,,get to fix things,,,and help people all day long,,,,,and carry a quiet message of serenity deep into the world of addiction--gifts of recovery!
John I'm amazed what those before/after pictures show!...I wish you all the best in getting the flow going...is there any winter-style work you can diversify into?,,perhaps a place to share your message of recovery?...a recovery center?
...I've also found some luck with some craftwork I do,advertising online
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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)
My family has also stumbled into dire financial times rolling into the new year (living off food banks and donations from friends to pay our property taxes and utilities) and although I'm stressed, I'm still strong enough to hold my ground with my addiction... I should say also in large part because my son's new meds are keeping him on track :)
Our 11th hour deadlines have also been met, every single time! A door has always opened when another has been shut!
I'm right there with you John... blessings!
kd
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"The Greatest Possession We Have is The 24 Hours Ahead Of Us"
Mikah I worked doing apartment painting for years and in many bad areas of town, section 8 welfare apartment complexs ravaged with drugs, a few times i have had to leave and come back , 1 time I left and didnt go back because addicts trying to break into my truck constantly. Drug deals going on right in front of me was tough and tempting.
..with my work these days,,,,it's been good to be associated with one building,,and get to know the tenants.
...so far,,,,respect has been reflected back as gratitude,,,hard work as respect
......and I live by the saying.....''trust in god,,,but tie-up your horse''!!
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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)
..with my work these days,,,,it's been good to be associated with one building,,and get to know the tenants. ...so far,,,,respect has been reflected back as gratitude,,,hard work as respect
......and I live by the saying.....''trust in god,,,but tie-up your horse''!!
HAHAHA yeah I used a 1" chain to tie up my graco sprayer :)
....wise words of guidance from Mick Jagger of all people !! 
