Never Give Up

Well, I finally finished it.  My application for the Next Great Baker.  There were far too many people telling me to enter the contest and then complete strangers are telling me that my baking precedes me.  One of my friend's mom told me to at least try it out, but most of all, my wife is just to supportive.  Even if I don't get chosen this time, I will try again next year.  Nothing beats a failure but a try.  I am looking at the bright side.

So, I did it.  I even went around my small town to see if there was any competition in the bakery area, and I found one small shop so far off of the road that no one can see it.  The shop was dimly lit, felt unkept, and had no personality at all.  The shop I want to open will be bright, airy, fun and there will be something for people to purchase.

I have prayed and prayed about a name for the place and I keep going back to Heavenly Scent.  The name won't leave me and I know that it's God giving it to me.  Imagine it, me walking in my passion and doing what I enjoy.  Since this is my dominant gift, I will use it to make room for me and my family.  I am working up a pamphlet, pictures and a website.  I need to make one more trip to SCORE and get some advice from the retired business executives on how to obtain a small business loan.  It won't take much to start up, and the location I want to go to is perfect - high traffic, people who love to eat and once the smell is in the air, people will ask, "what is that Heavenly Scent?"

Now comes the hard part, seeking God while I seek the help of man.  He said I would find favor with Him and men.  With that, please PRAY for a brother.  If the Lord leads you, fast and pray.  After all faith without works is dead.  I will sit back and wait for anyone to do what I need to do for myself.  I just need to come up with a logo and a tag line to go with the name.

I have enough recipes to last forever.  Too many flavors to name in one sitting, but I will do this.  I can do the event planning on the side while I bake for the masses.  My event portfolio is coming together, I am asking for letters of recommendation from former clients, have pictures ready, samples of literature from former events, cd labels from past events, and I have given out samples of my baked goods.  Comparing this to a woman - this baby is ready to be birthed!!!!

I have such a 'NEVER GIVE UP' spirit right now.   I feel like I can take on the world.  I recall hearing Yolanda Adams say this morning - if you speak it enough, you will do it.  Without faith, it is impossible to please the Lord.  With God, all things are possible, without Him - NOTHING is possible.  I speak life over myself and my endeavor.  I will not allow the nay sayers  to bring me down.  So I say to doubt, fear and discouragement - you WILL NOT put your foot on my neck.  I have been down long enough.  I have been preparing for battle and it's wartime. I am a realist and I know there might be obstacles in my way.  I look at those obstacles as opportunity.  Opportunity for me to learn the business and for me to grow.  Trials come to make me strong, not to defeat me.

I know that I have to crawl before I walk, and walk before I run, and run before I fly.  BUT, when I start flying - watch out because I will only land long enough to help someone get their wings, and then I am off again.  I have to help someone just like someone helped me - while I keep my eyes on Him who provides all.

NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!  After you have done all you can to stand, STAND - and NEVER GIVE UP!!!!