How to get the best result through our services.
Three steps to more housework help and less stress
I'm going to share a secret with you today.
I don't know why it is a secret... but it seems to be.
Are you tired of never having anyone want to help you with the housework?
Are you frustrated with the lack of attention to detail your family members have when they do help?
I know all too well that feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I see a child of mine folding towels. It seems very similar to the feeling a friend of mine gets when she sees her husband loading the dishwasher.
We've told them how time and again, and yet they still won't do it right! WHY!?!
There is a solution to this. It's a simple one, although it is more difficult than it sounds.
Are you ready? Here it is...
Step ONE... Stop it.
No, really. That's all. Stop it.
Stop caring how your kids fold the towels. Stop caring how the dishes get loaded into the dishwasher.
Stop griping and mumbling and complaining about how you are the only one who ever does anything the right way at this house.
You have a life, and a busy one at that. There will be time for perfectly folded towels and hand washed dishes when you don't have kids around anymore. Whatever gets done now, however wrong you think it is... is still a blessing to your family!
I Corinthians 13:1 says "If you have all these things, but you have not love, you are only a clanging cymbal." When you complain, nobody says, "I need to learn how to do this better." They say, "She is so picky. There is no pleasing her, so I'm going to try half as hard next time."
Learning not to care is easier said than done, but it does work. Nobody at my house complains about folding towels anymore... and as they've done it more, they've gotten better at it!
Step TWO... Be appreciative.
Yes, I know it is their house too and they are contributing as part of the team... but appreciation is one of the best forms of encouragement. Whether it be your husband, your child, or a helpful extended family member or friend, say "Thank you!" and mean it!
There are lots of ways to be appreciative. Have you told your husband lately how sexy he looks running the vacuum cleaner? Have you finished a round of chores as a family, looked at the kids and said, "You know what? I think we all deserve some ice cream!" even though they fought you all the way through? Stick to the positive reinforcement. It makes a difference!
Step THREE... Call us.
Oh, come on... you had to know that one was coming, right? If the first two don't work for you, the last one will absolutely do the trick. Hire A Housewife is here to do all the things you want done and want done correctly. That might mean dusting and vacuuming or it might mean laundry or dishes. Maybe you'll want someone to sweep out the garage or get dinner started one night a week. Or, maybe, you crave streak-free windows... Whatever it is, we'll handle it.
If we don't hear from you, we'll assume the first two worked. :-)
I don't know why it is a secret... but it seems to be.
Are you tired of never having anyone want to help you with the housework?
Are you frustrated with the lack of attention to detail your family members have when they do help?
I know all too well that feeling I get in the pit of my stomach when I see a child of mine folding towels. It seems very similar to the feeling a friend of mine gets when she sees her husband loading the dishwasher.
We've told them how time and again, and yet they still won't do it right! WHY!?!
There is a solution to this. It's a simple one, although it is more difficult than it sounds.
Are you ready? Here it is...
Step ONE... Stop it.
No, really. That's all. Stop it.
Stop griping and mumbling and complaining about how you are the only one who ever does anything the right way at this house.
You have a life, and a busy one at that. There will be time for perfectly folded towels and hand washed dishes when you don't have kids around anymore. Whatever gets done now, however wrong you think it is... is still a blessing to your family!
I Corinthians 13:1 says "If you have all these things, but you have not love, you are only a clanging cymbal." When you complain, nobody says, "I need to learn how to do this better." They say, "She is so picky. There is no pleasing her, so I'm going to try half as hard next time."
Learning not to care is easier said than done, but it does work. Nobody at my house complains about folding towels anymore... and as they've done it more, they've gotten better at it!
Step TWO... Be appreciative.
Yes, I know it is their house too and they are contributing as part of the team... but appreciation is one of the best forms of encouragement. Whether it be your husband, your child, or a helpful extended family member or friend, say "Thank you!" and mean it!
There are lots of ways to be appreciative. Have you told your husband lately how sexy he looks running the vacuum cleaner? Have you finished a round of chores as a family, looked at the kids and said, "You know what? I think we all deserve some ice cream!" even though they fought you all the way through? Stick to the positive reinforcement. It makes a difference!
Step THREE... Call us.
Oh, come on... you had to know that one was coming, right? If the first two don't work for you, the last one will absolutely do the trick. Hire A Housewife is here to do all the things you want done and want done correctly. That might mean dusting and vacuuming or it might mean laundry or dishes. Maybe you'll want someone to sweep out the garage or get dinner started one night a week. Or, maybe, you crave streak-free windows... Whatever it is, we'll handle it.
If we don't hear from you, we'll assume the first two worked. :-)
Exciting News!
We have exciting news!
Hire A Housewife is currently in the running for a $100,000 grant from Chase Mission Main Street Grants... but we need your help!
To get to the next level in the competition, we need at least 250 people to click through the banner below and vote for us! It takes about 10 seconds and could make a huge difference in the future for Hire A Housewife and for our employees.
What would we do with $100,000?
Here are a few things...
- Trademark our name and logo
- Obtain the website we want (HireAHousewife.com)
- Hire an accountant to help us ensure our finances are being handled correctly
- Implement a more comprehensive training program to continue to ensure our customers receive the best service
- Expand to Galesburg and Henry, with the possibility of expanding to Bloomington soon.
- Begin steps towards franchising
- Update our office equipment
I know that nobody who works for Hire A Housewife intends to work with us forever. I care about the dreams of my employees and want to help give them a solid stepping stone to the next phase of their life... leaving a little closer to living their dreams.
Please help us do that by clicking the banner above or below!
Thank you and have a blessed day!
Why Choose Us?
There are a lot of cleaning services out there these days who want to help you out!
Why should you choose ours?
Many people have started using Hire A Housewife because they heard the story of how we got started and they were moved by it. I so appreciate that and I look forward to continuing to share my story and everything else that God has done since!
However, I want you to STAY because you love the service!
(And if you don't love it, let us know right away so we can fix it!)
Hire A Housewife Benefits:
- No judgement or guilt! We just want to help!
- You NEVER have to worry that we will judge you based on what we see. We appreciate that you trust us enough to let us into your home to help.
- We value you as a person. You aren’t just another client to us. We care about your family and how we can help you!
- The same “housewife” each visit
- One of the ways we make sure you are satisfied with our work is sending out the same employee each time. As she gets to know you and what you need, it will be a continually improving experience.
- Flexible scheduling without a contract.
- While we do have a standard cancellation policy, we never lock anyone into a contract. We want you to keep us coming back because you love the service!
- Insured and Bonded
- The risks of hiring someone who is uninsured are huge to you. Our employees are covered by a workman’s comp policy in case they are injured on the job. Anyone not covered by such a policy can sure your homeowner’s insurance if they are injured while working at your house.
- Our liability policy covers items that are damaged by an employee’s carelessness. We hope to never have to use the policy, but isn’t it good to know it is there if something were to get broken?
- Wide range of services
- We don’t just clean, we will organize, do laundry, run errands, wash windows, walk the dog, clean the fridge… you name it!
- You provide needed supplies and we do the work!
- We do not give you a list of things we WON'T do! Just give us your list and let us get to work!
- Great staff who care about YOU!
- Everyone who works for Hire A Housewife undergoes a background check to ensure your safety and to let you know that we are trustworthy!
- All housewives receive complete training. We want all of our employees to be able to give the same great service that was being given when it was just a company of one.
Thanks for taking the time to read! Please share it with your friends who are considering hiring help!
Have a blessed day!
(P.S. And YES! an update on the girls' room is coming!)
Tackling the girls' room (Days 1 & 2)
When the girls came home from their dad's house, I put them to work cleaning the floor and warned them not to touch anything else... They complied. Everything was sorted into bags and boxes like I asked.
The next step was cleaning out their dressers and shelves. They got part way through on the first night, but I soon discovered the drawers on the short dresser were full of junk. Ella's answer, "I don't want to keep clothes in my dresser." (Nice try.)
By late afternoon on Day 2 (after school Tuesday) they had almost finished cleaning out the dressers and shelves.
However, I had a meeting from 6:30-8:30 on Tuesday evening and I came home to find they had jumped ahead a few steps in the process. They were going through all of the boxes that I told them not to touch without my permission.
They put most of it back, but the stacks themselves are much less organized now.
I also found a Build-A-Bear rescue had been initiated, their newest stuffed animals pulled from the garbage bags, now laying on the bed.
So what is the next step?
One bag/box/tote at a time everything from their floor is being washed, dried and put in the living room on the couch. I don't want any mass decisions made about anything. We will touch each piece of clothing and decide if it is a keep, donate, or trash item... as well as who it belongs to. You wouldn't believe how many times I said to myself when I was picking up the clothes originally, "Hey! I wondered were that shirt went..."
We probably have 4 or 5 loads to go today... and there is household laundry mixed up in this... but before I let them touch anything else on the broken bunk bed, we will decide where every piece of clothing goes. I have a feeling that will be a battle in itself. I have yard waste bags waiting to be filled to be dropped off at Mission Mart.
Even for 5 people, we have a lot of clothes to go through.
By late afternoon on Day 2 (after school Tuesday) they had almost finished cleaning out the dressers and shelves.
However, I had a meeting from 6:30-8:30 on Tuesday evening and I came home to find they had jumped ahead a few steps in the process. They were going through all of the boxes that I told them not to touch without my permission.
They put most of it back, but the stacks themselves are much less organized now.
So what is the next step?
One bag/box/tote at a time everything from their floor is being washed, dried and put in the living room on the couch. I don't want any mass decisions made about anything. We will touch each piece of clothing and decide if it is a keep, donate, or trash item... as well as who it belongs to. You wouldn't believe how many times I said to myself when I was picking up the clothes originally, "Hey! I wondered were that shirt went..."
We probably have 4 or 5 loads to go today... and there is household laundry mixed up in this... but before I let them touch anything else on the broken bunk bed, we will decide where every piece of clothing goes. I have a feeling that will be a battle in itself. I have yard waste bags waiting to be filled to be dropped off at Mission Mart.Even for 5 people, we have a lot of clothes to go through.
This might take awhile...
Tackling the girls' room
Anyone who has heard my testimony knows that I am not usually afraid to tell it like it is. It's important that people know me, my household, and my family are far from perfect. When I come into yours, and give you ideas or help you clean something up, I am not judging you... I have no right to! I say that whatever mess you have, we have already seen it and cleaned it up before, and it was probably in our own house.
Well, if you don't believe me after this post, I don't think I'll ever be able to convince you.
My three girls, ages 17, 11, and 9, share a bedroom. I am constantly telling them to clean it up, pick it up, put laundry in the bathroom, throw away the water bottles, etc. When the bottom bunk of the bunk bed broke a couple of weeks ago, I realized that even if I found a replacement, I couldn't get into their room to change anything out.
If you read regularly, you have no doubt seen my posts about how you can de-clutter anything in 15 minutes a day. I have to say, that doesn't include a child's bedroom if they are still living in it and not picking up after themselves. Today I decided I was fed up the less than enthusiastic efforts of my children, and took it on myself to get them started.
Here are the steps I have taken so far to move us forward in this process...
1. I took pictures of everything.
2. I started bagging things up while they were gone today.
*All stuffed animals and pillows in garbage bags.
EVEN FAVORITES (Motivation for later.)
*Anything else washable from the floor into totes and garbage bags.
ESPECIALLY FAVORITES (Motivation for later.)
*Books, movies, etc. went into boxes.
*Shoes went into a box
3. I didn't pick up any trash.
4. As I worked, I swept everything to the center of the room. EVERYTHING. And I stacked the stuff that had been bagged and boxed (all will be gone through one at a time.)
5. I worked until I was tired and had other things to do.
Then I wrote this note for when they came home.
I also added that they were not allowed to put anything "away" ... because all of the "aways" still needed to be cleaned out as well.
Next step: To have them clean off their dressers and bookshelves so there is a place to put whatever they decide to keep.
This is honestly a risky blog post to put out on my business blog... I mean, what if we don't get it done? What if it turns out that I'm too busy or too exhausted to stay on them and three months from now my 17yr old is still sleeping on her mattress on the floor because I didn't stick to this or make them stick to it either!?!
Well, that will be just another reminder that I am human as well. Hopefully, though, instead of that, over the next week I will be able to show you that even though sometimes things get out of control at my house too, it is possible to take back control.
When I said I "other things to do" and stopped cleaning and wrote that note... I didn't just mean writing this blog post...
Today I'm going to take down the Christmas tree.
Well, if you don't believe me after this post, I don't think I'll ever be able to convince you.
My three girls, ages 17, 11, and 9, share a bedroom. I am constantly telling them to clean it up, pick it up, put laundry in the bathroom, throw away the water bottles, etc. When the bottom bunk of the bunk bed broke a couple of weeks ago, I realized that even if I found a replacement, I couldn't get into their room to change anything out.
If you read regularly, you have no doubt seen my posts about how you can de-clutter anything in 15 minutes a day. I have to say, that doesn't include a child's bedroom if they are still living in it and not picking up after themselves. Today I decided I was fed up the less than enthusiastic efforts of my children, and took it on myself to get them started.
Here are the steps I have taken so far to move us forward in this process...
1. I took pictures of everything.
2. I started bagging things up while they were gone today.
*All stuffed animals and pillows in garbage bags.
EVEN FAVORITES (Motivation for later.)
*Anything else washable from the floor into totes and garbage bags.
ESPECIALLY FAVORITES (Motivation for later.)
*Books, movies, etc. went into boxes.
*Shoes went into a box
3. I didn't pick up any trash.
4. As I worked, I swept everything to the center of the room. EVERYTHING. And I stacked the stuff that had been bagged and boxed (all will be gone through one at a time.)
5. I worked until I was tired and had other things to do.
Then I wrote this note for when they came home.
I also added that they were not allowed to put anything "away" ... because all of the "aways" still needed to be cleaned out as well.
Next step: To have them clean off their dressers and bookshelves so there is a place to put whatever they decide to keep.
This is honestly a risky blog post to put out on my business blog... I mean, what if we don't get it done? What if it turns out that I'm too busy or too exhausted to stay on them and three months from now my 17yr old is still sleeping on her mattress on the floor because I didn't stick to this or make them stick to it either!?!
Well, that will be just another reminder that I am human as well. Hopefully, though, instead of that, over the next week I will be able to show you that even though sometimes things get out of control at my house too, it is possible to take back control.
When I said I "other things to do" and stopped cleaning and wrote that note... I didn't just mean writing this blog post...
Today I'm going to take down the Christmas tree.
I've Decided
How often do we decide to start something, make a positive change in our lives and then fall flat after a few months, weeks, days…? If we’re talking about a diet, for me, it could be just hours!
There is a new organization in Peoria called “I’ve Decided” that was created to help people not only choose to make their lives better, but also to link them up with motivation and support partners who can keep them on track. While I thought that this was a fabulous idea from the first time I heard about it, there was a moment when I knew that there was definitely a place for Hire A Housewife within I’ve Decided.
With I’ve Decided, people who have decided to run their first 5k can link up with Running Central and not only receive information about training and running, but also actually run their first 5k this summer… in a race that is ONLY for first time runners!
There is a new organization in Peoria called “I’ve Decided” that was created to help people not only choose to make their lives better, but also to link them up with motivation and support partners who can keep them on track. While I thought that this was a fabulous idea from the first time I heard about it, there was a moment when I knew that there was definitely a place for Hire A Housewife within I’ve Decided.
With I’ve Decided, people who have decided to run their first 5k can link up with Running Central and not only receive information about training and running, but also actually run their first 5k this summer… in a race that is ONLY for first time runners!
Have you decided to take control of your finances? I’ve Decided not only provides motivation and support, but they can connect you with professionals like Vickie Streitmatter from Empowered Financial Living, who can help you create a budget you can live with.
Those who have decided to take control of your home, through cleaning, decluttering, and organizing can be partnered with Hire A Housewife to not only help keep you motivated, but also to help give you the skills and/or extra hands you need to make it happen. We want you to succeed!
Those who have decided to take control of your home, through cleaning, decluttering, and organizing can be partnered with Hire A Housewife to not only help keep you motivated, but also to help give you the skills and/or extra hands you need to make it happen. We want you to succeed!
CEO, Kim Martin and I were talking about partnering a couple of weeks ago when she asked me if I would be willing to speak to people about my story. Of course I said yes! We started talking about motivation and why we do what we do and she mentioned using “I’ve decided…” when I spoke at her event. She said, “Something like, I decided to start my own business…” and I my heart jumped a little.
I like Kim so much and was excited about the opportunity, but I had to make sure we were on the same page. I told her that I have to give credit where credit is due and that I never really decided to start a business. I decided to do my best to live a life that honors God, and He has taken care of everything else. I waited for almost no time at all, although it seemed like forever before she spoke.
Her reaction was a huge smile and a “That’s perfect!” That’s when I was sure I was supposed to be part of I’ve Decided!
Starting Monday you will begin seeing commercials on TV for I’ve Decided and their motivational conference being held at the Civic Center in January. Check out the website www.IveDecided.org for more information. It is going to be a great experience for all involved!
So, tell me… what changes are you wanting to make in your life? What do you want to be able to stand up and say “I’ve decided” about? Want to get in better shape? Want to spend more time with your children? Want to rejuvenate your marriage? Want to organize your home?
New Year’s resolution time is coming… and the conference is right after! But, you don’t have to wait until the first of the year! Tell me, what will you decide?Her reaction was a huge smile and a “That’s perfect!” That’s when I was sure I was supposed to be part of I’ve Decided!
Starting Monday you will begin seeing commercials on TV for I’ve Decided and their motivational conference being held at the Civic Center in January. Check out the website www.IveDecided.org for more information. It is going to be a great experience for all involved!
So, tell me… what changes are you wanting to make in your life? What do you want to be able to stand up and say “I’ve decided” about? Want to get in better shape? Want to spend more time with your children? Want to rejuvenate your marriage? Want to organize your home?
Bring joy to your home in just 15 minutes a day
I don't know about you, but I didn't think childbirth was that fun. At least none of mine were! But, you know, I kinda liked that ending part where they handed me a baby!
What about exercise? Well, if I could quit the second I felt too tired and still get the benefits... but I can't... so that goes in the "not fun" category as well. Now, 70lbs lighter than when I started, I'm pretty happy with the benefits.
Today my pastor posted a picture of himself in our church dumpster after he had to go in to look for something thrown away by accident! Unplanned dumpster diving? Yuck! But what was lost has been recovered. :-)
(Thanks for some inspiration Pastor Chuck!)
You have one of those in your home, right? Just about everyone does. If not, you likely have something similar. Microwave timer, cell phone timer, neighborhood dog that barks every five minutes? Surely everyone has something...
What if I told you that this timer could solve a large portion of your clutter problems?
It can.
And it doesn't have to be difficult either. Are you ready for this amazing, mind-blowing plan?
Pick a spot in your home that has been overwhelmed with clutter. Maybe it is a bookshelf. Maybe it is a closet. Maybe you have an entire guest room full of stuff that you have been intending to deal with "later."
Set your timer for 15 minutes.
Get to work.
What!?! There is no magic involved? There is no secret trick?
No. You actually have to go through it and decide to trash, recycle, donate, or keep everything you touch. But don't get discouraged, because while thinking about that mess, you might have forgotten something.
You only set the timer for 15 minutes.
So what are you supposed to do when it goes off? Whatever you want. Drop what you are cleaning/organizing/sorting and walk away. Don't touch it again today.
I know that your initial reaction is going to be, "But Kindall, how is that going to help?" I know you are already rolling your eyes about this plan. I know that the amount of work that needs to be done in the space you were thinking about is enormous compared to the amount of time I told you to spend there. Think about it like this... at the end of a week, at 15 minutes a day, how much time have you spent on your problem?
Almost two full hours.
Before you put this plan into place, how much time had you spent on that problem in the last month?
Imagine, tackling project after project in just 15 minutes a day until your house is clutter-free?
Now, is it likely that you can keep your entire home clean with just 15 minutes of work a day? Probably not. But so often, it isn't the daily housework that gets us bogged down. It is the clutter that has built up over time, or the boxes that were all moved in at once and never opened again that make us sign when we catch a glimpse of them.
Now, is it likely that you can keep your entire home clean with just 15 minutes of work a day? Probably not. But so often, it isn't the daily housework that gets us bogged down. It is the clutter that has built up over time, or the boxes that were all moved in at once and never opened again that make us sign when we catch a glimpse of them.
So, if I am running a business that specializes in organizing and cleaning, among other things, why would I tell you this instead of just telling you to hire us and let us handle it for you?
I shared this because what I care about most is bringing JOY into your home. Of course we will come in and clean and organize and do anything you'd like done! But I want you to know that, even if hiring help is out of budget for you right now, there is hope!
I shared this because what I care about most is bringing JOY into your home. Of course we will come in and clean and organize and do anything you'd like done! But I want you to know that, even if hiring help is out of budget for you right now, there is hope!
Given the right tools, you can do this!
Today, the right tool is this...
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
I had a wonderful lunch today...
Today I met Doris Symonds, a successful businesswoman from Peoria, for lunch. We ate and discussed our pasts and our futures. We came up with some plans for collaboration on a project. She gave me some great advice for expanding Hire A Housewife as well as moving into the next level that God has planned for me personally... public speaking, finishing my book, and so much more...
We had not been sitting long when she said to me something I have heard over and over in the last several weeks from many different places... "You have it in you already."
I have been reading these books...
ever since I heard from and met the author...
at the Women of Faith conference last month.
Her book is where this picture came from...
So, I can say that I have been a bit hard-headed in the past. I'm sure there have been times when God has done a major face-palm when He's sent me a message that I've wavered about. I've felt the uneasiness in the pit of my stomach when I've made a decision without praying through it first and God has said, "Oh, so you want to do this the hard way... no problem." But, in this particular case, I am pretty sure that God really is trying to tell me something. Maybe I already have everything in me that I need to do what He has planned...?
In case you don't want to take my word for it, you can also find a review here. I will definitely be going back!
We had not been sitting long when she said to me something I have heard over and over in the last several weeks from many different places... "You have it in you already."
I have been reading these books...
ever since I heard from and met the author...
at the Women of Faith conference last month.
Her book is where this picture came from...
So, I can say that I have been a bit hard-headed in the past. I'm sure there have been times when God has done a major face-palm when He's sent me a message that I've wavered about. I've felt the uneasiness in the pit of my stomach when I've made a decision without praying through it first and God has said, "Oh, so you want to do this the hard way... no problem." But, in this particular case, I am pretty sure that God really is trying to tell me something. Maybe I already have everything in me that I need to do what He has planned...?
Any thoughts? I'm probably correct on this one, right? Do I need MORE confirmation? lol
Some of you might need to remind me of this though,
next time I start to worry that I am in over my head!
On a side note, the food at Sazani's Steak and Pasta House on Galena Rd in Peoria is FABULOUS.
I had the Sazani Salad with Salmon and the Minestrone ($6.95 lunch special) and while we were not in a hurry today, I did notice in their menu that they guarantee that your lunch will be on your table in 15 minutes or they will pay for your entree.In case you don't want to take my word for it, you can also find a review here. I will definitely be going back!
Run Your Own Business? 5 Reasons You Should Call Hire A Housewife!
While it goes without saying that everyone would love to have a little more JOY in their lives...
Organization
You can never be too organized. Whether you are completely neat and tidy right down to the last labeled tote or you have an "I know where it is, I just have to find it" kind of system... having an outside eye come in and show you what you could be doing better it always going to be helpful. Sometimes letting someone else deal with it for you for a couple of hours gives you the break you need to re-energize!
We Can Be Tax Deductible
That's right. Having someone come in and clean your home before your Mary Kay or Tupperware party or reorganize your office can be written off at the end of the year as a business expense. Who couldn't use a bit of a tax break coupled with the calm and focus that come with a clean and organized workspace!
This doesn't just apply to an actual office either. We organize inventory, run errands, or... if you are really just too dedicated to your work to get to it yourself, we will even organize your Pinterest boards... I don't think that one is tax deductible though. ;-)
Small Businesses Help Each Other
Hire A Housewife's growth over the last few months has completely surprised me... but it hasn't surprised God a bit. He knew how excited people would be about a company who wants to bring JOY into the lives of people every day! One of the things we will have very soon (Hopefully in August) is a company newsletter. Full of positive, uplifting information and tips, there will also be some space for advertising. I am excited to be able to offer these spaces to those who also support Hire A Housewife through using our services first!
Small business promotion is a side project of mine. Sometimes I just donate my services to failing businesses in an effort to help get them on the right track. I have a lot of great ideas for small business promotion and cross promotion between businesses. Even if you aren't a current customer, stay connected with us to make sure you know when opportunities arise... they will!
Connections
In business and in life, it is often said that success is "all about who you know." The more connections you have, the more potential you have to reach future customers. For me, I know that the most important "Who I know" is Jesus... and the ways that God has constantly and consistently put all of us in the lives of others at just the right time for one reason or another has been mind-blowing. Whether you are a Christian business owner who is relying on God to make those connections for you, or you would like to know some business owners who are... this is a connection you need!
You Need Us!
We know better than anyone how difficult running your own business can be! Never-ending to-do lists, long hours, meals on the go... give us a chance to bring JOY into your daily life and your business! This isn't just about the physical work that needs done, but it's also the positive attitude and and extension of grace that we bring with us.
Give us a try... you won't be disappointed!
Organization
You can never be too organized. Whether you are completely neat and tidy right down to the last labeled tote or you have an "I know where it is, I just have to find it" kind of system... having an outside eye come in and show you what you could be doing better it always going to be helpful. Sometimes letting someone else deal with it for you for a couple of hours gives you the break you need to re-energize!
We Can Be Tax Deductible
That's right. Having someone come in and clean your home before your Mary Kay or Tupperware party or reorganize your office can be written off at the end of the year as a business expense. Who couldn't use a bit of a tax break coupled with the calm and focus that come with a clean and organized workspace!
This doesn't just apply to an actual office either. We organize inventory, run errands, or... if you are really just too dedicated to your work to get to it yourself, we will even organize your Pinterest boards... I don't think that one is tax deductible though. ;-)
Small Businesses Help Each Other
Hire A Housewife's growth over the last few months has completely surprised me... but it hasn't surprised God a bit. He knew how excited people would be about a company who wants to bring JOY into the lives of people every day! One of the things we will have very soon (Hopefully in August) is a company newsletter. Full of positive, uplifting information and tips, there will also be some space for advertising. I am excited to be able to offer these spaces to those who also support Hire A Housewife through using our services first!
Small business promotion is a side project of mine. Sometimes I just donate my services to failing businesses in an effort to help get them on the right track. I have a lot of great ideas for small business promotion and cross promotion between businesses. Even if you aren't a current customer, stay connected with us to make sure you know when opportunities arise... they will!
Connections
In business and in life, it is often said that success is "all about who you know." The more connections you have, the more potential you have to reach future customers. For me, I know that the most important "Who I know" is Jesus... and the ways that God has constantly and consistently put all of us in the lives of others at just the right time for one reason or another has been mind-blowing. Whether you are a Christian business owner who is relying on God to make those connections for you, or you would like to know some business owners who are... this is a connection you need!
You Need Us!
We know better than anyone how difficult running your own business can be! Never-ending to-do lists, long hours, meals on the go... give us a chance to bring JOY into your daily life and your business! This isn't just about the physical work that needs done, but it's also the positive attitude and and extension of grace that we bring with us.
Give us a try... you won't be disappointed!
Sharing at Trinity Church in Morton on Sunday
For those of you who haven't made the connection yet, I am the woman that Station Manager Dave Brooks is talking about in the latest WCIC "Things are not business as usual" radio spot. I have told God that if he is going to give me a story, that I will share it... and He is making sure I keep that promise! :-)
I attend Rock Church in East Peoria, but I also volunteer at the Community Harvest Food Pantry in Morton. Community Harvest and Trinity Church have asked me to speak for about 5 minutes this Sunday about Community Harvest and my testimony.
Since most of you will not be there to hear it, I thought I would share with you what I am going to tell them...
I attend Rock Church in East Peoria, but I also volunteer at the Community Harvest Food Pantry in Morton. Community Harvest and Trinity Church have asked me to speak for about 5 minutes this Sunday about Community Harvest and my testimony.
Since most of you will not be there to hear it, I thought I would share with you what I am going to tell them...
My name is Kindall. I am a single mom of four. I could talk
to you for hours about how amazing God is… but I only have 5 minutes… so here’s
what I want to tell you today!
My children and I used to live in Galesburg, but I began to
feel that God's place for us was the Peoria area. I knew that I was supposed to
move us here... but instead of waiting for God’s direction; I took the first
avenue I saw open. Seven months and one unhealthy relationship later, my four
children and I were homeless... living in an RV at a local campground. We were
stuck there for nearly six months. My son was 10, and my daughters were 6, 8
and 14.
Shortly after that I started coming to the Community Harvest
Food Pantry regularly. I had been once or twice before, but it never meant so
much to me as it did after we became homeless. Everyone was so welcoming and
friendly. I remember tearing up the first time someone loaded food into my van
and telling them that they had no idea what a blessing they were. I also prayed
several times with volunteers. When I didn’t, I still wrote my request down so
that someone would pray for me during the week.
Trying to find work was difficult. I have my degree in
Elementary education, but I had let my license lapse and couldn’t go back to
teaching unless I went back to school. Besides that, what school was going to
hire a homeless teacher? Instead I
decided that a good start would be to get a part time job doing some
housekeeping, and put an ad on Craigslist. In an effort to make my ad different
than all of the others, I titled it “Hire A Housewife” and listed off all of
the things I could do that your average cleaning lady would not. Cooking,
organizing, pet care, event planning… whatever was needed.
The first person to hire me truly took my ad literally. He
and his boys didn’t just need the house cleaned. They needed food cooked,
decorating taken care of, errands run… everything. I started working at their
house five days a week. Over time I built a relationship with this family…
Thanks to some help from some friends and some people who
believed in me, we were able to get into an apartment in September of last
year. Shortly after that, I started
volunteering at Community Harvest. As much as it touched me to be served
through the program, being on the other side of the registration table has
touched me more.
I try very hard to make sure that people who come in do not
feel like a number. I work on remembering their names. If I see a new haircut
or something else that has changed, I comment on it too… because I know what a
difference it makes to know that someone sees you as a person. I have watched miracles take place over and
over at Community Harvest. Food nobody expected, a vehicle that was badly
needed, most importantly people who come in in pain… physical, emotional,
spiritual… and leave with hope and healing.
I love everyone that comes through the doors at Community Harvest… but different circumstances that people have, will always affect volunteers differently.
My heart goes out to the ones who come in and, eyes looking at
the ground, tell me they’ve never been here and then start explaining what
happened… more than once I have had someone tear up at the registration table
and say the words, “I’m sorry… it’s just embarrassing to have to be here.”
That’s when I have the opportunity to say, “I understand, but you need to know
that this is what we are here for… and if you look at the people who are
working here… there are very few of us who haven’t stood in your shoes. Things
will get better. In the mean time, we are here for you.” I get to give that
peace and encouragement now because Community Harvest gave that to me.
Between my Saturdays at Community Harvest, I worked a couple of other part time jobs
here and there, but when I was working as a “housewife” I was doing something I
loved.
When I decided to take on a few more clients, I started a
Facebook page… and then a web page, and a blog. As interest picked up, I had a
logo designed, filed with the county as a business, and even took a couple of
classes through the Small Business Association.
In the last four months, my business “Hire A Housewife” has gone
from working with just two families to needing to hire three women part-time to
help me with the workload. .. and while it is work, we are building
relationships and bringing JOY into people’s homes every day… and who could ask
for a better job than that?
I am here today because I wanted to share with you what God has done for me over the last year
and a half and I wanted to tell you how Community Harvest was part of that. Community
Harvest is not just about giving hungry people food, just like Hire A Housewife
isn’t just about cleaning. In both cases we are building lasting relationships
with people who Jesus loves... Whether they already know Him or God is putting
us in their paths so that we can show them who He really is… the reach is so
much bigger than we can even imagine… and it is all for His glory.
Waiting on God...
Earlier this year I went to a women's conference. Speaker Maureen Gray had a message about giving up control... and I thought, "I know who this message would be good for..."
Let me tell you... ANY TIME you think that about a sermon... you need to be listening more closely. Once I started listening, I heard the speaker talk as though she had been given that message for me.
She talked about how people in the Bible received promises from God and then, in an effort to "help" Him along... they took matters into their own hands. It never ended well...
Take Sarah and Abraham for example...
God promised Abraham that he would be a father. But he was old. He knew Sarah was old too. Sarah took matters into her own hands and gave him a servant to have a child with. Sarah eventually gave birth to Abraham's child as well. We all know how the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael have fought over which one is the rightful heir to Abraham ever since...
What about Judas?
Judas didn't hate Jesus. He didn't sell Jesus out because he wanted to get rid of Jesus... Judas KNEW that Jesus was the Messiah and he wanted everyone else to believe too! He thought Jesus would avoid the arrest to prove to everyone who He was... bring His kingdom to Earth. You can imagine why his life ended the way it did... believing that he had betrayed Jesus instead of proving who He is.
There are so many other examples in the Bible where people received the promises of God and tried to "help" that promise come to life. Have you ever done this? I know I have... and it never turned out right.
I used to live in Galesburg, but I didn't want to stay there forever. I knew that God's place for me was the Peoria area. I knew that I was supposed to pick up my family and move here... but instead of waiting for direction, I took the first avenue I saw open. Seven months after that, my four children and I were homeless... living in an RV at a local campground. We were stuck there for nearly six months. Why? Because I didn't do what I was supposed to do the way I was supposed to do it...
I saw this yesterday...
Ouch. Okay, maybe not "stupid"... but impatient...
The speaker at the conference said something that was a "light bulb moment" for me... She said, "You have to stop putting your faith in the PROMISE and put your faith in the PROMISE MAKER."
What a statement... it is something I've been trying to live by ever since. Knowing God's direction is a priority for me now. I constantly pray that if God doesn't want me to take a path, He closes the door... and that if He opens wide the doors to the paths that HE does want me to take.
I have been praying for a new place to live for quite awhile. Our current apartment is in disrepair and unsafe on so many levels. I knew God had a better place for us than this. I kept my eyes and ears open for all possibilities... and I would read about places that were available, but I never went beyond that. Then last week I felt a nudge to go look at a house. So I did.
It is perfect for us. As I walked through it and was surprised time and time again by something else I saw, God said, "See? I know what you need..." The price is amazing. The location is wonderful. There is so much room!
I have a feeling that the realtor is even annoyed that he took the time to show me the house since there is no way I would qualify for a loan on it at this point. He probably thinks I'm crazy. When he asked about price range and number of bedrooms I am looking for, I told him, "No, you don't understand. THIS is my house. I don't want to look at any others." I even told him that I have been praying about this house. I didn't really get a response to that other than a blank look.
On one hand I have told myself that I should be quiet about this. I should try to find ways to figure out how to buy the house without making a big deal about it... you know... just in case I'm wrong and it doesn't work out to be mine.
On the other hand, I really feel like I need to share it with people. I want others to have no doubt WHO is responsible when it works out.
In the mean time... do I hit every bank and call every relative in the mid-west to see if they can help? I already emailed a man who deals with investments in real estate and offered to pay a ridiculous APR on the house (knowing I'll be considered credit-worthy within a year) if anyone is willing to invest... but I knew after I sent it that it was not likely the way God was planning on taking care of this for us.
God is asking me to wait. God is telling me not to worry that someone else will swoop in and buy it out from under me. God is saying, "Did I promise this to you? Do I EVER break my promises?"
This is the thing I am waiting on right now.
What is that GOD is asking you to wait for? What promises has HE made you that you can't see right now? Feel free to ask for prayers about it in the comments below.
I'm letting you know that I am standing here in faith with you. Whatever it is. Don't try to help HIM. Don't put your faith in the promise. Put your faith in the PROMISE MAKER and stand back and watch...
SOMETHING AMAZING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
Stealing the Show...
Two of my girls and I went to Winter Jam this year to see performances by Toby Mac and Matthew West, among others. Toby talked about his new song "Steal My Show" and how his son was confused about what it meant and why any artist would want his show stolen...
The song itself is specifically about Toby Mac and going on stage and how people don't come to see him... they come to feel God's presence. He tells God...
The song itself is specifically about Toby Mac and going on stage and how people don't come to see him... they come to feel God's presence. He tells God...
"If you want to steal my show,
I'll sit back and watch you go.
If you've got something to say
Go on and take it away.
Need you to steal my show
Can't wait to watch you go-oh-oh-oh
So come on and take it away!*"
Toby Mac even says I need you to steal my show, Can't wait to watch you go... He knows that without God, he nothing...
As I met with some mentors from the Small Business Association last week, they asked me a lot of questions. I went in looking for advice on how make sure that I run this business in a legal and responsible manner... and they were very helpful. But one of the questions I was asked was about goals.
"How much money do you want to make? How much is too much? Is there such a thing?"
And my first thought was, "Money? Like, a specific number? What does that have to do with anything?" When I didn't have a good answer, the mentor told me it was something to think about, so that I could set goals.
I have been thinking about it, and it's funny. I figured out why I was baffled by that question.
Sure, I would like enough personal income to get a used van that isn't falling apart. I would like to live in a place where I feel safe and where everyone has a bedroom (even if they have to share)... maybe even buy a house again someday. I would like to pay bills without worrying that a check is going to bounce before the next deposit makes it in the account... But however the business works out... I know that God will provide for my family and me.
So, what are my goals for this business? I want to help individuals and families. I want this business to be known as one that brings JOY with us when we come. I want every part of this to be done as if it were for Him. I want His glory to shine through everything else...
I want Him to steal my show...
*Steal My Show, By Toby Mac can be found on his album "Eye On It" and is often played on 91.5 WCIC FM... Family Friendly Radio
*Steal My Show, By Toby Mac can be found on his album "Eye On It" and is often played on 91.5 WCIC FM... Family Friendly Radio