Welcome to Estherpreneur, a podcast for entrepreneurs and leaders doing business and life God's way. Each week we discuss biblical and practical tips to improve your mind, business, spirit, relationships, and finances. Listen along as I speak with special guests on how to thrive in all aspects of life. Hi, I'm Edna. Like many of you, I wear many hats. I'm a military wife, mother, author, certified John Maxwell business and executive coach, trainer and founder of Favor and Wealth, where we
help the good guys win. So tune in as we bring on the light. Well, good morning, everyone. Good afternoon. Good evening. Thank you for tuning in for another episode of the Estrepreneur Podcast. My name is Edna Harding and if it sounds like I'm whispering, it's because I'm recording this early in the morning before the family gets up. Kids are home for Christmas break and so I definitely wanted to get this out to you guys in the midst of this busy
season. I am glad you guys are here and tuning in and as we wrap up 2024, could you guys believe it? I can't believe it's the end of the year. As we wrap up 20 Twenty-four, I wanted to take this episode to reflect on the most meaningful lessons God has taught me this year. And so I'm excited to share these with you because I know that God is going to speak to you even during this last week or last few days of 20 Twenty-four. And so let me just begin.
By saying that these are not just lessons for me, but ones I hope will encourage and inspire you in your own journey. Today's episode is anchored in Proverbs 3/5 and six, which is a very common verse, and that is trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways. Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. So let's go ahead and dive into these lessons. Starting with something really close to my heart, and that is my
children. This year I had a moment that made me stop in awe of God. OK?My daughter Alayah said something that filled me with so much joy. I remember I was looking for Anaya's backpack and I was telling Alayah to help me and she was like looking everywhere and just like she went upstairs and she came back down. And then she grabbed it. She showed me the backpack and she said to me, she's like, the Holy Spirit told me Anaya's backpack was upstairs in Daddy's man cave.
And then I was shocked and I was trying not to, like, freak out, like in a good way. But I was just like, OK And she said, you know, Mommy, she said the Holy Spirit always speaks to me. She's like, he always speaks to me in her right ear. But why does he always whisper?I was dumbfounded. I was like, what?He speaks to you. And then he's like, yes, God always speaks to me, but he always whispers. I have to really be quiet to hear him. Oh my gosh. Like that brought so much
joy. I mean, I I wish I could like speak louder so so you could feel the excitement in my voice. But I can't even imagine, you know, I can't even begin right to explain how much that touched me. And like to see my children continue to grow and their walk with the Lord and really seek great and mighty things like kill the sick, cast out demons doing those things like. That really touched my heart, because that's exactly what I've been praying for
all this time. I've been asking God to give my children discernment, to hear his voice clearly, even at a young age. So, you know, what this moment taught me was that our children are always watching and listening. They see how we live out our faith, how we respond to challenges, and how we trust in God. And they even notice the big things as well, the small things, right? And those observations shape their own
walk with him. And so, you know, in Proverbs 22, six, it says train up a child in the way we should go, he should go. And when he is hold, he would not depart from it. Parents, I want to encourage you guys today, be intentional and living out your faith. Speak about God's goodness. Pray in front of your children. This is something that
I do not because. I'm trying to be religious, but sometimes I pray for strength, especially dealing with them cause they're in that stage where they like to push mommy's buttons and then also let them see what trusting him looks like. You know, when there are challenges, cause trust us, we've gone through challenges this year, especially just just a lot of things that are going out of your control. I praise God in front of them.
I sing to him. You know, when I'm frustrated, when I'm mad, I cry to the Lord in in in praise and worship. And they see that. They notice that. I mean, sometimes I would see them looking at me like, you know, or I would pray in the spirit and they're like, why?Like they're laughing at me when I'm praying in the spirit. But you know, it is what it is. I do what I need to do in order for me to not lose my sanity, right? So I wanted to end with this. You may think they're not paying attention, but
trust me, they are. All right, let's go to the next lesson. The next lesson is be fruitful even in the mundane. You know, I'll be honest. There were seasons where I felt like nothing was happening. I was putting in the work, staying faithful, but it felt like I was in a barren season. Now, as I look back, I realize God was using all those things to prepare me for this extremely busy. And fruitful
season I'm experiencing now. Every small task, every late night, every moment of obedience was planting seeds that are now flourishing. You know, in Galatians 69 it says that is not go weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a reward if we do not give up. And you know, that's easier said than done, but I want to. Speak to those who are in a season who feels like your efforts are unnoticed or unimportant. I'm here to encourage you on the other side to keep
going. God sees your faithfulness, and he's using even the mundane to fulfill his promises. The scripture says don't despise small beginnings because he's working behind the scenes, right?So I'm telling you, speaking from the other side, if I didn't do those mundane things, if I didn't obey. Every single time he told me to create some sort of worksheet, to create some sort of template, to create some sort of action
plan. Basically everything that I'm doing to serve my clients now that I did, that I'm doing, that I did to serve my clients now, even though at that time I didn't have the clients, it's all making sense. And I'm so glad I listened because it's making my ability to really serve my clients well this season. So much easier because I've done the work and now it's just like kind of falling into place, if that makes sense. All right. OK, let's move on. I'm getting the sniffles here, so don't mind
me. The third lesson I wanted to share about is finding joy in serving others. This year, I've seen so many of my clients hit their goals. Experience breakthroughs and make real progress. And if you're one of my clients, you know this, right?This has been like a year where a lot of my clients are starting to see traction and seeing results based on the on the strategies
that God gave me. Especially those who are, who didn't quit, who are, who kept going, and who believe God no matter what it looked like in the natural. You know, watching her joy and excitement has brought me more happiness than even my own accomplishments. And the reason I'm sharing this is this season, God has been reminding me that my reward comes from him, not from people. You know, there were times when I felt like I'm not charging what I should be
charging. Trust me, I know, because I know what my peers are charging and I know what I'm charging and I know I can deliver same or even actually thank Holy Spirit. I'm not even going to be humble about this, like better results because I've hired those people just to learn what the world is teaching. And I'm like, this is horrible. Like I could do better than this. And it's really like. It's hard sometimes
cause I'm like, this is so sad. Like I'm working with people who can't really afford me, but I want to bless them. But I know this is where God called me and I'm like, but I could be working with people who can afford me, but that's not who God called me to. Does that make sense?And so it was a very tough season because I know, you know, financially where I could be versus where I am, where I am and where I was these past years. But the Lord really showed to me that my reward is him, not through
the people that I serve. And that was a mind shifter for me. I hope you hear me by way of the Spirit, you know, cause I I know that I know what my market value is. Obviously I'm a marketing and sales strategist. I know what it is. I've done my research, right?But the Lord has been clear with me that being a blessing to his body is more important than money, OK?And I know this is not what you guys want to hear, and this is not what I wanted to hear, but it is more blessed to give than to receive,
right?And that's scripture, Acts 20, verse thirty-five. I realized that when I take care of God's business, he always takes care of mine. And I saw that in between the me serving people with my gifting. He would trickle in other blessings that I didn't expect, rewards and even clients who did pay me what I was worth. But it wasn't. It wasn't like based on my business, if that makes sense. It was based on God's grace, right?
Where like, for example, a client just said yes to me without even knowing my price, like doesn't even know what I charge. And it's already like planning out, like how often he wants to meet with me and all those things. And I'm like, whoa, you know, that's amazing. And this just happened this week, right?And it just reminded me that God's faithful. He sees what you've done for his people, and he will reward you for your
obedience. OK, So if you're in a place where you feel tension between charging what you're worth and serving others, I encourage you to listen to God's leading. Trust him to be your provider because your obedience and generosity are not in vain and he will honor them. All right. And last but not least, the last lesson I want to share is this is you are more capable than you think. This year I felt really stretched. There were so many tasks to complete and
at times it felt overwhelming, right?I had a lot of assignments, a lot of projects, a lot of clients to serve and. And then at the same time, I was serving in the church, right? In the ministry in Colorado, I was in a peer team. I had my women's group. I had, you know, the young adults. I had a few other things. And then on top of that, I'm a busy mom with children and I have a military wife. And then I had responsibilities also as a board member
for JCC OSI have a podcast. I had a lot of things, OK. To add to that challenge, mind you, we moved from Colorado to Alabama late this summer at the very last minute. It was something that they gave us a month and a half to do. The military did, you knowAnd the thing about it is, what's incredible about this is by His grace, I was able to complete everything, like literally everything, right? Launching my group coaching program, getting my first group cohort,
like finishing my workbook. You know, creating all my content, all that stuff. That took a lot of time and I finished it. And that was a God thing. I can honestly, that was a God thing. There was no way. I'm such a busy person. You know, I have no idea. Like, I'm so busy just getting the house settled with young children and cooking and cleaning and doing all that stuff, you know, cause I'm not
hiring any mains. It's all me, I. Really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, as Philippians 413 says. So if you guys are in a season where you feel stretched, let me encourage you to lean into God's strength. He will equip you to handle more than you think, and His grace will sustain you and His power will carry you through. You're not alone. You're more than capable than you realize. All right, now I just want to end with this. As I reflect on these lessons, I see how
they're all connected. Number one, live authentically for my children, staying faithful in the mundane, serving others with joy and trust in his provisions, recognizing God's strength within me to do more than I imagine. Those are the four lessons I just talked about. Guess what?Each of these lessons reminds me that God's plans are so much bigger and better than we can imagine. I want to leave you with one final verse that ties us all together. Matthew 2521 says,
Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord. All right, now a short turn. Take some time to reflect on your own lessons from 2024. What has God been teaching you? I'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments or on social media or message me on my website estrapreneur.com. Now, if you're looking for more Bible-based encouragement and guidance, check out our Group Growth
Mentoring program. It's a community designed to help you align your business and personal life with God's purposes and his wisdom while growing in confidence and clarity. It's called Business Unlimited. Check out my website. Go to services, group growth and mentoring. You'll be able to see that and all of the perks and the benefits of being in there is also there. OK. All right. Well, thank you guys for tuning in today. And I just want to close us out in
prayer. Father God, thank you for the lessons you've taught us this year. Thank you for speaking to us, even in whispers and for working through every season of our lives. Help us to carry these shoots into the new year with faithfulness, joy, and trust in you. Bless every listener, guide them in their journey, and remind them that you are always with them. In Jesus mighty name. Amen. All right, guys, until next time, stay encouraged, stay faithful, and keep trusting him. I'll see
you guys on the next episode. Blessings, my friends, and have a wonderful new year. Take care. Thanks for joining us this week on Estapreneur. Make sure to visit our website favorandwealth.com For more information on our services. While you're at it, if you found value in this show, we'd appreciate a rating on iTunes. Or if you simply tell a friend about the show,
that would help me out too. Also check out my book, The Ugly Side of Sales, available on Amazon, where I share seven of my secrets on how to win and grow business the right way. Until next time, keep shining.