Skip to main content

What To Do First to Make a Profit

The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat  ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're  not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director.  Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year.  God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started inve

Christmas Tree Potpourri

Our living room Christmas tree (which is the main one) is a compilation of memories over the years – everything means something and is either from someone special in our family, friends or members of the church family over the years, or the children have made it. Everything ornament has a story behind it and when I look at each one, I think of a special person.

I take the oversight of wrapping them carefully at the end of the season, preserving the memories for the coming years.  Every year there is a repair or restoration of at least one or two that has to be done.  Last year I blogged about a saga that brought about the breaking of  Jordan's "baby's first Christmas" ornament.  I fixed it last year but it was weak this year and had to be restored yet again.  So, I just finished it this week.  And, it's ready to hang back on the tree.  What follows are some favorites that are on the "family memory tree." 



After restoring Jordan's ornament again...


Dustin's first Christmas...


Homemade ornament of the boys when Jordan was three and Dustin was four.


Savanna ~ five years old, with Santa.


Dustin at three years old, Jordan at two.  I made this ornament myself.  The one at left is from my sister Shari.  She lived in Anchorage, AK for several years and I visited her there.


The boys made these ornaments when they were little.  They are some of my most precious ones, and I work hard to keep them preserved.  Keep in mind most of these are 18-20 years old.


Dustin made this when he was little.  It's also a favorite.


At left is a scroll about equality of men and women that my friend Pastor Andrea gave me.  At right is a monkey that my friend Sue Flint gave me.  She knows I love monkeys, as evidenced by our trip to Africa together when I would stop for monkeys, go crazy when seeing monkeys, etc.  I just love 'em!

This year we will add some more homemade ornaments, adding things that serve as family memories, and receiving more ornaments from friends/family that we treasure. 

Comments

Debbie said…
What memories....this is makes putting up the tree so much fun!!!

Popular posts from this blog

Some people will never understand this...

And that's okay. Just let us be as we lavish love upon the fur-kids of the world. It doesn't mean we don't care about people. We do care. In fact most of the people I know who are great pet lovers are also the greatest philanthropists. If you're not a dog lover, you might not understand the overwhelming intensity that many of us felt about Tank's reunion this past week. You might think we've lost our marbles. That's okay, we think you've lost your heart. ;)  Before I go on with this post, let me say that we were delighted that CBS 10 posted the video and article about Tank and his Celebration Church reunion yesterday. Click here to watch it. (But then come back!) If you haven't realized it, there is a revolution in America about dogs. Dogs have always been loved and known as the most loyal companions ~ "man's best friend". But things have gone way beyond this. Dogs aren't just dogs or friends anymore. They are family me

Fifty Shades of No Way

This weekend, the Fifty Shades of Grey movie will be released and millions of women are expected to flock to the theat er s.  I will not be one of those women.   As a leader of women , some have asked me about this movie. The following is my thoughtful response. Fifty Shades of Grey has topped best-seller lists around the world. The book series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, and been translated into 52 languages. It set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time.   Is Fifty Shades of Grey just a harmless book or movie? Although n o one seems to be debating this fact, let’s first establish that it’s pornography.  And not just porn, but a genre that is even more dangerous for women. The book glorifies a female character that is controlled and abused by her partner.   Who is excited about this book and mov ie? Hmmmm….you might be surprised. Many women and girls in our churches have read it. Sadly, I am even aware of

What To Do First to Make a Profit

The PF Women Team at our Annual Team Retreat  ~ 2018 Today on Seth Godin's blog, he said: It's tempting to decide to make a profit first, then invest in training, people, facilities, promotion, customer service and most of all, doing important work. In general, though, it goes the other way. Yes, it does. If you are waiting to make a profit before you do these things, in my experience you're  not going to make a profit. So many organizations, ministries and churches are struggling with financial issues. I know your pain. As anyone who follows our story knows, our ministry was in a ton of debt four years ago when I came on as director.  Since that time, we've gotten out of debt and turned a profit every year.  God has done amazing things through out team, for which we give Him the glory! I find that what Seth is saying here is absolutely true, with one disclaimer. For Christian leaders, spiritual disciplines must always be first. Before we started inve