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
People who use the term, "my pastor" and don't let anybody truly "pastor" them. I love what Pastor Ed Russo says: "Please don't call me pastor if you aren't going to let me pastor you."
People who think that marriage with a new person is going to be any easier than marriage with their ex.
Women who think that sharing a man with another woman is better than having no man at all.
Women who think he won't cheat on them after he cheated with them.
Women who are shocked that their husband had an affair when they haven't had sex with them in a long time, or very often.
People who find no correlation between their giving or lack thereof and stuff that happens -- good or bad -- in their lives.
People who are surprised that having kids changes their lives.
Kids of ANY age who live with their parents and don't go to church. I love what Pastor Jim Raley said on TV last night... "If they are drinking milk out of your jug or eating chicken out of your bucket, they need to be in church!" I don't care if my "kid" is 30 years old, if they are in my house, they are going to church!! (We have actually had adults who aren't even related to us live in our home before - people that we have helped out when they have gone through a difficult time in their lives. One of the conditions of them living with us is that they went to church each week without exception. What's up with these folks who don't have control of their household? You're the leaders of the house, you're paying the mortgage, you set the standard. It really IS that simple. Don't tell me it's not -- we've lived this standard in our home for 23 years, not because we're pastors but because we are Christians and it's as simple as saying, "get to church, or your things are on the front lawn." Period.)
People who are surprised when their kids walk away from God after they have heard them criticize the pastor and the church. (Why would your kid want anything to do with the people of God or the things of God after you've decided to trash them?)
People who think their kids don't tell anyone what they tell them! I can't count the number of times I've heard things from church people's KIDS that they never thought they'd let out of the bag! A lot of adults can't even be trusted to keep their mouth shut, and you think your KIDS are going to?!
Girls or women who get upset and start crying about something in church, leave and go to the restroom and others who follow them and stay in there and talk and "minister" to them. Nine times out of ten they are missing a message in the sanctuary that speaks right to their issues or they are missing a life changing altar service. They simply cannot see that what they just allowed to happen was a distraction of the enemy that kept them from their breakthrough!!!
People who still bring their kid to an event that was clearly advertised, "adults only, no child care available" and then on top of that expect the organizers of the event to allow them to get their kid a plate of food. Usually this happens in churches at things like women's events.
As you can see, there are quite a few things that puzzle me about people, and this list is just getting started. As Kathryn often says, some people are a fascinating study in human behavior...
Comments
1)Prayer chains (aka gossip lines) I know that there are probably some legit. ones out there...somewhere. I just haven't found them.
2)Gossipy friends... Do you think they aren't talking about you?
1. A fresh roll of paper towels or toilet paper sitting on or next too empty roll. Why not just throw away old one and replace?
2. Opening a canned item, and then putting the leftover contents and the can in the fridge. We have tupperware.
3. Trash that makes it outside to the garage but never to the bin just five feet away.
I hear ya on this one!! Then when kids are running amok, people look at me, like, "Why aren't you entertaining them?" Uh...because I am here for a GROWN-UP event today!!!
Lisa - you must have a husband ;o).
Me, I prefer honesty. After all, isn't that what God really expects from us.
Although, I will say that even with issues, I thank God so much for my life and what the Lord has blessed me with. At the end of the day my problems pale in comparison with what many in the world have to go endure in hardship. What we choose to focus on is so important. (Glass half full vs. half empty...)