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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
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What does it take?

So Larry and I have been married almost 24 years now and quite often we're asked how we've managed to keep it together.  Anyone who has ever spent any significant time with us knows how opposite we are in so many things, so this particularly stirs interest in those who know our differences.

I thought I'd list just a few things that help us, for those who might be wondering.

We both have a close personal relationship with the Lord.  Before we're each other's we're His.

We don't expect from the other person what only the Lord can provide.

We find our commonalities and maximize them.  There aren't many, quite honestly.  Aside from a relationship with  Jesus and the fact that we've got three kids and two dogs, we have to try hard to find other things we enjoy as personal interests, and when we do we focus on them.  Sometimes it's as simple as a house project such as painting a room or cooking a meal (yes, he's a great cook), or spending time with the dogs, but whatever it is we prioritize doing it together.

We still date.  Love trying new places to eat together, going to the movies, going on overnight trips together, etc.

We still anticipate -- and plan special things for each other.  For instance, I have an entire drawer full of lingerie.  This is not so odd - I mean, I've been married for 24 years.  One might think to save time and money I'd just pull out something I already have out of the drawer for this cruise we're on.  But no, I went shopping and got some new things for this trip.  Because he's worth it.  We're worth it.

We get silly.  It is not uncommon for me to laugh until I cry, or fall off my chair or the bed laughing.  His humor was the first thing that attracted me to Larry and it still gets me.  Quite frankly after we got married it was also the first thing that began to drive me crazy but I try to focus on the blessing of his humor and not the more irritating side (when he does it and I'm not in the mood for it).  He has no problem cracking a joke at a funeral or when I'm crying about something.  I've tried to explain emotional intelligence to him but he has no interest.

We forgive.



*This is a post that is pre-scheduled to publish while I'm unplugged this week.  If you write in the comment thread and are wondering why I'm not responding it's because I'm off line for a few days.  Thanks! :)
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Anonymous said…
This sounds similar to mine and my husband's story. God must come first and forgiveness plays a big role. Thanks for sharing. We have been married for 22 years. Thanks again and blessings for many more years.
9:23 AM
Rhonda said…
You guys are VERY special - happy anniversary my friend and enjoy your cruise!
8:13 AM
Dr. Deanna DossShrodes said…
Melissa, forgiveness does play such a big role, doesn't it?

Rhonda, it's not our anniversary, it was a pastor appreciation trip (anniversary is June 27) but thank you! :)
5:24 PM
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