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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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Should we really thank God in EVERYTHING?

 
 “The gift list is thinking upon His goodness–and this, this please him most.”
~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

 I hopped off of my bike to take this photo through the trees last night. The sun was setting and moon was coming out, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. I breathed in the night air, snapped the photo, and thanked God aloud.
Silly?
Maybe to some.
It's just what I do.

I had the privilege of biking twice in the morning, and again at sunset yesterday. 
That always makes for a perfect day for me.

 One of my greatest gifts that I enjoy daily is riding the cruiser bike that Larry got me a few years ago for my birthday. It's pink and perfect and gives me a lot of joy. He gave it to me during a season where I was really having a hard time.  Well, more than a hard time, a deep depression. Many pastors' wives and women in ministry will understand where I'm coming from with that. Thankfully, a breakthrough came.  This bike has been with me through several seasons since then, and through it all...eucharisteo.  

 Eucharisteo in everything.

I savor the blessing in every little thing in life. 
I take joy in the smell of wood burning in the wintertime.
In the scent of all of the dinners being cooked on the grills
in my neighborhood all year round...
In the colors and smell of all the foliage...
In visitors I meet along the way...not just ones like Dave Strom,
  but ones like this friend I met last night.

 
 Most of all as I ride I am reminded of God's care for me, at every turn in the road, and with everything and everyone that I pass.


Seeing these ducks getting ready to paddle their way across the pond at our house last night I thought about how much God cares.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

I am valuable.
So are you. 
God will take care of us.

Even through dangers, toils and snares...eucharisteo .
At all times. In everything.
 Thank You for everything in my life, in my world. 
You make all things beautiful in their time.


"The brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world.”
  ~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts
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Grace said…
Her book is excellent. Little nuggets of wisdom throughout. I, too, have much to thank Him for. I would not be experiencing all these "gifts" had I not gone through the fire....following in the steps of the Lord.
9:06 AM
Dr. Deanna DossShrodes said…
Isn't it so good? I just love it! Such a blessing!
8:51 PM
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