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

Mom Tip: Always Say Yes When You Can


I am often asked for Mom-advice, particularly the older my kids get. Of course, I've made a lot of mistakes, and readily admit that. I often share things I believe I've done right, too.

Today I'm going to share something that I believe is important...


Say yes whenever you possibly can.

Unless there is a compelling reason to say no, always say yes.

Then when you say no, it is clear -- it is understood as important and rare, but necessary.

I've noticed that some parents say no before their kids even get the request out of their mouth! It's like they are a broken record stuck on "no" about the smallest things from having a cookie to watching a movie.


Years ago, an older pastor gave Larry and I the advice, "Don't major in the minors."  We decided to apply that to both the church, and our home.

Let's break this down. I'm going to share with you how this works in our house. And some of you may say, "She's coo coo for cocoa puffs" and never read here again!


Savanna: Mom, can I eat leftover pizza for breakfast?

Me: Yep! 

Savanna: (In middle school) Mom, can I wear makeup?

Me: Sure. Let's go choose some, together.

Jordan: (In middle school) Mom, can I grow my hair long?

Me: Sure. 


Wasn't he a cutie?

Savanna: Mom, can I start my own blog?

Me: Yes!  Great idea. I'll help you if you want.



Savanna: Mom, can I wear my pajamas to Missionettes on Wednesday night? (Her pjs are fuzzy pants and a corresponding t-shirt and slippers.)

Me: Yes. (All the Missionette girls started doing this once she did. I'm sure all the parents just lovveeeed the pastors for allowing their daughter to do this first. Ha ha ha!)



Savanna: Mom, can I get my ears pierced the second time?

Me: Yes.

This was the first time, back in elementary school. Oh my gosh, look how scared my presshhious girl looks! 

Savanna: Mom, can I wear really high heels?

Me: Yes. Since we wear the same size you can try a pair from my closet first to make sure you actually want to wear them before we buy a pair for you.


Savanna: Mom can I go to *Janelle's to spend the night?

Me: No.

Savanna: Okay.

 ***

I don't know Janelle's family. I can get to know them, yes. But I don't know them, yet.

I do know that one in four girls will be sexually abused by the time they are 18.

I don't know Janelle's Mom, nor her step-father, nor her two older brothers. And for this reason, it is way too big of a risk for me to say yes to Savanna going over there to stay the night.At least right now.

Me: Janelle is welcome to spend the night here though.

Savanna: Okay, I'll mention that, but her Mom doesn't know any of us either, so she may say no.

Me: I understand. I don't blame her.
 
And that, my friends, is how yes and no work in my house.

Just some food for thought...




*Name changed

Comments

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

Relevant Church doing something...

incredibly RELEVANT!

I just heard some news today that really inspired me. A church here in Tampa, Relevant Church is doing a new thing this month called the "30 Days Sex Challenge." (I've never visited the church but Pastor Trinity - our children's pastor - has visited or has met some people from this church and he was very impressed.) Realizing that this is a major element missing from some marriages (the frequency factor) their lead pastor, Paul Wirth, has issued a challenge for all the married couples to have sex for 30 days in a row. At the same time he has issued a challenge for all unmarrieds to completely abstain from sex. Of course we know the Bible says that those who are unmarried should not have sex in the first place but the point is, a lot of unmarried's aren't obeying the Lord's command to abstain and this is just one pastor's way of trying to get them to see that indeed, there is a better way! (God's way!) At the same time, many married couples are not