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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 i...
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It's A Great Day to Be Brave!

Every year I select a "word of the year" that is my personal theme. This year my word is... [drumroll please] BRAVE. My word is brave. And today I'm starting the new year on this first day of 2013 with one of the bravest (maybe the bravest) thing I've ever done. Today is the launch of my adoption blog. This means a lot to me. It's 46 years in the making and if you would have told me a year ago that I'd be doing this I would have thought you were crazy.  I first mentioned adoption in this post , on July 11 of 2012 and I basically said it was the first and most likely last time I would write about it.  I had no idea what God had in store for me! A lot can change in a year. I changed so much in 2012 and the new blog is a reflection of that. My desire was to launch it on the first day of the new year, symbolizing a new beginning and new levels, for me...and for others I desire to help. I want to thank two people who have been so instrument...
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When God is Silent

Did you ever wonder if God was fully aware of your circumstance or was really busy doing anything about it? In addition to being a pastor full time and a writer/speaker, I am also a certified career coach and give about ten hours a week in fulfilling this important role. This week I was working with a job seeker on a resume. When I help a client construct a resume from the ground up it's pretty intense. I ask a lot of questions and type as we go. Although they are on the phone with me the entire time (while I work at my computer with a headset), I am sometimes quiet during the process. Throughout our time together I tell them, "If I'm quiet at points during this process, I just want to let you know, I'm still here. The reason I'm quiet is that writing is intense work and when I'm thinking of just the right word, you may not hear anything for about 30 seconds, maybe even a little longer..." Most clients fully understand and they are absolutely amaz...
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I'm still here.

Hi. It's me. Deanna. I feel as if I need to re-introduce myself. :) Sorry I didn't show up yesterday.   Amidst making sure all the bases are covered at church and NextJob,  I'm taking a few days off here and there for family time during Christmas/New Years, and to accomplish some projects. Lost Daughters just got a book deal! That's right, Lost Daughters, "the book" is coming! An anthology of our work is being published, in book form, for the whole world to read.  Yeahhhhhhhhhh...super excited about that, and the LD sisterhood is in full swing preparing for this monumental endeavor. To say I'm excited to be a contributing writer on this project doesn't even begin to describe my feelings. I'm on deadline for a few articles that are due the first week of the year. Not complaining! Writing is what puts the wind in my sails. And, gives me a little money for hairspray. Most pressing on my mind right now is finalizing my personal adoption b...
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Are You Exhausted With Christmas As It Is?
Tell Me How You'd Do It Different or Better

Lest anyone think I needed the spirit of "Bah Humbug!" cast out of me, I've waited to say this. Now that it's December 26, here goes. Was anybody else but me totally exhausted this season? Do you wonder why you continue year after year on the treadmill of holiday seasonal stress disorder? A few years ago I read this article, Let's Fast Christmas , by an acquaintance in the ministry, Dr. Carolyn Tennant . I've met and talked with Dr. T several times and highly respect her. When I read this article back in 2008, it resonated with me. In fact, my heart leaped within me to do just as she suggested. I felt as if she had given me a personal altar call. But I feel powerless to respond. At a loss to do anything different than what I've always done. And four years later I'm still there. I'm just being real here. Please hear me out before thinking Scrooge might need to be my new nickname. What would it be like to "fast" Christmas as w...
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Merry Christmas

My prayer is that all of my friends today know the joy that faith, family and fun brings. I love you.  
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Twas The Night Before Christmas...

  Lately we've been watching old home movies at our house and turning them from VHS to DVD. The kids have been watching them and just loving it! So much that Jordan has requested that we record Christmas day, at our house this year. Seriously! It looks like we're actually going to do that.   We love traditions at our home especially during the holidays.  Tonight we have Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion at the church.  It's one of our most special times of the year.  Afterwards we go out for Chinese food.  (Usually a Chinese buffet.) We've done that for 25 years now, since the very first year Larry and I were married. We started it because after all the preparation I do in cooking and cleaning for Christmas, we've already got a full refrigerator, and the last thing I want to do is MORE cooking.  Today I'm putting the finishing touches on all the home festivities for tomorrow. When we wake up we enjoy what the kids call  "sweet ro...
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Weekend Potpourri, Part Deux

Yesterday was an overwhelming day. I didn't blog. Yeah, I know...that makes two days in a week. People might actually think the apocalypse is coming since I haven't blogged two days this week. It's a sign of the times, friends. Get your cans or pork and beans ready, and prepare to flee to the mountains.  Seriously, I'm blogging today at Lost Daughters, writing at my spiritual column on the site, so check me out there today . I'm talking about why adoptees don't let go of the past. The answer may be a little different than you expect. For those who are adoptees or are those who care about them, it's important information to know. One more day til' Christmas Eve!!  Help us, all Lord! Something tells me the world shouldn't be this stressed out on Your birthday. Oh for an opportunity to just get quiet and focus on You!
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