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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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Why I'm Confessing My Sins (Specifically) to Friends

Despite what you might have heard, holiness is not outdated or irrelevant. God puts nothing in His Word as a command that we can’t accomplish with His help.   God says, “You must be Holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:16)   If He tells us to do it, that means through His grace and strength, we can. His grace is actually for our empowerment -- not an excuse to do whatever we want.  My response in light of His Word is to realize, it’s not about my desires, feelings, moods, urges or cravings. Being led by any of these things is a recipe for disaster.   Holiness doesn’t happen in my strength, only through His. God knows I have tried so many times on my own and have failed! But, I have learned it’s not about trying harder – it’s about total surrender. Absolute 100% no-holds-barred obedience to God. Rare is the person who has totally surrendered everything to Him, withholding NOTHING.   There are decisions I make daily that move me closer ...
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How Do You Find Time to Write?

According to a recent survey , 81 percent of Americans feel they have a book in them -- and that they should write it.  Another survey puts the statistic of those who want to write a book at 90% .  Statistics show that very few of them actually succeed.   Approximately 80,000 books are published in America each year.   Clearly, 81 percent of Americans are not writing a book even if they believe they have it in them.   Intention and action are two different things. Photo I took at Ernest Hemingway's house in Key West, in his writing room. The majority of people who say they are going to write a book never will --but for someone who truly has a passion and more importantly – a calling to write, it doesn’t feel like work.  If you really want to write a book – absolutely nothing will stop you. A lot people ask me when I find the time to write. People see the busy schedule I keep and know that in addition to writing, I have a family, ...
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Job Description for a Pastor's Wife

One of the hardest things for a pastor's wife is knowing her assignment. There is no job description for a pastor's wife outlined in scripture. Confusion often comes when people in the church think they know the God-ordained role of the pastor's wife. This is based upon the church member's background, stereotypes and personal expectations and of course these widely vary from person to person.  To add to the challenge, many will outright tell their pastor's wife what they expect. Or, they will refrain from telling the pastor's wife personally and instead spread the word to others about what she should be doing. (And are more than likely not doing, and therefore, displeasing them.) Here is truth that we know... The pastor's wife is the wife of the pastor. That's the definitive truth on this subject. So how does it get so mangled and misconstrued? Through people's preferences, and false expectations.  Beyond the pastor's wife...
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10 Songs That Will Get You Through!!

A go-to list of songs to help get me through whatever I’m going through is a must have. Some are new songs, and some are old stand-by’s.  Listening as I travel in the car... As I pace the floor in my home, the office or church sanctuary and pray... Face down on the floor and crying out to God... The following are ten of my favorites.  I encourage you to try Spotify. You can get it for free if you don't mind a commercial here and there. I subscribe as it's something that's a priority for me to have without interruptions. If you need to press through on something, make a playlist of these songs. Play them incessantly.    Believe what you are hearing. It works. ***** I Am by Eddie James I Have to Believe by Rita Springer As It Is in Heaven by David and Nicole Binion Heaven on Earth by David and Nicole Binion God I Look to You by Jenn Johnson/Bethel Shoulders by For King and Country I Am...
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10 Things To Say to Encourage a Friend

With my friend Joanne Greer ~ 1985 You are not alone My heart is with you. I understand. This makes me sad on your behalf. Would you like to talk about it? What can I do to help? Call me anytime, day or night. (Make sure you answer!) I’m praying. How can I specifically pray for you? Just want you to know you are totally awesome because ______________.   Joanne and Me ~ 2014
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How Much Do You Really Think About Your Spouse?

Larry and Me ~ Vacation in Boston, two years ago   Memorial Day is a day when our family typically stays at home. It's a day to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom in America.  I do remember and honor. Just saying, on this day of remembering our heroes, Larry and I choose to stay home rather than fight the crowds, trying to find a spot for a towel or chair on an overly-crowded beach.  Most people would not guess it but other than the context of work, I'm an introverted, stay-at-home type person at heart. I don't even like to go away for vacation, but make it a priority to do so because it's important to my husband. Larry asked me last week what I wanted to do for Memorial Day. It was no shock to him when I said, "Stay home." "What do you want to do at home?" was his response. I'm surprised he asked because I give the same response every time for 28 years: "Relax."  "What does relaxing look like...
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