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
Succeeding at anything long-term will be a challenge for those addicted to affirmation. Affirmation is a wonderful thing when it happens. I love it. (What human being doesn't?) I try to remember to give it to others, knowing how much it means. I have a collection of affirming communications people have sent me over the course of my life. Such notes are of value and are appreciated. At the same time, I'm mindful of guarding against the trap of needing any of it to: 1) Do what is right. 2) Fulfill my purpose in the earth. 3) Lead in the way God has called me to. I learn by observing others, more than anything. I notice that affirmation addicts tend to spin their wheels a lot, never gaining serious traction. This is because they have to wait for more affirmations before they can keep going. Or, they go full steam ahead for a while -- perhaps even make major progress -- and then crash when enough affirmations aren't coming in. If affirmation is your fuel and