Budget Tactics

Nobody likes to live within a budget because it takes self-control. If it were easy then no one would have credit card debt. Budget is more important now than ever, especially in ministry. I have to be wise to plan for the future and spend less now.

Here are some ways I am budgeting:

• Instead of buying all the food for my volunteers, I am supplying the meat and having them bring side dishes for a meeting. This is helping me stretch money further.
• Reuse paperclips and anything else- I know this sounds corny, but somebody has to buy them 
• Check Craigslist free section and materials section often for items I may need for set design- important to plan ahead if you are planning week to week you won’t know what you need
• Make money by selling items you don’t need any more-old curriculum on Kidology
• Buy used equipment on ebay- I bought all our Zebra printers on ebay refurb for under $200 they have been great. I went with companies that had warranties (Side note anyone looking for Dymo turbo 400’s?)
• Look for the best price.I don’t drive all over town either, I call and find out who has the best price. I have had places match an internet price before too.
• I group my shopping together in as few trips as possible, usually once a month. This keeps me organized and planning ahead. 
• Let people know what you are looking for many times they will help you find it for a great price.
• Use what you have-just because a curriculum says you need  it doesn’t mean you have to have it. Many times I redo a craft for the supplies we already have to save money and for less mess. Say NO to PAINT and feathers!
• Partner with other CM’s for ideas and relationship. I had lunch with a director on Monday and she helped me plan a whole big event on the CHEAP! It helps to run ideas by other CM’s!

The most important budget tactic is to pray for God’s wisdom to guide and direct me everyday. I cannot change the world’s economy, but God can put resources in my hands to reach children who do not know Jesus.

Catalyst-my notes

I didn’t disappear, I am recovering from Catalyst. The Catalyst Conference was exciting, touching and provoking. Here is my take away from the speakers.

Andy Stanley

Jim Collins

           Get diagnostic tool get it from JimCollins.com
           How many key seats are filled w/ right people
           Have young people around you
           Choose mentors
           Build a counsel ask questions
          Turn off gadgets- white space days for thinking
To be a level 5 leader need humility.

Steven Furtick

Brenda Salter McNeil

Seth Godin

Craig Groeschel

Tim Sanders

Dave Ramsey
5 enemies of church

When unity is valued the team will act to keep these Enemies from the gate

Frankin Graham

Andy Crouch

Matt Chandler

Andy Stanley

Even When It’s Hard

I have recently had a few challenges to deal with. My husband can tell you that I don’t like to deal with conflict. I have found over the years that ignoring things won’t make them go away, but usually makes them worse.

I have read several books on leadership, but recently I read an article on dealing with criticism and feedback that has helped me in several situations recently. Being a people pleaser, I don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. I am also learning that truth doesn’t always feel good. The way the truth is presented is important and learning how to do that better is important to me.

Since we all deal with conflict, give feedback, and receive feedback, I thought I would share with you some steps from the article.

Three steps For Giving Feedback
Begin with a clear objective in your mind for what you want the discussion to accomplish.

1. What’s working?  Always start with the good stuff.
2. What’s not working? There are almost always ways to improve or even totally transform a situation. Approach this step with an upbeat attitude.
3. What’s missing? What behavior, skill, or action are you recommending. This step should be approached as “We can do this together”.

Three Steps for Taking Feedback

1. Listen Up! Don’t argue or take the “But that’s not true” stance.
2. Resist the temptation to prove them wrong. You can always get someone to call the feedback “bunk” And then you can decide not to make any changes at all.
3. Be open to make significant changes. You can change anything, anytime you want to.

This article is found in the September 2008 issue of Real Simple by Gail Blanke. These steps have even helped me with my children.

In a Pit With Lion On a Snowy Day

On Monday during our staff meeting, Bryan handed each staff member a book,” Chase the Lion” a study from the book “In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. He explained that we would be going through this book together over the next 6 weeks.

 I have read the first two chapters of “In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day” and can’t wait to read the rest. The book is based on an obscure verse of scripture 2 Samuel 23:20-23 about a man named Benaiah who found himself in a pit with a lion on a snowy day and killed the lion. He was a lion chaser he didn’t run from the lion, but  he stayed to fight the lion.

I want to be a lion chaser and run after opportunity.

Going All the Way

Craig Groeschel has a new book on marriage, Going All the Way. Bryan and I have a great marriage, but if we stopped working on our marriage then the passion would die. I want to have a passionate marriage until my last breath.

The writer of Proverbs said “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” I need more wisdom, knowledge and understanding. I can’t wait to read this book!

Thanks Craig!