..from Guyana!

Hello everyone,

In case you were wondering about us, we got in yesterday safe and sound. All went well. The trip was smooth with tons of examples of how God has favoured us (waived luggage fees, waived transportation fees, bump up into equivalent to business class, etc etc). 





We have met with kids and parents yesterday and it was a lovely time. Most seem to be excited. We completed inventory yesterday evening before crashing....Five extra large suitcases filled with school supplies, shoes and clothing.





Yesterday, we literally just came off the plane (me @ 7, them @ 8), after all of us were travelling for more than 18 hrs from the day before and then went to do "business" here. wooooooo talk about appreciating a shower and a bed! Praise Jesus for the wisdom to whoever made both. :-)

We are getting ready for prayer time before leaving at 8am for a full day. I should be meeting with about 7 parents + kids today to complete intake. We have two kids who do not have all the supplies, and we'll be double checking to ensure that all the shoes we bought fit everyone as they come in for the interviews.

Here we are chilling on the step of the school house waiting on our taxi to take us for food (we were hungry) but still smiling!! :)

Pray with and for us. This is me "doing something". Being the change I want to see in the world. ;) More about the Timothy project here. 

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Lessons from Ari: soul cleansing

Well in t-minus 3 hours, I'll be airborne and off to fulfill part of my quest to be the change I want to see in the world (see post here). :) We still need tons of prayers so if you remember me at any point, in the next 7 days, definitely say a prayer or two for us all. I'm not sure what my internet access will be like, so I can't promise anything until next Wednesday...but for now I leave you with another lesson from Ari. (sadly, I'll be leaving my "baby" behind too)

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This is another lesson from Ari. I shared with you a couple weeks ago that Ari usually bounds up onto the bed in the mornings and just finds his rest wherever he may. At this time, he does nothing...other than an occasional lick on whoever's hand may be rubbing him down.
One particular morning as we go through this what-seems-to-be-a-ritual, I thought about what all happens during this "down time".

As he lays and I rub, I'm also able to "clean" him. You know the prickle that may have gotten on one of his paws (that he hadn't managed to bite off himself) or a stray leaf that was in his beard/bangs. Sometimes...ick ick ick..sometimes, because he goes wandering a bit too long, he has a bug and the only way we would know is during these times (or actual cleaning time). If he didn't sit still, fully trusting me, I would never see some of the stuff that's on him, or that needs attention.

In some ways, it is the same way with our quiet time with God. However, unlike me, He does know what I may have managed to pick up. He sees the condition of my heart. He hears my thoughts. He doesn't need me to slow down to know what is going on but He does need me to stop and submit in order to clean me up.  Usually, it is only when I slow down, on my own or through circumstances, that I even realize that my heart is in a pickle or I'm holding onto to something which is staining me. Worse, I may be holding onto thoughts and attitudes, that like ticks/fleas, directly steal from my "life blood"...my joy and my faith without me even realizing it.

My problem is that I don't slow down too often. Even during "quiet time", I'm usually busy...talking. I have been more aware of this need and really making a conscious effort to quiet myself. What I have found is that those quiet times are less traditional, less planned and I like it. Standing outside, waiting on my husband...I look up to the sky and just stand in awe looking at the clouds. How GREAT is my God is what my heart screams. I feel the intensity of not only how awesome He is but also how close He is. My heart is refreshed with clean "oxygen" to flush out the impurities. I smile contentedly.

When are your quiet times of cleaning and refreshing? Do you lay still and turn on your back with everything exposed or do you lay curled up and fidgeting. This is another call to the fountain...not only to bring your worries, cares and needs but to be cleaned and made new.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Guest post: Timothy Project

So this began last Thursday (see more here) when I realized that I had failed to share with you about a very special project...I then decided that I would put aside the next couple Thursdays to report more about the vision and successes of this "maiden voyage". ;)

Here is a little more about TEP from the visionary herself:

Many of you should recall what it felt like going to school on your first day of the school year. Everyone in the classroom is comparing their school supplies. Checking out each other’s shoes and bags… Well… how would you feel if you showed up on your first day in a soiled tshirt that you stole from someone else, some flip flops, a plastic bag with an exercise book and a ‘half’ of a pencil? That’s what these kids feel like.

My heart for the Timothy Education Program is based on the fact that I think every child deserves a fair chance at a successful life. But they can’t do that without support. In the Timothy Education Program, not all the children have parents. Some have single parents or guardians who are unemployed. Some have lost their parents to diseases such as HIV/AIDS. They have no one. In one household, the eldest daughter left school to take care of her other siblings, because the mom was mentally ill and has not been able to get treatment. In another, the mother is a street worker, gone for several times at once. Many of the kids don’t know what it’s like to have everything they need for school. They sometimes don't even have food and proper housing either.They are disadvantaged. Underprivileged.

That’s why I wanted to do this project. I don’t think it’s good enough to give kids backpacks and then send them on their way. I don’t think that we should pass out a whole wad of money to governments to help those at the bottom, because God knows, the people that need it don’t even get it.
I want these 25 kids in Guyana to know that they are loved; that they are not forgotten. I know that the United Nations and all these other organizations are doing their ‘thing’. But what about God’s people? Aren’t we the ones called to touch the lives of others? Aren’t we the ones called to show God’s love? I want the next generation to know that they are loved. Loved by God. Loved by others. We need not get deep about showing God’s love. It’s His mandate. When Jesus was here on earth, He visited the sick. He went. And that same commandment He has given to us: Go…And when He went, He empowered people to change.

If we are going to change this world we are going to have to sacrifice something. Each of us will have to do our parts. I am sacrificing my finances, my time, my energy so that these kids can be helped. More than just sending them to school, I want these kids to surpass their previous generations. I want them to break the cycle of poverty that has gone on before. There is a spiritual part to that. But there is also a natural part. And it starts with getting rid of ignorance. It starts with a sound education.

So this summer, four of my colleagues will ‘go’ to Guyana and minister to the needs of 25 children. We will give them supplies including backpacks and stationary supplies. But we will also give them their uniforms, their shoes, their undergarments, their socks. We will sit with them and their families and talk to them to understand their needs. Yes we will pray. But we will also create and implement strategies to ensure that the kids are successful in school. Some of the kids live in swamp zones and can’t even get out to a bus route. Others can’t afford to take buses. We’ll arrange for a bus to pick up everyone each morning so that they can get to school and back. We will recruit an academic mentor and a career mentor to work with the children. We will have spiritual mentors in place to pray over them and encourage the kids. And we will do this on a continuous basis, until they all graduate.

I think one of the best ways to succeed, is by knowing that you having a support system to fulfill your dreams. I want that for these kids. And my ministry is to help them dream and realize a bright and successful future. So at the end of this month, I will be going along with a pastor, a counselor (your very own, Gia Jones) and an academic mentor to start something new. Showing more than anything else, that God has not forgotten, and that each of us is the apple of His eye. ~Schantal

In the words of some wise person, "Be the change you want to see in the world"!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Selah

I've got a special post tomorrow from a guest blogger, Schantal about the Timothy Project (For those of you who missed it, you can find what it is here). So for today, I've just shared a short passage that my heart declares!

It is a new morning and I am rejoicing in all that it holds. I am looking in anticipation for how God is going to show up and impact my day.

Looking for moments where I can be obedient and impact someone else's day positively. 

Divine encounters. 

Meaningful moments.

Selah

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Thirsty

I got news after a beautiful meditation last week that one of our country's politicians had suddenly died. Imagine having such a beautiful quiet time to be rocked with news of the uncertainty of life. It was weird. Well, more accurately, it was sad and sobering. Not because I knew him but because he was young and seemingly healthy and it was sudden.

I heard the news on the way to the shower and as I usually use my shower time, I just prayed. Except the prayer wasn't really a prayer. It was something of a yearning. I thought about how, this young man (early 40's) had served a term(5 years) as a member of parliament, how he had served as minister of youth, sports and culture and inevitably, how he had impacted lives. And that made me think about my own life. Have I made an impact? I love talking about purpose and living passionately but is that reflected in my actions? Is all this "doing" amounting to something? What would be the story, if I was to die today.

I don't need to make national news but I'd want my death to impact someone's life other than my husband, family and friends. From time to time, I reflect on Dr. Myles Munroe's seemingly favorite phrase: dying empty. I can be somewhat morbid in my thinking, particularly of late as death has become more real to me.  Not that I'm sick but maybe because of age, or proximity or consciousness...I don't know. My husband hates when I get on this line of thinking/conversation because it is really uncomfortable to think about. But since the first time I heard Dr Munroe talk about it, it has rattled me. It has awoken a hunger, a yearning for me to live my best life.

In my devotions (Girlfriends in God), one of the authors has been talking about the glory yearn. In Jeremy Statton's blog, he constantly shares about people who are living better stories. I'm drawn to posts and stories and messages such as these. These posts continue to challenge me, to make me aware that the "feeling" I experience so regularly isn't boredom, it is, in its most raw form, a dissatisfaction, a longing for something more. It's the "deep calling out to deep" (Psalm 42:7 KJV). I want to know more of God. I want to fulfill his calling.

I was trying to put into words what this meant and found a response that best resonates with my understanding/use of the phrase:
"It is a poetic way of refering to the deepest, most intimate, heart of someone crying out to know the deepest part of another." -user from yahoo answers

Are you feeling unsettled? Looking for "more"? It's the deep cry of your heart. Even if you haven't yet identified that "feeling", what are your thoughts about your legacy? What story would be told of you after you die? and who would tell this story? I receive the challenge and share it with you to pursue passion and purpose and fulfill that longing...it is God-given and will bring you back to Him. (Psalm 42)

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Father knows: Lessons from Ari

Remember this from last week? I mentioned in the previous post that as I listened to Ari bang on the bell repeatedly that I thought of two lessons. The first was on persistence and the second, which I'll share on today, is about our Father. For all intents and purposes, I am Ari's mommy. So much so, that the neighbor's kid, who is about 5 years old, calls me "Ari mommy" whenever she wants to get my attention but cannot remember my name. Yes it is very cute...she literally screams across the fence "Hello Ari mommy, can I play with Ari today please?". :)

 Now back to the story, if you recall, this bell ringing was occuring a little before 5am and I refused to get up. I eventually fell back asleep and at some point Ari must have stopped banging on the bell because when I woke up, he was curled in one of his favorite positions just chillin. Now the thing is, I know my dog. I know that he can wait. I know that he won't have an accident unless he is sick or had an exorbitant amount of water or food during the night. And truth be told, even in the latter scenario, it is unlikely for an accident. He's a big dog now. ;) Of course, this story read differently about 1.5 years ago when we were still in the midst of housebreaking.

 Unfortunately, this isn't to suggest that we haven't had accidents. We have ignored him and the bell once or twice since he's been housebroken, only to find the "reward" of our lazyness in some corner of the apartment. Those were definitely not cool lessons.

 But unlike me, our heavenly Father is perfect. He knows us perfectly. He knows our limits. He won't make mistakes. His provision and His answer will always be on time. He will not allow us to be stretched beyond our limits, to the point that we have an accident and make a mess. Of course, sometimes, messes happen but if we fairly asses the situation, this is usually because we were disobedient. What I failed to mention about Ari and "accidents" (and this is a bit gross) is that from time-to-time, actually more often than I care to admit, he eats something he shouldn't have eaten and ends up vomiting in the house because his stomach can't take it. There is nothing I could have done to avoid him vomiting due to ingestion of foreign substances. That is totally on him. However, I try my hardest to monitor his needs and ensure that I provide for each one in a timely manner. I (we) are all he has. We are his source.

We are like Ari in more ways than we may realize. We persist in prayer, we bang on our chests..we bombard heaven for a response, a provision...and sometimes it seems that we are being ignored. But we aren't. We should recognize and accept this truth and avoid finding alternatives or substitutes while we "wait on God". It inevitably will cause an accident that makes a mess and makes us feel a mess.

The truth is: God sees, He hears and in perfect timing, He will respond. Know that. So today, trust God and his perfect plan for your life.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Timothy Project

I've failed you. I'm about 2 weeks from departure date and this is the first post about my uber exciting upcoming trip. I am going to Guyana with a team of individuals for the launching of the first cohort of the Timothy Education Project Guyana. This initiative is the baby of Schantal, my roommate. You can find out more about her here.

From the website:

"The Timothy Education Program provides a group of 25 students in a developing country with the resources and support needed to excel their studies. Each year, Timothiers in North America work diligently to gather supplies and funds to provide backpacks and supplies, uniforms and shoes, and contingency fees needed for them to attend school. Additionally, the students receive a support system featuring academic, career and emotional mentorship, and financial support to steer them along a successful path.

Why all of this? We believe that a successful student is made by a community- a group of individuals that work together to ensure that s/he excels day after day, week after week, month after month, until graduation day."

When I heard about it, it called to me. Like seriously, I felt it had my name written all over it. Partly because the larger vision is so in sync with my goals for Mercy House but also because I love traveling, have always wanted to do some type of short-term missions work and this is a an opportunity to support a friend. Essentially, I get to put my money, time and energy where my heart and prayers are at. How super cool right?

I finally purchased both legs of the trip Nassau-->Guyana and Guyana-->Canada and it was a sacrifice. I opted to not go on a girls trip (cruise)later this year to use the funds for this and there are no regrets. I only wish that I'm was employed full time so that I could have financially supported the kids and/or the project in a more substantial way. I guess I won't be a student forever so this is another missions project that I can look forward to supporting!

Yea, so I leave Nassau to fly to Georgetown, Guyana on the 28th. My role is of "helper" and because of my expertise, I get to really help. :D I'll conduct/lead most of the intake assessment interviews with the kids and their families and I'll also [hopefully] have an opportunity to conduct one or two group sessions with the kids. woot woot. It will be a jammed packed, emotionally charged, tiring trip; I know this. But I'm up for the challenge. Guyana is poor. These kids [families] are probably even poorer. But we've got the Good News. We are going as servants to provide support and HOPE. These kids have a future and it our intent to ensure that they have as many of the physical, emotional, academic and most importantly, spiritual resources to walk confidently toward that future!

Unless you are in Canada, where the account is, I don't think there is much that can be done monetarily (outside of wiring funds) but we accept prayers. I'd also be more than willing to leave a couple items of my own at home so that I can carry some clothing, shoes or school stuff for the kids. All of the volunteers are full time students (well except Schantal who just started a job on Monday- praise God) so we also are in need of a dollar here and there for the costs that may be incurred while on the trip. I'm praying that my job here gets my pay sorted out, but if it doesn't come in time, I know that God will provide....exceedingly and abundantly.

I'll maybe see if I can Schantal to write a guest post for next Thursday (if she can find the time) but if not, I'll be back with more about the Timothy Project and the countdown.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

edited on 8/23/12:

Schantal says: We do accept donations online. And if anyone in the bahamas wants to donate, we really need "non-school" shoes for the kids...We just learned that some of them don't even have that. 

Come to the fountain

Monday was a hard day. Not because of any one event...but it seemed it was just the cross-section of a lot of "stuff".  It was somewhat of that overwhelmedness that I talked about a couple weeks ago in this post. The funny thing is, when you are tired, weak, broken...then everything becomes a big deal. For example, the fact that my pants was tight around my waist was thoroughly annoying all day and somehow I started on a "I'm fat and out of shape" cry. Without going through every item that seemed to weigh in on my consciousness, just know that the list I referenced  is almost 80% done, which is a great sign of progress, but as is with life, and sometimes my personality, the list just never ends.

By the end of the day, I had nothing left. I was near tears driving in the car with my husband and realized that I did not want to get to that ugly place. I went home and decided to not do anything...that required any consciousness. So I watched tv all afternoon. Had a fairly okay evening just doing nothing and then woke up with yesterday morning, a bit more rested, with this song on my mind.

I decided to have quiet time a bit differently yesterday morning and just played this song (repeatedly) and surrendered the day and all it entails to God.  This was my way to gain "control" of my day. I decided that it was not going to mimick the previous day even though the same list of to-do's remain with even closer deadlines. As I sat with my eyes closed, the scene from the previous night's series premier of The Closer came to me. A teen was accosted at knife point by a very sick serial rapist/killer and he was instructed by the star (Kyra Sedgwick's character) to not struggle. To not move. To allow his body to go limp. Now this kid was quite familiar with this movement due to some unfortunate life circumstances but in that action of complete surrender, he was able to sliver out of the grasp of the one who threatened his life. I thought about how this can be so applicable to my situation. The more I toss and turn, the less rest and peace I'll experience. God invites me (us) to just find our rest in His arms. When we feel life's concerns overwhelming us, we should allow our body, and more importantly, our consciousness, to go limp in surrender to God.  Allow Him to come into the circumstance and just drink from the streams of life and be refreshed.

"All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Come to the fountain

Dip your heart in the stream of life

Let the pain and the sorrow

Be washed away

In the waves of his mercy

As deep cries out to deep (we sing)"

Come to the fountain, I'm already there! Psalm 42

Grace peace and love,
Gia

It's Girl Time

I think it is past time that I finally share about the vision and purpose of It's Girl Time. What it is, what we hope to accomplish..all that good stuff.

Well, I would have liked to be able to send you to the website, but unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, it is not ready yet. Probably won't be ready until end of October. :sigh: I can't do anything about it so I won't dwell on it any further.



Anyhoo, back to the subject at hand. It's Girl Time is a small event planning and entertainment company, in the Bahamas, that is focused specifically on events for little girls. Yes, it is a very narrow population but hey, girls just have more fun than boys! ;) We are, of course, open and willing to planning "mixed" events and even events where the boy is the guest of honor.

Our Signature events:

SPArkle parties. These are designed to pamper your princess and her friends. Whichever space we will hold the party in will be transformed to create a calm, soothing and relaxing place that is fit for the princess. Girls will be donned in plush white robes while they are led through relaxation exercises (yoga-style), and receive manicures and pedicures.Throughout the 90 minutes, girls will be engaged in routines that not only adorn their natural external beauty but also nurture their inner beauty.

Themed tea parties. Culture, etiquette, poise and fun! These are the hallmarks of the tea parties. We offer three themes: princess, fairy, and island tea parties. We provide costumes for princess and fairy tea parties. The tea parties are designed to cultivate character as well as proper etiquette and poise.

Personalized theme parties. If neither of the above works for you, or you've already "been there, done that", then allow us to work with you to create another unique, fun and personalized event that matches the personality of your child. You give us the idea and we can make it a reality. If you don't have any ideas, let us sit with you to get a feel for your daughter and her interests and we'll create an event to remember.

(ideas for a luau themed event)

We got tons of exciting ideas and add-ons and all that's missing is an event! Remember, it's not only for birthday parties...any event that you have, we could find a way to fit in our signature events and activities to make it that much more memorable (slumber parties, workshops, class events, girl days, etc). For more information, email us at girltimeevents@gmail.com or call us at (242) 465-6270.

We are currently working on a personalized theme party- a Luau for an 8 year old princess and we are having a blast. If you are on pinterest, you can follow our It's Girl Time board for a taste of what we are thinking of. I promise to make a short post once the website is up and running for you to see.

Our team consists of women who love planning and love little girls (well, we love all kids). We believe that even in fun, we can impart lessons that shape identity, character and purpose. Yes, we love getting dressed up and looking like princesses, but we also believe that each girl is a princess, as a child of God and should know that as well. For me, Girl Time is fun with a purpose. You'll hear more about it as we get more contracts!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Persistence: Lesson from Ari

This was the sound I was awoken to...over and over and over at a little before 5 am.  This is Ari's way of saying "I need to potty". Of course he's learned to associate going outside with ringing the bell so every now and again, he rings the bell just to go outside and play. The thing is, if I (or my husband) don't move, he just continues to do this and it becomes more forceful. We sometimes wonder where he gets the strength from in the little body to bang on the bell with the force and fervor that he does.

 As I lay in bed just trying to ignore the sound and go back to sleep, I began thinking of this persistance.  I fell back asleep smiling at his stubbornness. I found there were two lessons to consider in this experience, the first of which is about our persistence.  I'm a firm believer in never giving up. In pressing forwarding or pushing until something happens. My very good friend has a book about this. You can see more about it here.  There are so many inspirational or motivational quotes about this that I'm sure I don't need to spend a lot of time convincing you.

Before I leave though, I thought we should revisit a Biblical story that provides clear support for the concept that we should continue praying, seeking, pursuing after the goal or outcome that you desire.

 Luke 18:2-8 [The Message] 

 The Story of the Persistent Widow 

  1-3Jesus told them a story showing that it was necessary for them to pray consistently and never quit. He said, "There was once a judge in some city who never gave God a thought and cared nothing for people. A widow in that city kept after him: 'My rights are being violated. Protect me!' 

4-5"He never gave her the time of day. But after this went on and on he said to himself, 'I care nothing what God thinks, even less what people think. But because this widow won't quit badgering me, I'd better do something and see that she gets justice—otherwise I'm going to end up beaten black-and-blue by her pounding.'" 

 6-8Then the Master said, "Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won't step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won't he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?"

Have you grown tired or weary? Are you about to give up...? DON'T. One of my favorite concepts is hope. I believe there is always hope, well as long as we are living, there are opportunities to pursue and achieve. So be encouraged, however, I suggest you also be wise. If the means you have been trying to get something isn't working, maybe it is time to reassess your strategy...or even your goal. If you are a Christian, how does your strategy or goal line up with God's plans and purpose for you? Even if you aren't a Christian, does the strategy make logical sense? Is your goal attainable?

 I would never suggest that you limit your thinking/vision/plans but sometimes (in fact most times), the super big out-of-this-world goal requires smaller goals to get you there.  Maybe you can't identify your goals and you have just been chasing the proverbial wind. Well, check out a previous blog post on goals and get to writing and strategizing. However, be reminded that whatever point you are at in your journey, DO NOT GIVE UP.

So on this Friday, the lesson from Ari is to continue ringing the bell until it is clear to whomever is the gate-keeper, that you have a need.

Grace peace and love,
Gia

oh! if you want to see more of Ari and his shenanigans...to really see his persistence, click on the video link above that says Ari & playpen (it should show up after you have watched the short clip). Just know that he did that over and over until he was able to get out.

If this isn't love...

Yesterday morning, my husband and I had a conversation based on a post on Jeremy Statton's blog. I sent the post to him as an object lesson for him but it turned out to be a humbling moment for me. The discussion that ensued was "animated". Not quite an argument but definitely with enough passion and volume to be confused for one. During the discussion, my husband and I went back and forth about who was the actual "jerk" in the story. Was it Jeremy for expecting someone to move out of their comfortable space for another or was it the guy for not having compassion on a stranger and his very freaked out child.

The back and forth from this situation led us to the general idea of whether it is "Christian" to give up something for someone else (especially if this brings discomfort to the person who is giving up)? I couldn't provide a yes or no..in the sense that I would not judge a person as not being a Christian because they did not give up something for someone else. I went even further to talk about my own convictions: that I would be willing to sacrifice for someone else once I wasn't putting myself in jeopardy. You know, I'd switch seats cause that's not a big deal, what would sitting uncomfortably for a couple of hours do to me? I continued my monologue to indicate that maybe I would be less willing to give up something if my own well-being was threatned: psychologically or physically. I'm not a masochist, but I am compassionate (is what I was thinking). If I will admit, I was quite proud in my convictions.

His response (and I wish I could quote because it was so eloquently stated but in a nutshell):

if we (as Christians) were not suppose to live sacrificially through and through? Aren't we supposed to imitate God? and didn't He sacrifice? Wouldn't he give up something/anything even if it jeapordized his own health for us?

Me: blank stare

I honestly don't even know what I was thinking as I just sat there for the split second staring at him. I think I stuttered some lame response but eventually, I (less emphatically) agreed that yea, I guess we should be living sacrificially.

Shortly thereafter the conversation ended as I needed to get ready for work. However, the conversation with myself was not over. I felt so convicted.

What was I doing?

Was what I offered really loving my neighbor?

When had my "love" developed conditions? Was it always like this?

I repented of having conditions on my "love" and opened my heart again to LOVE. The real stuff as defined by Christ's ultimate act (John 3:16-17). As I continued to process the events of the morning, I knew I had to share this. Not because it's such a victory that I want to share but because it pointed out how easy it is for us (ME) to get prideful. It's interesting how I read that post, thoughtfully considered it and still walked away without truly getting the message for me. It took a situation where I had set out to prove a point, where the bigger point was proven to me.

Thoughts or comments? Leave them below!

Grace peace and love,
Gia

Shrewd or fool?

This past week as I was MIA from blogging, I was busy getting those to-do's done (see here). One of them was getting the business license for It's Girl Time and planning the first paid event. woohooo! :D Throughout this week, there have been loose discussions about how I plan to make a profit. What kind of returns I'm looking to get..etc etc. And to be honest, I haven't been thinking that big for this business. I have so many other stuff to do, this is really a part-time, fun means for me to get a lil dollar here and there while also doing something that I love...planning, organizing and hosting events for little girls. Of course, being who I am, I couldn't just host parties, I had to add an extra "oomph" and I promise to share more about that in posts to come.

So back to the matter at hand - these conversations about profit and business etc. You should know that I am not a profit-driven business woman. It is what it is. I much prefer to give something away, to someone who needs, values or desires the product or service than to sell...especially to sell at a very hiked up price. If I can make $10 off of something I'm just as content as if I can make $50.  I consider it a strength and a weakness. [I know some people would suggest that I not be in "business" at all but I think there is a place for hearts like mine with a strong partner(s)/wise counsel ;)] With this in mind, as I planned the first event and provided the parents with a quote, I was strongly admonished that I didn't make sufficient profit off this event and if I really wanted to make money, I'm going to need to add a percentage or amount to each external vendor I use. Fine. I accepted that as wise counsel; I'm no dummy, I know I can't trade off items at cost and expect to make a profit, however the "problem" came about at the amount I was encouraged to add. I got a product for free, I passed it along to the customer for 1/4 of the cost, thinking I paid nothing for it so anything I charge is a "profit". What I charged ensures that all additional out-of-pocket expenses are now covered while still giving us a dollar to claim as profit. I felt I had heeded the previous advice given and was being a smart businesswoman. Apparently not; instead, I was advised that I should have charged full cost or very near to it. That bothered me...in fact it still bothers me. I try to be open to the advice of others and not be a know-it-all because I'm not. There are too many topics or situations that are completely novel to me. However, I've got a very healthy conscience that is guided/shaped by my personal convictions and it led me to begin to question where should the line between profit and killing the customer be drawn? What is fair and wise business ethics and what does the proverbially used car salesman look like in this line of business?

Oh, the joys of running a new business.

Last week sometime, in my personal devotion I read Psalm 37.

"It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly. Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough." Psalm 37: 16-19 NLT

You may be wondering what this have to do with my pricing dilemma? Well the reason I was instructed to "tax" the customers was to make a profit. The reason behind making a profit is to make money/get rich etc. However, the clash of beliefs come in that I don't believe the only way to become rich/live comfortably/make money is to make a profit. I believe that God is my financial source and He has a number of ways to ensure that I have all I need and even my wants (see here). Yes, making a profit is one way, but if this is to the harm of my "neighbors" (customers) then I believe it becomes wrong. On top of all this, as David so eloquently said in verse 25:

"Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread." Psalm 37: 25 NLT

It's only been 31 years I've been on this earth, 6 of which I have no recollection of, but I can truly attest to this verse above. Regardless of how bleak the situation looked: when daddy was not there and mommy was struggling alone with 3 kids; when blended family was created and two minimum wage parents had 6 dependents (all under the age of 14); when I was in the US at school...all 3 stories end the same way, I was never without. Someway, somehow "enough" came my way to ensure that whatever need was present - was met [legally].

So now stepping off of my soapbox and tying this all together. :) I think I had to have this conversation very early in the business life...Was all this necessary for this particular situation? Maybe not, but I think this was a lesson for me in defining what type of business person I will be, very early in this process. I needed this scenario and conversation to get my head in the right place, that is recognizing that my financial status is not limited to a profit from the customers of It's Girl Time. That I don't have to "kill" people to live, or even be successful. That I can be fair and still not "lose". God's always got my back. He is Jireh! With that said, [trying not to be holier-than-thou], I know that there is nothing wrong with earning a profit; I plan to. In fact, in order for the business to survive, we need to! There is also nothing wrong with marking up prices. However, for this business, mark ups will be added as deemed fair and not an opportunity to "get rich". When unique situations arise, as this one did, where we can provide a break to a person, we will determine what we need to break even, what we need to make a profit and will assess the final cost based on these factors. Basically, my motivation in pricing, will be fair and as much as possible, a win-win for us and for the customers.

Totally no judgment here. I'm not saying you have to run your business the same way. In fact, what would you do? Or for those of you who have already had situations like this- what have you done? Leave your responses below in the comments section. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, opinions, perspectives on this subject.

Grace peace and love,
Gia