That’s What it’s All About

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This week, I was talking to a friend of mine who’s having severe pain in her knees.  Some of us were giving suggestions on some things she could try that are all natural to help reduce the pain.  She mentioned that one thing she knew of that would really help her is a new pair of shoes and that she was really hoping to get some Birkenstocks for herself, maybe for Christmas.

I know how much Birks cost and I know she lives on a tight budget and I knew that I had a pair of like new Birks in my store that for some reason have been sitting around without even so much as an offer from anyone.  I kept asking myself, “Why haven’t those sold yet?”  I asked her what size she wore and asked her to measure her foot from toe to heel when she was able to.

Later that night she messaged me with her measurements and I pulled out the Birks to measure them.  I measured the foot bed and got chills.  It was the exact same measurement she gave me.  I measured again just to be sure and it was an exact match.  I messaged her and told her that the measurements were the same and that she is more than welcome to have them if she’d like them.  When I sent her the picture of them, she said…………OH MY WORD.  Those are the EXACT Birks that I was saving for!

I immediately took them out of my store and I sent them out to her the next morning as an early Christmas gift.  Not only was she so excited to receive them, but I was excited to be able to send them to her.  Not just to meet the need of the shoes that she wanted, but hopefully they will help ease the pain her knees are having.

I love making sales, and I especially enjoy making the BIG sales.  I know that I have to earn a living, but in my opinion, if I know someone who has a need, and I can meet that need, a “God Bless You” or an “I’ll be praying for you” just doesn’t cut it.  I would actually feel guilty about selling the shoes to someone else when I know that my friend needs them and can’t afford to pay full price for them.  What kind of a friend would I be if I was more concerned about my pocket than taking care of my friend?

We’ve all heard “It’s more blessed to give than to receive” it’s a principle that I try to live by.  I don’t believe that being greedy and selfish is the way to go, even when running a business. Honestly, I was even more excited to be able to meet her need than I would have been if they had sold for $59.  I have faith that God will take care of my needs as I look for ways to help meet the needs of the people around me.

Blessed to be a Blessing

In these times of economic ups and downs, one thing remains the same: God.

God is faithful, so faithful to us, and His promises are always true, despite any situation or crisis that occurs in our lives or in our world.

One of the promises that God gives us is that if we use our resources to help those around us in need, He will bless us far more than we can imagine.  On the other hand, if we choose not to give to help those around us (even if our own resources are limited) that’s OK, we just won’t have the outpouring of His blessings on our lives.

I’ve heard over and over in my lifetime the phrase “You can’t out give God.”   It’s completely true.  The more you give of your time, talents and resources to help the people around you in your neighborhood, church and community, the MORE God blesses you just for doing what He has asked us to do.

I want the blessing of God on my life, my talents, by businesses, and my family, so this year, I decided that in addition to giving to my church monthly, I was also going to give to a ministry each month directly out of my paypal account.

The first cause I choose to give to is Koinonia with Kara.  KWK is an outreach that my friend Kara has started to raise the church’s awareness of single moms and how the Body of Christ can help these ladies and their children in many ways (not just financially.)

I started giving a small amount to the ministry straight out of my paypal account each month.  She’s able to use the money to take moms that she’s ministering to out to lunch or for coffee so she can get to know them better and can spend time in prayer with them.

Right away, I noticed the blessing of God on my online business…..my sales increasing each month, and finding incredible items to list in my inventory.

In June, after making Top Rated Seller (which earned me a 20% discount on my FVF)  I again felt like I needed to give to another ministry, and since I’m now getting a discount on my Final Value Fees, I felt led to give a portion of that money.  I began praying about it and stared hearing more and more about Youth With A Mission.  This incredible ministry teaches young people how to be Missionaries.  How to live by faith, and so much more.   Once again, God has been faithful and poured out His blessings on me and my business.

I’m not saying to give to these ministries.  I’m not saying to give away all of your profit, but I am saying that this principle is clearly outlined in the Bible and if you want to be blessed, take a look around you……there are so many ministries and organizations that would be thrilled if you would send them a small gift each month, or even a one time gift.

I think you’ll be amazed at how God will bless you.