Wednesdays Word of the Week - One Scary Place

Here's a test. How far do you have to go to hear the reminder, 'Be afraid'

How near is your next; You're in trouble memo. A flip of the newspaper page? A turn of the radio dial? A glance at the Internet? According to the media the world is one scary place!

There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Let's be among those who stay calm. Acknowledge threats but refuse to be defined by them. Let's be numbered among those who hear a difference voice: God's!

Courage doesn't panic, it prays. Courage doesn't bemoan, it believes. Courage listens to the voice of God calling through Scripture, 'When reports come in of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don't panic.'

Let not your heart be troubled.

Trust these and other words from God.

Trust God and fear less!

From 'Fearless' by Max Lucado

Toolbox Tuesday - Sponsors Newsletter

13. Use Your Sponsors Newsletter

If your sponsor has a regular newsletter which they send out to clients or customers, ask if you can have a regular column or advertisement to promote what you do. Let’s face it, if they have been willing to write you out a cheque, chances are they will be willing to give you a little space in their newsletter. This lets you reach people you wouldn’t ordinarily have contact with, and makes your sponsor look extra community focussed.

Motivation Monday - You are a Leader

I received this in my inbox in this morning and had to send it out, have a great week everyone.

 

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams, 1767-1848

 

 

Wednesdays Word of the Week - Life Stinks

Yes, life stinks. But it won't forever!

As one of my friends likes to say 'Everything will work out in the end. If it's not working out, it's not the end.'

In the meantime, don't over-react! Psalm 37:7 reminds us, 'Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.'

Avoid Pollyanna optimism. But neither do we join the Chicken Little chorus of gloom and doom. 'The sky is falling.' 'The sky is falling!'

Somewhere between Pollyanna and Chicken Little, between denial and blatant panic, stands the follower of Christ.

Psalm 27:3 says, 'My heart shall not fear, though war arise against me, yes, I will be confident!?'

Confident in Him.

Max Lucado

 



Toolbox Tuesday - Newsletters

12. Send out Hard-Copy Newsletters

I am a great believer in e-letters for an instant response and little expense, but there is definitely still a place for hard-copy (printed) newsletters which can be kept and read over and over again.

Hard-copy newsletters do not have to be your main source of communication, but it is a good idea to produce one every three or four months so that your clients, members, supporters and volunteers can be kept completely up-to-date. Hard-copy newsletters allow plenty of room for details that can’t be included elsewhere, and give people something they can refer back to.

How to Write Successful Newsletters
Make sure you…

Use a professional looking design and layout. Your newsletter gives people a first impression of your entire organisation – so make sure it’s a good one. There are plenty of free templates and software available online.

Include relevant photographs. Not only will this make the newsletter look interesting, it will give the reader a chance to literally see your organisation in action.

Include information that is relevant, up to date and interesting. Keep in mind whom your readers are, and what they would be interested in. Always include a story or tip that gives people a reason to keep your newsletter stuck to the noticeboard.

Provide feedback about what has been happening in your organisation including statistics about services, clients, fundraising and large scale projects.

Give readers a human insight into your organisation by including at least one big success story about a client or member. Human stories make your organisation easier to relate to.

Remind people what your organisation is all about. Use your newsletter to let people know what your goals and visions are for the future. When people see the big picture, it helps them put everything you do into perspective.

List upcoming events, activities or fundraisers that you need support for, and be specific about the type of support you require. People are usually more willing to help if they know exactly what they are getting themselves in for.

Include a wish list for your organisation – even if some of the wishes seem a little absurd. You never know what your members or supporters have access to, and if you don’t ask, how will they know what you need?

Give people the opportunity to donate by including a donation slip in every newsletter. For best results, make sure you include tick boxes for specific amounts so that people have an idea of what you think is reasonable. If you leave the slip blank, people worry about how much to give, and end up giving nothing at all.

Motivation Monday - Dreamer

Maybe I'm a dreamer but I believe if you really want to do something then you should just go for it, because if your heart and soul and energy are into it then you're going to be successful.  If you keep looking back over your shoulder and thinking, "oh gosh, I should have done that" then you'll regret it because you are not living to your potential.

Barbara Kendall   

Wednesday's Word of the Week - A Good, Healthy Struggle

God is using your struggles to toughen you up!

It’s like viewing a movie after you’ve read the book. When something bad happens, everyone else gasps at the crisis on the screen. Not you. Why? You’ve read the book. You know how the good guy gets out of the tight spot.

God views your life with the same confidence. He’s not only read your story, he wrote it. His perspective is different, and his purpose is clear. One of God’s cures for weak faith? A good, healthy struggle.

Consider it a gift when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. Under pressure, your faith-life is forced into open and shows its true colors. Scripture says, let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-3)

Join with the Old Testament prophet Isaiah who resolved, “I will trust in him and not be afraid!” (Isaiah 12:2)

From Come Thirsty by Max Lucado

Toolbox Tuesday - Letter to the Editor

11. Write a Letter to the Editor

It is not always possible to get an article published, but it is always possible to have your say and draw attention to specific aspects of your organisation. The ‘Letters to the Editor’ page is a well read part of any newspaper, and it provides an avenue for real discussion and debate about your cause.

The best time to send a letter is when there has been a news item which relates to your organisation or the need that it meets within the community. Send a letter commenting on the item and expressing how your organisation can help, or how your organisation has been affected.

Wednesday's Word of the Week - Taking Out the Trash

Who wants to live with yesterday’s rubble? Who wants to hoard the trash of the past? You don’t, do you? Or do you?

I’m not talking about the trash in your house, but in your heart. Not the junk of papers and boxes but the remnants of anger and hurt. Do you rat-pack your pain? Amass offenses? Record slights?

A tour of your heart might be telling. A pile of rejections. Accumulated insults. No one can blame you. They’re innocence takers, promise breakers, and wound makers. They’re everywhere and you’ve had your share.

Jesus answered Peter’s question in Matthew 18:21 and 22 when he asked: “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus said. “Seventy times seven!”

Do you want to give every day a chance? Jesus says to get rid of the trash. Give the grace you’ve been given!

From Great Day Every Day by Max Lucado

Toolbox Tuesday - Sign Writing

10. Get Your Car Sign Written

Admittedly this takes a few more dollars than most of the things on this list, but it is not as expensive as most people think. Depending on the size of your car, and exactly how you want it to look, you can turn your car into a mobile billboard for about $1000. Weigh that up with the price of a newspaper advertisement, and you’ll see it’s a pretty good investment.

When deciding what you want to include on the car, remember that people won’t have time to read or remember loads of details. You want something that catches people’s eye, gives them one key message, and a website address where they can visit for more information.