A Christmas card is coming. The big question is whether we want to compete in the boxed card market or be that special card you send to a few people. You can email me with your thoughts at jean-luc@fattenedcalf.com. The plan is to be funny and quite poignant. Perhaps a helpful shove to remind us what Christmas is all about AND that we should stay reminded all year long. There is no verse saying "remember thou the day I was born and celebrate it with gifts, food and a portly fellow dressed in red." My guess is that our celebration of "Christmas" has become more of a celebration of a day than of a Savior, no matter how much religious stuff you go to or are involved with. And when the day's over why do we stop celebrating? But what do I know - I'm just a cow with an ulcer in my second stomach. I think you're supposed to drink milk to help ulcers, but that just seems weird to me being a cow and all. Anyway - boxed cards...

Boxed cards require packaging materials as well as a lower price. With enough distribution, you would make up the difference in volume. However, we are not yet widely distributed. What to do? First thing is continue widening distribution. We should add a few more retailers this week and then need to start widening our reach. God has been helping our progress and it has been fun to watch!

Interestingly, people seem to like Ginger visiting there shops more than me. Perhaps that "bull in a china shop" thing frightens them. I'm not a bull (though I come from the same genus). Obviously a ewe can navigate easier in a gift shop than I can, but I haven't knocked anything over yet!

Facing the Business Giants

In business, it pays to listen. Some of you may think that means read every new business book that comes out, others may take on a mentor. Not to diminish these ideas, but what I'm talking about comes from Phil Vischer, creator of Veggie Tales that eventually had to sell the business due to financial issues.

I'm talking about listening to God.

Phil had said (forgive the paraphrasing, Phil), that they had become "too much" of a business to take on smaller fun projects and profits were becoming the focus of the work. He would do it differently the next time. Let God be the agenda setter.

In addition, (no longer talking about Phil's business) there are many ways to take shortcuts in business, and you can quickly and easily take on little white lies in your sales and marketing, but that's just not God's way. Don't think we haven't already been tempted.

The movie, "Facing the Giants" says it so well. Do your very, very best and leave the results up to God. If your [successful], praise Him. If you lose, praise Him.

I'm pretty sure it's really that easy. And if God decides to bless you, watch out - ain't nothing stopping Him.

I have to get back to reading one of those business leader books. "Who moved my Cheese" is on the agenda. I'm a big supporter of the dairy industry so long as they don't keep my friends cooped up in little stalls.

If you get a chance today, tell Ginger Happy Birthday. She isn't telling anyone about it.

JL