God First By BJ Bassett

 

 God First

 So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 RSV

Mary Kay Ash's priorities were God first, family second, and career third. God was first in her life when she began her career and struggled to make ends meet. Through failure and success, her faith remained constant.

"God first, family second, career third" became her company's motto for her independent beauty consultants to live by.

She launched Mary Kay Inc. in 1963 with her life savings of $5,000. Her company eventually became one of the largest privately owned firms in the country, recognized by Fortune magazine as one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America". She offered women the flexibility and motivation to balance their home life and career. She credited her successful management style to the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Are we living by the Golden Rule? Are we putting God first in our lives?

Father, it's such a simple thing—to treat others how I want to be treated. Help me be aware of something good I can do today for someone else—to motivate and encourage someone. Amen.

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

By BJ

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.