LETTER FROM THE editor
Happy Endings
I love how God writes a story. It’ s never the way we would write it. If we did, there would be no challenges, no inconveniences, no waiting, no worrying, no pain or heartache. Sounds perfect, right? But it would be anything but that.
Take, for instance, the Christmas story. We like to sanitize it by picturing a newborn baby wrapped in clean, white linen, basking in the soft glow of starlight, with animals kneeling around the manger. But the truth is, it was probably dirty, smelly, noisy and uncomfortable. And this was all after leaving home, traveling nearly 90 miles in less-than-ideal condition and having nowhere else to stay. I’ m guessing this is the last way any of us would want to experience such an occasion. But that’ s the way God does it. And I’ m glad He did.
I’ m glad in the midst of disappointment, brokenness and pain, God shows up. Seeing just how bad things can be makes us realize just how good God is. He came to rescue us, comfort us and restore us.
As believers and members of the Christian retail industry, we have the privilege of sharing and being a part of God’ s story. This edition of CRA Today is filled with practical tools and tips to help you save time and resources so you can better fulfill your mission.
Now is a good point to review your inventory and make room for Christmas products or clear out items that aren’ t moving after the holiday season. Check out the article“ Returns that Make You Money” by Kimberly Burns to free up cash flow and improve your store’ s profitability.
Find basic tips to build your holiday displays this quarter in a way that engages shoppers and promotes maximum sales with“ Every Store Tells a Story” by Lorraine Valk.
Learn how AI can simplify everyday tasks, giving you more time to focus on what matters most, in Kelly Graham Flores’ s article“ How Christian Retailers Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch.”
And in“ Bring in the Harvest Without the Hustle,” author and business coach Erin Harrigan shares how to avoid burnout by serving from a place of rest in Jesus.
We hope these articles will make life a little easier during a hectic season. And remember, when difficulties come, they serve to make us more grateful for God’ s goodness. Because without the hard parts, we would miss the best part: a happy ending.
Sincerely,
Andrea Stock
EDITOR: Andrea Stock CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Mike Solava ADVERTISING: Christy Dollins ACCOUNTING: Jen Decker
BOARD MEMBERS: Kimberly Burns Christy Dollins Les Jones Rachel Savage Kevin VanDuyne
Karen Bilbrey Teresia Bruce Kimberly Burns Brock Eastman Kevin Ferguson Kelly Graham Flores Amber Gincerowski Ken Gonyer Erin Harrigan Heide Kuhlman
CONTRIBUTORS Rick Lewis Susan Lewis
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