Life.

Brian and I attended Life this past Sunday. Yes, I think I may have fallen into the mass church craze. Against my skepticism, it was pretty good. And they serve Starbucks coffee so Brian is sold. Such a simple creature he is. Anyways, the series was called "Altar Ego" and boy did it hit home! I woke up Sunday morning and told Brian we should try Life church because I felt God was telling me He had a very special message waiting for me. Me nor Brian are much of church goers so I'm sure you can imagine the look on his face when I presented this random suggestion. Back to the point, this was the last Sunday for this series and it was about "we are not who others think we are, we are who God says we are". It was about people pleasers (I am mentally raising my hand right now) and how if you are focusing on seeking the approval of others, you are probably lacking on seeking the approval from God. Which consequently might provide some relief to my perfectionism side. No one and nothing is perfect, DUH. Not much to my surprise, God's tiny voice in my head about attending this sermon was dead on. I think Brian was in awe of this little endeavor we encountered. This is something I struggle with on a daily basis. I want everyone to be happy, and thoroughly enjoy making others happy but on the downside, am crippled with disappointment when it doesn't work out. However, Pastor Craig so boldy and obviously stated YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE. Wow. Four little words that I have always known but until he profoundly said them, they had never sunk in. (Side note: I know this goes without saying but that also doesn't mean you have disregard for others in the name of God. I think this it where believers and non-beleivers butt heads as some take that to the extreme but there should be a balance) Please God first and the rest will follow. Here are a few notes that I walked away with after attending service.

Laying Down Your Longing for Approval: Signs You Care Too Much What Others Think

1. You worry about what others think. (Point taken)
2. You are overly sensitive.
3. You compromise your values.
4. You hesitate sharing your faith.
5. You have a hard time saying no.

I hard core admit to #2 and #3.

"Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." Galations 1:10

And a new favorite below :)
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25

Happy Tuesday Blog World!