People Pleasing

So this summer my good friend Katelyn and I have been going through a book called "Pleasing People: How not to be an approval junkie" by Lou Priolo. Why are we doing this? Because we are terrible people-pleasers. The book is very Biblically sound, and points to God as the one we should putting all our efforts into pleasing. Needless to say, it is a very challenging book.



It is probably one of the most difficult things I have ever tried to battle as a Christian. I am the worst of the worst when it comes to making people happy. I am a perfectionist, type-A, my-life-is-all-together type of person. Being vulnerable and open with others (as well as not catering to their opinions and possible judgments)does not even occur to me. Living for others (not in the good, Christ-glorifying way) is second nature to me, and before reading this book I hadn't even realized what an entanglement it had placed in my life.

It is impossible to please people, because they are sinful, they don't know everything, and there are too many of them. Even still, I find myself struggling to please my friends, my family, and even my husband, over and above what God has called me to do as a Christian. This, in turn, causes me to cheat God out of His time with me, as well as withhold my full attention and service.

Here are a few quotes/Bible verses from the book that particularly got me:

Do not fear the displeasure of man more than the displeasure of God. Neither should you seek the pleasure of man more than the pleasure of God.

"for they loved the approval of man rather(more) than the approval of God." John 12:43 (talking about the Pharisees)

The people pleaser is discontented with his status in life. He longs to have more, instead of being grateful for what has been given to him.

Immoderate people-pleasing robs the approval-seeker of his peace and joy. Anxiety, fear, and worry will keep you from receiving the peace that comes from knowing that God is pleased with you.

The only hope you and I have of pleasing people is by introducing them to the only One who can truly please and satisfy them - the Lord Jesus Christ.

The book really beat me over the head for the whole first half, but now (sigh of relief) I am getting to the part where I am learning how to channel all of my approval-seeking energy towards pleasing and glorifying Christ. If you feel like you have even the slightest problem with seeking the approval of others, I highly recommend this book. :)

Lake Picnic

Oh, how I love summer!! The warm weather, relaxing times, cute clothes... :) Each week Chris and I try to do at least one special thing together. Usually, we try to make it a date night, but sometimes it is a date afternoon. We vehemently stick to our budget, so we have to be creative!

A week or so ago, it was a particularly beautiful day, and I decided that we should have a picnic at the lake. I packed up our usual lunch staples - MEAT sandwich for the man, pretzels, fruit, drinks, fudge and mints. I also threw in some old bread that I had saved for feeding the ducks. Did I mention that ducks are my favorite animals? LOVE them!



I looooove feeding the ducks! Technically, you're not supposed to, because it makes them dependent on humans, etc. etc. but I don't care. Personally, I think they do just fine.





We laid out on the dock for a while, and watched the clouds. It was so peaceful and wonderful!



To cool off, we dangled our feet in the cool water. Chris enjoyed the fact that his sandals floated.



All in all, a wonderful time with my wonderful hubby! I'm so glad that we make time for these things- they are definitely essential to our marriage. We get so busy sometimes, and it's great to force ourselves to sit back and enjoy the fact that God has brought us together and created something beautiful. :)