"don't live for approval"

i caught the end of a sermon on daystar today, from a pastor that i don't routinely watch. i don't agree with everything that he teaches, but i really agreed with the words that he had for me today.

"you don't have time to try to convince everyone to like you. your destiny is too great to waste time fighting battles that don't matter. if somebody doesn't celebrate you, move on. if they walked away, you didn't  need them. if they didn't give you their approval, don't worry about it, you have god's approval. playing up to people takes a lot of energy and trying to keep everyone fixed and happy is very draining. wondering what everybody thinks of you is exhausting. theres a freedom when you realize 'i don't have to compete for anyone's approval, i can just run my race focus on my goals be my best and god will take care of the rest."

i really need to incorporate this way of thinking into my life. i spend a lot of time wondering if the choices i make and words i say will set right with everyone, and when they don't, i take it personally. as long as i'm living my life the way the lord has called me to, and i'm pleasing him, it shouldn't matter if it makes everyone else happy! 

okay...i'll get off my soapbox now.

in other news...the kids birthday party was a success! pictures are not quite ready yet, but rest assure that there will be a blog soon to follow the arrival of the pictures, by my good friend megan! but in the meantime, here's a small preview of the b i r t h d a y  g i r l ' s outfit

just a little "sneak-a-peak" as abigail would say

also, i'm reading 5 conversations you must have with your daughter

and loving it so far! i'm only into chapter two (it's been a busy week!) but let me tell you, i've cried twice already. probably not surprising to my husband, ha. if you have a daughter from age zero to eighteen, you need to get this book! like.... now! 

i read bringing up girls over the summer, and was honestly a little overwhelmed at the challenge ahead of us as parent's of a sweet little girl. not that i didn't know we had our work cut out for us, but the book highlights areas and conversations that i haven't even thought about yet, and dives way deeper into them than i realized was necessary. another great read, get this one too while you're at it!

i hear little voices down the hall, which means nap/rest time is coming to an end, and that snack time is nearing.

they get pretty mean a little upset if they have to wait too long for snack. so i better hurry up and get it on the table!