Well, it's not HOT in my neck of the woods in temperature (not today anyway) but it's sure been a HOT minute since I last posted. For that I am so sorry but it seems my life has been consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and MORE tests, biopsies, surgery and so much more. One day at a time sweet Jesus is all that any of us can ask for. Wanted to pop in on this beautiful Sunday afternoon to share a little about what I've been up too. Marty and I enjoyed a weekend at the beach before I had breast cancer surgery and took advantage of the time I had in between so many doctor appointments and testing. It was sure a good little getaway. We celebrated our 47th wedding anniversary in September. WOW! Just babies! LOL! We were high school sweethearts. Started dating at age 16. Married at age 18 and started a family at age 20. We celebrated Marty's birthday in October. He says that he's feeling his age these days. LOL! He still works 4 days a week and has a long commu...
PLEASEITUS: Do we EVER have this disease! Well, maybe I should say I have struggled in the past with this disease more than I care to talk about and find myself still struggling at times. It is an infection in which battles between the heart and the mind and when untreated for long periods of time affects one IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE THEIR VERY BEING.
If not treated correctly it will be a like a Thief and Steal your Joy, your Health, your Thought life and even God-given plans that He has for your life. If not careful PLEASEITUS will LIMIT us from what God actually WANTS from us in our lives.
May I be honest? I truly feel that God wants me to address this subject as so many women, friends and family that I love and care about struggle in this area so much. As much as I strive to be alert to this disease called PLEASEITUS I do have a tendency to become caught up in it and if not for my husband with his gentle and sweet reminders (I see Pleaseitus showing up) I would be a mess!
So here is how it goes.................
We don't want to hurt the feelings of anyone. We want to truly help everyone in whatever situation they may be in. We hate saying NO to people---which people by the way includes family, friends, acquaintances and etc. At times we even put our own immediate family members last on the list in fear of disappointing others. OR, we are so afraid that we will disappoint our family that we allow our PLEASING them to actually control our lives. We try to be SO MUCH to everyone else that we struggle to BE ANYTHING to ourselves.
Physically we become tired. Remember, PLEASEITUS keeps you PLEASING which makes one perform more therefore NOT allowing for your body, mind and well-being to rest. We tend to go, go, go, and do, do, do. And we wonder? Why am I so tired?
Spiritually we become so caught up with PLEASING everyone else except the ONE that we should please....His name is JESUS!
I'd like to share just a few things
PLEASEITUS will rob you of the ability to relax.
When we are so busy pleasing everyone else, taking care of their needs and wants, we find ourselves burning the midnight oil. Not enough rest whether it be physically or mentally leads us to fatigue, health related sickness, and weariness of the mind. We find ourselves struggling to exist.
PLEASEITUS actually limits us.
When we are so busy being busy it actually puts limits on us as to what our personal needs are. We can't take care of US when we are constantly caring for others. (I don't mean care-giving in general) I think you know what I mean. The thing or things that God has called us to truly do for His Glory winds up a lot of times I am afraid sitting on the back burner.
PLEASEITUS labels us.
I can spot a people pleaser quick like....I used to be one!
Can I be totally honest now? The fact of the matter is that when we try to please EVERYBODY, we end up pleasing NOBODY!
In a conversation I recently had with a lady about this subject her comment was, "Jesus came to serve not to be served". Yes that is so true...but I am so afraid she still missed the mark! Jesus wants us to PLEASE HIM and by doing so we then can be pleasing to others in the way the Lord intended.
I wonder....now think with me for just a moment please...and once again I say, I wonder?
Could our "PLEASEITUS" actually be a fear of rejection? Do you think that deep down we truly feel this is our only way of being accepted by our family, friends, acquaintances?
Could it be that we want to CONTROL the situation at hand so therefore we just DO IT!
My dear friend reading this today....My prayer for you is the same for myself.....May we always be reminded that our true worth is in Christ. May we strive to bring balance to our lives. May we live a life that our standard is based on the standard of Christ. May this be our theme Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Image Credit
If not treated correctly it will be a like a Thief and Steal your Joy, your Health, your Thought life and even God-given plans that He has for your life. If not careful PLEASEITUS will LIMIT us from what God actually WANTS from us in our lives.
Image credit
May I be honest? I truly feel that God wants me to address this subject as so many women, friends and family that I love and care about struggle in this area so much. As much as I strive to be alert to this disease called PLEASEITUS I do have a tendency to become caught up in it and if not for my husband with his gentle and sweet reminders (I see Pleaseitus showing up) I would be a mess!
So here is how it goes.................
We don't want to hurt the feelings of anyone. We want to truly help everyone in whatever situation they may be in. We hate saying NO to people---which people by the way includes family, friends, acquaintances and etc. At times we even put our own immediate family members last on the list in fear of disappointing others. OR, we are so afraid that we will disappoint our family that we allow our PLEASING them to actually control our lives. We try to be SO MUCH to everyone else that we struggle to BE ANYTHING to ourselves.
When we have PLEASEITUS it causes one to feel tired emotionally and physically. It even affects ones spiritual life.
Emotionally you feel drained and even at times somewhat confused. We think, "If I don't say yes then people will not like me". Or, I can't stand the thoughts of disappointing that person. Or, I don't want to let them down. 
Image credit
Physically we become tired. Remember, PLEASEITUS keeps you PLEASING which makes one perform more therefore NOT allowing for your body, mind and well-being to rest. We tend to go, go, go, and do, do, do. And we wonder? Why am I so tired?
Spiritually we become so caught up with PLEASING everyone else except the ONE that we should please....His name is JESUS!
Galatians 1:10 (Image credit)
I'd like to share just a few things
PLEASEITUS will rob you of the ability to relax.
When we are so busy pleasing everyone else, taking care of their needs and wants, we find ourselves burning the midnight oil. Not enough rest whether it be physically or mentally leads us to fatigue, health related sickness, and weariness of the mind. We find ourselves struggling to exist.
PLEASEITUS actually limits us.
When we are so busy being busy it actually puts limits on us as to what our personal needs are. We can't take care of US when we are constantly caring for others. (I don't mean care-giving in general) I think you know what I mean. The thing or things that God has called us to truly do for His Glory winds up a lot of times I am afraid sitting on the back burner.
PLEASEITUS labels us.
I can spot a people pleaser quick like....I used to be one!
Can I be totally honest now? The fact of the matter is that when we try to please EVERYBODY, we end up pleasing NOBODY!
In a conversation I recently had with a lady about this subject her comment was, "Jesus came to serve not to be served". Yes that is so true...but I am so afraid she still missed the mark! Jesus wants us to PLEASE HIM and by doing so we then can be pleasing to others in the way the Lord intended.
I wonder....now think with me for just a moment please...and once again I say, I wonder?
Could our "PLEASEITUS" actually be a fear of rejection? Do you think that deep down we truly feel this is our only way of being accepted by our family, friends, acquaintances?
Could it be that we want to CONTROL the situation at hand so therefore we just DO IT!
My dear friend reading this today....My prayer for you is the same for myself.....May we always be reminded that our true worth is in Christ. May we strive to bring balance to our lives. May we live a life that our standard is based on the standard of Christ. May this be our theme Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Good challenging and inspirational thoughts and truths, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
WOW! Did I ever need this today. This is strange but this post has been my "permission" today. That is all I can say! Connie Royals
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Mrs. Cindy! Full of so much truth, I suffered from this "itus" for most of my life. Thankfully, He continues to do a work in me :) Love you!
ReplyDeleteOh, Cindy! You hit the nail on the head with this one!! And - wow - this has been my walk this past year trying to minister to so many homeschoolers and their children who were all over the map in educational philosophy and experience. Couldn't do it - worked myself into a corner. God rescued me, though - and I am laying that idea down. Working one on one with select families - no more classes in my home. I became a babysitter. Exhausted! But - set free and moving forward in a retooling season where I'm just following my Shepherd - returning to my reading, writing, and art - and taking joy in Him - trusting Him for our provision. He never fails . . . thank you for this confirming post . . .
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
So true!
ReplyDeleteI also want to tell you I ordered "Jesus Calling" and I'm enjoying it daily. I didn't know it, but my daughter also has it. Now she and I can "be on the same page" daily!
Katherine
Oh, I'm thinking I have this disease....maybe it's no full blown, but I have many of the symptoms. Thanks for the reminder that HE should be my main concern!! (love the Jeremiah 29:11 sign) HOPE you have a great rest of the week, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy! That Jeremiah scripture is just my favorite and I claim it constantly! You seem to always know where I am in my walk! God is using you, Dear One, mightily!
ReplyDeleteThank you for asking about my mother, she is doing pretty well and I'm adjusting.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I love this message Cindy. We got off on this subject at Bible Study last week. A lot of ladies deal with this issue and struggle with it daily. One lady was so happy, she said she finally said NO and found it was easier than she thought.
ReplyDeleteI said yes to something today that I should have said no to and all the way home the song that says "I'm just a Gal can't say no" was going on in my head (cause I knew I should have said no)....so this word was timely for me
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post, Cindy. I think sometimes we really outdo ourselves! LOL! Yes, I believe we think it is a way of being accepted. I like that you said we need to do things "Pleasing" to Jesus. I think that is where we find the balance.
ReplyDeleteYou're wonderful!
Hugs,
Brenda
Oh, do I understand this 'disease'! I've struggled with it for many years and am finally beginning to learn that I must say no at times. I tend to take care of everyone else and forget to take care of me. God is teaching me (again) to listen to His still small voice. And follow! No matter what others think of my decision. Thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDelete~Adrienne~