John 15:9 – Grits with Grace

life, love, loving others, school days, Scripture, sovereignty of God

Approval-itis

Posted on November 7, 2025November 5, 2025 by Dewayne Taylor

“As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

If He can’t, why am I surprised that I can’t? Do you know what still amazes me? Creation…and not just part of it…all of it. I’m amazed when I stop and look at a spring flower. I’m amazed that the sun rises and sets day after day. I’m amazed that my heart beats about 75 times a minute. That is, wait for it, 108,000 times a day. In case you are interested that is 39,420,000 times a year. And, so far, it’s done well for 71 years. Oh, and I’m amazed that out of all the galaxies, solar systems, and planets—zillions of them—only one can support life as we know it. Earth. And it is no accident. It is an intentional act of creation.

God is really good at creating things. He made us. The Bible says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Another place in the Bible He says we are His masterpieces. Now some are Rembrandt’s, and some are Picasso’s, but we are all masterpieces. Handcrafted by the Creator of the universe—a “one of a kind” miracle. I know He made me with a few quirks and several warts and that is the point of this story…one of my quirky warts.

You see, from the time I was a little kid I have wanted people to like me. I have craved approval from the time I can remember. Whether it was from my Momma and Daddy, my brothers or sisters or the guy who picked up our garbage…I wanted approval. Let me tell you if you are going to have a quirk wart…there are a lot better ones than this one. The problem with “approval-itis—the need for people’s approval” is that it leads to a far worse disease—the passion, the drive to please people. Now if I lived out in Montana where my nearest neighbor was 20 miles away, this wouldn’t be such a big problem. But my life revolves around people—I was a pastor for goodness’ sake. And to be honest, I wanted everyone to be happy and I wanted every one of them to like me. Sigh.

To be clear…the deal isn’t their deal…oh, no it lands right in my lap. The wart with all its bumps is right here. For years I have been learning, or trying to learn, that I will not ever, never, please everyone. But like an alcoholic craves the bottle—so we people pleasers crave approval. And, by the way, I’ve gotten a little better. Now, if I’m driving down the street and I wave at someone and they don’t wave back, I don’t write down their license plates and put a contract out on them. Smile.

If you can identify in any small way with “approval-itis” I have some good news. It is sure to help you. No, it is not seeking counseling and paying someone $125 dollars an hour to tell you that you can’t please everyone. No, it is not moving to Montana…that wouldn’t work anyway because you would think the horse didn’t like you! No, it is something that I read in one of my devotions one morning. It is a simple truth. Are you ready? Here it is, “You can’t please everybody. Even God couldn’t please everybody.” Now isn’t that just profound…and true. I mean God is like all powerful, all wise, all knowing and can be everywhere at the same time and a majority of the world is always mad at him. How about that?

Think about it. If God couldn’t pull it off, then who am I to think that I can? I guess God could snap His celestial fingers and make everyone like Him, but He has this thing about free will. He doesn’t want to make people love Him—He wants them to love Him because they want too. Because.They.Want.To. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die on a Roman cross and He did it knowing that many…maybe most…would never even respond. Amazing.

So, here’s the deal. I understand that I will never please everyone…probably not even a fraction of the people I bump into. I can’t do that, but I can do this. I can love like Jesus loved. He said, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love.” He was saying, “Hey, when it comes to loving people…I’m all in. Sit back and enjoy it.” I can give my best not because a person will respond like I want, but rather because that is what my Dearest Daddy wants me to do. And guess what? His approval is the only approval that matters. We should live, love and long for the audience of One—Jesus.

Well, truth be told, I won’t get this one right in this lifetime because I probably won’t live that long—like a million years. But with His help I can be more like Him, every day. Love God, love people. It’s that simple. If you are “plum wore out” from “approval-itis,” well, why don’t you just take a rest. You can, you know—because He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

communication, Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, love, loving others, school days, Scripture, spiritual battles, thankful, Trials

My Amazing God

Posted on November 6, 2024November 5, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

If He can’t, why am I surprised that I can’t? Do you know what still amazes me? Creation…and not just part of it…all of it. I’m amazed when I stop and look at the colors of the leaves in fall. I’m amazed that the sun rises and sets day after day. I’m amazed that my heart beats about 70 times a minute. That is, wait for it, 100,800 times a day. In case you are interested that is 36,792,000 times a year. And, so far, it’s done well for 70 years. Oh, and I’m amazed that out of all the galaxies, solar systems, and planets—zillions of them—only one can support life as we know it. Earth. And it is no accident. It is an intentional act of creation.

God is really good at creating things. He made us. The Bible says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” In another place in the Bible He says we are His masterpieces. Now granted some are Rembrandt’s and some are Picasso’s, but we are all masterpieces. Handcrafted by the Creator of the universe—a “one of a kind” miracle. I know He made me with a few quirks and several warts and that is the point of this story…one of my quirky warts.

You see, from the time I was a little kid I have wanted people to like me. I have craved approval from the time I can remember. Whether it was from my Momma and Daddy, my brothers or sisters or the guy who picked up our garbage…I wanted approval. Let me tell you if you are going to have a quirk…there are a lot better ones than this one. The problem with “approval-itis,”the need for people’s approval is that it leads to a far worse disease—the passion, the drive to please people. Now if I lived out in Montana where my nearest neighbor was 20 miles away, this wouldn’t be such a big problem. But my life revolves around people—I was a pastor for goodness’ sake. And to be honest, I wanted everyone to be happy and I wanted every one of them to like me. Sigh.

If you can identify in any small way with “approval-itis” I have some good news that is sure to help you. No, it is not seeking counseling and paying someone $200 dollars an hour to tell you that you can’t please everyone. No, it is not moving to Montana…that wouldn’t work anyway because you would think the horse didn’t like you! No, it is something that I read in one of my devotions one morning. It is a simple truth. Are you ready? Here it is, “You can’t please everybody. Even God couldn’t please everybody.” Now isn’t that just profound…and true. I mean God is like all powerful, all wise, all knowing and can be everywhere at the same time and a majority of the world is always mad at him. How about that?

Family, fear, Grace, life, love, loving others, travel, Trials

It Came from Behind

Posted on April 1, 2024March 30, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

It came from the backseat. My entry into the world of pastoring was…abrupt. I told God I was willing to be a pastor and the next thing I knew…I was one. I spoke at a small church about 25 miles from where we lived. They were kind enough to invite me to come back and that is when it happened. They asked me and my wife Judy to leave the room and when we went back in, they said, “We just voted to ask you to be our pastor.” Well, I was honored but told them I didn’t know how to do that. They smiled and said, “Don’t worry…we will teach you.” And they did.

Soon we were in love with them, and they loved us back. So, our lives changed dramatically and very quickly. When I became their pastor, we had one daughter, Rebecca, and Judy was pregnant with our second child. Jennifer came into our family in August and our Sunday mornings went from crazy to crazier. New to this pastor thing, I wanted to get to our church before anyone else and since we lived some distance away, we had to leave much earlier.

These were the early days of car seats, but the bottom line was the same. Every child had to be strapped into a car seat. That included cute little three-year-old blondes who were not fond of car seats…cute little three-year-old blondes who would later declare, “Give me my way and it will be ok.” Well, one Sunday morning, Rebecca decided she was not going in the car seat. So, it fell to me to convince her that one way or another she was. There was a battle and I’m sure of two things. First, she did end up in the car seat. Second, I’m sure I wasn’t feeling very spiritual as I drove to church that morning.

So, after wrangling her in the car seat and with sweet little, innocent baby Jennifer on the other side, we left for church. The crying was over and there was a deafening silence from the back seat. And then, it happened. From the silence came this sweet child’s voice that said five words that to this day are part of our tribe’s history. Those five words were, wait for it, “I’m standing on the inside.” I know, I just know, Judy and I had to look at each other and refrain from laughing. I.Am.Standing.On.The.Inside.

Well, the rest of the trip is lost to time but who cares…we had our memory. As I said earlier that little blonde was just a little strong willed from the beginning and yes, she later said, “Just give me my way and it will be ok.” Well, I’m sure only a few of you know our oldest daughter but after a few, ok, more than a few times of knocking our heads together (figuratively speaking) she has grown into one of my favorite people. And more than a few times I have referred to that Sunday morning.

It is no secret that a lot of us have a bent toward rebellion. Sometimes it is with parents, sometimes spouses, and too often with God. Rebellion is what got us in trouble with God in the first place. God said no and our original parents in the Garden of Eden said, “Yes” and the rest is history. Why is that? Well, there are many reasons, but a primary one is a lack of trust and understanding. You see, little Rebecca thought I was being mean. I knew I was being loving and responsible. I was trying to protect her. And guess what? So is God. In fact, John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved Me. Remain in My love.” Wow!

You see, He knows all about the pain, suffering and consequences of sin and wants to protect us from that. His book, the Bible, really isn’t a law book…it is a love book and in one way or another that is declared verse after verse, page after page, and chapter after chapter. If we listen carefully, we will hear the Whisperer whispering and often it will be words of love and encouragement. And, sometimes, we will just have to sit in the car seat…period. There are two things we can take to the bank. First, He has our best interest in mind. Period. And secondly, that no matter what, car seat or not, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, Trials

Approval-itis

Posted on November 3, 2023October 31, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

If He can’t, why am I surprised that I can’t? Do you know what still amazes me? Creation…and not just part of it…all of it. I’m amazed when I stop and look at a spring flower. I’m amazed that the sun rises and sets day after day. I’m amazed that my heart beats about 75 times a minute. That is, wait for it, 108,000 times a day. In case you are interested that is 39,420,000 times a year. And, so far, it’s done well for 69 years. Oh, and I’m amazed that out of all the galaxies, solar systems, and planets—zillions of them—only one can support life as we know it. Earth. And it is no accident. It is an intentional act of creation.

You see, from the time I was a little kid I have wanted people to like me. I have craved approval from the time I can remember. Whether it was from my Momma and Daddy, my brothers or sisters or the guy who picked up our garbage…I wanted approval. Let me tell you if you are going to have a quirk wart…there are a lot better ones than this one. The problem with “approval-itis—the need for people’s approval” is that it leads to a far worse disease—the passion, the drive to please people. Now if I lived out in Montana where my nearest neighbor was 20 miles away, this wouldn’t be such a big problem. But my life revolves around people—I am a pastor for goodness’ sake. And to be honest, I want everyone to be happy and I want every one of them to like me. Sigh.

If you can identify in any small way with “approval-itis” I have some good news. It is sure to help you. No, it is not seeking counseling and paying someone $125 dollars an hour to tell you that you can’t please everyone. No, it is not moving to Montana…that wouldn’t work anyway because you would think the horse didn’t like you! No, it is something that I read in one of my devotions the other morning. It is a simple truth. Are you ready? Here it is, “You can’t please everybody. Even God couldn’t please everybody.” Now isn’t that just profound…and true. I mean God is like all powerful, all wise, all knowing and can be everywhere at the same time and a majority of the world is always mad at him. How about that?

Family, friends, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful, Trials

My Amazing God

Posted on November 2, 2022November 1, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

“As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

If He can’t, why am I surprised that I can’t? Do you know what still amazes me? Creation…and not just part of it…all of it. I’m amazed when I stop and look at the colors of the leaves in fall. I’m amazed that the sun rises and sets day after day. I’m amazed that my heart beats about 75 times a minute. That is, wait for it, 108,000 times a day. In case you are interested that is 39,420,000 times a year. And, so far, it’s done it well for 68 years. Oh, and I’m amazed that out of all the galaxies, solar systems, and planets—zillions of them—only one can support life as we know it. Earth. And it is no accident. It is an intentional act of creation.

God is really good at creating things. He made us. The Bible says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Another place in the Bible He says we are His masterpieces. Now granted some are Rembrandt’s and some are Picasso’s, but we are all masterpieces. Handcrafted by the Creator of the universe—a “one of a kind” miracle. I know He made me with a few quirks and several warts and that is the point of this story…one of my quirky warts.

You see, from the time I was a little kid I have wanted people to like me. I have craved approval from the time I can remember. Whether it was from my mama and daddy, my brothers or sisters or the guy who picked up our garbage…I wanted approval. Let me tell you if you are going to have a quirk…there are a lot better ones than this one. The problem with “approval-itis—the need for people’s approval” is that it leads to a far worse disease—the passion, the drive to please people. Now if I lived out in Montana where my nearest neighbor was 20 miles away, this wouldn’t be such a big problem. But my life revolves around people—I am a pastor for goodness’ sake. And to be honest, I want everyone to be happy and I want every one of them to like me. Sigh.

To be clear…the deal isn’t their deal…oh, no it lands right in my lap. The wart with all it’s bumps is right here. For years I have been learning, or trying to learn, that I will not ever, never, please everyone. But like an alcoholic craves the bottle—so we people pleasers crave approval. And, by the way, I’ve gotten a little better. Now, if I’m driving down the street and I wave at someone and they don’t wave back, I don’t write down their license plates and put a contract out on them. Smile.

If you can identify in any small way with “approval-itis” I have some good news. It is sure to help you. No, it is not seeking counseling and paying someone $125 dollars an hour to tell you that you can’t please everyone. No, it is not moving to Montana…that wouldn’t work anyway because you would think the horse didn’t like you! No, it is something that I read in one of my devotions the other morning. It is a simple truth. Are you ready? Here it is, “You can’t please everybody. Even God couldn’t please everybody.” Now isn’t that just profound…and true. I mean God is like all powerful, all wise, all knowing and can be everywhere at the same time and a majority of the world is always mad at him. How about that?

Family, fear, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, Trials

It Came from Behind

Posted on April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

Soon we were in love with them, and they loved us back. So, our lives changed dramatically and very quickly. When I became their pastor, we had one daughter, Rebecca and Judy was pregnant with our second child. Jennifer came into our family in August and our Sunday mornings went from crazy to crazier. New to this pastor thing, I wanted to get to our church before anyone else and since we lived some distance away, we had to leave pretty early.

These were the early days of car seats but the bottom line was the same. Every child had to be strapped into a car seat. That included cute little three-year-old blonds who were not fond of car seats…cute little three-year-old blonds who would later declare, “Give me my way and it will be ok.” Well, one Sunday morning, Rebecca decided she was not going in the car seat. So, it fell to me to convince her that one way or another she was. There was a battle and I’m sure of two things. First, she did end up in the car seat. Second, I’m sure I wasn’t feeling very spiritual as I drove to church that morning.

So, after wrangling her into the car seat and with sweet little, innocent baby Jennifer on the other side, we left for church. The crying was over and there was a deafening silence from the back seat. And then, it happened. From the silence came this sweet, child’s voice that said five words that to this day are part of our tribe’s history. Those five words were, wait for it, “I’m standing on the inside.” I know, I just know, Judy and I had to look at each other and refrain from laughing. I.Am.Standing.On.The.Inside.

Well, the rest of the trip is lost to time but who cares…we had our memory. As I said earlier that little blond was just a little strong willed from the beginning and yes, she later said, “Just give me my way and it will be ok.” Well, I’m sure only a few of you know our oldest daughter but after a few, ok, more than a few times of knocking our heads together (figuratively speaking) she has grown into one of my favorite people. And more than a few times I have referred to that Sunday morning.

It is no secret that a lot of us have a bent toward rebellion. Sometimes it is with parents, sometimes spouses, and too often with God. Rebellion is what got us in trouble with God in the first place. God said no and our original parents in the Garden of Eden said, “Yes” and the rest is history. Why is that? Well, there are many reasons but a primary one is a lack of trust and understanding. You see, little Rebecca thought I was being mean. I knew I was being loving and responsible. I was trying to protect her. And guess what? So is God. In fact, John 15:9 says, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” Wow!

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