Get a Tattoo. Check.

Yes, I've done it. I know what you're thinking -

YOU?!?!

Yes, me.

Here's a little secret. I have always wanted a tattoo, especially in the past year or so.

Another secret that's no so much a secret - I AM A PEOPLE PLEASER. I have been so scared of people disapproving of me, not liking my choice, that I have avoided taking the plunge.

It was at Staff Conference that I felt God bringing to my attention that there are so many other areas of my life that I am paralyzed by my reputation, bending to popular opinion rather than what I know to be right.

This tattoo is my stake in the ground that no longer will I be bound primarily by others' opinions of me. I am beginning today to live freely in Christ - the creator of true freedom.

Here's the passage that inspired my tattoo. Another post to come on that later.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:1-11