There are times in life when we struggle to be real, to be genuine. Some of us put a lot of effort into masking our true emotions and feelings. Others feel like we need to pretend to be someone we're not. But why do we feel like we need to put up an emotional "wall" between ourselves and others? And how do we get better at breaking down those walls and being more real and genuine with others?

We've got bibles with paper pages and bible apps. We've got online sermons and podcasts and live speakers onstage. We've got memes and blogs and bumper stickers. We have all sorts of different opportunities to hear about God and about the kind of life He wants us to live. So why do I struggle to actually do what His word says I should do? And how do I become a better "doer," not just a good "hearer"?

I may often have really good ideas of things I want to do and goals I want to accomplish. So why does it seem like I never actually accomplish them? The problem might be the goal itself or the obstacles I encounter. But honestly, the biggest problem might just be my lack of follow-through. I may have the vision and just not be very good at completing the mission. So is it wrong to struggle with following through on things I start? How do I get better at moving towards my goals instead of walking away from them?

Ever have those times when the thing you thought was going to be good turned out to be not so good? The meal you tried to make looked good on Food Network but not so good on the plate. The "simple" DIY project ended up taking hours and still isn't finished. The exercise/weight-loss plan is...well...still in its "planning stage." It happens to all of us - we have good intentions, but the actual results are less than we'd prefer. And those situations can be deflating and frustrating, sometimes even overwhelming. What do we do when we miss the mark? How do we handle the not so good moments that we sometimes create for ourselves, and how do we find more success at fulfilling our good intentions?

We live in a culture that appears sometimes to almost demand that we look out for ourselves and our own interests first. We don't like our comfort zones to be stretched, our time or effort to be sacrificed, or our "rights" to be given up for the sake of someone else. And yet part of Flagstone's mission is to find opportunities to serve other people...which seems to demand that I look out for others, not just me. But do I really have to help in some way? Can't I just be a Christian without having to volunteer? Why does it matter whether or not I find a way to serve?

Churches often put a lot of emphasis on things like "fellowship" and "community." Even at Flagstone, we talk a lot about finding "connection." But do I really have to build relationships with other Christians? Why does it matter whether or not I get connected with a church family?

//Reposting due to livestream issues this morning//

Small Groups... Life Groups... Cell Groups... At Flagstone we call them Connection Groups. These groups are a vital part of our ministry and fulfilling our mission. But how important are these groups? How do I get plugged into one? And maybe most importantly, how do I stay plugged into one?

I do the right things, I pray, I give, I volunteer...and it still seems like things don't go right, or at least not the way I think they should. So why did I go to the trouble? What's the point of me doing what God says I should when it doesn't seem like He's rewarding my good choices and actions?

It's one of the most amazing gifts we could ever receive - grace. God promises to forgive us of all our failures, all the times we fall short, all the times we hurt ourselves or others. God calls us and challenges us to show that same level of forgiveness to others, and many of us try to do that on a regular basis. But if I'm really honest, one of the most difficult people for me to forgive...is me! I need to be forgiven by God, but how can I fully accept and experience that grace if I struggle to even forgive myself? How do I get better at being honest with God, not just about my sin, but also the guilt that comes with it?