How to stand up for yourself

Step 1:

...actually, I have no idea. Why do I keep getting myself into these messes?

Struggling

Lately my biggest struggle has been remembering the difference between serving and pleasing. God commanded me to serve others but I'm only working to please Him. The problem comes when I switch those two things around. I beat myself up trying to please people and I end up serving God with a very grumbly heart.

Why is this such a hard concept for me to get right? Why do I constantly look to people for approval and validation when I know it's not going to come? Why do I always let that trip me up and make me discontent in how I obey God?

Just last week I was listening to my pastor talk about doubt and thinking to myself "wow, Jen, you used to struggle with this a lot and now you are so much better. Yay me!" I should have known that patting myself on the back for being awesome would lead me to see another huge thing I'm struggling with in my walk.

Further indication of my age

The stickers I got for my birthday are now decorating my notebook for the class my Pastor is teaching. Which, in case you were wondering, is NOT called ‘Churchy Churchiness Class”.

Further evidence of adulthood

At least in this case it’s my sister and not me. (although I found it funny too)

I’m an adult

Who makes adult choices when it comes to her soap needs.