My Dear Sister

If Christ is Your Savior
You are the dwelling place
Of His own Spirit
You have it IN YOU
to be secure.

Every day of your life
You have a choice to make
You can live in your old defeat
Or you can turn from your unbelief
And choose life

Make up your mind
To put off the old you
And put on the new you.
Never, ever, ever forget
That the Lord is your security.

He will keep your foot
From being caught in a trap.
He will take care of you
To your very last breath.

Now, leave this place
And go out into the world
And act like a person
Who knows she’s dearly loved.

You were born to be exceptional.
So, Girlfriend, go forth
And walk worthy of your calling.
You are clothed in strength and dignity!

Now unto Him
Who can keep you from falling
Be glory and majesty
Power and authority
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
Now and forever more
Amen.

So Long, Insecurity!

~from Beth Moore

My Father in Heaven,

I thank You for this day to give You praise.
I thank You for a life where nothing is wasted,
a life where pain turns into purpose and Your providence assigns a personal destiny.
You will never allow anything in my path that cannot bring You glory,
or me and those around me good.
No matter what this day holds,
I am clothed with strength and dignity.
I have divine strength to overcome every obstacle and all oppression because I belong to Jesus Christ, and His Spirit lives within me.
You, Lord, are my security.
No one and nothing can take You from me.
You will keep my foot from being caught in a trap.
I choose to turn my back on fear because You are right here with me.
I can smile over the days to come because Your plan for me is good and right.
My heart is steadfast, trusting in You, Lord.
In the end, I will look in triumph on my foes.
Because of You,
I, _______________________________, am secure.

In Jesus' triumphant name,
Amen

~Taken from "So Long Insecurity," by Beth Moore, page 346.

Hello sweet friends! I want to apologize for the long delay in writing. For the past week and a half my life has been in a crazy whirlwind. Two weeks ago, this Friday, I received a phone call from my Dad. He told me that my sweet Momma had been in an accident and she had broken her right leg. She was minutes away from surgery. They were out of state at the time, so I immediately got in the car and headed their way. I have been caring for my Mom and without internet access for this time. I snuck away for a bit this afternoon, so that I could touch base with my blogging buddies! :)

I didn't want to end our book study without finishing my reading and answering my last two questions. I hope that you have had time to finish your reading and are able to attend a simulcast event this upcoming weekend. It is looking like I am not going to be able to attend the event. I am so disappointed. I continue to pray for Beth Moore, her team and the Mt. Sterling First Church of God as they prepare for this amazing weekend. I know that God is going to do an awesome work in the lives of many women!!

Okay, so here are my answers to our final questions. . .

1) On a scale of 1-10, I would say that fear has unfortunately had a hold on me at about a 7 or 8. (sometimes less and sometimes more!) This is something that I have always struggled with, on some level, and the last 2 1/2 years, it has reared its ugly head. Chapter 17 was very eye opening and the part that resonated with me the most was to "Trust God! Period." I love the words of Isaiah 33:6, "HE is your constant source of stability." (NET). Lord, help me to trust YOU, no matter what the situation or fear. Help me to lean not on my own understanding. Help me to seek YOUR will and allow YOU to show me which path to take. Help me to have a secure heart, trusting completely in YOU! I love you Lord! Amen.

2) This has been the most amazing journey! I am so thankful that once again, Beth has been obedient to the Holy Spirit and allowed the Lord to use her in such a mighty way. God has opened my eyes so much over the past ten weeks. This book study has changed me. I am striving to live each day secure in Christ! I know that my security comes from Him. I know that I am clothed with strength and dignity and no one can take that from me. My heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Each day, I am clinging to His Word and His truths! I am changing the way I think and reminding myself daily of the mighty God that I serve. My life is in His hands. "The Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap." (Proverbs 3:26 ~ NLT) PRAISE GOD!!

I just want to say thank you to all who have done this book study with me. Thank you also to all who have read along, prayed and given me support and encouragement. I praise Jesus for each of you. I pray that you trust in Him! I pray that you hold on to your security and know that no one can take it from you. Let's make a decision to live as secure women of God and be examples to young women, showing them what security looks like. I love, love, love each of you!!

Praising God for His Security,
Elisabeth

I cannot believe that this time has already come to an end. We will wrap up our "So Long Insecurity" book study this week. I know that the LORD has spoken in mighty ways throughout this study and I pray that you have received many blessings. I also pray that you are walking securely in Him with your heads held high for His glory! I am posting what Beth Moore posted on her site this morning and will look forward to hearing from you this next week.

Beth wrote:

"It’s time for us to finish up! I am so grateful for your partnership through this journey. You were such a big part of the inspiration to write it (not because you’re insecure or anything… but because I knew I’d have a little company if I went public). When it came out, reading it together seemed only fitting. Thank you for your willingness to enter in."

This week’s assignment? Finish this baby up! Please read Chapters 17 and 18 and answer the following questions:

1. Based on Chapter 17, on a scale of 1 to 10 (one-almost none, ten-over the top), how big a part has fear played in your life? After responding with your approximation, please share what, if anything, in the chapter resonated with you.

2. Reflect over the journey as a whole. What (again, if anything) lasting and of God will you take away from it?

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ladies. You are a great joy to me. May the God of peace sanctify us through and through – spirit, soul, and body – until we are wholly overtaken by Him. (1 Thess. 5:23) This alone will be the essence of wholeness."

And I want to thank you too, for doing this study with me! You are such a blessing to me and I love knowing that I have sisters in Christ all over, in different stages of life, going through this journey with me. God is so good and I praise Him for each of you!! Let's continue to cling to Jesus and finish strong! :)

I love you,
Elisabeth

Greetings my sweet girlfriends! I hope and pray that you are having a blessed spring day! I am anticipating great things!! I thought I would post my answers to this week's questions. I truly hope that you are continuing to read. Even if you are behind, continue on at your own pace. I want you to live life victoriously and abundantly secure through Jesus Christ!!

I had the blessed opportunity to skype with some dear friends this morning and it reminded me of just how blessed I am with some precious friendships in Jesus. God is so good! I love how He places people in our paths throughout our life at just the right time! His timing is perfect. Sorry, I know that I am getting off the subject, but I just wanted to share this with you because it led me to answer the first question of my homework.

Here are my answers:

1) I do not have any daughters, but the Lord has blessed me with some special young girls that He placed in my life. One sweet girl is very dear to me. I feel as though I have helped raise her and I love her as if she was my own daughter. She is the daughter of a very dear friend & I have been in her life since the time she was born. They have lived with us for short times on two separate occasions, so needless to say, we are close. Then, a year ago next month, the Lord placed another baby girl into my life! My brother & his wife had the first baby girl in our family and I love her dearly. God has graciously allowed us to be near them this past 9 months and I have grown attached to her & love her so very much. I want to be a godly example for these two little girls and I want them to know Christ and live their lives for Him. I don't want them to struggle with insecurity, but know that their security comes from Him.

One of my greatest memories in ministry was having the wonderful opportunity to baptize a young girl. I had prayed with her as she asked Jesus into her heart & she wanted me to be the one to baptize her. (so sweet!) Nothing could have prepared me for what I felt that day. As we entered into the baptistry, her with her princess crown on & all, the Holy Spirit flooded my soul! I thought that day . . . "Even though I never had a daughter, the LORD has given me many spiritual daughters to be an example before them!" It is my heart's desire to leave a legacy of faith to all those that I have come in contact with. I want them to see Jesus in me and I want them to know Christ and the abundant life that only He can give. I desire to live abundantly and effectively for my Lord!

2) I believe that the best way to look out for my female gender & the battle of insecurity is to start living victoriously over this issue myself! I love the passage in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 that says, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." ~ "But I have this treasure!" I want to live my life in a way that radiates the glory of God! Jesus Christ lives in me & I have no reason to be insecure. . . my security comes from Him!!

3) My passion is women's ministry. I love seeing women of all ages "get it!" I love seeing them come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and watch as they grow in Him. I love seeing those moments when God's Word becomes alive and active in them and it is like a light bulb comes on . . . they get what the Lord is saying to them. It brings joy to my heart and fills me with such a sense of excitement and fulfillment. My heart also beats wildly for young pastor's wives. Being a pastor's wife myself, I have been through many trials and valleys, as well as, on many mountaintops. I know what it is like to feel as though you have no one to turn to. I know what it's like to feel as though you have to be "perfect." I feel an obligation to be a mentor to other young pastor's wives who may feel as though they have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. I don't feel obligated in a bad way. I feel honored to be able to come alongside other pastor's wives and to be able to listen, pray and encourage their hearts. This is something that I have become more passionate about over the past 2 1/2 years. I hope that the Lord gives me opportunity to be poured out for His glory. I love Jesus and I love serving others through Him!

It has been such an honor to be able to share with each of you throughout this journey. I hope and pray that you are also being blessed along the way and learning so much as the Lord leads each of you. I look forward to our last week of reading together. Remember as you study this week (and as you get ready each morning) to say to yourself, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!" (Psalm 84:1)

I love you girls!
Elisabeth

Happy Maundy Thursday Sweet Ones! I wanted to get our assignment for this next week posted before the day was over. We will only have two more discussion weeks and there are five chapters left to read in So Long Insecurity. We will read three chapters this week and two next week per Beth's instructions.

Also, if anyone is interested in attending the live Beth Moore simulcast with me, please let me know. I will be attending at the First Church of God in Mt. Sterling, KY on April 24, 2010. You can check Living Proof Ministries website to see a number of host churches who are taking part in the simulcast and find one in your area. I highly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity. You will be forever changed!

Here is our assignment for this week:

Read Chapters 14, 15 & 16 and answer the following questions:
1) As you surely noticed, Chapter 14 is more of a testimony than a teaching but it concludes with a charge to deal with our female insecurities for the sake of young girls coming up behind us. Briefly describe someone who is worth doing what it takes to you to live abundantly and effectively in Christ. Help us picture her so that she inspires us, too. Needless to say, don’t share more than she’d want you to.

2) I wish we could discuss all of Chapter 15 in person but this is the next best thing. Name a couple of ways pertinent to your sphere of life and influence that you could look out for your own gender in our battle with insecurities. In other words, how can you (not others but you in particular) start becoming part of the solution in your female relationships rather than default into part of the problem. No condemnation here. Goodness knows, we’ve all been both. Our challenge is to learn to be deliberate. How are you prepared to do that?

3) I can’t wait to see your answers to this one. Based on Chapter 16 and the challenge to look past ourselves, what is your passion? If you don’t have one presently, don’t feel pressured or unnerved. You might be too deep in toddlers or school work to think past the urgent. Those things are priority and need to be your passion right now. If, however, you long for something that makes you feel fully alive and part of something specific God is doing for the greater good, ask Him to nurture that vision in you. It will be ultimately be the key to life on the outskirts of self-absorption. Keep in mind, your passion may not be anything you’re currently engaged in. Maybe you don’t have the opportunity to participate right now. Maybe it’s just in dream-form. Or maybe it’s just a place God has tendered your heart. Try to give it a name. What is something outside of yourself that you feel passionate about?

Have a blessed Easter weekend and celebrate our risen Savior! Enjoy this wonderful time with your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Blessings,
Elisabeth

What a blessed Easter week! I absolutely LOVE this time of year. Easter is my favorite! I love celebrating our risen Savior! Hallelujah!! I pray that each of us are spending some precious time with the Savior this week reflecting on all that HE has done on our behalf. God is so good.

I am also blessed that my son is home from college this week for spring break! It has been so good to spend time with my boy! I am so blessed to be his Momma! He brings a smile to my heart and joy to my soul. Thank you LORD for this special time! God is so good.

I hope that you have been able to keep up with your reading with all the craziness of life. We have gotten to the core of this study and it is awesome! Don't get discouraged if you are behind, but continue to press on! Don't let the enemy get a foothold. This part of the study is where we are learning how to respond differently and not to let anyone or anything threaten our security. We are clothed with strength and dignity. Remember? (Proverbs 31:25) I love what Beth Moore wrote in this week's reading. "Wear your God-given strength. Throw on your God-given dignity. Walk with your head up in your God-given security." (pg. 258). So in other words, let's get our God-given security on girlfriends!

Okay, I hope you are doing your homework. The following are my answers to this week's assignment.

1) My "I already knew that moment" was that men were on to us and our insecurities. My "That's new to me moment" was the fact that men thought that women show their insecurity by how they dress. I was surprised at the comment from the 29 year old man on page 233. This was very interesting to me.
2) I believe a weak will definitely plays into our insecurity. When we allow the enemy to have a foothold with us emotionally, it feeds our insecurity. Praise God, we have a right to choose! Because we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we can refuse to give way to insecurity! We can choose to react differently and to have a new attitude!

I love Psalm 29:11 (NET). It says, "The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD grants His people security." We can hold our heads high and know that we are children of the Most High! We can have our feelings hurt, we can be criticized and wronged, we can be embarrassed, intimidated and even threatened; but we can also refuse to hand over our security. It is ours to keep! God gave us our security and crowned us with dignity. It is by His strength that we are able to hold our heads high. He is the lifter of our heads. (Psalm 3:3). "The enemy of your soul will never have to worry about what kind of damage you could do the kingdom of darkness if he can get you to buy the lie that you are incompetent, weak, and inadequate." (pg. 259). Sisters in Christ, remember, we ALL need God and He is our strength and shield. Whenever you are "struck down," remember that you are not "destroyed!" (2 Corinthians 4:9). YOU are not incompetent, weak or inadequate! YOU are a child of GOD!

Enjoy this Easter week and hold your head high! The LORD has done great things for us! He created us and He crowned us with strength and dignity. I love each of you and you are in my daily prayers. Have a blessed week!

Clinging to Christ,
Elisabeth

I just want each of you to know how very proud I am that you are continuing with me on this journey! God is so good and He is our security! He has great things in store for each of us this week. Please do not give up! If you are behind in this study. . . continue on at your own pace, but keep going! I am praying for you!

Week Seven of So Long Insecurity! Your assignment this week is to read CHAPTERS 12 and 13 and answer the following questions. (You will NOT want to miss Chapter 12. It's what the guys on the survey had to say about women's insecurities. Don't wait too long in the week to read Chapter 13 either. It's a little lengthier.)

1. Based on Chapter 12, name one "I already knew that" moment and one "that's new to me" moment, if either applies.

2. Based on Chapter 13, how does a weak will play into our insecurity?

"Let's recommit to our journey together even if you've already read the whole book. In the spirit of 2 Corinthians 8:11, "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it." Translation? Let's finish strong!" ~ Beth Moore

Let's finish strong fellow Sojourners!

You are loved,
Elisabeth :)

Good Afternoon! I hope you girls are having a great week in the LORD!! I am loving this sunshine & having a glorious week. My boy comes home for spring break on Friday, so needless to say, I have been SUPER excited!! :)

Here are my answers to this week's assignment. I hope that you are all continuing on with this study. You are in my prayers & I love you so very much!

1) I don't think that I have ever viewed men as being gods or devils. I have always admired the men in my life. I was raised by an awesome Christian Daddy & married an amazing man of God! I am blessed with an incredible son and have a wonderful brother. They mean the world to me, however they are not perfect and would be the first ones to admit that fact. I am truly a blessed woman!

2) I believe that the main difference between men and women's insecurities is that women tend to have more insecurity about their physical appearance than men. While some men may have issues in this area, I feel that this is primarily a female issue. We have it plastered all over the media and the pressure of looking a certain way is very pressing for women.

3) Yes. Omnipotence is the divine attribute that I am particularly taken with. Unfortunately, if you ask my husband or son, they would both tell you that I have "control" issues! They actually joke about my son being the "bubble boy!" I have had to learn to let go and let God in many areas of my life, but this has been a huge one for me.

Okay, now it's your turn! :) If you need to review this week's questions, you can view the previous blog post or check out Beth Moore's site.

The main thing that the LORD impressed upon me as I read and studied His Word this week was to be a better encourager to my husband. I don't want to be critical and sometimes I can be the biggest critic to those that I love the most! I am praying and striving through the Holy Spirit to be an encourager and to continue to be a prayer warrior on my husband's behalf.

I encourage each of you to do the same. Send your husband a text, email or leave him a note letting him know how much he means to you and how thankful you are for him. Let's encourage our men and pray for them daily! As we learned this week, they battle insecurity just like we do. Let's be their biggest cheerleaders and prayer warriors! Pray for wisdom and knowledge in Christ! Pray for God to teach you to encourage others! I am praying for each of you and love you girls so much!

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." ~ Colossians 2:2-3

Praising God and Praying for my Man,
Elisabeth

Okay girls, we are half way through our book study and God is revealing some awesome truths in His Word! I pray that you are staying with this study. God desires for us to live a Spirit-filled life of freedom in Him. He desires for us to be rid of insecurity once and for all!

In this next part of our study, Beth Moore will share insights from her surveys of men. Please read each chapter, even if you do not have a male influence in your life. It is important for us to read each part of this study so that we might gain better understanding into our gender related insecurities.

Our assignment from Beth this week is to read CHAPTERS 10 AND 11 and answer the following questions:


1. Based on Chapter 10, in all truthfulness, has your historical tendency been to view men (generally speaking) as gods? Or devils?

2. Based on Chapter 10 and your own day-to-day observances, what differences do you see between men’s insecurities and women’s?

3. On p.208 in Chapter 11, I suggest that women who struggle with insecurity tend to be particularly taken with 2 divine attributes: omnipotence and omniscience. Did either of these resonate with you? If so, how?

I hope that you will begin to share what God is doing in and through you as we study together. I also hope that you are keeping a personal journal that you can reflect back on whenever needed. Our times of sharing will make our journey more meaningful and help to hold us accountable. I love each of you and I am keeping you in my prayers. Enjoy your reading this week!

Love you girls,
Elisabeth

Good Morning sweet friends! I pray you are doing well and having an awesome week with the Lord! I am posting later this week. My husband and I have been travelling. We are in Kentucky right now and I must say. . . it feels so good to be "home." We have spent our best years of ministry here and most of our married life. Kentucky holds some wonderful memories and it is nice to be back in the Bluegrass! :)

I don't know about you, but I absolutely loved our reading this week. Chapter 9 of "So Long Insecurity" has been my favorite chapter thus far in our study. What a blessing to pray God's Word and spend some precious time with our Savior! Beth had asked us to write down five Scriptures that spoke powerfully to us right now. I had trouble choosing only five. Oh, how I love the Word of God!

The Scripture that the Lord spoke most powerfully to me this week was Deuteronomy 33:12. I placed my name in the verse and allowed the Lord to speak directly to me. Place your name in the blank below and allow the Lord to speak to your soul.

"About ______________ He said:  Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders." (Deuteronomy 33:12)

What a blessed assurance that we can rest secure in the LORD. I remember when Andrew (my son) was a little boy and my husband would carry him on his shoulders. What a sweet memory!  He could see better up there. He was right by his Daddy’s face. He could hear him and cling to him. He felt safe and secure! Beloved, just imagine our Daddy, Abba, carrying us on His shoulders.We can see clearer when we seek His face. We can hear God speak. He loves us so much and we can rest in Him as He carries us.

I think of a shepherd carrying his sheep. He would always place the sheep across his shoulders and protect him. The Shepherd of our souls does this for us. He shields us all day long and protects us. Pour your heart and soul out to Him and allow God to bring healing and restoration. The Lord knows you better than you know yourself. Ask Him to speak to your heart and reveal Himself to you! Ask Him for His protection and allow Him to be your shield.

We are at a turning point in our journey for security and God is doing an amazing work in and through our lives! When you struggle this week, read back through the prayer in Chapter 9. Allow the sweet Savior to place you upon His shoulders and carry you. Give Him your worries, fears and insecurities and rest in His love.

I love you girls and I am praying for you! Continue to stay in God's Word and allow Him to speak to your heart. I am excited to hear what He is speaking to you.

Resting on His Shoulders,
Elisabeth

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

Well, we have made it half way through our book study and it has been glorious! This week will become intense and I believe that the Holy Spirit is going to do amazing things in and through us as we surrender to Him.

Here is what Beth Moore wrote to us for this week:

"We are reaching the halfway point in our journey and have arrived at a place of utmost importance in our pursuit of wholeness. Your assignment this week is based on only one chapter of the book: CHAPTER 9. As you will soon discover, it is not a chapter you just read. It's a chapter you actually do. A chapter you actually pray. Please take it seriously. Everything ahead of us hinges on this experience. It is placed at this point in the journey prior to the prescriptive and practical phase of the book so that the way is cleared and our dignity restored enough to move forward. It will help place us in a posture God can bless with the rich kind of confidence He wants for His people and activate the power we have within us to think and FEEL differently. That's essentially where the remainder of the book heads.


Here are your very simple assignments this week:

1. Do (don't just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it.

2. Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now - five that you feel like you need the most - and write them on the inside of the back cover of the book. (This should be a lot less intimidating than what I asked you to write inside the front cover at the beginning of our journey!)

And that's it for this week! I want the prayer journey to stand by itself and clear the way for mighty works ahead. We have some of our most eye-opening moments in the second half so stay with it, Girls!"

I love you sweet girls and I am praying for you! Enjoy this week in the Lord and if you are behind in the study, it will be a great week to get "caught up!" Continue to pray for each other and allow the Lord to speak to your heart this week.

Praying with you,
Elisabeth

Hello Sweet Journey Girls! I hope this finds you in the middle of a glorious sunny day with Jesus! It is beautiful here today and I am praising the Lord for the 72 degree weather. Oh, how I have missed the sunshine!! It is wonderful and I pray that you are experiencing a wonderful day too!

Before we get to this past week's assignment, I wanted to post a link to a video clip from Beth Moore that she posted for those doing her "So Long Insecurity" book study. You can click on the link below or on the book to the right of the page. It is a very important personal message from Beth and I hope that each of you will take the time to listen intently to what she has to say.

http://vimeo.com/9861089

Okay, now let's get to the questions for this past week's assignment. I hope that you all read Chapters 7 and 8 in their entirety. It is important to push through so that we can be victorious over insecurity! The Lord desires for us to have freedom in our lives. Galatians 5:1 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Praise God! Jesus Christ has set us free and we are free indeed!!

The following were questions for this week:

1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?

2. (If you're choosing only two, please include this one.) Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it's time to deal with your insecurity. (We're not looking for right answers. We're looking for YOUR answers. Don't copy off your fellow sojourners' papers on this one. Grin.) So that you don't get your numbers confused here, list your 3 reasons under A.B.&C.

3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.

4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?


I pray that you will answer one or all in the comment section below. Feel free to comment on what the study has meant to you thus far, even if you feel as though you do not wish to answer the other questions on this site. I would love to hear how God is working in and through your life!

Here are my answers to the questions this week:

1. I think that the thing that impressed me the most from Chapter 7 was the fact that so many women have battled insecurity! It was astounding to see how the enemy can work to deceive and destroy. It made me angry! I want women of all ages to have freedom in Jesus Christ!! I was also struck with a sense of, "I've been there," in some of these writings. Oh, how insecurity can wreak havoc. I am sick and tired of the enemy making me and others feel this way!

2. My top three reasons why it's time to deal with my insecurity:
    a) I am sick and tired of the enemy working me over in this area of my life!
    b) I want to believe that I am who God says I am.
    c) I want to help other women to have victory and healing in this area of their lives.

3. I laughed when I thought about this answer. The last trigger recently that I remember was when I met someone I really admire and said something stupid! It was actually when I met BETH MOORE at a book signing last month! (haha!) I had anticipated this moment for so long and I was sooo ecstatic that I blubbered all over her and myself! I can't even remember what I said. (Nothing that I had planned.) I was talking so fast and trying to tell her so much in such a few brief moments! I know I must have sounded so stupid. My sweet husband had driven me all the way down to Tennessee for a Valentine's gift to meet her. We both laughed all the way home at how "silly" I acted. You would have thought I was a little girl! I felt so stupid and thought, "I can't imagine how goofy she thought I was. . . how stupid!"

4. I absolutely LOVED Chapter 8. I looked up the meaning of dignity in Webster's dictionary. It said,
"The quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed." To me, after reading this chapter, dignity means a crown of honor that Jesus Christ has placed upon my head deeming me worthy of respect and high esteem. Thank you LORD!

I pray that each of you have a glorious day and enjoy your reading! I will post our reading and assignment for next week in the morning. I am praying for each of you and love you so much!

Crowned with Dignity,
Elisabeth

Sweet sisters, I apologize for not writing yesterday. I have been feeling a bit under the weather with a cold, but praise God, I am feeling much better today. I am really enjoying our book study together. I feel like each week, I am learning more and becoming a more secure woman of God! :) I absolutely have LOVED our reading this week. If you have not gotten to chapters 7 and 8 yet, please don't stop now! Journey on, dear ones, it is worth it. . . . I promise!

I will answer my questions for this week and post them tomorrow. I will also be posting next week's assignment on Thursday. Today, however, I just wanted to bask in the wonderful treasure that the Lord has spoken to my heart recently. I love how our Daddy continues to reiterate something until we finally take it in and allow it to resonate in our hearts!

Chapter 8 has been my favorite chapter in "So Long Insecurity," to this point of our study. I absolutely enjoyed every word. I have read and reread this portion and learned something new and refreshing! God is so good!! Thank you LORD for how You have continued to reveal Yourself to me through Your written Word. Thank you for giving Beth Moore insight and speaking truth through this book.

This chapter was so timely, because just recently I had a young lady ask me about my interpretation of the Proverbs 31 woman. I gave her a brief response and told her that I would do some more in depth study and get back to her. As I had been praying and asking the Lord to help me to understand portions of this scripture, I reached chapter 8 of our study. I have to admit that I had not thought about Proverbs 31:25 in this way before. I have always loved verses 25-30 and they are my favorite part of this passage of Scripture. I now love this passage even more!

Beth talked about how insecurity relates to losing our God-given dignity. (pg. 148) The enemy loves for us to give in to this issue. He knows that insecure people who don't value themselves will begin to believe that they do not deserve dignity. First of all, let's define the word dignity. Webster states that dignity is: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed. Beloved, I have wonderful news for you! YOU are worthy of respect and high esteem! YOU are honored! GOD gave dignity to us. We are His prized possession and created in his image! If He resides in you, then His divine power is yours. When we are weak, He is strong! Praise God! He crowns us with glory and honor (dignity). (Psalm 8:5b) The Hebrew word for "honor" is derived from the same Hebrew term as "dignity." (pg. 158).

Beth writes, "If we knew who we were and what God has conferred upon us, what everybody else thought of us would grow less and less significant." (pg. 159). Beloved, you are a child of the Most High! You are worthy of respect and dignity! You are honored and loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Claim back your dignity and believe God! You are who He says you are and you are clothed with strength and dignity!

Finally, I love that Beth emphasizes that God places a crown of honor/dignity on our head and not in our hands. (pg. 159). He places it where we need it the most. He places it around our minds. How many times do we let our minds run away with us and try to tell us something that is untrue? How many times do we imagine the worst instead of God's BEST? We can KNOW that we are the Lord's prized possession. We can know that He loves us and values us! We can hold our heads high, not from pride, but from the knowledge that we are a child of the King and He deems us worthy!

Dear ones, whenever the enemy tries to deceive you or lie to you, remember to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ!" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Allow Him to remind you of the crown of honor/dignity that He has placed upon your sweet head.

Claiming Truth and Loving my Lord,
Elisabeth

Well, we have made it through another week and PRAISE JESUS we are learning more and more each day! God is SO good! I hope that you are continuing with your reading and journaling your questions. I so want each of you to experience sweet blessings from Jesus and freedom from insecurity! I have been so blessed as I continue in this study. Thank you Beth Moore! I praise the Lord for giving her the wisdom to write on this subject. I believe that it is going to forever change the lives of many women.

Okay, here is our assignment for week four: Read Chapters 7 and 8 and answer the following questions. Since (Beth) is giving us four this time around, she says, "you're welcome, if you prefer, to pick two of them to answer in your comment:"


1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?

2. (If you're choosing only two, please include this one.) Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it's time to deal with your insecurity. (We're not looking for right answers. We're looking for YOUR answers. Don't copy off your fellow sojourners' papers on this one. Grin.) So that you don't get your numbers confused here, list your 3 reasons under A.B.&C.

3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.

4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?

I cannot wait to get into this week's reading and assignment. Please know that I love each of you and you are in my prayers. Read Psalm 139 today and know that YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made! I love verse 5 that says, "You hem me in - behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me." Our Daddy has us in His hands. He loves us so much and He made us wonderful! I love what Beth wrote on pg 103 of our reading this past week. "In the radiance of His greatness, we are made great. Our search is over and our egos silenced. We no longer need pride to drive us, because we've found something infinitely more fulfilling: purpose. He is the reason we are here." Sweet ones, He is the reason we are here! Let's think on that each morning this week when we wake up and start our day. Lord, help us to remember the reason why we are here. Help us not to take one single moment for granted. Help us to glorify YOU in all we say and do this week. We love you Jesus! Amen.

Praising Him for You,
Elisabeth

I am so happy to report to you that the LORD has made Himself known to me in a powerful way this week! GOD is SO good!! He continues to refine me and confirm through His Word and others the things that He desires for me to learn through this study. I don't know about you, but this week of getting down in the dirt and digging up roots was not very easy. I felt like every point Beth made was screaming out my name!! Have you ever felt this way? It's kind of like when the preacher preaches on Sundays and you feel as though he has been a fly on the wall of your house the week before! LOL! (For me, the preacher actually had lived with me all week long!!)  :) Praise God for His Spirit and His love. He loves us so much that His Spirit convicts our hearts when there is something that we need to change. He also helps us when there is something that we need to learn through His Word. Many times, He brings the same point up over and over until we realize that He is speaking directly to us! I'm so thankful that He doesn't give up on us.

Okay, let's get to our questions for this week. Please do not feel hesitant about answering. It is awesome to learn and study together. Many times what the Lord lays upon your heart will be a blessing to someone else. Let's not worry about if we are the best spellers or articulators, but just speak from your heart. It blesses me to hear from you!

Our questions this week, after reading Chapters 5 & 6, were the following:

1. After reading these two chapters, what do you believe to be the TWO primary roots of your struggle with insecurity? Keep in mind that more may apply but try to lock in on two that you believe to be most impactful.

2. What, if any, insight did you gain about the roots of insecurity and did you sense that God was trying to speak to you in any specific way through it? (This answer does not need to be limited to the two roots you identified in the previous response.)

My answers:

1. I believe that my two primary roots of my struggle with insecurity, at this stage of my life are dramatic change and rejection. As most of you know from our previous 40 day journey, this past few years has been one of dramatic change for me. I have had a hysterectomy, moved twice, seen my only child off to college and turned the big "40"!! This period of dramatic change has definitely been a root of my struggle with insecurity. I love what Beth said in Chapter 5. "The truth is, God uses change to change us. He doesn't use it to destroy us or to distract us but to coax us to the next level of character, experience, compassion, and destiny."  I also loved the fact that she used mine and Tom's life verse, Philippians 1:6! What a blessed confirmation! God is committed to finishing what He started in us!

The other root had to do with rejection. I must agree that when we are rejected in any way, it causes us to question our personal value. These pages resonated within me as I read what Beth had to say about this deep root of insecurity. Sometimes we are outright rejected and sometimes it is a mere perception. When our hearts are wounded and tender, we can often perceive something as a total rejection, even if it is not. I could painfully identify with this truth. During times in our ministry, when we have been rejected, the pain was so great. This definitely causes a hypersensitivity to criticism and often causes you to take everything personal. Trust me; I have been there many times in the past 3 years! I can tell you that this is NO WAY to live!! Beloved, don't allow the enemy to keep you in a state of feeling worthless! Pray for healing and allow God to do some refining in your life. That is what He has been doing in mine! It is such a blessing when we realize that we are worth it! Christ loves us and HE felt that we were worth dying for. Sweet ones, believe this and know it is true!

2. I know and believe that God has been speaking clearly to my heart this week! I had the blessed opportunity to share with a friend some of the truths that God has taught me during this journey. I am so thankful that HE loves us and does not give up on us.  I am the first to admit that I have been a perfect mess! :) I am also the first one to admit that God is doing a new work in my life. He is teaching me to look up to Him first and then to look into my heart. I want to move on and grow deeper with my Savior. I don't want to live in the past and I don't want to live feeling defeated. "We end up looking in to look up instead of looking up to look in. We get fixated on every self-gain and every self-loss until, in our inordinate self-production, we end up licking our wounds to the point that they can't heal." (pg. 105). Lord, search my heart! Help me to look to YOU and allow YOU to look in my heart. Show me the things that need to be changed and change me. YOU are the reason that I am here and YOU made me. I give YOU all the glory, honor and praise! Thank you Lord that I don't have to live with regrets. Thank you Lord that I don't have to live in the past. Thank you Lord that I don't have to live feeling defeated or worthless. I am victorious, chosen, redeemed, blessed, forgiven and loved by YOU, O Lord. I love you Jesus!

Journey Girls,
I just want you to know how very much you are loved! You are worth it! You are such a blessing to me! Thank you for joining me in this quest for security. God is teaching us some wonderful truths in His Word and He loves us so very much! He is not finished with us! Continue to look to Him. He is telling you that you are worth pursuing, loving, fighting for and keeping!

"Being confident of this, that HE who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!" ~ Philippians 1:6

I love you,
Elisabeth

Journey Girls,

I hope this finds you in the middle of a blessed day with our Lord! I am writing after a long weekend of much prayer and seeking about next steps. God is so faithful and so good! I can hardly wait to see what HE has just around the corner. I am also very anxious to see my boy! Actually, I just purchased plane tickets for him to come home for Spring break! YAY!! I can't wait to hug his neck and give him a big ole "Momma kiss!" (For those of you who are Moms, you know exactly what I mean.) I am thankful for technology though. It has been such a blessing to be able to Skype with Andrew. It does me so much good to see his sweet face each week.

Enough about me, how are you girls doing? How is your reading coming along? How is your time with Jesus? I am really enjoying this book study. If you have just joined us, don't worry, you just follow along at your own pace. Let me just encourage you to be persistent and continue on! This book gets better and better!

This week we are reading Chapters 5 and 6 of Beth Moore's book, "So Long Insecurity." We are looking at some of the deep roots of insecurity. Have you ever tried to dig up roots? It is not an easy task! Sometimes we have to dig very deep to get to the root of a matter! That is exactly what we have been doing this past week. One thing that I discovered is that sometimes these roots are intertwined and they work to threaten or "choke out" our security.

As we continue to study some of these deep seated roots and begin to dig them up together, don't be afraid!  Isaiah 41: 9-10 says, "I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Our God is with us and He loves us so very much! He desires to heal us from our deep wounds. I love what Beth wrote in Chapter 5. "God knows exactly what happened and what a toll it took. He knows the number it played on your mind. Let Him bring you peace. Let him tell you you're worth wanting, loving, even liking, pursuing, fighting for, and yes, beloved, keeping. Whatever you do, don't reject the only One wholly incapable of rejecting you." (pg. 77).  God knows us, He knows our circumstances and He loves us! He is the only One who can bring complete healing and wholeness to our lives. Let's allow Him to help us dig up the old roots and plant something new in the soil of our souls. Thank you Abba (Daddy) for what You are teaching us through Your Word and through this study.

I am so excited to hear what He is doing in and through your life! Please continue to comment, even if you are not as far along in the reading. I love hearing from you and it is such an encouragement to me. I love each of you and I am praying for you!

Doing Some Digging with my Daddy,
Elisabeth

I hope this finds each of you in the middle of a blessed week with the Lord! PRAISE GOD the sun is shining today! That always makes me feel better! I am excited about what God is teaching us and what great things He has in store for us over the next few weeks.

I continue to pray for each of you and cling to our challenge: "to let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are." (pg. 43 - So Long Insecurity)

Here is the assignment for this week. Read chapters 5 and 6 in "So Long Insecurity," and answer the following questions:

1. After reading these two chapters, what do you believe to be the TWO primary roots of your struggle with insecurity? Keep in mind that more may apply but try to lock in on two that you believe to be most impactful.


2. What, if any, insight did you gain about the roots of insecurity and did you sense that God was trying to speak to you in any specific way through it? (This answer does not need to be limited to the two roots you identified in the previous response.)

This week we will search and dig deep to discover eight deep roots of insecurity. Let's ask Jesus to open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to what He wants to share with us. He loves us so very much and desires for us to live a life of freedom from insecurity! I love what Beth Moore shared on her site. She said, "God is pursuing us. He’s setting us up to get sick and tired of our insecurity and to do anything we must in order to find wholeness in Him. Let’s not stop Him in any way."

Beloved, know that GOD is pursuing YOU! He desires for you to find wholeness and completeness in Him. He loves you with an everlasting love! He always has our best interest in mind and His ways are higher than our ways. Trust God! Open up your heart and allow Him to be the One who brings healing and wholeness.

Beth also initiated a "NO INTIMIDATION ZONE" on her site. I absolutely love this idea! I hope that none of you will feel intimidated in any way to comment on this site or on the LPM site. Please know that you are amongst girls who love you and are praying for you!  Please do not feel intimidated in any way to be transparent and open about what God lays upon your heart. Let's not judge one another or try to measure up to one another. Let's love each other and allow this to be a "safe" place. I know that I have been very transparent over the past couple of months and God has brought about much healing. I pray that you can know this too. I don't want to pressure you in any way to comment, but just commit to pray about allowing God to open up these places in your heart. Don't let the enemy rob you of this joy.

We can determine to share our struggles and victories about insercurity together. We can treat each other with respect and love and pray for each other daily. Continue to stay in God's Word and practice hiding it in your heart.

Even as I type this, the enemy wants me to feel insecure and defeated. This morning I woke up feeling hopeful and found out that something I had been praying for is not going to work out - another door closed. My first feelings were insecurity and frustration, but I am determined to PRAISE GOD each day!! I am going to continue to seek His face and allow my sweet Savior to speak to my heart. I am believing GOD and placing my complete trust in Him. I know that HE has a greater plan and His ways are higher than our ways. I opened my Bible and read this precious promise:

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you!" (Psalm 9:10)

Thank you LORD that you have not forsaken me! Thank you for your love, grace, healing and hope! I love you so very much!! I continue to pray for you to minister this week to each of the girls in this study. Speak to the hearts of my sweet Journey Girls. Begin to bring wholeness and healing. If there is one that does not know you as Savior, then I pray that this would be the week that they come into a personal relationship with you.  Speak through Beth Moore and bless her and her household. Do what only you can do, Jesus! I am believing YOU and praising you in advance for answered prayer. Thank you LORD!

I love, love, love you girls and I am here for you. You are glorious and I am so proud of what GOD is doing in your lives! To Him be all glory, honor and praise!

Praising God,
Elisabeth

"May the LORD answer you when you are in trouble; may the God of Jacob make you secure!" (Psalm 20:1 NET) What a wonderful time this week in God's Word and in our book study together. I don't know about you, but I used my highlighter a lot this week! So much of what Beth Moore wrote about this week resonated with my spirit. Let's get right to our homework and see what God revealed to our hearts this week.

We were to read Chapters 3 and 4 of "So Long Insecurity," and answer the following questions:

1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own "Prominent False Positive"? (pg. 38)

2. What is the challenge stated at the very end of Chapter Three? (pg. 43)

3. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?


My answers to the above questions are the following:

1) I have numerous false positives in my life, but probably the two most prominent false positives, at this stage in my life, would be "Recapturing youthfulness and Beauty." I feel as though I am too young to be an "Empty nester." (I absolutely despise that word) Most couples that are the same age as my husband and I still have small children at home. Because we got married young, had our baby young and were unable to have any more children, then we find ourselves in this new phase of life much earlier than we had planned. It makes me feel insecure in my circles. I feel as though I've suddenly been thrown into an "older" group of people. Also, at this phase in life, you begin to reevaluate all that you have been to this point. You think of things that you wish you had done differently or that you could do over and do better. I feel as though I am looking older as well. I sure wish this didn't bother me so much! I must say that I am one of those that often looks in the mirror and says, "Bless your heart!" I am constantly trying new facial creams, anti wrinkle serums and new makeup and hairstyles to help to improve my looks and make me look younger! I wish it didn't bother me, but unfortunately I cannot seem to get past this. The funny thing is that I have felt this way even since I was a much younger person.

2) "This, beloved, is our challenge. To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false positive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. And the beauty of the LORD will be upon us!"

3) I believe that I most resonated with Moses when he said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Being a pastor's wife, often forces me to be in situations that I feel are beyond my capability and/or beyond my knowlege level. I long to know Christ and His Word more and I don't want to do anything that would hinder others spiritually. I have never felt as though I was capable of filling the "shoes" of a pastor's wife. I was beginning to get victory in this area of my life, until the last couple of years when my husband and I received much criticism. This made me "retreat," so to speak, and made me want to go into hiding. Probably one of the most hurtful things that I heard was that my husband and I began to think that the ministry was "all about us!" These words were so wounding because we had tried so hard to make it known that it was all about GOD! Nothing could have been farther from the truth, however when one hears criticism, it should be evaluated. We (my husband and I) have searched our hearts to see if there was any truth to what was said.We have always wanted it to be clear that anything that comes from a ministry that we are apart of  is because of GOD and not us! I must admit that I took this criticism very personally and have felt as though I never wanted to try again. I know now that this stems from a deep rooted insecurity of feeling like someone else could do it better and like I was not capable of doing what the Lord called me to do.

Okay, now it's your turn. You can answer your questions in the comment section below. If this is too personal, please do not feel any pressure to answer. I do hope that you will write out or journal your answers somewhere though. This helps to bring reality to the issue and is also critical in our journey to security. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for reading with me and staying in God's Word. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I love each of you so very much! You are in my prayers!

Remember, "Human flesh and blood have no weakness so strong that God's strength is made weak. He's got what we need. It's up to us whether or not we're going to let the worst of us get the best of us!" (pg. 58 - So Long Insecurity)

Clinging to the strength of the LORD,
Elisabeth

Praise God, His strength is made perfect in our weakness!! I am determined to continue to cling to Jesus during this time of transition and continue to give Him praise!! Jesus brings clarity to a situation when we seek His face. My husband and I continue to pray and fast about next steps and seek the face of God. Please continue to keep us in your prayers! Thank you!

I am enjoying our book study together. It comes at a time in my life when I am feeling most insecure! I must admit, after the past couple of years, I am feeling more insecure than ever! I loved the challenge that Beth Moore posted on page 43 of "So Long Insecurity."

 "To let the healthy, utterly whole, and completely secure part of us increasingly overtake our earthen vessels until it drives our every emotion, reaction, and relationship. When we allow God's truth to eclipse every false postitive and let our eyes spring open to the treasure we have, there in His glorious reflection we'll also see the treasure we are. And the beauty of the Lord our God will be upon us. (Psalm 90:17)"

My prayer for you this week is that you will allow the Holy Spirit to consume every part of your being. I pray that we will be controlled by His Spirit that dwells within us and not by the sinful nature of our flesh. Jesus is perfect and in Him is no darkness at all. Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us!

Whatever insecurities you are dealing with, remember that our security is in the LORD. He desires for us to see ourselves as He sees us. I love each of you and I am praying for you as you spend time with the Savior. One of my favorite passages that the Lord brought to my mind comes from Psalm 45:11. Read the following passage and imagine Jesus speaking these words directly to your heart.

"The king is entralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord."

As we continue our study together, know that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is entralled by your beauty. He loves you so very much! Let's honor Him this week in everything that we say and do. Ask Jesus to help you to be honest about your feelings of insecurity. Ask Him to help you see yourself as He sees you. You are a treasure! Honor Christ!

I love you and you are in my daily prayers!

All Glory, Honor and Praise to the King,
Elisabeth

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Mechizedek." (Hebrews 6:19-20)

Praise GOD we have a hope! Jesus Christ is our hope and anchors us like a ship anchor holding it safely in position. He is our security! I pray that as we continue our study together, we hold fast to Jesus and allow Him to reveal His Word to our hearts. Sweet Ones, we have a hope! Let's cling to the anchor of our souls and be open to what He wants us to learn this week.

Beth Moore's Instructions for week two:

"OK, so let's get to our discussions for Week Two. Read or thoroughly review CHAPTERS THREE and FOUR then answer the questions that follow this paragraph.



1. Based on Chapter Three, what tends to be your own "Prominent False Positive"?


2. What is the challenge stated at the very end of Chapter Three? (I want us to see this restated in our comments hundreds of times so it breaks into our belief systems. It is critical to our journey. SO, I don't care how many times you've seen it written on this post, write it again for yourself. That's your mama talking.)


3. Based on Chapter Four, what Biblical figure (or statement about him/her) resonated with you most and why?


That's it for this week! I can't wait to see your answers. Remember, you have until next Thursday morning to answer your questions. I care so much, Ladies. You are a tremendous inspiration to me. May Christ meet you in your tasks and concerns today. He loves you lavishly."

Journey Girls, I am praying for you this week. If you just got your book or just started this study, don't worry! You will be able to catch up quickly. I am so blessed to be in this study with you and I love each of you so very much!! I can't wait to hear from you this week!

Love you,
Elisabeth

Journey Girls,
What a blessed week in the LORD!! I just have to tell you that the LORD continues to make Himself known to me in mighty ways this week! GOD is SO good! Still no news on the church front, but Tom and I continue to pray and seek God's face. I am so anxious to be a part of our next ministry, but I must say that I am enjoying having so much time to spend with my Savior each day. It has been wonderful! I am also so excited to be in this book study with each of you! I ask for your patience, as I have never done an "online" book study. We will learn together! (with Beth Moore, of course!) I know that God has awesome insights for us to learn.

I just wanted to share a quick note of "family talk!" I want to encourage you to continue to stay in God's Word each day, even as we continue in a book study together. Beth will bring God's Word in her book, but this in no way is a substitute for our time in His Word. Continue to stay in the Word and spend time in prayer and commution with Jesus each day! Also, remember that our JG Prayer Closet is still open. Use it whenever you have a prayer need or praise to share with the rest of the Journey Girls! Let's keep on praying for each other and encouraging each other as we journey on in our spiritual walk with Christ. I love you girls so much and appreciate your continued support and prayers! YOU ARE AWESOME!

Let's review our homework questions from our first week's assignment that Beth gave us. Please feel free to comment below. I would love to hear how God spoke to your heart this week. Remember that you can click on Beth's book to the right to go directly to her blog site and read comments from others doing this book study.

Homework from week #1 of "So Long Insecurity": We were asked to read the first two chapters of "So Long Insecurity" and answer the following questions. . .

Question 1: When was the last time you came face-to-face with our gender's massive struggle with insecurity? Describe the setting.

Question 2: What part of the definition or description of insecurity resonated most with you and why?


Okay, I am going to be the first to answer these questions as open and honest as I know how. I must admit that some of what I read this past week was stingingly painful and eye opening for me! Here it goes. . .

1) I came face-to-face with insecurity recently when I went to visit my little sister last month. I went to church with her and her sweet husband on Sunday. I have to admit that I was already feeling gross about myself. As I told you before, turning 40 has made me very aware of my age, each time I look in the mirror! I am 12 1/2 years older than my little sister. At church that day, someone asked if I was her mother!!! I must say, this did nothing for my self esteem. I was already feeling like I looked "old" and this statement did not help matters! Why must people always feel the need to say what is on their mind? Why does society always put pressure on us to look a certain way? Why do we feel as though we can age, but our looks must stay the same as they were when we were 18? Ugh! Anyway, I have to tell you that the enemy continues to remind me of this statement daily. Every time I look in the mirror, I am reminded that someone thought I was old enough to be my sister's mother! I desperately want to get past this and get rid of insecurity all together!

Lord, help me to cling to 1 Samuel 16:7b, "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Create in me a clean, pure heart. Help me to seek your face and to not let words of those around me hinder me. Help me to see myself as a daughter of the Most High! I love you Jesus!

2) I am ashamed to admit that the definition of insecurity resonated with every part of my being! I struggle with self-doubt, worth, and self-consciousness. Yes, I am one insecure girl! I used to laugh with my Women's Ministry Team, when I would have to speak or pray in front of our congregation. I told them that people did not know that when I was a little girl, I was shy and did not want to be in the lime light. I clung to my Momma's leg and hid behind her each week as she greeted people at church. I was a pastor's daughter, but despised being the center of attention. I didn't even want my picture taken. Wow, did God ever push me out of my comfort zone! Little did I know, that He would call me to marry a pastor and I would be in the lime light, whether I wanted to or not. A pastor's family in many ways, lives in a "fishbowl" and they are always being looked at and evaluated. As I grew in my relationship with the LORD, He began to do a work in my life. He began to use me to facilitate small groups, speak to women and to pray on Sunday mornings at church. I remember telling our Administrative Pastor that I would pray, if he would allow me to have a microphone at my seat. I didn't want to have to be up front. He agreed and I began to pray. Well, 2 1/2 years ago, we moved to another church and I was asked to pray by the worship pastor. I said I would because I wanted to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Later, my husband and I received much criticism. One of the things we were criticized for was how he preached and how I prayed. I was so deeply wounded. This is an area that I already felt insecure, and this just magnified the point. I have not prayed in front of a group of people since that time. I desperately want to put this behind me. Please pray with me. I just want to be used of God, whenever and wherever HE sees fit to use me.

Thanks for your patience and understanding with me. Thank you for allowing me to share my heart. Now, it's your turn. Please do not feel like you have to comment, but I would love to hear your heart. Sometimes, when we open our hearts and share with honesty, we allow GOD to pour some healing balm on our wounds.

I am praying for you and praying for God to open our hearts and reveal the things that HE desires to speak to us during this study. Allow Him to open our eyes, ears and heart to what He wants to show us. I will post tomorrow's assignment in the morning, after Beth has posted the instructions.

I love, love, love you Journey Girls!
Elisabeth

One thing that I can definately identify with lately is the subject of change! In the first chapter of "So Long Insecurity," Beth speaks of change. She says, "Circumstances abruptly change, and setbacks happen. Relationships unexpectedly end. Or, just as cataclysmically begin. Schools change. Jobs change. Offenses happen. Betrayals happen. Tragedies happen. Engagements end. Marriages begin. Kids come. Kids go. Health wanes. Seasons change. An old situation creeping up in a new season of our life can be more complicated than ever." (pg. 10). "As if the battle isn't hard enough, we sabotage ourselves, submerging ourselves with self-condemnation like a submarine filling with water." (pg. 11).

Can anyone relate? I know that this resonated with me more than I cared to admit. As I began to read these chapters, I didn't realize just how much I had battled insecurity. Sure, I knew that I struggled with the way I looked. Forty has come with a few more lines and a few more pounds than I want to have! I am desperately trying to figure out how to take off the extra weight and make my face look younger! I assumned those worries just came from being a woman! What I wasn't prepared for was how these words of change, rejection and betrayal would open up a new place in my heart that I had tried to close off. A place that the Lord has begun to heal during the last 40 days.

The enemy wants to keep us in a place of idleness and defeat. His goal is for us to ultimately quit. He wants us to stay in a state of hopelessness. "Listen carefully: the enemy of our souls has more to gain by our setbacks than by our succumbing to an initial assault. The former is infinitely more demoralizing. Far more liable to make us feel hopeless and tempt us to quit." (pg. 12).

Praise God, no matter what our past or current situation, we have a hope in Jesus Christ! We have power through the Holy Spirit to break this stronghold of insecurity in our lives! We all have insecurities. How are they affecting our lives? Are they paralizing us with fear? Do they have us contemplating quitting or deciding never to step out on faith again? The bottom line is insecurity will make us miserable! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a change! Ready to put the bad friend of insecurity behind me once and for all. Let's journey on this quest together, with Beth, to find real, lasting, soul changing security!

If you haven't been able to read your first two chapters, do not worry. You still have plenty of time. Also, we have two questions to answer before Thursday morning. You can answer by posting in the comment section below. You can also click on the photo of Beth's book to the right of the page to go directly to her LPM blog. You can read other comments from women all over the nation who are on this quest as well. I will post my comments to this site, as well as Beth's site. Please do not feel pressured to comment. I know that sometimes you may be dealing with something very personal. As you feel led, you can make comments. We will learn together and pray for each other as we journey on.

I love you Journey Girls and you continue to be in my prayers. Pray for each other and pray for Beth Moore as we continue to study together.

Praising Jesus for you,
Elisabeth

Sweet Journey Girls,

Okay, I miss ya'll already! I just had to drop you a quick note to tell you once again how much I love and appreciate each one of you! I must say, Jesus brought to my mind early this morning! I imagined each of you savoring the taste of what you had sacrificed for the past 40 days. :) I must admit that I woke up early, got ready and went through McDonald's drive-thru on my way to church. I got a Large Diet Coke and then my sweet husband stopped and got me a white iced long john donut to go with my drink! Aaaahhhhh! It was amazing! The first drink of that Diet Coke was even better than I had remembered! It was so strong that it made my eyes water. I grinned as I imagined what each of you was having for your special treat today too.

As you enjoy your sweets today, remember to review your Scriptures that you have put to memory. If you are still working on them, no worries! You can do it! I love God's Word! "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103) Allow His sweet words to refresh your spirit today! When we put our hope in God, HE "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment!" (1 Timothy 6:17b) So, as you enjoy your special treat today, remember that I am so proud of each of you! I am so thankful for our amazing 40 day journey together. I have already started reading chapter one of  "So Long Insecurity," and I know it is going to be an awesome study!

Happy Valentine's Day my sweet Journey Girls! I simply adore each of you and I am praying for you today. Ah, how sweet is the love of Jesus! He loves you so very much! "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) Have a sweet, blessed day!

Savoring the Sweetness of our Savior,
Elisabeth

Journey Girls,

The following are the instructions that Beth Moore has written on her LPM blog for the "So Long Insecurity" study. I will be posting to you on Mondays and Thursdays. You can comment on this site whenever you feel led. You can also comment on Beth's site at http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/. This will be an amazing nine weeks and I am so happy to be along with you on this adventure! Beth said that the following was her goal in this study: "the goal is for an insecure woman to open the book and a secure woman to close it." Praise GOD!! Through Him all things are possible for those who believe!! If you do not have a book yet, you can purchase one at a Lifeway Christian Bookstore, Borders or Walmart. You can also order them online. It's not too late! :)

Week One:

1. Write a journal-type entry on the inside cover of your book describing this present season of your life and why you’ve chosen to read a book like this. If you already have a relationship with God, write it in the form of a prayer. I do this almost every time I begin a book that I think could have a considerable impact on my life. When I finish the book, I always go back and read it and it ends up meaning so much to me. Listen, Sister, if you expect little, that’s probably what you’ll get. But if you expect something big from God when you start a journey and you posture yourself to receive from Him, even when frail human beings are thrown in the mix, you’ll end up with something huge. Something life altering.


2. Read the Introduction, Chapter One, and Chapter Two. Our first question is based on Chapter One: When was the last time you came face-to-face with our gender’s massive struggle with insecurity? Describe the setting.


3. This question is based on Chapter Two: what part of the definition or description of insecurity resonated most with you and why?


To stay on schedule, you will have until next Thursday morning, February 18th, to answer this week’s questions so don’t feel that you need to rush. You have plenty of time.

I will faithfully post on Servant Girl's Heart site on Mondays and Thursdays. (I may also post on other days, as the Spirit leads) I will post Beth Moore's instructions each week (Thursday morning) and you can also view them on her site. This will be an opportunity for us to be accountable to each other and share what God is speaking in and through us during this study. I can't wait!! I have my signed book ready (Still giddy!) and I am going to Walmart to get a notebook (journal) today.

I love you girls and I am praying for each of you!! Invite others to join the study! Be sure they sign up on Beth's site at least once, so that she has an accurate count of all who are taking part. Pray for Beth Moore and her ministry. Pray for all those who are joining this study. Pray for each other, Journey Girls! God wants to speak specifically to each one of you. Thank you so much!! It's going to be an amazing nine weeks!! :)

Also, anyone that may be able to join me for the simulcast in April, please let me know. This will be a wonderful time of worship, sharing and reunion for us, Journey Girls!

Love ya'll!
Elisabeth

My Sweet Journey Girls,

WE MADE IT!!! 40 days of fasting, prayer, spending time in God's Word, memorizing His Word and serving others - I am SO proud of you! My emotions are so mixed this morning as I begin to write to you. I have been praying and spending some time with my precious Savior. I am listening to my praise and worship music and tears are streaming down my cheeks as I think of you. I love you so much! You cannot imagine how much you mean to me. God has placed each of you in my life. Some of you I have only met through this 40 days and some of you have been through so much with me. How wonderful that the LORD would place us together for this journey. You have made my 40th Birthday the best one yet! I was so dreading it and because of you, it has been a blessing. Thank you!

As I was praying about what to share with you on this last day of our journey, God just prompted me to share my heart. The last 2 1/2 years in my family's life has been the most difficult season that I have ever endured. It has been so painful, yet I know that God has been with us. Right before this season started, I had to have a total hysterectomy. To some this may seem like no big deal, but to me it was closure to something that I had prayed for many years. I had desperately wanted another child. I wanted Andrew to have a brother or sister. Tom and I had battled infertility for many years and shared this with very few people. That day, as I was about to enter surgery, I had my tatered scripture index cards that I had prayed for many years in my hands. My heart was sad, but I knew God must have a greater plan. I kept praising Him for giving me Andrew, oh what a blessing! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Not too long after that, my husband became ill. He battled pneumonia and continued to struggle. Things at our home church were in a difficult season. The enemy had gotten a foothold and was trying to destroy us and our precious congregation. The elders gave my husband a 6 week sabbatical to heal. For the first 3 weeks, he was so sick. He laid in bed and slept a lot. I prayed for God to heal him and to make our path clear to us. We had been called 6 months earlier by another congregation to be their pastor. Our first response was "no." We loved our church and wanted to spend our life and ministry there. We had no desire to leave. After a series of events, and God opening doors, we found ourselves as a crossroads on our journey. GOD IS FAITHFUL!

We begged God to turn things around, to show us what to do, to lead and direct us. Our son was a junior in high school. I had always prayed that the Lord would allow Andrew to be able to have friends, live in a community where he could call home and have a church family that he knew from a young boy until he grew into a young man. I wanted him to be able to graduate from this same community that we had grown to love. Oh, how I loved this church! I had never opened my heart to a group of people like I did to this one. We had been through so much together. We had seen God do a GOD thing like never before! HE was the reason, it had nothing to do with my husband and I, it was all JESUS!! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

One night, we found ourselves in the midst of a horrible meeting. My husband was the one who the enemy was seeking to destroy. My husband is not perfect and neither am I, but what happened that night was not deserved. I watched and prayed as I heard the most hurtful things being said. It was awful. I wish I could erase it from my memory. After that evening, we were so beaten down that we felt we had nothing left. We resigned and moved. I feel as though we went from the fire into an oubliette (place of torture). GOD IS FAITHFUL!

God called us to the desert. We went through an extremely difficult year. I can't even bring myself to write about all that we endured. We received much criticism. I believe the hardest part was the fact that we were unable to grieve the loss of the church family that we loved more than anything. We broke contact with them for this period, so that they would embrace their new pastor and love him as they had loved us. It was the hardest thing ever and was so painful. We felt so alone and so beat down. My husband resigned after one year to be there for his family. It was the bravest thing he has ever done. He sacrificed his career, what others thought of him and finances, all for his family. I love you Tom, more than ever! Thank you for loving us more than the church. Thank you for loving Jesus with all your heart! Thank you for being a man of God's Word and for never compromising your values. Thank you for not watering down God's Word, but standing on truth!! Thank you for being the best husband to me and father to Andrew! I LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Andrew graduated from high school and we left him in Southern California at Azusa Pacific University for his freshman year of college. I felt as though my heart was being ripped out of my chest! Oh, how I love my boy and I am so proud of him.  Andrew, you cannot imagine how much your Momma loves you!! You have been so gracious through this difficult season of life.You did not turn away from your First Love. Thank you LORD! You are the best son a Mom could ever hope for and you have blessed my heart more than you will ever know. Thank you for loving your parents in spite of our shortcomings! Thank you for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Your heart for God is so amazing! You are an awesome man of God! I love you SO much! (ttmab!). GOD IS FAITHFUL!

I know that God has plans to prosper Andrew and not to harm him, plans to give him hope and a future. Andrew had felt his call to ministry right before our move across country. I was so worried that because of all we went through,  that he would doubt. I prayed fervently that GOD would continue to clarify His call upon Andrew's life. Sure, there were times of questioning and doubt and we have had many tears together, but PRAISE GOD, He saw Andrew through this desert experience! He has continued to clarify His calling upon Andrew's life! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

As most of you know, in August of last year, we moved to my parents home in Illinois. We lost our savings, had to short sale our home, and felt as though we had lost our church and our friends. We had been in a vast desert, but our GOD had remained faithful. Andrew was able to go to the college that God had called him to and we were able to get a loan for the amount his scholarship did not cover. We have not missed a meal, we have paid every bill and we have our health. Most of all, God has began to restore relationships with those who mean so much to us! Oh, what a mighty GOD we serve! He is wonderful, merciful, gracious and full of love! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

I am not telling you all of this to feel sorry for me or to think I am some kind of martyr. Please hear my heart! I just want you to know where God has brought me and my family. I want to give Him ALL the glory, honor and praise! I am SO blessed! I had been battling depression the days leading up to my 40th birthday. There were times in the desert that I didn't want to get out of bed. I cried all day long. As I poured my heart out to Jesus, he begin to lay this journey upon my heart. Through much prayer and time with Jesus, a Servant Girl's heart began. I prayed for those who would join me on a 40 day journey and God brought you along with me. You have been such a blessing! I hope that this past 40 days has brought you a little encouragement and drawn you closer to JESUS. I love you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this with me.

God has brought amazing healing to my life through this journey with you! HE continues to renew me and make me stronger. I know He has a plan, and even though I still have no idea where our next ministry will be, I know GOD is working. I know HE is real, alive and active in me! HE has a plan and HE desires to prosper us, not to harm us, to give us hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11) GOD IS FAITHFUL!

This is the verse the LORD gave to me this morning:

"The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything." - Deuteronomy 2:7

PRAISE GOD!! He has blessed me with 40 years of life, and not just any life but an abundant life! He has been my Creator,  My Redeemer, My Savior, My Daddy, My Friend, My Healer, My Strength, My Shepherd, My Life Sustainer, My Comforter, My LORD and My King! He is the great I AM! GOD IS FAITHFUL!

Sweet ones, wherever you are at on your journey in life, know that I AM is with you. He cares for you and loves you with an everlasting love. Trust HIM! Completely surrender your life to Jesus and allow Him to lead you. His words are true and faithful. He will make all things new. He did not promise that we would not go through trials in this world, but He did promise never to leave us or forsake us! Praise God when we go through the fire, He is there. When we pass through the waters, they will not overtake us! When we go through the desert, HE provides a way to the promised land! God is faithful! One day, we will join the King and He will take us by the hand and say, "Well done good and faithful servant!"  We will see our Father face to face. The One who has had His hand on us throughout our lives, will take our hand in His and bless us with eternal life! Thank you LORD! I love my Savior so much and I just praise Him for His hand upon my life these past 40 years. I love you Jesus with ALL my heart, soul, mind and strength! Praise YOU Father, YOU ARE FAITHFUL!

I would love to know how God has spoken to you throughout these last 40 days! Let me know! Please post in the comments what this journey has meant to you. I would also like to send you a small gift, if I can get your address. You can email me at eapelt@gmail.com. Please continue to check back with me. I will be posting on Mondays and Thursdays. I will continue to pray for each of you and the Journey Girl prayer closet will always be open. Directions for the "So Long InSecurity" book study will be posted later today. I love my Journey Girls! You are a blessing! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart! Praise GOD who deserves all glory, honor and praise!

Praising Him for a Blessed Journey,
Elisabeth

Oh my sweet Journey Girls, I can't believe that in just 24 hours our 40 day journey together will come to an end! My heart aches as this time has been so precious to me! I have grown to love you girls even more than I did before, if that is possible. You have helped to be a part of my healing and spiritual growth during this difficult season in my life. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each one of you! You are loved!!

I am reminded of the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever!"

Even though this 40 day journey will end tomorrow, our spiritual journey with Jesus, on this earth, will continue until we see Him face to face! Oh what a glorious day that will be, dear friends! The day we can say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is on store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Let us finish strong! The original word for fight, in the Greek, is "agonizomai" meaning, "to contend for victory in the public games. . . to wrestle." Sometimes we run to the finish line and other times we wrestle are way there. Wherever you are on the journey, continue on and refuse to give up the fight. Wrestle through if you have to, but keep the faith and believe God until you cross the finish line!

Remember who your Coach is in this race. Know that God loves you and wants to guide you throughout your journey. "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, you will not be hampered and when you run, you will not stumble." (Proverbs 4:11-12)

The last hours on a journey are sometimes the most difficult, just like the last leg of a race. I was thinking of this last night as my husband and I were in Franklin, TN. We stayed at a hotel right by a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop!! Oh, how I wanted a "hot" krispy kreme and a diet coke!! After all, this 40 days is almost over and I haven't cheated. Surely it would be okay and my journey girls would understand! :) I know you would understand and so would my sweet Jesus, but I resisted the temptation and stayed strong!

I remembered a very important passage of scripture. Jesus, after fasting for 40 days, was very hungry and was led into the desert to be tempted. (Matthew 4:1-2). Journey Girls, sometimes after when have been on a spiritual journey and God has taken us to a mountaintop experience, the enemy is waiting to tempt us in the desert valley. Stay strong and stay in God's Word! Fix your eyes on Him and stay focused! Finish strong!!

Run with perseverance and continue to victory! Press on toward the goal for which God has called you. (Philippians 3:14).

I love you so very much and I am praying for each one of you this afternoon. Don't forget that our 40 days ends tomorrow, however those who want to continue on the "So Long Insecurity" book study together, we will continue on, beginning Sunday, February 14. Our 40 day fast will end tomorrow at midnight.

I cannot wait for the next exciting adventure!! Instructions for the book study will be posted tomorrow.

I Love my Journey Girls,
Elisabeth

I was reading about castles in Nichole Johnson's book, "Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World." Castles are so beautiful and have such a mysterious essence about them. However, there are some parts that aren't so beautiful! I was reminded of the oubliette. In the dungeon of a castle, there were usually stairs that led down to an underground pit called the oubliette. Oubliette means an ugly, deep, dark hole where one is abandoned and forgotten for good. It was a place where no one sees you and no one cares for you. It was a place of torture and abandonment.

I believe one of the greatest fears among women is abandonment. A feeling of being totally alone and forgotten. Have you ever felt as though you have been forgotten? Have you felt like no one cared for you? Have you felt as though you were all alone? Have you been in a pit?

Beloved, our God remembers us! He remembers us when we have failed. He remembers us when we are mistreated. He remembers us when we feel all alone. He remembers us when we are hurting. He remembers us even in our low places. Psalm 136:23 says, "to the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever." Praise Jesus, we serve a God who not only remembers us, but also loves us with an everlasting love!

When a prisoner was going to be thrown into the oubliette, they were first tortured. A metal harness was placed upon their head and he or she was led around the city while others shouted insults. Their crimes would be called out. Whether they were guilty or the crimes were just accusations, they would be punnished. Then they would be thrown into the pit and hung by chains until death. How horrific this must have been!

Sweet Ones, no matter what you've done or where you've been, God loves you and wants to redeem your life from the pit! He desires to break the chains that bind you and free you from strongholds. He endured torture and accusations for us and went to the cross on our behalf. He made atonement for our sins. When we give our hearts to Him, we are not left alone to die, but given eternal life! You are loved by the Most High! He wants you to be free from your past and He wants to free you from your enemies. (Psalm 136:24). "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Ask God for His continuing work of sanctification in your life.

Maybe you are living as a dungeon dweller on your own. Self punnishment is no way to live! How many times do we choose to stay in the pit? Give your hurt, your fears and your all to Jesus and allow Him to lift you up.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." (Psalm 103:1-4)

We serve a God who has been there all along life's journey. He is omnipresent! He was there even before we knew Him as Savior. Take some time to remember how He has loved and cared for you. "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider Your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12)

Read Malachi 3:16-18 and journal your scroll of remembrance and your prayer to Jesus. You are His treasured possesion! You are not forgotten! You are not abandoned! Just close your eyes and imagine Almighty God reaching His hand to yours and lifting you out of the pit. Get out of the oubliette and on to greater things for His glory!

I love you Journey Girls and you are in my prayers!

Praising God for Victory,
Elisabeth

How many of us would admit that from the time we were little girls, we dreamed of being a princess? We have read the fairytales, heard the stories, watched tv as real life princesses were married in real life castes and we dreamed. . . Aaahhhh, what a life! We imagine and dream about what our lives will become.

One of my all time favorite books is called, "Keeping a Princess Heart In a Not-So-Fairy-Tale World," by Nichole Johnson. In the book, she talks about how we dream of what our life will be when we are little girls. However, sometimes, when the struggles, trials and realities set in; we find ourselves living in a world that is not at all like we had imagined. It is anything, but a fairytale.

How many times do we look in the mirror and think we are anything, but the fairest of them all? We feel more like the wicked stepmother than Cinderella! I know that recently I have been looking in the mirror and realizing that my once youthful exterior is quickly changing. I am noticing wrinkles (I prefer to call them laugh & joy lines) that used to not be there, gray hairs that are in need of color and I must say that gravity is not a sweet friend.

Journey girls, let me gently remind us that what is more important than outward beauty is to keep a princess heart. It doesn't matter what the world tells us we must look like outwardly, it matters what God"s Word tells us to look like inwardly. 1Samuel 16:7b says, "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I was reading in Nichole's book that "The word 'cosmetic' is defined as something used or done to cover up defects." I wonder how often we try to cover up our outward defects that others can see instead of working on our inward defects that they cannot see. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." (Psalm 139:23) The most beautiul women are those who have lived their lives by God's Word. The women who love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Women who ask God to create in them a pure heart and spend time communing with Him will radiate a Christ-like beauty.

Sweet friends, let me just encourage you and tell you that you are BEAUTIFUL! You are a daughter of the King! You have been recognized by the Creator of the Universe! You are loved by the King of Kings! He has called you by name!

Isaiah 45:4 says, "I have called you by name; I I have named you, though you have not known me." (NKJV)

"I summon you by name and bestow a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me." (NIV)

No one loves us like Jesus! He bestows a title of honor on us! Isn't that incredible? 1 John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!. ." We are His daughters! Our Heavenly Father calls us by name - Princess!

He takes delight in you and He created you BEAUTIFUL! "The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord!" (Psalm 45:11)

So tonight before you go to bed, as you are brushing your teeth, putting on anti-wrinkle cream and brushing your hair . . . Look into the mirror and know, YOU are the fairest of them all because you are a Daughter of the Most High!

I love you Beautiful JG's!
Elisabeth