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

My Sweet Journey Girls,
I wanted to tell you about an awesome opportunity to continue to study together. Beth Moore is offering an online book study from her newest book, "So Long, Insecurity!" The roll call, for those interested in participating, is today. You can go to her blog by using the Living Proof Ministries link on the right of this page. Click on the LPM blog and sign up to leave a comment. This will enroll you in the online study. If you are signed in to this site, then you will automatically be able to comment on her site. Just leave your name, city and state, age and married or single in the comment section; then type in the code at the bottom and hit enter. It's simple! Whether or not you ever comment on the LPM site throughout the study, Beth would still like you to sign up one time, so that she has an accurate count of the book study. The study will officially start on February 11, 2010. (Our 40 day journey ends February 13.)

Beth will give a reading assignment each week of approximately two chapters. Then you can post comments on her LPM blog site if you choose to do so, or you can just comment on this site, as we will be studying this book together. I will be posting throughout the nine weeks on Servant Girl's Heart site, so that the Journey Girls can discuss what God is speaking in and through us. This will be so much fun!! You can pick up Beth's new book at Lifeway Christian Bookstores. You can also order it online @ http://www.lifewaychristianstores.com/. For more information go to Living Proof Ministries website.

Lifeway says, "So Long, Insecurity will strike a chord with women everywhere, as Beth speaks truth into the lives of readers, showing them how to deal with their innermost fears, rediscover their God-given dignity, and develop a whole new perspective- a stonger sense of self. Women of all ages and backgrounds will resonate with this message of security and discover truths that will free them emotionally and spiritually and lead them to a better life as they walk with God."

This will be a nine week book study and will end one week prior to the Beth Moore simulcast, which will take place on April 24, 2010. Look for a church in your area that will be taking part in this exciting event. I plan on attending this event  in Mt. Sterling, KY at the First Church of God. I would LOVE for you to join me! It can be a Journey Girls reunion! :) We will have a blast!!

Please pray about this amazing opportunity! Sign up at the LPM blog and go out and purchase your book. Please be sure to leave me a comment as well, so that I know who will be along for the ride! I am so excited and cannot wait to do a book study with you!

"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." ~ Isaiah 41:9-10

Beloved, we serve a God who has chosen us! He loves us and he has redeemed us. He has summoned us by name. We are HIS! (Isaiah 43:1) Let's dig deep into God's Word and learn together how to put insecurities behind us.

 "It's time we girls help each other out so we can be the best wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends that we can possible be." - Beth Moore

I love you Journey Girls and I am so proud of you!! I cannot wait to hear from each one of you!

Praying for you,
Elisabeth

I have spent most of my day preparing a "Care Package" for my sweet boy who is at school at Azusa Pacific University in California. I always get him a Valentine's prize and this year will be no different. I wish I could send each one of you girls a care package! Please know how much I love and appreciate each one of you and I am so thankful for your participation in this journey!

I began to think about caring and kindness. Kindness is one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit and is important in the life of any Christian.The word kindness is chrestotes, in Greek and  means "tender concern for others." Kindness comes from a tender heart. The only way we can manifest kindness is through yielding to the Father and allowing His Spirit to flow through us. We serve a God who has a tender heart. When we surrender full control of our heart and life to Him, we will show kindness to others.

Acts 9:36-41 tells a story of a woman who showed kindness. Her name was Tabitha (or Dorcus) and she lived in Joppa. Tabitha "was always doing good and helping the poor." (vs. 36). She gave to those in need and was known for sewing clothes for the poor and the widows. When Tabitha became sick and died, all the widows stood around crying and showing the robes and clothing that she had made them. They sent an appeal to Peter in nearby Lydda to come. We see in verse 40 and 41, that Peter sent everyone out of the room and got down on his knees and prayed. He then said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes and sat up. Peter took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. "Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord." (vs. 43).

Have you ever known someone who always showed kindness? Someone who was always doing good and helping others? How have you shown kindness to others in the past? Is the Lord prompting you to show kindness to someone that He has placed upon your heart?

Tabitha was constantly showing kindness to those who did not have much. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we begin to see others through the eyes of a tenderhearted Savior. We begin to realize the needs of those around us. We begin to get our eyes off of our situation and look at those who are hurting all around us each day. There are so many who are hurting. There are so many who need clothed. (physically and spiritually) There are so many who are hoping for something greater. When we surrender to His Spirit, we are able to give a kindness that comes straight from the heart of the Father.

We notice that when Tabitha became ill and had died, the widows and believers appealed to Peter on her behalf. Peter appealed to the Father by bowing on his knees and praying for healing for Tabitha. Maybe there is someone that the Lord has impressed upon your heart who is in need of healing. It may be a spiritual, emotional, or physical healing. Whatever the nature, have you been down on your knees for them? Are you fervently praying for God to work a miracle in their life? Sometimes, when we are experiencing our darkest night, we feel as though we can do nothing. Sometimes, we feel as though a part of us has died. What a blessing to have friends who come alongside us and pray for our healing. It is a blessing to have those who will appeal to the Father on our behalf. Intercessory prayers are just as powerful today as they were in the Bible. God restored life to Tabitha and I believe that God can and will restore your life to an abundant life, as well.

We also see that "took her by the hand and helped her to her feet." (vs.41). Sometimes we need to take someone by the hand and help them to their feet. There are those who have fallen spiritually that are in need of some kindness. Maybe it's that person that you used to see in church all the time. They used to come regularly, then not so often and now it's been awhile since you've seen them. Have you taken the time to call or send them a note of encouragement? Sometimes we just need to take our neighbors by the hand and help them back up to their feet. Offer to give them a ride to church or invite them over for dinner. Let them know that you care about them and they are missed. If they have fallen spiritually, then restore them gently with kindness and love.

Jesus Christ is alive and active and His Spirit resides in us! He presents us "alive" to others every day! When we are at home, when we go to work, church and throughout our communities we are living proof that God is alive! We are to be vessels outpouring His kindness to our families, our church and our community around us. I am confident, that when we live as Christ, HE will become known all over Joppa (your city) and many people will believe in the Lord.

"I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love." (Hosea 11:4) God loves us and wants to heal us and use our healed vessels in the lives of others. Let's allow Him to tie us together with His love and lead us with His kindness. Let the church be unified and work together so that JESUS CHRIST will become known throughout the world.

Lord, help me to be an extension of Your kindness and tenderness towards others. Help me not to miss a single opportunity to help those in need around me. Help them to see You and not me. I love you Lord!

I love you Journey Girls and I am praying for you this evening. Pray for opportunities to show kindness this week. Keep us posted on the GOD stops along the way. You are a blessing! Thank you for showing me your kindness and love.

Loving Christ and loving others,
Elisabeth

What a blessed Sunday! Let me first begin with a GOD stop. This weekend, my parents church hosted a Youth Xplosion. There were approximately 150 in attendance each evening and many decisions for Jesus Christ were made. Lives were forever changes and there was a freedom that came from complete obedience to Christ. It was so wonderful to see the Lord working in and through the lives of young people. I love their passion to serve Jesus!! I don't want to ever lose that passion! The altars were full this morning as the Holy Spirit moved throughout this place. Thank you LORD! You will never guess the closing scripture the evangelist used. Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

What blessed confirmation as we enter into our last week of this 40 day journey together. We started out believing God for a new thing this new year. Believing God for a new start, new blessings and new opportunities to serve Him in 2010. We continue to ask Him to search our hearts and draw us close as we continue this amazing journey together.

As my husband and I have entered into this new phase in our lives, the LORD has been doing a new work in our hearts. Sometimes we when go through the "fires" of life, we tend to feel as though the heat is more than we can take. It becomes so intense at times, that we feel as though we have been burned. It causes us to be fearful to step out in faith again. It causes a hard hit to our self esteem and the enemy tries to bring us down and defeat us.

Sometimes, we are going through a refining process. God is preparing us for something greater. A new thing for His glory! He is removing the impurities from our lives and refining us. He is drawing us in a deeper relationship with Him. He longs for us to live by faith and to give Him our ALL. He wants us to trust Him completely and live by His Holy Word.

When I am feeling down or like I have had a tough season in life, I often turn to read the life of Job. For many years of my spiritual walk, I avoided this passage of scripture because it scared me. I thought. . . here is a man of God who loved God with all his heart, yet God allowed him to go through a tremendous time of testing. How many times do we allow fear to keep us from a blessing? As I studied this book, I learned that God was faithful. Job had lost everything. He lost his family, his crops, his livestock, yet he praised God. Job 1:20b says, "Then he fell to the ground in worship. . "

Job was even rejected by his friends and family that remained. However, we see in Job 19:25 that he says, "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." Oh Father, strengthen my faith! Help others to see that even in the desert times, you remain faithful! Beloved, our Redeemer lives! PRAISE GOD!!

I love the book Fresh Faith by Jim Cymbala. In one part of his book, he talks about the purging process. Silver and gold mining is a very extensive process. When ore is mined and brought to the surface, there is still much work to be done. Did you know that silver does not melt until it reaches 960.5 degrees Celsius? It has to become that hot to begin to yield up its impurities. When God begins the process of purging us, His goal is to purify our hearts and lives for His glory. Proverbs 25:4-5 says, "Remove the dross from the silver and out comes material for the silversmith; remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousnes."

Sweet ones, allow the Holy Spirit to remove the impurities and melt away your dross. Change is never easy, but it is necessary to live the life that God has called us to live. We must embrace change in order to enjoy the fullness of the life God has for us. "I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities." (Isaiah 1:25) We must let nothing quench our passion for serving God!

We must decide that our relationship with Jesus Christ is more important than anything else this world has to offer. I love what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said to King Nebuchadnezzar when he wanted them to worship the image of gold that he had set up. "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17-18)

Even when we go through the difficult seasons of life, God will be with us if we put our complete trust in Him. Be passionate as you serve Him. Let nothing or no one keep you from praising God and proclaiming the truth of His Word! He will rescue you! However, let us have the same spirit as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. . . "but even if He does not. . " WE WILL SERVE THE LORD!!

We see that when these men were thrown into the fire, there was a fourth man in the fire! (Daniel 3:25). Beloved, we serve a God who is with us! He protects us and He provides for us! He also purges and refines us, yet praise be to God, He also goes through the fire with us! Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you wil not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

My heart's cry is "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) We must allow God to refine us and we must remain steadfast in Him. Don't lose heart, God is working on a greater plan! Stay passionate and remain steadfast, my friends! Hebrews 12:29 says that "Our God is a consuming fire!" Others should be able to see that we are on fire for Jesus Christ! Even when we are going through the tough seasons of life, let us not forsake falling to the ground and worshiping our LORD! We can testify, as Job did, that "He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside." (Job 23:10-11).

I praise God for my Journey Girls and I am so very proud of you. Continue to keep a holy passion for serving Jesus! Allow Him to remove any impurities and  melt the dross from your hearts and lives. Ask Him to cleanse and purify you and seek Him with your whole heart.  ". . Then the Almighy will be your gold, the choicest silver for you." (Job 22:23a)

Continuing to Praise Him,
Elisabeth

Journey Girls,
We are officially beginning our last week of this journey together. I just want you to know that I love each one of you so very much and you will never know how you have blessed my life! Thank you for reading and sharing your hearts. Thank you for your obedience to God's Word! You are beautiful women of God and I am absolutely crazy about you!

I continue to fast and pray for God's direction and blessing upon your lives. I must say, I am not looking forward to the 40 day journey being over. I am, however, ecstatic about having a Large Diet Coke and something sweet next Sunday! :) I signed up for my husband and I up to help out with Angel Food Ministries the last Saturday of this month. It is an organization that feeds the homeless and those struggling financially in this area. I continue to look forward to going to Atlanta and spending some volunteer time at Celebrate Life International. I am super excited about taking a road trip next weekend with my husband. We are going to the Nashville area to a Beth Moore book signing! I can't wait!! Oh, how I hope and pray that I get the opportunity to meet her and speak to her in person. It is a dream that I have had for quite some time and I can't think of a better way to end my 40 day journey! Please be praying about this opportunity with me!

My heart and mind has been racing with all the thoughts and things that I deeply desire to say to you with only a week left on the journey. I am just going to continue to pray for God to lay upon my heart what He would have me to share with you this week. Let's put our hand to the plow and continue on full speed ahead! Stay in God's Word and pray fervently this week! Continue to listen as He speaks to you and remember to look for the GOD stops along the way.

Easter is probably my favorite time of year. I love the springtime. I love the flowers, birds chirping and green grass. I love the sunshine! I love seeing children dressed in their Easter clothes. I love remembering what Christ did on the cross. I love celebrating a risen Savior!

One of my favorite services is foot washing and communion. Our church practices the ordinance of foot washing and it is something that I have come to cherish. This has always been so dear to my heart every since I was a little girl. We celebrate this time each year on Maundy Thursday before Easter Sunday. When we served at our church in Ashland, KY, this was a service that I had the privilege to plan. Oh, what sweet memories I have from my time with these precious women. I will never forget them as long as I live.

John 13:1-17 is the portion of scripture where Jesus washed His Disciples' feet. "It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father." (vs.1) Jesus wanted to show them the full extent of His love.

Can you imagine being at that dinner? Let's just imagine dining with our Savior for the next few moments. Pull up to the table and allow the Bread of Life and Living Water to fill you. (John 6:35, John 7:28). As the disciples were eating, Jesus got up from the meal took off His outer clothing and wrapped a towel around His waist. He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

Foot washing was normally a task that was performed by a servant. Jesus was giving a lesson in humility. He was setting forth the principle of selfless service that was soon to be exemplified in the cross. Jesus life of service would culminate at this crucial point on the cross, changing our lives forever. Read what Jesus told them in verse 7. "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." I can sure relate to that statement! How many times have I not understood what Christ was doing, but later could look back and see how He was working in my life.

The Lord told them, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." (vs. 10). He was referring to Judas, who would betray Him. I'm sure the disciples' feet were dirty, calloused and worn. They had followed Christ. They had witnessed miracles. They had left their families and homes to walk in His footsteps. They had led many to follow Him. They had been many places with the Lord. Their feet had now brought them to what would be their Last Supper with their Savior. Romans 10:15b says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Beloved, the most beautiful feet are those whose journey reflects Christ. The feet that have been through the valleys, they have been on the mountaintops and they continue to walk with Jesus Christ.

Jesus told them, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (vs. 14-15). Jesus set the ultimate example of being a faithful servant. He was humble in spirit and was obedient to the Father. He was perfect, without sin. He was about to show the ultimate sacrifice by death on a cross for our sins. Jesus humbled himself and washed His disciples' feet that day and told us to do the same.

I love what verse 17 says. "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." That word blessed in greek is "makarios." It means blessed and happy. When we are obedient to Christ, we will be happy and blessed!

Philippians 2:1-11 is a wonderful passage describing Christ's nature. "But made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross." (vs. 7-8). Our Lord and Savior, our Creator, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords took on the very nature of a servant. His love is made complete when in us when we are obedient to God. We are to walk as Jesus did and follow His example. (1 John 2:5-6) Oh, how beautiful are the nail scarred feet of our Savior!

Oh how I wish I could be sitting with my Journey Girls today. If I could be with you physically, I would pour some water into a basin, wrap a towel around my waist and kneel before each one of you and wash your feet. I would give you a big hug and tell you how much Jesus loves you and how much I love you. Journey girls, I am so humbled and blessed to have been able to serve you these past few weeks. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your sweet servant's heart! Continue to serve Jesus and serve others through His love. Share the good news of Christ to all you come in contact with. Sweet ones, you have beautiful feet!

Walking with Jesus,
Elisabeth

Okay Journey Girls, remember when we packed for our 40 day journey? Do you remember what we packed to wear? Colossians 3:12-13, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Webster's definition of forgive is
to give up resentment of or claim to revenge for or to relieve a debtor of the duty to repay. The Biblical definition comes from the Greek word for forgive, "aphiemi." It means "to let go from one's power, possesion, to let go free, let escape."

I love the reunion of Jacob and Esau that we find in Genesis 33. Jacob had just wrestled through with God and was about to meet his brother for the first time face to face since he had stolen his inheritance and blessing. Esau had been so devastated and so angry at the fact that he was wronged. He had held a grudge against his brother and planned to kill him. (Genesis 28:41). However, we see in Genesis 33:4 that when Esau saw him, he "ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him." Esau no longer held a grudge against Jacob. He had forgiven him and shown him mercy.

Grace is getting what we don't deserve and mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Jacob had received both.

Another wonderful example in scripture is that of the unmerciful servant. (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus tells a story of two servants who both owed debts. The one servant begged his master to be patient with him and his master cancelled his debt. (vs.26). He then went out and demanded payment from his fellow servant for a debt he owed him. No mercy! He even had him thrown into prison until he could pay back his debt. Because of his actions, his master also threw him in prison and had him tortured. (vs.34). We are given a very direct message from our Father in verse 35. Beloved, we must forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts!

How many times do we think we have the "right" to be angry? We feel as though we have the "right" to hold a grudge because of the way we have been wronged.

Sweet ones, please allow me to lovingly share from God's Word. Ephesians 4:30-32 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind an compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Let me be the first one to admit that I have failed miserably in this area. I have been there. Do not give the enemy get a foothold by holding on to hurt.

Many times, when we have been falsely wronged, we feel as though we have a right to hold on to that hurt. We say we have forgiven, but in reality, we hold on to the hurt and begin to become bitter. Trust me when I tell you that this is no way to live!

Living with unresolved hurt and an unforgiving heart is torture. Just as the unmerciful servant was tortured, we are tortured. We allow the enemy to take advantage of the situation and stir up bitterness and resentment. We become miserably paralized.

Maybe you were unjustly wronged and you feel as though you shouldn't be the one to ask forgiveness. Sisters, let it go! Christ wants to do something glorious in your life! He has a purpose in the pain you have suffered and He wants to use it for your ultimate good.

There is freedom from bitterness, anger and hurt! Allow the Holy Spirit to bring healing to your heart and be FREE!! Be the one that is merciful. Forgive as Christ forgave you! It is a glorious feeling when you let go and let God work in the situation.

Jesus intends for us to forgive everyone. He understands what you have gone through. He understands that there will be scars. By forgiving, it doesn't mean that what happened to you was right, but it does allow you to be all right.

Lord, help me to be a merciful servant! I want to be like you Lord! Thank you for Your love and forgiveness. Help me to share that same spirit of love and forgiveness with others. I love you Lord!

Praising God for His Mercy,
Elisabeth

I love the Word of God! There is so much to be found in His Word and each time you read it, you receive something new. I have been spending a lot of time studying lately and learning to use commentaries. (It helps to be living with my Daddy and using his library of resources!) I have been reading and studying in Genesis yesterday and today. Each time I begin to study God's Word, I ask the LORD to speak directly to me. Let's begin our time together today by asking God to give us a Word from Him. Ask Him to speak directly to our hearts and our situations. Let's get into His Word together! We have much to cover today.

Genesis 25-27, 32

We begin by learning of the first recorded twin baby boys, Jacob and Esau. These babies fought with each other since the time they were in their mother's womb. (Genesis 25:22). Can you imagine what Rebekah must of felt as these two jostled in her womb? The LORD told Rebekah that two nations were in her womb and the older one would serve the younger. When it came time for the boys to be born, the younger baby (Jacob) came out grasping the old brother's (Esau) heel.

As the boys grew, Jacob made a deal with Esau to sell his birthright to him and at the end of Genesis 25 we read that Esau despised his birthright. The birthright included the rights of the firstborn. At the heart of this birthright were the covenant promises that Isaac had inherited from Abraham.

Let's fast forward to Genesis 27. Isaac was old and his eyesight was so weak that he could no longer see. Isaac told Esau to go hunt some wild game and prepare it for them to eat together. He wanted to eat with his son, so that he could give him his blessing before he died. Rebekah overheard this and told it to her son Jacob. Jacob was her favorite son. She prepared a tasty meal for Issac and Jacob put on Esau's clothes, pretending to be him. He covered his hands and neck with goatskins, so that he was hairy like his brother and would fool their father. Oh, the things we do and the places we go when we allow sin to be a part of our lives!

Isaac asked him how he was able to find the wild game so quickly and Esau told him that "The LORD your God gave me success." (vs. 20). Then, when Isaac asked him to come near so he could touch him, Jacob went close to his father and let him feel his hands that were covered with goatskin. Isaac questioned because he said that the voice of his son sounded like Jacob, yet his hands felt like Esau's. He asked, "Are you really my son Esau?" and Jacob replied, "I am." When Jacob went and kissed his father, Issac smelled Jacob and caught the smell of Esau (because of his clothes). He then gave Jacob Esau's blessing.

I find it interesting that Issac had doubts, "red flags" so to speak, that he was speaking with his firstborn. However, when he smelled the scent of his firstborn, he ignored the other doubts. Sometimes when we are unable to see clearly (whether it is spiritual, physical or emotional), we often ignore "red flags" if we think the situation "smells" okay. Let me tell you from personal experience, something can "smell" right, yet be totally wrong. Make sure you listen to your gut instincts and don't ignore them. Stay in the Word and take it to the LORD in prayer. Seek wise counsel from those who love the Lord. Ask the Lord to help you to discern the situation correctly. Make sure the aroma you smell is the aroma of Christ!

We pick up the story in Genesis 32:24. "Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak ." The man had even touched Jacob's hip and dislodged it and when the sun rose, he was limping. Jacob wrestled with the man and would not let go unless he blessed him. He begged Him for mercy. (vs. 26). We find out later in this passage that Jacob was wrestling with God. Jacob called the place Peniel, which means, "The face of God." I read many commentaries and differing opinions of this passage. Most felt as though this was an angel of God. However, as we read the following scriptures, we can know that God had spoken directly to Jacob. He told him that his name would no longer be Jacob, but Israel. He told him "you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." (vs. 28).

Have you ever wrestled with God about something? Have you spent time fasting, praying and seeking His face until you received the answer? I believe that we sometimes wrestle with God until we get the answer we want and we do not wrestle through until the blessing comes. We serve a sovereign, loving God who has a perfect plan for our lives. Sometimes, we may choose to take what seems like an easier path, when what we need to do is wrestle through the tough path until the blessing comes! I remember studying this in Beth Moore's "The Patriarchs." She said, "God wants to bless us, but sometimes He has to injure us to get us to submit to Him." That is a very powerful, true statement!

What is your relationship with God when you are all alone? Sometimes in the dark seasons of life, we must struggle and wrestle through until the light comes. Beloved, God doesn't invite us to wrestle with Him because He is against us. He sometimes allows us to wrestle with him so that He can refine us and make us overcomers. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b).

We must put on our armor (Ephesians 6) and fight the good fight of faith! (1 Timothy 1:18). Praise God, He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4). 1 John 5:3-5 says, "This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

Journey Girls, remember that no matter what you are up against, you are born of God and He has overcome this world! You can wrestle through the crisis until the blessing comes! You will be gloriously refined when you go through the struggle and submit yourself totally to God. Be an overcomer and hang on. . . .The best is yet to come!

Waiting on His Blessing,
Elisabeth

I am so proud of you Journey Girls! We are just days away from completing our 40 day journey together. You are such a blessing to me! I am so thankful for each one of you. I attempted to email each of you, however, I do not think it worked. I am still trying to figure out this site. Just please know that I am praying for each of you individually and I am so honored that you have been alongside me on this journey. I love you!

2 Kings 4:1-7

I was reading this passage this morning and remembered a sermon that my husband once preached on this story. It is a story of a widow who had nothing. She cried out to the prophet Elisha for help. She was about to lose her two boys as slaves because she could not pay her debts. All she had in her house was a little oil. She was desperate for a miracle.

Elisha told her to, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." (vs.3-4).

The widow did not hesitate to do as she had been told. She immediately left and got the empty jars. She went home, closed the door and began to pour the oil into the empty jars. The oil kept flowing, as long as there were jars. When all the jars were full and there was not a jar left, "then the oil stopped flowing."(vs.6). She was able to sell the oil and pay her debts. Her and her sons were able to live on what was left.

I love that this widow did not hesitate and demonstrated much faith. She believed God to perform a miracle on her behalf. She was shown tremendous mercy and grace because of her faith and obedience. God provided for her needs.

We see another example of God's provision and miracles in 1 Kings 17:7-24. God once again provided flour and oil for the widow at Zarephath and the oil did not run dry. (vs. 16). He provided for her physical needs. He not only provided for her physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. He raised her son from the dead! It is the first time we see the miracle of raising the dead recorded in scripture. She believed God. She knew that His Word was true. She had experienced God's Word alive and active in her own life. What a blessing!

God still performs miracles today! He provides for our needs. He often steps in, at just the right moment, and makes Himself known on our behalf. I remember one such instance when He did just this in my own life. Tom and I had not been married very long. We were desperately trying to make it paycheck to paycheck and we had no food in the house. We only had a few dollars to last until the next payday. That Sunday morning, we debated on whether or not to spend the money in gas to go to church. We decided to put gas in our car and off we headed to worship in Nicholasville, KY. Tom was helping at a church plant there and we needed to be there early to help set up for worship. After church and tearing down all the equipment, we went out to our litte Chevette and there on the steering wheel was taped a twenty dollar bill. Not only that, but the back of our car was also full of groceries! We had not told a soul about our situation. We had only taken it to the LORD in prayer. Tears began to flow down both of our faces as we suddenly realized that  our God was our Provider. Jehovah Jireh! He did not let the oil run dry. He stepped in, at just the right moment and performed a miracle on our behalf. He blessed us, even beyond what we needed for that day. Thank you Lord!

Beloved, we serve a God who loves us and desires to take care of us. He also wants to bless us and pour out His favor upon our lives. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."

God means for us to cast our total dependency on Him. He is sovereign and we must trust His sovereignty! He works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28). How much faith do you have in your current situation for God's provision? Do you, like the widow, believe God for much blessing or are you just allowing Him to fill a few jars?

I believe that God wants to bless His children. Pray for God's favor upon your life. Be obedient to His Word and believe Him to continue working in and through your life for His glory! Pour out your heart to Him and tell him your deepest concerns. Ask Him to fill your cup to overflowing! Ask Him to pour out the oil of His Spirit into the empty places of your life. Ask Him for a miracle. Ask Him for His blessings. Don't ask for just a few.

Asking and Believing,
Elisabeth

Are you ever just in awe of God's amazing grace? I have been praying all day today, soaking in God's Word and one word keeps flooding my soul. . . grace. Oh, how God's grace amazes me. I am so thankful for His wonderful grace. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. I've heard it said that grace is "God's Riches at Christ's Expense!"

One of my favorite stories of grace in God's Word is that of a prostitute named Rahab. You can read her story in Joshua 2. Joshua sent out two spies to go and check out the land. The spies went into Jericho and met a woman named Rahab. They entered her home and she hid them. The King found out about the Israelite spies and sent word to Rahab to "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land." (vs.3). Rahab told the messenger that the men had left, but she was hiding them on her roof.

Rahab realized that the LORD had given the land to the Israelites. She told this to the spies and asked them to show her kindness. She asked them to spare her life and the lives of her family. The spies assured her that if she kept quiet, she would be treated kindly and faithfully when they inherited the land. (vs. 14).

Rahab was told to place a scarlet cord in her window. The spies told her that when the city was destroyed she and her family would be saved. She gathered her family in her home and tied the scarlet cord from her window.

We read in Joshua 6:20-25, that when the trumpets sounded and the walls of Jericho collapsed, the Israelites charged in and destroyed the city. Every living thing was destoyed except the prostitute and her household. Rahab had believed in God and put her faith in Him. She was obedient and God's grace prevailed. She was saved because of  the scarlet cord that hung from her window. Her story is one of God's amazing grace!

I am reminded of the Passover. The plagues had struck the Egyptians because Pharaoh had hardened his heart. Nothing was getting through to him. The final plague was the plague on the firstborn. Every firstborn son in Egypt would die. (Exodus 11:5). The Israelites were told to place the scarlet blood of a lamb above the doorframes of their houses, in order for their firstborn sons to be spared. (Exodus 12:7,13). At midnight, the firstborn of Pharaoh and all the Egyptians were struck down. Can you imagine being an Israelite Mother that night? I'm sure they were hearing the wailing and despair, clinging to their firstborn baby boys and praying that they would be saved. The Israelites were spared death that night because of the scarlet blood that was over their doorframes.

Beloved, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ went to the cross on our behalf. Matthew 27:28-50 tells us that they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. They placed a crown of thorns on His head. They mocked Him, spit on Him and struck Him again and again. They gave Him a cross to bear. They nailed Him to the cross.They crucified Him. He was perfect, yet He died for our sins, so that we might have life. We did not deserve it, but God lovingly gave His One and Only Son, so that we could have eternal life! (John 3:16). Sweet ones, it is because of  the scarlet blood of Christ, that was shed on the cross, that we are saved!

Isaiah 1:18 tells us that "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. ." Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within! Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all my sin ! Thank you LORD for your amazing grace! Thank you for your grace that has covered me. It is something that I do not deserve, yet you saved me anyway. Thank you LORD! I am overwhelmed by Your amazing love and grace! I love Jesus so much and I want everyone that I come in contact with to know Him too. I want them to experience His love and His saving grace!

Lord, help me to show this same grace to others, through your Holy Spirit that resides in me! Help me to be a vessel for the outpouring of your love! I love you Jesus!

His grace still amazes me! I love you Journey Girls! You are in my prayers this evening.

Overwhelmed by His Grace,
Elisabeth

Journey Girls,
I can't hardly believe that we have come this far on our journey together already! Only 12 days remaining! It is bittersweet for me, because I have come to love and anticipate this time with you each day. Alright, it's time for some updates! I need to know what scriptures you are memorizing, how your time in the Word is going, what prayers have been answered, how your fasting is going and how you are planning on spending your hours in community service. It's accountability day! :)

I believe that it is vital for growing christians to have accountability in their lives. Accountability must be intentional! We must take the initiative to protect ourselves from the enemy's attacks. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisers they succeed." Sometimes, we choose to opt out of accountability because we don't want to be vunerable. We have been hurt before and we are to afraid to trust again. Please don't allow a previous bad experience to keep you from the growth God has for you through Biblical accountability! Accountability in your life helps to keep you healthy spiritually. The goal is to keep you focused and strong in your relationship with the Lord and with others. This helps us to maximize our effectiveness in our lives and ministry.

We see many examples of warnings and accountability in scripture. The Lord often placed warning signs in people's lives when He was trying to get their attention. How many times do we have warning signs in our lives that we ignore. Accountability partners help us to see more clearly when the warning signs are being missed. They help us to avoid pitfalls in life.

Read Ezekial 3:16-19. This was a warning to Israel. God had made Ezekial a watchman for the people. He was not only to warn them, but to teach them that God would hold them responsible for their behavior. I believe that many times we need some "watchwomen" in our lives. Godly women who will lovingly come alongside us and help to keep us strong in the Lord. They need to be women who love God's Word and are led by His Spirit. Women who are trustworthy, committed and have a servant's heart. Pray for God to place names on your heart and pray about intentional accountability.

I recommend Lori Salierno's book, "When Roosters Crow," as a place to start. It is a fresh approach to Biblical accountability and integrity. Lori talks about her "Roosters." She uses this term for her accountability group and it comes from Luke 22:31-34, 54-61. You remember the story. The Lord told Peter that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Him three times. Peter replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (vs. 33) And then, we see later after he denied knowing Christ for the third time, the rooster crowed. "The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him. . ." (vs. 61). The rooster crowing was Peter's wake up call. Many times we have warnings in our Christian walk, but we ignore them. We all need wake up calls and it is much better when they come from a group of Christian girls who love you, instead of something that brings devastation.

I will be the first to admit that the times in my life that I implemented accountability, I grew spiritually and avoided many pitfalls. However, the times in my life that I avoided accountability, I have had pitfalls and struggled in my walk with Jesus. Don't be afraid to be accountable to others. Sometimes they see clearer when our vision is clouded by circumstance. I have a couple of lifetime roosters in my life who always tell me the truth, even when I don't want to hear what they have to say. They are honest, loving and always encouraging me in my walk with Christ. My one rooster always knows when I need to hear her crow! She let's me know when I am beginning to live in defeat, instead of victory! She can tell me things when no one else can. I am so thankful to have a rooster in my life who loves me no matter how ugly I am. She always keeps me in line and helps me to dig deep into the Word of God. I love you Rooster! (you know who you are!)

Accountability partners also act as an encouragement, a support and even sometimes a "cheerleader" on our behalf. We can pour our hearts out to them, pray with them, and help hold them up when they are weak. We can help to bear their burdens. Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." I love this example in Exodus 17:12. Moses was tired and Aaron and Hur held his hands up for him. They came alongside him and helped him to remain steady during the battle. They stayed on each side until the victory came.

Many times, some of our deepest prayer needs are shared with our accountability partners. They can serve as prayer warriors on our behalf. Luke 15:8-10 tells of a woman who had lost a coin. When she found it, the first ones she called was her friends. This word in greek is "tas philas" and means "female friends." How wonderful that she had a group she could call upon when she had a praise report! She called her girlfriends! I like to imagine that they were her accountability partners.

Sweet ones, we all need roosters in our lives. Those who can come alongside us during the battles and help to hold us. Those who will lovingly tell us when we are missing the warning signs that the Lord is sending us. Those who can encourage us (Hebrews 10:23-25), those who can help to restore us when we have fallen. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) and those who can rejoice with us when we have reports of praise. Please pray about enlisting accountability partners in your life. Your journey will be so much better when you allow others to be a part of it with you.

So, we are back to where we started. How are you doing on your journey? Don't feel bad if you haven't gotten as far as you had hoped. Just start today and allow the Journey Girls to come alongside you and help get you back on the right track. You are so precious to me and I love each one of you so very much! I am so proud of your progress! I am praying for you and I cannot wait to hear from you.

Today, in the comments, please let me know where you are at in God's Word. Tell me what scriptures you are putting to memory. Tell me where God is leading you to spend some time in service to others. Let's stay accountable and encourage each other as we head towards the end of our journey together.

I love you,
Elisabeth