Siesta Bible Study: Gathering II

Siesta Summer Bible Study (Weeks 1 and 2) from LPV on Vimeo.

Hey Summer Bible Study Siestas!
It’s time for Gathering II! Remember, all comments to this post are meant to come AFTER your small group meeting as a way of sharing a highlight with us from your time together. Try to limit your feedback to one regular-size paragraph and be sure to remind us where you’re from and how many are in your group. Only one group member is requested to give a report but if something huge is happening in your life through the study and your leader didn’t share it, by all means, post an individual comment so your Siestas can give God the praise He’s due.

If at all possible, please watch the video for your instructions for this week’s gathering but, just in case you can’t get it to work or can’t spare the time, here are the activities in writing:

1. By now you’ve been well introduced to the concept of the study. We’re cleaning out our thought closets. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you individually need this particular subject matter and why?

2. Look on p.13 at the quote in the margin: “Who I am and what I struggle with are not the same thing.” In what way did that statement resonate with you? What struggle do you most tend to define yourself by?

3. Look on p.23, Day 4 of Week 1 at the interactive where Jennifer says, “In your own words, describe worry.” What was your answer?

4. Go to p.44 in Week 2 and focus on the part of the study where Jennifer talks about “faulty assumptions.” I thought this part was incredibly insightful. What is one of your faulty assumptions?

Have a great time with one another and may Christ’s Presence and power be evident in every gathering! You are loved and prioritized here at LPM.

*Previous posts:
Summer Bible Study Sign Up
Summer Bible Study Kick Off

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200 Responses to “Siesta Bible Study: Gathering II”

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  1. 51
    Desiree says:

    Idaho sisters
    Desiree – Rathdrum – North
    Amanda – Boise – South

    1. Desiree – 6 or 7 – I usually try to keep my mind free of “junk”. But I could really benefit in controlling my mind for weight loss.
    Amanda – 7 or 8 – I don’t sit and ponder or worry on bad thoughts. I have other things that stimulate my mind.

    2. Desiree – Just an affirmation to me that the things I struggle with don’t define who I am as a person. My struggle is with weight loss.
    Amanda – Sometimes the struggles I go through take up so much of my energies that I begin to think that they define who I am. I struggle with being single still at 31 and my weight.

    3. Desiree – Always thinking about the “what-if’s”
    Amanda – Continually thinking about something that might happen that is out of your control.

    4. Desiree – He must not love me because it seems like he doesn’t want to spend time with me. (Speaking about my husband)
    Amanda – Had a hard time thinking of one but will be pondering on it more.

  2. 52
    Julie says:

    Adrienne and I are loving this study! We both had to cram in the last few days of homework today before we watched the video, but we did it together and found out that Adrienne really needs a different Bible to work from! She is starting to love my NIV Study Bible as much as I do 🙂 This study is really hitting home with me this week. I realize that not only my thought closet needs a make-over, but what I put into my kids thought closet also needs some cleaning up! Thanks for leading us closer to Him!
    Julie & Adrienne

  3. 53
    Anonymous says:

    LOVED Beth's and Sabrina's examples of worry. Great word pics!

    Two of us w/ young adult children, both raised in Christian homes, both intentionally striving for God to grow us and use us. Two weeks ago we would have said our thought closet makeover need was 4-5. But once again, God's timing is perfect! — and He's using this study to help grow us some more. Today, we agreed that while we truly do spend much time thinking on spiritual things, we have some closet cleaning to do! The whole concept of faulty assumptions is going to require more than just a couple of days' work. Our minds are muddled with "old uglies" that have become part of our personalities; we thought we had to live with them, but we're realizing we have to get to the source of those "personality quirks" then pull out our swords and fight with Truth! The need to keep being honest with ourselves and listening to God as He brings things to our attention is uncomfortable today, but oh, how we pray to FINALLY achieve freedom from longtime frustrations. Beth and Jennifer (including JR's videos) are providing the encouragement we need. Beth, we pray God is using this study to minister to you, too!

    …Learning and living in beautiful East Tennessee

  4. 54
    Anonymous says:

    Solo Siesta-Question #2-hit home-Struggle to remain kind and honor and follow God's Word the older I get especially in what can be a sometimes mean and cruel world & when I "feel" that I have been mistreated by others-especially those close to me. Want to always "revisit" past hurts in my thoughts. Example: Why did this happen, or I could have been this, had this not happened. Leads to counterproductive behavior such as isolation and overeating instead of enjoying the life God has given me, honoring Him, and helping others.

  5. 55
    Vanessa says:

    Bremen Summertime Siestas met last night and enjoyed some Firehouse chili courtesy of Renee. We missed Diane but like a crazy person she played tennis that afternoon and had heat stroke symptoms!
    1. Scale of 1-10: two 10's and two 8's. We tend to berate ourselves for not being good enough, procrastinate, and bombard ourselves with shoulda's. After being in several bible studies several of us have been working on certain things so that's the reasons for the 8's!
    2. We all agreed that financial worries were our biggest struggle – believing God will provide without our worry. Other things talked about were tithing and health.
    3. Worry – thinking about something that might happen; too many interruptions of negatives; thinking about things you can't change.
    4. Faulty assumptions: "Marriage is a lifelong date." "I don't matter." "I'm invisible." "If you only had self-control, all problems would be solved."

    This doesn't really cover all we discussed since we met for two and one-half hours but you get the general idea.
    Vanessa, Renee, Vicky, and Pat

  6. 56
    Anonymous says:

    The study is great!!! Getting 10+.
    Worry – Being eaten away by the flesh eating disease of self idolization. Another definition is a constant state of fear that the worst is going to happen. God is cut totally out of the picture.

    Examples of faulty assumptions:
    Thinking as a young person that parents are perfect. Only to find out one day that they were filing for a divorce.
    Another – No one cares what I think!
    Faulty assumptions used as building blocks, causes the tower you're building sooner or later to crash!

    Siestas in Seneca Falls

  7. 57
    Anonymous says:

    St Joseph, MO three Karen Sue Susan
    Yes we met last night. We attend the same church and have a real need for this study at this time. Church has a new young (26 year old) minister, who really needs are prayers. He is trying to lead an older group of people. He comes with a wife and three boys under the age of six plus lots of personal baggage that he needs to deal with outside of Sunday morning.
    This is good to bring us back to praying for this kid (we are each old enough to be his mother.

  8. 58
    Kimberly says:

    Kimberly, going solo in San Antonio
    1. I said 3 and 10, depending on the week of my cycle! I am being totally honest, I have taken close watch over how I treat myself and thus others and there is a week of every month that I just tell myself all kinds of horrible things that I would never say the other weeks.
    2. I struggled through my divorce, but have learned that I am not the left behind, divorced woman…I am GOD'S CHILD, loved and treasured, who happened to go through a divorce!
    3. Worry to me is concentrating on what might happen that will be bad.
    4. If I had cooked, cleaned, etc., just a little better….he wouldn't have left. NOT TRUE, what faulty assumptions we make!
    I totally need and love this study! You picked out just the points that I would have!

  9. 59
    Blessed Little Girl says:

    We all felt we needed this study, which was proved because we all find it very hard to do! What a challenge to put our struggles and faulty assumptions down on paper! Great fellowship and discussion!

    Jane, Jennifer, Kathy, Selena, Suzy, Heather, Allyson, Lindy and Ann
    Houston, TX

  10. 60
    Joan says:

    I'm changin' the root so I'll produce good fruit!

    Love you!

    Joan W. – solo

  11. 61
    Emily says:

    We had a GREAT night of sharing and laughing at ourselves! It was 4 out of the 6 together last night and we really got real about our "labels" we had given ourselves or someone else given us. I had to sit back and take a good look at the group. We range from early 40s to early 20s. They are such beautiful people with good hearts and a desire to follow God. I couldn't believe they way we described ourselves or talked about ourselves. We all realized how much we need this study and how much we need to stop the self bashing. We did have a lot of laughs because everything bad we said about ourselves no one would have ever guessed we felt that way. We were all really blessed and had a great night.
    Emily
    Mechanicsville, VA

  12. 62

    1. I have had a constant mind battle for the last 3 years that God and I are working through. I am a #10 for needing this study right now.

    2. My biggest struggle vs. identity is being divorced for 13 years, not remarried, and no children, and since we women do identify ourselves SO often as wives and mothers, it has been extremely difficult at times depressing to not allow this struggle (or desire to be married and children) to also be my identity. I do teach young children which is an incredible privilege, but when other teachers talk about their husbands and children, I really feel "left out," like something's wrong with me, or that God just doesn't think I'm good enough to be a wife and mom since i'm not. I'm NOT giving up this battle though. My name, Amanda, in Hebrew, means "worthy of love". I think God knew I was going to struggle, and He was already helping me at birth to fight this wrong mindset.

    3. Worry: my definition- focusing intently on something with the idea of fixing it somehow

    4. Faulty Assumption: thinking that if I perform perfectly then God and everyone else will love me; if I don't perform perfectly, then God, nor anyone else would love me (I have truly, however, accepted Jesus and His blood as my Savior and Forgiver of my sins). God and I are wrestling through this. I've never felt closer to Him!

    Amanda, going solo
    Olive Branch, MS 38654

  13. 63
    Tracy Ruckman says:

    We are the online group of 25 from 12 states and Nepal – the "Me, Myself, & My Siestas."

    We've become a group of powerful prayer warriors, and we are seeing God move in mighty ways each day. Our Siesta in Nepal asked us to pray for rain – they were completely without water – and it started raining the very next day, and continued. We praise Him for answered prayer.

    We also saw a woman known and prayed for by one of our Siestas for a couple of years come to the Lord. She had resisted for some time – she was of another religion. But the Holy Spirit moved and this woman claimed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!

    We also saw answered prayer with health and finances. Praises, praises, praises.

    Answers to the questions this week revealed a pattern within our group – God brought each one of us to this study at this time. Amazing – God is so amazing.

    1) Answers ranged from 6 to 12 – with the majority sitting at 9 and 10.

    3) Answers for this question included: the "what ifs," needless thinking, negativity, trying to control the uncontrollable. One described worry as a weed – taking over, robbing us of joy.

    Answers for 2) and 4) were very similar to each other – and what seemed to cause a pattern for our members: unworthiness, fear, and insecurity. This study has allowed us to pinpoint specific areas, and commit them to the Lord.

    Thank you for this study – Jennifer has touched hearts and changed lives.

    Blessings for a great week.

  14. 64
    Tammy says:

    We are the Bible Study "Babes" from Springfield, MO. We are a group 14, but only 9 of us were able to meet tonight. We have been blown away with these first 2 weeks of study. It's revealing and uncomfortable. Some of us feel that we haven't even begun to dig into the closet that is padlocked. Some of us haven't been able to realize that what we struggle with and who we are, are not the same thing. We are beginning to understand the bondage that we are in. We haven't been "choosy" enough when it comes to the thoughts we allow ourselves to think. We definitely wouldn't be saying these things out loud in a conversation with Jesus. We want to be more aware of this faulty thinking because we are too hard on ourselves. We are working on surrendering. We are so thankful that God is using this study to do a work in our lives and in our thoughts!

  15. 65
    Jill says:

    Our group of girls all stated how hard it is to really think about how we treat ourselves with our thoughts. However, we are all so excited to see how God provides just the right scriptures to cut the harmful thoughts at the root.

    Friends from Little Rock, AR

  16. 66
    Anonymous says:

    We're from Ohio and Texas (4 of us total – my 2 sisters, me, and our mom are doing the discussions via email). We all felt we need this study, but it is pretty neat to see how our Mom (someone who has been walking with the Lord for many, many years) stated "I've learned over the years that I need to acknowledge those thoughts that are unpleasing or untrue as quickly as I can….confess them….and get into the
    Word." Encouraging words of wisdom to hear as her daughter and as His daughter.:)

  17. 67
    April says:

    My group is my husband and I.

    1) 10 – Currently having issues with messed up thought patterns.
    6 – Nice to identify the different things going on in my head.

    2) It is so true that "Who We Are" is different from "What we struggle with". We may struggle with fear or feeling unorganized and lazy but that isn't at all who we are at all.

    3) Worry – irrational fears of what the future holds

    4) Faulty Assumptions – need to take care of everything myself; laziness

  18. 68
    Kelly says:

    We had a blast this week sharing, learning, being honest with each other and laughing.
    Missy learned an hour before Bible study that her 3 month old niece has a mental disability called preider willies(ms?). She was devastated and called to say she wasn't coming but showed up and said she would rather be with us than at home crying.
    Our honest conversation bonded us even more but the best part was the fellowship after. We laughed so much an older woman who was ordering coffee came over and said we were having so much fun she wanted to join us!
    These girls keep me honest, encourage me to grow, love Jesus and know how to have fun!

    Tampa Girls
    Missy, Bethany, Misti, Tara and Kelly

  19. 69
    Bridgette Jencks says:

    It is late and we are tired, but we thoroughly enjoyed our "group" session tonight. Enjoying the video clips!

  20. 70
    Bridgette Jencks says:

    I forgot to post our stats:
    there are two of us, mother and daughter, Bridgette and Sharon.
    Panama City Beach, FL

  21. 71
    Heather says:

    1. When I started at first I felt I only needed it about a 3 (I read the book already this year, don't need to go over this again… HA!) I would say after finishing week 2 day 5, WOW I am at least at an 8! There were assumptions and roots there I never really got a handle on before.. and preparing for whatever God has for me now is huge in digging up those roots.

    2. I have, especially the last few years defined myself as depressed. And needy. Freeing to know the difference between the struggle and identity.
    Skipping to #4
    My biggest assumption is that my value in Christ and in life is based on my being good enough, perfect… resulting in overwhelming perfectionism, and placing demands on others around me…

    HUGE today for me. Like God just turned on the light bulb. Never realized the demands I am putting on the kids, and how I am keeping a destructive pattern in the family, passing it on to the next generation! One pattern I resolve to break!!!

    Thank you so much… needing God to tend to me.. been a few fissures.. and had more than you reminding me to take care of myself… and let God tend to me, and heal me so the bottom doesn't drop out.
    Amazing timing!
    God bless,
    Heather,
    Solo in Mosinee, WI

  22. 72
    Kara says:

    I'm solo on this:

    1. 20 – For so long I've known that I need to replace lies, faulty assumptions and bad fruit with truth. I'm so glad to do this study and try to learn what truths I need.

    2. I struggle with worry, doubt, anger, insecurity, people pleasing. I don't know that I define myself by these, but I'm sure they show through in the way I express myself.

    3. Worry is an endless, meaningless, concern about how "we" can/will control a situation that has caused fear.

    4. A faulty assumption I had came from people encouraging me to do better than others in order to prove my capabilities since I am disabled. I heard "you need to do things better than others to prove yourself." This made me uneasy whenever I did anything. I always had a fear I wouldn't do something right. If I didn't do it right the first time, I would quit. I can honestly say I don't live by that one anymore. It was torture. Thanks for all you do Beth. Love you and God Bless.

    Kara
    Streetsboro, OH

  23. 73
    Melanie Miller in Nampa ID says:

    Six of us met today, including one new member. On a scale of 1 to 10, we all agreed that we need these thought closet makeovers at a 10! Thank you Jennifer. We are thankful that Jennifer doesn't just tell us what to stop thinking, but also what to fill our containers with – truth. This is powerful. Also "who I am and what I struggle with are not the same" is transforming. wow. Looking forward to the next week's study.

  24. 74
    Taylor says:

    I'm going solo on this, but at this point am wishing I wasn't because there are so many great things to discuss in this study!
    On the scale I would say that I am 10+. As I first began, I was feeling like it didn't apply to me at all, but now I'm realizing how negative thoughts are deeply embedded in my heart and life and they need out. I've never realized until this study how deeply they are affecting me.
    The quote about struggles hit me so hard. I begin to label myself when my identity and my struggles are combined. I can struggle, but I don't have to BE the struggle. I tend to define myself by my struggle of depression/anxiety.
    This study has been incredible so far and I am learning so much about myself and what God desires for me and how that can become reality.

    Taylor
    Spring,TX

  25. 75
    Kingdomseeker says:

    WoW! Great study this week!
    We have 11 women signed up, but usually have half of them show up. We are meeting every week.

    1. We all ranked our need as very high.

    2. This took up most of our discussion time. Our sweet 18 year old sister struggles daily w/ addiction. We encouraged her to think of herself as struggling w/ addiction, rather than labeling her self as an addict. Several of us struggle with rejection. One struggled w/ perfectionism. "It must always be perfect!"

    3. WORRY?!? A big struggle for many. We discussed this more than the definition of it, although the 'gnawing' word-picture you gave made an impresstion on us.

    4. Faulty assumptions put us way over our ending time! We even cleared up some misunderstandings and faulty assumptions between ourselves!
    Example:
    I (Jillian) am a VERY slow and VERY thorough decision maker. One time Konnie was 'razzing' me about how long it took me to choose a doughnut at church. It was all good natured, but I felt judged and a little rejected. Konnie brought it up tonight, saying how she admired that trait in me! She knows my decisions are well thought out! I was shocked! FAULTY ASSUMPTIONS!!!
    We each discussed how this topic impacts our lives.

    We really liked the "truthful labels" p.36. All throughout the meeting we looked up truths from God's Word to speak over each other as we confessed our weakness to believe the lies.

    Each week we are choosing a memory verse to give us a sharper Sword of the Spirit.
    This week we chose Deuteronomy 31:6

    Jillian, Candy, Danika, Denise, Konnie
    Laramie, WY

  26. 76
    The Reed Family says:

    Thank you for sharing with us your insight on the coffee mug. This week I hit rock bottom and I just couldn't figure out why. You see, my family and I have gone through a very difficult year of ups and downs as well as our wonderful, wonderful Fathers miracles that He has poured down on upon us (praise Him)…my husband has been battling cancer this past year. I just couldn't figure out for the life of me just why I felt different this week and I just felt so down…I have to say that you brought it to my attention with your insight from your coffee cup! And how right you are!! I couldn't figure it out because we've been in this battle for a little over a year now and it's nothing new; but I've just discovered that I was taking care of everyone else around me and especially trying to be strong for my children whom are watching us through all of this that I haven't been letting God deal too much with myself. I feel broken and down…I know that I know that I know that God is in control of EVERYTHING!! It's a battle within my own mind that makes everything so hard! I'm going to go and let God deal with my "coffee cup" now–He will bring beauty from ashes~He always does! God bless and thank you for being such a lovely servant to the Lord!
    Laura Reed

  27. 77
    glorysuzy says:

    There are tough conversations when everyone starts digging into their thought closets. Most of the time we don't even realize we have been on such a destructive path. So Tuesday at our noon meeting, what started with pouring out of the hearts, ended with praise for a God that can take all of that destructive thinking and turn it into peace and utter dependence on Him!

    Praise You Father!

    Paula
    Tulsa office meeting

  28. 78
    Pat S. says:

    Our group of three met Wednesday and had a great discussion. We are so excited about this study! We all need our thought closets cleaned out and we love the way Jennifer walks us through the process.

    We discussed at length, how our roots are determining what kind of fruit we bear. We are examining those roots and killing roots that are not sprouted in truth.

    Thank you for leading us through this great study.

    Pat S.
    Lago Vista, TX

  29. 79
    Anonymous says:

    Solo-Breakthrough moment for me has been admitting struggling with envy in my thoughts especially when someone shares "good" news in their life and I am "struggling" in mine. Need to be content in my own life & be happy for others not just on the outside, but in my thoughts! Got to come to terms with this!

  30. 80
    Judy from NC says:

    My sister and I met via Skype and agreed we don't talk much negative talk about ourselves but need to pay attention to our assumptions most of all. Worry is like a rocking chair, it keeps you going but gets you nowhere!

    Checking in…
    Carolyn, Oceanside, CA
    Judy, Littleton, NC

  31. 81
    Nana Jul says:

    Beth,

    We are so humbled to stand before God, in this group and share the depths of our struggles.

    Each of us amazed to see that worrying disrupts all of our lives. For me, worry is a never ending process of negative thinking that touches every part of my life. We each found that simply pondering and wasting time on negative thoughts and not relying on God brings about the "worriers" and "what ifs". and Mark brought worry.

    We agree that we are all in need of a thorough Thought Closet cleaning. We are so blessed to have come together to take part in "Me, Myself & Lies".

    Marybeth (TX), Kathy, Monica, Miranda, Kaelin, Julie – Lunchtime sista's in Oklahoma

  32. 82
    Holly in Houston says:

    Our group that meets at Roxanne Worsham's house on Wed. had a great Bible study again last night. Praise you Lord. We continually comment about how the Holy Spirit knits hearts together; our fellowship is supernaturally sweet. When discussing our questions many of us mentioned the assumption about "needing to be right" or getting in the last word. Perhaps the sweetest part of our time together is prayer. We are already see God do BIG things… Last night we were running late and decided to do "3 sentence prayer for the person on your right". None of us could keep to 3 sentences, but the thought was nice 🙂 We are so blessed to love Jesus with you! Thank you Beth (and all the LPM girls) for your leadership!

  33. 83
    janet b says:

    Our group met Tuesday evening and had a wonderful get together. There are 5 of us and that makes for great discussion. One of our ladies has never been in a Bible study before and she is totally embracing it. We all agree that we need this study and are excited to see what God has in store for each of us. Thanks for bringing this to us.

    Janet, Judy, Sally, Kathy and Pat in St. Louis.

  34. 84
    village sister says:

    Doing this solo and just soaking up what God is showing me.

    1. 10 – my thought-closet is where I go to beat myself up.

    2. This statement hit me square between the eyes with TRUTH that I so needed reinforced.

    3. Definition of worry: "stressing & fretting instead of praying, trusting & releasing."

    4. When I am hurt or rejected my default is to assume something is wrong with me. I make it about me instead of considering God's view. (I believe…help my unbelief!)

  35. 85
    janet601 says:

    I'm doing the study solo, and have done the four activities … I need this study a 10. It is making a huge difference in my life. Years of being an abused wife from my first marriage have a way of sneaking in to my second marriage … I'm seeing so many insights from this book that are so helpful for me. I loved the cup .. thank you for sharing that with us! I do not want the cracks from my life surrounding me and making me useless. Thank you Beth and thank you Lord for this study!
    Janet
    Grand Haven, MI

  36. 86
    Dana says:

    Hi Siestas and Siesta Mama!!
    I am going this one solo–well not really, because God and I are meeting just about every morning to discover together what Jennifer has to say–and can I say that He has been right here, very present and very God and this thing has been a great joy!!

    On a scale of 1-10, I needed this a 12!! I am my own worst enemy and have always been so ready to embrace the lies whispered to me about myself.

    The quote on page 13 caused me to tingle from the tip of my toes to the split ends of the hair on my head because I realize that I have always identified myself by those things that I struggle with most. I'm fat, I didn't go to college so I'm not as smart as ______…you get the picture.

    I defined worry as thinking on what MAY happen, but I LOVE the example you gave, Beth, of the horror movie in my head. Yep, I view those movies often in my head and I may not have popcorn, but they often lead to some sort of snack!! Hence the situation mentioned above.

    One of my big faulty assumptions is that I cannot possibly be loved by God the way He loves others because I am not worthy. Even though I know that NONE of us are worthy of the love and grace and mercy he lavishes upon us, I am more unworthy. But, praise God, I think I'm about to conquer that lie and with His help, I will be cleaning out that filthy closet in my mind and getting it "up to snuff". I can already see results and the soundtrack in my mind (or my elevator music, as I like to refer to it) is already sounding much more like that of a Child of the King!! Praise Him!! I am soooo glad you chose this study. God's timing is always perfect and this summer study is no exception!!

    Love to all of you!!
    Dana in Halls, TN

  37. 87
    Anonymous says:

    The Girls from Plant City, FL…

    We enjoyed this past bible study very much. We had a lot of breakthroughs as we talked about the areas of our lives that weigh our minds down. Everyone had an their own ideas of how to define worry. Mostly we talked about the things that cause us worry. Our precious pastor's wife gave us a verse in Phillipians that tells us To be anxious for nothing!!! What a night and our group is so unique. A funny story…as you showed us the new hair contraption The Bump It, our pastor's wife flipped her hair over and pulled one out. She was wearing it…It was hilarious…

    Until the next time…..

  38. 88
    Anonymous says:

    I'm not sure I can do this. Is this hard for anyone else? I have not made it ONE day yet with out saying mean things to myself. Is everyone having a totally transformed mind but me?

  39. 89
    Anna says:

    I am LOVING this study!!! This is perfect for what I need at this point in my life, and God is totally rocking my world with this! I'm a Solo Siesta, but that's fine, because God and I have church everytime the Word is opened! I'm in the middle of a move away from the only home I've ever known, and it's got me about to pull my hair out. Sitting down with God and Jennifer in the morning is what's keeping me sane, y'all! I have had to truly examine my heart and my head these past two weeks, and I am already so much better off for it! The portion that has most ministered to me so far was when we took captive and destroyed those negative thoughts in the beginning of Week 2. That's a very easy thing for me to be able to picture as they creep back into my thoughts during the day!!

  40. 90
    Michele says:

    Praise God, he has been doing so much and opening my eyes to lies that I've believed for my whole life. Lies that had me on the brink of suicide the other night. Now I see those lies for what they really are.

    And today, my best friend and I decided that it would best for both of us to have some separation. I admit it was her idea, I reluctantly agreed. She has been the most important person in my life in so many ways and in her home was the first time I ever felt loved and valued. On my end, I know I still idolize her. So today, I am doing the hardest thing ever – to walk away from that and trust that God will provide for ALL my needs.

    I am terrified, because the voices are still screaming at me that I'll be abandoned and no one else will love me.

    I don't want to live by those lies anymore. I don't want to believe them or let them control me or my emotions.

    Anyone reading this, I very much appreciate any prayer support I can get.

    Thank you Siestas, thanks Beth, Amanda and Melissa for encouraging us, and thanks to God for being GOD who is GREATER than the world.

  41. 91
    Brandi Mae says:

    I am doing this study as an individual. i just moved to Gallup, NM and haven't found a group of ladies to study with. this has been a great study and so fitting for me and my life today. It's hard to sit at home all alone all day with only my own thoughts to keep my company. what better time to clean out my thought closet!! Thanks you all for doing this study with me. It helps me not feel so alone in this new town. The Word of God is alive and active and always knows just what i need to hear!!

  42. 92
    Jillian says:

    Hello!

    We met last night (Wednesday) and our group had a great meeting. It seems to be a slow start for us because we were all searching to find 3 detailed specific examples when we maybe we should have been looking at a more macro view. When we don't pigeon hole ourselves in our thinking, we find that there is a lot more that God is trying to open our eyes towards.

    Once the ball got rolling, we found that we are a group of girls (10 of us ages 18-30 in Traverse City, MI) who all struggle with feeling like we have to do EVERYTHING on that to-do list. And, when we don't- we beat ourselves up as that we failed. Letting God guide our days and plans will be helpful so we don't miss out on His blessings simply becuase we wanted to cross off another item on out to-do list!

  43. 93
    Anonymous says:

    Going solo…
    Worry is the greatest disappointment to God
    I am feeling surrounded by women that struggle as I do with self-esteem, pride, judgement. It is so uplifting to know I am not alone in my feelings. IF we could all learn to put "God is in control and knows our needs and takes care of them" in our thought closet, you would find a lot of secure women who do not worry.

  44. 94
    Jesus Chicky says:

    4 of us met, I think the age ranges are 60, 50, 40 & 30 ish.

    This is an awesome study! Interesting to see how the struggles differ throughout the age differences.

    1. Made us realize we needed to clean up our closets even though we thought we didn't…

    I knew I needed the study and this was God saying let's trash the 80's & 90's clothing (thoughts)…and for heaven's sake do not drop them at Good Will! (after all this is God's Will!)

    2. Most powerful statement!
    Some verses on getting over guilt would be helpful.

    3. Thinking about things you cannot change. Lack of faith.

    4. Are we enabling a problem of a loved one or just caring deeply.

    (Thank you so much for facilitating this study! This study is the exact step God wanted me to pursue.)

    Amy-GA

  45. 95
    Judy says:

    1. I most definitely need it!!! If I do not stay in God's Word, I have a tendency to get into some "stinkin thinkin".
    2. That statement really stuck with me! I struggle with my weight. I need to loose between 35and 50 pounds. I have actually needed to loose it for some 15 years!!! My struggle with my weight, I'm afraid, sometimes defines me, at least in my mind.
    This statement "Who I am and what I struggle with are not the same thing!" is truly freeing!
    3. Through Bible Study, I have learned that "worry" is doubting God. If we trust God to take care of us, we are not to worry about anything! And, believe me, I can be a world class worrier. I really try not to worry anymore…..takes a lot of prayer!
    4. Your video was so good……I actually have said the same thing to my husband….."If you loved me you wouldn't say that or treat me like that."….He looks at me very confused! Because, of course, he does love me! It's a man thang and a woman thang I suppose! :0)

    Thanks so much!
    Judy
    Linden

  46. 96
    Anonymous says:

    What an awesome group of ladies!

    As the designated blogger, we met this past week to discuss the first two weeks' assignment. And though two of our members couldn't make it, we added two others.

    All of us felt that we needed this Bible study on a high level, and to be able to come together and share with honesty what's in our "thought closets," is something very meaningful.

    We quickly got in to talking about all the different roles that identify who we are and how the statement "Who we are and what we struggle with are not the same thing" was very liberating. We concluded that worry was simply not feeling we were in control and realizing that when we worry, we are, in essence, meditating on all the "what ifs" rather than "what is".

    I must mention here that one of the ladies in our group did the sweetest thing. She typed, printed, and laminated copies of her prayer on pink paper to give to each of us. Her prayer reads: "Dear God, I will focus on 'what is'. Please make Your comfort my soul's delight. Assure me of Your promises and presence. Be big in my thought closet today. Amen."

    We ended our study with having a better understanding of how our faulty assumptions can lead to being presumptuous and arrogant, which produces very rotten and sour fruit indeed. We agreed that our wardrobe should always be the armor of God.

    May God's truth and grace purify and guide us all!

  47. 97
    Erin says:

    We all realized that we all think we "arent good enough." THis was surprising to all of us, because we all think that each other has it all together! Reality check!! Loving the study!

    Erin, Angela, Kara, and Megan in Abilene, TX

  48. 98
    kimberly says:

    terry and i had schedule conflicts this week, but we finally got together!

    1. we both decided that we need this study very much. i would rate my need at about a 7 or 8, and terry said, "it's off the charts for me!"

    2. that quote has been one of the things that has impacted me the most in this study. i struggle with feeling inadequate, particularly regarding my "performance" in everything i do. if it's not perfect, i've failed, and so i struggle with that inadequate-failure mentality. but that's not who i am! it was an eye opener for me. terry also felt that it resonated strongly with her.

    3. terry: thinking about the negative over and over and over.
    kimberly: dwelling consistently on the worst that could happen.

    4. both of us felt that our main faulty assumptions dealt with our worth and where that sense of worth should come from.

    thank you, siesta mama! we laughed and laughed about the bump it!

  49. 99
    Ocrakate says:

    Hi ladies!

    1. On a scale of 1 – 10, I definitely need this study a 10 because I am an expert at "beating myself up" with lies about my worth.

    2. The struggle I most define myself by is self image, because it manifests itself in all sorts of ways – feelings of worthlessness lead to perfectionism, inevitable failures at being perfect lead to feelings of being stupid, and the cycle begins again. Wow, I really need to get rid of this lie that I am defined by anything or anyone other than who Jesus says I am.

    3. My definition of worry is: fretting and overthinking things which might be better left alone; ultimately, not trusting God.

    4. One of my big faulty assumptions is that everything is my fault. Ultimately, this is prideful thinking (i.e. it's all about me). Ugh. Help, Lord!

    Kati W.
    going solo on Ocracoke Island

  50. 100
    Sandee says:

    We are a group of 2. Me and my 77 year old momma (and our lies)…..

    This is both nailing us…in a good way…highlighting those labels and thoughts…. Faulty assumptions become a key concept. And our worries…lots of fear of what would happen to our loved ones if something happened to either of us. We are loving it!

    Sandee and Mary
    Folsom, CA

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