Hey, Girls! You are doing such a fabulous job with your group discussion. I’ve especially loved watching you respond to one another. You really are such a tremendous and unique community of women. I’m honored to journey with you here. Let’s continue hearing from all those who have been active from the beginning but let’s also hear from more of you out there who are watching and reading but haven’t really jumped in here and participated. I promise you that when we wrap this thing up, you will be far more satisfied with the experience if you personally invested in it.
We are reaching the halfway point in our journey and have arrived at a place of utmost importance in our pursuit of wholeness. Your assignment this week is based on only one chapter of the book: CHAPTER 9. As you will soon discover, it is not a chapter you just read. It’s a chapter you actually do. A chapter you actually pray. Please take it seriously. Everything ahead of us hinges on this experience. It is placed at this point in the journey prior to the prescriptive and practical phase of the book so that the way is cleared and our dignity restored enough to move forward. It will help place us in a posture God can bless with the rich kind of confidence He wants for His people and activate the power we have within us to think and FEEL differently. That’s essentially where the remainder of the book heads.
Here are your very simple assignments this week:
1. Do (don’t just read but actually do) Chapter Nine. In your comment to this post, simply reflect back on your time with God and share anything specific that you received from it.
2. Go to last Saturday’s post (3/6/10) and look at all the verses in the comment section. You will find a wellspring! Pick five Scriptures that speak most powerfully to you right now – five that you feel like you need the most – and write them on the inside of the back cover of the book. (This should be a lot less intimidating than what I asked you to write inside the front cover at the beginning of our journey!)
And that’s it for this week! I want the prayer journey to stand by itself and clear the way for mighty works ahead. We have some of our most eye-opening moments in the second half so stay with it, Girls!
Since we only have one chapter this week, this is a great time for many of us to play catch-up!
I am packing this very moment and about to head to Toronto for our first 2010 Living Proof Live. We can’t wait to see a God-show in Canada! Come on, Canadian Sisters! We’ve got plenty of room for you!
I love all of you very much.
GlowinGirl 
I did chapter nine on Monday, and I was so blessed. I cried — quite a bit, but was so encouraged by God and His attention to me. I'm feeling healing. . . I'm speaking His truth to myself.
And I also wanted to say the assignment on Saturday was so timely too. POWER. That's the word I've been hearing from God. I carry that His awesome power in me. Amazing!!
p.s. Beth — just did the session of Esther where we heard your story about your teeth and mouth. I was ready to cry for the hurt little girl you were until I heard how God has redeemed your BE-A-UUUUtiful mouth. Hallelujah!!!
Umm — 100th time I've forgotten!
lol
Marlo
32
Married
Indiana
Last week I came to chapter nine. I knew that if I was going to do it right that I needed to pray for at least 30 minutes of alone time to be able to do this. God provided that time Saturday morning. I was home alone. I was so blessed and it took me about 40 minutes to complete. It felt good to write everything down and just look at my sins and then give them to the LORD.
This week when insecurity threatened I was ready to fight back and not give in!!!
Paise to the Father!!!!
Mary
37
Married
Alabama
Hope you don't mind me jumping back, but this article reminded me of the false positives in an earlier chapter:
LONDON – A 41-year-old millionaire businessman who nearly died in a car crash eight years ago is leaving behind his exquisite 16th-century farmhouse and lavish lifestyle to move to a mud hut in Uganda and start a children's charity.
Jon Pedley plans to sell his telecommunications businesses, a $1.5 million Essex farmhouse with a 1-acre garden and his furniture to raise cash for African orphans, the U.K. Daily Mail reported Wednesday.
His charity, Uganda Vision, will send troubled British children to Uganda where they will help locals orphaned by AIDS and poverty.
The self-made tycoon has a troubled past that includes a criminal record, alcoholism and affairs. He says a serious car crash in 2002 in which he almost died led him to find God.
"I've lived an incredibly selfish existence," Pedley, of Finchingfield, Essex, was quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "I've been convicted of crime, slept rough, been an alcoholic, had affairs, and damaged people's lives including my own. I've always put the pursuit of money in front of everything else."
In college, Pedley said, he began smoking and drinking and stealing from shops and his parents. After leaving school, he received a suspended jail sentence for fraud and theft after scams including selling the furniture at a rented flat, the Daily Mail reported.
Pedley married, continued to drink heavily, cheated on and later divorced his wife.
In 2002, he had been drinking when he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a van. He was in a coma for six weeks.
After making a full recovery he said he found religion and gave up alcohol.
'I'm now teetotaler and I try to live my life in a way that pleases God,' he told the Daily Mail.
Inspired by a friend's work in Uganda, he is selling his 16th-century Essex farmhouse and businesses, Empowered Communications and Eme Tech, to fund his charity.
'I've never been more sure about anything in my life,' he said.
Wendy
Ile Bizard, Quebec, Canada
39
Thanks Marlo, you just reminded me that I had to post my name and location. =)
Wish I could go to Toronto to see you! But at least I have the So Long Insecurity simulcast being hosted at my church (Westview Bible Church in Pierrefonds, Quebec) to look forward to. I wish you were coming!
P.S. I don't know why I haven't been able to do chapter 9 yet. I think I'm a little frightened. A little insecure maybe? I'd be asking God to take away all my insecurities but what happens if He does? I'm afraid that without some insecurity that I may become OVER confident and I so don't want that. If I'm too confident I'm afraid that I won't be able to relate with others who are insecure. There is such comfort in knowing you're not alone. I'm just thinking out loud right now…please forgive me…I'm hoping that through everyone's comments I will feel compelled to go ahead and read it without any hesitation.
Beth,
Praying for everyone this weekend! Looking forward to DOING chapter 9!
Joan
Portage, MI
40's
Married
I have been reading the next 2 chapters each Thursday as soon as I finish that day's assignment, and when I read 9 I knew I needed to prepare myself well in order to do it right. We are on spring break this week and have taken our camper to Lake Conroe, and I knew this would be a perfect time to have time alone (it is just my husband and I and he has a hobby called geo caching that takes him away from the trailer for hours at a time while I read). I spent hours re-reading the first 8 chapters to see them again in the light of what I have learned by doing the assignments each week, and I recommend this for anyone who has not already done it, since it drives the lessons even deeper. It made the prayer time that much sweeter. I don't usually like to "read" a prayer, but I found myself best able to whisper it, stopping from time to time to interject "amen!!" or "wow, Lord, that's really me, isn't it" or a few other words of my own. I usually pray for 5 minutes or so several times a day, so this was one of the longest prayer times I have had in a while, and I look forward to good things coming from it, and can't wait to see what the next step is.
Have a great time in Toronto, Beth, I am praying for God to keep His hand on you and your team.
Kerry
50's
married
Texas
I took your advice in the book about taking longer than a half an hour if I could. I actually wrote the prayer out in my journal and said it out loud over a period of 4 days. I get about half an hour to 45 minutes of a morning to spend with God so I let Him dictate each day how far along I got. Then the next day I would read back – out loud – from the beginning of the prayer and wrote more as time allowed. I am walking with my head held higher and my spirit is just soaring. Just wanted to share that writing it out for myself really helped me to read it better if that makes any sense.
Rene
40's
Married
Claremore OK
Before I get started on this week's assignment, I just want to send a shout out to all my Siestas here! I received so many uplifting and encouraging words. Thank you all so much!!! I took your words with me on Monday as I started a new group just for teen girls(aka the fashion police!). I was soo nervous, but then I remembered that I am clothed in strength and dignity! And as for style, all of us siestas come with a designer label- each of us a handmade original designed by the Creator Himself! It's amazing what we can accomplish when we lift one another up..So, as I switch gears to get in touch with my "inner tween" for tonight, I'll praise God again for you all!! Oh yeah, and no pity party tonight.. it's been cancelled 😉
This portion of the prayer brought on the tears and moved me deeply!
Oh Lord continue to treat my heart and soul as you have the past three years where it has been shattered by the loss of my precious daughter. It is YOU alone who brings about the true healing of loss. You are my strength in times of weekness. You absoulutely know the pain of losing your own Son. Thank you Lord that you are alive and present at all times and see my greatest need. You knew what you were doing when you formed me in my mothers womb. Nothing is without purpose…especially painfull loss.
This portion of the book will be read over and over as my hearts cry to my Lord and Savior.
Sandy
Married
50's
Deming, NM
I just finished the book and passed it on to a sister who was waiting for it with baited breath. It was so timely! And on top of that, she gave me "Get Out of that Pit!" in return. I never got to read that one yet. And again, timely. I am walking out of a stronghold that could easily try to rear it's ugly head at any moment. I literally am in the place where I am walking millisecond by millisecond. Even though you wrote these books in the order of your walk, they are actually in reverse for mine. Thank you will never be enough. I love you, Siesta! 🙂
I have not started this study will be going to Perfect Peace and buying the book this weekend. I am so excited for what God is doing in my life right now and am encouraged by your words. I am inspired by your journey and am on a journey myself. I love to blog and have recently started my own blog. I am amazed everyday at his touch in life…he is incredible. Thank you for all that you do.
Praying for your health and safety on the trip and for the LPL event.
Love you Mama!
Michele
Liverpool, NY
Nise', 49
Married in Michigan
The tears have cleared after spending precious time talking with Him.
1. He wants for me that which I desperately seek and I have come to the ONLY one who can heal me. He understands me like no one else.
2. I asked God to direct my eyes to the verses He wanted me to see this morning:
Psalm 3:8, Psalm 37:5, Philippians 4:13, 2 Timothy 1:17,
but the one that got me laughing and crying at the same time is:
Deuteronomy 2:3 The Message
"You have circled this mountain long enough! Now turn north."
Turning north is my blond brain is up – looking up to Him. He doesn't just want improve me, He wants to fix me! (Yes, I did read chapter 10).
This was such a blessing to me.
I was able to read the entire thing out loud.
I felt the waves of peace flow over me – I was just flooded with His love.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is GOOD.
Sister Lynn
Clyde, MO
Finished session in Here and Now …There and Then.
Jesus Christ is my Savior!
Thank you for these Bible studies! They have made an amazing difference in my life. God bless all of you!
Have a wonderful trip and so glad you are "back out there" with LPM- May the blessings flow!
I was especially touched by 2 parts of the prayer- my response seems a bit negative, however, the prayer brought to the surface the reality of these issues and will redirect my prayers about the effect of insecurity (fears). I would love for our Lord to heal me and my loved ones in the "land of the living".
When you stated that we are to be divinely infused with dignity and security- a rush of reality hit me why my marriage is such a heartbreak- There is no dignity or security in the relationship and only God can release me or resurrect the situation. My efforts have failed. The truth unveils the infected wound.
I was somewhat "shocked" when on Pg. 166 we were asked: I am so afraid that… all the sudden I was hit with the depth of my fears (insecurities) related to the possibility of never having an anbundant life, never being loved by a healthy husband, the hope of healthy happy adult children who are free from the negative generational issues and my imperfect parenting. I fear missing plain old fun and missing the financial resources to enjoy life and the ability to be generous where my heart tells me to share-
Anyway, I am most insecure about having missed life (I doubt anyone who knows me would imagine such).I am asking God to reveal my purpose and design for my life and to be my supply – my greatest insecurity is that time is passing me by and I've "Missed IT"-
Lots of love and appreciation.
I'm a little behind. I feel like time just slips away! I'm a mommy of two and every time I sit down to read, something happens and I have to go tend to it. Please pray I can get some time alone to catch up on my reading and so I can answer the questions!
Lonna
40's
Albany, OR
In love with who I am married to.
I just posted my responses to week 4's discussion and mentioned at the end that I don't know what Dignity means to me. I then took a look through some of the other blogs and I absolutely loved what "Redeemed" wrote about dignity. It brought tears to my eyes, so thank you Redeemed.
Dear Beth,
I just wanted to say…Thank you. I love you so much for pointing me toward God and His ways so many times. I just finished chapter 8 last night but am looking forward to our assignment in chapter 9.
Big Hugs,
Michelle
This is not an answer to this week's questions but I just had a major "a-ha" moment that this book has helped me come to and I had to share. This book has brought some major insecurities, a few I didn't even realize I had, up to the surface and I am enjoying praying through this and asking God to heal me. I had my moment in reflecting on work. I get so incredibly stressed about my job sometimes that I'm on the brink of meltdown atleast a couple days a week. I find my self working late at night from home and complaining and whining every step of the way. This has caused me to resent my job or secretely wish for a change in situation. It dawned on me today while reflecting on the book that the major works stressors I have are unrealistic expectations I've placed on myself. I place the deadlines and expectations on myself and then try to live up to them and then panic and meltdown when I can't do it. I have blamed this on my job, the work, people at my work when all along it has been me. I'm the one working late at night to meet a deadline that I set for myself. The world doesn't end if I don't get something down in lightening speed but in my mind it does. My insecurities about my position and my place in my company has caused me to set completely unreasonable expectations for myself and my job. My manager has never once asked me to work late, in fact she has said I work too much… it was me myself and I all along being the slave driving boss I had resented for so long.
This may sound paltry in comparison to some of the issues brought forth here but for me, whose work is a major cause of premature grey-ing, it's liberating. Now begins the process of dealing with these work related insecurities and reigning them into reasonable expectations so that I can embrace and enjoy the career God has given me.
Yay! I have been praying that LPM would make its way up to our blessed country! Now, just keep on moving west… 🙂
Blessings on you!
I read chapter 9 a while back, couldn't wait for God's healing:) Anyway I went into the chapter not knowing what to expect. When I learned that I would be having to read a prayer, I was put off…sorry Beth, just being honest. Anyway, I was at the end of the rope and I knew God had put me there. So I put on a worship song to try to get my attitude in the right place. I just started crying. OK, heart in the right place now.
I went to the prayer. There wasn't one place in the prayer that I couldn't just pour my heart out to God. Everything was from my heart. There was no way I could have expressed myself to God any better. I cried through the whole thing. God's love was so strong towards me. It was a very sweet time between God and I. I didn't "feel" healed when I was done. It wasn't until the following day that I knew God had healed me. Several things came up that normally would have caused an internal melt down. These things didn't bother me I was able to stay level headed and sane. I thanked God with joyfulness in my heart. BTW, I spent an hour with God that day.
I just read a quote from Beth in my daughters' devotion book this morning…"As God's children, we are the recipients of lavish love-a love that motivates us to keep trusting even when we have no idea what God is doing." I certainly leaned on God's love that day and every day, and oh how powerful it really is.
Tamara
Highlands Ranch, CO
30's
Married
Tara
Philippines
30's
Married
My precious book has still not arrived. At this point, I may just have to come back to the blog and reference the weeks' lessons on my own if/when it ever arrives. 🙂
Tori
20s
Married- GA
This Book, chapter, everything was so timely, but you know that because God has a purpose for everything! I have finished the book because I felt like it was the right thing to do… the right moment (and, I am passing it to a friend- yes all scribbled, notes and all!). I loved chapter 9, the cleansing and the freedom that went along with it that I have now decided to become secure. Yes, it is a long, difficult journey ahead, but with Him, all things are possible! I am now a secure person, clothed in strength and dignity and no one can take away my security! I was speaking to my husband about my Siesta Mama (which he does not get) and I am so overwhelmed with love and joy for you and this journey and the Lord that I want so much for him to have that passion or for him to want that. Are there any writers that reach to men as you do women? Or am I just "beating a dead horse" here? Be safe in your travels and I pray that many positive things happen through God during your time in Canada!
Though this book and heavily in Chapter 9, God has revealed to me how much pressure I have put on my relationships (particularly friendships) and how I have sought affirmation from people instead of Him. I constantly feel inferior to others and often feel that no one really even wants to be my friend…b/c i'm expecting them to make me feel a certain way (and of course, they don't even know it!). "Help me to stop using a person as my mirror and start seeing myself as You alone see me" has become my daily prayer. Along with these other strengthening verses from Saturday's post:
1. You are my strength and my song…Psalm 118:4
2. May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in Him Romans 15:13
3. Psalm 112:7-8 She will have no fear of bad news, her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord, her heart is secure…
Michelle
30's
Married
Arkansas
I'm temporarily 'distracted' from doing our assignments–totally soaking up the love of our new 10 day old granddaughter! I've been reading all the posts and cannot wait to comment on the last two weeks, but have to share that this book IS working in my life already. One of my insecurities has involved my son. I've done a lot of praying in the past 12 years that our relationship would be strengthened and God is so richly working on that this week!! With the birth of his first child, this man is opening his heart like he never has before! What a blessing both of us have received. When he asked me to stay an extra week to help them get their routine down I was flooded with emotion. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Beth for helping me open my own eyes and heart to receive this message. I'm moving forward with more confidence and security!
Have a God-filled event this weekend and travel safe!
Bobbie
Reading these comments before starting the Chapter 9 assignment and wanted to respond to LORI. You say that maybe what you are saying and your realization is not a big deal but it IS a very big deal. The pressure that you have attributed to others but really came from your own insecurities, fears and perfectionists tendencies is exactly what is hurting so many of us in all areas of our lives. Thank you for bringing it up and my prayers for you that you will be able to conquer this and have a more abundant, happy, God filled life!
Yes – same question as Tori (the Knights). My husband told me the other day that I was so lucky because the male preachers he hears on tv just don't go into things the way you do. They just preach and tell facts as facts. They don't dive into the deeper issues. Is it just that we don't know who they are or are there none out there?
Man oh Man….I am falling behind in my reading. I guess the fact that I am doing the Esther study on Monday nights, driving to my office on Friday and Tuesday (I work from home) and it takes 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs one way depending on LA traffic, husbands birthday on Wednesday night, and doing the Daniel study on my own (almost done..one more week to go…I will miss it…it is great) might have something to do with me feeling some pressure!!! Will try to get caught up this weekend.
Judy
58
Married
CA
Warmest greetings Siesta Mama:)
I wrote out my prayer a week or two ago, and have contemplated on it since. I am so afraid that I will become what I hate: hypocrisy and impurity. Being what I seem is so vitally important to me, I tear up typing it!! My insecurity has many roots in my childhood, just like yours. I didn't realize i had such ugly pride, an insatiable need for affirmation, or that I was that inordinately protecting myself so much. "Real affection cannot be coerced."-that hit home hard. When you ref 2 Tim. 1:7 on p. 166, it reminded me of 1 Peter 3:3-6 in the Amplified. On p. 172 when you ment destiny it reminded me of Esther. On p. 174, you said, "Because of Your mercy, Lord, I am no fool." I thought yes, that's right, and by the grace of God I am what I am. I have no good besides or beyond You, Lord. None righteous, no, not one. He is able to keep me from stumbling and present me faultless! Thank You, Lord for loving me. I love You, because You first loved me…
Blessings to you today:) ((HUGS)) Love in HIM,
katiegfromtennessee
I was(am) blown away by the prayer. It's exactly what I wanted to say. Had such a cleansing time with the Lord (involving many tears). Thank You, Jesus, for restoring my life!
Janet
50
Married
St. Louis
I have to tell you that when I read that chapter (a few weeks ago) God had already Providentially orchestrated my hubby taking all FOUR of my kids out for the afternoon. I had NO idea what was coming in the book, but He did! I was able to be completely alone to pray that prayer and worship out loud. Isn't Jesus just the sweetest? He totally knew I needed that. <3
Oops, forgot my stats:
Gayle
Birmingham, AL
30's
Married
I just discovered the blessing of MY CLOSET! I was trying to think of a place in my new house where I could be alone, and there it was! A secret sanctuary big enough for me and a big snuggly blanket:)
It was such a rich time. I cried a good bit, but felt cleansed and whole in the end. Thank you for writing those words, Beth. I did feel as if they were written just for me.
One of the most significant parts was confessing my sin that keeps me wrapped up in insecurity. God made some things crystal clear to me.
Looking forward to the rest of the book!
Wishing I had started this at the beginning. It sounds like God is moving powerfully in lives with it.
brigetta
37
married
montana
The prayer absolutley touched me; I must be honest I was not able to say it all in one sitting. However, it was on the back of my mind and kept surfacing. When it came time to spending my daily time with God and journalling I felt compelled to write the entire prayer and wrote it out in one sitting in between sobbing, praising Him, layin on my face and finally just beaming with joy!! Knowing I am HIS. Thank you and know this; it won't be the last time I pray that prayer.
This weekend I will revisit the post from Sat. 3/6/10 and will work on my 2nd assignment.
May God shine this weekend in Toronto!
Thank you so much, Beth, for putting that prayer just where you did. I put off praying it until this morning when I was all alone with God. I cried all the way through it. I have wanted to pray these things to God for so long but could never put my feelings into words. It was "my" prayer so I know the Holy Spirit gave you those words. I guess it is every woman's prayer. But most of it, I could've written myself. Having been abused, it is not easy for me to trust anyone and I had often felt growing up that it was all up to me to take care of me. Even after all God's done for me, I realized today that in some situations, I still feel that way. Praise God for His forgiveness! For His mercy and grace. I feel so cleansed and renewed this morning. I'm ready to start walking in the strength, security, and dignity that only my Father provides.
I wish I had joined in on this from the beginning, but alas, I didn't. I don't have the book yet but hope to soon. Maybe I can join in on the next group discussions. 🙂 Love your site!!
1) Highlighted in my book these sentences: "Forgive me for my unbelief. If I realized how valuable I am, my insatiable need for affirmation would be quieted."
OUCH!! I have always believed one of my spiritual gifts is faith, and still do, but realized I have a problem believing what God says about ME, or wouldn't need constant validation from others.
Also, "Where I lost innocence, grant me integrity." Confessed teenage sin a long time ago, believe he forgave me, but still have times when I beat myself up about it.
2) Five scriptures (it was hard to choose only 5!):
Galatians 5:1 "So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." (NLT)
Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (ESV)
Ps 112:7-8 "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." (NLT) (Our church had a "Loving Well" conference this past weekend, so that FOE stood out!!)
Isiah 46:4 "I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.' (NLT) (I'm there, under the hair color!!!)
Eph 1:17-19 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"(ESV)
Kathy
48
married
Texas
1) Highlighted in my book these sentences: "Forgive me for my unbelief. If I realized how valuable I am, my insatiable need for affirmation would be quieted."
OUCH!! I have always believed one of my spiritual gifts is faith, and still do, but realized I have a problem believing what God says about ME, or wouldn't need constant validation from others.
Also, "Where I lost innocence, grant me integrity." Confessed teenage sin a long time ago, believe he forgave me, but still have times when I beat myself up about it.
2) Five scriptures (it was hard to choose only 5!):
Galatians 5:1 "So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." (NLT)
Romans 8:37 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (ESV)
Ps 112:7-8 "They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly." (NLT) (Our church had a "Loving Well" conference this past weekend, so that FOE stood out!!)
Isiah 46:4 "I will be your God throughout your lifetime–until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.' (NLT) (I'm there, under the hair color!!!)
Eph 1:17-19 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might"(ESV)
Kathy
48
married
Texas
I so desperately want to see the simulcast for this study but have a ministry commitment. Is there any way of seeing it at a different time??
Kim
40's
married
Trenton, Ohio
Beth and all~
1) I have read this prayer several times now and this morning read it aloud to God, underlining the lines that meant so much. As other readers have stated, insecurities I didn't know I had have surfaced. I am a mess really. But what got me the most was the sentence "please deliver me from self-pity and a life of excuses and rationalizations". I am constantly doing that for any action or reaction I live. Even last night on the way home from work I found myself doing that and realized how this is satan's control on my mind. I prayed in the name of Jesus for satans grip to be released from my mind. I will continue to pray that and to pray this prayer.
2) I missed Saturday's assignment but what a joy to read through these verses. My new little pup and I sat down in my DEVO chair (devotional chair) and put away my to do list so we could share in this project. I am overwhelmed and I am not completely through them all. Beth you have the resources, maybe your ministry could put these into a spiral for us all. I envision it on my make-up table where I can flip through a new verse each day…maybe twice a day (one for my car too?). So many to chose from but my top picks so far would be…
Deut 33:12 (my favorite)
Joshua 1:9
Romans 8:37
Prov 31:25
2 Tim 1:9
Neh 4:14b
Gen 50:20
Praying for you in this weekend!
Pamela
Missouri
46, married, blended family
ok so I am a week behind but here are my answers to last weeks questions…Sorry!
1. The part of Chap 7 that hit home with me the most was the way that insecurity had made a fool of us in relationships because I have had some very unhealthy relationships because of my insecurity – trying to seek out my self-worth through others besides God.
2.It is time to deal with my issues of insecurity because:
A.I am sick of losing a battle that as a daughter of The King I should be winning. I want to be able to walk "with strength & dignity"!
B.I am tired of feeeling like I am not enough – Jesus sees me as enough and whatever I lack – HE will provide.
C. I want the ladies whom I have any type of influence over to see that with Jesus we CAN be strong secure women and not give up one bit of our feminity or our dignity!
3. One of the biggest triggers for my insecurity is being questioned about my knowledge, especially by my children. It is so freeing to know that it is perfectly okay and even preferred to be grown up enough in God to say "I don't know, but if I can I will find out" and not lie or feel like a failure because I didn't know.
4.Dignity is walking in the knowledge of WHO and WHAT I am in JESUS!
Julie
Tallassee, AL
Married
45
The Journey Continues ~
Kim Safina
Age 40's
Cayucos,California
Sending you Travel Safety,Health, and Covered in Armor Prayers as you encourage and uplift the ladies in "O" Canada!!!
Discussion Week Five Answers ~
"He gave His life what more could He give;Oh How HE LOVES YOU
Oh How HE LOVES ME
Oh How HE LOVES YOU AND MEEeeeeee"
Lyrics by Kurt Kaiser
This song has been in my heart,mind,and soul since reading chapter 9.
Hallelujah!!! Praising OUR KING!
Be Still….
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
1. I randomly woke up at 1:30am this morning and started praying (or doing) Chapter 9. When I got to the part about seeing myself through God's eyes, I just broke down realizing how much I "grade" myself according to other people's opinions.
2.These 5 touched me:
Isaiah 52:1 (NIV): "Awake, awake, O Zion, clothe yourself with strength."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB): "Do not fear, for I am with you/Do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God/I will strengthen you/ surely I will help you/surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Psalm 27:14: "Wait for the LORD/be strong and take heart/and wait for the LORD."
Jeremiah 32:17: "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."
Such freedom! I'm LOVING this journey 🙂
Safe travel, Mama, thinking and praying for your trip to Toronto and for the Living Proof Live event.
5 verses 5! I am not sure if I am up to picking JUST 5. They all seem to resonate in me. This morning I decided to read just the entries for March 8th and found 27 verses! I will try to whittle it down to five, but I think it is time for a new book of spiral bound notecards, filled with His precious word, that I can look to for encouragement and security. Thank you and thanks to everyone who responded.
I am printing all the assignments out, so I can let my neighbor Alley, read SLI and do the assignments too, she needs to get rid of some baggage she has been carrying for too long. It needs to be left in the station, never to be picked up again. Please pray for her emotional and physical healing and the ability to know that God is her strong tower and she can find strength in the one who loves her like nobody else.
Love You Back,
Andrea
I seem to forget my info. everytime I comment!
Andrea – Montana – 40's – happily married.
Thank you Beth for your prayer. I will write it out and keep several copies with me. This book has been and still is a very hard journey for me. The sisters here have encouraged me. They are strangers and yet they stepped forth and became my intercessors. Thank you ladies.
My own sister has encouraged me by telling me to write out my anger and feelings and I must tell you I didn't realize I was so angry at God. I am also surprised that when I listen to Charles Stanley this week it really was a message pertaining to this terrible way I am feeling. The message is so loud and clear that God is close to everyone of us. I just need to get it into my heart. It takes a long time to travel from my head!
I am still having panick attacks, so I really need to copy your prayer out Beth, with your permission, to carry with me.
I just had to stop and answer the phone. It was my husband telling me the place they supply is closing and going to South Carolina. Please pray that all concerned will be safe and find more work. We have been going through this for nearly 20 years. I should be used to it but everytime it is a slug in the stomach.
Again thank you ladies for your prayers…..Rebecca Canada
I really received from this entire prayer. It was really powerful. I guess the part that stuck out the most was the part about “Where I lost a home, grant me an internal unshakable sense of belonging. I hadn’t really realized in my past that the divorce of my parents at the age of 2 caused this loss. I was thinking it was just the abuse alone God really starting ministering to my heart hear. I had been wondering for so long why I dealt with this sense of abandonment. I knew some of the reasons but He showed it to me more in-depth and on a deeper level. Also, about breaking the cycle with me. I’ve known for some time that was what he was doing in my life. Breaking a lot of generational cycles off my family and off my bloodline.
Another section that God really used was the section about ”single out everything You entrusted to me as a part of my physical and psychological makeup. I need to look in the mirror and see who He has made me to be not what I have made myself out to be.
Thanks Beth this prayer was an amazing reflection and something that I believe will be a great point of contact for me to remind me of when God ministered this to me and started giving me my dignity back.
Amanda Taylor
Richmond, VA
29 at the end of this month
coming up on 6 years this year of marriage