Thursday Encouragement

Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on the way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard. There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity. When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing you eyes on Me.
Then you will be able to run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.
(Jesus Calling Devotional for today)

I love you girls and just wanted to remind you that you are BELOVED, BEAUTIFUL daughters of our KING!

Also, my friend's roomie here found this 30-day challenge for women. Check it out and see if you want to do it with us. It's a challenge to become biblical women so I thought it would fit right in with our study, except I haven't looked into it yet, so let me know what you think.  (You have to subscribe, but it's free-no worries!)
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/30-day-challenges/

Confession: Last night I was being a little poop to Dan :/ I keep getting upset at things that he could never know that he is doing "wrong" and I feel bad. But it seems like it continues to happen on a regular basis. I think it comes down to me loving him too much, sadly. Pray that there will be no idolatry in our relationship (from me, he has no problem with it ha which also frustrates me hah) and that my heart will be at peace where as now and lately it is heavily burdened with many things, especially future/decisions and family...

Love you a lot, have a gentle and quiet spirit today because you are of great worth to our king. (1 Peter 3:4)
-B :)

Week ONE

Wow Steph! Thanks for being so vulnerable and honest. I think that is key if we're really going to dig deep here. I felt somewhat of a similar thing. When I was reading about the immoral and indiscreet women, I was very much reminded of my old self (which I occasionally fall back into from time to time now even). But just in terms of what my purpose behind doing things was/is and whatnot. A lot of times I am finding myself having motives which don't involve giving glory to God, which is frustrating and convicting at the same time.

It is funny because it is a HUGE desire of mine to please God and give glory to him and love him and honor him and be obedient to him, and more......so then why is it not as simple as just doing that? Dumb.

This week I really had to remind myself to be thankful for things in hopes that that will turn into freedom. I've been learning a lot in the past year about intentionality and what that means within relationships. I've definitely grown in this area as a woman and strive for that quality daily. A big thing I prayed about during this study was just wisdom. Asking God to reveal what he needed to so that I could love him better.

Wasn't it crazy to see and read about the literal differences between physical and biblical beauty? Nuts! And my mind was blown when I was reminded that Jesus was no-looker. One part of me was wondering why do we even try to look good or decent for our days? The other part of me remembered what I'd heard once in another sermon about beautiful women and how we do need to dress like women and try...confusion there, but we can discuss. What are your thoughts on this? What are your motives in getting ready in the morning? Weird to think about, huh!

I was a little confused on Day 3, I want to learn more about the captivating woman and didn't necessarily get anything from the scripture used there. Help?

One thing I did while going through a few of the days was just write down on the side columns words that stood out to me that described God like Author or Husband. Reflecting back on those words is helpful in remembering who I am in Christ.

I am the bride of Christ.

I am His beautiful, beloved child.

I am His precious daughter.

I am worthy of His LOVE...

(I could go on) But it is helpful for me to remember these things daily and to affirm in God's name who I AM! ...try it!

*PLUS: why do we try to be something we are not…something we were not created to be in fact!?  

I have more but I need to go get ready for work. Love you both and hope your weeks are off to a great start. Prayer requests?

B :)

Hello beautiful women,

Just wanted to open up a place where we can share what we are learning throughout the week with our bible study. We can use this as a place to exchange thoughts, ask questions and bounce ideas off of each other for what God is revealing to us throughout the study. We can encourage and pray for each other here as well.

I am very much looking forward to doing this study with you girls and I pray that we will have open hearts and minds as we study what it looks like to be beautiful women of God. Go ahead and post thoughts about week one. Can't wait to see where God is leading us through this study of Proverbs.

Love you both,
B :)