Hey, Siestas! Y’all are just the most fun ever. I so enjoyed all your reactions to the “goods.” I was also very tendered by our siesta who reminded us to pray for our single sisters who are fighting a few gray hairs (you can color those stinkin’ thangs!) and frequent bouts of loneliness. I know a number of single women who wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, are serving God like crazy in all sorts of unhindered ways, and they’d about beat us to death with their handbags if we prayed them up a husband. But, we want to be faithful friends and prayer warriors for ANY of our siestas who are lonely. Including those who are married. Nothing makes you feel more alone than a bad marriage. I know because I’ve had one. And I don’t have one now. Keith and I like to say that we’ve each been married to ten different people and they all look suspiciously similar.
On a very encouraging note, I was glad to also hear from the sister who has been burned by tons of girlfriends but is getting her feet wet again in Siestaville. I pray she’ll find this a safe and fun enough place to venture back out into some great Godly friendships that last a lifetime. This is no replacement for that but it’s a great encouragement to stay wildly connected to people and to be reminded why you want to. BigMama, I’m so sorry you’ve been under the weather! I feel like we live so close together I should bring you a pound cake.
OK, now this is the main thing that prompted me to hop online: I’m so pumped that such a number of you are starting “Stepping Up”! I loved that journey! Only one in the Psalms I’ve ever done. It’s based on an analogy drawn from the pilgrimage the Israelites took to Jerusalem three times a year. I was so intrigued by the whole concept. I’d honestly never paid attention to the caption “A Song of Ascent” above certain psalms nor had I ever heard a lesson on it. The study is really different from the others – and on purpose. God’s Word is so alive and fresh that there’s no excuse for cookie cutter studies. I hope so much God uses it to take you to the next level with Him. I’m so honored that you’d allow me to step on those stairs with you.
While on the subject of Bible studies, dear Siesta who got the regular book version of Breaking Free rather than the workbook, if you really have some major stuff to deal with (and who doesn’t?), please consider getting the workbook instead and perhaps giving the book to someone who isn’t as likely to do an in-depth study. Those are my favorite candidates for what’s called the “trade book” version of Breaking Free. For everyone else, the workbook is the way to take the journey. I’m a huge believer in the actual process of Bible study (i.e. turning to this Scripture and that, spending the time in tandem with God alone, writing down your responses, etc.) and never more so than in that particular journey. In Breaking Free, the process of poring over the Scriptures is itself a crucial part of the healing. Psalm 107:20 says “He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.” Boy, have I lived that reality.
Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying. No one loves regular books more than me. I have at least two going at any given time. I’ve been greatly challenged and changed by book after book and even added to the shelves by writing more of them than anybody wanted to read. When it comes to deepest, lifelong healing, freedom from bondage, and equipping for anointed ministry, however, I am convinced that the in-depth, life-style study of God’s Word is where it happens. I love plunging into it on my own but I also love a guidebook or map of sorts to steer my journey and that’s what discipleship materials are all about. (I have done stacks of other people’s studies. You might be a little amused that I’m doing the Breaking Free homework right now. It’s the first time I’ve ever actually gone back and done the homework as a participant. It’s been almost ten years since I wrote it so it’s hitting me like crazy.) I love any sound study of God’s Word. Digging into the depths of Scripture and having your mind deliberately and consistently renewed by God is what freedom is all about. Otherwise, we’ve got too many people to get mad at and never forgive as long as we live – and too many people to offend and never lay eyes on again. You and me – We need to be in SCRIPTURE!
Well, that’s what I got on here to say. I guess you can tell Keith isn’t home or I wouldn’t have had the time to rattle on. I was just so excited about “Stepping Up” that I got on a Bible study roll. I’ll go take an Advil now. I’ve worn myself out.
I just wanted you to know, Miss Beth, that I am part of a group of seminary wives/students who just started the Stepping Up study tonight.
And when I came home from our intro study and hopped on line, here you are talking about it!
Thank you, God, for a little extra validation!
Yes, Beth… my “siestas” are just finishing up Paul (this is my third time…still LOVE it!) and we look forward to walking through the Psalms beginning in February. I don’t post often, but I read daily because that’s what pretend BFFs do, you know, keep up with each other’s daily lives! Thank you and Amanda and Melissa for sharing your hearts, your prayers, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your stumblings (you get my ramblings.) Life truly is more blessed when we have a spiritual bond that Satan can’t begin to penetrate. Know this Tennessee heart transplanted to Abilene keeps you in her prayers!
Hey Beth,
Since you were on the topic of “Stepping Up,” I thought I’d give you a little something else to get excited about. I too, started Stepping Up on Christmas day. I told my parents if I didn’t get anything else for Christmas, I wanted the Stepping Up set – DVDs and all. I’m waiting for God to provide an opportunity for me to use it in the future to lead a group study, but I couldn’t wait, so I jumped right in.
Anyway, back to my story…Yesterday, I did Day 5 of Week 2, where you remind us that “Christ will never take us into a battle we can’t win.” That really resonated with me. It was as though I was hearing it for the first time. And, tonight I shared that with the female inmates in the jail ministry that I’m a part of, and they ate it up!! It really spoke to them, so thank you!
I hope that adds to your Most High high!!
Love,
Missy
We haven’t done Stepping Up but I will put it on my list. We just started Daniel Part 2 tonight. It is going to be INTENSE but I know I will be smarter when I’m done.
How great to know that you are doing your homework! Thanks for all you do to make us Siestas feel like your best friends!
Will be praying for you as the wedding draws near! Much to do I bet!!
Have a great weekend!
Amanda in SC
Mama B, thanks so much for remembering us single gals. I can’t deny the momentary overwhelming feeling of depression that comes when some one else announces their marriage. Even as I type that, I feel horrible about it, but its true. And almost as soon as that feeling begins, its over and feelings of happiness take its place. I am soo happy that Melissa has found her Mr Darcy, her man!! I know that she has wondered for a while who he was and when he would come along. My cousin, who is my best friend, just told me on the phone tonight that the awesome guy she has been dating for 6 months just had the pow-wow with her father and recieved the go-ahead. I love her soo much and he is one of the best guys Ive ever met. He loves her and pampers and spoils her as well as push her to grow as a person. Their number one goal before they get married is to find a church home where they can grow together and plan for their family. Can I just say how much I love that?! And yet, after I got off the phone with her, I teared up for a minute. My cousin(Might as well be sister) is getting married! Before me! But Im happy! But Im sad! I know God has my man out there and knows what is the very best for me. But I know that better on somedays than others!! God has blessed me with so many Godly women who, I have no doubt, pray for me constantly. For me and my man. I thank Him constantly for them and for you all here. I can’t tell you how many times I have read a post from one of the Moore ladies and, as I read through the commments, saw that someone else was having the same reaction as me. There is such a bond here. I often read the blog at work and the thoughts and comments that I read here are with me through the day. I feel like my group of girlfriends has increased immeasureably(sp?)!! I am sooo counting down to August!! I tell practically everyone that I talk to that Im going to San Antonio for a get together with my blog siestas!!
So I guess what I want to say is Thanks. Thanks to Beth, Amanda and Melissa. Thanks to all the blog sisters. Thanks for your words and prayers.
Love you. All of you!
Nikki
To the dear siesta who has had friendships gone bad – please don’t give up hope. I had to wait until I was 40 years old to find my soul sister and best friend. It happened when I was sitting in her chair at her salon. She was cutting my hair and working her magic when I mentioned Beth Moore, how much I loved her studies, and how I had done Breaking Free. My now BFF began jumping up and down and hugged me. Because of that connection, it was like our hearts were instantly bonded. Inseparable since…already planning what we’ll do together in heaven. Hang in there! God can do the same for you!
Miss Beth,
Did you drink a Dr. Pepper before typing or what?! That was a sugar/caffine rush blog entry if I ever read one! 😉 It was almost like every comma and period was a big inhale gasping for breath before going on to the next line! 🙂
Single Siestas: I’ll pray for you all if you pray for me — married, mom of teens, working PT and battling busyness! There’s never enough time (I know you have it too) I need to be more consistent in the daily devotions and lifting others up in prayer.
This post was with such great timing. God is good and faithful to answer our prayers. I have been facilitating your studies for several years now and someone asked me if we should do something different. What I love about your teaching is…well…exactly what you wrote in this post! You love Jesus and his Word and it just pours out of your pores!
Thanks so much for what you do! You are such a blessing to me.
Love you,
Tammy
Dear Beth- I just wanted to thank you so much for this blog. It blesses me beyond imagination. I was visiting Disneyland with my two little people and came down with a stomach virus in the hotel. It really was kind of frightening because my husband was at home several states away, and I was so dehydrated. The only thing that kept me from hitting the panic button was that surely, if I ended up in the hospital I could find a Siesta in the area to stay with my children until my husband could get there. I think my husband thought I was hallucinating when I tried to explain that I was sure I could find a Siesta. You know what though, even though it lasted a full 24 hours, I made a full recovery and we flew home, I know in my heart of hearts, one of the precious women in our group would have helped. Even though I have met very few of my Siestas, it is a special group indeed! May He Bless and Keep You! love, melissa
My dear Miss Beth,
Yes, the world of Bible study really IS wild, isn’t it? Wild and wonderful, that is. Thank you for this blog. It really means a lot to me that you care enough about us “siestas” around the “net” to keep us up to date about yourself, your life, and your hometown studies.
I am working my way through “The Patriarchs” right now, and I’ve found out that it is not one to do without seriously “putting your thinking cap on” … Wow, there is so much to take in, and to learn from these men, and about our God… But, I am in an area where very few ladies are interested in getting “seriously involved” into your precious “in-depth” Bible studies, so I usually end up ordering mine through Lifeway, along with the cds and the workbooks; but, you see, this way; God, you, and me get to have all of the “fun” together. Hehe.
And, yes, thank you for thinking of us single gals out here, as, yes, I do get lonely pretty often myself, too. And, although I still feel that God has called me to live with my parents in order to help them out right now, but, they also support me, as a couple of serious medical conditions have been keeping me from getting a job right now, even with assistance from some vocational rehabilitation
people; but I pray that it isn’t for too much longer.
But, I know that my Provider will take care of me until I can get back to working, especially since I don’t want just any job, but I want to be discerning enough to take the job that God has already prepared in advance for me to have…
And, uh, oh, you are doing the new Breaking Free homework, too??? Oh my… We had better get ready for some more serious Bible studies to develop from your doing this, ya know that, don’t ya??? Take a deep breath my sweet siesta, because “Breaking Free” can’t help but break you free from something. Hmm. Thought provoking stuff.
As I wrote on the original BF post on the blog, it only took 3 weeks for me to be “broken free” by God Himself. You had written something about Lazarus and putting ourselves in his shoes, and I knew that I was missing something, or should I say “Someone”??? I met the “real” loving, caring, Jesus through “Breaking Free” my dear, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Him like you do.
So, beware, and “hold onto your hat!”, my precious teacher !!!
I love you so!
But, since Jesus now hangs out with me every second of every day[in my heart, that is], He makes me feel so comforted, even on my worst days; and today actually started out as “one of those days”, too. So, I am hanging onto Jesus for dear life on this roller coaster ride of faith that started with my learning what your 5 statement Pledge of Faith “really” means.
And, my dear teacher, I am so grateful to you that my colleague talked me into taking your BG study online in 2002, because it REALLY helped me to get over my fears of opening up my Bible in order to start this wild and crazy adventure of faith!
And, although I now know that the Holy Spirit was really the One who “dragged me” to dare to try sitting in front of a computer screen after work to do, of all things, a real live Bible study, but, you know what? It was your excitement and your love for Jesus, Miss Beth, that caught me off guard at first; but now I can barely keep my hands off of my dear Bible; and yes, it is getting pretty dog-eared now, but I couldn’t care less – I just wanna learn more and more about Him, my sweet Lord and Savior, Jesus!!!
All my love, in Christ,
Jennifer
Southern Wisconsin
BETH!!!!
I’m a Raleigh Girl that received word to go to Seminary during that weekend…. now i’m AT seminary, starting this study with NINE other wives/students/moms from across the country.
We are a group from:
Georgia
Texas
North Carolina
New Mexico
Washington State
New York
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Louisiana
its a blessing to climb these 15 steps with these sisters from around the country!
Thank you!!!
Beth,
I’ve read all your messages for a year now, but this is my first post to your blog. When you mentioned that it blesses you to hear from us, I couldn’t let you down, so here I am writing you back. I thought I would let you know what a huge encouragement you are to me. How strange to say- since of course we have never met. But, that is the beauty of what God has done through this blog- for you (and your daughters) have ministered to each of us personally and served as wonderful role models- just by taking the time to reveal your hearts to us.
I’m a stay at home mom, raising my two small boys, taking classes to get a Certificate in Biblical Studies (loving every minute) and wondering what God has in store for my future. Thank you for allowing me this inner glimpse into your life so that I can learn from you. I am inspired by your dedication to pursue the depth of your relationship with Christ (while leaving the breadth of your ministry to the Lord) and your obedience to God’s call. I am encouraged to press on when you share a good devotional, or your experiences in the never ending daily grind, or your perseverance in marriage (the rice pilaf story killed me) or your continued support of your daughters in their adult lives.
I love that you like the simple things: your dogs, the birds, your backyard and a good Payless shoe. Thanks Beth for all of it. My sister and I will see you in San Diego this spring! I can’t wait to get some more of your teaching in person.
“Nothing makes you feel more alone than a bad marriage. I know because I’ve had one. And I don’t have one now.”
Beth, that is an awesome testimony of God’s miraculous power! He is so Good…
Beth,I just got off work and I sooo love reading your LPM Blog before I do anything else except have a cup of coffee. I did the Breaking Free Bible study and I don’t really have to Break Free from anything.I just soo enjoyed listening to you and learning the Word of God more. It was awesome. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Thanks for being there always. My husband is in Iraq and it helps even more now whenever I miss him soo. Love ya’ll Mary Anne
Dear Beth,
I just love you and your family. I have been reading your blog for over a year now and have really felt as though this is a nice, safe place for me to be with other Christian women. I haven’t posted very much, but just reading your words and the responses from the women leave me with a smile on my face and a new warmth in my heart.
My family has moved around the last couple of years because of my husband’s job and it has left me feeling quite lonely as I made great friendships and then had to move on. A friend of mine and myself had facilitated a couple of your studies out of our homes before I moved. It was so special. I have such wonderful memories of that time shared with those in my last home. Now, I’m the “new girl” in town. It is a tiny community with a big faith and I’ve felt a nudge by God to facilitate another one of your studies out of my home (even though I’ve only been here two months). I’ve been thinking about doing your “Beloved Disciple” study, but really am uncertain which one to do. Any suggestions? I would like to ask you to pray for God’s guidance and strength as I start this. I don’t know that many people…I am looking to make new Christian friends and I just want someone to get excited about Jesus with me!
It amazes me how I cannot know you personally, but I feel as though I’ve known you forever and you are one of my closest friends. Your studies have changed my life and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for what you’ve done. I can only hope that God will use me in a big way as well. I wish my words painted a picture like yours do so that you would know how deep my feelings are. If I lived closer to you I’d hug your neck real tight!
Love you,
Anne in MO
Nothing more refreshing than digging in God’s Word. I received the revised version of “A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place” for Christmas and was just thrilled! I just finished Session 2 tonight and was just amazed again at how God speaks specifically when we need Him so desperately. I have just invited a young lady to take this journey with me and I’m so excited about introducing her to in-depth bible study and to you sweet Beth.
God Bless!
Janie
Beth- There is nothing like digging deep into God’s word and sharing it with others who love the Lord! We are starting Stepping Up on Feb. 7; let the countdown begin:)By the way, my husband wants me to buy him a copy of your bible study on the Psalms of Ascent. Can you believe it? I reminded him that you write studies for women and he said he didn’t care. Is this a continuing trend from the Daniel study that you mentioned last year?
Thank you for sharing the word and your faithfulness in teaching it!
Diane
Beth-I know you’ve said you read all the posted comments but I LOVE LOVE LOVE when you specifically mention some of them.
Furthermore… I LOVE that you said, “Digging into the depths of Scripture and having your mind deliberately and consistently renewed by God is what freedom is all about.” It makes me giddy.
I love the Word of God and love that it brings freedom.
Thanks for your post today Beth. It’s a keeper. As are you. :0)
I am working through the Wising Up DVDs. I just finished watching “Wisdom for Moms.” (appropriately while ironing 🙂
I have been praying throughout the series that God would “give me some wisdom”…in particular that he would make me wiser in my practice as a newly graduated Nurse Practitioner (a huge responsibility!). I found out today that an especially tough decision that I made earlier in the week ended up being the right one and the one most beneficial to my patient–whew! Thank you LORD!
And thank you Beth for helping me to remember to be authentic, absolutely and utterly.
Love,
Allyson
We are “wising Up” and then “stepping up!” We love ya Ms. Beth! Always in our prayers.
Always!
Be blessed and continue to seek Him with all you got!!
Hugs~
Fran
Hooray for “Stepping Up”! I cannot wait to do it! I was one of the Raleigh girls back in 2005 so this study will be close to my heart. I was pregnant with my son at that conference and boy did my ankles swell up like balloons on the 7 hour car ride each way. But it was well worth it!! I know the study will be wonderful.
Thanks Miss Beth!
love
Kim
http://www.thedudleyfamily.blogspot.com
Hi–I’m a first time poster but long-time reader. Thank you for remembering those of us who are single. I’m trying to focus on serving God, but there are still days when someone praying up a husband might be nice! It’s a blessing to be thought of/prayed for, and a blessing to be a part of this crazy cyber community!
I agree that God’s Word is what I need all the time and in all situations.
I recently had a disturbing conversation with someone I care about (who is in ministry!) who tried to convince me that looking to God’s word and the Holy Spirit is not enough. This person believes I should consult people and circumstances equally with God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. I literally felt sick to my stomach after the conversation! People give bad advice all the time. I know I do. But the Holy Spirit NEVER steers me wrong!!
The more I’m in the Word the more I want to be in the Word. Course with 3 young’uns (4.5 years, 3 years, 16 months) I don’t have as much time to spend in It as I’d like. I just remind myself this is a Season of life and He knows I’m in it. After all, He gave me these babies. = )
Dear Beth, thank you for thinking about us single women (who pray we werent’ single) and are now getting gray hair. It’s a tough world out there for us, especially in the secular world. People often wonder what is “wrong” with us, and they want to set up us with whoever they think it would be good for us. But I keep saying, that God has given me everything I need, not necessarily what I want, cause I need to keep focused on HIM. Loved your Breaking Free, I did the study about three years ago and it still has an impact on me.
Sure wish you were in Edmond, Oklahoma right now. Would love to buy you a coffee at Starbucks and pick your cute high-lighted brain to pieces over God’s Word.
Have a great night, sweet Beth. Oh, and I pay to be blonde, too. Isn’t that the only way?
Dearest Beth ~ Thank you so much for your personal responses to this blog! How fun for all of us to hear from you, in response to our entries! My study group just started “Stepping Up” yesterday, so today was the first day to begin (a bit awkwardly and unsure what to expect) on my face before the Lord. Knowing Him for all these years and here I am, learning all over again. It is amazing how much deeper He longs to take us. Thank you, Beth, for your wonderful insights and teaching! God has completely changed my life through your studies – and it just keeps getting better and better!
And belated congratulations to Colin and Melissa! What a blessing for all of you!! May the Lord bless these coming days of planning and preparation. You are so, so dearly loved, siesta!!!
Beth,
Coming from a single again gal, you are so right, you can cover up the gray hairs and I do every six weeks. Yes, I have been lonely at times but ever since you shared with us about having “dates” with Jesus, it changed my life. I include Him in every detail of everyday life and it does help. I just picture Him with me at the store, church etc.. and it takes away the loneliness. I have been married and felt alone in that marriage. I know about it on both levels.
My family and I are still looking for a new home church since we moved and there are two area churches offering Stepping Up and I am so excited. I facilitated your studies at my former church. I will miss that but I am excited about the new ministry God is calling me to. So, if you think of it, please pray for me and my family as we search for a new church!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Much Love,
Patty
I put the recap on my blog about our first night of stepping up. I did the workbook as soon as I could get my hands on it but I had not seen the dvds. I prayed during the day that the Lord would put something on my heart to talk about as we opened and He put Hebrews 11 on my heart about the people in the hall of faith not receiving what was yet promised. They died by faith. They realized that they were looking forward to a better country and that this was not their home. Anyway, I was making the point that if we focus on our circumstances without focusing on the person and presence of Jesus that we will have an opportunity to return to our own personal land of slavery that God delivered us from. Anyway, we about died because I popped in the dvd and you spoke on the exact same verses. I love how active the Holy Spirit is and how He met with us. I am so excited!! I am expecting big things from the Lord with this study!!
To the siesta who asked for prayers for those of us who are single, I understand how you feel and I’m praying for you. Also for those who may just plain feel alone.
Another form of lonliness can be when we’ve healed or are in the prcess of healing, from hurts and strongholds when those closest to us haven’t. It can be lonely because they don’t understand. I’m praying and asking for pray for that lonliness.
One last thing… Beth you’ve become even more “real” to me just knowing you actually do the homework from your own study. I really can’t wait to do this again to see if God’s got more insight for me. God Bless.
ps it is funny what you said about forgiveness because I just went and got my “Praying Gods Word” book and was going to head on over to the forgiveness section and insert the persons name that I am struggling to forgive. I sensed the Lord nudging me to go ahead and do it by faith even though I dont want to forgive and I feel entitled to hold on to my unforgiveness…the Lord reminded me in my Spirit of how many times I have prayed prayers to forgive by faith until He changed my heart and I was able to forgive. Sometimes forgiveness is a process and takes some time and hard work as we all know.
Love that so many of us are working our way through a great study right now….we start Stepping Up tomorrow morning…can’t wait. Daniel last fall was amazing….love how deep it was!! Has anybody done a “Read through the Bible in 90 days ” study and which one would you recommend? Love loving the word with all of you….
Beth,
I missed out on being there for Stepping Up in Raleigh with you and my church sisters. (My husband and one of my daughters were having birthdays that weekend…I almost died when I realized I couldn’t go, but was blessed to pass my seat to another sister.) My pastor’s wife has spoken often of the impact that weekend had, and you’re so right…there’s nothing like getting deep into God’s word, and nowhere else I want to be. Looking forward to it!
Hi Beth,
I’m trying to get the courage up to do ‘Breaking Free’; I tried a couple years ago, but it was just too painful to try dealing with obstacles and walls I had built up.
I just couldn’t slug my way through all that debris to be able to break free, or so I ‘felt’ at the time.
I’m going to go through the series this time with a very small group (5) of close Godly sisters I have come to trust. I can’t wait to be Free.
Deb
Beth, our group is just starting the Stepping Up study. Like most everyone else, I love the Psalms and am really looking forward to this study. I think the “Read it, Work it, Pray it” method is such a great approach. Thanks for leading us to do a “new thing”!
you are too funny ms beth- I just figured out you have this blog. It’s super cool- We’ve been doing your studies for 4 yrs now and I gladly agree that throughout the yrs, books/church/missions/etc shape our growth but it’s the in depth studies that truly have changed my heart and closeness to Jesus. Thank you for making them so muh fun 😉
ms gris from san diego~
Hey sweetie,
I just wanted to share how my first night of “Living Beyond Yourself” went off Tuesday. Well let me just say that I have several “frozen chosen” in my class that have never seen/maybe even heard of you. When you started in about the Kenya trip, with the water heater and telling Keith that you were OUTSIDE… they actually laughed out loud!!! I can’t wait to see how the Spirit will manifest His fruit in them. I didn’t have any shimmering suits but I did see lots of lipstick! 🙂 They all make fun of my Hebrew and Greek Bible and my huge Strong’s concords…so I wonder what they will be like when I turn into a cheerleader??? That’s what I am praying for.
Thanks again for your love of Jesus and God’s word. I praise Him that He lets it cut into my marrow through your studies.
I’ll be “Stepping Up” with you this summer but it will be in Rainbows instead of Prayless heels.
Look………I wrote PRAYless- how appropriate!!! Love you, siesta Beth
I love your heart! My little ones have been sick, so I missed the post about “the goods” until now. What fun! I’ll happily hear all the details of life with adult daughters from you and stay right here in cartoon land with mine. 🙂 I am just about to begin the new Psalms study and can’t wait. It sounds like Breaking Free is the next journey I need to take. Grief is some weighty stuff, did you know? I was actually emailing a sweet friend in TX tonight about trying to get several moms who have lost little ones together at the Deeper Still Event in Atlanta on the first anniversary of the day we lost our Miller Grace this coming summer, because of the healing that came in the early days of my grief from the Event in Nashville. My is carrying a precious baby boy with Trisomy-18 (you can catch a glimpse of his family over at thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com) and is due in a few weeks. We have no idea why the Lord has us here, but He does and apparently, He’s using something as crazy as our blogs about our sweet heavenly babies to draw us together. We praise Him for continuing to use His people to show us His love, to use His Word to speak to our hearts, and servants like you to draw us back to His feet. Which, as we all know, is the only place we’ll find healing. Thank you for being real and thank you for being so faithful to the call. He is alive and well in you.
Beth,
I wanted to tell you that I love your enthusiasm and connection with your audience. Thank you also for the study you did in Daniel. I wanted to share with you that a friend of mine and I wanted to do the full study ourselves so bad, that we both bought the set ourselves – you know, that whopping close to $3-400.00 set!
So we got our pennies together, and bought the books for us and another woman (who never used it) and we got together faithfully and did the study. And I can tell you that I learned so much and was so overflowing with blessings from God…
But here’s the other thing….since it was just me and my friend, we contacted Lifeway and asked if we could duplicate the DVD’s so we could each have a set. That way when we weren’t together, we both had a set to view. Thankfully, Lifeway gave us permission and we were so thankful.
So thanks! 🙂
Now the question is, how do we influence our women’s leadership and get them to buy your studies 🙂
We did share how great Daniel was…but so far, nothing has happened.
🙂
Congratulation on the marriage ( my anniversary is feb. 15th :)- how beautiful are those grandchildren gonna be? They look like a perfect match…shannon
Dear Beth,
You are so funny! I totally agree, it is the one-on-One with God in study that really speaks to you. 🙂 I have to tell you, I had just found the book by Eugene Peterson, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction,” at the library and liked the name but did not know it was about the Psalms of Ascent. It is excellent. Well, THEN I found that you were beginning to write a study on the same subject!! I immediately said “THANKS GOD!!” We are doing “Living Beyond Yourself” right now and I hope to do Stepping Up next. I cannot wait!!
Love you, karen 🙂 🙂
Hi Beth,
We just started “Stepping Up” at our church this week. We are doing a Monday night and a Wednesday morning class. I help facilitate the Wednesday morning class. We had 67 women! We are so excited. This is my 6th Beth Moore bible study that I have facilitated.
Your coming up our way (to the Pacific Northwest) next month and we have a group from our church coming to see you. We can’t wait!
Kathy
Hey Beth, Well, you must have radar on me here in Newark, Ohio. Just before I read your blog, tears were falling from my eyes because of deep grief over missing my mom. ( dead 28 years) I am just now missing cause the Lord has released all unforgiveness and now I see I need her in my life. I am single, lonely , but fervently serving the Lord. And get this i am launching the Breaking free study in my church starting Feb 5, 2008. Please pray for me and all who attend. So, any whoo, I am just going through a hard patch of intense pain and grief. Basic needs, I think don’t ever go a way and when there is a history of neglect then shame for feeling the need for attention, love, validation, food, drink, hugs, security well…you have a mess named me. Praise the Lord He is faithfully healing and wooing me into His secret place constantly.Beth, He uses you, this blog and the Bible Studies to keep my heart encouraged. Just for the record, I need you sistas! you can email me if you wish. thanks. tee
Ms. Beth,
You make me smile too. I can be having the most horrible day (getting ready to jump back into the pit, hang up my pictures back up, and everything), and then I go to your website and listen to one of your teachings, or come over here and read y’all’s blogs, and then I feel so encouraged.
I love your Bible studies. They are so amazing and wonderful and absolutely liberating.
I just started the Breaking Free study last night. I am beyond excited about getting to do it.
Just wanted to say that you do not know how much this blog helps me through the day…so many times, when i am near the breaking point, and i sign on to the site, i am either laughing or crying before i get through the entries that are posted..thank you for your wonderful work and your honesty about things going on in your lives…it seems that we are all very close friends..and that is really a neat feeling for me, it seems that i don’t feel as overwhelmed and alone, when i visit the Siesta site! I have hoped that we would do the Breaking Free study again, since i didn’t get to do it the first time, but i am thinking that i will just have to do it on my own…once again thank you.
Delilah
Dearest Beth. This posting is so rich–from your personal messages to our Siestas, to your beautiful advice. In essence, you are protecting us, so we don’t miss a precious moment of our deliverance and promise. I can’t even take it all in. Which means I have a darn good excuse to get right back on the blog and read it all over again tomorrow.
One line jumped right out at me: “When it comes to…freedom from bondage, and equipping for anointed ministry…” This is so alive and fresh for me! I truly feel I am being called to let go of something holding me back, and step up to something else, to glorify Him and live in victory. It’s so exciting! Does anybody else feel the same way?
I love you too, Beth, and love my dear Siestas.
xo
Chris
Beth,
We just moved from Ohio to Hawaii, and one of the things I miss most is my adorable group of Bible Study ladies. Sometimes change and me aren’t the best of friends!:) We usually did one of your studies. Well, I just last week heard about a church here that is doing “Jesus, the One and Only”, and I was tickled pink to attend. I did yesterday and it was great. The ladies were great! Different faces around me, but your familiar face on the screen and Jesus’ presence in the room!
Thanks for being just like a familiar girlfriend to me and for all your service that has truly helped deepen my relationship with Jesus!
Love you,
Kristen
I am in my 4th week of “Stepping Up”, what a great study. The face down praying, saying it, working it and praying it….WOW!! We are having so much fun with this study. I totally love how you added the worship, just beautiful. This study has helped me so much. I always see people writing in their bibles and underlining verses. I didn’t mind underlining, but I wasn’t really sure how to write “simple” notes without scribbling all over my bible. Well I finally got it through this study. I have learned so much, and I am not even finished yet. I recommend this study to everyone. You will have an absolute blast with God and His Word.
Thank you sweet Beth, I love you sister 🙂
I can’t wait until you, Kay & Priscilla come out here to Vegas in September 🙂
We started Stepping Up on Wednesday evening. Due to an extracted wisdom tooth I haven’t started the homework, but that’s my plan tonight. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I can’t wait to get out my highlighters and my colored pens and let God work His wonders on me. Thanks so much for this bible study.
Terri
Manassas
It is my personal goal to do every Beth Moore Bible Study that there is out there. Breaking Free is the one that I want to do so bad. I haven’t found a church around me thats doing it yet but I won’t give up. I’ve done Believing God, Daniel and The Patriarch’s. I could use a pray to find Breaking Free in this area (High Point, NC) Love and God Bless, CINDY
Hi Beth and team,
Finally (thank you Lord!) got to grips with this blogg thing.I’m Still blogging from Belfast. When you mention those words ‘breaking free’ – man my hair just stands on edge (actually I know no picture is posted of me on this thing – but trust me I actually have a sticky out hairstyle – I’m addicted to funky hairstyles – keeps the folks amused in my church!! and yes I’ve had all the ‘did you come on a motorbike jokes!!!) Anyway, the breaking free conference you held in Belfast a number of years ago – was a breaking point for me. I prayed (in a toilet cubicle) that I would fall in love with Jesus – he heard this Irish girl’s prayer and blew me off my feet – and my hair!!!) You mentioned ‘stepping up’ – unfortunately belfast is a tad further away from the rest of your siestas and so we don’t have that here or your journals – can I order them from you guys? Do you post stuff to Belfast? Anyway hope I can join your siestas. Much Blessings Your Belfast Blogger