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 have to be honest(though I think I hear the gasps of the siestas as I write this)…I never finished my Breaking Free class or book. I know I should….fear has the best of me. You said somewhere in the video about a dear sweet friend of yours that had passed away and you and Amanda (I think) were going through her Bible study books. You both agreed that while you had looked through some of the other studies, you would not look in Breaking Free. Never had I thought about what might happen to those books if I died! But as I was going through Breaking Free, the fear that my family might find AND read what I wrote paralyzed me! I was obviously at a place where “I” was the focus and I hate that I missed out. But thank you for encouraging me to do it…the fact that you are going through the book and DOING the homework is spurring me on!
I will be praying for the Bible study group you are with right now. I will pray they are not as shallow as me ( 🙂 ) and that fear will not have a place there!
Bless you for your faithfulness!
Hi Beth..
I am so glad I came on to read your blog today. Our church has not done one of your studies in a good long while. I had said a few months ago that I just needed to be in a good Beth Moore study. Well, my church offers discipleship on Wed. evenings. I lead the preschool ministry (VeggieTales..so cute) on Wed. One of my pastors came to us a few weeks ago and said..”we’re doing Stepping Up, would yall like to take it, if so, I’ll get someone to facilitate on Sunday afternoons for you guys that teach on Wed. evening.” I was touched that he was considerate about the fact that we couldnt participate on Wed nights. But I still wasnt sure if this was the time to take on even more. But after reading your blog, I do feel like I probably should go on and take that study. I can handle 6-7 weeks! I guess I am rambling myself..But thanks for your words on your blog and mainly your obedience to God..
Blessings ~ Alyce
Thanks for the update on the studies. This is my final semester in school, so I can’t wait to start some bible studies when school is out.
Breaking Free is my nightstand book right now; however, I’m sorry to say, I fall asleep not long into it, so I’ve had to reread a lot…but I think I have the first two chapters down!! 😉
Many blessings to you…have a fabulous weekend!
Beth,
What a timely posting, as I am on my way out the door to Bible study (Stepping Up, no less). I cannot thank you enough for this ministry and for giving me the tools with which I am able to get into my Bible and meet with God. Many years ago, when I was a baby Christian, these studies got me to know my Bible better than ever. There is absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE for in depth Bible study.
I live in an area where Bible study is not valued by many, even within the chuch. People are “too busy” and distracted to make the time for God. Many of the pastors preach what my husband and I call “Scripture lite”, using the Bible for a reference to a good story, but not actually teaching it. I am so hungry for the Word, and I praise God regularly for LPM and others who help Christians know the God we praise even better through solid teaching.
You are truly a blessing,
Michelle
My Sweet Beth,
Thank you so much for your sweet blog about us single sistas! Sometimes its hard to be single but for me I am waiting on the LORD and his best for me. I am 34 years old and I am finally at peace that if I never get married then its ok. If though of the above stated doesn’t mean us single sistas don’t get lonely but the only one who can fill that cup is the LORD no matter if you are married or single. We can try to fill with other things like children, family, friends but if we continue to go to other things and people we will end up dry. This is my life WORD. You taught this on Life Today when I first heard it and it has changed my life forever. God’s WORD is the only thing that will bring freedom and wholeness.
Thank you so much for your honesty and being the teacher God has called you to be. Through you and the Holy Spirit I have a hunger for God and his Word that I pray will only be quenched by being in the WORD and as day by day it changes me into what my LORd and Saviour wants me to be.
If you take Big Mama a pound cake I want to see the pictures and read all about it on one (or both) of your blogs. That would be so much fun!
Dear Beth:
Have you ever felt like God was hitting you with a lightning bolt to confirm want He want from you? Well this week has been one of those weeks for me. I asked you all to pray for me as I decided which studies to send to a couple of missionary women. Let me kind of recap how things went. When I sat down the other night to order I was planning on getting the Daniel study and A Women’s Heart Gods dwelling place.( I think that was the name of the last one.) Well I switched after reading about each one on DVD I felt like I should get the Stepping up for one of the women. (Daniel was requested so that one was for sure.) Anyway I was not sure so I asked for pray. Boy I don’t think I have ever heard one studies so talked about as I have the Stepping up study in the last couple of days. Breaking free is a close second but is not on DVD soooo. The studies were ordered last night. This mornings post has confirmed the decision to purchase Stepping up. In fact now I want to do that study. Please keep praying for those who will receive the studies in what ever way God leads.
As to Breaking Free. It was such a good study. It is what God used to really help start the journey of freedom from fear. A thorn yes, but not a bondage anymore praise God. In one study I remember you Beth saying something like we can live in the land of the living or be walking dead. (Yes this is a very loose translation) Well that stuck with me and I have prayed that I would live in the land of the living. It is more exciting that way don’t you think.
Our God is and Awesome God.
Kim B.in Az
In the movie the “Color Purple” one of the characters starts singing “God is trying to tell me Something”.
Well- He certainly is.
The second to the last paragraph hit me right between the eyes. In a good way, I might add. I am working on forgiveness right now. I have your book “Praying God’s Word.”
Not surprisingly, I have felt peace. Not surprisingly, IT IS HARD and the battle is mighty. I know his word is powerful, and I will have victory through Christ.
Beth,
I echo you on the study vs the book regarding Breaking Free! I bought the book – read the book – LOVED the book – HOWEVER – doing the study – looking up all the scriptures, praying His Word, learning to let Him fill every empty spot in my being has brought me such SWEET freedom! Praise Jesus!
Thank you for being faithful to our Father and being willing to be so candid because, dear friend, that obedience has given MUCH fruit!! You always point straight to HIM in all of your studies and I love that about you – you KNOW who it is all about, our precious Father!
God bless you, Siesta!
Have a great weekend!
Beth,Last summer I spent quite a bit of time in the Psalms, especially 119. It was such an intimate time with the Lord that I loved so much. In February, I will be co-facilitating Stepping Up. I am eager to begin study when we complete A Woman’s Heart. Thank you for your diligence and faithfulness in preparing these wonderful indepth studies. There is so much I need to learn – even about how to use resources to study independently. I have been a believer for many years, but the Word of God is so much more precious to me in this season of life. I am so blessed by all my sweet siestas. Love, Miss Dee
Thanks for your words on the need for an interactive daily study.
It’s that time spent with God that changes us from the inside out!!!
Our group is getting ready to revisit one of your older studies -To live is Christ. We start Tuesday, January 22nd.
As the ladies prepare for their weeks of homework, I will give them your words of encouragement –
…… I am convinced that the in-depth, life-style study of God’s Word is where it happens. ….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……
Thanks for this blog and the chance to interact. I am so, so, so encouraged by all the women who love Jesus and all the things happening in their lives and corners of their world to – Live for Christ.
Continued congratulations to Melissa and Colin and prayers for them for a blissful and blessed marriage.
Terry
I do not usually write in, but am a regular reader of the blog and love it. I am also one of the “Raleigh Girls” and am leading the study at my church, along with 3 other teachers who are offering it at different times! I am writing to let “tulip in Idaho” know that I would love to share our “Stepping Up” kit with her. Not sure if that is even appropriate to offer……oh well. I am in North Carolina and will gladly send it her way in 6 weeks! My email is [email protected]
Oh Beth!
You make me smile!
The first “real” bible study I did was Daniel. It rocked my world! I talked and talked about it with everyone. In fact, I was just in the American Girl store in Chicago and my husband said to me, “Honey, is this Babylon or what?!”. 🙂
The second bible study I attempted was the online version of Believing God. I keep getting off my game … and haven’t finished it yet. But, I’m going to – even though I’ve long ago lost my blue bracelet!
Anyway, I appreciate all that you do in His name. I’ve seen you twice – first in Detroit at a Living Proof Live event and second as the pre-conference Women of Faith speaker in Cleveland. I learned so much and I carry it around with me. Thank you so much for getting up there on that stage and preaching what God gives you!
So … now I’ve added Breaking Free to my list. Its a long list, Siesta! I have three young girls and I’m a stay-at-home Mom. But, eventually, God willing, I’ll be able to complete my list as He would have me. For now, I’m just trying to devote some time to the Lord each day. Reading one verse of scripture and saying my prayers. It’s a small piece … but over and over I’m learning that God wants me to just get this down before I go on trying to do bible studies and reading books!
Wow! Guess I got a little off track.
Blessings to you and your family!
Rachael in Ohio
Dear Beth,
Love love love Stepping up and I’m only on the first day. It speaks to so many that I know. I wonder– what do you do when Christian friends really hurt your feelings? It’s tough. I love your sound advice and teaching.
Blessing and Wisdom to you.
Hey Girlfriend-
You are so funny! I was going to say that you’re kinda weird in a good way also, but… I tell my 16 year old all the time that I’m weird and it’s okay with me to be weird. I love the transparency in you, it’s one of my favorite things about you.
Stepping up is starting out great! The Leadership/DVD/workbook is what I asked for as a Christmas present from my mother-in-law! Who knew? God is very funny in that the very person who called me, “a bull in a china closet” has turned out to be my prayer partner and strongest supporter! God can sure do a work! WOW! His word is so powerful, wait..let me get it right…”God’s word is alive and active in me,…I’m believing God!”(do the appropriate sign language cause I did)! Love you friend, and praying for you every day!
Lisa in Kirkland
Hi Beth! Thanks so much, as always, for the encouragement. And the giggles. I, too, have just begun Stepping Up and I have to tell you that in the intro video when you said someone must be “down” I slunk deeper in my pew because I just KNEW you were going to turn to the camera and look right at ME! lol. And you did. So yeah…I need this study. I’m loving this study. The Psalms have always been my favorite. I don’t care what I’m feeling or dealing with, it’s all there in the book of Psalms! LOVE THAT.
And I love you, too!
Susan
I’m going to run to Mardel’s and buy the Breaking Free workbook. I’ve read the book forwards and backwards but have never done the worbook. I’m excited to get started! I hope your day is as fabulous as you are!!!
Beth,
My Wednesday morning Bible study group started “Stepping Up” this week. We are so looking forward to digging into His word. We have 3 first timers in our group and I can’t wait to study His word with them.
I haven’t done “Breaking Free” but am anxious to do that one in between the other studies. My first study (that I actually finished) was “Believing God” and it changed my life!
I thank God for what He does through you and I thank you for surrendering to His call!
Praise God!
Jill in KY
Beth,
I would love to know the studies of other teachers you would recommend to us. I have helped facilitate Priscilla Shirer’s two studies but we are always looking to expand our horizions. We usually facilitate one of your studies but we have intermixed some others when you do not have something new.
We are beginning Stepping Up on the 16th of January at our church. I have done all of your studies and feel like I know you. You are truly a breath of encouragement to me from the Lord. You actually taught me what Bible study means. Thank you for being faithful to God’s command on your life and for sharing what He is teaching you to us.
Tina
I was at the Raleigh Living Proof conference when you taught on the Psalms of Ascent! I hadn’t realized there was an actual study now! Very exciting. Those weeks after the Raliegh Girls weekend were so sweet while studying in the Psalms. Especially with my Carolina Gals from church. Reading this post brought back so many wonderful “southern” memories!
Beth just had to let you know what God has done at our church with women studying His word.
Fall’06- 3 participants (praying for more)
Spring’07- 8
Fall’07– 20
Spring’08 2 groups doing Stepping up with @ 50 participants!! We are all so excited and jumping for joy and falling on our faces!!
Praise GOD…and thank you–we love you.
Well, I must say I am currently in a Bible Study Battle. I am signed up to begin the Stepping Up Bible study next week with my church ladies. However, I still have the last half of Daniel I am finishing up and have just begun studying the book of Acts. I am enjoying both so much but I so badly want to do Stepping Up also. I know everyone will be talking their pretty little heads off about it and I’m gonna wanna be a part of it:) I’m thinking I’m gonna have to wait on this one and finish up what I’ve started. This ole brain can’t hold or retain much anymore so I have to limit my intake and pray that what I do take in STICKS!
Thank you for faithfully serving Jesus, The One and Only! (I received this new devotion for Christmas so yes, I’m doing that too:)One day maybe I’ll be as “Spiritual” as all of my studies and books make me look:)
Just can’t get enough of HIM!
Much Love,
lynda m.
Beth, I’m leading a group that just started “Stepping Up”. Last night was our first night to discuss the Week 1 lesson. Because we’re busy, young Moms and couldn’t imagine trying to fit an in-person session into our schedules we decided to hold our sessions via teleconferences. So, we get all comfy in our homes and remotely we dial in every Thursday night at 9 p.m. to discuss the study.
Last night was so amazing – after coming off of my face from the closing prayer I told my girls that I skipped into the family room and snuggled up next to my hubby from being on a “high” from the discussion w/ the girls in God’s Word. And, he asked “what are you so happy for?” (smile) I shared that with my study group and many of them did the same thing – their faces were beaming afterwards and their spouses noticed as well. Just had to share… thank you for Stepping UP – one of the girls came up with our theme that goes along with the study title is, “Big Things Poppin'” in 2008 😉
God bless!
~ LorraLee
Beth, I knew from the first time I attended one of your Monday night Bible studies back in 2000 that you were exactly as human as all the rest of us! I love to listen to what God has to say through you, and the way He has you deliver his word is just the way we all need to hear it. I love to see the look on your face before you read a scripture passage that is really speaking to you at the moment.
I use to pray and ask God to let me have that same excitement, and one day He said, “Girl, you CAN have that, why heck, you can have that times 100 if you’d like. You just had to ask!”
Next thing you know I found myself reading the Word, laughing out loud, slapping the pages, pointin’ to words and saying things like, “Look at that, isn’t He great!” And my poor husband would be in the middle of watching a game of some kind and wonder what had come over me (but loving it all the while!)
That’s what I love about our God. All we have to do is ask and He will supply. Shoot, more times He supplies before we even ask, we just fail to see it was Him.
About the Bible studies and workbooks….I will admit that the ones that I DID finish and did all the homework, are the ones that I got the most from, that I grew from! DUH!!! I always got stuff out of the others, from the video’s and the other women discussing, but until we dig deep into the study ourselves, and really allow God’s word to speak to us and soak in, we are cutting ourselves short!
OK…I could go on forever. But I’ll save the rest for another time!
Love you Girls!!!!
“Digging into the depths of Scripture and having your mind deliberately and consistently renewed by God is what freedom is all about. …You and me – We need to be in SCRIPTURE!”
Amen, Beth. Amen, Beth.
I started Believing God in January ’05. Haven’t stopped being in the Word since. I have been a Christian for over 30 years, but I’ve had more growth in the last 3 years then all 27 years prior. I have fallen in love with Jesus again. I love being in the Word. I love being with women studying the word. I can’t NOT be in a study ever again. A daily devotion is necessary, but for me, so is the in-depth study.
Thank-you, a million times, thank-you.
Melana in Wyoming
Amen! Amen! Beth is so right. There is nothing like flipping through your own Bible and finding those answers for yourself. I can read a trade book in no time and think warm, fuzzy thoughts about what I read but nothing impacts me or renews my mind like the sharp sword of God’s Word. I don’t know where I would be without it…yes, I do, I would be way back yonder.
By His grace,
Mischia
Thanks for the encouragement. I am leading Stepping Up starting next week for 50 women. You must be so thrilled to be getting another son-in-law. Congratulations! I love that I can read about God’s Word and Payless shoes all in one blog! Thanks for sharing your heart.
Hi Beth –
Such a sweet entry. I’ve been absent in the world of blogging for a little while because I’ve just felt the Lord leading me to be a listener for a while … enough with the writing for a bit! He’s been teaching me bountifully, and I can tell from the stir inside that I’m about ready to get back on the wagon.
I just wanted to say that Breaking Free was the first study, of yours, that I completed. I was so blessed!!! Thank you for being so usable by God that He would bless us through your gift of teaching. I’ve done several more since and have been transformed each time. My ladies group just began Stepping Up last week, and I’ve got to tell you, “I’ve never loved the floor so much!” I’m dropping flat every chance I get, except where I might cause someone to trip or try to rescue me. 🙂 God is so great!! I love Him so much, and thank you for being such a wonderful light on the path. Love you bunches.
And, congrats on your sweet girl’s engagement. I know you’re glowing all over.
Bye for now –
Monica
Dear Beth,
Thank you so much for your words. You tickled me with what you said about us single women. I have been married but now I am single (mother of two sons) but you are right. I love my life because I have come to the place where when God calls I can go. Yes I do have a male friend in my life my that is enough we both love our families and working for God.
As for bible studies our group finished Daniel in the fall and are working on HEAVEN by Randy Alcorn. (recommend highly) then in Feb we are starting A Women’s Heart. So looking forward to doing it again. Thanks for all you do and the encouragement we receive from you each time I read this blog from you and all the other siestas out there in blog land
Becky
Attalla, AL
Beth, you are too cute and funny! I just love how you “talk/type”!
I have been going through a fresh season “wrestling” some things out before the LORD and I was doing my prayer and quiet time this morning when the LORD just spoke in my spirit..”Cross Your River of Fear” and I remembered I have it!!
I have the audio version of the Kansas City taping in 2005…about Habbakuk!
I went digging and found it and listened and I’m just more madly in love with Jesus than ever!
HE just knows what I need when I need it and HE uses you because you are a beautiful vessel and you speak my “language” 🙂
I’m doing the Stepping Up I got for Christmas but the LORD made it pretty clear the first of the year we weren’t going to be going up any further until I let go of some more baggage.
Is it possible to stand on one of the Steps while Breaking Free and then continue up the steps?
That’s my direction for now.
I know what you mean…I wore myself out as well…:-)
Love you Siesta..thank you for being a beautiful vessel.
You and your family are prayed for just like my own.
Teri
Oh, Beth you are so funny. I’m hoping my church will be offering the Psalms study next fall. I think I told you we turned your study “To Live Is Christ” into a full year study, so we will be continuing that next week. We usually get the newest study if there is one the next fall though. We turn most of them into year-long studies.
We have been so spoiled this week with all of these posts!!!
Congratulations to Melissa and Colin – I am thrilled to be invited to pray and can’t wait to see wedding pic posted!!
You know – Bible study is so fun!! I am also starting Stepping Up this Monday – and I’m going to tell the girls I have shoes just like Beth!! Got to love the Payless!!
Thank you so much for this blog and the encouragment you give us. I tell you ever since that one post about the bird pecking at Beth’s car door mirrors, I truly try to look at the everyday things and see what God may be trying to tell me – and it is amazing!!
God bless your family and LPM!!
Love – Susan
This made me laugh:
Keith and I like to say that we’ve each been married to ten different people and they all look suspiciously similar.
I don’t feel so bad now! I love the man that I’m married to now, but we’ve been there!
Thank you for being such a huge blessing to me, Beth.
Dear Beth,
I am currently in a season of “unasked for” rest. The Lord has asked me to take a seat for a while. I had lunch with a friend yesterday who has begun Stepping Up with her Sunday School group and she asked me to get the book and do it with her. I thought about it this morning…What could be more appropriate than soaking my heart in His Word while He has me sitting for a while.
Thanks for letting Him use you in such a mighty way!
Beth,
I just wanted to thank you for your prayers and dedication to our Savior. The studies God has given you have changed my life.
Much love to you, LPM, and your family.
PS. I read in one of the blogs about our relationship with Jesus. I too am having a trouble with knowing the difference in my relationship with Jesus and God. I have asked several friends and they do not have the answer either.
Hi Bethie, I started your Living Beyond Yourself last night (with Miss Paula, another blog siesta, as our leader)and am looking forward to having my life changed even more. I was one of the original participants of Believing God online way back when. That was a fantastic experience. The studies you write seem to get better and better or is it sweet Jesus getting better and better in my life? 🙂 Love you and can’t wait to hear more wedding plans.
Dear Beth,
Have done all your studies (long distance unfortunately) and eagerly await the newest releases. Talking about Breaking Free reminded me of what a great study it was. I’ve recommended it to several friends but I’m wondering if there will ever be something similar available for men. I know you say that’s not your area of ministry and I understand completely. Just wishing there was something for the guys who desperately need it – would there be a godly pastor or Bible study leader you know who could run with it?
Thanking God for you and asking Him to protect you and shower you with blessings-
YES!!!! I have been waiting for the re-make!…Breaking Free helped me reclaim my life & marriage and changed Jesus’ and my relationship forever. I know the freedom found in pure and grateful repentance!!! I have dragged so many women through Breaking Free, and nearly all of your studies. (Yes, I do others, but yours are the most deep & relevant.) Last year I moved the studies outside of my church, to a friend’s coffee shop after hours, so women of many churches would come & learn. On Jan 23rd, this time in a 100-year old ex-hotel that my husband & I own, we’ll start Stepping Up. I am frantically painting and decorating, trying to make the space look somewhat groovy and smell like fresh coffee instead of “Eau de Olde Musty Building” (Do I hear ‘Chanel No. 1902’?). Pray the fragrance of the Lord will prevail on our hair clothing when we leave the room!
Thank you Beth, for staying obedient to Jesus!
Oh, Miss Beth,
It will be such fun sharing the post-wedding excitement in Vancouver, BC! I will be there with my 3 daughters, and one of them I haven’t laid eyes on since she returned from her Air Force service in Kyrghystan (I may hug her till she breaks!) I can’t think of a better way for us to share a reunion time that with all my siestas. . .
I am so in love with God, and just love His Word; and when a woman I have the privilege to share with or teach “gets it” it is a thrill that just can’t be beat. I so agree that women should fully participate in Breaking Free; I was released from so much bondage, and am so grateful to you, and Kay Arthur, and Henry Blackaby, among others, who helped me as I opened the Bible and started digging in.
I look forward to meeting you, even if it’s just a wave from the seats!
Your siesta in Oregon, Beverly
Yep.. I’m currently “Stepping Up” all by myself (well, with GOD, of course) and I LOVE it. I just began week four, but what really, really got me was the analogy of the people in Angola who would EAT THE SEED instead of PLANTING IT for harvest. WOW.. I so don’t want to be guilty of eating the seed. Thank you, God, for that incredible word.
I often read your blog to my husband, cuz he thinks you’re great, too. We were cracking up about the “married to 10 different people” comment you and Keith make. We can relate!!! Thanks for always making us laugh. 🙂
Oh.. and I always have at least 2 “real books” going at a time, too! God is soooo off-the-charts incredible!
Love you, Beth!
Linda
A few of my Bible study Sistas and I were part of your Raleigh Girls. We can’t wait to do “Stepping Up.” We plan to do it after Easter. Right now we are doing the revised A Woman’s Heart. Since that was my first in-depth Bible study, I think it’s my favorite. I didn’t know I could love the Old Testament so much. And Jesus is just as alive in the pages of the OT as He is in the new! It’s so much fun looking for Him!
Bible study ROCKS!
I just love you, Beth! I was telling my husband the other day that I know I may not meet you till Heaven, but I just can’t wait to sit w/ my friend Beth and chat one day.
Thanks for the reminder of how important spending time in God’s word is in bring us to where we need to be…..be praying I start “A Woman’s Heart” on Tuesday and I really want to “dig in” to this one and not go through the motions….I’ll be praying for all of y’all who are in a Bible study right now.
This blog, Siesta City, really is a safe place for all. I have been on other sites where people are quick to judge. The difference here is that I see many Siestas encouraging each other. I look forward to reading new posts from Beth and Amanda, as well as all of the comments. I just had a two-plus hour long lunch with two dear friends. It is such a blessing to have friends that know you inside and out, who you can be real with. To the Siesta who has been burned in the past…please don’t give up on friendships with women! I too was burned big time in the past and thought it would be easier to just close up my heart and give up. I’m glad I didn’t because God brought some very special friends into my life. I would have missed the blessing if I had turned away. Have a great weekend Siestas!
Breaking Free was the first of your Bible studies that I have done. It was so powerful and moving, I can’t wait to do the new version! I loved the story about Amanda when she was in 2nd(?) grade and saying that she was glad God made her a part of his day. So cute and insightful! This Christmas was a “Beth Moore” Christmas. I bought my sister your “David” book, my mom received “Praying God’s Word” and my mom-in-law was given “Get Out of that Pit”. They all loved their gifts and I was excited to give them! I’m hoping sometime I will be able to make it to a Life Today taping. I thoroughly enjoy watching you on there and am so thankful that you come on during naptime so I can give you 100% of my attention. 🙂
This is the first time I’ve posted on here, but I have been reading for a while. I just discovered that I can read LMP’s blog on the morning commute! I know this has nothing to do with the topic at hand but I was so excited it prompted me to action! A big shout out to the person who made this blog so blackberry accessible!
Beth,
I took “Breaking Free” in 2002 while living in Mississippi. I am also going back to re-work my workbook. I decided to go back because this fall, as I struggled through some major issues interfering with my life, I kept hearing “Breaking Free” in my head. I truly believe that it was the Holy Spirit encouraging my to readdress my captivity. Then, my mom came up for Christmas and told me that you are teaching “Breaking Free” this semester in Houston! She is in your Tuesday night class.
I just finished “Wising Up” with my Bible Study Group. I learned so much and am working everyday to be wise and not foolish. Thank you especially for the pearls your minister’s wife gave to you as a young married. They were terrific. I plan to save them for my talk with my daughter before she is married. Do you have any others that you want to share?
I love your Texas stories. They remind me of home, since I am now living in Tennessee!
Hi Beth,
I’ve read the blog for a while now but have never commented. I just wanted to tell you that the Breaking Free workbook CHANGED my life. I did it a few years ago, but at that time was still too “intimidated” to actually put into practice what I was learning. The Lord challenged me to do it again on my own rather then in a group and it was profound!
I am actually going to go back the Breaking Free Bible Study and do it again for 2008! Oh goodness..now that I typed that it seems like the book hasn’t helped me because I keep re-doing it but PLEASE know that it has!
I’m going to try and not scare you by seeming like a “crazy blog” stalker but I just picture us a great friends! Reading your blog and your books makes me feel like I know you. It’s so refreashing and uplifting to have someone write about their struggles (althought I’m sure it’s scary for you). I feel like I can relate to you.
Thanks again..love you. (Really..I’m not a stalker, although it may seem like that because I just wrote LOVE YOU to someone I’ve never met or talked to) Ok..now I need some advil because I’ve stressed myself out thinking that you are googling my name AND pulling up America’s most Wanted website searching for me!
Michele B.
Georgia
Hi,
I have a totally random question. I seem to remember having seen a promo video for one of Beth’s studies that ws called “Armed and Dangerous”? (or something along those lines.
Do I remmember correctly? And if there was one by that title, is it still available, or has it been re-done and is now called something else?
haha…I like the idea of you sittin’ and reading and doing your Breaking Free homework.
God brought me out of bondage when I participated in the Patriarchs series a couple of years ago. Isn’t He phenomenal?! I had to sit down a couple of nights ago and explain to a girlfriend of mine exactly what makes me cry almost EVERY Sunday in church. It’s Him! He’s stuck with me and brought me through and He’s just the all I need.
I think I’d like to do Breaking Free someday as well. I’ve read the book, but never done the study. I think I’m the type that needs the study to absorb everything.