Hey, my dear Summer Bible Study Siestas! I’m so enjoying our journey together! Hopefully you’ll be able to watch the (very rough, one-take, ridiculous-but-full-of love) video greeting, but I also like to make sure you have the discussion questions for each week’s gathering in print. Here they are!
We have four discussion questions for your Tuesday gatherings. The first two are from Week 3.
1. On p.62, Kelly quoted Michael Wells: “Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the truth.” Let’s have some examples of that. How has Satan ever told you something that was true but wasn’t the truth?
2. Kelly’s discussion about King Hezekiah and the attack on his faith on p.66 reminded me of a quote that I’d recently seen in the devotional classic, Streams in the Desert. “Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.” (p.168) What envelope have you been most prone to hold the edge of?
The last two are based on Week 4.
3. Reread the first couple of paragraphs from Kelly’s intro to Week Four on p.76 concerning people-gods. Then, look up Phil. 1:9-10 and read it together. How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them? This came after I did the video: We did something in our small group that I found very encouraging. We shared some examples from our personal lives of idolatrous relationships that, with God’s intervention, actually transitioned into healthy relationships. These transitions are often rare because the relationship was fed by the idolatry and often can’t exist without it. Have any of you experienced one of those wonderful occasions when a relationship endured that positive transition? If so, share it!
4. Lastly, review p.87 and reflect on the whole Leah and Rachel madness. Reread the bold-print section at the top of the page. What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?
I’m so honored to study with you, Sisters! Keep it up! We’re halfway through our summer series and God is faithfully keeping us from falling!
I love you dearly,
Your Very Own Mama Siesta
PS – Don’t forget that comments are meant for after your gatherings, if you don’t mind! Thanks, Siestas!
I’m not in the study (can’t find a book and haven’t been a Siesta long enough to get involved online)so I feel a little bit like a kid watching all the other kids playing a game and can’t get in. Sounds like I’m whining, I’m not! I have loved the little bit that I have been in on and can hardly wait to get my own book!
Thanks for keeping those of us who are on the outside looking in from feeling like we’re not included.
Oh, and Beth, you have beautiful hair. I would never call you a “hairatic”.
Girlfriend you just make me laugh! I love you so much!! So where in the world did you get those curlers? I have yet to lay eyes on anything like them and frankly I think it’s just what I need. ;o)
I loved the video. It tooks me 30 minutes to watch it because my internet is soo slow here in nepal.. but I could not help but laugh my head off. It is so nice because although I am not able to do the study living in nepal I could not get to book to feel apart of a huge community of Siestas. Sometimes it gets very lonely being blonde haired and blue eyed english speaker in a world of brown eyed brown skinned nepalees 🙂 I loved the hair comments. I laughed so hard because it is monsoon season righ tnow and we are out of water.. so we shower maybe every 5 days– but you really cannot do anything with your hair because in monsoon season it pours all the time.. so my hair is angry and confused ! Thanks for the video and I love reading you guys comments.. it makes me feel like I am meeting with all my siestas
Hey… that was my hair clip!!!! Yea for ponytails!!!! I am laughing… the best part of summer ponytails is teaching your daughters you can just flip it up wet and clip it too! I love teaching the next generation!
I loved having my daughter read the book and share my faith and maybe not my mistakes. How I wish I had known the bad places that idols will take you… all the time not even knowing all I longed for was the God standing by my side and the best love this world has to offer!!!!
I am so glad our church discovered this book and read it, it is so fun that you are putting it nationwide… so many chances to get out or to be wise and not to make the same mistakes!!!
We love you Beth and LPM!!!!
🙂 Kimberly in CA
So glad you noticed that tiny little detail, Leanne! I had to practice that. And as you can clearly tell, it was the only part I DID practice. Heehee.
Redeemed, you are a HUGE part of this! So glad you’re checking in. Everybody’s welcome! No such thing as an outsider to anyone who wants to be part of a community of Godly encouragement. We love you already.
The Journey Continues ~
I decided to wait a bit to add my comments. Last time we met, I received a message from someone saying ” Beth told you not to comment until Tuesday” I was mortified and then laughed out loud!
Hair is such a woman thing. My husband continually tells me ” Why don’t you just shave it off and then you won’t have to worry about it” Ummmmmmm… I might have to go buy one of those bald rubber head wigs and ” surprise” him with it the next time we have company! HAHahaaaaaa
I love my Siesta’s
Beth (Teacher) Amanda (Heart)
Melissa (Cook)!
With “Heaven Bound” blessings and hair beyond your wildest dreams! 🙂
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Here is Va, we had THE.BEST.MEETING last night. This week we had to meet a day early so we didn’t have discussion points, but it doesn’t matter because we started by inviting God into the discussion and He showed up. One of our group members grew up unchurched and has been really seeking the last couple of years.
Last night she asked what it actually means to be “saved” and we pulled out Romans 10:9 and she started to cry and said “I believe that!” Today she is finding herself overwhelmed with the love of Jesus as she goes through her day.
So exciting!
Redeemed come on over and play with the other Solo’s at
http://forums.prospero.com/siestas/start
Come check out the blog – some wonderful siestas from all over and getting connected. Tonight we are doing our chat from 8 to 10 EST! We’d love to see you there!
I had an “ah-hah” moment with recognizing Satan using truths but not complete and total truths!
Big Hair Reigns:)
Beth, you just crack me up! Hairatic, that’s hilarious!! I recognized that red can with the perfect hand placement! I’m not doing the study because I couldn’t get the book in time but I love reading the blog and feeling a part of the siestas.
Lynn in AB
Dear Beth,
Your video #3 brought tears and then laughs at the end. Thank you for your transparency and for your gift of joy through Jesus. I’m going solo because of travel but am loving every minute. I have been a victim of a sister’s jealousy (ironically, a sister 7 years older … the amount of time Jacob had to work, and ironically, my first name is Leah) all my life beginning as a toddler until godly counseling (actually Jesus!!!) freed me from the umbrella of condemnation. I can certainly relate to the fear that those idols produce. I love the Phil. 1:9- 10 scripture in context with our study.
I can’t relate to the ponytail as I’ve always had a lower hair neckline (self-concious of it:( but love the big roller clips. I use hot rollers all the time to straighten and smooth my humidity-driven hair.
I’m making Melissa’s banana pudding reipe this evening for a neighbor who is sick. Her family will love it!!
Love from Atlanta!!
Beth and dear Siesta’s I am really going through some things right now, so please pray for me if you read this comment. I’m not whining, just asking for a little lift! Thank you Beth for giving us a place to grow and laugh and cry and praise!!! Anyway, question # 1 is easy cause it’s one I still fall for nearly everytime…
“Yes Judy, God said to cast your cares on Him, but you have to show some effort in this as well. He has to know your trying, not just expecting Him to save you”.
#2 Not uncoincedently (is that a word?) my envelope and question #1 go hand in hand… And in my hand is the envelope containing my family. I tend to micro-manage everything. I need to let God be God and allow Him to woo them how He needs to. His way, not my way!
#3 I’m actually watching both my daughters go through this as I write. It’s very difficult and I’ve had to lay down some ground rules. Needless to say I am not very popular right now and will most likely be losing one girl. On the bright side, our God is good and He has promised me it will only be for a season. I’m praising Him through my sadness cause He is so worth it!!!
#4 Fighting so desperately to hold on to something I never even had in the first place – the result was I made a fool of myself, I was exhausted and felt like an idiot!
I love you all so much! I’m so glad we get to spend eternity together!
Judy
Dear Beth,
As a faithful Siesta reader, I do want to let you know that I’m praying for you! I’ll be in Minnesota this weekend with a bunch of girlfriends for Living Proof. We’ll have big, sexy hair, too, but it’ll probably be frizzy with the midwest humidity. Anyways, may Jesus bless you with a fresh annointing!
Love,
Kath in Wisconsin
I am a new siesta and was too late to get in on the study but am so looking forward to Esther! Girls, I’m in a battle. I hear God calling me to get a bunch of junk from my past out in the open with my husband but I am so fearful of confrontation. I think that I’ve made having peace in my marriage an idol. Please pray.
Hi Beth,
I have recently happily stumbled upon your blog. I am currently reading your book To Live Is Christ.
I have a question for you. I am dealing with a forgiveness issue. I have taken it to God many, many times and have to see the person who caused the pain next week at a wedding. My question for you is when you forgive someone can the pain caused by the person still linger? Will it go away. I have been on an emotional roller coaster with this issue for far too long. I have begged God to take the pain away. I have thought I have forgiven this person, but this stuff just keeps coming back to me.
We had 4 in our group today–2 were out of town. The discussion was fabulous. We went back to 2 Chron. and listed all that Hezekiah did to fortify God’s Kingdom with truth, both the defensive and offensive measures. He ended by speaking encouragement–out loud–to all his captains and armies. Love it! We talked about the need to speak truth out loud.
After all the nasties Sennacherib tried and the taunts he spoke, then Hezekiah and Isaiah cried to the Lord, another “out loud” speech. In one verse following, God sent his destroying angel and the troops and foul liar who taunted were gone. Gone. One verse. That’s all the truth it really takes to get rid of the idols and lies, and things that are true, but not truth. Let go of the envelope and just mail it and the answer is always there.
Hallelujah!
We all watched your video and got a huge laugh out of your hair tips…..we love it that you “hair” about us.
Our conversation was wonderful. The basic points we came away with were:
1. So many times we’re all thinking the same thing and just too afraid to say it.
2.I’m not the only one who has “stuff” I’m too embarrassed to share right now concerning areas where I’ve misplaced my trust in the wrong things and made idols out of them.
3. We all feel like, or have felt like, Leah’s.
4. When we hear God, we wonder if it’s really God we’re hearing.
5. True statements and truth…..loved that analogy.
6. We hold on to lots of “envelopes” when we shouldn’t.
7. We decided that the way to avoid desperation and settling for crumbs was to pray for God to continually show us areas where we are lacking faith or are acting desperate and pray, pray, pray the Word right back to Him. Those are the words that will never fail us.
Ok….I died laughing about the hair!! I’ve just been thinking about how much I need a new “do”…however, I’ve had the same one for so long I’m not sure where to go. Please let me explain as I’m serious about this and desperately need some help here! I have straight, long hair. I don’t use hair products. At. All.
When you have recovered and gotten yourself up off the floor, please let me say that my hair is crying out for somebody to rescue it!! I need to have hair that is easy to maintain as I am a housewife and homeschool 4 kids under the age of 8! Yet, the easiest thing to do after I wash it is to throw it in a ponytail or slap on a headband and GO (and don’t even get me started on make-up)! I have no idea what “volumizer”, “serum”, or a “straightener” mean and my husband of almost 10 years had no idea I owned a hair dryer until I brought one out for the refrigerator repairman to use for defrosting the freezer last year!
If anyone can help me, I’d so appreciate it. You can send me a comment on my blog if you wish or better yet…come guide me to a beauty salon and initiate me into all of this.
My hair is desperate and is begging you for help from the bottom of its roots!!
tulip in Idaho
Ok…now that I’ve gotten all that “hair” business out of the way, I must say that I’m so sad I’m not involved in this particular study. It sounds so wonderful but I’m in the middle of moving this summer and schooling my kids at the same time. Something had to give but I feel so left out!
Also, Miss Star is BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you so much for sharing her with us!
In Christ,
tulip in Idaho
Hi Miss Beth,
I am not technically able to be “in on” this Bible study, as the Lord gave me the opportunity to go back to my former university to renew my teaching license this summer, by taking 2 three credit graduate level courses.
However, the reason I cannot join Y’all in the homework parts of this study is that each of these 2 courses only run for 3 weeks, and would normally take 16 weeks to cover during a “normal” semester course.
So, maybe I will get to come back to this study later on… But, I have been enjoying your mini lessons, including your hair tips! Even up here in Wisconsin, my poor hair gets pony tailed almost every day now, as the humidity has gone up again, and is supposed to be hot and humid all week long… And, mind you, I do know that there is a HUGE difference between Wisconsin’s hot days and Houston’s boiling hot days [after living there for 8.5 years prior to 2004], but the hair still goes limp on me here, too.
I am trying to work on my “Patriarch’s study” every now and then, though, [so I can stay “grounded in His Word} when I force myself to get away [even for a little while] from the tremendous amount of homework, papers, and presentations that we are required to do in these grad. classes. However, course 1 is finished, so now I only need to deal with my second class, but the homework is much more intense for this one. Boo!
But, I know that the Lord wouldn’t have given me these opportunities to take the classes if He didn’t have His hands “all over it”, so I am just trying to learn as much as I can, then when my brain “shuts down”, I just beg Him for some more of His dunamis strength and wisdom… Because, without Him, I know that I could never do this stuff!
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On another note, my family & I could really use all of Y’all’s prayers tomorrow, July 16th, please. It would have been my parent’s 48th wedding anniversary and my dear Daddy’s 78th birthday, but the Lord took him Home to be with Him in late March of this year. So, we are already feeling the effects of deep sadness that would have normally been a very joyful time in our lives.
And, to make things even more interesting, I have to finish up and do a 30 minute long + interactive presentation with my classmates tomorrow, too, and still have to write it up nicely. Although, I did actually finish my Power Point presentation [It is only the 2nd one that I’ve ever created by myself]. But, I did add on one page to it; I put in one of the nicest pictures that my Dad & I have ever taken together in my adult lifetime, and put it in there and have dedicated it to his memory, and am even daring to put in “Thank you for sharing your love, and faith in Jesus with all of us. I miss you so, but look forward to seeing you again in Heaven someday!” on the right hand side of this PP slide. I just couldn’t help it. He was such a loving, caring, quiet man who shared Christ’s love every day of his life.
Please pray for refreshment of my mind, body, soul and spirit so that I can finish this work, as right now, I am simply exhausted [but that might have something to do with my staying up until 2 a.m. working on the Power Point stuff]…
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I’d better get back to my studies now!
Lots of love and hugs to you all,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
P.s. I am going to try out the Chicken Spaghetti tonight for supper with my Mom, though!
Great video….I have very confused hair!!
Our study this a.m. went very well. Lots of discussion on the questions, as well as some other readings that struck us. We are loving this book and it is showing us so much about the little idols in our lives that we are not aware of. I have a controlling personality, so I could relate to some of the stuff that Rachel did. The best part though was realizing we set people up as our idols. I so did that with my exhusband…I wanted him to fulfill all my missing needs and voids. Almost did it with this one, BUT GOD!!!
Keep up the great work Mama Beth..we love you and are praying for you. Looking forward to the next two weeks.
Blessings from the Bible Bunnies in MI.
Hi Beth,
I just had to say I laughed out loud when you had us say out loud “I am a hairatic”, and that you “hair”….Now I will walk around with a silly smile all day !
I am unable to do the summer bible study, but I have truly loved watching and reading how the Lord is blessing and teaching the women, and I have been able to glean some of the growth just by reading what God is doing in their lives. luv you all…Cindy
I’m already doing a Bible study this summer, so I can’t do the one on-line but I so love hearing from Mama Siesta via video!! And having naturally curly hair in humid Maryland, I SO appreciate the hair care tips. I agree with Leanne, well done with the hand placement! But I couldn’t read what kind of mousse to use…
Hi Beth,
I’m also going solo and get this keeping UP!! I’m the biggest Bible Study drop-out. This study I’m really relating too. I’m finding out that I have been worshiping of gods (like quilting)
Thank You Liz
I’m still waiting for my book to arrive! 🙁 I guess it’s shipped, but not here yet. They were on backorder when I ordered it.
I’m gonna be so far behind!! I did the first session that I could get off of the computer, but I’m behind on the rest.
Pray for patience for me, if you would! 🙂
Oh my goodness. I am not doing this study but peek in here now and then. JUST THIS MORNING I realized that there is a very fine line between love and idolatry. My case being with my 19-year-old daughter…she’s playing in dangerous territory and I am having such a hard time giving her up to God. I realized this morning that I am obsessing on her and losing my focus on Jesus! And then to come on here and see this! Ok, God…I get it! Please help me with my unbelief!
You guys are a blast….happy summer!
I am doing the study via email with a siesta named Marcia. We have so enjoyed getting to know each other (over 20 emails later!) and discussing our answers and asking questions as they come up. I must admit that I am surprised how open we both have been about our idols. It can be such a personal subject.
We discussed the difference between true versus truth and how it feels to be unloved by someone you wanted to love you. Thank you for your guidance!
Dear Beth,
you absolutely crack me up! I am a hairetic as well, my stylist says our changes every 7 years, well I am going through the change AGAIN!
Can’t do a thing with it…
Star is adorable next only to the black boxer puppy (Rocky) my granddaughter just got. He has stolen all our hearts.
thank you so much for you love for us and for Jesus, yo are an inspiration, looking forward to your simulcast up here in Ohio.
Beth,
Since we are on vacation in Morro Bay, CA, my mom and I decided to go to Starbucks and pick up something to drink then we headed to the bluff overlooking the ocean and did our Bible study there. We had a really good discussion and had lots of fun; although I wish I had my hair in a ponytail because it was windy. My mom had on a baseball cap! 🙂 Right before we left the bluff, we saw two dolphins jumping the water. It was a really cool way to end our Bible study!
Love,
Taylor and Sue from Visalia, CA
All 4 questions were very thought provoking. I tried to find a way to sum up all 4 questions with one answer. After many years of trying to solve all of life’s problems on my own & many situations in my own personal life I didn’t think I could get through, I now turn to Jesus Christ, Our Heavenly Father, and the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5 speaks volumes to me. I am trying to live the rest of my life here on this Earth by these words and see everything here as a “blessing” and a “bonus” until the Lord Jesus Christ returns! I hope these words will be a blessing to others.
You absolutely crack me up!! Would you be my best friend?! 🙂
I too am going solo and will continue to log on as anonymous because of fear and shame. I have been a part of this blog since the beginning. I know that God is doing something wonderful in my life But I will not put myself out there in groups because I do not want to reveal too much of my past.
Is this an idol? Most definately.
I am coming face to face with issues and look to God to Guidance.
Thank you siestas for letting me be a part.
I heard this song my Ross King sunday and this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thought I would share it with all of you.
(sorry for the length)
by Ross King
Unplowed Ground
It’s drier here than every I remember,
The fields that once were green and tall are now so bare.
And patience for relief has turned to anger
And joyous praise has been replaced by faithless prayer.
I used to love to tend these fields for hours
And even times of drought would only serve to spur me on.
But now ti seems like years without a shower
And somehow my desire to grow has come and gone.
This was the word to Jeremiah, but I think it applies to me right about now…
Break up your unplowed ground, and turn your heart to Me again.
Lay all your idols down; come confess your sin.
I long to ease your pain and bring your fields to life once more,
But I will not send My rain until you make Me Lord.
A vineyard ripe with blessing now surrounds me,
And every harvest so much more than I hoped for.
But as the fruit increases all around me,
I see how fat I am and I’m still wanting more.
This is the word God gave Hosea, but I think it applies to me right about now…
Break up your unplowed ground, have you so soon forgotten Me?
I cannot watch you bow at the altar of prosperity.
I long to shower down and see our love affair restored.
So break up your unplowed ground; it’s time to see the Lord.
Habits turn to cycles turn to seasons,
And seasons turn to years before we know.
And we lay still alive but barely breathing,
And we whisper, “That’s just the way it goes…” but the Lord says No.
Break up your unplowed ground and you will find a treasure.Sell everything you own to buy what can’t be measured.
I long to lay you down in richer fields than you have known.
So break up your unplowed ground and make this land your home.
Hey yall!!!
Okay lots to answer
1..For me satan always attacked the fact that I was adopted. And that is true, but he used that to make me feel unwanted and unlovable and incomplete, I took that as truth for a long time, Until I heard what God had to say.
2..my envelope I hold onto is simply my heart. I want God to shape it and change and even break it if need be, But really I have a good hold on it, that keeps things from getting to deep.
3..I talked about this a bit ago in my blog. I think we can get really caught up in wanting what “she” has. But we are only wanting their victories. Do we want to be Beth Moore, well are we equipped to go through what she has gone through, because that is why she is all she is. God calls us to live our story not long for ones he wants to use to encourage us. I used to drain the life outta every friend cause I wanted to be anyone but me, Now I am so thankful for my story.
4..I gotta think about this one some more
one big AAAAWWWWWWWW for Star.
love you beth. ~janel
Beth,
I loved the video and wouldn’t you know I have hair issues right now. You are so good to cover the name up on the one product. You are such a blast.
Our group tonight was so much fun and some very truthful discussion. Times where we settled for crumbs over God’s best. We discussed your questions about holding on to the envelope. We talked about how we want things to be and even though we have prayed we at times as tried to help God out and take things into our own hands. One member said that God was showing her this picture of a force field that we keep around us that could be , control, unbelief, fear in what God’s way out may be or fear of what is God’s answer for us. This force field is keeping God’s answers and His best from us. We could picture the scene from Independence Day that the aliens had around their ship to protect them. We agreed how sad it was that we would keep God away and not trust Him.
Great Bible study night. We had 2 at my house and 2 on speaker phone. It was like we were all together.
Have a blessed week Siestas.
Much Love,
Patty
the most interesting comment that got made tonight was one woman who said her biggest “people idol” could be found in the person of her 25 year old self (she is currently 38) that girl who used to could eat and not have to work to burn it off.
Our group of 3 homeschooling momma’s and our 7 very active kiddo’s met this morning. They had a blast swimming and playing while we had a really wonderful time sharing our thoughts from this study.
We weren’t able to get together last time because of illness and going out of town so we did all four weeks today.
So much of this study is just hitting each of us in a HUGE way. The one thing we really talked about was how Satan will tell us what is true, but never tells us the truth.
For me, I just wasn’t sure how exactly I could apply that to my life- then I read Kelly’s examples!! Not knowing how it applied to me was a lie! Her examples are my current life. The financial situation and my relationship with my husband. When I read what she wrote – I only wished that it had been written in hot pink because who doesn’t like a hot pink, flasing neon sign to let you know what is going on in your life!
What envelope do we hold onto? We each were in agreement that the one thing we hold onto is the need to control everything and have an appearance of perfection and having it all together. When in reality at home we have nothing in control and we are just normal imperfect people.
We also discussed Rachel and Leah. What struck us the most was how they each had what the other wanted but neither was happy. How often are we unhappy in our situation (whatever it may be) and look at a friend who seemingly has everything you want and seem so happy. When in reality they are often just as unhappy. We look to our kids, our husbands, friends to fill needs that they just can not fill. Christ alone is who can.
Thank you Beth for taking the time to put this together. We are loving it and this study is EXACTLY what we need to be doing. I must admit there are times where it is so honest and hits on such a level I have to step away and then come back to it.
Beth ,
Ya wanna know how God answered my prayers last nite ? ( ” Yes ” says Beth Moore )He knows I am so very worn out from having nightmares most nights , to the point that sometimes I dread going to sleep. So … last nite after I switched off the lamp on my bedside table , I asked our Heavenly Father if He would please let me dream about something pleasant , something good , or fun , and not to have nightmares. WELL , … hehehe .. in my dreams last night , you & I were doing conferences together ( You were giving of course and I was on the receiving end ) but we got to go shoe shopping and you selected MY fave pair of dress shoes in my fave color of olive green ! They were COOL shoes ! And we were on our knees alot. I’m sorry to say it wasn’t in prayer though , but we had a toddler with us that you were babysitting ; ) ! It was great fun and when I woke up and remembered asking DAD for GOOD dreams , my heart felt so warmed. Who better to dream being with ?!
Your the best. And hil-hair-ious too.
Love to all – Beth , the Siestas , Amanda , Lissa , all the LPM staff and TRAVIS ! : )
Loving this study and Beth’s summer tips… Really needed them earlier because I need some “Hair-apy” since I’ve been torturing my hair with COLOR TREATMENTS! Crazy, Crazy, Crazy…
Our meetings are so good. We have the chains falling off of us, Bless the Lord.
We meet at the forums and discussion is tricky.
Tonight – I added the last day’s exercise as our sign off – (p. 95) I asked the ladies to share their insights from Colossians 3:16 at sign off:
Here is what we got:
1. (From meria) verse 4-When Christ who is our life,shall appear,then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Then it will not matter what you are wearing
just Who we are with-well glory!
2. (katydid) I got the set your mind on God. I also got that most important piece of clothing to put on was LOVE.I also see that I am “the elect of God”, holy and beloved,and I am to put on love which is the bond of perfection. v.15 “let the peace of God rule in your hearts” and be thankful.
3. (Diginee) Michelle (and all) – my impression from Colossians — gotta stay “clothed” – – –
4. (4sbelle) I read NIV and NLT…I got the set your mind on God. I also got that most important piece of clothing to put on was LOVE.
5. (CarolinaNina) (1.) Set (action word) your hearts on things above
(2.) Put to death everything that belongs to your earthly nature
(3.) Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
And my own:
6. (Michelle.Bentham)
I will share three things from my three different readings…
1. (NIV) I must set my heart on Christ – in Him I find my life.
2. (NKJV) God’s Word brings wisdom, teaching and admonishment.
3. (AMP) Seek the Rich ETERNAL Treasures over the temporary earthly ones…
I also got that “I am the elect of God” like (katydid) when I read the NKJV.
We found most of us were holding onto the envelopes of control and expectation. And one of our ladies, (katydid), commented “I’m really beginning to understand why we need to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”” – Oh Amen, Amen…
Beth, this is something so vital to us – we are all changing a little each time we meet.
I will close by sharing my own insights from Philippians 1:9-10 – “knowledge and depth of insight as well as discernment all comes from the Holy Spirit – unless I am digging into God’s Word and keeping the cross steadily between the people I care about and I – trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance I run the risk of messy entanglements…”
Thanks so much Beth and all the sweet siestas I offer you some internet ((HUGS)) Until we meet finally in San Antonio… NOG ON, sweet ladies, NOG ON!
Blessings.
Beth, I love your advice to all of us! You’re a trip. We’re a group of 5 moms, all with young children. We’ve gotten deep and honest with each other and we’re loving it! Tonight we talked about how expectations placed on us, whether by ourselves or by other people, drive us to desperate actions and prevent us from feeling the freedom that Christ offers us. We bind ourselves to living out these “good” expectations, rather than experiencing God’s truth. That led us to discuss the expectations we place on our children. We expect perfect behavior and we are embarrassed when our child acts like ***gasp!*** a child. How are we binding up our children in our expectations? How does our idolatry of our children affect them? It’s definitely not good, for them or for us.
Isn’t it funny how we leave the salon and love our hair, but when left to our own to recreate the “do” it never works. Maybe we don’t take the painstaking time to dry each strand with the roundbrush, or perhaps we substitute the recommended products with cheaper products that we think will do the job. But it just doesn’t end up the way it was designed. Kind of like our relationship with God. We know what the design should look like, but we take shortcuts or look for the cheaper products and expect the same results.
Here’s to great hair and more idols being laid at the feet of our ULTIMATE STYLIST!
Our Southern California group enjoyed this session especially Col. 3:17 and a discussion about Rachel, Leah, and the handmaids. Your “hairetic” was great.
I’m not able to participate in the study, but I do my best to watch the videos and read people’s responses to the questions. I hope you’ll do this again.
Our group met in Radford, Virginia tonight….Sharon, Connie, Lisa, Nikki, and Melanie. I’m the normal facilitator and I dialed in from vacation in Daytona Beach…I just couldn’t miss being with my girls!
1.Man we have all bought some lies that Satan has put out there. For me it was the lie that the world is so much more fun than God. I’ve been a Christian since I was a little girl. Both my grandfathers, my Uncles, and my brother are ministers. I put God on hold through my teenage years and early twenties opting for the worldly “freedom” in false gods. Now I know the truth “THERE IS NO HIGH LIKE THE MOST HIGH”!
2. Sharon shared that she hangs on to “worry” and that it’s hard to let go of.
4. Connie shared that she could sympathize with Leah…that she had felt like if she could just be a better house keeper…be more loving…etc…. that her husband would be happy….but there was always something else. And each time she settled for less and less. Now she defines herself by Christ and His love.
Love to all the siestas!!!
Pam
Mama Beth,
Do you have any hair suggestions for those of us with short hair…I mean I don’t wear a pony tail..although I have done the small clip thing in the front…I won’t tell you what my poor hair goes through some days…well I look forward to those. But for now I must get in chat via email with my group.
love you
It’s three hours after we started. And, honestly, we could have talked for many hours more. We aren’t even doing dinner, only dessert. Tonight it was Janet’s homemade rhubarb pie with ice cream. Oh my! Veronica said it wasn’t an idol for her….but she reaaaaaallllllllly loves rhubarb pie.
We watched the vid of the Big **** Hair instructions and laughed our heads off, cuz Heidi came with a baseball hat on!!!
But then we seriously talked about how we want to be trusting God for some things. One of us of our husband’s salvation. One of us for our husband’s idols. One of us for the acceptance of others at any cost. One of us for resentments, mostly against our husband. A theme seemed to emerge that we might all be dealing with stuff that is not unique to just “me”. The blog entry you read on your video, resonated with our little group of five. We think maybe we, each of us, have something that we think, no one could love us if only they knew….
We are trusting that God will use our pasts and grow us from here, because we so want Him to and we know we can’t do it on our own. We read Exodus 14:14. “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” We’re hanging on to some pretty big envelopes, Beth. Some we couldn’t even talk about.
Some of this study is painful. It’s showing us some stuff about ourselves we would just as soon not have to face. But Glory to God, we are willing!!!
Melana in Wyoming
I am so happy to share that tonight, our handful has grown to two handfuls! There were six of us tonight.
I’ll let Melodee (Ezra’s mom, if you read my blog) sum up the evening: She went to the North Pole in Colorado Springs and got on a ride with her two sons–terrified of heights and picturing their falling to their death from 40 feet in the air.
Then her son said how relaxing it was to see everything that God made. She then took a hold of herself and enjoyed the view, but had missed seeing the trees. She said they rode the ride a second time and this time she enjoyed herself.
She said, “I had to get my eyes off the ground and my thinking about falling, so I could see the trees.”
How many times do we miss out on what God wants to show us for looking at the ground in fear? Good words, Melodee!
you have been eating too much corn, beth! 🙂
HAIR!
“I want it long, straight, curly, fuzzy
Snaggy, shaggy, ratty, matty
Oily, greasy, fleecy, shining
Gleaming, steaming, flaxen, waxen
Knotted, polka-dotted; Twisted, beaded, braided
Powdered, flowered, and confettied
Bangled, tangled, spangled and spaghettied!
Doing the bible study and it is very good! comments on the questions to come!
Anonymous – (Comment 45) you are not alone… I lived in fear and regret and shame for many years. My goal was, as Beth says it, “TO KEEP THE MONSTER DOWN…” But that didn’t help, and to be honest with you – and you will have to figure out how this works for you between you and God – but that Monster did not stay down and it was not until I opened that closet door and let all those hidden, secret skeletons come rattling on out that I found myself free – It is so hard to share the deepest most shameful secrets of your life with someone and trust them not to judge and condemn you. But, when you find that person you can trust with your deepest and loneliest pain – you will find freedom.
Christ set you free, you must allow His forgiveness and His atonement to be credited to your account. If someone made a deposit in your bank account (like Christ did in our heavenly account) but you never “appropriated” the deposit by adding it to your ledger that deposit would not be a benefit to you. 1 John 1:9 says to confess our sins and those shameful things of our past and He is faithful and just and (has already) forgiven those things and CLEANSED US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. You don’t have to walk around in fear, regret and condemnation – pour it all out to Him, honey, He already knows and He is just waiting for you to trust Him enough to let Him walk you out of it. Romans tells us there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
He loves you so and so do we! Blessings.
We are checking in as yet another group in Colorado Springs and wanting to let you know we had an amazing time tonight with four of our six present. It was one of those God nights when I think we all showed up feeling a little stepped on and immediately admitted to one another that we just REFUSED to answer some of those questions of Kelly’s!
To wrap up our evening together, however, we want all of the other siestas out there to REALLY AND TRULY understand just how much Jesus wants our very all. As a group of ladies who have been married, some of us more than once, and all of us in situations at one time or another where the word “adultery” really means something to us…that heart wrenching, deep in the pit of our stomach…”means something”…we were absolutely overcome tonight with just exactly how Daddy feels when we put him aside for other idols. Beth…we just had to ask ourselves this question…with this new understanding…does that mean at this time that , yes, maybe even THAT experience had purpose…to bring us to this place with Him tonight that we would NEVER, EVER have really understood fully until now. Hmm. Sorry we all left a little more somber…but yet rejoicing in HIS MIGHTY LOVE for us! He is our ULTIMATE THING!!! Yes, ma’am.
By the way…we appreciate the “sexy” cover up as well! You are just a little too funny. How do you pull this off weekly with a straight face? We are beginning to think you are more serious than we would like to believe!
Wendy…for the “other” group in Colo. Springs