Can you believe our final gathering has arrived? The summer flew by, didn’t it? As I told you in this video, you’ll make your usual comments to this entry after your gatherings but watch for a final roll call one week from today. I’m going to ask every single INDIVIDUAL (each solo participant or member of a group) who completed all her homework to sign in with her first name and location NEXT TUESDAY. You’ll recall that we did this as we launched the study and we’ll do it again next Tuesday to give a shout-out for those who made it to the last page. (No condemnation to the ones that didn’t! These kinds of disciplines can be extra challenging in the summer which is precisely why we did this.) Because we want to set up as many people as possible for victory, we’re putting off the roll call for one week to offer a little grace period to finish. You can do it!
OK, so here are our discussion questions or statements for our final gathering:
One from Week Seven:
1. On the bottom of p.148 and in the context of promised blessing, Kelly writes, “Sometimes the Lord immediately replaces what we have left [as in, said good-bye to], and other times we are left feeling empty for a time.” At several very important seasons of my own life I believe God deliberately let me feel that empty space for a while before He filled it…even with Himself. If you’ve had a similar experience, share it and discuss what purpose God might have had in it.
This line of discussion also brings to mind the segment of Jeremiah 15:17 that Kelly shares on p.167 in Week Eight: “I sat alone because Your hand was on me.” Keep in mind that God created each of us to be a very plugged-in part of the Body of Christ. We were created for relationship but sometimes God draws us into a time of aloneness with Him so that He can work something IN US that He desires to later work THROUGH US. If you’ve had a season like I just described that had a pretty profound effect on you, share it briefly with your group.
The next three from Week Eight:
2. The intro to Session Eight was so powerful and dead on. Revisit the testimony about the married friend realizing she needed to get rid of the cards, letters and emails from the first guy she ever loved. Another friend shared a similar story with Kelly that she references on p.178. We can hang on to all sorts of things from the past besides old boyfriends and, often, until we really say goodbye, we can’t say hello to something wonderful God has for us. As Kelly’s been telling us for weeks, we’ve got to make ROOM. Discuss a time you came to a similar conclusion and acted on it. OR, if you haven’t let go of something but you know you need to, ask your group members to hold you accountable and pray for you to have courage to follow through.
3. I loved Day Three! Revisit Kelly’s first paragraph on p.173. What is the “bridge between the old and the new”? THEN, take a good look at Deuteronomy 6:23 in the margin of that same page and note Kelly’s abbreviation of it in the second paragraph: “He brought us out…to bring us in.” Girlfriend, that statement deserves an index card! Why is it so critical to keep that concept (not the index card but the abbreviation!) in mind?
4. The last two days of study out of the Book of Ruth were so good. Didn’t you love the last line of Ruth 1 (V.22) where we learn that Ruth and Naomi, devastated and grieved, entered Jerusalem, just “as the barley harvest was beginning”? Read John 15:8. As we draw our journey to a close, having moved out some idols to make room for Christ, encourage one another to believe God to move in powerfully and purposefully. Speak these words over one another, emphatically and with authority: “Your harvest is just beginning!”
As you conclude, please thank God for Kelly and pray His richest blessings over her.
I’m so proud of you, Siestas! Thank you for taking this journey in the Word of God with so many of your Siestas. We made it through the summer without a famine of the Word sending us into the emotional abyss! I sure love you.
Tags: Videos
Miss Beth,
This is not a post about the Bible study, but we just got home from vacation and Grace and I were looking at your pictures and Grace wanted me to ask if you were going to bring the puppies with you to the Siesta Fiesta. She thinks there as cute as anything. ;o)
Although I did not get to do the Bible study with you Siestas this summber, I did get it and am going to do it with my friend this fall. With all the comments I’ve heard from ya’ all I know it’s going to be good!
Blessings,
Kimberly
Beth,
I just wanted to drop a quick note and say that I am SO enjoying No Other Gods. I have found out I have gods that I had NO CLUE I had!!
I was in the middle of “Living Beyond Yourself” when this started and while I tried to do both at the same time I just couldn’t concentrate as well. So, I finished up the first and am therefore only on week 6 of this one. The thing that has been the most insightful thing to me so far is that any time you experience jealousy there is a false god involved. I have never really thought I was a jealous person but I have found a few thoughts enter my mind the past couple weeks and I have stopped and said “Wow, that was some jealousy – I have another false god I didn’t know existed!” Thanks for leading this study this summer – I wouldn’t have done this particular study had you not done this and I have learned much.
I am always amazed how every study I do God has something He wants to show me — what an AWESOME God we serve!! Thanks and while I can’t sign in next week saying I completed know that there is one gal in SD that will finish up this study in a couple more weeks!!
My dear friend and I are going to do the NOG study this fall, as well. It really hits on exactly what’s been on my heart. I wish I could have done it this summer but wasn’t on board the blog until late July. 🙂
My, My, My Thank you for reminding us that our time in God’s word “It’s never wasted” At almost 60 years of age- I many times think, God is wasting his time with me. I’m so slow in being transformed in this intense journey- What is wrong with me????? So thanks, for the kind encouragement and the two profound topics for discussion (with myself, I’m solo)- He brought us out to bring us in- we sometimes “stall” because we do not realize that the “bringing us in” is the next stage and “Your harvest is just beginning!” Oh what a wonderful concept- Lots of love and blessings to you and yours, and if you want me to donate additional kitchen items to your contest winners- I’ll be happy to contribute! The three H’s are “right on”- An appreciative friend in Christ- thanks so much, Beth
We did it!! Yea!!! Our Siesta Bible Study ended tonight (we had to meet one night early due to Back to School Night tomorrow night). We started with 4 Siesta and ended with 6 – WooHoo!
Tonight was a great discussion about the manna only lasting a season. God doesn't leave us in the desert – PTL! We all seem to be going through different deserts. But, each of us is trying to embrace this season & learn & grown in this season. Just like with Ruth moving into town right at the the barley season, and how she "just happened" to go to Boaz's field, and how Boaz showed up right at that time, God is in control. He will not leave us nor forsake us. He is so faithful!!
This has been an amazing study for me this summer! Thanks so much for giving us a way to stay in Bible Study over the crazy, hectic summer! Can't wait till Esther!!!
Just a quick request Beth – would you please leave the I-finished roll call post open for longer than a week? Our group is going strong but we began late. We will finish on Sept 2nd. (There are 6 of us). If you choose not to do that, it’s OK!!
I am so proud of all you girls who have been working toward your finishing study! Isn’t the Lord amazing in the words that He provides for us through others! I love all of you siestas!
-Susan Lowry
Beth…you gotta go see this pic…
it so reminded me of your "geli and star" stick story…
http://www.new.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=665654&op=1&aid=29031&auser=21870398393&id=21870398393&ref=mf#/photo.php?pid=665654&op=1&aid=29031&auser=21870398393&id=21870398393&ref=mf
I have recently (since Mr. Ed visited) started checking this site…I have also recently started your study “Believing God” as my own personal study. I don’t have the videos nor a group walking this path with me…Which brings me to why I felt led to comment here…God is doing this “Walk with Me alone, My child.” for, through, and in me right now. Because I don’t have to wait on others, I let God lead me as to how many studies I get in, in a day…a couple of days ago He took me through the entire week of “I am who God says I am” I further believe the reason for this was so that I would have the benefits of that study as a collective protective shield for the days that followed with out any room for doubt or self questioning…I had to absorb it all at once and He has allowed me to digest it and apply it over time as I continue on. I want to thank God for you, Beth, I often do, but know right now I am praying for you with praise of thanksgiving to the glory of our Father. Amen!
Beth, Last year I did 2 of your studies at my church, Daniel and (I can’t think of the name of the other one!!!) I have never followed through with any bible study in my life, I loved doing the homework, going to the study, everything. It actually changed my life. My husband even said I have acted differently since started the Beth Moore B.Sers. I am doing the NOG and my friend started it out with her daughter, and they quit after the first video, but I have been doing it everyday and watching every video. Thank you so much for caring about us women and our need to be with other women in God’s Word. I love you in Christ. Tracey
Thanks LPM for helping with all the bible study you all did great.The bible study was wounderful.You all are so very specail I think angels own earth. Many blessings to you & your till your in our Lord hands.Victoria Reidsville NC
Beth,
I have enjoyed this study and hopefully my group will be able to get together tonight. I have the chocolate reese cake made and a roast in the crockpot cooking.
This journey has been so timely and just like God! The God who orchestrated Ruth and Boaz to be in the same place at the same time put us together this summer to study NOG together.
Speaking of Ruth, this part of the study spoke to me, your harvest is beginning, for weeks and even months this is what God has spoken to me. It’s harvest time. You will eat the fruit of your labor; enjoy the blessing! God showed me in Ruth and Leviticus that after they reaped the first time they were not to go back over the field a second time but leave that for the poor and widow and fatherless. To me, when God blesses we are to share the blessing. Don’t horde it all to ourselves but share it with those who need help. I pray that as God blesses me I will be a blessing to others. To bear much fruit, that is my prayer.
Siestas, your harvest is beginning!!
May God richly bless Kelly and bring in a big harvest for her!!!
See you next week!!!
Hi Beth –
I am one of those who fell behind in my workbook, although I am doing it as my morning study. I probably needed it more than I knew but I went through a phase of ifnoring the better path with obeying God. Like with that paralyzed man, Jesus said, “Get up and take your mat.” I was still sitting on the floor, saying “Jesus I don’t really want to get up.”
I’m over that now.
I want to thank you for offering this and introducing Kelly Minter for those of us who had never heard of her.
God Bless,
M
Well, here we go. It seems odd being done, it feels like we just started! I’m gonna miss all of this! OK.
#1. March 1st opened a business. Prior to that I was on staff at my church and volunteering, alot. Once the business opened that was cut by 90% – all at once! I felt cut off! Then slowly God started talking to me (or maybe thats how I started listening)… Our Pastor had done a message on building altars where we were, good times and bad times, so I did (not literally). Let me tell you, Jesus showed up! My times with Him here at theses batting cages have been some of the best of my entire life.
#2. This sort of goes with question #1 cause I did have to give up one of my ministries and cut back on another – but it enabled me to focus on what and where He wanted me to be.
#3. The bridge is the desert. My desert was the batting cages at first. Now I see it was His way of getting me to this whole next stage of my life. I know what my purpose is that’s for sure! I’m the “pointer”… People come in and I point them to Christ through various websites, Bible studies, cool Chritian events like Spirit West Coast, the Harvest Festival, Youth Group, Scriptures, Churches…You name it! No really, if you guys know of some cool stuff name it for me so I’ll more to point at!
#4. I did love that the harvest was beggining but what I loved most was that we ended in Matthew with everything pointing straight to Christ! My heart just overflowed with emotion I thanked God for making His Word so alive…
And I thank you Kelly and you Beth… I love that I can point people to you and know that you will be pointing to our Precious Saviour.
In His Word and His Love,
Judy
Beth—You look so “soft” today…i know thats not a good description but you look so content, peaceful, calm, tender and just plain “soft” and i wanted to let you know….. Praise HIm!
Are you planning another study after this one? I am new to the blog so didn’t get a chance to do this one although I am in the middle of a fantastic one by Joanna Weaver but will be ready for a new one by the fall.
I must say, your kitchen gadget bit cracked me up!! I about died when you pulled you Croc from the Crock Pot!! You just are not right!!!
LOL—
Tree
The different stages of life have brought about many joys, but also many challenges I never expected to face. Tears will come to my eyes each week as I share in the Lord’s Supper. I have learned to cherish “moments” that I use to take for granted. I long for the day to be reunited with my Heavenly Father and when Jesus returns. Until that day, I want to grow deeper in my relationship with Him and applying God’s Word in my life.
I absolutely lost it over the crock in the crock-pot!
We made it to the end of bible study! Its bitter sweat! Im excited to see the impact this study has had on both me and everryone who did it! Beth, i cant even begin to tell you how much this study has meant to me and fellowship it has brought into my life her at home and on this blog! I love you tons!
Ps. im thinking about doing Beliving God this fall with the same group i did NOG with! im excited! im also doing Jameas Mcdonald and your study on easter this school year! Im way excited! Love you!
Beth,
I am one of those people who tends to facilitate/lead Bible study more than I just join for fellowship! I am sure you can relate. I had been heading up discussion at the Lifeway Forums and asked that one of the other ladies head up our discussion this week since I knew I would be in one of those moments where I just have to get on my knees before God.
I’m going to do this short – I did not(at least not yet) finish No Other Gods because for the last two weeks I have been knee deep in the Word developing my own lessons and curriculum for this fall. I had no idea how deep this curriculum would go when I agreed to do NOG – but God did. In brief, the curriculum I am working on is called, “Heart to Heart: A shared journey for grieving moms.” It is so amazing. In our training leading me to this one of the questions was what area of bondage do you think that your group will struggle with – and hands down I said, “Laying down idols.” Grieving moms can allow their hearts to make an idol out of their child. Oh, Beth – this study has meant so much to me. I even dealt with some of it.
I can now relate to you when you say in your teachings that you kneel before your keyboard typing out each word in tears and praising God for it. I am tearing up now. Thanks for hosting Siesta Summer Study for us. I will see you in a few days in San Antonio – and pray that I finish this because I so want to be on the roll call next week!
It wasn’t brief… Was it?
Love You.
May God be the Cheese in your Cake!!! This just cracked me up! I didn’t do this study with your gals because I am walking through Living Beyond Yourself with my sister-in-law. But I have still enjoyed watching your videos and thinking about the truths you present. Congrats to all who started all who finished and all those in between!
What an amazing study this has been!!! Thank you Beth for introducing us Siestas to Kelly. What a wonderful woman of God she is and oh, how I identified with her throughout this entire study. I am currently on week 7 but have been doing a few days at a time in order to catch up with you all. I will be finished by next tuesday.
So far, the thing that has hit me the most in this study is the idea that fear protects our idols and that we can easily fall into idolizing people (even godly people). I am convicted on many levels and am seeking to replace my idols with the one true GOD! He alone is worthy of all my adoration and devotion.
Thank you for the summer experience siesta mama!
Love ya!
My Sweet Siestas-
Congratulations! You made it! How good our God was to teach us so many wonderful things this summer. My favorite attribute of Him has been how very personal He is. How He knows exactly what I need to hear on exactly the right day. I’m just overwhelmed at how specific He is to me and to all of you. Praise Him!
Love to you all,
Nikki
I am so glad I kept on with this study even though I was a solo participant. I have determined to be EMPTY. Completely empty. I am determining that even for the Siesta Fiesta. I am coming empty. I don’t really know what that means except that I need my God so desperately to fill me with Himself.
Thank you for supporting me through this study. His Word is life-changing.
What a great study….I was right on course the whole time…your so right..it kept me in the Word until our Stepping Up study starts in Sept. Thank you.
What a great study this has been for us. Three of us finished together and 3 others dropped by occasionally.
We had much weeping today as the Holy Spirit reminded us of places where we emptied ourselves to make room for Him. One of us is in the empty place now. We prayed for her, and God showed another this sister as a large glass, being filled almost to the brink with an effervescent beautifully scented liquid, with just a little room for more. It was a great time of discussion and prayer for Kelly as well.
Afterward, we lamented not winning the “Croc” pot, the puppy cage, and especially the Cuisinart processor. We avoided two of the deadly “h’s” by first drinking cold water in an air conditioned room, then feeding ourselves with made to order omelets with Monterrey Jack cheese and fresh herbs from the garden (rosemary and basil), a salad of spinach and tomatoes, and chocolate chip scones and Kentucky derby pie.
Thank you for this summer study. It has been a blessing to each of us. We love you! Even if you have big hair and comedy that makes us groan. (There are groaners and knee slappers and you are in the groaner category without a doubt.)
eating my chocolate while I type…
#1)Well, I think I’m in the midst of feeling empty…I know something’s coming and I want it so bad. It’s very hard to be still and wait, especially when I don’t exactly know what I’m waiting for! Because of this, I put Jer 15:16-17 to memory. I gotta know there’s a reason for my aloneness sometimes.
#2)I went through a season where I threw away all my old Middle school yearbooks b/c they were holding too much over me. It was such a relief, though I admit to sometimes missing them. I’m sure there are more things to toss and as I uncover them, I pray for the strength to say “goodbye!”
3#)’To go in’ reminds me that something better; a land flowing with all good things (milk and honey) awaits me. I remember Heb.11:15…I don’t want to go back to captivity. I want to cross over and get to the good stuff!
#4)I LOVE how Kelly brought Ruth into the conclusion. I know I’ve never seen my journey as the ‘beginning of the harvest’ with a God as caring and loving (even more so!) than Boaz.
Father I do pray for an extra meausure of blessing on Kelly. Thank you for using her as a vessel of change in my life! May we all serve no other God but you!! “To him who is able to keep ME from falling and present ME before His glorious presence without fault and with great JOY, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen!”
love to you all,
rachel
Hi Spiritual Mom Beth!:)
It was Kassidy and I again, ’cause the other two are in “back to school” mode:)
1)Kassidy-Now, God has her in a time of waiting, trusting, dev. faith to believe that He can heal her, also perseverance. Her time of aloneness w/ God was when her dad died; and her husband nearly died from a gun accident.1 Pet. 5:10 Me-in the past, God let me feel emptiness over not having a boy’s attn (the want of a boyfriend) before filling me with Himself; My times of aloneness with Him for intens. care where the 1st few years after salv., my college exper., and now (ok, most of my saved life, LORD, help me!)
2)Kassidy-God dir. her to say goodbye to idolistic tend. to look to her husband to be her everything, when God is the only One to do that for her.me-God has dir. me in the past, and more recently to drast. cut my TV viewing, and sec. mag. reading.Kassidy wants acctblty to have a forgiving spirit, and I need acctblty to stay in God’s Word moreso than my extra studies-good vs. best.
3)Kassidy and I-He brought us out to bring us to Himself, to bring us into our promis. land where there is abundant life, more than a conqueror exis. with a focus to fight the good, noble fight of faith and finish well; to be content in whatever circ. that come (like Paul).
4)To bear much fruit means you are a disciple-ever learning and becoming more acq. with and knowing the LORD, glorifying Him Phil. 1:20 (AMP),Ps. 16:2; We had a good laugh over this: um, define “emotional abyss” b/c we’re not sure if we’ve been on the fringes of that or not:)
We sure love you too, and many ((HUGS)) to you, Spiritual Mom Beth:)(hopefully post is not too long:) God has used you to bless us so much!
katiegfromtennessee
P.S. my mentor and I fin. the Fruit of the Spirit study tod. too; we are planning on doing A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place nxt; God had done things that words cannot describe:) The English language is not adequate:); Oh, and that “Beth” puppet in the last video-too funny! I about cried I was laughing so hard:)Sorry, sorry, long post, I am done now…:)
After my last NOG session (it turned out to be solo 🙁 ), I also prayed for God’s richest blessings on you, too, Beth! And Melissa, thanks for taking the time to post such yummy recipes!
My first ever blog Bible Study was fantastic! Thank you for leading us through it! Looking forward to enjoying the harvest…
Beth I’m finished solo!!! This was fun…. Now that I’m in the habit I need to start a new study any suggestions?
Liz Hinze in Oregon where the weather is already changing.
I’m a NOG girl but I haven’t finished and won’t by next Tuesday. 🙁 Even though Mama Siesta says not to feel condemnation I feel let down that I didn’t finish. I’ll finish when everyone is having fun in San Antonio! Yeah.
What a great evening!!!!Rainy and cloudy, we lit a fire in the fireplace(electric is so cool!), lit a candle,played some music and drank coffee w/all our pretty colored chocolate M&M's and a snicker ice cream bar. Single bar. Calories divided among the sunset siestas. 🙂
Thank you for coming up with this crazeeee idea…it has blessed us all in so many unexpected ways. We have all done some housecleaning in our hearts and made more room for our ONE TRUE GOD. He has manifested his participation in our lives MIGHTILY. The four of us have learned more,shared more, committed more from this guilt-free, stress-free study. So much so, we will continue to meet on Tuesday nights.
One of our discussions led to what we expect from our jobs. To our amazement, the very things that we seek in our work environment were the attributes of God Almighty. Classic example of how we look to this world to fill our needs, when it is within our very nature to seek out the great things of God. We were blown away… How cool was that manifestation!!!
We are enjoying the beginning of the harvest and are eager, strengthened and prepared for the full harvest !
We loved the Siesta Summer Study!!!
Gaila, April, Ana, Suzie
The Sunset Siestas
Minneola, FL
Well, we all hate to see it end. What is it about a bible study that when it gets to the end, ya’ just want say “No, we can’t be done yet!”. Our group has varied from seven to four and everything in between, mostly due to vacations, sickness and an occassional “I forgot”! It’s been wonderful to be a part of something so downright useful. Each of us was able to see how we often substitute “things” for our God. We’ve gotten our toes stepped on and then bandaged up. God is good like that, isn’t He?
Question 1 so spoke to me personally. I went through a difficult time with the collapse of a friendship that led to a time of aloneness. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that relationship wasn’t good for me. God to end it abuptly which led to my dependence on Him. I didn’t know it at the time, buy my friend had become my idol. Bad move; lesson has been learned. God had to get me completely alone to get my attention. Then I could focus on Him, and not getting my needs met elsewhere.
Question 2 lead to discussion on things given up. One sister recounted how she hung on to memories of an old boyfriend and would fantasize about him whenever her marriage wasn’t going well. She was able to give that up and spend her energy on her marriage instead of a dream.
Question 3 reminded some of us of Priscilla Shirer’s message in Atlanta DS about the wilderness. We discussed how the desert is a place of God’s preparation and how we don’t stay there but we sure want to learn the lesson God has for us. This lead to a discussion on why we often don’t learn and have to “take another lap around the track” in hopes that we learn it the next time. When asked why in the world we fall for the same things, one friend replied “Well in the beginning it looked just a little bit different. And then suddenly you realize, it’s the same thing again!” We all had a good laugh but still agreed with her! :o)
And we all enjoyed telling each other that the harvest is just beginning. It reminded us of the 100-fold harvest you spoke on during the simulcast. It’s great the way God puts together His messages, isn’t it?
It’s been a great study. Thank you Beth for the brillant idea. And thank you Kelly for writing such a insightful and challenging study. Let’s do it again next summer!
Love ya’
Dear Miss Beth,
I have had a fun time with this Bible study this summer. I like being a “nog” especially because of the receipes. I think I will probably like the butterfinger cake the best. I left behind the tv show “hannah montana”.I haven’t watched it for a little over a month. It had become an idol but I am making room for God. I like your video about the oven mitt on the bike seat. Hope to see you at a living proof live!
Love,
Katie (9 years old)
“He brought us out…to bring us in.â€
We’re on a journey, Beth. We don’t want to continually look back to what was, thinking it’s better than what’s in store. We are on our way to the promised land! Ain’t nothin’ in Eqypt that’s better than that!!!
One of us shared about getting rid of the list of wrongs her husband had done. One of us shared how then ending of a relationship in the past, no longer caused pain, because it was the right thing to do.
We are all so grateful to have spent these 8 weeks with each other and in the WORD! It has been a richer summer because of it. We feel like there is another person who can keep us accountable. There’s 5 other sisters to go to, who know our struggles and yet won’t condemn.
There was good food, and a few tears along the way, but oh so much more rejoicing. I guess that’s what happens when you know, you’re loved by the God of the universe, the Ancient of Days, the Great I AM! And that He showed up in Melana’s living room every other week, is just beyond comprehension!!!!
Love you so much for asking us to join you in this journey, sweet Beth. And, we’ll surely be sporting some of those signs (The 3 Deadly H’s) when necessary! YO BOB!
Melana in Wyoming
The first comment was from my daughter…I just wanted to say thanks for suggesting this Bible Study this summer…I am thankful to Kelly Minter for being obedient to God in preparing this study in book form for all of us to study God’s Word..It was an awesome study…We really enjoyed it.
Love ya bunches!!!
Checking in from Monument:
We had a bit of a spiritual war going on tonight with my neighborhood group–hard to keep on topic. Distractions from the weather (wind and rain–are my windows open at home?), my kids, husband and even just work-related side tracks.
But the things that stirred in our group were on friendships and neighborhood things like Bunco, as one person shared–things that are good, but where we might not fit in and might not want to, as Kelly said.
Also, we discussed at length the desert seasons. That was an area, where God was really at work in our group tonight. I think that the one thing we have taken from this study has been making room and letting God fill it and going where He says (or staying!).
We’re planning on meeting monthly and praying and gathering more. Also we hope to meet like this next summer. Wanna tackle another summer Bible study? I would LOVE it if you did, Beth!!
Thank you so much for precipitating a wonderful summer time in the Word!
Love you so much,
Holly
Hey LPM,
We just finished session 7 tonight. So glad you’re waiting for us to finish, Beth. Our study is all the women in our family, and our sister-in-law from out of town was able to sit in on our study tonight. It was great to have her, and it’s been so special to see each other weekly. I hate I won’t see my siestas in San Antonio, but I’ll fiesta with you in my heart!
Beth-
Thank you for introducing me to God, first through Wednesdays w/Beth and now, this, my first ever Bible study. Who knew this would be a life changing summer? I can’t wait to find a church in my area that offers Bible study!
Thank you!
I HAVE to testify! I looked in the mirror and who did I see? My, it was Jonah, instead of me.AHHHHHH! This week I was called to service but I was making ALL KINDS OF EXCUSES of why I shouldn’t. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to serve but the timing was off…..next year would be better,I thought. So the WWF in me took up the fight w/God. YOU KNOW WHO WINS. God woke me every 2 hours for 2 days, calling me face down in tears, during my work week,( how inconvenient) until finally I shouted out at 3am I SURRENDER! In that moment peace and relief poured over me.
“My grace is sufficient”
“I will equip you”
“In your weakness, I am made strong”
“You are called to comfort”
This fall I will co-facilitate a grief support group w/my Husband whose name is Lord God Almighty. The NOG study prepared me for this moment. Thank you Beth and Kelly for being the vessels of God!
Great things He hath done!
Mama Siesta,
I’m checking in from Kenya, though I’m a little late. Our internet connection these days has been quite sketchy, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to reconnect with y’all. I cannot watch the video, as the connection is too poor, but not so poor as be disconnected altogether! We were in Ethiopia during the last nog time, so I was not able to check at all. So it’s good to touch base with everyone again.
First off, I have to say that my mouth has been watering intensely as I read the Monday recipe posts, and the recipes at the end of each chapter. Our food selection is not as grand here, so these days I have an intense craving for chocolate that has just had to be put aside!
The verse from Deuteronomy 6:23 hit me the hardest. He brought us out…to bring us in. As I set in a remote village in western Kenya, all things that I knew and clung to for comfort and otherwise have been removed. There’s not much of anything here that resembles comfort, other than the presence of the Holy Spirit, which, I’m am continuing to learn, is all the comfort I really need.
We are finishing things up here in Kenya, making sure that leadership is put in place and all things that have begun here will continue on by the locals after we have left. We return to the states in two weeks time, so I know that I need to prepare to go back, spiritually, emotionally and physically. He brought me out and has taught me some absolutely amazing things about His sufficiency and His grace; in two weeks He will bring me back in to share all that He has taught and done, that the body here and there might be edified.
I am reading a book right now that addresses this for me. It said, “God starts with unhealthy people and first helps them become healthier, so they can then be put to work bringing health to others, and to the world.”
I can so relate to that statement. God brought me out…to bring me in.
Thanks for allowing me to share in this with y’all. It has been a great blessing to my heart! We arrive home on the 28th of August, and then a siesta and I will travel to Vegas that next week for Deeper Still!! Mama Siesta, I would so love the opportunity to give you a squeeze, even for a moment, just to say thanks! Blessings to you all!
-Shauna Okongo
Western Kenya
We had a great gathering last night and praise God 6 of the 7 of us were able to make it. We had a Mexican food siesta fiesta.
We agreed that most of us feel like we are somewhere in that desert place right now, just waiting for God to do his new thing in our life. The difference is that now, we’re not going to let our fear of the unknown or the sadness of what we’ve (sometimes maybe unwillingly) left behind determine our attitude and choices. We’re thanking God for what we have NOW and trusting that he’s got us. He has us.
We loved the idea that our barley harvest is just beginning. Our hope is secure in him.
Yesterday I realized a connection to a scripture God had given me to pray a year ago. Actually it kept hearing (in my mind) “clean hands, pure hearts” and sometimes I’d even just sing the whole praise and worship tune that goes with that scripture. Yesterday morning as I sat down to read God prompted me to look up the scripture.
Psalm 23:3-6 Who may stand in his holy place? Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Those who have clean hands and a pure heart, who do not put their trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him,who seek your face, God of Jacob. Thank you Jesus for placing that in my heart to pray for it before I even knew I needed it.
Sorry this is so long, but I just had to share what God did. Blessings and prayers to all of you at LP and to all the siestas who have dared to choose “G” over “g”.
Dear Beth.
Thank you SO much for an incredible summer. I have lived in Cool for 6 years, but it didn’t really feel like *home* until this summer when the NOGgers gathered in my home for dinner, fun, fellowship, and a pretty intensive bible study!
We laughed together…literally, I think until our cheeks hurt…and cried together as well. The intimacy and fun we have had has been beyond imagining. Some of us have let go of other gods and God is bringing us out–we are now experiencing the joy of having made room for the one TRUE God as he brings us IN to what He has in mind.
Others of us are in that time of waiting…that empty time where we can BE STILL AND KNOW that HE alone is GOD.
Others of us have asked to be accountable for letting go…and onward we go!
We head into fall with plans to do Stepping UP. God is calling us to STEP UP with Him, to go further still! THANK YOU for your challenge this summer.
All my love and praises to God for you and your ministry.
Heidi in Cool, CA
We enjoyed a lot of discussion about our journey of discovering our idols. We all agreed that we need to find a way of being able to be still, be alone, and listen for God’s Word for us. Our minds and our life’s distractions make this so difficult. We also had some great discussion on what we need to get rid of to make ROOM for Him.
We had a wonderful group last night…best discussion yet!
We spent most of our time sharing about the spaces left empty and the ways the Lord came in and filled them, mainly with Himself. We have had a great time together, sharing, getting to know each other, encouraging one another…We’re even going to continue the group through the fall-we’re praying about what study to do! Thank you again and again for facilitating this study!
We love you!!!
Question…..just read week 7 day 3 and Kelly talks about Paul and his “thorn in the flesh”. Paul asks 3 times for God to remove it and God does not….assuming that the “thorn” is a weakness (as that is what Kelly was teaching on) why is it that God would not remove it? I don’t understand and it just seems to me if the “thorn” is a stronghold or idol…doesn’t God want us to be free of those things? Why would he not bring deliverance? Please someone help me understand….I’m praying for God to help me understand too.
Thanks girls!!!!
Oh, Beth, you are so dear! You know, Amanda is so right – you absolutely HAVE to have a springform pan – I can hardly believe you are sharing yours. 🙂 That baguette trough looks really cool – what a thrill those ladies are going to have!!! Just blessing upon rich blessing. =)
Beth,
This is my first chance to check in all summer. We started the summer with my husband returning from deployment and a week later his father’s passing. The computer was down, which led to one long internet dry spell. Our group met every time and had a couple of new faces along the way. We chose not to cook and met in our churches comfortable room(We call it the Grace Room). This study had such a profound affect on everyone, especially one really new seeker who was only there one time. I am planning to do it this fall with the day time group and have had confirmation from God that that is what he wanted. Thank you Beth and all your helpers. I love you guys and can’t wait to see you in SA next week. I am so excited because I am going there to see some friends I haven’t seen in years and we are going to LPL. Yeah GOD.
The 6 (Nikki, Sharon, Melanie, Connie, Lisa, and Pam) of us met last night at Nikki’s house in Radford, VA. It has been such a great study.
1. We agreed that God leaves the empty space sometimes so we learn to rely on Him and so we KNOW when it’s been filled with victory!
2. One of our girls discussed how after turning away from a “partying” life style, sometimes for comfort she would embrace herself in those memories. Then she realized she needed to ask God to remove those memories and what a blessing it has been to her that she no longer dwells there.
One of us is working on letting go of a hurtful relationship with a family member. Another a memory of a past love, that they still cling to for comfort. (reminded me of the hair rollers and the bath robe!:-D)
3. It’s huge to remember that He is bringing us out to bring us in to a new thang! We encourage one another to let HIM do HIS new thing!
4. We found great comfort in Ruth’s life. How God’s timing in all things is perfect and how faithfulness and obedience to Him is rewarded! Let us bear much fruit for His glory!
Thank you for a wonderful time in the Word this summer. Love you siestas!
Ok, Beth, I’ve just read a posting on a blog about your simulcast weekend from Louisville. Unable to attend myself, I’ve been reading umpteen reviews on blogs about the event.
This one, by far, has sent me to my goosebumps with the witness of God’s Spirit alongside.
It’s “refreshmom” at
http://refreshmoments.com/
A mighty, powerful word of witness. I hope you have the time to take a peek at her tender thoughts.
peace~elaine