Hey, Siestas!
It’s time to get ready for (drum roll, please) the 2nd Annual Siesta Summer Bible Study! Every woman is welcome! If you’ve already got a different Bible study scheduled for the summer with your friends or a group from your church or neighborhood, that’s fabulous. Go forth and do that thing!
For those of you not participating, it is important to know that we will not hog the blog all summer with this Bible study activity. It will only require a post or two every other week. We will have plenty of other things going for all our Siestas.
This opportunity is for the rest of us that either don’t yet have a plan to stay in the Word this summer or just think this sounds different and fun. And is it ever! We had a blast last summer. I really do think it was one of the most unique ways any of us has ever done Bible study. Our class was made up of single women, married women, widowed women, young women, not-nearly-as-young women, church-going women, not-yet-church going women, happy women, angry women, SAHMs, heads of corporations, and women all over the United States, many from Canada (yea, Canadian Siestas!!) and several other nations. It’s hard to find a class like that.
You interested? OK, so here are the answers to the most important questions. Unless you participated with us last year, the concept will not make sense until you’ve read all the instructions so hang in there till the very last word and I think you’ll get the idea. Here goes:
WHAT BIBLE STUDY ARE WE DOING? This summer’s Bible study selection is the workbook called:
Me, Myself and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild. (Due to our summer schedules and our every-other-week format, we will not add Jennifer’s coinciding DVD sessions into our study. You, on the other hand, are welcome to purchase those and work them into your own personal or group experience. All we’re requiring and officially working from in SSBS is the workbook.)
HOW LONG IS IT? Very good question! Jennifer’s study is a perfect 6-weeks long. Doable for the summer, don’t you think??
WHAT’S IT ABOUT? The basic premise of the study is to learn how to guard what we’re saying to ourselves and what we’re stuffing destructively into our minds. Hmmmm. I think I could use that. How about you?
WHEN DO WE START? Since Tuesday is LPM’s normal day for Bible study, we tend to be partial to it. We’ll launch our Siesta Summer Bible Study 2009 on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 then, in like fashion to last year, we will “meet” every other Tuesday from that point on until August 4th. (MORE ON HOW WE WILL MEET TOWARD THE END OF THIS POST.) We’re just talking about meeting four times here. Between those times we’ll each do two weeks of homework on our own. The assignments are not long and but they are packed with riches. I really do think we can work this format into even some of our busiest schedules, Siestas! And, boy, will our families and friends and work mates be glad we did! With all the relational demands and upside-down schedules of summer, this is no time to take off from the study of God’s Word. As I told you last summer, for me, 3 months out of Bible study is roughly 2 ½ months in the pit.
So, here’s the meeting schedule:
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (1st Mini-Session/LAUNCH/Group instructions)
(DO WEEKS ONE AND TWO OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 (2nd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(DO WEEKS THREE AND FOUR OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009 (3rd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(DO WEEKS FIVE AND SIX OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 (4th Mini-Session/Conclusion)
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET STARTED? 3 Very Important Things!
1. You will each need to get your own copy of the workbook “Me, Myself and Lies” by Jennifer Rothschild and have it well in your possession by the time we launch. (We aren’t able to get it for you through Living Proof but I wish we could.) Please don’t wait till the last minute to get it or you may not be able to start on time! If you have a LifeWay Christian Store, you should be able to find it on the shelf but the easiest way may be on line through the LifeWay Website. Here’s the link:
http://www.lifeway.com/e2/shop/?R=829882
2. You are strongly encouraged to pull together a small group if at all possible. You are MORE THAN WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE SOLO, but, for the sake of richest fellowship and best accountability, try as hard as you can to enlist three or four other women to meet with you every other Tuesday. It could be in one of your homes or in a Starbucks, for crying out loud. (You don’t have to wait until the evening to meet but keep in mind that the mini-sessions will not be posted until that morning. If you meet too early in the day, the video may not be on-line yet.) Four meetings this summer shouldn’t be too overwhelming and you can rotate houses if you like. Make sure that the women you invite to participate know that the gatherings will be low on stress and high on much needed fellowship and rich discussion.
If you want to work food into it, by all means do!! That’s what we did last year and it was so much fun. We will not post recipes this year because it’s not part of the original series as it was for “No Other Gods.” Keep the emphasis on a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere where you can develop some wonderful relationships in Christ. In this superficial culture that surrounds us, where friendship takes place through text message (I’m as guilty as anybody!), we have a huge deficit of pure depth in women’s relationships. Let’s make this real. The goal is to have those two weeks of Bible study finished each time you meet (after the launch) but the fellowship will still be worth your while if you couldn’t get all your homework accomplished. Let’s have lots of encouragement without loads of condemnation.
AN ALTERNATIVE: MEETING ON-LINE IN SMALL GROUPS. By far, the way to get the most out of this experience will be to form small groups in your area where you can get together face-to-face. However, if you try really hard and can’t make it happen, get a few women to meet with you on conference call or on line and work through the discussion questions together. It’s not ideal but it works and it is still more effective than going solo. Email worked quite successfully for several groups last summer. If you have no choice but to go solo, that’s fine, too. Just work extra hard to stay connected through the mini-sessions and through participating with feedback. Your Siesta Mama just wants the best for you.
3. Sign up ON LAUNCH DAY (not before and not today) and be so kind to give the biographical information we’ll request. (Questions like, Group or solo? If group, how many? Who’s the group comprised of? Where are you located?) This is one of the most fun parts. We get to see what our class looks like. THIS TIME I WILL ASK YOU TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AT OUR FIRST GATHERING I’LL ASK YOU TO TAKE ONE PICTURE OF YOUR GROUP (or yourself if you go solo and if you look remarkably like Angelina Jolie, we’re going to get suspicious) AND SEND IT IN BY EMAIL OVER THE NEXT WEEK AND WE’LL TRY TO PUT IT TOGETHER A SLIDE SHOW. Wouldn’t it be fun to see what we look like?? Don’t do it yet. I’ll tell you when. MORE ON THAT LATER.
SO, BETH, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HOW IT WILL WORK? Sure!
On each of our meeting days (every other week starting Tuesday, June 23rd through Tuesday, August 4th), I will “facilitate” our summer study through a video mini-session about 15 minutes long. In it I’ll give you instructions for discussion questions or activities for your group meeting that day based on our previous two weeks of study. (THE VIDEOS ARE PITIFUL, ONE-TIME-TAKES, DONE IN-HOUSE WITHOUT PROFESSIONALS. AND IT’S PART OF WHAT MAKES IT FUN. LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS DRAMATICALLY. THEY’RE SO BAD THAT SOMETIMES SABRINA AND I GET SO TICKLED THAT WE CRY. BUT THE INFORMATION IS REAL AND THE STUDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS.) You will then implement them into your gathering. If at all possible, try to watch them as a small group at the very beginning of your meeting time so that everybody’s on the same page. (Bar any unforeseen technical difficulties, I will make sure the post is up first thing on those Tuesday mornings.)
YOU’LL CHECK BACK IN EVERY SINGLE TIME WE “MEET” AND THIS IS HOW:
Your way of checking back in with me will be by telling me something about your gathering afterward in a comment to that same post. It will be left up all day Wednesday for your feedback. YOU WILL BE INSTRUCTED NOT TO LEAVE A COMMENT UNTIL AFTER YOUR SMALL GROUP MEETING. The comments are meant to be your feedback to the study. I’ll remind you of that each time.
It’s going to be so much fun! And, at the top of our list of priorities, it’s going to be a joy to God, attract His wonderful favor, bring Him some substantial glory, and help keep us out of the ditch.
REMEMBER, TODAY IS NOT SIGN-UP DAY. BUT, if you’ve already got a plan going for Bible study this summer, let’s hear it! Let’s have the entire population of Siestaville in the Word of God!
I dearly love you.
We are starting this Bible study this week at our church! This is the second summer our Women’s Ministry has offered a summer Bible study. Last year a group of us that had just finished up Daniel wanted to keep going, so the Director of Women’s Ministry pulled something together for us. It was so last minute we did not have much time to get the word out, and we had around 10 women.
This year we started registration on May 1st for a June 4th start date and so far we have 38 women registered with 5 “possibles”! It is amazing. This is the first time I have facilitated a Bible study and I’m a little nervous. I was hoping 10 women would sign up. Our WM director thought we would have around 20… and we have nearly double that! It really is a blessing to see how many women really are hungry to stay in the Word all year. Although I’m nervous, I can’t wait! I have a feeling God is up to something big!
(I hope it’s okay to say where we’re meeting – it is First Baptist Church Concord, in Knoxville, TN. It’s not too late to sign up if you are in the area and would like to join us. The information is on the website at http://www.fbconcord.org, click Connect, then Women’s Ministry.)
Glenda
Knoxville, TN
Just starting Believing God! Just finishing week 1 and already amazed!! I’m doing this with a few other girls 25-35 range. It’s awesome! I’m Believing God!!
Did Esther this spring with a mixed group of ladies from my church- ages 25-65 and all in different life stages. Life changing! And every session or day that matter, was exactly what we all needed! It was so God ordained for us to do it at that time! Everyone was ministered to personally and some marriages were too! Thank you for sharing what the Lord has spoken to you! We are all better for it and walking more closely and boldly with the Lord!!
Can’t wait to share what all the Lord does now through Believing God!
I got my book in a couple of weeks ago, and I can’t wait!!! 🙂
I am planning to do this study with the siestas! I ordered my workbook and the book “Self Talk, Soul Talk” to read in preparation. This is a timely topic for me.
Beth
I tried to order from Lifeway last night and they were out of stock so I ordered from Amazon. I am going to ask my granddaughter if she would like to do this with me this summer. (She’s nine). My life group is going to start your “Living beyond Yourself” in September and she wants to join the group. So I thought this might be a warm up for her. If she doesn’t want to do it I am sure I can find a friend to do it with me.
Looking forward to doing this with you and the siestas.
Charlotte P
Ridgecrest, CA
I got this book awhile ago in anticipation of this study. I am excited and crazy. I am doing your Esther study on Thursday nights and this study on Tuesday. I wasn’t in a study during the school year and really need this.
I bought my book today!!! I will be going solo on this one and will be out of the country until late on the 24th, will I be able to post later in the week?
Please pray for me, I will be in eastern Russia on a mission trip visiting our sister church and 3 church plants!!!
Blessings to all,
Mary
Welcome to Bible study Madiegirl, praying God will wow you to pieces.
This sounds like just what I need. I’m seriously considering doing this and offering it at our church. My issue is I tend to over commit and then regret it later. Just finished facilitating an Esther group and that #7 really hit me. Feeling over-responsible for the how. Logistics overwhelm me- where to meet, childcare or no childcare, trying to make everyone happy as far as the night and time etc… “I’m not responsible for other women’s spiritual growth”, repeat; I am not responsible…..pray that I will be decisive, and then leave the how up to the “One who knows how…”
Cindy R.
Anybody having a hard time ordering this book?? I can’t seem to find it and neither can any of my local bookstores order them…weird! On Jennifer Rotheschild website, it’s out of stock!! WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO!!!??
Beth!
I have my book and I’m “booking my group” right now…
And July 7th is my SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY – always a favorite day of mine to praise and reflect on God’s goodness to me. I may have to have a PAR-TAY that night!!!
I sure love you!
GJ
PS: My word verification is SIESTRA!
Sort of like a symphony siesta!!! HAHAHAHA
Love it!
I can hardly wait – I so loved the study last summer!! God used it in SEVERAL areas of my life that needed attention! And I KNOW He’ll do it again…..Thanks Beth!!
Yes! We will be participating. I can’t wait. The group we had last year couldn’t wait for this summers study. It has grown though. I started with about 7 and it has grown to about 19. I asked a few of my friends,(they are not saved), they not only want to participate but a few have sisters that also wanted to come. They are unhappy in their spiritual life and are seeking God! All I could think of was Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap but its every decision is from the Lord. (One of my memory verses) I may have planned a small group this year, “who knew” God had other plans! Don’t you just love it! Praise God!
Lori
I am doing it with a friend and hope to include my daughter-in-law. I look forward to what the Lord has for us.
Wendy in Memphis
If we aren't able to meet with our group on Tuesdays, can we meet an alternate day during the week and still be able to access the videos from the blog, or will they only be up on Tuesdays?
I am beyond excited!!!! I'm trying to get some girls together!:) Amen! I am needing this type of study too.
katiegfromtennessee
I need some prayers to get my moxie up and form a group – I am back at my childhood home with my daughters while hubby is deployed. We attend a nondenominational Christian church where we live, but I grew up Catholic and those are the only friends I know here! And I have never known my Catholic community to be into Bible studies…I want to put together a group because I think the Word would help deepen our faith together even though I have "left" the Church for more evangelical options. I need courage and people to be interested and want to join me! If not, I'll still do it solo. But I guess I won't be solo, I'll be with all the other Siestas!
I would totally do this study with y’all, but there are two reasons why I decided not to…
1) I just finished “The Lies Young Women Believe” with my Junior girls and honestly don’t think I could do one more “lie” book. I have TONS (oh bless this soul), TONS to chew on, so I think this one would send me over the edge! (Although, I know it will be great and do plan on doing it in the future!)
2) I am actually going to do “Practicing His Presence” with Tammie Head at church this summer with a bunch of girls my age. What could be more thrilling than that?? Sweet Tammie and potentially some new girlfriends.
So, that is my plan for the summer, but I do look forward to all the posts on here about what y’all are learning!
Much love and hugs tonight!
Lindsee
My mom, Grandma and I participated in “NO Other Gods” last summer and had a blast with the other siestas! I hope that we will be able to do this one this summer as well!!! Thanks for offering this fun (and needed) summer experience!
I’m excited! I’m going to round up my “group” here in the next week or so, I hope!!!
This is just what my summer soul needs! I have been feeling guilty not spending time in the Word like I usually do and I log on here and see this post! FABULOUS! God answered my prayer and comforted my soul before I’d even gotten out of bed this am! How cool is that?!? You are awesome and I love you Siesta! What a blessing you are to my life Beth!
Okay, I know I am to trust in the Lord on this one but I am in panic mode. I just went on Lifeway to order 15 books for my study group and they are all out!!! Now what do we do. I live in Rhode Island, there are no Lifeway stores near here! I would appreciate any ideas you or any of the Siesta’s have. Thanks, I know He will provide!!
Love, Lori
Dear Beth – I’ll be doing a summer study with two ladies from my church based on the book “Lies Women Believe” but we aren’t planning on doing a formal, by the book study; rather, the study leader (not me!) will be creating worksheets for us, using that material, her own personal study and other material as well. I’ll let her know about the SSBS; I’m sure we’ll get on board in some fashion, and incorporate it all together. I’m looking forward to the Tuesday morning videos – I love those rough cuts!
I haven’t been around in a bit, so I’m a bit slow on the uptake — but I had to tell you… I just LOVE the new blog design! Very cool! 😀
~MizB of Heaven Rules
I am so excited! This is exactly what I have been looking for. I have been telling my husband and friends that I want to attend a bible study that is not just a bunch of girls sitting around reading but a study where I am actually taught! I don’t think I could ask for a better teacher than Beth Moore! Thanks to my best friend, B for leading this for us! Looking forward to it!
Beth,
I just have to share with you the study I am doing this summer. In “Believing God” you challenged us to write our faith stories down for our children. God burned that challenge into my heart and took me on a writing journey over the past year. I have now completed a ‘book’ called ‘The Golden Key’ (actually a parable and a pray-through-the-word study guide) about the prayer pilgrimage I have taken recently. On June 11th I will use this book to teach a study on going deep into prayer. 18 of my dear lady friends have signed up to be a part of this prayer pilgrimage and I’m overwhelmed with God’s amazing grace in all of this. Thank you, Beth, for submitting to the leading of His Holy Spirit–that He may touch us through you. This is brand new territory for me, but He has led me every step of the way so I have peace in knowing it is all His plan. Can’t wait to see what God will do with this! Blessings to you, dear sister in Christ!
cAN’T WAIT….SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited.
Betty
Lexington NC
I’m in! I’ll get the book this weekend. Sounds like fun, and like something I need. We all do!
I’d like to put a thumbnail about the study on my blog. Maybe some of my readers will want to join in on the fun and learning.
–Tina Dee
FYI SIESTAS,
IF YOUR HAVING TROUBLES GETTING THE WORKBOOK, I WAS ABLE TO ORDER MINE FROM JENNIFER ROTHCHILDS WEBSITE!!!
I want to join in – this summer is incredibly busy and crazy for me! We’re are moving sometime (don’t know exactly when) so it’s not possible for me to do this with a small group. It also means I can’t get vested in a study already going on here — or where I’m moving. I want to stay in the word, though, especially in this transition season of my life. Are you sure it’s okay to do it solo? I really want to get the most out of it that I can! Thank you for hosting this!!!
Oh this is so exciting…My Beth Moore study group is looking for a summer session and this will be perfect!
This is so exciting. I cannot wait to tell my bible study group about this. We are looking for a good light summer session!
Is there a way that I could find a group through the blog. I live in Jackson, MS & am new there. I would welcome this opportunity to join up with a group of Siestas in Jackson that are doing the study this summer, but don't know how to go about finding a group.
Hi ladies! I’m not sure if this has been posted, or not, but in case anyone is still looking for a place to purchase the workbook I just bought mine at . . .
http://www.jenniferrothschild.com/store
Hope that helps.
Sweet blessings to you, Siestas!
Michelle
Beth, something that has been a wonderful addition to my routine is a prayer journal. Oh my goodness, who knew….the impact of a simple prayer journal. I have heard folks talk about them for years and never took it on until recently…..at 43!! WOW!! Talk about a life changer! When I don’t keep it up, I can tell….the most amazing thing. You would think a prayer journal would not have that much of an impact…..WRONG!!
Anyway, just thought I would share!
I am excited about this study. When I heard about it I thought, wow I sure could use that study. I just received my book yesterday in the mail. I am new to the summer study,and never done one online before so I hope I will be able to figure it out.I am soo looking forward to it. Beth, I just love your studies, we are currently doing Esther and loving it!!
Let me know when sign up is and launch day and what to do so I don’t miss it.
Sarah
Bancroft, Ontario Canada
Did it last year and looking forward to this year!
Thanks for giving us a heads up a month or so ago. I ordered my book and have had it for 2 weeks. It’s been hard not to peak. 🙂
Also… will miss the recipes.
I started this study four weeks ago with young women at my church! We are a little ahead, but I’m delighted that so many are doing this study “with us” all over the country! Isn’t that God?! It’s such a great study!
Thank you Beth for this Bible Study. The summers were a dry season as far as the Word was concerned. You have changed it in to a fruitful time.
Love in Christ
Susan from Norfolk
Sorry about the panic mode! I was able to call Lifeway and order the books through a store in Ohio! Thanks for all the information and thank you Siesta’s for your input as to how to purchase the books!
Lori
Hi Beth,
I so need this study! I was praying about how to stay focused over the summer and along came this! Is God’s timing perfect or what! I’ve also told some people from my current study group about is and they’re interested in doing it also. I think we might have so many yeses that we’re going to have to have two groups! Now my only concern is being able to get enough books. But, God is so good that I know all will fall into place just as He planned.
Looking forward to studying with you this summer!
Love ya,
Judy
I just spoke to some ladies too that are hungry for something this summer. I think this is what we will do so I don’t have to do it alone or organize it myself. 🙂
This will be great and an answer to prayer!! There is way too much world in the church and it is destroying our confidence and self esteem!!
Found my book at the local Lifeway store yesterday. They had oodles.
I loved last year’s summer study. It was nice to have a calm in the midst of my crazy camp summer.
This is an awesome study, just finished it with my church bible study group. If you can, add in the dvds!! Jennifer has some wonderful insights that you won't want to miss if at all possible.
My church group will be doing "Loving Well" as a 4 week study in July. So we'll be with you in spirit Beth!
Bought my book today! I am excited about doing this study together. I purchased my copy at Lifeway here in Amarillo, TX and they had several books on the shelf – I would say at least 20. I wondered if there were any other Siestas in Amarillo that would be willing to meet some new people and form a group for this study??? Also, do you know if there is a way to purchase the video segments (even if they are audio and not video) seperately instead of in the Leader Kit? that is all that I saw on Lifeway's website. Cannot wait to get started with you all!
thanks – Luain
I would love to take this study but we already have "I Saw the Lord" by Anne Graham Lotz planned. I really enjoyed last summer though and plan to check out the posts and "professional" videos. : )
Thanks for keeping us on "track" Beth.
KaRetha
Denham Springs, LA
I discovered the LPM Blog late last summer and missed out on the NOGS study. Can't wait to do this one. At first I just recruited my mom to do it with me, but after reading Beth's post on all the details of how it works, I decided to spread my wings and start a blog small group. I offered it up to my friends and have two takers so far! I'm so excited to get started.
Thank you Beth for how hard you work to share Christ with a needy world. You are blessing to us all!
I will have to do it solo also due to my location and lack of interest among friends.
I have an idea and Beth, please veto if needed. What if whoever is going solo emailed me and I'll put together how many groups are needed? I'd base the groups purely on region of the country so there's at least a POSSIBILITY you'll be able to meet! My email address is (without the spaces) JLarsonRN @ gmail . com – please put SUMMER SIESTA STUDY in the subject line so I don't accidentally erase it! =)
Thanks!
Jen in VA
I had a bit of trouble tracking the book down. Apparently, up here in Canada we don't have the books in stock and it takes 3-4 weeks to get in. I ordered it today. So hopefully it won't get here too late.
This is going to be great! Thanks,thanks,thanks!
I have been looking forward to this study and doing it online with you girls, and I am working on getting a group together, which is also exciting. This may be a silly question, but I presume it is okay to meet any day of the week after your video is posted on Tues or Wed, right?