Good Monday Morning, My Dearest Siestas!
I hope you had a great and God-filled weekend. I cannot express to you how much I loved watching your interaction with one another in response to Friday’s post. It was one of the most rewarding moments of my, how shall I say?, blog life. I am so honored that God would allow AJ, Melissa and me to be a part of this community of sisters. May He find much joy in what takes place here.
I had a very busy weekend doing one of my favorite things. Jackson and Annabeth stayed with my man and me from Friday morning till Sunday noon while CJ and AJ had an anniversary weekend away. We played, sang, danced, watched movies, read books, and ate snacks for meals for the better part of three days. Wedged in there tightly, we got a little sleep. The kids are super active but so good. AJ and CJ are terrific parents. Both children are affectionate and appreciative and surprisingly polite for their young ages. That’s saying a lot these days. When I went to bed last night, I replayed our sweetest or most memorable moments. I could hardly go to sleep for thinking about them. I took a few pictures with my I-phone which means poor in quality but rich in love.
Jackson is just like his mommy in that he loves to swim. I knew Keith would be gone all day Saturday and I’d be on my own with them so I chickened out of taking them to a public pool. Too many people. Jackson has had two summers of swim lessons but I still wanted him in plain sight at all times and where I never had to take my hands off Annabeth. I asked my dear friend and coworker, Sabrina, if I could bring them to her house because she has a really fun pool in her backyard and she was gracious enough to welcome us.
AB has serious Bibby-itis right now but after about an hour she let Sabrina’s daughter, Kelli, hold her in the water and I got to play with Jackson. This is us. He splits my heart in two.
This is all four of us – Jackson, Annabeth, Kelli, and me – before we called it a day. I do not know what I would’ve done without Kelli. She spent every minute out there with us. I’ve known her and her older sister, Hayli, since they were little girls and they are God-nieces to me. I’m blessed to be called “Aunt Beth” by them.
When Sunday morning rolled around, I knew the big question was upon me. Was I woman enough to get both of those kids to church? And ON TIME??? Some of you saw this picture on Twitter. (Yes, I Twitter now because AJ set me up for my birthday – @BethmooreLPM. I’m limiting myself to two tweets or less a day. If I start misbehaving with it or getting addicted to it, I’m firing myself from it.) I can’t resist showing the picture here as well. This was how AB woke up:
Killed me. By the way, she is a clone of her mother right now. When she was an infant, she looked just like Jackson who looks just like CJ but the older she gets, the more she looks like AJ when she was her age. Anyway, despite the hair malfunction, we did make it to church, bathed, dressed, ON TIME and with all our shoes on. BUT, for the first time in my entire memory, I forgot my Bible. Hahahahahahahahaha. I had to use one of the complimentary copies in the pew. I took no small amount of flack. I even gave it to myself with great glee. If you can’t laugh at yourself, then nobody seems funny.
OK, enough of the weekend recap. TOMORROW IS OUR BIG DAY!! SSBS (Siesta Summer Bible Study) III launches with our first Tuesday gathering. I will give you instructions for our roll call tomorrow. You will also have your regular video-greeting plus written instructions for your group discussion in case you have trouble with the video. Bar some kind of technical problem, you will always find it posted early in the AM for those of you who want to meet mid-morning or over lunch. If you can’t rally a small group, you are welcome to go solo but our hope is that you have some Godly fellowship and accountability this summer. As well, you can meet on any day during the week, but our aim is for as many of us as possible to meet on Tuesdays. Within 24 hours of meeting, we are asking a designated person from your group to write a comment to that post with a brief summary of your time together. This is the accountability part. You’ll understand more about it tomorrow.
I just wanted to give you a heads-up that it’s time to begin! You do not need to do anything in preparation for tomorrow’s gatherings in your small groups. No homework is due. You’ll get your assignment for the first two weeks tomorrow.
This is so exciting, Ladies! Let’s get ourselves in some Scriptures!
Your mama loves you.
Oh man, time with family can be so glorious, as in your photos… and yet, so trying, as in the weekend I had!
My aunt and uncle from California drove 17 hours straight to visit my husband and I in Colorado, bringing with them lots of love and hoardes of hard-to-find treats from our culture (we’re Armenian-American). We had fun visiting a T-bucket car show, the chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and of course, the awesome outlet shops in Castle Rock (although I made the most purchases and I live here – go figure!).
Amidst our fun, however, the stuff families are made of bubbled up. In the car, my uncle came out with anger and bitterness over the years he was the “unfavorite” child in our family, and my aunt has the beginnings of dementia, limiting our conversations to how the trees move in the wind and how big our cats are.
On top of that, both of these loved ones are OBSESSED with thinness and and find anything to do with “fat” more sinful than murder. I finally put them on a quota, in which they could only make five comments a day on any fat-related subject such as calories, weight or the like. Can you imagine? It’s a good thing I’m reading “So Long, Insecurity!” My aunt is dangerously thin and I seriously think her illness is related to her brain cells not getting enough nutrition.
Anyway, I did battle, set my ground and shared a few gently-placed scriptures along the way. Last night, after they left, I wept for them in love, anger, frustration and compassion all at the same time. They don’t know our Jesus personally – yet- and I long for them to experience His healing power, love and forgiveness. Someday, dear Father, someday…
Well, thanks for letting me share, and I’m still praising God for the fun, sun-soaked days and happy times we shared. What our adversary may be meaning for evil, God will mean for good! Enjoy the pool!
What a blessing your grands are to you and what a blessing you are to them. I love your candor in telling about your events. So honest but you have a point, God already knows our deepest secrets, pains, shortcomings. We should be able to laugh at ourselves because HE made us just the way we are and loves our imperfections and our YEA moments and both are special. It is called peace. KIDS are you listening, MOMMA wants some grands NOW! Thanks for sharing dear sweet MISS BETH!So jealous….:)
I am gonna “try” to see if I can do the Ruth study…since it takes me well over a year to do a study on my own! Ahem, “The Inheritance” still on session 6…have been working on it since November. Fail. Did I mention I still have 2 chapters of SLI to go…double fail. “When perfection comes the imperfect disappears.” 🙂 Amen.
Failure, my foot! No way, Jose. As I see it, you’ve already made it two thirds of the way through “Inheritance,” (impressive) and have finished sixteen chapters of SLI.(Very Impressive!) Seriously, do you think the Lord is saying, “Well this one didn’t finish the last chapter. I’m not sure about her.” ?
So… I’m looking forward to your comments on Ruth. 🙂
Aww, thanks for the encouragement:)
OK-I have never really participated in a bible study but I think I will try to follow along. I will be doing this solo-hoping I can discipline myself to keep up. I am excited to read the instructions tomorrow and hope I didn’t need anything before we get started. Thank you to all of you–I just want to “fit” somewhere.
I am going solo here as well for the Bible Study….can’t seem to find any siesta around here. And haven’t really made any connections-just read the blog and enjoy commenting from time to time. You have got to be the greatest Bibby ever! I too, like Lemonade making mamma, wish my parents were more into our kiddos. I think they just enjoy the idea of being grandparents. Bumer 🙁
Heather, we are doing an online group if you are interested you would be welcome to join us at
siestasite.blogspot.com
Love AB’s hair! I think next time God fixes it during her sleep she should just wear it like that. Looking forward to the study tomorrow!
Thank you so much for sharing! Can’t wait to start! I had to fight the temptation not to go ahead and start! I am a rule girl well most of the time. I am going solo also unless God sends some sisters but that is ok I will have my siestas.
Much love,
Crissy, Nashville, TN
I’m so excited about the study starting tomorrow–it’s been too long since I’ve been able to get together with some ladies and bond over the word!
I’m so happy you got to spend time with your grandchildren. Our children were here yesterday for Father’s Day and it was GRAND! We don’t have a pool but we do have a small garden and our little granddaughter,Anna Tyler (21 months old), loved picking the little “mo-ta-toes” (cherry tomatoes)…they were just her size.
So looking forward to tomorrow and launching a new Bible Study. I’m thirsty and need a quenching study. See you tomorrow!
Well…I just chased down a wasp in my apartment with a bottle of 409. Lol! It worked!
Looking forward to tomorrow. This is my first summer study with LP. Flying solo here yet not alone because of this blog. All of your comments are my friends at this point in my life. I definitely am learning to be content in whatever life gives…whether alone or around fun-loving attention. I love that I am learning again that I can do all things, handle all situations through Christ, the one who strengthens me. I can cry when I need to, laugh outloud while reading a book or just sit in solitude. He and His amazing strength is always there.
For any siestas that are still wondering if you should participate in the study of Ruth…please say “yes”. I actually already completed Session 1 – it will definitely be worth your time.
Hi from Ontario, Canada. Just found the blog a few months ago and have been very encouraged. We are going to be doing the Ruth Bible study at my home and am very excited. I only expected to have 6-8 ladies, but it looks like we will have 15-20.
Hopefully we can all fit in my backyard. Looking forward to studying the book of Ruth and seeing woman connect with one another
I’m so excited. I’ve been working on my menu and cleaning the house. Were doing chicken enchiladas from the book for our dinner. And I’m beyond excited about my group. God decided to really kick me out of my comfort zone and stretch my faith on this one. We have about 8-10 ladies participating so far. Some are from my church, some are from other churches in the area. What i’m most excited about though is I met a Siesta on here and invited her Jennifer Ross we’ve never met but she is joining in tomorrow night at my house. Can’t wait to meet a fellow siesta and have so many wonderful ladies under my roof at one time.
This is my first siesta bible study! And the first time I’ve ever hosted a bible study!
Can’t wait to see all the amazing things God does!
~Amanda Taylor
There seem to be a lot of us that are doing the study solo! I wonder if there is a way to group up via the internet? I am not that tech savvy so I don’t know if that would work or not…
Or, if there are any solo ladies in the West Michigan area who want to group up with me? I am in Grand Rapids.
I love the pics of you all swimming! Looks like SO MUCH fun!!
Hilary
Hilary, we have an online group if you would like to join us you would be most welcome. You can find us at
siestasite.blogspot.com
I’m new to this blog thing and very intrigued by it! I am also going to be doing the SSBS for the first time and can’t wait to see how that goes! I’ve invited 4 other ladies from my church to come to my house for the study. We will have to do ours on Wednesday afternoon due to work schedules. Very excited to get started!
Wonderful to have you, Joy!
Mama Beth: Thank you so much for sharing. I know how it is to take care of 2 little kids. My kids are 17 months so I remember it being very crazy on Sunday mornings to get them ready and be at church on time. They are now 9 and 8 so it is a little easier. They are the best of friends and the worst of enemies. One good thing about my kids, they get into more trouble goofing off then actual fighting.
PS. To any of my sisters going to St. Louis this weekend to see our Mama Beth, Vito’s restaurant is really close to the center and there is a parking lot garage near by.
Hope to see some of you there.
Bethie, Ruthie, Kelly and me…Debbie!!!
All gathered at the feet of our Kinsman Redeemer.
I love this story and I can’t wait to get started.
What fun, now that’s memories that will never be forgotten, the simple things are the best.
Hi. I’m just wondering if anybody is going to be doing the study in or around Maynardville TN. I would love to be in a group but I dont know anyone in the area.
Hello, all.
My name is Alicia and this is my first bible study with you. I am doing it solo, but am very excited. I have my book and can’t wait to dig in.
Beth, I love this blog and have been so blessed for it. Your passion for the Lord is contagious- it makes me crave a deeper bond with Him.
And you look adorable with your babies. We just got back from the beach and my 8 year old and I wore sunhats the whole time. We ladies gotta protect our skin!
I look forward to ‘meeting’ you all.
Blessings,
Alicia
Beautiful pictures! What a blessing to have grandkids. Wonderful you can spend time with them and go to church.
Sometimes, I wonder what it would have been like if my mother had not passed away so young with cancer and could have seen her grandchildren. So, thankful God has blessed me with a Christian husband and twin boys.
Your family is so sweet.
God bless you!
We will be a group of 3 co-workers studying together at lunch. God put this group together in a way that only He could…without human planning and interference. We are each at different seasons in our lives and each dealing with different difficult circumstances. Praying that God will teach us how to encourage each other as we study His Word together.
I too am glad I’m not the only one “going solo” on here for this study. I’m PRAYING that my book arrives soon…(sigh)…This blog is like the wind in my sail right now, the siestas on here are so very inspiring. Since we are preparing to move this summer, it is nice to know that you will all “move” with me.
Love you all through Jesus!
I am so excited to do this online. I have followed your other 2 studies but did not participate. The last 2 years we have decided to meet with our WOW group over the summer. This year we have 41 women coming for Bible study in the summer! Isn’t that wonderful? We are currently doing Anointed, Transformed Redeemed. We are loving it! I am going to do Ruth with you online to help me gain more insight before we tackle it in the fall with our group. You are a great Bibby! I am a “Nina” (I was supposed to be “Nana”, but he wanted to call me Nina, works for me!)I have #3 on the way, this time we are having a girl! Bad news…my daughter and her husband are moving out of the area b/c of his job. 🙁 Will be putting a lot of miles on my wheels! Love visiting the blog! Have been away from it for a while, but I am determined to work on Ruth with all of you.
I’ve been putting off making a decision on doing the bible study…this post today is encouraging!! I’m gonna go for it 🙂
I’m a returning follower of this blog…this is my first post since you moved to WordPress!
I love your grandma posts, Beth…’specially since I’m now a grandma too! It’s absolutely the best.
Wish I was joining in for the summer bible study–I love Kelly Minter–but I’m involved in a very intense study group at the moment to prepare for certification as a biblical counselor. I’ll be following the blog though and praying for you all as you get a fresh word from the pages of Ruth!
I have not only forgotten my Bible FOR church but have forgotten my Bible AT church. I have had it mailed to me even or have someone from out of town bring it to me! Excited about SSBS! Listening to any CD I can get my hands on regarding Ruth (finished John Pipers). Also, I am waiting on Melissa for her Part 2 blog on sorrow.
Once again I am unable to join the group because I am fascilitating a Beth Moore study. This summer we are Stepping Up, starting tomorrow. I always watch the video beforehand and started it this afternoon but was interrupted. So decided to finish it tonight, but I needed to color my hair. Can’t start Bible study with gray roots! And as I finished up the video with dye on my hair, I started giggling, thinking that Beth would approve.
Terri
Can I ask a completely off-topic question? I need some advice and I just KNOW this group is the palce to get it! I am about to go shopping with my daughter for her 1st ever real bra. The problem is, she is NOT excited about this. In fact, she is very upset. We’ve talked about puberty, etc. all along, so it’s not that she doesn’t know what’s going on. I think she just doesn’t want to grow up, and this such an outward sign that she is. I hate to see her literally trying to hide herself (crossing her arms, hunching over, etc.) We’ve read scriptures, prayed, talked. Any suggestions? I could really use some good, godly advice.
I was the same way! Maybe she would warm up to a sports bra.
When I was this age, it was cool to have my big sister take me. In this situation, any older, trusted, female role model and person she adores would probably work. (Disclaimer: I was not close with my mom so that’s probably why this worked for me.)
I’m gonna say a little prayer for you. Be sure to incorporate some laughter…and ice cream!
; )
Christian
I agree on the sports bra…
And perhaps you can sweeten the deal by agreeing to get her something she DOES want in exchange for her agreeing to get something she DOESN’T want. I know that would have worked for me! 🙂
Oh Beth . . . I have to say I feel much better knowing you forgot your Bible on Sunday! Two weeks ago we kicked off the Esther study at my church and as the overall cooridnator, small group leader, and childcare consultant, I remembered to take 2 big tubs of stuff, snacks, and lots of other “organized” materials but forgot my Bible!!! As the “leader” I was rather embarrassed but I’m laughing now. At least I’m in good company!
I also have to tell you that my grandmother got a hold of me every chance she could through my growing up years and the times we spent together at her house on the farm are some of my most treasured and sweetest memories. We took fun trips together through my college and young adult years. Even today as a busy wife and mother, my “Nanny” (now 85) has a very special place in my heart. I love my mom and we are very close but the bond between a grandmother n child is just special in its own way. Both are good. Just another way God loves on us. So, be encouraged knowing all the love and time you are spending on A and J will be a lifelong treasure to them! Obviously, you already have that special place in their heart. Knowing you, it’s no surprise.
Much love,
Robin
P.S. Looking forward to a girls road trip to St. Louis this weekend! Praying for you Beth as God continues to use you in mighty ways to reach women with His word.
It’s me again. I just have to share that I received confirmation from UPS that my book is on its way! Praise Jesus from whom all blessings flow!
🙂 🙂 🙂
We had our grandchildren over the weekend too! Avery is 4 and Liam is 2! Didn’t get to go to the pool but we ran through the sprinkler!
Another sister and I are going to have a small group! Can’t wait to get started!
Thanks so much Beth for all your encouragment. And thanks to Living Proof!
Beth~
I just found this blog. What a blessing. I so enjoy listening each Monday to your podcast.
I enjoyed my visit and seeing your sweet babies!
Peace and Blessings~
Carrie
Beth,
AAaaadorable photos!!! Thank you for posting them!!
You just get more gorgeous with age!!
Amanda and Melissa will be as beautiful when they arrive at your age!!
In preparing for the RUTH study, I didn’t want to be Mara = bitter or sad so,
I had my youngest son drive to the store to pick up a Baby Ruth chocolate Bar. Since Ruth is tucked between Judges and 1 Samuel ~ I thought it was appropriate to begin without a famine in this hormonal woman.
I am looking forward to seeing what Kelly Minter has for us in this study of Acceptance, Faithfulness, and Redemption. I am ready for this journey ~ With chocolate drizzling down my chin!! “MICHAEL>>>>> can you get me another chocolate bar?”
See you in the morning!!
Mama Beth,
I truly enjoyed reading this post. It brought such a big smile to my face. In just a few days I will have my nephew for a few days and I am just SO excited. I look forward to hearing something like “Hey T lets go crusin with papa and grammy”. This little boy melts my heart.
I am excited for this summer’s Bible study. I can not wait to see what God wants to teach me this year in His word. As well as getting to do it with all of my sisters out there :).
My weekend was full of me having to be in a state of coram deo just to survive. It is hard living with a parent who has bipolar disorder… I never know what is safe to say around them. Through it all I know God is preparing me for something… so I hold on for dear life to Him.
Sending my love to all of my sisters out there.
I am really looking forward to the study! We have formed several small groups here in Missouri and we are eager to hear and learn what God has for us in the study of Ruth.
I’ve been listening to the CD; Kelly Minter’s music really makes the “feeling” of Ruth’s story come alive.
Looking forward to tomorrow!
Nancy
Hi Beth…and a belated Happy Birthday!
5 Siestas in NC are excited about the study beginning tomorrow. This is a first summer study for all of us. I have already done a week in the study workbook and am so impressed with Kelly’s teaching. Thanks for offering this. Can’t wait for it to begin. See you tomorrow!
I don’t have the book – can I still join? I could order it tonight or tomorrow, but will that allow me enough time?
Hello,
This is my first post on the LPM blog. My sister who lives in Tucson and myself (in Colorado) are doing a long distance bible study. This is our first with the “siestas”. We are looking forward to it.
We attended the Tucson Living Proof Conference together and it was very powerful. Wish we could have made it to the Denver Deeper Still Conf., but not enough money.:(
Looking forward to Ruth…
Loved the picture of little seista she is so adorable.Thank you so much for your compassion for us seista’s cannot wait for bible study and I will be going solo as well unless there is somebody from Albuquerque NM
wanting to join me.
Seista Mama even though I am 53yrs old
Loved you saying at the end your mama loves you that just warms my heart and I think that is just so sweet how it makes me long to hear my mom say that to me but I probably will not hear that from her she does not express her feelings to me our relationship has always been at a distance but even though I take care of her because she is ill sometimes I just hug her and tell I love you so so so much Little Mother because she weighs a whole 75lbs probably 80 soaking wet.
Anyway I love you to seista mama and you encourage me.
Love you Carol
I can’t wait! This is truly the darkest season of my life as my husband and I are separated and hanging by a thread. He has ministered to my broken heart so much through your words and the precious women on here.
i love you all!!
Looks like you had a wonderful weekend with your grandbabies!
I am so looking forward to this bible study! I can not wait to see how God uses it.
I am most excited because I will be doing it with my Sister in law. I live about 6 hours from all my family but I am going home for the first half of hubby’s deployment so I get to use the time to study the word with my SIL and I get to build that relationship.
Just got my book today! I’m so looking forward to starting it with you all tomorrow. I have at least 1 friend doing it with me. Yay! And this is also my 1st time posting too. 🙂
Looking forward to getting to know you all better!
Blessings!
SS
*Waves hello to new “siesta” friends*
Thanks so much for all of your prayers this weekend! Still no answers, but I know that you all buoyed me along. It’s just so darn COOL to be able to reach out like that!
Siesta Mama, I won’t be joining in the online study. God has called me to spend some time in the Psalms. I definitely need the comfort. BUT…I think I wanna get more active in this here community! Well, as much as one studying for a BA in theology can…
I love you all. Seriously, I do.
Mama Beth,
I am so excited to start SSBS tomorrow! Loved the pictures of the kiddoes! there are so precious! This Sunday in church we had such awesome worship with the Most High! When I arrived in the sanctuary, I set my Bible and all of my tote bags down, saving spots for my family. I proceeded to our connection center to pick up my copy of Home Life and went back to my seat! I had to giggle because on the back cover in fairly big print ” Complete your BETH MOORE LIBRARY…. How many have you done?” Thank you for sharing your life with us..encouraging us with real life episodes that make us laugh and cry and stirring us to grow in our relationship with Jesus!
Suzanne
I just want you to know that this will be my first time involved in the summer bible study, and I am so excited!! Me and one of my very close friends are going to do it together along with everyone on here! We cannot wait to get started! I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store! I love that even though I haven’t personaly meet anyone on here, we have that bound through Christ! It’s a great feeling! By the way Beth the pictures are precious!
Hi Beth & Siestas~
I will be starting the Ruth study (as soon as my books come in the mail!) and I have a small group. . . my 3 daughters! Bethany is 11, Molly is 9, and Lizzie is 6–we are so excited! Since this is my first summer joining you, I want to tap into all of the resources. I just read Beth’s post; am I supposed to have a video or is it online? Roll call? Did I need to officially “join” somewhere, besides here? This is awesome!
Love, Stefanie =)
The pictures you posted were just so stinkin cute!!! You looked sooo rockin by the way with your hat and glass’s 🙂 I am really looking forward to seeing what the SSBS is going to be. I have never participating in one before and I would love to do….whats the study going to be on? Its an online study right?? I am in the process of reading So Long Insecurity and all I have to say its slapping me in the face all the areas that have been insecure in and didnt realize thats what it was….HAHA. So anyways, I wont bore you with my life issue’s right now!!! Have a great night Beth and I look forward to tomorrow’s blog posting
Our little group will be meeting on Thursday…we’re just so glad to be joining!
I am so ready to roll with you all!!! I have studied with you on – line before but never chimed in… look out, here I come!
To Him alone be all glory and honor and praise!!
I NEED some direction- thanks for providing it- my ecumenical group will watch the new interview CD series with Father Keating being interviewed by Betty Sue Flowers who directed the LBJ School at UT for years-I think there are 6 sessions as an overview of contemplative prayer- should be wonderful and with your addition maybe I’ll be back on focus- if you ever want me to forward the wonderful interviews between Betty Sue and FAther Keating, just let me know- that quiet time with our Lord has changed my life- thanks again for taking the time to guide us during this long hot summer- Blessings to you and yours, Kathy, Austin