Hey, Siestas! It’s time for summer Bible study! For the sake of rich fellowship and vital accountability, we hope as many of you as possible are meeting with small groups and on every other Tuesday or as close to Tuesdays as possible. You are absolutely welcome to join us solo but try to stay as involved as possible in the discussions so that you’ll feel plugged in. This is what you’ll do every other Tuesday:
1. Watch the video so you’ll have your instructions for your gathering or for your solo experience. I will always put the bare bones of the instructions in writing on the post just in case there is a video malfunction.
2. (You will find these instructions reiterated in this post because it’s fundamental to the experience.) If you are in a small group, designate one person who will write a comment to this post briefly telling us about your group and your discussion. It can be a different person each week or the same. START THE COMMENT WITH THE CITY, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS AND LOCATION THEN DESCRIBE YOUR GROUP AND ADD SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR DISCUSSION. For instance, I am meeting with my Monday staff members so my comment will begin with:
Houston, Texas; 8 of us; Meeting at Living Proof Ministries. Our group is primarily made up of…The main part of our discussion was about…(And so forth).
3. If you are going solo, your comment will become the way you complete the assignments. In other words, you’ll see that I ask you to describe this season of your life in one word. In your comment, tell us what that one word would be.
Make the length of it one good, descriptive paragraph. Try not to write too much or readers will tend to skip over it.
This clip is to give instructions for your first gathering – the one you are hopefully having today or in next 24 hours. You can watch this together or your leader can watch it and pass on your instructions.
Summer Bible Study – Week 1 from LPV on Vimeo.
I so hope that makes sense! Now, here are the written instructions for your gathering just in case you can’t get the video to work. Welcome aboard! May God take us on a journey that we’ll treasure for many years. Let’s find the Ruth in us, Siestas!
Today in your small group, here’s what I am asking you to do:
1. If you don’t know each other, spend a few minutes finding out some basic biographical information about one another. (Single, married, still in school, or in a career. Children, no children. The regular stuff. Keep in mind that everybody fits in Bible study. You don’t need to all be alike. In fact, the more alike you all are, the less you may sharpen one another.)
2. Each of you in your small group characterize your life in this present season in ONE WORD. Have the leader record these.
3. Each of you in your small group share one specific goal you have this summer for being in Bible study. Have the leader record these, too.
4. Look at the very last verse of the Book of Judges (Judges 21:25) because of its placement just prior to the book we’ll study together this summer. Discuss several specific reasons why doing what each of us sees fit at any given time could be dangerous. After several minutes of discussion, read Jeremiah 17:7-14 and talk about how this segment relates or contrasts to Judges 21:25.
Leader: this is very important. You get back on within 24 hours of meeting and write a brief summation of your group time as a comment to this post. Tell us how many came, your city, and something about your group or your group discussion.
*UPDATE*
Here’s a link to the first chapter of Ruth in case you don’t have your workbook yet.
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/files/lwcF_Ruth-Sample-Chapter.pdf
Chesterton, Indiana. Doing this study solo, although my neighbor is also doing it and we will probably discuss on evening walks through our neighborhood. I am 34 and married with 3 small children. My one word for this season of my life is…. waiting.
I would describe myself as a prayer warrior…God has called me to pray, pray and pray some more. I love the Lord and the story of Ruth. But I find it is so easy to become discouraged and feel like giving up.I am doing this to get back into the Word and see what God has in store for me.
Seven from Shelby twp, MI, ladies from early 30s to wise 70s! All are technologically challenged but persevered and praise God we were finally able to view Beth’s video – we all love the CHEERLEADER in our Siesta Mama. I’m the only Siesta in our group but hope to win a few of them over once thy see anyone can get on this computer and be part of this wonderfully rich fellowship!
We meet Wednesdays and feasted on fellowship, delicious enchiladas and Mexican ice cream made by our hostess who’s so gifted with hospitality! We are all looking forward to feasting on God’s word and deepening our love for Him and one another. All attend the same church but don’t all know each other, all have done Beth’s studies over the years – one saying she has never finished one so her goal is to complete this study- lol! Our one words are: BLESSED,GRATEFUL,LOVED,LONGING,CHALLENGED,LONELY,& AWED. Our goals are to learn, be still, more of God, reconnect with God daily, be disciplined, to know God’s voice, and to live in victory. After reading the passages – we pray that each of us will be like that tree, firmly PLANTED BY THE WATER!
HOUSTON, TEXAS!!! We are a group of two ladies, co-workers. We both have the same word to describe our lives at the moment and that is chaotic. We both hope to deepen our prayer life through this bible study.
We are a group of 5 moms of children under 3 from Atlanta, GA. Our lives in this season were described as crazy, new ,discouraged, and blessed. Each of us look forward to the accountability and fellowship that this study will provide us this summer. We want to be healed, become more godly wives, to gain wisdom from the word, and know Him more.
Marcia – solo
Season I am in – changing/evolving
Goal – dig deeper, know God more, trust
Judges/Jeremiah – Doing what we please – outside of God’s ways, is a scary place to be. Been there, sometimes I still tip-toe in there, don’t want to be where God isn’t.
Solo, Yonges Island, SC 50’s, married, 3 children
My one word description for me in this season is “waiting”, and I’m here because I’m desperately hungry for the Word of God. As it happens, the girls of my church are already doing a summer study, but I just didn’t want to miss out on this one! And sometimes as a preachers wife, it’s hard for me to really express myself in our group- and I feel like I can do that here.
I started the Bible Study last night, and am loving it. I have not done a Kelly Minter study before, and this one is wonderful. I am doing it solo as I don’t know anyone near me. My husband works out of town, and I would love to meet a Siesta in the Richardson/Plano area in Dallas.
I want to grow closer to the Lord, and find a really good friend. Thanks so much, Julie
New Holland, PA and Columbus, OH – 3 of us, meeting via skype and the phone – mom and her 2 grow up daughters 🙂 Main part of our discussion was how easy it can be to do what is right in our own eyes. It’s easy to read the Judges verse and JUDGE – but how often we fall into doing the same thing.
Signing in Solo from Bloomington, Indiana
Duo in Perry, GA but we begin next week due to both of us being out of town this week. My word: CHANGE!!! Enough said.
Bless all you siestas — especially you solos. May your time with the Lord and Ruth be EXTRA sweet!
Lake Charles, LA 5 Only 3 were able to meet for our first meeting which was Tuesday….I haven’t had a second to sign in yet. We range from 34-50 years old. All of us are Moms; one us being absent because she is in Houston with her 8 yr old son at Texas Childrens Hospital. Patrick is recieving radiation therapy and is in Clinical Trials for Neuroblastoma which they have been battling for almost 4 years now. She will be doing the homework and staying in touch with me. Obviously, Claire needs and welcomes prayer, for her precious son in particular. Our discussion focused on getting to know eachother and answer the questions Beth presented in the video. The only thing my group had in common as of Tuesday was me….they are all friends of mine and strangers to eachother which is cool. Diane will make it next time and I have a feeling these guys will make famous friends. It’s so exciting to see new friendships born and be a vessel by which they came in to being. I love God. My dear friends adore Him as well. We are all looking forward to getting to know Him better together and lift up our sister and her beloved son to Him in prayer and thanks.
Chesterfield, VA, Solo
Married, 26
Still fairly new to the Richmond, VA area and looking to get more connected with friends in the area. I believe the word to describe the season in my life is “anxious”. I have a little anxiety about everything – career, finances, family relationships, making new friends, finding a church home, serving God’s purpose for my life. My mind is whirling with questions like, “Am I doing enough/too much?”, “Is the door open/closed?”, “Am I hearing from God?”, “Did I miss His voice?”.
My goal for being in Bible Study this summer is to continue pursuing God through the study and application of His Word. My heart is growing quite fond of opportunities to share with other women and to hear from them as we fight the good fight.
Solo, Nashville TN
I was not going to join but the Lord used Beth’s posting today really show me that I need to step out and do this study even though I could not find anyone to do it with me.
I am currently in a season of dryness and yearning. I want to step it up but yet find myself right where I started. I am hoping the Lord will use this to help move me into a new season of hope, growth and encouragement.
I just don’t like where I am.
Hi, Karla! I’m so happy you decided to join the study-I felt so encouraged by Beth’s message, too. You are SO in the right place for your season-what’s that expression? “God loves you right where you are but too much to leave you there?” God’s blessings on you, love, ME
What a great quote!
Amanda – Loganville, GA – word: Jumbled. Thought I would be flying solo but I am being joined by several ladies in my Sunday School class and a couple of good friends. Looks like 5 of us…so I guess I have to clean my house!
Since participation is heavily Sunday School, we may be changing course for a few weeks, but trusting the Spirit’s leadership.
Grand Rapids, MI
Solo
Married, 50’s, nana to 5 and one more on the way!
Our yet to be born grandson has been diagnosed with spina bifida. Praying that God will completely heal him before birth.
I am blessed to provide “nana-care” for two grandsons, ages 2 1/2 yrs. and 4 mos. for two FULL days each week. 🙂
Need to stay in the Word!
1. This is Heather and Beth coming to you from the worldwideweb!!!, 2 of us discussing through emails. This is our first summer bible study with LPM and we are both excited!! Beth is an English college major in her 20s and I am an engineer who is 30!!
2. My one word is happy and her word is changing (not in a bad way), which is a really good word! Wish I would’ve thought of it!! : )
3. We both agreed on wanting to get closer to God this summer and learning more about Ruth!
4. We feel the verse in Judges would just lead to chaos and no respect for other people. And through the verse in Jeremiah, it shows the way we should live. God knows the whole picture and he knows our hearts and we should continually seek his favor!
Can’t wait to get into the Word!!!
Hi from Columbus, Ohio!
At this time, I will be going solo.
I am married, with 3 daughters (2 are married, and the third is teaching me yet more patience).
I am looking for some structure in my personal devotion times and I have enjoyed previous Beth Moore studies.
I am hoping to become more of a role model for my daughters and their array of friends. These are challenging times for our youth and equally challenging for us, the parents.
All prayers are appreciated!
1.Saegertown,PA; Bible Study group consists of 3 ( 2 in their 40’s and 1 in their mid 50’s); all of us are married.
2. Present season in ONE WORD:
Stasi: challenging
Teresa: exhausted
Marianne: hectic
3. Our goal is to become more focused on the Word of God and to learn more about His character.
4. Judges 21:25: Utter Chaos! We become our own god.
Jeremiah 17:7-14: Put your trust in God!
I am single going solo with this study from Lebanon, Tennessee. Entering a new season in my life after working for 30 years, our company is closing and I am looking forward to knowing how God is going to use this humble servant with the rest of my life. This is my second summer study with Beth.
I read the LPM blog regularly. I love it. We have done all of Beth’s Studies and even doubled a few. We are now doing Can We Talk…….Priscilla Shirer.When I seen the Ruth Study …I ordered the book and am so excited to do it this summer. I am from Nova Scotia Canada and will be doing it solo. CANNOT WAIT !!!!!!
Hello! There are six of us from Las Cruces, NM, all very excited to be looking toward the Lord together. We all seem to be in a time of searching with expectation. Can’t wait to see what God has for us!!!
Mechanicsville, VA, 15 of us met Tuesday night with 3 more who plan to attend but couldn’t make this first meeting, and we met in my family room. We are an eclectic group of ladies of varying ages (ranging from 35 to 50-something)and backgrounds. Some of us have been in a bible study together for the past several years and some are new to bible study. I truly believe that God hand-picked each of us to be here and we are so excited to get started! We have a few who are in a time of trial and we hope to pray them through it.
Walker, MI, solo study due to various locations all summer!
One Word: TRUSTING
Goal for Summer Bible Study: Examine a story I have known for years in a deeper way, praying that the Holy Spirit will bring forth the Truths of Scripture in a new light
Reflections: The second we switch to the mindset of doing what we see fit means we have put our will and desires at the center instead of following God’s leading and His will. DANGER AHEAD!
Jeremiah 17:7-14 – AH! So, cool! Read this after I wrote my one word…and what was the first verse?! “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Yes, definitely in a season of trusting – and there are many things that don’t make sense, but I have such a deep peace because I know that God is in control.
And then verse 8 – “He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Such a great confirmation that the peace I have comes from my confidence in Christ! And, that whole ‘bearing fruit’ reminder from LPLive in Michigan during May!!
Four of us met last night in Irving, Texas and started our study of the book of Ruth. We decided we wanted a name to call ourselves:
WOMAN
ON
WEDNESDAYS
WORSHIPPING
WOWW!!!! and we did have a WOWW! time with God last night.
Our words for the season of our lives were:
Trusting
Trusting
Resting
selflessness
We all agreed that our goal for the summer Bible study was to be in God’s word and learn from Ruth about God’s will in our lives and the lives of all believers (and believers that are being lead to become a believer like Ruth to fulfill His will in her life.)
Thanks everyone at Living Proof for leading us in this way in this season of our lives.
GG2002
Our church at FBC Jenks suggested this bible study. There were 9 of us at my home last night. Although we are all about the same age and “life stage”, some were new to our group or we just didn’t know a lot about one another. The focus of this discussion was to “be real” with one another. We really bonded this first night and plan to communicate either via phone or e-mail between our live meeting nights as we read through this study.
Pam – Morehead,Ky
40 yr. old mother of 2 boys
Flying solo on this bible study . Just finished Beth’s Esther bible study .
One Word- Contentment
Specific Goal- Dig deeper into God’s word and open my heart
Hey all!
I thought I posted this the other night, but in reviewing the comments, I couldn’t find mine… so technical difficulties I suppose. 🙂
I’m Charlsie. I’m 31 years old, married for 8 years, no kiddos only two basset hounds. I’m from Longview, TX and going solo on this feat. There are some ladies I may try to meet up with, but not sure if I’ll be able to yet. I personally LOVE the red shoes idea from the video and think they are adorable!
*My season in a word: TRANSFORMATION. 🙂
I am currently in a position of change and transition. I feel as if I am being called out of a “comfortable” place (and salary!) to do something for near $40K less per year guaranteed, but potentially have a greater impact on the community and in building His kingdom. I will be able to share my own personal story and testimony in my anticipated job and hopefully provide great witness to others with HIS help! 🙂
*Goals: To learn more! I am on our women’s leadership team and need to strengthen my foundation. I need to be more knowledgeable for them. As my women’s director told me last night, it is time to step up! So, I’m taking a step. 🙂
http://justcharlsie.blogspot.com
I am doing the bible study solo in Warsaw, IN. I am currently in a very lonely season of life. I don’t have many friends and I am not sure which family members I can trust, so I work a lot of hours to stay busy.
I feel liket the one word that would describe me right now is unsteady. I am looking to the Lord trying to trust Him in uncertain times, but I feel like my faith is so weak that I am blown about with every new trial that comes.
This summer I would like for my trust in the Lord to be strengthened.
Hi, Shannon ~ It’s nice to “meet” you and to be going along with you and so many other women looking to be strengthened by our Lord. There is no better place on this earth to gain our footing than in His Word! He’s holding our hands so let’s GO! Love, ME
Johnstown, Ohio, 7 participants in my living room, women ranging from new seekers to mature believers from early 30’s to mid 40’s all with kids ranging from 5 months to 12 years old. Discussion flowed easy with balanced sharing & the start of Godly bonding.
Small Group, Henderson TX, 4 girls…35, 15, 16 & 62! We are so excited! I have the pleasure and awesome opportunity to share this study with my two cousins who are in probably one of the most life-changing years of their life. One recently saved and one who is so hungry for the word she jumps at every opportunity to get in it! My hearts leaps when I think of it! We will start Sunday…sorry for delay but that is our only day…..and WE LOVE YOU!
Good Morning,
I am flying solo by His Design but He’s using this study already beyond myself. He’s so good!
Littleton, Colorado
I’m 51, married 31 years, 3 biological kids and I have no idea how many others (family of 6 living with us right now) work full time in corporate, financial services and serve in several areas of women’s ministry.
My word: seeking
When I do anything on my own it’s the biggest mess anyone’s ever seen…I’ve been in some pretty big and ugly messes; when I am sitting with my feet in the Water of Life and drinking from it every day; my life may not be easy, but it’s not ugly, messy. He slays me every day with His overwhelming love and provision.
I’m only on day 2 of the study and it’s rocking my world! Thank you for following His direction and leading us through it…
Joni Leahy
Hi, I’m Wendy from Richmond, Va and going solo(in preparation for Fall Bible Study).
I’m married and we have 2 incredible teenage sons.
Loved reading everyone’s comments. You all are such amazing women of God.
The word to describe this season of my life: Healing!
Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
My goal: A deep intimacy with God
So excited to journey with you all on this path!
I’m in – solo in NC.
Susan
Hi, Susan~ Welcome to the study! Love, ME
Bartelso, IL and Springfield, MN, By phone and email Mom(53) daughter(30). Our words were seeking, learning. My heart is to finish strong in God’s word and sharing. To study and learn from this to make it a part of my life. This is my second SSBS, daughters first.
Rockford, IL–There are 3 of us currently, but we may add 2-3 more.
We are in our 40s–2 married, 1 not yet but planning on it! We talked about our one word in this season of life: for all, it is “transition.” Jobs, life decisions, etc. But for me, I also said “Sweeter.” Our study met one week after my precious mom died from a long fight with breast cancer (if you’re wondering how close we were, think Beth and Amanda & Melissa!) Almost every day of my mom’s illness, I listened to Travis’s CD “Alive Forever,” but especially the song “Sweeter”–“every day with You, Lord, is sweeter than the day before.” I can truly say that because every morning I wake up, He’s still with me! Our group’s goals for the summer are similar too–to really connect with each other (we’ve all met each other fairly recently) through God’s Word and to PRAY. We didn’t get to the last two questions because we ran out of time! But we are looking forward to studying Ruth together this summer!
Hi from Orlando FL.; 2 of us; meeting at my home. We both are 50 years old and married.
Denys is a very busy realtor and has a 25 year old darling daughter. Her one word is: GROWING. Her goal is: For Gods word to mold her to be more like Him, to guide her to do His will and to keep her grounded in His word.
I have 2 sons. My youngest (25) is getting married in August and my oldest (loved the Lord and would be 28) was murdered 2 years ago. My one word is: WILDERNESS. My goal is: To keep holding onto Christ with both hands and to let His word guide me through these very hard and changing times. I am a secretary but have been unemployed since my son started his new beginning in Heaven.
After our discussion our prayer was for God to help us to always be a “God seeking chaser” not a “self seeking chaser” and not ever compromise (so we can stay out of the pit). Keeping our motives pure so we can receive Gods blessings and peace in our lives.
Orlando, FL
Hi Bethie and girls!
I have 10 girls meeting in my house every Wed. We are all in our 20s. We’re on our 3rd week already. I’m trying to learn how to cook, so I make dinner for us every week. The first week I had to order pizza last minute because who knew frozen lasagna takes an hour and a half to cook!?
This study has been so sweet for us. There are some married girls and some singles but we are literally hearing life giving words through this study.
Clovis/Ca. I will be doing this study solo. Which is appropriate for what my one word is: lonely. Surrounded by the chaoticness of raising 3 little ones, yet my heart feels like I am trying to figure this path out all by myself. Wishing that I could find other hearts that truly were pursuing God. How many times have I done things that I thought were right and for the right purposes, only to find out how truly wrong I can actually be. Lord, just give me your eyes and ears to hear what you have for me. Anyone in my neck of the woods doing this thing called life together???
Glen Allen, VA. Group of 7 (4 made it out last night). We meet in my family room and we all live in the same neighborhood. Our group is primarily made of young moms – stay at home and working. Several of us have never done a Bible Study ever! Yay!! I love that about our group. We had a great first meeting and discovered that we all met our spouses very young in life – interesting. We had a great time getting to know each other through the questions. We had a great evening and all are anxious to get into Ruth.
I’m Julie, I live in Cullman, Alabama, and I’m doing this study alone right now. One word to describe my life situation is “watching.” I’m watching to see where I need to be working.
Solo – Greenwood, South Carolina -I got so excited when I “decided” to check out the website today. Had to be a God thing totally!! Did not know anything about the Summer Bible study BUT WHOA girlfriends I am ready for this journey. I am doing a Bible study on Ephesians already that God led a group of ladies to do so I will be going solo on this one in Ruth. The book of Ruth is close to my heart because part of my vows came from this book. The one word that describes my season is “Waiting”. I am waiting to see what the next door is that He opens for me in ministry! He began this journey for me back in January and how exciting it has been!! He and I finish one door and then He opens the next one for us to go through. It has been incredible!!
Birmingham & Montgomery, Alabama
3-myself, my sister, and my mom
We will be creative with our location of meeting since we don’t all live in the same town. We have spoken on the phone to get the study going so far.
We are all new to this wonderful blog and also new to Siestaville — I love it already!!
We are all in different seasons of life. One of us is dealing with a divorce from an abusive relationship. One of us just had a baby about 10 months ago and one of us is in the retired season of life-mom, that’s you! So, we are linked as family and by God. I am hoping we will each grow and learn from each of our season’s of life. What’s amazing is that I just heard about your blog from a friend and happened to check it on Tuesday to find this bible study starting… this was no coincidence. My heart was immediately moved to get my sister and mom involved too… thank you Beth!!
Solo Study
Married
Mother of 3 boys…twin 4yr olds & 2.5 yr old 🙂
Season: Desiring
Goal: More of Him…a new revelation of Him…a deeper passion for Him….a stronger love for Him….just MORE of Him!
Sorry for the delay in responding…had to prepare for our youth bible study last night…awesome praise report – 1 salvation & 5 rededications!!!! That was half our group!! God is SOOOO AWESOME!!! Praise wave to Him!!!
Looking forward to diving into Ruth and the summer bible study with all of you!!
Campbellsburg In.
Going Solo
My goal is to be in the word during the summer and having to be accountable 🙂 Motivation I wasn’t going to do the study and after listening to the video etc I knew I had time to do it ; the enemy lies !!!. God can streatch out time that we spend with Him Praise Him
After reading in Judges and Jeremiah .
Exactley my point if I do what my flesh wants to do Not so good !!!
Glad to be here
Oh and the season I am in I feel it is restoration.. Because I have just finished surgery and chemo and radation 🙂
God can so restore
love you all
Sorry, a little late!
I am doing this study solo in Santa Rosa, CA
Currently finishing up my first Beth Moore study EVER- Patriarch with some fabulous women. LOVE IT! It has changed my life.
As Summer gets busy I want to stay plugged in to God’s word and my one word is learning to “TRUST” god.
Funny- that is what Jeremiah 17:7 says. So I am know I am supposed to be here!
Huntsville, AL
11 of us
I am leading my teenage girls Sunday school class through the study on Sunday mornings. So my posts will be a little late.
Sharp girls. I’m so excited to see them grow.
Love them so.
My name is KaRetha Kelley and I’m married in my 40’s. The mother of 2 sons and 1 granddaughter and 1 grandson. I’ll be doing this study solo. Denham Springs, LA is home. At this time in my life I’m just plain tired! Trying to live as a cancer survivor and loving Jesus through it all.
Hi, I’m a stay at home mother of three in Renton, WA. I will be doing the study solo this time. One word to describe the season I’m in right now is: growing.
Cropwell, Al Solo
PAINFUL(grandson abusing meth arrested for killing girlfriend this month)
to get in a stucture Biblestudy due t recent events i hav neglected my indepth study time
Sometimes what seems appropriate/reasonable/right for the small time frame we hav isn’t for God’s bigger plan for us
Jeremiah gives us a look at a life with God leading and man leading Judges 21:25 is the outcome of man leading his life looking to man for answers instead of God
Marilyn
Hi, Marilyn~ I’m glad to “meet” you and God bless you in your difficult season; your post is full of wisdom you’ve already acquired in it. I look forward to growing with you, love, ME
Praying for you and your family in these times. I have a sister who messed her life up for that stuff and didn’t go as far as your grandchild but did lose two BEAUTIFUL little girls over it to bless the lives of someone else as their adopted children.
Waco, TX; 3 in Bible Study – my two daughters (ages 24 & 22) and myself are meeting in my home; this is the first Bible study we have done together; we talked about how frustrated we get when we allow the distractions of everyday life to keep us from studying God’s word and enjoying His presence. My daughter’s middle name is Ruth (named after my precious Nana) and we have friends who are a living Ruth and Boaz couple so it’s going to be a real treat to be in this study.