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
Rockwall, TX; 5 of us; we are meeting at each other’s houses
Our group is made up of ladies in our mid to late 20’s
The main part of our discussion is why we want to do this bible study. We mostly want to have this small group so we can become close and know we have sisters in Christ that we can turn to and talk to in times of need and to celebrate in times of blessing. We also want to be disciplined in reading the bible and doing this bible study everyday. We are all so looking forward to this!
Oh, Amanda, I am so thankful for all of you fresh, young siesta hearts here! I just know He’s going to bless all of you through this study!
I saw this Bible study in the store this past Spring. I loved the first Bible study we did in the Living Room series. I eagerly bought the study and finished it already. However, I am looking forward to a refresher course this summer. So, I guess I halfway count as a “second timer” with this study 🙂 It is a good one!
Amy
Married
40s
Kansas City
solo
Hi Amy. I loved NOGS, too! So glad you are here…
Burbank, CA. There are two of us. We are friends that God brought together a few years ago and this study is the perfect timing for each of us as we are stepping forward (you could say weeping forward) into life changes. The word that describes both of us in this season is THANKFUL! Thankful for our wonderful faithful God, thankful for our friendship, thankful for God’s timing with this study, thankful for amazing spouses….thankful!
Weeping forward. I love that. Such a humble way of walking by faith. I KNOW God is delighted to bring you to this place.
I am flying solo also this summer. This is my third year of doing the SSBS and I am so excited. I absolutely loved doing the NOG study and i still use several of the recipes from it. I am 46 years old, I have 3 children, and a wonderful husband, we have been married 20 years. I live on Lake Martin in Alabama.
One word: Pilgrimage
Goal: to grow deeper still in my relationship with the Lord – I want to know Him more. I want to hear Him speak more, I just want more!!
I think it is very easy to get to a point in our spiritual lives where we let pride blind us and we begin to do as we see fit. This is so dangerous, only when we aer living lives led by the Spirit can we be truly used and fruitful for His kingdom. I desire deeper roots so that my fruit will be what HE desires.
That is a beautiful desire of your heart. May He speak to you and make you fruitful through His work in your life.
I have been married for 6years. I have 2.5 kids: 10yr old girl, 3yrs in July boy, baby girl is due Monday, June 29th. So, we are awaiting her arrival SOON! My life right now, preggers or not, “BUSY!” I also work part time, I don’t have to, but it gets me out of the house and allows the kids to play – I work at the Y-it’s great.
I need a Bible Study to help with my patience & grace at home. I’m looking forward to this bible study strengthening my spiritual life and that it would be evident in my home life.
I can’t imagine living in the day of Judges 21:25. There would be constant fighting among everyone. We are all naturally selfish and want what is best for ourself and if we have no one to keep us accountable it would be crazy chaos!
As for Jeremiah. It is similar to Judges in that it talks about people doing their own thing-some following the Lord, others not. It’s different in that there is an Ultimate Judge and that is God Himself. He will punish those who do their own thing amd all that is against His will and He will reward those who follow Him.
Oh, and I’m in Houston, TX also…near Cypress.
Our God does not change. He is the Ultimate Judge. I’m so thankful to know him as the God of Grace. But he is definitely to be feared. Blessings on your delivery soon!
I highly recommend Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Holy Experience. My blog has it as a saved favorite and she is just awesome at growing grace in your home especially with your marriage and your children.
White House, TN: 4 of us:sister-in-laws and twin daughters/nieces, ages 17,mid 40s.
Our one word…changing, transition, content, growing.
Our specific goal…get closer to one another, accountability, refocus/new word from God, mentoring.
emi! Welcome! May every goal of your group be given to your siestas…love that some are only 17!! So much life to give in service to our Lord!
Solo ~ Birch Run, Michigan 🙂 my youngest child will be PK this year and I sad they are growing up!
.1) I am doing this solo, but my daughters are working on it with me (Alaina is 9 and Emily is 6) and my check in days will be Friday as that is my day off and the girls and I will listen together and do the workbook!!
2. ONE WORD ~ frustrated! I am so ready to regroup spiritually and focus on God!
3. GOAL ~ to move myself toward complete and utter focus on GOD!
Love In Christ, Michelle
Hi Michelle, Alaina and Emily! What a sweet group you are! Praying for God to touch each one of you with a treasure from this study. Ruth is a great bible story for young and not-so-young girls to study.
Anyone doing a group in the Carmichael, CA area? If not, I’m going solo and looking forward to the journey! 🙂
I’m on the other side…Georgia! HOPE you find a siesta close by. May God bring someone along to travel with you through the pages of Ruth. Welcome and God bless you.
We are 6 Siestas in Norfolk, Virginia who met for the first time last night, the 23rd, and WOW! This is going to be a great time together. Our ‘season words’: disappointing, chaotic, mentoring, adjusting, upheaval, and finally, stable. PTL! We have goals to have a closer walk, new hunger for The Word, to share The Word, continuity and discipline in our lives, more witness opportunities.
Thanks for this opportunity!
Oh, may He alone transform “disappointing” into something beyond her wildest dreams!
For “chaotic,” “adjusting” and “upheaval”…praying that order and vision will invade your lives!
For “mentoring,” I totally KNOW this study will be a blessing to you! LEGACY!!!
For “stable,” may Peace and Joy grow in abundance as you walk through this book of Ruth.
So very nice to meet you!
Computer trouble hope you don’t get this 3x!
Lewisburg,PA. 4 women who did not know one another met at my home last eve. One recent College Grad in Ireland this week I’ve known since her birth, one married mom, a neighbor with 2 young kids, a married mom/grandmom, 2 married kids, one child and grandchild living in her home, husband to retire next week-met her at Simulcast,I am 54, married 32 years, one married son, husband 55 to retire soon,my mom living here now since Dec. from FL and her husband passed last Jan.
1 WORD-busy, change, changes
GOALS;dig deeper into God’s WORD, grow closer to God, continue learning but utilize tools/scriptures on index cards given.
Great night all of us excited for this study. Praying for all in this study. And a huge THANKS!
I know that each one of you will take something different away with you as you study this story of Ruth. May God really share His wisdom with each of you.
Hi, Susan here from Martinsville, Indiana.
Going solo, I am mid fifties, empty nester, divorced.
Live in the country with two horses and three dogs.
I feel alil lost right now, guess that would be my one word, LOST! I want to find a closer relationship with God and find what I am supposed to do with my life… I know He has a purpose for me… God is good.
Bless you all !
May you find Him and feel the beautiful way His Eye is always on you, little sparrow. You are not forgotten or lost. Just be still and let Him reveal Himself to you.
Solo, Walker, LA
I have been thinking since Monday what my one word is and I have come up with several so I will say “CONFUSED”. I am hoping for direction and answers through this Bible study. I need a church home badly. I have not been involved in a church since 2005. Made some bad decisions. Beat myself up over it again and again. I just need to stop it. I want this dry season to be over.
Tina in LA
I’m going through some of the same things you are going through! May He be the Oasis in your desert. Rest between His shoulders. He loves you and longs to come in and sup with you. Just open the door!
We are a group of 4, ages 40-60, who have done a summer study the past several years together. We all attend different churches but have had children in the same school district at one time or another. We meet in each other’s homes. We previously have done the NOG study and are excited about another Kelly Minter study. We live near Huxley, IA. It is the center of the state.
We met and are encouraged to look at the book of Ruth with fresh eyes. We are committed to hold each other accountable to remain in the Word during busy summer schedules.
Fresh eyes. I like that.
Kelly Minter’s studies are so rich and full of soul food!!!
May you discover the feast He has prepared just for each one of you.
Hello,
I tried this yesterday, but it didn’t seem to take (at least I can’t find it). I am doing this study solo in Christiansburg, Va. I am a wife and mother of a 7 yr old boy.
My descriptive word is “Reflective.” I find myself constantly reflecting on where God is or what God is doing and discovering many ways that God wants to teach me – even in just witnessing someone else’s struggle or dealing with my own struggles. My goal in this study is to grow even closer to God and allow Him to work in and through me. I want to get to a place of total trust in God so that I can say “Wherever He leads, I’ll go.” Studying Ruth seemed appropriate.
Sondra, that is the sweetest desire. I know God has a special plan for you. May He fill you up to the brim and overflowing with His goodness.
We are a group of 4 (maybe 5) in Alvarado, Texas. We are all empty nesters and are we are a little lost as we try to figure out this new season as we welcome “in-laws” and grandbabies into our circle. Our comments for our one word describing this season of our lives range from….searching, exhausted, stagnate, depleted. I think we are tired!! This is our first time to join in on one of these summer studies. But already, day one, hit us right on! We are excited to join in this group and to stay in His Word with fellow sisters in Christ as we all muddle through on our way to victorous!!
Oh, how I pray that He will refresh each one of you and meet every need you have.
Albuquerque, NM: 4 of us: Meeting in our office conference room. Our group of made up of a Bible study group of 4, we have been meeting at work for several years and I think I can speak for us all when I say we treasure our group. We were particularity moved by Hebrews 11:24-26 and through our discussion have decided to all give up shopping for ourselves through the end of the study. So we can try and focus on God’s eternal value and not the world’s value system. Trust me this is big for us. In fact, one of our group, has already designated a loop hole. Yes she is the accountant in the group. If we do purchase something for ourselves we have to give the same amount to our church or a ministry we care about. However we are all committed to focus on God.
Workplace ministry! That is awesome! So glad to meet your group and I know He has a special plan and purpose for each of you. We sure spend a lot of time at work…so nice that you have Grace friends to share with.
We are a group of 4 meeting in Houston. We usually meet at starbucks, but if we are hungry, we meet at La mad’s or at Newks! We are all 40+, married with various ages of kids from elementary to college. We just finished “So Long Insecurity” and we must say, it was the bomb.com. I am sharing it with every teen I work with and young woman that I am mentoring. Thanks Beth, Amanda and Melissa for all that you do!
Dana! Love Houston! I’ve visited there recently for the Scripture Memorization celebration. Even visited the Starbucks close to Beth’s church and brought a Houston mug home with me to Georgia. That is awesome that you are sharing SLI with our younger girls. You know this study is for you…LEGACY…
Our group is small, only two.
Penny, mother, and Brittany, daughter.
We are from Burlington, NC.
We work together at the family business.
Y’all are like Naomi and Ruth. Just look at what those two did in God’s plan! Praying He will show you many Words through this study. I love it when He give me a Word.
Mine this week was “Do not flee!”
My Bible Babes are doing Ruth starting mid July! So I’m thrilled to jump in with Siestaville early to get a head start!
Yahoooooooooooooooo!
Kim B.
Orlando, FL
40-ish (Rock on LARONDA! 40 ish is COOL / !!!
Welcome and love that you can’t wait to get started!
Doing the study solo from Boston, MA; my one word is hopeful; the goal of this summer is to remain and be still before the Lord. I lead an inner city ministry and the summer is our busiest season. As someone just reminded me, even Mother Tersea spent quality time with Jesus each day before she went out to the people. I need to do the same.
So true. My word is HOPE. He’s walking me through a time of ABIDING. He is growing something through us I think! Blessings as you sit at His feet and choose the thing that is needful.
Aldergrove, BC, Canada. Going solo. I’m single and work full time. My word is seeking. My hope for this study is that the Lord will use the life of Ruth to prepare me in some small way for my future.
Hi Cassandra! Praying with you that He has planned for this time…just He and you. He’s definitely wooing you into a relationship with Him that is intimate and satisfying. We forget sometimes that He is ALL we need. The rest He blesses us with is just the “surely goodness and mercy part” of Psalm 23. Love you and praying for you to find Him in Ruth.
Lake Jackson, Texas; 11 attended today; meeting in homes. Please pray for Aya -the daughter-in-law of one of our members who had a serious car accident this morning & is in Mem. Hermann Hospital. Our group shared their “one word” description of their present lives. Our goals for this Summer Study are to be with our supportive group, study the Bible every day & to get to know Ruth. Thank you Beth for sharing this study with us.
Hi Sherrie! Praying for Aya…may God mend her quickly with no complications. Love the thought of getting to know Ruth. I’m sure she would have joined this group of siestas. Every time I read her story, I just feel what a woman of GRACE she was. Enjoy the study.
Heledd from South Wales, Uk, 28 and married. Going solo on this study and just got my book today 🙂
We’re so glad to have you!
Heledd,
Are you anywhere near Barry? I worked there for several months once upon a lifetime ago (you were probably about 4 years old at the time). I have wonderful memories of many beautiful places along the coast.
Nice to “meet” you!
Laura in South Dakota
Hi Laura,
Sorry for delay in answering – my Internet is playing up. I’m from Swansea but live in Bridgend now so not far from Barry really. The South Wales coast is really pretty – glad you have good memories of it 🙂
Heledd
Are you originally from South Wales, Uk, Heledd? If you are, I would love to hear your accent! Welcome, far away siesta friend…
Yes I am! Welsh born and bred and I speak Welsh too.
Thanks for your welcome, sure your American accent is lovely too 🙂
Hey everybody! I’m Barbara from New Bern, NC (single). I’m going solo this summer, too.
The word the describes my current season is “waiting”. The last year has brought alot of personal challenges and I’m waiting for the Lord in several areas of my life. My goal is to follow hard after Jesus and stay in the word during the summer. Looking forward to how the Lord will show off for all of us. 🙂
Hi Barbie: I was just in your beautiful city a couple of weeks ago on vacation. visited the Tyron Palace & the birthplace of Pepsi. We were driving through from Beufort on the way to Hertford to visit relatives.
My good friend Kim Saylor lives in New Bern.
Linda
Barbie, I’ve been to Asheville, Highlands and through Franklin. Beautiful state!
Oh, and waiting is hard for me. If you are going through a season of waiting, I pray that you will hold this time close to your heart like something holy. It helps me to see a waiting time like a time when a baby is growing in it’s mother’s womb. Be patient, God is doing so much behind the veil while He asks you to wait. God bless ya!
Couldn’t get to write a comment until today – going solo in Plainview, TX. Married with first grandboy due any time. Season of life is waiting. Can’t wait for new little life God will bless us with and can’t wait for what God will do in my life through this wonderful study!
Goodness! You will feel so much love for Naomi, especially towards the end of this book of Ruth! God bless your coming “special delivery.”
Kalispell, MT; 3 first time summer Bible study siestas meeting Thursday mornings on my back deck! I am 42, M is 49 and holding and L is in her early 50’s. We are all married with two children. I am the only one with a child still in school. I described my life as transitional, L described her life as emotional and M described her life as transemotional! And that was not planned lol!!! We all had the goal to be in God’s word but also to spend time with each other where there won’t be any girl drama, so that we could feel safe to share life…to laugh, cry and pray together. L couldn’t meet with us today but M and I had a great discussion about people going their own way in Judges. What we do affects other people and our hearts even if we don’t realize it. That one verse seemed so heavy and lifeless. As we looked at the passage of Jeremiah 17 right away we see how trusting in the Lord brings blessings, health, confidence, no fear and no worry. Then you have all the truth about the heart and how deceitful and how it can’t be trusted. Let the Lord search your heart and turn to Him. We also both loved verse 14…Heal (Save) me O Lord, and I will be healed (saved). Definetly a contrast and one we want to run to with all that is within us!
Love this! Thank you for sharing your group’s discussion. I know what you mean about Judges 21:25 seeming so heavy and lifeless. When I read that verse, it was like it was spoken through the heaviness of the Holy Spirit.
Carlsbad, Ca There are 4 of us. We did the study together last summer. Our age range is 40’s-50’s. We all work at Mom’s Day Out together. Our ONE WORD characterizations of this present season were as follows: TURMOIL, TIRED, FAITH, DISJOINTED. (You can see why we need to stay in THE WORD!!) The main part of our discussion focused on the contrast between the two scriptures. Because the heart is deceitful above all things doing “as each sees fit” is living in deceit and Satan loves this. We cannot trust ourselves or our motives. This kind of living leads to chaos similar to what we see everyday in our world. Praise be to God that He has provided a way.” Blessed is the man(woman)who trusts in the Lord…. He/She will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.” This is where we want to be- rooted in the Living Water. Our goals for this study are for the study to be a priority, a renewal of love and affection for spouse, staying in God’s word, and enjoying the fellowship of being with siesta’s and learning from Ruth and her steadfast devotion. Looking forward to studying with all of you beautiful ladies and the surprises God has for us.
Blessings!! The So Cal Gals
I can just see all of you holding out your empty hands, asking Jesus to fill you. He will, I just know He will. Blessings to all of you.
– One word: eagerness
– My goal of doing this study is to root myself in God’s word and make it an integral part of every day
– For me, looking at the verse in Judges and the passage in Jeremiah speaks to me about how if I do as I see fit (i.e not God’s way) then I become weak, almost ‘hollow’. I might look ok from the outside but inside things aren’t right and it doesn’t take much to crack me. In contrast I want to be like the ‘tree’ mentioned in Jeremiah as I follow the Lord wholeheartedly. Solid.
Lord, do a work in me this Summer!!
Wow! I know God is just as eager! May you finish strong in this study…
Blue Springs, MO. Solo. I am an older Siesta–almost to the winter of my life. Thought long about the one word to describe my life–while there are many negatives I could use, have to go with Blessed. I know that no matter what has happened or does happen, I still have more than many in this world.
Have studied Ruth in the past, but after completing Beth’s Esther study (also studied in the past) I know I will learn a lot of new concepts & experience blessings. I need to keep focused on God–I keep falling off the track. Frustrating because at my age, I should be more disciplined.
Oh, Marj, it is so good to have you hear! I will be looking for your name and the way God will speak to you in our future posts. I just want to encourage you. We never get beyond the age of knowing it all. God is infinite…we never run out of new things to discover about Him. I wish you would share with us ONE THING you have discovered about Him already in your life. Love you, dear saint.
Augusta, GA, 2 group members who are co-workers. 17 years age difference. We have one married empty nester with 2 married children and one married mom of 2 young children. Our current seasons are ‘confused’ and ‘separated’. Our goals are to draw closer to the Lord and to gain a permanently positive outlook on this season and life altogether. We are excited about spending time studying Ruth with ALL of you and anticipate the Lord taking us both to new places.
Tara…from Georgia…I have this visual of “Gone With The Wind!”
Lisa…okay, that reminds me of “Sweet Melissa” by the Allman Brothers!
Hope you two find common ground as you meet together studying Ruth. It is such a beautiful story I know you will be blessed.
I’m a Georgia girl, too, from Dublin. And boy, do I know that word “separated.” Praying for THAT to be made one…no more division.
Texarkana,TX, going solo, Hey Ya’ll! I’m joining in on this thing last minute, but God is really pushing me to commit, so here goes. Started last night, and I am real excited about it. My one word is EXPECTING- not pregnant!!!, just waiting expectantly for God to teach me more and more and more about Him and who He wants me to be. I know that He will show up in a real BIG way through this study, and I cannot wait!
Amanda, I know He will!! He DELIVERS right on time!!!
Hi all! This is Robin from Huntsville, Arkansas, and I am so excited to join the study this summer…I don’t like taking breaks from our bible studies at church so this is a great alternative. So blessed this is an option…
Glad you all saved me a seat!!
Robin, we didn’t save you a seat. God RESERVED you a seat! He knew you were coming and we are so glad you are here…
Rio Vista, CA: 4 of us (3 at the moment, 1 is on vacation). Our group is made up of 50+ yrs. old women who are involved in Women’s Ministries at our church. These are answers to Beth’s questions by 2 of us.
1. Excitement
>
> 2. Growth
>
> 3. I came to Jesus completely broken in spirit and mind. I had no
> guidance and no help.On my knees face on the floor in a broken down
> hotel room.I cried out to God “please no give me anymore I can’t
> handle it”These four words ring true everyday of my life. I can only
> do what i do through Him alone.
Next
1). My One word would be: Changes
2). My goal is to trust Jesus – no matter what the circumstances
3). Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior I tried to make “right” decisions with the world’s views in mind but they were constantly changing and more often than not I would regret my decisions and feel rotten. Trying to decide what was right in any given situation was just too difficult because I had no “true north” no real Truth and guessing when to please myself and when to please others made me make terrible and sometimes dangerous decisions. Now that I have God’s Word and can read the Truth it’s still difficult to make the right decisions but I do have a standard that never changes and that along with the help of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and leading is a huge help. The scripture in Jeremiah is like a balm to my soul. It completely contrasts with doing things “my way.”
Hi Judy. Your testimony touches me deeply. His Word is life. Blessings to you and your threesome!
Hi, my name is Deborah, I’m 46, married 24 years, 2 kids (Sally 21, Adam 16), I work outside the home, I love to read, write, and many forms of handwork, I hate to cook or clean house, I’m involved in various ministries within my church, I hate to exercise. I’ll be doing this study solo. The one word for this season of my life – tired. The goal for this summer – to get on fire for God.
I want to live Jer. 17:7, 14…not Judges 21:25!
Forget to put where I’m from, outside Nashville, Tennessee
My name is Deborah, too! And I hate to do housework, just like you.
So very glad to meet you…
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
2 members in group- my 26-year-old daughter and myself. We are both married, and each have an only daughter.
We discuss the homework by phone or when together, not a set meeting time.
Her word for this season-mommy (a 15-month-old daughter)
My word-blessed.
Our goal for the study is to be consistently in the Word during the busy days of summer, and to fall more in love with Jesus. We love being able to study God’s Word together. We have taken several studies, and memorably had to miss our last session of Esther as the birth of a little girl beckoned us to the hospital. 🙂 God turned that day of labor into a day of celebration!
Vicki. You and your daughter will be so touched by this study, I just know it! I love your word…Blessed. Every one of us…no matter what our word is…Blessed applies to all of us. Single, seeking, tired, lost, confused, separated…whatever our word…we are still blessed. So glad to have both of you here.
So I’m a little behind,unfortunately I’ve been fighting custody battles to beat the band the last two days. I’m a solo girlie who lives part time in WA State, and part time in Southern California, but I’d say the one word to describe my present season (at the risk of sounding like a total whiner, which I can’t stand, but I asked several different people’s input on this) is: Agonizing. My goal for this study is how to handle loss in a way that would allow God the greatest glory, and to allow me the most growth and transformation, to experience and pour out love in God ordained ways, and to leave a legacy that my heavenly Father would say ‘Good and Faithful Servant’ to.
Coutney…Agonizing. I sure hope that not only God will nurse you through this…but all of us will gather around you as you handle loss for God’s glory. I’ve got that going on in my life right now, too. Never lose hope. Trust God to care for the unseen and the things you cannot control right now. He is teaching you to trust Him. Do you know this verse…Luke 18:8. God is better than the Cavalry coming to your rescue. He won at Calvary! Trust Him to do what only He can do.
Praying for you…and the pain of loss. May God meet you right where you are and hold you between His shoulders.
I am going solo, from Asheville, NC.
One word to describe me is “change”, because I have just turned 50 (and all that goes along with that) plus my children are leaving the nest…therefore I am losing my job as homeschool mom…everything seems to be changing!!!
My goal for the study is to be accountable to do my Bible study for the summer. Even though I am solo, I have the siestas to keep up with!
My hormones seem to be raging all the time, so I (and anyone in my life) will often suffer if I do what seems fit at any given moment. I want to follow Jesus, not my emotions!
I’m here to encourage you, Melissa. Praying God will reveal Ruth’s strength and grace in you, too. After all, only God can give us what we need to embrace life’s challenges. Feel the success of where you’ve been. Trust Him to keep you as you continue following His footsteps.
Marysville, KS, I am solo here. Tried to get people interested in an online study but all the big city folk already have so many to attend 🙂 I’m 32 single no kids unless you count my three cats and a dog.
One word to describe me- changing. I’m in the process of changing careers which means some school while working fulltime, etc.
3. My main goal is just to connect with God. There are very few biblical resources where I live due to the rural nature of the town.
4. Well when your will is not aligned with the Lord’s how can you know if what you are doing is pleasing to Him and therefore guaranteed to generate only good? We are to do what is right in the Lord’s eyes and not use our freedom as an excuse to live however we desire.
Jamie…as I read your post I was thinking about how Beth has shared that she would teach her Barbies about Jesus. I can just picture you trying to reach out but finding other’s that are just too busy. Maybe God is growing a gift of teaching in you. Practice on your pets or maybe you have some Barbies?
Love you and welcome to your sweet bunch of siestas here in siestaville.
Hello!
I’m trying this again since #1 didn’t get through. Just short this time. 2 really frayed princesses from Calgary Alberta Canada joining you for the first time. One word to describe this time is ‘volatile’. We are both looking for comfort and company. I really want this blog thing to work.
Nicola, I’m just so sad your word right now is “volatile.” I pray that you and your other frayed princess will settle in to this holy zone of Grace-people and feel His power bringing us our peace in the storms of life. Sometimes we have to be still to hear Him whisper to us. I pray that God comforts you and that you will definitely feel companionship in Him and through all of us.
Praying and loving you both!
1. I’m Deborah and I’ll be solo in Middle Georgia. I’m married to my knight but he seems to be going through a difficult time right now. We are separated but I am praying my marriage will be Fireproof!! I work full-time and I love rainy days, finding seashells, wrapping presents and shopping at flea markets. I have no pets right now, but I would love to own a fish but they just die on me!
2. My life right now in one word…HOPE.
3. My goal – Be encouraged to remain steadfast during trials.
4. Pondering the danger of Judges 21:25 – If I chose to follow that verse, it would mean I had forsaken God and His ways. I would be God of my life. Left on my own I would be full of me, me, me. I would give no thought to kindness, love or truth. None of those would be valuable to me. I would just want to be The Boss Of Everything Everywhere. And that would lead to a world gone mad.
Pondering Jeremiah – It is so different from Judges’ verse. Fruitful, not following my deceitful heart, trusting God…and blessed. Ahhh, that’s more like it!
praying with you about your marriage!
Thank you!
Dearest twinkle,
Cannot help but be in awe of the encourager you are. So evident that your reservoir runs so deep with the ONE from whom living waters flow. To read every response you gave on this page was unbelievable. Man, no wonder Satan wants to devour you and your marriage.Praying for you and your marriage, too. HOPE is a good word for you…knowing our Saviour assures me He will be faithful to deliver. I am looking forward to to taking this journey with you.
xoxo, rene
ps…I run with reckless abandon through flea markets!!
Going solo in Colorado. Not because there are not tons of others to do this with, but because I’m needing some time alone with Daddy after a brutal battle and now some healing. Also married, two boys (16 and 11). What am I looking for? A fresh new commitment to God and His Word after a bout (again!) with unbelief and shall we say, “Willful Disobedience”? Hmm…As for Judges and Jeremiah…since I have just spent several months “doing what felt right in my own eyes” and not necessarily seeking God (actually choosing to put Him far aside for a while)…and no it didn’t turn out well! Having slapped my own hand for being so stupid, it sure showed me that going this direction is just a plain old RED FLAG that I am NOT in the Word and not walking in the Spirit, and knowing that this is truly, as Miss Kay would say, “despising” the Lord…this Siesta is done playing that game and going down a “different road” this time. Looking forward to a summer of growth, commitment, and completion in Him.
Wendy, I’m going through a Sacred time with my Jesus right now. I’ve given up cable tv. I pop a dvd in every once in a while…I’ve played FIREPROOF about five times this past week.
And I’ve changed what I listen to in my car. Beth’s teaching cds have changed my travel time into the most powerful anointed space in my life right now.
God is ready to battle for YOU. Do NOT let go. Do NOT turn back. Eyes on Christ.
I love you. I care about you. Jesus is VICTORY…
Hi everyone!
1. I am going solo from Belton, SC on this one.
I am married with 2 boys (6,3) and a 3rd due in
September
2. Seeking
3. Goal: to finish this study and apply it to my life
Welcome, busy mommy! Praying God will set apart TIME for you as you seek Him. Pray that first thing every morning because you KNOW the enemy wants to keep you from that very thing. So glad you are here. I pray that we will all be an encouragement to you here.
My group from Jackson Missouri met this afternoon. We had a newcomer and she had never seen Beth Moore, didn’t know who she was or what she did. What a glorious moment!!!!! She has never done a bible study other than those taught at her church(Catholic). We are so blessed to have the group that has been put together by the Lord.
Our ladies summed up their lives as conflicting, emotional, apprehensive and surviving.
Our ladies had biblical enthusiasm, getting to know other women and their faith, addicted to bible study and the Lord wouldn’t leave me alone as reasons for doing this study.
We had great discussion and the verses were beautiful. Not that I ever expected anything less. As for Judges and Jeremiah we decided when people selfishly satisfy their personal desires at all costs, everyone pays the price. But how sweet it is to be watered with the Living Water and healed by our God.
Praises Praises to Lord God Almighty!!!!! What a glorious day of study with my siestas.
“the Lord wouldn’t leave me alone”
THAT is the best one I’ve read!!
May God do exactly as He pleases in one of your hearts. I pray that not a single one of you will be able to run from His work in your life. May you all feel His Grip on you as He takes you through this holy time of Bible study. We are His people.
Ops! “May God do exactly as He pleases in EACH ONE of your hearts.”
My typing was terrible there.
Tacoma, WA, I’m solo, my one word- Rushed, I hope to slow down and focus on God with my summer.
Shonda, praying Psalm 23 for you. Savor it. Enjoy the time in Bible study. It is a call from Him to sit at His feet and do the one thing that is NEEDFUL. Praying you will find time to have “Mary” moments. Martha was so busy, but Mary sat at His feet and listened to Him. It is a Sacred time.
Tallahassee, FL. Going solo. My husband and I just recently moved from Gator Country (Gainesville, FL) to Nole Country (Tallahassee, FL). We are very excited about were God is leading us and are very much looking forward to this next adventure in our life.
Right now- I am “Abiding” in Him. He is my only source of strength, hope and joy.
This is my first online Bible Study and I am so very excited to be here, I know God is going to do some amazing things through the miles that stretch between us.
Sorrell, may you abide in the secret place with Him. Praying that the noise of this world would be silenced as you surround yourself with His presence. You are in the womb…abide while He creates new things in your life. It is His work.
Love you and praying for you.
Hey Ladies!
We are in Atlanta, Georgia and Seneca, South Carolina. There are 3 of us…We are meeting as we can (S.C. on Wed and GA. on Thurs) and are Moms with small kids. 2 of us have husbands in ministry, one of us has 3 kids under 7, one of us is homeschooling, and we’re all TIRED! We agree we’re here to keep us in His Word this summer because we’ve found that being in the Bible is the key to staying in His Presence and we have to have that to keep going~We ‘re already refreshed after just one short meeting. He is so AWESOME!
Becky,
What a blessing you all must be to each other! I am so glad you are feeling refreshed. Kelly Minter makes Bible study so enjoyable and woven into the fabric of our lives. Food, fellowship, fun and refreshing…all in the communion with Christ as we sojourn together. God bless each of you and give you strength.
Kennesaw, GA
Hi, I am doing this study solo.
I teach Middle School (Reading & Language Arts). This is my first blog study.
Description- Disorganized
Goal – To become more focus and KNOW that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I completed Week 1, and was richly blessed by Kelly’s study on Ruth Chapter 1. I want to have the spirit and will power of Ruth…being persistent.
Praying for you, Carolyn. Love Kennesaw! Went there twice for Travis Cottrell’s taping of Jesus Saves Live (so anointed) and Beth Moore’s So Long, Insecurity event. You live in a place that has been blessed and blessed by the Spirit hovering there. This study is one I’ve been looking forward to…Loss, Love and Legacy. How I pray that God will bless us both with this divine commissioning to see Him in the middle of our greatest needs.
Monterey, CA There are six of us. (Two more in a satellite group in Kokomo, IN)We are a mix of singles, marrieds, m w/ kids, military, and so forth. We are meeting next week and are excited to be going through this study with so many other Siestas! ***we LOVE that Kelly included recipes!***
Kate, enjoy the communion with your group! Pour out the spirit of hospitality as God builds unity in your group. I know He has special plans for each of you to be changed by this time spent together and with Him. Do NOT forget to invite Him to your gatherings. He is the MOST HONORED GUEST OF ALL OUR GROUPS…solo or multiples.
Love you for your generosity and your excitement!
Another Solo Siesta here!!! I’m so jazzed about this summer’s study – I’ve looked forward to it all year long!
I’m 25, and single. Widowed, actually. I live in the DFW area of Texas. I’m also a Mama who is homeschooling this summer, so I’m going to be working Ruth into my darling girl’s school curriculum! (She just celebrated her 6th birthday a few days ago!)
My word would be Stressful. Last summer I moved 600 miles to move in with my parents out of necessity for my daughter any myself. It was a God-ordained decision, but it was a very difficult one. The last year has been extremely difficult. It has taken a daily swallowing of pride, and the majority of the time, I have to admit, I’ve spent in my knees sobbing. I have a very negative and painful relationship with my father, and I’m confronted with it every moment of the day, and I’m finding out just how weak I am. I know that I’ve done the right thing for my little family of 2, but I am still having a hard time adjusting, and that’s pretty embarrassing to admit. I trust that God brought me here for a reason, even if it’s simply to make sure that I give my daughter a secure and stable life…I’m just praying that He shows me how to adjust to this stage of life and that I can make Him proud. My selfish prayer right now is that He’ll send me a friend…not knowing anyone besides my family has gotten a little old. =)
My goal for this summer study is simply to spend more time with God and to draw even closer to Him. I’m completely open to whatever He wants me to learn, and I’m thrilled for whatever it may be!!!
AnnaRUTH,
I pray that God will bring someone into your life to minister to you as you grieve and adjust to the many changes taking place in your life. Praying that you would feel Jesus taking your place as your father causes you pain. Let Him carry that burden for you. Just ask Him to endure this in your life. May He give you everything you need to grow through this and be victorious.
Love you, siesta!
AnnaRuth, your photo and you blog touch me and I am adding you to my daily prayers< juls
P.S.
We are ALL first-timers with SSBS!
Kate, you all will love this study. I did NOGS here and it was a life-changing study. Kelly does a good job of fostering communion through her Bible studies. May each one of you move forward through loss, love and legacy.
Nice to meet you here, siesta!