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
Ever have one of those days when you’re at your computer and finally look at the clock and wonder where the last two hours have gone? That’s me right now — reading all the comments. Finally had to stop and still didn’t get to read them all. WOW.
Going solo in Walterboro, SC. Married. 40s. No kids.
My one word: INSANITY. As in, doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
My goal: To figure out how to do it differently!!!!
Sorry we are late
Sumter SC; my daughter and I; I’m 46 married for 15 years and I am a nurse,Abbie is 15 and will be a sophomore this coming year.My word would be struggling and Abbie’s is frustrated. Our goals are as follows: Beth-I want to be able to learn by Ruth’s example about family relationships and also leaning more on God as my King. Abbie’s is to be able to realize God’s lead in her life. As for the verses we both discussed the affect of having God as our King in life brings us happiness and peace,while if you put you as your king life becomes chaotic and miserable. We are both excited to take this journey into God’s word.
God Bless
Beth and Abbie
Here in Fresno, CA there are 5 of us meeting together at each others’ houses. It’s me, my mom, my sister and 2 sister-in-laws. : ) Wait. And our kids. Counting them, we’re actually 19 and will be 20 by the time we’re done! Think of us as a Mom’s group! : ) We’re all Believers, but go to different churches, so getting to do this together is a special treat. Great big family gatherings with 14 grandkids running around don’t exactly lend themselves to intimate, heart-level conversations, so I’m so happy to have a chance to meet on a heart level ON PURPOSE and to get to share with them (even with the kids running around!) the way I do with my friends at church. Praising God for the idea to ask them to join me instead of doing this myself! : )
Hi! I’m from upstate South Carolina, and I’m doing this study with four of my co-workers. We are all mothers, but at different places: ranging from one mom pregnant with child number 2 all the way to a mom with the youngest child in college. I’m so encouraged to have other believers in the workplace who want to come together and really dig into the Word!!
Hi, Beth! I’m also from the upstate, but we are in Fort Mill now. I am doing the study solo but I am a young mom so I hope to learn a lot from you and your group of girls!
My two Bible study cohorts are on vacation for a spell, but I just can’t wait any longer to join in! it’s been killing me!!! I’ll cycle back with a snippet from my friends when they return, but for now:
. three 40-something moms of school-age kids
. from minneapolis and st. paul
. will meet in each others’ sweet homes
. to learn and grow and love and serve our Lord more and more each day.
a word for me for this season – waiting. long waiting.
jeremiah 17:7-8 – amazing. this was one of my first siesta scripture memory passages! it encouraged me then in the midst of a long, hard, widespread season of drought in my heart and life. i am still in that drought, but i am oh so much more hopeful for rain to come. i am eagerly awaiting God to rain His goodness and blessing on me in whatever way He sees fit, as opposed to having been in grief and confusion over the famine.
i can’t wait to dig in!!!
I wonder if we’re the last group to meet. We are in Hendersonville, TN, and had 20 ladies meet in my home tonight. Our ages range from 15 to 72. Our seasonal words were: Busy, Calendar (wish I’d thought of that), Content, Excited, Spontaneous, Fun, Emotional, Anxious, Peaceful, Challenged, Transitional, Enjoyable, Relaxing, Uncomfortable, Relaxed, Happy, and Restless. Was delighted with several mother/daughter pairs. Most if not all shared a sense of anticipation of a closer walk with the Lord this summer combined with good girlie fellowship. My daughter made homemade chocolate cheesecake, (sorry; recipe not included), so many left with chocolatey grins. I hope this particular posting hasn’t reached critical mass just yet.
Kathy,
You NEVER cease to amuse me!!Never met you, but I adore you on the written page!!Pretty certain in or out of person either way!..BTW, ‘I’ want a chocolatey grin…and yes, this post DID reach critical mass!! Funny thing is, I’m still reading the AMAZING stuff God is doing!!
sorry, just had to say hello!!
rene : )
Hello Rene! How delightful so see your reply. I just ambled back here, I’m embarrassed to say, to see if anyone had commented. How encouraging to read yours.
My kiddos have been known to say that I’m often the only one laughing at my attempts at humor. I figure somebody ought to get tickled. Besides, aren’t kids supposed to be a heapin’ helpin’ of humility? So far, so good.
I feel a little guilty to cause Beth (or whomever) to have to travel waaay back here to post this. But obviously, not guilty enough.
Let’s see if I can’t keep amusing the two of us.
Thanks so much!
Yearning to learn from a great bible teacher who has the heart from God to teach His word. I am out of town so I don’t know if I can find a book in time or not, but I do have my bible and will be reading.
Thank you so much for encouraging women of all ages who love the truth of God’s word and those who are not yet familiar but long to have a relationship with the One and only.
Hey Siestas! It’s Judy from Mission Viejo, CA. I think I am doing this one solo, and part of me wants to stay solo and have my precious time alone with my Lord and Redeemer. The other half of me thinks it would be cool to meet someone in my area to share this with. I did Kellys No Other God study by myself and loved it. My purpose is to stay in the Word, where I find my peace and security. I am currently doing Beths Revelation Study on Monday nights at Saddleback Church (Rick Warrens the pastor). The season of my life would be hectic..the older you get, aren’t you suppose to be working less and enjoying life?? Its just the opposite for me…I am crazy busy at work and have no time for myself..not liking it at all! I give 110% at work, but it just is never enough and never get caught up!! I guess I should be happy to have a job in this economy. Will be seeing Beth at Mariners Church in OC in a couple weeks…cannot wait..daughter is driving down from Fresno to go with me..this is our 3rd CA conference. Haven’t started the study..may start tonite. Beth you make me laugh and I thank God for you and your ministry and the way I see you touching womens lives!! God is using you in a powerful way!!!!
Albuquerque NM- 6 -meeting at our Friend Gwens house. We are in women’s ministry at our church and have a Bible study every summer. almost 50-50’s-60’s year old. We will meet next Monday for the first time.
(Just outside of) Charlottesville, VA.
6 of us gathered, but we’re expecting about 3 more. We’re a mix of ages and walks (50ish-30ish).
Much of our discussion was around the present season of our lives and how for most of us, it is one of sacrifice and dying to ourselves to be used by God and minister to those around us (co-workers, children, customers, church members, etc.).
Some of our ONE word answers were: Hectic, growing, loving, seeking, impatient, overwhelmed, maturing.
Thanks so much for this blog and this study. It is a blessing!!
As life would have it plans don’t work out the way it works. I was going to do the study with a group of women at a local church. Now I am going to have to go solo since I will be working and traveling during these weeks of study. I am committing myself to do the homework and to join in with all of these fabulous women. Sometimes you need to walk with God alone to glean from His Word.
Sheridan, Wy
Atlanta, GA – Our small group has 6 women in it (5 married, 1 single). We have been meeting for 6 or 7 years and have done all kinds of studies together. We are excited about the Ruth study. We had a great discussion around God’s providence this week. We love that this study is in depth and has us all over Scripture.
Montgomery, AL, Just me and my Savior…. because every now and then (might I say: OFTEN!) you need His total attention to simply sit still and bask in Him alone all by yourself, sharing the moment with no one else. Married to the most incredible man for 25 yrs / Mom to three of the sweetest kids I know (16,17 & 19). One word? Awed! Excited about our journey together delved in the treasures of His word! I can’t wait to see what all we’ll find! He’s the delight of my life… I am wretched without Him!
Middleburg, Fl; 6, rotate meeting in homes. Several of us did the previous Kelly Minter study and are excited to be together again. We have settled on Thursday night so we will be a little behind everyone else:) We are keeping the meal simple: salad, bread, and dessert. Focus is the Word!! We are all moms who are in a similar season of life. Words tonight: whirlwind, hectic, challenged, hopeful, and survival. One member’s Mom joined us while visiting her daughter, she is reflective. We all desire to one day be at that season. So very excited about Ruth, great discussion tonight related to Judges and Jeremiah. Thanks for the Summer Bible Study and enduring the heat for us!! We love you Beth!
Charlotte, NC
3 of us gals in our early 30s: Ani, Ashleigh and Joy
Co-workers from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association meeting on our lunch break…we are SO jazzed to be doing this!
We are a mixture of “hungry” and “longing.” Hungry for the Word, and longing in two senses — 1. In a spiritual sense and 2. In a “let’s get this show on the road” sense. Hoping to see some things come through.
In our discussion, we talked about how we, as women, tend to be ruled by our emotions. Since our feelings have no intellect, it is unwise to “do as we see fit.” Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, as plain as day, that our hearts deceive us.
Oh Lord, let us stand on truth and not on fleeting feelings!
I’m Jess, live in central KY, going solo with this study. Married, no kids, current season of life is blessed (and stressed at times) Want to stay in the Word this summer through this study.
Looking forward to this 🙂
I could not get many takers….People are too busy this summer…their loss….but my good buddy Vicky & I started the study tonight and love it….We figure two is plenty….We just want to get into the word and not dry up over the summer until our fall bible studies start up……can’t wait to get into it….
Titanyen, Haiti. I recently started working with Samaritan’s Purse in Haiti. One word to describe my life right now: Overwhelmed!
We are a mother/daughter duo doing this study in Crossville, Tennessee. Is anyone close by doing this (if so we’d love to have you join us…) The word that best describes us is searching. We are looking forward to learning with you throughout this study!
Morristown, TN.
Solo (meeting lots of Siestas from TN – Fun)
Word – Challenging
Desire – Grasp deep understand about the relationship between Ruth & Naomi. My mother-in-law lives with me and I need to be more like Ruth.
Judges 21:25 – Why is it dangerous? The answer is found in Jeremiah 17:9 Our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?
Hope – Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD…..
Thank you Beth – those last two verses were right where I needed to be. LORD Jesus help me to be a doer of the WORD…please.
Columbia, Missouri;
Flying solo (might pick up passengers in a few days)
52 and single – some man is missing a treat 😉
Dry & thirsty (because I don’t go to the Well consistently like I should) Duh!
Desire God more than the other ‘stuff’ that I choose over spending more intimate time with Him and His Word
Judges 21:25 – Dangerous because doing what I see fit does not always lead to God’s best for me
Jeremiah 17: 13b & 14 are my prayer…”Lord help me run to you as the FOUNTAIN of LIVING water. Please heal me & I will be healed; save me & I will be saved, for you ALONE are my praise.”
Dearest Mama Beth:
Music speaks to me in mightly ways; I’m suggesting our theme song for this week is….IF WE’VE EVER NEEDED YOU, by Casting Crowns….line 6 – “We do what is right in our own eyes & line 7 – Our children now will pay the price.”
So I pray that all of the siestas will “reach out for HIS light, May His Kingdom come in our lives & may His church arise, we need Him now!”
Less than 24 hrs until St.L LPL –Praying safe travels for you and the crew and can’t wait to hear what the Lord has prepared through you!! May the Holy Spirit just ooze out of your pores! And may Travis & team be renewed and energized and lead us like never before!!
You are soooooooo loved!!!!
We are 5 stay-at-home moms, meeting in my home while our crazy children run free upstairs. It is pretty entertaining. The kids range in age from 2 to 10, but the 2 year old stays with grandma. I meant to take a photo of our yummy food, but I failed to remember when the time came. (I guess I don’t win hostess of the week. 🙂 )
We had good discussion. Right now we are in a busy season of life. Other words used were unsettled, seeking, and blessed. We agreed on similiar goals — to be closer to God at the end of the summer rather than further. As moms it seems like we put off God until the kids go back to school in the fall. We want this year to be different. Looking forward to this study!!
Hello Everyone!!!!
Our group is made up of 3 girls (Laura (me), Sabrina, and Joanna (and let me just add that Jo is a 25 year old cancer SURVIVOR who amazes me daily with her unwaivering faith and incredible attitude through the past year!) who first met each other as freshman in the same freshman dorm bible study! (at Clemson University in Sanders Hall…) We are doing the discussion part online via instant group message because we are located in different areas (Clemson, SC, Orangeburg, SC, and Atlanta, GA).
We are doing this study because we did not want to let summer be an excuse to neglect the Word of God. We agreed we also wanted to do it for the structure that it would create to study the word with a chance for discussion and fellowship. Finally, I wanted to learn more about Ruth. My church just did a series on Esther and left me feeling like I really want to know all I can about these amazing women of the Bible.
There were only two of us this week. Our two words were Peace and Transition.
Thoughts from the two passages of scripture:
The Judges verse we felt like that when we follow our own will instead of seeking God’s, it leads to destruction and chaos. It leaves us feeling broken mentally, emotionally and most importantly spiritually. The “feels good to do it mindset” will tear down in moments what will take months to rebuild. We also discussed how when we go with our own will and with what we see fit as opposed to God, we are showing that we don’t trust Him and shows our own lack of faith.
For the Jeremiah verse, we felt like it was sort of divided into 3 sections/ideas. The first part of the passage (verses 7-8) was the opposite of the Judges verse where instead of following our own personal path, when you follow God’s plan, Good things (fruit bearing) will come from it. The next part of the passage was talking about when we are “fools” and reaffirming what the Judges verse said and the discussion our group had from that verse. Finally, the last part (verse 14) reminds us that even though we sin, when we turn back to Christ he will heal us and restore our hope.
Abbotsford, BC, Canada…6 of us in the group, 3 made it last night, one more might join. We’re all in our mid to late twenties, dating, engaged, married, pregnant, have children. Our discussion was all over the place last night but mostly just how excited we are to be a part of this, what God is going to do in us, to us for us this summer and just excited to go deeper. Hopefully you still get this post even though it’s a day late…we’re meeting on Wednesdays by the way.
Hello! We met tonight, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, 10 ladies plus 3 more that were away, in a home. We range in age from 39 to 58 and are all friends from church. We had an excellent dinner, discussion time, prayer time (already needed tissues!) and are looking forward to the Bible Study. Beth, I thought you would love our key word that we discovered. Someone in our group mentioned that she was “hormotional” and that seemed to seep into all of our conversations!! It’s such a great word and really discribes all of us at various stages of our lives. We thought instead of getting matching red shoes that we would all get t-shirts that say “HORMOTIONAL” across the front. Or maybe just an “H” tattoo? We had a lot of fun and felt blessed beyond measure in the Lord. THANKS for encouraging us to do this!
Panama City,FL
going solo on this study
My season of uneasiness but praying like crazy
Goal: Discover the richness of this powerful book and its people
My friend Ann from Indiana and I are doing the Bible study together. I am from Wisconsin and we meet by phone and email. We did the online study toether last summer and it was great. Ann and I are both in our 60’s, married and have children and grandchildren.
1. Ann’s one word is painful, mine is adjustment
2.Our goal is to be in and stay in the Word and we believe this study will help us stay commited.
3.The heart is deceitful and desperatly wicked as it says in Jeremiah and we can be deceived when we go it alone without the Lord.
I hope this gets posted this time!!
Greetings from Panama City FL
going solo
Goal: discover the richness of the people of the book of Ruth
Hola siestas!
I’m Melissa from Midland, Michigan. There is just one person in my group, not counting Jesus 🙂 My word is “anticipating”. I know that God has great things in store, things I can’t even imagine, but am excited to journey towards. My goal for this study is to immerse my mind in his word and grow closer in relationship to him through the summer. This is my first siesta summer study and I am glad to be here:)
Hi Beth,
I am doing this bible study solo. Couldn’t get any of my friends from church to do it over the summer but I decided to go on ahead and do it myself.
I am from British Columbia, Canada and I live in a little small hick town of Chilliwack. I just moved here 2 years ago so I’m still getting used to the farms and the smell that comes from those farms.
Anyway, I am 25 years old and I am a high school English teacher and soon to be Yearbook editor next year which is a HUGE task in itself. At this point of my life I would say that the one work to describe where I am at is: “Hesitant”.
I’m enjoying being in God’s presence while at the same time I seem to come hesitantly before him because I sometimes feel unworthy and like perhaps God is sick and tired of hearing my prayers. I know this is not true but I’m also starting a time of my life where my career is going in a great direction and where I am at peace with what I am doing but still afraid of the future.
*oops I meant “word”. The grammar and spelling vigilante comes out in me every once in a while.
Dear Gaby, a fellow-BCer here.
I remember for me, 25 was a milestone year that was similar season as yours. Quarter of a century! I kept thinking. Don’t know why that was such a pressure for me now, but it sure did then!
Anyway, I just wanted to drop a note to say that I’ve prayed for you trusting that the same Lord, who revealed Himself to me to be faithful and patient with me, will be growing you to a place that you KNOW Him and can believe Him to be who He says He is. He knows you and loves you inside and out (Ps 139), and He knows the plans He has for you (Jer 29:11)! Rest in Him, and you won’t ever go wrong, sister!
in sisterly love ((hugs))
Thanks Karina!!
I really appreciated your note! It came at a time where I really needed the prayer. God is faithful and I’m SO glad that I joined this bible study group. It’s nice to be able to be prayed for and pray for other women going through similar struggles.
Jeremiah 29:11 has also really been on my heart lately and even before I read your note. Isn’t it awesome to see how God works? Even in small but very significant ways.
Your sister in Christ,
Gabby
We are a group of 5 mommies all with school age kiddos and younger meeting in our home in Topeka, Kansas and range from late twenties to early forties. Three of us are neighbors, two of us are sisters and some of us are new friends. We are all in different places in our walk and various seasons from being at the bottom of the pit to busy to turbulent to growing. Our goals are to truly know God daily, fight through, learn, and securely be in a community of believers outside the comfort of our home Church. We are super excited to do this study and thankful for a venue to organically grow in Christ 🙂
Hello from Suwanee, GA.
I am excited to start my first Siesta bible study. I am a 30 something SAHM to my 10mo Jackson. I will technically be going solo, but will be kept accountable by dear friends “virtually”.
~The word to describe this season: striving.
~My goal for this study is to hear God intimately in this time and learn to trust Him without any reservation.
~Jeremiah 17.9 illuminates why Israel was acting in a way they saw fit, “the heart is deceitful” – when we sin we can deceive ourselves into the justification of any behavior we choose. It is only when we cry out, “Heal me, O Lord” that we can be freed from this deception (17.14).
solo in Elgin IL..surely someone in this area wants to join me. [email protected]. Married 12 yrs, working at a Colopnoscopy center giving anesthesia. have 1 son who is 10. One word…transitory. We may move this summer..still up in the air. Why am I doing this study..need to get back in the word..love Beth Moore studies…none here even though the great Harvest Bible church is so near..no Beth Moore that I can find.
Going solo in Louisiana.
I am a 47 year old Nana to 6 precious grandbabies. I just welcomed my newest grandson, SILAS, into the world Monday and that is why I missed the launch date!
My word for this season of life is SEEKING. I am seeking the ‘much more’ the Christ intends for me. Ready for God to speak and to move.
* Southeastern Colorado
* Solo
* I am a SAHM with two kids who is thinking of homeschooling next year but haven’t made the decision yet.
* One Word for current life – Confused
* I think the amount of dedication Ruth had to Naomi was amazing. Don’t know if I would have the same devotion to my MIL even though she is a wonderful person.
* Jeremiah 17:9 says The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. That speaks volumes to doing as you please as is said in Judges. We can’t be living our own life thinking we are in control of our destiny because the bible states it just ain’t so! Relying on God is the way to true peace – even in adversity.
Hudsonville, MI Flying solo. Married mom of two. Have a part-time career.
One word description: Evolving
Goal: To hear God’s word regarding relationships with daughters and mothers-in-law (both are timely issues for me right now)
This is my second bible study ever. I was so encouraged this fall with our small group’s study of Esther.
I forgot to put my goal – I want to stay connected to God because I am not getting that at church or through any of my current relationships. Staying in the Word keeps me centered and grounded – which is exactly where I need to be for the process of deciding on homeschooling. Hubby said it was my call so that really places the burdan squarely on my shoulders.
I am joining as a solo participant in Kyiv, Ukraine. My current season could be described as one of endurance. We made this move in Jan/Feb as a last minute diversion from Germany and it’s been more challenging than others, so my goal is to regain a sense of routine and normalcy with my Bible study this summer. I have no desire to journey through life without hearing the Lord’s voice and am thankful for the opportunity to study with you.
5 of us just graduated from Princeton and are spread out across the country this summer. We were all in the same small group in college and we already miss the bonding and accountability of a tight-knit group of Christian sisters so we’re continuing our study via email! We’ve started Week 1 and absolutely love it so far! Thanks for being our Siesta Mama, Beth!
Madison, Ohio; 20+ in larger group, 5 in our smaller group; meeting at Crossroads Community Church. Our group is a wonderful mix of Siestas ranging from our late 20’s to mid-50’s, all in various stages of our lives as mothers and in our walk with Christ. Our discussion of the Judges and Jeremiah verses began to bind us together as we shared personal experiences of doing as we saw fit and how truly blessed we are now to know the Truth and be healed by our Lord and Savior. It is a beautiful group of women and I am honored to be a part of them!
I was just reflecting on how we characterized ourselves and marveling at how God works to bring Siestas together in the various seasons of our lives to support one another. He is AWESOME! And we are mysterious, transitioning, struggling, busy, and unsettled. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us!!
A couple of days late, but here is our info. We are thrilled to be a part of this online community and we are all new to the summer study.
1. Little Rock, Arkansas. 4 of us ranging in age from 35 to 63. All neighbors.
2. Abandoned, Drowning. (only 2 able to meet today)
3. Goal for this study…to stay rooted in the Word in a traditionally “off” season of summer. Seems that the usual course of business for me during the summer is when kids are home every day, my time in the Word goes out the window. Not this summer! We agree that we desperately want to hear from God this summer.
4. If I “did as I saw fit…” I literally had to laugh out loud at the thought of how disastrous this would be. My very first thought reading this verse was “my heart desperately needs Christ…” then I am lead to Jer. 17:9 “(my) heart is deceitfult above all things and beyond cure”
Also, was immediately struck with verse 7…”blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” Wow…it hit me that I have spent many years placing my confidence in my husband’s comfortable salary, which was removed out of the blue due to a layoff a year ago today. Thank you Father, for not letting me stay “comfortable.”
1. Custer, SD; 2 of us – Amy (my best friend since 3rd grade) and me. I’ll be driving from Spearfish to Custer for our 4 meetings.
Location: We’ll be meeting at Amy’s with many anticipated interruptions as she simultaneously tries to run a motel during tourist season. 🙂
Group Description: late 40’s, I’m still single (took the career path). Amy is happily married with 3 grown children and 2 beautiful grand-daughters. I’ve attended many Beth Moore studies in larger groups at church but this is only our second Beth Moore study with just the two of us, and our first time as part of the Siesta Summer Bible Study. Two summers ago we did Living Beyond Yourself. Even as long as we’ve been friends, doing a Bible study together last time really blessed our friendship in amazing new ways. (Amy still reviews her verse cards while she folds a shockingly large number of white towels and often quotes them to me over the phone when I need a “word in due season”.)
2. Our two words are: RESTORATION & EXPECTANT.
3. We both have the goal of spending more time in God’s Word this summer.
4. We discussed how everyone doing as he sees fit in Judges 21:25 compares to Jeremiah 17:13 where those who turn away from the Lord have their names written in the dust. When the wind blows, the name written in dust vanishes (no legacy). But those who trust in the Lord are trees with deep roots reaching into springs of living water. They can withstand a strong wind and not only stay standing, but remain green and continue to bear fruit.
Corona, California…Right now just me and God (and of course my sweet sisters on the blog).
I’m in a season of restoration. God is putting my body and soul back together after a very long and difficult fight with breast cancer. He has been so faithful.
I love Him more everyday!!
Inglewood, CA – 3 of us in our early thirties. We work together and plan to meet either at lunch or just chat it up throughout the day. We decided this morning that we are going to do the bible study. We will have to catch up. My word is curious, can’t wait to see what God is planning for our tomorrows.
Dear Siestas,
Yesterday I started to read the book of Ruth bible study. SOLO..I was led to buy it from a blog I happened to read and then led to your blog Beth! You encourage me so much with how down to earth and real you are. I am a 42 year old mom and granny. Married for 26 years and still not easy but madly love my man. moved from one state to another 2 1/2 years ago.Lost my precious sister in law to colon cancer..And yearning for a deeper relationship with GOD!! Amzing how God moves us when I really need Him.
Looking forward to this bible study..Do not know how I got here or what I am doing but know OUR FATHER will lead.
Hugs Granny Trace’ ( Tracey Stavros) [email protected]
Brazil, Indiana. Going solo on this one and new to Siestaville, but am going to enlist some friends as we travel to St. Louis to see Beth live! Cannot wait to dig deeper into this small in size, but huge in spirit book of God’s word. I am 53, married for 30 years, have 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren and 2 on the way. Listening and reading Beth has given me a new passion for the word and my Savior and I am excited to read new materials by another sister in this Bible Study.
Williamston, SC. There are 3 of us. I am single and a middle school girls leader, but these girls are both college age 🙂 I have known them both since high school as i was their athletic trainer during their sports careers during that time. We actually started earlier, since they return to school, and we really had NO idea that LPM was doing Ruth when we bought our books. Will be posting later the questions, since i just passed on the blog and post for the video. It is an honor and privilege serving these young women. I am so excited to see what God is doing here!!!
I find myself this morning in a hotel room in Dallas with my 3 sweet children for a family reunion. The Lord kept me up all night…calling to me…waiting for me. Finally I got up and decided to check out your blog! I so very much needed this Word from Jeremiah! Thank you for being so faithful to Him, as it has blessed me while I am away from my man and home!
Circleville, OH; 5 of us; Meeting at each other’s homes and having dinner 🙂 Our group is made up of 20’s and 30’s somethings, all married, 4 of us with kids. We each have a specific goal for the Bible study, mainly involving God to reveal Himself in some way to each of us.
The Judges and Jeremiah scriptures were both based upon being selfish and acting out of our own interest instead of looking at our heart and seeing what God wants us to do.
We are all so excited about doing the study and being together. We had a really great time together last night and we were able to share some really important things with each other.
Thank you for the opportunity to do this. We are certainly blessed!
I am going to try and do this by myself
Shannon- Cohoes, NY
season- busy
looking for-peace