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
I live in Grosse Pointe Shores (Detroit), MI. I’m doing the study solo, on my backyard patio in the early morning hours. I’m 53 years old, married with 4 grown children, and 2 wonderful granddaughters.
One word that describes this season in my life is “resting”. I have been the leader of Women’s Ministries at my church, and have written and taught Bible studies for the last few years. Because of many family situations and other circumstances in the past year, I’m tired. Plain old tired. I recently resigned my position at the church to take this summer to rest, renew and be restored. Ironically, I was just about to teach a study that I wrote on the book of Ruth.
My goal for SSBS:
I am praying that Christ and I can get reacquainted. Due to the busyness and distractions, my time with Him has suffered and I MISS HIM! I pray that I will see His face and hear His voice in the pages of His Word and the pages of Kelly’s book this summer. I have poured into so many for so long, and I need Him to refresh me with His living water.
It is dangerous to do as we see fit because we will always end up in the far country, in trouble. Maybe not right away, but take it from someone who has sojourned there not a few times over 53 years…
Jer. 17:7-14 lays out the choice we have. Blessing, fruitfulness, no fear or worries, reward OR choosing to do as we see fit and being a fool, suffering shame and death.
Jacksonville, FL – going solo –
One word to decribe my life – Blessed but struggling (more than one word – sorry)
I hope to get back to my first love this summer “Jesus Christ”. Make my relationship with Jesus my top priority.
Scripture comparison – As American’s we have certainly seen this played out in our country as well as I have seen in my own life over the last couple of years. Jumping out and doing things without waiting on God only brings heartache and bad consequences. But Praise God, his love is unconditional and he is always there waiting for us to return to him. I want to be that tree planted in the living water that continually bears fruit and does not fear drought or storms. I want to walk on the water with Jesus my Savior!
Sherri Taylor and Alyssa Hood. Dallas Georgia. We are doing this as a mother/daughter study as we await Alyssa’s first baby and have these rare days together. We are a few days into the study already because baby is due next week and we don’t want to get behind. It has already generated neat covenant conversation with us.
Hi. Being new to this small town in Saskatchewan, Canada I am doing the study solo. The title of the study really grabbed me; there is SO much in those 3 words side-by-side:loss,love and legacy.
One word description: empty
Goal: to cont. to draw nearer and deeper to God=for Him to be the filler of the gaps in me.
Judges/Jeremiah passages – we do not see/know what God sees and knows and therefore cannot make any good decision with our wisdom alone. Jer. 17:9 says ‘The heart is deceitful above all things’. We cannot trust that which is deceitful– we will always be steered wrong.
Karen, I use to live in Moose Jaw, where in Sask are you??
I am a solo in Plymouth MN, my word would be “loss” so I think I am in the right study.
Goal: trying to focus on dying to my own will and really believing I can trust that God’s will is good.
Hello! You are the first Canadian I have seen! I am in Calgary, AB. I have posted 4 times on this blog and only one has gone through. I am so glad you were ‘approved’! I wish I knew why I wasn’t and might even not be this time.
My one word was volatile and it just got more so. My husband left in a snit 5 hours ago. He has done this before….long story. But I always appreciate some prayer….!
Hi Siestas! My name is Jenny and I am doing this solo. I live in Fort Mill, SC. One word to describe me in this season is wanderer. I don’t know where to go or what’s next. Praying for specific word from God about how He wants to use me in the next season I am stepping into.
Leigh in Montgomery, Alabama is flying solo this year. I am setting aside lunch time on Tuesdays to watch the video and capture the bi-weekly assignments. In a word, my life is Up. This follows a difficult 14 months. While part of me is disappointed to be doing this study alone for I am a people person, I know God planned it this way. He knows I need the one-on-one time with Him. He knows I’d get distracted with the socializing. My goal for this summer’s Bible study is to complete each assignment from Beth and Kelly S-L-O-W-L-Y so I can fully absorb and apply what God has for me. I think of it as taking the Lazy River ride rather than the Super Duper Slide at the waterpark.
In comparing Judges 21:25 to Jeremiah 17:7-14, I praise God that He is Sovereign, All-Powerful, All-Knowing and that I am not. Left to my own devices, I’d be lost literally and figuratively. I’d be a danger to myself and others. I’d be destroyed and utterly hopeless. But, O, the blessings of trusting in the Lord. I am a tree planted by the water of the Living God.
I am from Tallassee Alabama, and I too am doing this study alone, hoping to take my time and do it WELL. I am a people person also and I think that you are wise to realize what God is showing you in this solo adventure.
I know it’s late, but prayerfully looking for someone to connect with for study. Just need a little accountability! Can contact me at [email protected]
OOOPs! should have sair I’m in TN not that it really matters. Single forever 40ish
I’m in E TN- in what part are you?
LaRonda, you make me laugh!! Single forever…me too! And 40ish too! LOL!!!I’m believing GOD!
Hey 3 of us in East TN are trying to get together at least online. Email me if you’re interested. [email protected]
So. Cal, going solo (so far)
There are so many words that would describe my life right now, but I would have to say, “unfocused” pretty much sums it up. There have been too many changes at home and work this year and I feel pulled in many directions. Now that summer vacation is here I’m hoping to get my thoughts in order and find the path God wants me to be walking. So much better than chasing my tail……….
Hi!
First time doing a study with Beth Moore and first time doing one like this online. Flying solo in Indiana, just as an augmented study to the other things I have going on this summer.
I’m 41, single, wildly crazy about my dog 😉
What I do: http://www.future-smiling.com
My word: Refreshing
On the edge of the desert about to cross over into a new season (and I think, moving will be a part of that soon. I’ve moved 17 times in my life so that’s not as big and scary to me as it is to some. It’s past time. 😉 )
This seemed like a new way to delve into a study, so I look forward to seeing where God takes it all.
Love!
deb
Saint John, IN, There will be 4 of us from my church and we will be meeting in my home on Friday evenings. Several ladies in this group are very new in their walks with Christ and are very, very eager to learn and grow. That’s ecxiting!!I’m looking forward to watching the Word come alive to them!!!
I’m in College Station, Tx, going solo,(for now anyway!) The present season of my life is CHANGE. Not only the Big Change 🙂 but seeing what God wants me to do with my life.
Seeking direction, I guess!
My goal is be in God’s Word on a daily basis–focused on His message and how I’m to share Him with others through my actions and my words. I’m struggling with denomination issues right now and hoping to find the answers in HIS Word.
We are in Davie, Florida — 3 ladies meeting at Trinity International University Florida Regional Center. We are coworkers meeting on our lunch hour — all married and in our 40s — We have a mom of twins, a newlywed, and a soon to be mommy who is adopting a little boy next week. Our one word answers were waiting (mom to be), testing (mom of twins), and learning (newlywed). Our goals were to draw closer to the Lord personally (apart from hubby and son), to spend time in personal devotion (after spending time studying God’s Word academically in school), and to get motivated to further in-depth study of the Word. The reasons that doing as we see fit is dangerous included — 1) our fleshy agenda is not beneficial — we should wait on the Lord; 2) it impacts others negatively; 3) it defies the authority God has set up for us and puts us in a place of danger, rather than blessing. It robs us of closer fellowship with our God, King. The contrasts between Judges and Jeremiah included 1) “those days” in Judges with no king is hollow and dark — who will guide or protect us?; 2) it’s chaos versus peace; 3) Jeremiah paints a picture of life and growth — being rooted to God leads to fruit where doing as we see fit keeps us in bondage and darkness.
Arlington, Virginia
Solo
In my office with the door closed
This seems to be becoming a lifestyle for me. (smile)I did Patriarchs, A Woman’s Heart and Daniel by myself too. I was sad about it at first, but it was either do it by myself or not at all. This will be my first summer ‘siesta’ bible study, as well as the first where I am seemingly with a group of women doing the same thing. I am pretty excited.
1) I am a single woman with no children, that will be turning 32 in the month of August.
2) One word to describe my season in life; SEEKING
3) My goal is to truly know where I am in Christ; to know how God sees me, and if he is pleased with me. I always struggle with that.
4) I only need to backtrack to the mistakes of my past to know EXACTLY why it is NOT best for me to do what “I” see as fit. My heart has deceived me many times, and I’m so glad God knows that and warns me in Jeremiah against letting my heart take control.
I live in Springfield, VA will be doing solo also.
Have done other studies myself. Can’t seem to muster people, friends to do a study
Hi Joan,
Amazing how the DC Metro area is so big, but you can feel so alone here, isn’t it? I just joined a new church and I’m praying that changes for me. They do have a women’s study going on, but I joined the church too late to join in. If you ever just want to discuss things on a more direct level or just get together for coffee, let me know.
I did the Day 1 lesson last night and was amazed at the emotions that came out of me from just a few questions.
May God Bless You and Encourage Us Both in this blessed time of drawing closer to God.
Tamara
Hi Tamara,
I know living in this area can be very isolating. Hopefully we can e-mail each other.
I just did day one & I agree very powerful.
Anybody else in the Northern Virginia Area, maybe we can connect?
Thanks, Your a Blessing
I am right smack in your Esther Bible study right now Sweet Beth, so I will be a sideline watcher here, but I will be praying and stopping by to see what yall are learning. I just didn’t think I could handle two bible studies. MY head is filled with its tough being a woman and King Headache.
Love to all you siestas, and I can’t wait to see how God is working in yall’s hearts.
love
Tammy
Cumming,GA,just me,been married for 17 years and have two precious children,one word for this season in my life, frustrating. My husband is out of a job for the second time in a year and a half and the stress is unbelievable, my most favorite aunt in the world has dementia and is progressing very fastly, me and my mom are doing everything we can to help her and my uncle. It seems every turn is another spiral down. My goal for this study is to 1) get closer to God, 2) help me to handle all the stress we are under and 3)to get to know Ruth better. When I make my own decisions I get into trouble almost every time. If I would trust in the Lord MORE and let Him lead me and direct my decisions things would go better. I am so excited about this Bible study. I so need to be in His word. God Bless you Beth for always including us Siesta’s in your work for the Lord.
Stacey- I am praying for you. I just moved my mom from Cumming to Nashville. She is suffering from dementia. I know the pressure. I will be praying!
Katy, TX; 4 ladies; meeting at one of our homes each week. We have been doing Bible study together for the last 4 years. We met each other while doing the Masterlife & Prayer life studies at our church. Together, we also attend Beth’s studies at Houston’s First on Tuesday nights. Even though we know each other so well, God continues to grow us through fellowship with each other and with Him. Reading the verses assigned points out how easily chaos/evil can reign… We praise the Lord for being our King, our protector, guide and savior.
My name is Emily and I’m flying solo from Georgia. I have 3 very active boys(10,8,4). I love them dearly but, my one word to describe this season of life is “busy-tired”, is that a word, well it is now. This is my second bible study with Beth via blog and I love doing this type of study in my own home on my own time frame. My goal and prayer is the same as before to learn more about God and how to apply HIS word in everyday life. Also to use what I have learned to help others grow in HIM especially my boys.
East Peoria, IL I am doing this study solo, as I’m involved in several other groups but couldn’t bear to miss this one~ I love Ruth!
I think my ‘one word’ would be “Abundant”. I am in a very contented and blessed season. I’m a mom of two little ones, wife to a rockin’ youth and worship pastor and beloved child of God. Loving life right now! My goal for this study this summer is just to uncover what God would have for me here. I love seeing new things in familiar scriptures, so I can’t wait to see what gets unearthed. Happy Tuesday!
Columbia, SC
Solo
one word description: stressed
Goal: to be at peace at all times through anything life throws at me
Single mom
Glad you’re doin’ this tcal!! Press In! Press In! Press In!!
God promises, PROMISES if you seek me you will FIND ME.
Hey Teal, I am about 1 1/2 hours away in Greenwood. Should get together or at least email each other.
Flying solo ( did invite 2 other ladies but they were unable to join).
I am 37 years old.I have 2 daughters 5 and 1. Married 13 years. Still grieving the loss of my beloved daddy.
Nashville, TN
Hopeful
Being in God’s Word and learning more about Him and how to be more like him.
Crissy- your post really stuck out to me. I live just south of Nashville. I lost my dad 6 years ago. I know the pain. I am lifting you up right now. If you ever want to talk email me [email protected]
Thank you so much Kristen! I am north of Nashville and would love to talk sometime. My email is [email protected]. Have a great day!
I am from Lancaster, PA, 39, married mother of 2 boys (8& 5) and I am doing this study solo. The one word I would use to describe myself in this season is longing. Every summer I tend to get in a ‘funk’ and start digging that pit. I am involved in bible studys at my church during fall and winter seasons, but during the summer time we take off. Thanks so much for offering this study and to hold me accountable!! I hope to stay out of the pit this summer and live only for him!!
HI,
College Station, TX
Solo
Married/separated, Moved here from Illinois and living with my daughter.
one word is “Waiting”
Goal- To know my God more and be open to his word.
I have done things the way I saw fit and now I am planted by the the water(well 2 hours away from the gulf)
I will not fear the heat of Texas as I study and wait for God’s word, He will heal and save me and I will praise HIM to the best of my ability.
Houston, TX. Solo (not by choice- small group & friends are doing other studies).
One word that describes this season: Returning
My Individual Goal: Continue to fall afresh in love with my Redeemer. Stay the path of returning to my First Love.
Earlier this year I stole away during Easter to try to hear from God, and came back with this clear message from Him: “You have forsaken your First Love, return to Me” (Rev 2:4). I had been living out Judges 21:25, but in the sublest way. There was nothing grossly obvious to others but my HEART was in a far away place and had been there for about 2 years. I was relying more on myself and seriously lacking the confidence in God described in Jer 17:7. I still loved the Lord but my love was completely distracted, weak, and half-hearted (or maybe 1/4). God began awakening my heart and drawing it back to Himself. Ruth looks like it will be a perfect aid to my journey back.
My Commmunity Goal: Take my place as part of “the women” (as in Ruth 1:19, 4:14&17) in this community of sisters to encourage others and receive their encouragement as well.
I think we may be twins! I’m praying for you during this study and that God will restore Himself as the First Love in our lives. Blessings!
Thanks, Rebekah! I appreciate your prayers, sister. I will be doing the same for you.
Wanna know something funny? I have an identical twin sister! But I am SO THRILLED to be your twin sister on this journey. Blessings back to you!
Make that triplets!! I can soo relate. You described my heart as well…
Triplets sound like fun, Kelli! Know that I lifting you up in prayer during this journey.
Eposi, I’m in Houston if you want to meet!
Sure! So sweet of you to invite me to join you, Stephanie! I will email you about it this week.
From Orlando, FL. I am sort of flying solo. My sister is participating from Portland, OR and we are also doing this study with the Bible Study Cafe.
One word to currently describe me: GROWING! I am 6 months pregnant with my second daughter, so I am physically growing bigger each day. Also craving the word of the Lord. So I am growing spiritually as well 🙂
This is my first time doing a Siesta study. Really looking forward to it.
I too will be going solo this summer! My name is Jessica, I’m single, 23 years old,and fresh out of college and I live in the gorgeous state of West Virginia. 🙂 One word that describes this season in my life is “fragile”. During this Bible study I want to really get to KNOW God in a new way-know his love, compassion, and thoughts for me. <3
Hey Jessica, where are you at in WV? There’s a group of us meeting near Staunton, VA if there’s any chance it’s feasible for you to attend! [email protected]
Missouri, solo with a wonderful sister in Christ by phone,
Goal: To gain a sense/knowledge of God’s purpose right here, right now, so I can live a profoundly effective life.
One word: STRANDED
I am struggling with my own negativity as I have moved into my mother’s home (sometimes Mara)… and deal with loss of power, loss of identity and loss of perspective. Not to mention my own baggage… This is the study for me!
Gayla, where in MO are you? I’m in southwest part close to Joplin.
What part of Missouri? I’m in Columbia.
East Texas, group of 4 – a mother and three of her girls (all grown up)
Our group is a very diverse group, from coach/teacher to farmer to stay at home mom. But we are all crazy in love with our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus – and we are all mothers.
The words used to describe our lives at present were peace, busy, and full. (Oh and I forgot to mention that we were one short today – apparently one sister got an infestation of fire ants – in her truck! only in Texas)
From this summer Bible study we hope to have a blast in fellowship, to grow in our knowledge, and to get back in the habit of spending time in the Word. and to enjoy some yummy Chick-fil-a while we do it!!
For both passages of scripture we were struck with the similarity of those times with our own present time. A land in which everyone did what was right in their own eyes would be a land of chaos, full of sin and frustration, without hope. There must be a leader, and a leader who is led by the One and Only God. Jeremiah 7:10 is an apt description for what so many of us do today – go into God’s house and say “we’re delivered” and then return to doing the things we were before. Have we forgotten God?
The Woodlands, Texas; 4 of us meeting in our homes. We are all young moms who are in need of deep fellowship. Our discussion was focused around this aspect of our lives and we are really looking forward to diving in the Word together!
I’m divorced, one child, going solo on the Bible study in Ohio. I am employed full-time.
One word to describe my life right now – frustrated.
I hope to learn through the summer study to trust God’s timing. When things in my life don’t proceed along the timeline I had in mind, I tend to push it myself instead of trusting God’s timing. When I look back at some of the things I thought I really, really wanted and didn’t get, I realize in hindsight how God saved me from myself! However I struggle to apply that to situation in front of me.
The Judges/Jeremiah passages speak to exactly where I’m at. I tend to think I know what’s best for myself and push to that goal, rather than being patient with God’s timing, and God’s wisdom. I think deep down I struggle with a lack of belief that He is really going to help me. When I don’t see anything happening, I assume God is not really there for me and I need to take care of it myself. I see him working in the lives of others, but struggle to see His hand in the situations in my life that have me feeling frustrated.
Ruth Anne,
How common that is for so many of us at one time or another!! Just reading in an Anne Graham Lotz book this morning, saw something for me…and maybe for you, too. A quote from Andrew Murray “Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious.” The easy part for me is to know how true this is (been around the block enough times, that my soul knows this truth)! However, the HARD part is to be patient and wait for it…wait for it…look for it, and keep joyful while I’m at it. I am praying that the Lord will hear your heart’s desire and meet you so personally on this journey that you will be overcome with assurance that He is there for you!
along for the journey with you!…rene 🙂
Thanks Rene! What a wonderful quote! I just wrote it down to tuck in the front of my Bible – and I think it’s going to end up on an index card on my desk at work!
Thank you tooo Renee…this quote blessed my soul this morning. It is oh, so true. I need the reminder and also can smile because I know it to be true- and currently trust it to be true as I wait on the Lord for one of the “desires of my heart.”
Chester, VA; 12 participating, 9 attended this morning, meeting at our church. The group consists of mostly retirees, with 3 young mothers, all of whom do our other Bible studies. Some of the one-word descriptions were “Blessed,” “Middle,” and “Caught.” Most of the discussion centered around where we are in our lives at this point. We all agreed we are doing this study to stay involved in Bible study through the summer and to get closer to our Lord. RUTH promises to be a great study.
Houston, TX (solo at this point) I haven’t found anyone to connect with at this time.
Longing – I have a desire for more and a nudging toward something not yet fully revealed or understood.
I’m looking forward to digging into God’s word.
Miss Michele, I am also in Houston, flyin’ solo! Holla if you wanna. Catch me thru my email or blog… and blessings!
Sharoni 🙂
Michele, Sharoni and I have talked about meeting in Htown!
1. Kim – ( nicknames = Kimmer or Lovebug)
petite, sanguine,trustworthy, fabulous 50, hormonal ****
(glad to be near water so the leaves will always be green)
I live in a quaint little town on the Central Coast of California. 27+ years married to Dave, 2 sons who are going to law school and university, 1 adopted cat named Homer, a wild seagull named Brian,a wild bluejay named Birdfriend. I am a finance man’s wife and I am a musical director/choregrapher/singer & motivational speaker teach budgeting / organizational skills ~ free of charge.
2. 1 Word: Accountable
3. I am going solo on this Journey with my Siestas. I want to be ACCOUNTABLE to my Faith, Family, Friends, and
Abba Father. I believe that what I do has eternal/world consequences and so I want to be more Accountable in my life journey.
4. When I was at university, I recall a time when a peer mentioned the book of Judges, and the scripture, 21:25 “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” This verse appropriately summarizes the events in Judges. This verse sees the idolatrous shrine,rape,murder,civil war,and genocide all as a consequence of having no king.
This peer went on to “try” and convince us that it is okay to “Just Do It” and things will turn out okay. Totally opposite of the comfort we find in Jeremiah 17:7-14. I believe that our lives are reshaped by the “master” when we are obedient and don’t conform to the world.
After leaving university, I chose a journey that would be “Heaven Bound”, I continue to pursue an ACCOUNTABLE life with my actions,words,love,friendships since that day.
Siesta Mama, Thank you for Siestaville & Kelly Minter!
With ACCOUNTABLE “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
Love your BLOG!
Owensboro, Kentucky
1. Solo: but praying for a group of ladies who love the Word to be a part of…soon! I’m a mostly stay at home mom of a little girl who is 19 months old.
2. Season of life: sweet
3. I was active in Bible Study before I had my daughter but haven’t been a part of any Bible study since except for my Sunday School class. For a while I’ve felt an “itch.” Did I need a new haircut? A new house? Some new friends? Maybe the “itch” is to get back into God’s Word. Finding quiet time is difficult with toddlers, but God has provided much bigger things before!
4. Judges 21 describes life on our own (very much how I’m feeling now) and Jeremiah 17 describes where I know I can be. That life is enjoying the security of submission to proper things.
Hi, Leigh Ann- you are the only Kentuckian besides myself I have saw on here. I am about an hour northeast of you. Would you like to exchange emails or blog sites? I just started blogging and love it! Who knows, maybe we could meet for coffee one day?
Blessings
Alicia
I was glad to see a KY girl, too. I’ve been scanning for more! I keep a blog, too. It’s just family stuff, but if you want to see it: woodyandleighmag.blogspot.com
What a gorgeous family you have. My blog is littlemrsthirty-something.blogspot.com and it is family stuff too. Also, my email is [email protected] if you want to chat. I am excited! You are my first Seista friend!
I’m in Bremen, KY only about 20 minutes or so from you…. I’m also praying for a group of wonderful ladies who love the Lord and have a burning desire to draw nearer to Him.
Alicia, Leigh Ann, and Donita,
Another KY. Siesta checking in. I live in Lexington but grew up in Louisville hence the title of my blog….Cardinal in Wildcat Country. Please visit at ulcardsfan.blogspot.com ( even if you are a wildcat!) Linda
Northern Illinois, 2, We are excited to be doing this study! Our first time doing a siesta study and a kelly minter study. So we are anxious to dig in! Our prayer is that we can grow deeper in love with Christ and learn things we may have never known about Ruth! Let’s go!
Midlothian (solo)
Goal: sowing in truth to reap a harvest of God’s truth for me and my family
One Word Description: Starving (for Truth)
Judges: Lack of structure, lack of authority is chaos for anyone:preschoolers, high-schoolers and believers…I NEED God-seeking and God-fearing leadership and community.
Jeremiah: Love the part about the partridge…how self-less!
Lexington, NC; 2 (sis-in-laws) at one of our houses…
We mainly discussed how things that we may seem fit may not be Godly things and everyones standards are different. If we don’t abide by God’s standards it would be chaos with no guidelines, rules, or punishment.
Group of 4 in Houston, Texas
My daughter and daughter-in-laws gather together each summer to feast on the study you lay before us. We love it!! It is such a special time! (The now three grandbabies are running around throughout it 🙂 ) The words characterizing our life were -transition, struggle, blessed, challenging. The goals were to establish a daily Bible time, finish the study and absorb the study. When we do what we see fit (as the world always does) we run into pleasing self instead of pleasing God. Only when we desire to do as God would have us do will we achieve peace and true joy!!!!
Vero Beach, Florida. Going solo since I will be traveling. Fifty something “empty nester” with three adult sons. Currently in a season of contentment. My goal is to continue abiding in the Word of God!
Norma – Lima, Ohio – single with 2 college age children- work full time but extended time off in the summer 🙂
One word – uncertainty
Goal- fill my heart with hope and strength through developing a more prayerful life
The Jeremiah versuses were hopeful! We are so fortunate to have a King – to give us roots and hearts that can see right from wrong.
Argyle, TX (DFW metroplex) I will be doing the bible study solo. I am 42, married, mother of 3 (16,11,3), work fulltime. One word to describe my season is CHANGE. My one goal for this summer’s bible study is to draw closer to God through the study of Ruth. I am learning to seek God first in all that I do, make sure it is His will not my desire and then there is a peace about things. He truly wants to bless us but we have to be good stewards of what he has given us first.
I’m so looking forward to this study of the Book of Ruth.
1.I live in Sylacauga, Alabama. I’m 58 years of age, married for 39 years with two adult children and one granddaughter.
2. The one word for me is “student”. I’m always learning new things about life in general and about God specifically.
3. My goal for being in Bible Study this summer is to learn more of God’s word and to get to know Ruth.
4. Without a king (God) what we feel is right might not be right to Him. We must look to God to teach us so we will know the path to follow.
My online “Siesta” Rebecca Tucker lives in your town. Do you know Becca? She started a forum SIESTAS FOR HIM when the first summer study (No Other Gods)came out and our group has been in touch ever since.
Linda
Hello Siestas,
I am a first time blogger. My 27 yr. old son had to show me how! I am 56 years old with 4 kids. Have only really starting studying I too am going it alone with my summer study. One word to describe my life in this season would be “sad”.
Can’t seem to feel His presence or love right now although I keep trying to. I am praying that a solo journey with Him will help me find my “happy.” My goal is to hear Him and feel His love enveloping me!
We’re so happy to have you, Joan! Jump in! I pray You will feel His presence on every page of study.
Joan, I am praying this for you!
Joan,
Email me [email protected]. Being alone will only make your sadness worse.
Thank you so much Gina. I will do that.
Oh, and I live in Washington, MI
Joan we are a group of 7 in Shelby twp, Mi and I understand your desire to be solo with Jesus and quiet so you can hear His voice but want you to know you are welcome to join us anytime if you like! We meet Wednesdays at 12:45. My name is Ada and I’m 55 with four kids also – oldest is 27, youngest 16. If you need a listening ear – you’ve got one in me – email me at [email protected] or call me at 248-608-6115.
Praying God will fill you to overflowing with His Spirit and the Love He showers on you will bring JOY unspeakable! I’m a really amateur at blogging and don’t know if I’d be able to find your post again if you comment here so please email or call me if you want to connect with another siesta in the same stage of life!
Ada, sure enjoyed your reply to me and I thank you so much for thinking of me. You did bring a smile to my face telling me about ..not knowing if you could find this page again…so you gave me your email. I spent about 50 minutes trying to find my original blog!! I have your email and phone number and I am going to call. Thank you for the “joy” your blog gave me.
Joan,
Where is Washington, MI? I am in Grand Rapids! 🙂
Hi Heather,
Washington, Mi is about 2 1/2 hours from GR. My daughter lives in Grand Rapids and it takes me about that long to get to her house. Are you in a group of going solo?
Maryland~ 29 yr. old Married Mom of 3 elementary age kids~
Going Solo for this study
I’m very excited to study the book of Ruth. Having my Mom pass away due to cancer a few years ago has shown me the importance of women working to mentor other women. I think Ruth will show us many Mother/daughter connections. I have had a rocky relationship with My Mother-in-law and we are both Christians and have discussed the book of Ruth in relation to our issues and what God desires of Mothers/Daughters. I’m looking forward to many other insights that I know God will reveal through this study. Our family has recently moved into our dream home in the country after unbelievable hardships during our 10 years of marriage so the season of my life wrapped up in one word right now is: “Refreshing”.
I am going solo and looking forward to this study! I am new here and this will be my first study. I have recently discovered this website and blog and have fallen in love with it! Of course I have known who Beth Moore was but never read or studied anything she had done. (Don’t tell her..)
Love you Beth!!! You rock!
My word would have to be “awakening.” I feel like God has been whispering to me for a long time to do more in depth serious studying of his word. Sure I have sat through my share of Sunday school lessons and sermons but to pick them up when I get home and take the time to really study I have never done that!
I am a few years away from retirement so I am older than most of you siestas! I guess you could say I am in the “fall” of my life! Working a job that is very unfilling and boring but because of circumstances beyond my control I had to make a change several years ago. It messed up my retirement plans and has made me have to work longer than I wanted too. But I will be there before too much longer.
I have been lurking on this site for several months and have really enjoyed seeing the acceptance and love that is here.
I pray that all acceptance and love you find here gets all over you!
Glad you are here. Looking forward to studying with you.
Linda
Lincoln, Alabama, 4 wonderful ladies across all seasons of womanhood. Our lives are characterized by; chaotic, expectingly good, full, blessed. Our goals of why we are here doing this Bible study, (Some have never done a Bible study like this, Praise God for a deeper hunger for his word!) “I want to learn more about Him”, “I want to be where God wants me to be.” “To be closer to God”, “I want to continue my journey with Him that I have come to love through the teachers here on this site! I also like the accountably to stay in the word every day.” We are from a conservative Baptist church deep in the country. We loved the verses from Judges and Jeremiah and I am pretty sure we are all on the same page with them. We believe that there must be boundaries and since we are all mother’s, we know that it starts when children are young. In today’s culture we are all surrounded by children who are unruly and are doing as they see fit. Those of us who still have children to raise are serious in becoming grounded deeper in God’s word so that we can fulfill our calling as mother’s to raise Godly Children. I am thankful for our seasoned mother’s of the group for their timely wisdom and advice.
Hello Debbie! I’m just down the road a bit in Sylacauga. Don’t ya just love Beth’s Bible Studies?
I am a good ole “Bama girl” too…
I am doing this study solo. I am very excited about studying Ruth because as a young girl this was my all time favorite book to read. My one word discription would be: HUNGRY. I have done Bible studies in the past and know that only the Word can satisfy the kind of hunger I am experiencing. Rock on, let’s study this awesome book!
Houston TX – going solo – Started off very excited because I, too, sat under Major Ian Thomas’ teaching for a week at FBC Garland in 1982. It was amazing teaching and I still have the note he wrote in my bible. I can tell this will be a good bible study and I’m looking forward to the daily homework. My goal is to stand firm – I will NOT go back to where I was! Hey, my middle name is Ruth, too!
Let’s connect through email as soloist in Houston.
[email protected]
I’m Erin from Fort Mill, SC, and my mom and I will be doing this study together over the summer.
A word that describes my place in life right now is “Mommy.” I have a 4 year old daughter and a son who is due to be born any day now. My mom will be spending most of the summer with us to help us out, so we’ll are going to help each other carve out time for this Bible study.
The Judges verse shows such a careless and meaningless attitude while, in contrast, the verses in Jeremiah illustrate someone rooted to and focused on following only God’s desires and plans. Too often I find myself doing whatever I please because I don’t take the time to be sure that I am consulting God and getting His plan. Hopefully this study can help me become more focused on His path for me.
Reactive vs. reflective. Me too. Sometimes it just comes so fast. Preparation in the Word is key to ‘reacting’ in God’s plan, non?
I will be doing the Bible study solo. I am a homeschooling mom of 7 (24,22,13,9,7,6,6) from Jefferson, Wi. This season of my life is “challenging”. My 4 youngest children are adopted from various countries around the globe. They are a rich blessing but they have some special needs which does not give me much time for fellowship with other women. I am so looking forward to the Lord to refresh me through this Bible study. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. Also, I will be turning 50 next month which adds to my challenging season of life
Julia, you are a warrior. I have so much respect for you.