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
Midland, Ga studying solo, one grandblessing and another on the way. none of my bible study group is a siesta. Persevering, my husband just finished 6 months of chemo. I just love getting stronger in God’s Word. This blog has been a much needed blessing in my life. Between the comments and Beth’s sense of humor some days I just couldn’t wait for a post.
We love you, Darling Sister. So hope God’s plan is to completely restore and heal your dear man right here on this planet.
I love your ‘grandblessing’! What a great name for those sweet darlings! We have 3, all girls!
I am beginning the summer study today. The Lord led me to your site a few moments ago, and encouraged me to join.
Assignment for solos:
1. The one word for this season of my life….STRETCHED. I feel stretched because of graduate school, wanting the approval of others, taking words to heart too much, and longing for more. My husband coaches and the fear that goes along with winning and losing seems to plague me lately. I suffer from wanting everyone to be pleased with my actions and choices and my lifestyle when I really should only be consumed with what Christ sees in me. Because my schedule is not the same everyday I find myself not accomplishing much. I know that Christ wants to reign in me differently right now. I am here to be better and stretch myself spiritually.
I COMPLETELY get you on the ‘approval of others, taking words to heart to much, and longing for more’ part. So much so that longing was my one word. God showed me last week that I was beginning to value the opinion of a guy, trying to impress him (I’m single) when as you said we should really only be consumed with what Christ sees in us. When He hit me with that I was just like…whooaaaa. This has got to stop! Thanks for sharing and helping me realize I’m not alone! And neither are you! Praying for you as we journey together! 🙂
Portage,MI
1(so far)
my home
1. Right now I am doing this solo. I am married and have 2 daughters. This is my 2nd SSBS.I am a waitress.
2. My life in one word:TEENAGERS!!!!
3. I want to stay grounded in God’s word this summer(and all year round), and for it to have a MAJOR impact on my life. I feel alone and stuck. I am frustrated by not seeing consistent “good fruit” in my life.
4. Doing what is right in my own eyes is rarely a good thing, and usually a recipe for disaster.
I think the Jeremiah passage both relates and contrasts the Judges verse.(Is that allowed?)It relates by showing the consequences of trusting the Lord, which is blessing, peace, and ever-yielding fruit. It contrast that by showing what happens when we forsake God, like wickedness, deceitfulness, and no fruit.
Excited to be doing this study with my Siestas! Joan
I chose not to do the study this time because I’m going to be gone for a week to church camp then another week on vacation. I didn’t feel like I could give it my all.
Now, after listening to you speak about it, I feel like I’m going to be missing out.
My friend asked me a few weeks ago if I was going to do it & I explained why I probably shouldn’t.
I’m praying about it. It’s probably not too late if I can locate a book.
I just hate missing out on anything – especially a good Bible study. : /
Valerie
Central Oklahoma
We’d miss you, Valerie! Don’t overload yourself though. Maybe God will show you what to do by determining whether or not you can grab hold of the book.
Hello
I’m Jo, a siesta from South Africa. (A “Saffa” is a South African). 🙂 I dearly wish I could be joining you all for this study! I’ll be praying for you lovely ladies!
If you can’t get the book, can you download the first week from the LifeWay site? Look at the bottom of this post for a link. We’d so love for you international Siestas to join in!
I live in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and am going solo on this one. Its my first ever Siesta Bible study and I am nervous and excited all the sametime. I am military wife and mother to 3 little girls. I homeschool them and have been married for going 7 years. I would LOVE to use one word to describe my life right now and I cant honestly think of just 1. There is probably more like 5 or 6 words….I do have a question though where do I get the book Ruth at? I looked online at CBD.com and cant find it there. If anyone knows I would appreciate it greatly…..God Bless Siestas!!!!
OOPS I forgot to answer the questions!!!
My goal in this study is to gain a heart like Gods. I have so many flaws and areas in my life that I can honestly say are not like a Christian should be. I want to be an example to my girls. I want to build my Faith in him and grow closer to him.
Hi April. You can get the book at http://www.kellyminter.com. Hope that helps. 🙂
SS
My heart is beating so fast right now! I wish I could see the picture better. Are you the April married to Aaron, my brother? I am donig this study with my online bible study group and I would so love to reconnect with you. If we could study scripture together that would be great.
April, I live in Lebanon, MO just down the road from you. You can also get the book at Lifeway in Springfield at the Primrose Shopping Center across from Target. My email is [email protected] if you would like to talk about the study together.
Hi, Y’all! So glad to be back in Summer Bible study with you! I am going solo this summer. Was really hoping to have a group, but it didn’t work out. Just me, Kenosha, WI.
Not sure I can use one word, how about three?! :0) Confused. Lonely. Waiting. (don’t take that discouragingly. Trusting God.)
I guess my goal is to be in the Word, be reminded of TRUTH, to hear from my Father and to be more like Jesus.
So thankful for the Jeremiah passage today! Being reminded of being fruitful ~ NO MATTER WHAT ~ was a real blessing today. Was feeling pretty useless and God never fails to lift His child’s head and remind me of what is true! Thank You!!!! If we are left to what we see fit…disaster…and it usually doesn’t take long. Even if it’s just the battle of the mind! But even the battle in our own minds always has a way of coming out and affecting our words, our desires, and our actions. Yikes!
So thankful we can turn to The One who can heal and save!!!
Lincoln, NE
2
Meeting in Sabrina’s living room. Our group consists of a mother and her adult daughter. Empty nest describes Sabrina’s season of life and anxious is the word Katie chose to describe hers. We both want to make getting into the Word a part of our daily routine. We talked about life can become pretty chaotic when we are not deeply rooted in the Word.
Hello Siestas, I am going solo here at my husband’s office in Blackstone, VA and this is my first summer siesta Bible study online. I work with my husband in his fire sprinkler company and it will be nice to have study time here at the office(I think!)One word for the season I’m in:”changes” Goal for summer study: absolute confidence that I am exactly where God wants me to be and doing what He would have me do-all for His Kingdom and for His Glory as I submit to my husband’s strong leadership.Alicia, I pray things will go well for you tomorrow for your surgery, in Jesus’ Mighty Name, amen.
Hello, Roxie! I am in Chesterfield, VA and am familiar with a quaint coffeeshop in Blackstone. If you are interested in meeting up sometime this summer, you may contact me at [email protected].
Angier, NC, the one word for my life now is complicated.
Indeed! I get that!
Little Rock, AR;Just Me!;Meeting in my office;My life in one word is hungry. Looking to really dig into God’s word with this study and fill a need for great Bible study in my life.
Hey Jennifer! I am new to this blog and am trying this summer bible study for the first time. I live in Arkadelphia and if you want to do a email group or if you ever need anyone to share with or pray for you, I’m available! It’s good to see someone on here from Arkansas. 🙂 My email is: [email protected]
I’m from Pine Bluff and saw someone else from Little Rock.
Hi Ms. Martha! It’s Jennifer Davenport Hankins from Pine Bluff.
Brooke, I’m new to the summer studies also and I’m looking so forward to diving in the word. I’d love to email with you and discuss throughout the sessions!
I’m in Texarkana!
Jennifer, you’d be so welcome to join our group of 6 in my home in west LR on Tuesdays at 6:15. If you’re interested, just e-mail me at [email protected]!
Karen,
thank you for your great offer. I’m the working mommy of 17 month old twins so I’m in a million directions! I’m with you guys in spirit and I can’t wait to read what your group is up to.
East Tennessee
First-timer with Siestaville
Going solo
Never married- late 20’s
One word to describe my season: Forgotten.
My goal: Just to hear God’s voice speaking to me and to know He sees me.
There would be no order to the world, no concept of authority, and no unity if everyone did whatever they wanted.
I can’t wait to hear about all the ways your God is going to show you that you are not forgotten. Welcome!
Sabrina, I am mid-40s in E TN- Jefferson City, are you close to me? And no, honey, you are NOT forgotten!
Dear Sabrina,
I have also struggled with feelings of being forgotten… What helped me is claiming scriptures like Isaiah 49:15-16 which says “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” and Psalm 115:11-12 You who fear him, trust in the LORD — he is their help and shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the LORD — small and great alike.
You are not forgotten!
I’ll be praying for you dear sister…
Adrienne
I almost started crying when I read your word, forgotten, because I know what you mean. I’m mid-20’s and the only one in my group that’s single, the only one of my friends that’s single…it hurts but Beth’s right, ohhhh, God is going to show you (and me!) that we are NOT forgotten and it is going to blow our minds 🙂 Praying for you Sabrina!
Sabrina,
Praying your word changes by the end of this study! 🙂 I have felt “forgotten” too. Actually, I have days of feeling forgotten in my present season. Waiting on God is so hard some days, but everything He does is good, so the blessing will be worth the wait! Welcome to Siestaville! I live in Georgia, but just across the line from Chattanooga, TN. Working my way into my mid-30’s faster than I’d like. I share the same goal as you!
Modesto, CA/Seattle, WA/Lihue & Honolulu, HI/Los Angeles, CA
It’s just me since we’re traveling all summer.
Married, 1 kid (19 mo.)
My season of life in one word: LIMBO. My (pastor) husband just graduated from seminary, we are staying with family to take the summer off before job hunting in the fall. Don’t know what, where, how, when of what’s next.
My goal for the summer bible study: To stay in the Word and not be in the ditch–ever again.
Judges/Jeremiah thoughts – Duh! We don’t know what the heck we’re doing, that’s why it’s bad, destructive, unsatisfying, hopeless when we do whatever we think is right without God and without leadership. Oh, but to “stay green and… go right on producing fruit” in all seasons and changes of life! Amen to that!
Louisville, KY; 3 of us; meeting in living room. We all work together and are of a diverse backgrounds: Baptist, Evangelical Christian & Catholic. We’re planning to meet 1 week later on Tues evenings.
I hope this is where we’re to register and post, if not please let me know.
Colorado Springs, solo, 50’s, married, 12 grandbabies
Full(as in “my cup”)
Want to soak up every thing I can glean from the book of Ruth, always one of my favortie stories in the Bible
Every word Georgia Jan said, she nailed it!
Bridgeport, West Virginia; 2 of us (Kristin and Tonya); meeting at Tonya’s house or at Panera Bread; we are both in our very early 30s, Tonya is married with a darling 19 month old son, and I am single and currently live outside Atlanta but visit my family in Bridgeport each summer.
Tonya stated that the one word to describe her current season is Trust. She is having to really step out and rely on God. My present season can be described as Unknown. I am at a crossroads and have to make a big decision. I have no idea what the future holds for me, but I sure do know Who holds the future!
I am also doing the study solo this summer. I am in Western NC I am the mother of two boys…a 20 month old and a 5 month old. The baby prefers mama to a bottle so my outings are limited right now:) I am so eager to do this study. Ruth has always been one of my favorite women of the Bible and I know the Lord has some fresh things to teach me from her life. I am also excited to fellowship on the blog…this is my first study with the group. Can’t wait to meet some of you and see what God will do!
Wichita, Kansas
3 participants
@Northrdge Friends Church
We had a good study. We are all looking forward to meeting and doing this with you all. Only one of us has done the Summer Bible Study with you – just last year. This is the first Kelly Minter study for all of us. Our words to charaterize our present seasons were: regroup, adjustment, beginning. Our goals were similar: to continue studying the Word over the summer and drawing ever closer to the Lord.
Panama City, FL – There are 3 of us meeting every Tuesday with our kids (10 kids all together!) I’m trying to figure out away to keep them entertained so we can actually focus on the study. 🙂 Today was good but CHAOTIC.
Our 1 words were – transition for 1, learning for another, and progression for me.
The goals we talked about were 1)Truly getting what God has for her in this study and recognizing it, 2) Become dedicated to reading the Bible everyday, and 3) get so sucked in to the Word that I desire to study it more than anything else.
As for comparing Judges and Jeremiah, if left to our own vices and “wisdom”, we will mess up EVERY time. However, if we trust God and follow his path, it will all turn out for our good.
I am looking forward to digging into the study in the morning!
Blessings,
SS
Where are you ladies meeting? I don’t have a group and live in PCBeach. I can also contribute 2 kids to the mix! Ha ha 🙂
Wilmington, NC, Group of 7, meeting in my living room, our group is made up of 28 to 72 year olds. Will complete remaining questions/statements after our gathering.
I love the age span, Kathy! What a great group!
Hi! I am Keli from Whitesboro, Oklahoma. This is my second bible study with the Siestas! Last year I was able to put together a great grup of ladies in my home! This year I will be going solo since I just recently gave birth to another little girl! One word tha twould descibe me in this season of my life is WIPED! I feel wiped daily between all of the hats I wear during this time in my life. The one thing I desire out of this study is grow closer to my Father! I constantly feel myself yearning more with Him! Can’t wait to dive in with you ladies!!
Rochester Hills, MI. We are a group of 8 ladies that all attend Zion Christian Church. We all share the same common goal which is that all of us want to get closer to Jesus Christ. Our one word answers for where we are in this season were: EXCITED, SUBMITTED, DISCOVERY, STANDING, TRANSISTIONAL ,LEARNING ,TRANSFORMING & QUESTION . We have a well diversified group coming from all parts of the country. Even though we all attend a Ladies Bible Study together each year, today we shared a little about ourselves and I think all of us learned a whole new respect for each other. As we push forward this summer learning more indepth about Ruth I am sure we will be able to appreciate the struggles that she went through and then apply those principles for prepration of our own lives.
We are EXCITED to be SUBMITTED to a new TRANSISTIONAL place in our Christian journey. We will be LEARNING how to STAND strong while DISCOVERING the answers to many QUESTIONS and after our Siesta Summer Bible Study, we will humbly all be TRANSFORMED into stronger Christian Siesta’s.
HI ,
I just discovered Beth on my radio on friday june18 while listening to the radio the web site was mentioned and I just had to check it out. wow the next thing I knew I had ordered the Ruth book and was so excited about this summer bible study. Its all new to me.
Im solo in western nc mountains 55 years old married and have 2 girls one at home. my life in one word: blessed
I am joining this summer to be in contact with others who love Christ. finally question 4: my mistakes in life have always been when I dont pray about it first!! If Im in Gods will I have his protection. Im so excited!!!
Marisa, welcome! May Christ reveal Himself richly to you.
I am doing this SSBS solo. I am nearly 37 and single (never married)and without children. I live in Dallas TX and the Lord has given me a good job, even though it’s sometimes very stressful.
Presently, I think I’d sum up my life in the word “waiting”. Waiting to see if the Lord will bring me a husband and children. Waiting to see when He’ll give me the ability physically to participate in the choir or orchestra again at my church. Waiting on Him to provide for me as He so graciously does right now in this season.
My main goal for SSBS is to learn as much from this study as possible. I’ve always loved Ruth. I also am hoping that I will be able to establish a very hard-to-break habit of a specific time to meet with the Lord…my Quiet Time is not consistent and that’s frustrating to me.
Doing my own thing is dangerous because I am a sinner. My thoughts and feelings and actions are not naturally good. Jer 17:7-14 reminds me that the Lord knows everything (even the secret places of my heart that I share with no one)and that we as humans are flawed. But BY HIS GRACE He forgives me, leads me, protects me, saved me!
Thanks for leading us to do this SSBS! I’m very excited to see what the Lord will bring out of this study. I did “Day 1” today and already have been blessed.
Sarah,
I just turned 37 last week and am also single without children. If your “waiting” heart is feeling anything like mine right now, it’s pretty tender and lonely. You can count on my prayers. May the Lord sustain you and satisfy you in Him as you wait!
Sarah: Don’t lose heart! God has the perfect husband out there for you. I waited for a long time for mine and I’m so glad I did. I was 45 when I got married. I was a missionary and traveled the world and was ready to go back on the field when I met my husband. I am now a pastor’s wife. My Mom was a pastor’s wife and I always wanted to be just like her. It may have taken a little longer than I thought for God to have put Dale in my life, but I’m so glad I waited.
Karen from Gallatin, TN (near Nashville)
Karen, I am encouraged by your story. I am turning 44 yrs. old this summer and I never dreamed I’d still be single (never married). I have been believing for a godly man to come in my life soon. I’d rather wait for God’s best than settle for second best. Thanks for sharing!
I thought a friend would join me to do this study, but haven’t heard from her so I’m going to go ahead and post this b/c I am sooooo excited to get going on this study (and I’m completing this during my 3 year old’s nap time). I’m sure some other “mommy” sietas know what I mean!!! 🙂
I am 31 years old and mother to my precious three year old boy (who is the love of my life). I’m in Marion, KS. If I was to characterize my life right now in one word it would be GROWTH. My husband and I had a miscarriage after going through IVF last year and God used that painful event to bring me to my knees in search of His will for my life. Since that time I have a passion for the Word and knowing God that I have never had before. He is growing me into a mighty woman of God that I never would have felt worthy to be before. I just have to type AMEN!!!
I’ve really wanted to study Ruth for a while now, but have felt the Spirit draw me to other studies and now I know why. God has appointed me to participate in this study, at this time, in this way; so my goal is to accept whatever He has prepared for me! I want to be a sponge and a ready and willing pupil that is open to HIM!!!
Looking at the scriptures . . . the Judges verse scares me because of how dangerous this could be. However, knowing a little bit about Ruth, it is a huge encouragement that God is going to do His good will in all situations! Praise His name!!!! After reading Jeremiah in about every translation on Lifeway’s online bible resource (bible.lifeway.com), God is good and I want to be a tree producing good fruit even in the middle of a drought. The applications of this verse to our present culture in the US is astounding. As to how it relates to Judges, those who sought the Lord would have been blessed like trees producing good fruit in a moral drought. They would have been healed and saved, something I’m sure they longed for greatly in such an environment! The opposite would have been true of those who did not call out to God.
Beth, sorry this is so long, I know you told us to limit our responses to a paragraph. Well, maybe I can say that I didn’t type 10 paragraphs. 🙂 Now off to write my letter to God. Thanks for inviting us to study with you, I’m looking forward to GROWING more this summer!
I’m married with two children (both 21yo), living on our farm in South Charleston, Ohio, going solo on this one, and meeting in my home office.
My one word – transitioning. From a full-nest to an empty-nest…. and from a bit of ministry to couples to alot of ministry to couples/individuals.
My goals are to grow deeper in intimacy with the Lord, stay passionately connected to Him, and to grow in the knowledge of how wide, deep and high His love is for me. 🙂
Are you kidding me about Judges and Jeremiah?! Oh my. I have learned the hard way that doing things my way will only bring a “fit” sooner or later, but trusting the Lord and being a tree planted by living water will bring so much less stress, worry and sin into my life. Whew. No comparison.
Thanks so much for these summer studies. They ARE that living water during the hot muggy months. Drink deeply, ladies!
I live in Beavercreek (other side of Xenia!) and am going solo as well. . . also transitioning to that empty nest as my youngest of 4 heads to college next month. Hope you enjoy your study and if you’d like to meet in Cedarville for coffee or something I’d love that 🙂
Wow! Dawn, that would be great. Email me at [email protected]. I would love to meet you in Cedarville or Beavercreek!
We are in Winston-Salem, NC. Three of us came and we had an interesting get-to-know conversation at Panera. We are of very different ages and stages in life, so the best thing should be sharpening each other with our differences.
Hi, I’m Patti from Colorado Springs, CO. I am married (33 yrs) have four grown children and four grandchildren. My one word is: stretched. My goal for this study is to gain more strength from what I learn in this book so I can be more victorious in this season of my life! Thanks to Kathy for sharing The Message version of Jer 17:14. This is my prayer! I KNOW that God will “pick up the pieces and put me back together again”. Praise Him!
Madill, OK~4 of us today (7 total in group). We met at Rick’s Red Onion Grill over lunch! We are a group of ladies at very different stages of life who all share a hunger and desire for more of God. We are soo excited to dig in the Word, and share laughter and joy!
Yum! Your location sounds like a great place for a double feast!
Hi Beth!!
I have a quick question. This is my first Siesta Summer Bible Study and I was wondering where I could get the book. I did click on the Link to view the first week and ( I must say I have read Day 1 and WOW it knocked me on my booty. The Lord showed himself to me ) but I wanted to get the book so I could actually write in it. If you could let me know where to get it cause I would love buy one!!!!!
April, I pick one up at Lifeway today.
You can get it at http://www.kellyminter.com.
Try Kelly Minter web sight thats where I got mine
Carol
I am going solo. I am from Palm Coast, Florida. I am very excited to be a part of this study with you all. My one word description of this season in my life is “transition and healing” (okay…I realize that was two words but I couldn’t choose Ü) and my goal is “learn to believe.” I am so thankful for this opportunity!!
oops…forgot to tell something about myself. I am married (28 years) and I have two grown children, a son and a daughter & son-in-law. No grandbabies…but hopefully soon.
Tami! If you want to learn to believe, I’d definitely recommend doing Beth’s Believing God Bible study. It CHANGED MY LIFE (well God changed my life, but it was through this study). We finished it at my church about a month ago and wheeewww, it is crazy good.
Blessings to you!
Definitely crazy good! We are just finishing it at our church, we watched week 8’s session on getting to our Gilgal and after watching that decided that every Christian should have to see it. The jacket illustration on wearing our sins like a reproach, hit me like a brick! God has worked powerfully in our group and personally through this study!!!
OH MY GOODNESS, YES! What’s funny is that I went on a women’s retreat with my church in Dallas in April of 2008 and we had watched two of the videos (I believe it was either Session 7 and 8 or 8 and 9?) and that jacket illustration was like, ‘WHOOSH’ (imagine Beth doing it) all over me and I ugly cried thinking about the jackets of reproach I had worn for so long, then taken off, then put back on. Anyway, two years later, I’ve moved back to Mississippi and this is the first real Bible study I’d ever done and we were sitting there that night watching the video and I was thinking…that outfit looks familiar (the one Beth had on). Then…she had the women go stand up there and I was like OHHHHHHH, and it hit me what was about to happen and it still hit me AGAIN like a ton of bricks.
I love that God continues to roll away our reproach and loves us enough to do it.
😀
AMEN! I am blessed to say He has healed my wounds, though it was painful and something I would never want anyone else to go through. I can say on the delivered side “I AM FORGIVEN!!!”
I am doing this study solo. I am from Loxahatchee, Florida. I am married with 2 children, and work part-time.
“Overwhelmed” is a word I would use to describe my life right now.
My goal for this study is to spend daily time in the Word.
Thank you for leading and encouraging!
My sister, Carolyn from Oceanside, CA and I from Littleton NC meet to discuss this Bible Study via Skype.
We both have no children.
One word for her life right now is CHAOTIC – she has two new puppies and a busy life of jazzercise, gourd art, etc
One word for my life right now is RESTED…I am so fortunate to be retired from a business which had taken us internationally to buy merchandise and now I can just sit by our pool and read and relax these summer days with my husband.
Both our goals for this study are to stay connected to each other and to Siestaville and “glean” from each other’s insights into God’s word. (My user name with Lifeway has been 1 gleaner for years based upon Ruth!)
The last verse in Judges is scary from the standpoint of thinking we know best. Contrasting Jeremiah’s warning that the heart is deceitfully wicked and beyond cure, so we must follow “the Lord, the spring of living water.”
I loved verse 8 which says then “we have no worries in a year of drought and never fail to bear fruit.” YAY! We are looking forward to a fruitful time in summer Bible study.
Arlington, TX
We have a group of about 60 women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s meeting from our church. We began last week, and we break into small groups of about 10-12 each. Great discussion already, and I can tell this study will be such a blessing!
I am 30 and married with a 16 month old daughter. Life is good and busy, and I am really looking forward to spending time in the word this summer with so many believers.
Well, I had already made up my mind that I wasn’t going to participate in this study as our small group is trying to finish “Me, Myself and Lies” and I’ll be in and out the rest of the summer on an overseas trip. But then, I hate to be left out, need a study to make me accountable and stay in the Word…so if I can find the book I guess I’ll be doing it solo…Houston. I have 3 girls. Stage: TEENAGERS! goal is to stay accountable and be less superficial when it comes to my faith!
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Haven’t seen any other Canadians on role yet. Probably because it is nearly impossible to get the book up here. I ordered it 2 months ago and it MAY JUST have arrived in Ontario, which means it may just arrive here soon. The Lifeway people wanted $54. to ship 2 books to to me. I just couldn’t do it. I am very grateful to you for downloading the first week for us.
Hello from a fellow Canadian. I was able to order the book on-line from David C.Cook. They charged me 9.02 for shipping. Hoping you are able to get a copy.
Yeah! My book did finally come on Monday this week. I have been crying forward and persevering in obedience and thinking about speaking (I was taught not to speak my mind, ever) and crying out my questions to the Lord. It is an active study! Happy Birthday to all my fellow Canadians! We have a great country! Happy Birthday in advance to all my American Siestas! You do too! My Mummy is one of you! She would join us on line but can’t figure out the mouse thing.
Colorado, going solo
Season: Change (officially empty nesters)
Looking forward to learning new concepts and putting them to practice. The first lesson has already spoken to me and yes, I have written Galations 6:9 on my memory card. 🙂
That verse spoken volumes to me as well! After looking it up in my Bible I realized I had notes written all over it and it was underlined and highlighted . . . then God spoke to my heart and said, it’s for you! So that’s when I wrote it on a card. I guess I could say I’m a slow learner. 🙂
Canton, TX We are a group of 3. We are a small accountability group that meets every week. One of our husbands named our group “superfriends” and the name stuck so that’s what we call ourselves. We just finished Beth’s Revelation study so it was time to start a new study. Two of us met this morning at my house. Our third is on vacation. The two of us described our life right now as changing for one and challenging for the other. We are doing this study to stay in the Word. We are so excited to get started.
I live in Conway, Arkansas. I am doing the study alone b/c my work hours are inconsistent. One word – Overwhelmed. Goal – looking for peace, stillness and focus. I’m so tired of the battles within myself and am hoping to refocus on God and make my desires His desires.
My sister went to school in Conway and I absolutely love it up there!! I’ll be up there the end of July. I’ll be praying for you as we go along this journey together 🙂
I pressed something and I got posted! How did that happen? Obviously lots to learn about online stuff. Anyway, we are 2 very frayed princesses. We have been praying together for 8 years, meeting once a week, mostly to pray for schools and children. We both have gifted children who humble their mothers to the dust. Many other things have brought us low over the years but God has lifted us up each day, moment by moment. It is very special to have someone to call at odd hours, or even to have her call me. “Help! Pray!” That’s all we need to say. There is a story about the Canadian Goose, that if one is tired or injured and lands during migration another goose will always land with it and wait until it is ready to fly again. That’s how we feel except we’ve forgotten who was tired first.
My word is ‘volitile’. And my goal is direction and comfort.
What an awesome story about the Canadian geese!! I’m going to have to remember that one! 🙂
Born & raised in NY. Married. Last month our youngest child was married(daughter) Empty nest. 4 deaths in 5 yrs. Business failing, bankruptcy, foreclosure.
One word for this season-Change
I will be studying alone
Sweet sister, lifting you up during this season of change. May God shine his face upon you and give you peace. 😉
Thank you for your kind words. I have good days & bad days, but everyday God is good & tender to me. I am so grateful that His immutability has nothing to do with me during my time of change. Even during this time of tempest, I remind myself of His faithfuness in the past. Though these last few years have been painful, and continue to be draining,I’ve learned that the hardest situations in my life have turned out to be for my absolute best.
Prayers for comfort and peace during your difficult season. While you may be studying alone, (as I am too), I pray that you feel His presence and make a few siesta friends on here.
In His Love…Donna
Thank you for your prayers, they are greatly appreciated. It’s always been during times of storm when I plunge into God’s word & swim in the presence of His tender mercies that the fresh revelation of who HE IS, has held above the waves.
What part of NY are you in? I’m lookin for accountability partner here to do the study with. I’m in Hicksville Ny. My email is [email protected] :o)
Hi, my name is Tammy, Greencastle, IN and I am going at this alone. Even though I will never see any of you I am scared to death to be participating. I am a mother of 5 boys. At this season of my life many words could decribe where I am at but I think Tiffany said it best: Longing.
So excited to be joining this summer bible study! 31 yrs. old, have a 2 yr old, Southern California, doing this solo.
The word that jumped to my mind immediately is “tired!”
Even though I stay at home I never understood the challenges that mothers go through juggling “everything.”
I pray that I would draw closer to God during this time & restore our relationship to where it was, or even better, than it was before having my child.
I was already so encouraged by the first video – thanks Beth!
I hear ya girl! I am 31 with a 2 year old too! Hang in there.
I am flying solo from Loyalton, California due to work and a busy summer but truly looking forward to the time with the Lord through this study.
One word: Hungry
One goal: To grow stronger in the Lord and to know him personally.
Judges/Jerimiah thought: To live a life as I saw fit would very risky and damaging. Without the Lord’s guidance and wisdom the decissions that I would make would more than likely be damaging and most likely against his will or plan for me. Jerimiah 7: 7 says to trust in the Lord and not to forsake him. As long as we have the Lord to guide us and lead us down the path righteousness I will be in his plan and that is amazing to me. Thank you Lord for your love for me.
Houston, Solo, Life: Reviving, Goal: to see the needs of others and do some intense praying. I’m seriously tired of myself.
Yes, my life has been devastated but the bottom line is…the Lord has graciously gotten my attention through it all. It may sound strange but I am so grateful that I have been crushed. I would never have seen who I had become.
Any other soloist out there that would like to communicate through email…let me know. I really want to be there for you.
Loved reading all of the comments. Wishing that I could visit each group.
You’re so loved, Gina.
🙂
I’m doing mine solo too and live in Houston. I’m gone for a few weeks but back at the end of July. I would love to communicate through email (if I can get it to work in Germany) and maybe even meet since we live in the same city!
Email when you can…so excited!
[email protected]
oops! forgot my email: [email protected]
Gina,
I’m drawn to your post and would like to connect.
: )
Christian
[email protected]
I’m in! Am solo in rural KS. Realized after doing days one and two I’m going to miss the discussion and fellowship. [email protected]
Stay tight with us on here and you’ll still get some measure of that, Sarah. You are loved and noticed here.
Thank you! Know you are loved by many here in rural KS as well. We pray for you often and thank God for your teaching and leadership!
Am solo as well … would love to communicate through e-mail … I am glad that there are others out there who aer absent a group … 🙂
Lisa
Shattuck, Oklahoma
There are 8 ladies meeting in my home. (The 2 books I ordered yesterday arrived 40 minutes before we met.) We range in age from 30’s to 70’s. Our discussion focused on the promises made to those who trust in the Lord in Jeremiah 17 and contrasted with those who turn away from the Lord.
1. I’m Margaret (married, with no children) and I’m from Houston, TX. I am doing this study solo.
2. I would characterize my life in one word as “trials”.
3. One specific goal is for me to give up “control”.
4. I want to trust in God, obey him, listen to him and feel his love for me. I know this will happen if I trust him 100% and not do just what I see fit.
Hi, I live near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a 40 yr old mother of 3 teens. I am going solo. I would describe my season in life as “hungry”. I LOVE God’s word,and have an insatiable appetite for it. I am so excited to join this study.
Lawan Rivera
Solo
Married/50s
Lawton, OK
did you know Bill and Barb Roycroft?
I will be doing the study solo in Spokane WA. A one word response to my season in life would be chaos. I am hoping to grow closer to my Lord and Savior throughout the study this summer, love Him more and seek Him always.
Solo, Austin Texas
In the middle of wedding plans so I need to go solo this time—my daughter gets married mid July plus we are in transition ourselves.
“Dependent” is the word that describes my season. I am dependent on HIM to see me through. My brand-new relational and financial problems run deep and may I value the Great Privilege of Knowing God more than I value what He can give me to pull me out of this pit. I want to find a little more Hope through Ruth’s story. Unsmotherable Hope in the midst of my smothering problems.
That is a ditto for me, Bev. Amazing that God was speaking the exact thing to me last night and this morning!
Houston, TX (Katy area); I’m doing the study solo, so I’ll have it in my sitting room where I do my quiet times, too; I’m 57 years old, married; have a son (27) who just got married 2 weeks ago, and a daughter (25) who is married; I am a teacher on “summer break”. The season I’m in: “blocked” and/ or “floundering” or “floating”. I looked up several words to try to describe the season I’m in – these fit best (blocked= feeling impeded, obstructed, or limited; floundering=mentally struggling, confusion; floating=indecisive, uncertain).I feel like I can’t quite commit to any activity that involves thought and concentration. I am grateful for this study of Ruth to motivate me to be in a deeper, closer relationship with my Father. I KNOW the dangers of doing what I see fit – only with God’s guidance will I make choices that fall in His will!