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
1. I’m a married twenty-something flying solo in Colorado Springs, CO 🙂 for this study. I’m new to the area, new to my current stage of life, and new to a new “profession” (staying at home, after serving in ministry and working).
2. My word for this season: “Learning.”
3. My goal: to abide in the Word of God amidst all the change that’s been going on (!)… and to watch things happen through prayer (maybe prayer ALONE?) this summer.
1. Martha Helen from Asheville, NC. I’m going solo physically i think but i’ll be doing it with a friend of mine in TN and possibly also my mom. I’m 26, married, expecting our very first baby (14 weeks along!). I work for a catering company presently but we’ll be moving soon so I’ll have to quit. The move is part of why I didn’t form a group here. I’m hoping to go back to school for biblical studies possibly in these next few months.
2. My word: CHANGE.
3. My goal: to stay in the Word and to be renewed by God.
4. If I do what sees fit to me every single time, living without authority, i will get into a pit really quick, every single time. What seems best to me = what’s easy, what’s instantly gratifying, what’s convenient, whatever pleases me most. Pretty much a no-brainer recipe for disaster. The passage in Jeremiah confirms this.. the heart is desperately wicked. Or in other words, incurably sick. But those who trust in the Lord, those who follow Him, those who hope in Him.. they shall be like trees planted by the waters. Yielding fruit even in drought. Blessing and a sense of right-ness comes when we submit to His authority.
I am going solo on this study, but am excited to have an online community to share it with.This is my first study with Siestaville but not my first Bible study.
1- I am happily married to my hubby, Glen, for two years now. I went back to college about a year ago now and am plugging away at classes and can now see progress made towards a degree. I do not have a baby…YET, I am believing God for that though, it is a big part of my faith walk at this current time in my life.
2- A word to describe my life right now…anxious, and yes I know the Word says not to be anxious, but I feel like I am ready to move to the next phase.
3- My purpose for this study, I need a refreshment in my soul and in my spirit that only God’s Word can bring about.
4- Judges 21:25- We can get very off course when we are doing things our way or the ways that our society influences us. But, when we put our hope and trust in the Lord, there are blessings, protection, and peace.
1. I’m going solo from Kingsport, TN. Married with two sons, ages 18 and 13. Working full time.
2. One word for this season in my life – inadequate. As I said above, I work full time, have a family, and my mom is in the early stages of dementia, so I’m having to care for her more and more (she thinks she’s fine, and that somehow makes it even harder). And I feel like I’m doing horribly at all of it.
3. Goal – to hear God’s Word for me – to know more of His plan.
4. I think doing what I see fit is dangerous because it assumes that I live in a bubble and that I have all of the information – the laws of unintended consequences, both for others who are affected by me and for myself.
This is my first Summer Siesta Bible Study, and I’m so excited to be part of it!
I live in the Dayton, OH area and though I co-lead Bible study at church during the year, I am going solo this summer. I do get to meet with a wonderful group of friends each week to pray for our college-age children. (you can tell what stage of life I’m in …youngest of 4 heading to college next month…), and am looking forward to attending LPL in Lexington, KY in August.
Word that describes my life right now: crushed / deflated. For some reason, the past 18 months the ‘blows’ have just come fast and furious, and though I’ve stayed in the word and tried to stay God-focused and optimistic, I just have no more left inside. Last week we buried my dear father-in-law after a 6 mo. battle with pancreatic cancer and some days I secretly wish it was me because then there would be no more pain or disappointment. So I just want to be refreshed and restored through this study, and I really need SOMEthing to just work out right to renew my faith.
Dear one, Know that He has not forgotten you..and allow him to apply balm to your wounds…He loves you so.
I am so sorry to hear about your father in law! I hear you too about being so empty. “A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” I have been there Siesta. He will not abandon you.
I am sorry for your loss. I am praying for you~
Praying for you, Dawn! Rest assured, if you still have breath in your lungs, God’s not through using you yet! I’m praying that through this Bible Study he will renew your strength.
Oh yeah, and I am in Plano, Texas
Perrysburg, Ohio with 13 of us meeting in one of the member’s home. We are a group of woman who just finished Esther and Breaking Free. Looking forward to this summer’s siesta blog with Kelly Minter and Beth Moore. One of the evenings highlights were our hostess’ special quiche dishes and homemade peanut butter pie. Yum.
Ulysses, Ks
There will two of us meeting in our homes for the study. We can’t wait to dig into God’s word.
Words that describe us would be season of change (I know, more than 1 word!) for myself and for Yolanda, it would be hope.
Shelly you did an awesome job, and know that God is going to show you and I big things through this study of Ruth. Thank you for the blessing of walking this study out as a duo, instead of solo.
Love YOU!
Excited to do Kelly’s second Bible study!
1. Just me – 47 yrs. old, live in Virginia, married, one son (21), pt employee/student
2. One word for my life right now – HOPEFUL. Circumstances are starting to turn.
3. Goal for the study/summer – keep my head in the Word and my eyes on Jesus.
4. Doing as I see fit will land me in a pit everytime. Trusting the LORD and placing my confidence in Him is the only sure way to stay out of a pit. He only wants what’s best for me so his motives towards me are always pure.
Kim, where are you at in VA? There is a group of us meeting near Staunton. Email me if you’re anywhere close and would like to join us–[email protected]
My name is Deborah. I am married to a wheat farmer and we are blessed with a daughter and son. I am doing this study in Sawyer, Kansas and I am on my own. My word(s) for this season of my life is Seeking(His Will). I want to keep in His Word and I am very excited about the study of Ruth. This is my first experience in Siestaville. I have done some of Beth’s Bible studies and love them. My life has been blessed by God through these studies!
Hello Deborah,
I’m also flying solo in Wichita KS, I’ll have to check the map to see where Sawyer is! Welcome to the study:)) And may God richly bless you.
It is about an hour and a half from Wichita.
I forgot to mention that I grew up on a wheat farm out by Bentley, when is the harvest this year? I remember it used to be on my brothers birthday at the end of June but I know things may be different now. How is the crop?
I’m not sure where Bentley is. We are harvesting wheat right now. It seems like we usually cut sometime between the middle of June and beginning of July. I think overall the crop is average. I think there is some pretty good wheat and some not so great. We are blessed!
So glad to hear your crop is good. Do your children ever play around with the wheat and sometimes eat it? If so, make sure they know the difference between fresh wheat and seed wheat:( When I was a child I played in a truck full of seed wheat in a dark barn and ate a bunch of it not knowing. I’m battling cancer now and there is a good possibility that was a main culprit. Be careful out there!
I want to comment on the wheat. My husband and I went to Marion County Kansas a few years back. We have wheat farmers in the Texas Panhandle, but when I saw the wheat in Kansas I was shocked. I didn’t understand the phrase “amber waves of grain” until I saw Kansas wheat. It was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. My heart stills races when I think about it.
The wheat is beautiful! Thanks for the warning about seed wheat, Nikki. So sorry about your cancer. You will be in my prayers. I also have a question. Is there a good way to see the replies on my comments without subscribing through e-mail? Anybody know? Thanks!
Wow, I wish I knew the answer to that question also. I could sure use a class in blog 101!
Goodness I forgot to thank you for the prayers, they are so very important to me.
1. I am a full time mom of two amazing little girls and a full time personal assistant who just turned 30. I returned this past February to worship and serve my King after doing what was right in my own eyes for 10+ years.
2. One word: Intense. Of course I had to look up some synonyms… How about “deep, explosive, exquisite, profound.” Yep, that about sums it up.
3. My goal for this summer study: to learn! I am so hungry and thirsty for the Word of God, after wandering in my self imposed desert for so long, I am starving for His Word!! I can’t get enough of Him. I want to learn so I can lead and be a light leading others to their own relationship with God like this beautifully intense one I am experiencing.
4. There is no blessing in serving ourselves, in doing what is right in our own eyes. How painfully true this has been in my own life! The blessing is in trusting God, for only He can heal and save a deceitful and sick heart. I want to be that tree who’s roots run deep by the stream of the Spirit, so when heat comes my leaves remain green and in Him I always bear fruit! (How appropriate this passage is for us who were at LPL Grand Rapids, and learned all about being trees. :-))
Williamsport, PA, SOLO, at my home computer :),. I am 42, divorced for 12 years, with 3 daughters ages 21, 22, 26, 2 grandsons, ages 3 & 8, and one precious granddaughter on the way, so those two boys will have a baby sister to love and protect! I co lead a Bible study at my church with my mother, so I will be doing this along with Anointed, Transformed and Redeemed this summer. My “career” is as a Medical Assistant.
ONE word to characterize my season of life? “Crossroads”
GOAL: To gain a greater understanding and love of my “Kinsman Redeemer”
Jer. 17:7-14 & Judges 21:25 The heart is deceitful, so if we do as we see fit, we are in BIG trouble! As I have already learned in my life and still continue to. (slow learner)
Three siestas from south of Atlanta,Ga. We met at Starbucks– had an iced skinny vanilla latte each and characterized life in our present seasons as change, seeking and uncertainty. We marveled in the fact that God is always present and how simple it is to follow his word and the distractions that keep us from doing that!!
I love that you each got the same drink 🙂
Hey All! We’re a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law combo just like Ruth and Naomi! We’re in Monroe, Georgia and so excited about this study. Our discussion was sweet tonight. We got to talk to each other without our spouses/children/grandchildren around and are really desiring a fresh Word from God and intimate, meaningful time with each other this summer.
Wow! That’s pretty neat to be able to do the study as a mother/daughter-in-law team. May your relationship be blessed!
Hello ladies!!!
I am doing this solo as many of you! 🙂 I’m from Longview, TX. I am married x 8 years, no kids… two basset hounds. 🙂 I’m currently a nurse practitioner that feels the Lord calling her out for lesser pay with higher reward and impact on lives. I’m following Him and trying to be obedient. It is my hope that this study will provide confirmation for what I believe God is instructing me to do.
1. Characterize my life in a word: TRANSFORMING
2. Goal: To learn more and grow spiritually.
3. In reading the scriptures from Judges and Jeremiah, I am reminded that we are to rely on God to direct our paths. People that do what they want, with unlikely good intentions, are not pleasing to God. We should not turn away to our own accord, but instead, trust in the Lord.
http://justcharlsie.blogspot.com
Webster, Tx. 12 girls. Meeting at my apt. A group of college aged girls who are all Young Life leaders and I have had the priveledge of knowing. So great so far! Thanks for this! 🙂
I have a group of 5 women on Facebook of all places. These ladies are spread out from Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida & Oregon. They are a group of women in my family with whom I love but do not get to see very often. So, we get to do this together. 🙂 We are all married ages range from 37-76. We are all working women with the exception of one who is a retireds RN.
I am posting Beth’s questions on the Event Wall which I have made private so that our discussion is only for the ladies in our group so that we can share without all of Facebook seeing (with the exception of what I share here) 🙂
My ladies are: Tired & Overwhelmed
We want to stay connected to Christ and support eachother
Here are a few responses that we have for Question # 4
It is dangerous to do what each of us sees fit because there are consequences to every action. You may think well no one can see me or no one will know, but God always sees you and always knows. He is the one that is the ultimate judge in the end. It matters to Him.
I think these two verses relate to one another. As I stated above you can do what you want and you may get away with it here on earth, but our Heavenly Father sees everything; he know our hearts.
It seems in this day and age that a lot of people are doing whatever they want and thinking there are no consequences to their actions. It breaks my heart to know that we are destroying one of the most precious gifts God gave us..ourselves.
1) London, Ontario; Two of us (B & L); Meeting at B’s home; we are in our late 20’s and have been close friends for years. This is our first time to try out SSBS together.
2)B’s one word is beautiful. L’s one word is waiting.
3)B’s goal is to finish the bible study this summer. L’s goal is to spend more time with God.
4a) Judges 21:25 – (1) Nobody knows what’s right or wrong. (2) People put themselves first, not others. (3) No laws, no order, only wars (4) Don’t know about God
b) Jeremiah 17:7-4 – (1) vs. 9 – If we don’t have laws from God or a king, then we will be deceitful & sinful on our own, we will make wrong choices. (2) vs. 13 – God is our King, if we don’t have the Lord, we will be dust
(3) vs. 7 – if we do have the Lord, we will blossom
(4)vs. 8 – even when we have hard times, like drought or heat for a tree, we will still blossom because God is with us
God’s timing is perfect! My name is Katie, I am from Sherrill, NY. I am 34, (although half the time I can’t remember how old I am (smile) I have a 6 year old son, Wyatt, who just graduated from Kindergarten (tear) and 4 year old Emma just finished Pre-K (tear). I am gratefully married to my husband who has been faithfully praying me out of my spiritual funk!!
1)CONFUSSED
2)My goal is to have a better understanding of what I believe. More importantly, I pray God does a major overhaul in my brain answering the spiritual questions and doubt that I am currently wrestling with.
3)“Everyone did as He saw fit.” Judges. THIS is EXACTLY what I am struggling with. Oh how I wish there was only ONE (1) Very BLACK (not white or gray)definition of CHRISTIAN. As soon as I start to think I understand what I believe, live it and own it, I read something (Philip Gulley’s If The Church Were Christian) and my brain starts thinking, questioning and wondering….. UGH! I think I need to start saying over and over Jeremiah 17:7-14. I COMPLETELY believe God handpicked this scripture for me. I am claiming it!
That is absolutely awesome that your husband is in your words ‘faithfully praying me out of my spiritual funk!!’. I’m praying that I have a husband like that some day! 🙂
And I’m praying that God gives you wisdom, discernment and faith in the place of questions and doubt that you’re wrestling with. I know He will because He’s done it for me! 🙂
This is my first summer study. I also live in Tn.- Nashville. I amazed at the number of Tennesseans! I am going solo on this too so would love to connect with others, especially from my area. I pondered my word for a long time because I couldn’t figure out what really would describe my life right now. God gave me “wondering”. Then He revealed to me that all the things going inside of me right now are “wonderings”. Then He revealed each wondering to me. Question 4, not sure if it will have any bearing on the wondering but am asking God to help me stay focused. I need the discipline and know I cannot go wrong with Bible study!! Blessings !!
Going solo with this Bible study…In Lansing MI!! 😀
1. Married, Stay at home Mom of 2 beautiful kids!!
2. “LOST”
3. GOAL: To just deepen my relationship with God…And to get into his word daily! AMEN!
May Jesus cause you to feel very found here, Darling Thing.
Well, I answered #3 as #4 so now let me answer #4.(did I say something about needing to be focused?) By convincing ourselves that what we want is what God wants can cause us to waste our time land us right back to the beginning, starting over, to do it God’s way. There can be dangerous results from this.
2 , coworkers-Houston, Tx.
challenging
be spiritualy fed/godly companionship
Helper, Utah: Solo
1. I am 22 years old and I am single. I am also a full time student and will be graduating this coming Spring with my B.S. Degree (the first one in my family to do so).
2. Worthlessness
3. My goal for this summer by doing this study is to dig into God’s word and find my worth once again in Him. I am caught in trying to please my parent with bipolar and expected by them to be their strength. I fail them and I am weary and worn. Honestly, I need this study now more than ever.
4. If I was to do everything that I saw fit and not follow the king of kings, I would be in a HUGE pit of sinful despair. I would be living by my flesh and not by my God’s commands. My heart would be running wild and leading me astray because above all things it is deceitful. In contrast Jeremiah 17:7 clearly states: “But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him”. If He is my king and I trust Him I will be like a tree planted by streams of water. I must stay plugged into His word to be able to have my roots go deeper and not wither away by droughts that come.
I am EXCITED to dig deeper this summer!
Stormy,
I’m so proud of all you have you have accomplished! And the biggest thing is recognizing that none of it would have happened without God’s help. Even now you are depending on Him to help you through this rough patch. When I was 22, I was running as fast as I could away from God. And I was reared in church my whole life. I just wanted to do my own thing; I didn’t want anybody-not even God-telling me what to do.
Keep your eyes on Him, and know that I will be praying for you!
Patty,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. God used what you wrote to speak to me and reached down to a lot of my brokenness. God can take what is deemed broken and useless and turn it around for His glory. He is on this throne through it all and nothing gets past Him! That is what helps get me through some of the hardest days. I am blessed because I need Jesus!
Thank you for your prayers. And thank you for sharing a bit from your past. I love this that we can be transparent and real here without the fear of being rejected.
Praying for you this very day
Thank you Doo-Dah for praying. I prayed right here at my computer for you and Patty as well.
Oh I pray that God shows you how much you are worth to Him! To read that word ‘worthlessness’ just broke my heart and I know that He’s going to show you how much He loves you and how much you mean to Him.
Praying for you in this tough season and congratulations on being the first to graduate college!! That is absolutely awesome and something to thank God for 🙂
Hi Stormy. Where in Utah are you? I’m also in Utah. Hill AFB (Layton/Ogden area)
Denise
So looking forward to this study! Going solo in Birmingham, AL. Using this study to keep me in the Word this summer!
I live in Greenville, SC. As of now I am going solo. I have been married 5 years & have two little boys (ages 3 & 1). I had a difficult time deciding just one word that describes my life right now. After much thought I decided that “discouraged” sums it up pretty well.
This my first SSBS and I am SO stinkin’ excited! I keep up with the blog but haven’t been an active contributor (but hopefully that changes as of now :)) I am desperately in need of some friends and some encouragement. My goal is to allow myself to be encouraged & to develop a deeper trust in the Lord. I cannot wait to get into this study! THANK YOU!
I just recently moved from Greenville, SC! Lived there for about 5 years. Such a beautiful place!! Hoping to return once I complete my education!
Danielle,
I live in Simpsonville, SC and would love to try to do the study with you. I am older with a grown child and one in college but participating in Bible studies with women of various ages has transformed my life and I am passionate about getting others to have the same experience. I wish I had had these studies when my children were as young as yours. If you are interested, please contact me @ [email protected]
Abilene, TX We are two 21 yr old college roomates spending our summer away from home. We meet at our house:) Our words were constant and lonely. Our goal for the summer to grow deeper with our King. We want to DELIGHT in Him and know Him deeper. So excited for this journey!
PEACE
Thanks, Beth! DO I feel plugged in to this wonderful group! And I don’t feel so alone after seeing how many are flying solo. We’ll just all fly solo together!!
I am one of 9 women in Wake Forest NC: Lindsey, Cara, Holly, Jade, Jenny, Christy, Christin, Katrina, and Jan. All of us are seminary wives or students ourselves and neighbors living in seminary housing. We are all looking forward to creating community with each other and growing through the study of God’s word.
Is Holly Peck the Holly you are talking about? If so hey Holly from Tammy Brinkley
Knoxville, TN and Fort Worth,TX
2 of us, via the internet and phone, we are sisters and one of us has one baby girl and the other is expecting!!!
As the Lord would have it I’m now gathering, its just us two girls. Our one words are “Excitement” for my sister, and “Anticipation” for myself. My sis,Matia, wants to be consistent in the Word, and I want to be sanctified through and through. When there is not the right “king” ruling our lives, we are subject to the whims of a, by nature, deceitful heart that will lead us only to do what is right in our own eyes. When we do those things, we are not connected to our Source, Who was meant to supply us with life giving “water” so that we would prosper and stay fruitful in the midst of any dry or especially difficult season of living. Consistency of worship and godly devotion was lacking in the time of the judges. Too much idolatry was present.
Blessings, ((HUGS)), Love in HIM from both of us:)
I worded that last part wrong. It wasn’t that they had “too much” idolatry, it was the fact that there was any idolatry. Ok, that’s all, love ya’ll.
Katie,
I am glad to see that you are doing this Bible study. I have missed your blog and reading what God is doing in your life. I am excited to see that I will be able to follow your blog again. God Bless you and your family.
Stormy
Did my study information not go through?
I sent it to the blog at 11:15 AM California time
1:15 PM Houston time today.
I haven’t seen it. did I do something incorrect?
This one certainly did, Kim. There was one malfunction on the blog that may have been around that time. The server showed an internal error. Those entries looked like they posted then disappeared. AJ says she thinks she knows one thing we might be able to try to restore them so watch for yours to perhaps pop up today. So sorry! It’s technology at its best and worst!
Columbus, Ohio
Word: Determined
Judges 21:25 verse – Anarchy will follow.
Jeremiah verses – God is our anchor
Excited about doing this study! (also solo) Love the pace Kelly is taking through the book, slowly examining each step of the way. Lots to ponder and learn from this story.
God Bless!
Tski
Judy: going solo in Oswego, NY, though I have great hope that my daughter will study along side me.
My current season is one of anchoring. I’m fairly new in my walk with Jesus and want to keep my feet firmly planted. I find that I have a tendency to ‘drift’ during the summer months when there’s no structured study and look at this as a wonderful way to stay in God’s word and to learn (and share) with a great group of siestas.
As far as Judges 21:25–walking on my own is when I can get into the most trouble!
Columbus, MS; 6 of us signed up but only 3 there tonight; different ages and stages in life but we all attend the same church; We just got to know each other a little better, discussed the passages in Judges and Jeremiah and decided what we were going to bring to eat next time;-) We prayed together and I am particularly excited b/c this is the first time I have been involved in a Bible study with this group of ladies.
Blessings from Northeast Mississippi to y’all Rachel! I haven’t seen TOO many Mississippians on here so I thought I’d say hey 🙂
Topeka, KS
Meeting at Hastings Hard Back Cafe
13 of 21 women registered present ranging from teens to mid 80’s, married with kids, widowed, single and single moms.
What we hope to get out of it: Discipline in the Word, become a better woman, deeper understanding of Ruth, fellowship, learn scripture, guidance, accountability
Words to describe our season of life: ancient, older than old, highly valued, awakening, faithfulness, shadows, revelation, purpose, refreshment, change, possibilities
Thoughts on Judges/Jeremiah: Judges is talking about the 1960’s-70’s mentality and Jeremiah reminds us we can fool some of the people all the time, all the people some of the time, but we will never be able to fool God. He knows our thoughts and sees all. The good news is: He loves us anyway.
I am so excited for this study. Anyone in the Rockwall, Tx area doing this? I am going to be down there the whole month of July and would love to connect with siestas in person.
Jan
Our group of 4 is from Massachusetts. We met tonight at my house and had a rich time of discussion. We have an interesting mix – I know all of the women, but they don’t all know each other, at least until tonight! We spent a few minutes getting acquainted before watching the video and then moved on to our discussion questions. We discussed how the trend in the US seems to be toward everyone having their own opinion of what is right “for them”, and how that is leading to a general moral and social decay. If everyone is “right” then where is the line drawn for what is wrong? Lines become blurred, and maybe even non-existent. Our only hope is to trust in the Lord and obey His commands for that is where we will learn what is right and wrong. There is blessing and protection when we obey Him.
I can’t wait to see what God teaches us through this study of Ruth!
Where in Massachusetts Bet?
I’m from Lincoln Park, MI and going solo. My one word would be DESPERATE. I am desperate to know my Lord and Savior better, and I am desperate for Him to change my heart.
There’s one thing I have to add to this. When I watched the video earlier today, I felt so so sad that I didn’t have anyone that I could actually do this study with…sad enough that I actually cried. Now tonight after coming back to chime in and reading all the comments, my heart is just overflowing with the goodness of God. You ladies here are amazing and only here in “siestaville” can you be flying solo and feel so welcomed and loved…even before you make one stinkin’ comment.
I forgot to say that I’m 55 yrs. old and I have two sons and a 10 yr. old grandaughter and a 3 yr. old grandson who I am absolutely whacko over!
Another Sharon…whoo-hoo! I will be 55 in December (1955…cool, huh?)…also have 2 grand-chitlin’s – Kawika 3, Kaden Angel 8 mos…who just make me into toast everytime I think about them!
I also had similar feelings to yours about being alone with this study, although I do them alone often, but just wanted connection this time. And then we jump on here & with the interaction on this blog, it really helps, huh?
Blessings sister-of-my-name!
Sharoni (that’s my nickname)
Elaine, Sharon & Faith
50’s single & married
New Orleans, Louisiana
Meeting in coffee shop on Tuesdays
One word: waiting; anxious; upside-down
Specific goals: stay connected; reconnect; focus on blessings that follow obedience. Like Ruth, we are grafted into the family of God.
Scriptures: never a good idea to strike out on your own. Ill-gotten gains profit nothing and take your reputation with them. We have a King – stick with God’s plan and lavish in his blessings and protection.
Looking forward to each blessed day of this study.
Going solo from Southwest VA. I’ve done many of your Bible studies but never posted so I’m excited about sharing this one with other women who are serious about the Word of God. My goal is to grow deeper & stronger in the Word. At this moment, although very busy, the best word to describe my life is blessed. Judges 21:25 reminds me of our nation today. When we choose to do whatever we want at the moment, priorities are misplaced and God is forgotten. In contrast, Jeremiah reminds us of the importance of being in God’s will.
Grand Rapids, Michigan,We have eight gals in our small group– 2 gals who are 20-30 years, three who are 30-40 years; and three who are 50-65 years. Our goals for the Bible study include developing discipline in Bible study, taking time to read, learning from others, meaningfulness to my summer, and drawing closer to God. As we shared a one-word characteristic about our lives, it brought transparency to our Tuesday evening discussion. These characteristics were our thoughts – challenged, thankful, chaos, beginnings, frustrated, joyful, and anticipation. In our Bible discussion time about Judges 21 we saw the Israelites thinking only of themselves and not about God. Jeremiah 17 shows our trust is in the Lord not ourselves.
Tonight when the gals left my home, they were excited to begin digging into God’s Word in the book of RUTH.
Prince George, VA ~ 34 signed up ~ 23 met tonight. Our group is very diverse ranging in age from 18 to mid 60’s. We have 3 sets of sisters and a number of mother/daughter, mother-in-law/daughter-in-law. One woman just found she is pregnant, one who is newly engaged and lots of grandmas and great grandmas. In the next sessions we will break into smaller groups for more intimate discussions but tonight we took the time to have everyone introduce themselves. Some of the words to describe this season in our lives are frazzled, chaotic, insecure, busy, excited, anxious, quiet, growing, lonely. Quite a few are looking to connect with other Christian women and to development more intimate relationships. Some want to take their Bible study to the next level and some need the structure that a Bible study offers. All want to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. Can’t wait to get started!
Forgot to mention…we are meeting at Unity Baptist Church.
Houston, TX; 3 out of 4 of us tonight. We’re church friends getting to know each other better. Our words are: Busy, Busy and Precarious. Our goals are accountability in the Word; getting to know each other; being challenged in the Word; and getting some girl time. Our discussion about Judges took us to some head-shaking about the world we live in, but we know Jeremiah’s got it right – stay rooted in Jesus and live His way!
We are so excited to be a part of this summer Bible study series. We are a group of 12 girls from the Dallas, Tx area. Our group consist of 2 girls in their 20’s; 1 in their 30’s; 1 in their 40’s and the rest too old to tell:) No one knew everyone in the group which allowed for great fellowship and getting to know one another. Great needs and life experiences have already been shared and it is evident why God put us all together. We can’t wait to see what He is going to teach us this summer.
* P.S. We loved the recipes in the book- and the cinnamon whip cream was fabulous!
~ Mesquite Siesta group
I am thinking about moving to your area. Love the Dallas area and was raised in Richardson. Will be visiting during the month of July.
Jan
Lubbock, Texas (PLUS China,England,San Antonio,College Station and Wyoming); 9 of us; Meeting in the Langford Living Room & around the world. We are hoping we have the coolest group on here! Three of us are in Lubbock and our other friends are various other places around the world. We were able to mail books to China and England. We have created a private closed Facebook group where we can all interact and we are hoping to skype and video conference each week! We only had two that were able to join us tonight “live” but we are so excited (and KNOW you guys will be too!)
Tonight we spent a little bit of time getting to know each other and explaining how we are all connected (none of us know everyone)our goals for the lesson and our life seasons ranged to excited, tired, chaotic, overwhelmed and content. ahhhhhh We had a time where everyone shared a prayer request and then had someone close us in prayer.
Toooooooooooo Fun! :)Love, the langford LR Momma
Monroe,Georgia… What a great time we had on our first gathering. There are five ladies in our group-four from a Sunday school class at church and the other is my best friend. We ate dinner together at my house and enjoyed our strawberry ice cream sandwiches to wrap things up. I just love food and can’t wait to try some of Kelly’s recipes. We enjoyed Beth’s video and laughed about the red shoes idea–how fun!!!Our one word words for the season of life we were in were CONTENT,CHANGE,PAINFUL,WISDOM,and HOPEFUL. We talked about our goals of feeling the fire again, focusing on God,wanting to give godly advice to others, wanting that intimacy with Him and sweet fellowship with other women and seeing God work in their lives. Thanks for the video and all you do for us Beth–we love you. We are excited a girl in our class and not heard of you and the rest of us got so excited about the fun she is going to have listening to God speak through you.
Sacha from Midland, TX. I will be going solo this summer. I am excited about this study for the summer. I need God to show up in a big way and quickly!
6-10 in the group (6 tonight); Bremen, GA; A range of ages spanning over 40 years. Moms with little ones, Nanas with grandones; Grandmothers with great grandones. We met at Jennifer’s and had the Chicken Enchiladas and Mexican Ice Cream – Yum.
1. Words to describe this season: Frustrated, settled, thankful, chaotic, stagnant, satisfied, happy
2. Goals for this study: Richer life with God; Learn what God is trying to teach me through Ruth; Closer walk with God; Accountability; Feel God moving; Enjoy studying the bible
3. We got into the discussion about how this describes America tody and how amazing that a country with a huge majority of Christians have allowed so many unChristian things to become standard.
4. This led to a discussion of favorite verses and how God provides a plentiful life as long as we are patient and listen to him.
Hi. I’m doing this solo. This is my first time to join the Siesta group and I am very excited! This is also my first time to blog and work my way through getting myself situated in this blog. So, I hope I’ll be successful in my first entry.
Knoxville, party of three, just my two(female) cats and I. Our group consists mostly of females and cats. If I had to characterize my life in one word right now, I would choose the word, “unbalanced”. I am a divorced mom, with my youngest three kids (12, 5 and 5)still at home. I work long, unsteady hours and find myself just barely hanging on when it comes to work, kids, laundry, house, etc. I want to spend much more time in the Word, in prayer, working on my blog and falling in love with Christ all over again. The cats don’t have much to add; they’ll probably jump in later.