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
Norfolk, VA
6-8 (attendance will fluctuate)
Tab Church
We are a spin off from our moms group with a couple new additions. All the ladies are in their 20s or 30s and most have small children. We all shared that we are doing this study to give ourselves the opportunity to focus on our relationship with God in the midst of very hectic lives. We’re meeting every week on Tuesday evenings for the duration of the study. Looks like it’s going to be a great group of ladies and we can’t wait to see how God’s going to show up!
Sherman, TX, 3 of us tonight but 4 more will be joining us in two weeks. We met in my living room and we are a group of middle-aged married women…the youngest one in our group lost her husband a few years ago but has stayed faithful to stay in God’s Word with us. Our goal is to stay in the Bible, be in “Siestas” fellowship with one another and keep our minds off of “to do” lists. We talked about how dangerous it is when we are left to ourselves but that the key to fighting addictions and to stay strong is to be fortified by seeking and trusting in the Lord. So thankful to be on this journey with one another and everybody out there.
We are a group of 10 women in Niceville,Florida; We are following the suggested format and meeting in my home every two weeks. We had mexican fiesta night tonight; it was wonderful. We found that our group is doing this bible study because the group, although generally feels “blessed” in their lives, felt like they needed to spend more individual time in the word of God. Most of us are busy dedicated wives and mothers who pour out into others but realize you need to be filled in order to not run dry. This was evidenced by the fact we had two nursing babies at our first meeting! Our group has some strong faith connections already but we are all looking forward to making each other ‘sharper’.
1) Ortonville, MI; There were three of us tonight – two were unexpectedly absent or there would have been five. God encouraged me by allowing another to unexpectedly join us. I love how He does stuff like that.
2) season = unbalanced (not in a bad “mental” way unbalanced), overwhelmed, pulled.
3) Goal: to feel that fire again, to put on hospitality by opening home to other siestas and to immerse self in the Word over the summer with some good old accountability on the side, to be more focused in the Word.
4) Doing things our own way can’t possibly produce good fruit – I actually was struck by the similarities (at least to me) by what we read in Judges (they had no ruler – people long to be ruled)and what we read in Jeremiah (tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream) and what we were taught a few weeks ago in Grand Rapids at LPL. You told us, “What grows in, grows out. Feed into your life what you want to live, starve what you want to die. Our fruit will always come from our store.”
Summerville, SC; 10 of us; my living room
We are really excited about the journey through Ruth. The majority of our group is looking for a way to get on track and stay consistent with God. Throughout our conversation about Judges we really felt like the world right now is living Judges 21:25…everyone doing what they see fit for their own good. In contrast when reading Jeremiah 17:7-14, God really wants us to use his road map ” The Bible” and to do things His way. For some many Christians being in the world we have let our “standards” fall to where the world wants them instead of upholding the standards God has for us.
Hi Renee. I am a born and raised Summerville girl! Graduated as a Greenwave! 🙂 I live in Utah currently though. My husband is in the Air Force. I was home in November. 🙂 Just wanted to say hi!
Liberty (Kansas City), Missouri
I’m doing the study solo and looking forward to it. This is my first study online with you siestas. I’m married to the best guy in the world and have a gorgeous 5 year old son.
My word is nervous. I’m feeling called to pursue my masters at a local seminary, and I’m nervous and excited about what He has in mind. Ministry was never part of my plans . . . And I’m nervous that my baby starts kindergarten in August.
I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from the amazing story of Ruth and loving God more because of it, willing to serve him any way I can.
Doing Ruth solo.
One word – Stressed.
Goal – To immerse myself in God’s word to find healing.
Judges/Jeremiah – without a King, we self-destruct and follow our own way. Our lives can be lived by the spring of living water if we choose to trust in Him. We can bear fruit if so planted by Him.
We are a group of 6 meeting in Arvada, Colorado. Thursday afternoons was the only day we could all get it together so we have not started quite yet. We are all late 30’s to early 40’s and range from a Pastor’s wife to an unbeliever. Excited to see what the Lord will do!
Spirit Lake, Iowa Eight of us met tonight in a beautiful home overlooking the lake. Most of us are retired and we are looking forward to this study. The book looks interesting and we are awaiting new understandings of the book of Ruth. Special thanks to our long distance mentor in Indiana, whose enthusiasm has spread to all of us.
Tyler, TX, 4 ladies meeting at the Roseheights Community Life Center
We had a great time getting to know each other and where we are each at in our lives. We are excited to begin our study and to be a source of strength for each other. We know that we were brought together by God…each of us are use to getting through life on our own and we all felt that God was leading us to learn how to trust in others….fellowship. I am thankful for the 3 other ladies in my group. God is going to do amazing things during our times together.
I’m part of Sheri’s group….so, so, so excited to be a part of this. In reading the comments posted here I see how God loves us so much and brings us together in such creative ways! Our group is going to be fantastic. I already love these ladies!!
Richmond, VA, 14 of us, Meeting at 4 different homes in and around Richmond, a different locale each week. Our group is mostly Baptist women from the same church with several friends from different churches, including one Catholic member who we are so glad to have join us. The main part of our discussion centered around how we are all born with the taint of sin in our lives which makes it hard to do the right thing when viewed through the perspective of what is right in our own eyes. We acknowledge that all of us need the strength and guidance of the holy spirit to lead us to do the right thing. We are excited about the study and looking forward to our time in the WORD.
Did anyone else have trouble with the video? I tried it several times and each time it stopped moving after about 3 and a half minutes…We just kept going with the written directions and had a great time.
We are meeting “online” via email as we are somewhat spread out over New England. There are 5 of us and we range from grandmothers to young moms, pastors to employed at home. All of us are looking forward to digging deeper into our spiritual lives this summer – all in the company of some girlfriends on the same journey.
Savannah, Georgia in da house!
4 ladies in our 30’s and 40’s in my home, plus one dear friend skyping along with us from Cocoa Beach, Florida. (Gotta love technology!) The Mighty 5!
One word to characterize our “season”
Transitional
Maintaining
Peaceful (lucky her!)
Content (another lucky gal!)
Depressed/lonely
Our specific goal for being in study this summer is to be help accountable in staying in The Word, to grow closer to Him and to find peace/ joy.
When we act however we want, whenever we want, there will be consequences not only to ourselves but others as well. It is so easy to make decisions with emotions, instead of asking God. When we do that, chances are they will not be decisions that will please God. Two words, destruction and chaos will be the outcome.
April. going solo, though going into discussions with the hubbie. first siesta bible study and SO EXCITED!!!! absolutely amazed as I scroll through comments, the love between everyone on here!
1 word restored
what I hope to get out of this study? I am in a season of being remade. I beleive this is the beginning of it.
What an awesome word! It sounds so invigorating – restored. 🙂 And you’re right, it is just the beginning of God making you into who He wants you to be! 🙂 Blessings!
Bemus Point,located in the southwestern corner of New York State
Three women,40’s to 60’s
Our words for this season of our lives are excitement, disconnected, and caregiver. We contrasted the darkness of the end of Judges (chaos, selfishness, self-deceptions, rationalizations, lack of structure and standards) with the refreshing passage in Jeremiah 17, where it proclaims that the man or woman who puts total trust and confidence in the Lord has hope, a sanctuary, a safe haven, peace, fruitfulness, and healing.
We’re anticipating this summer of Bible study with all of you!
Charlotte NC, 12-14 of us, Caribou Coffee. We had a great time tonight getting to know each other a little better. We have single and single-again women, mothers of young children, mothers of teens, empty nesters, and grandmothers – a great diverse group that will bring a lot to our study together. We all go to the same church but many of us have not been in Bible study together before.
Some of the words we chose to describe ourselves were content, peaceful, unpredictable, overwhelming, and unbalanced. Some of our goals for this summer study were similar and included accountability, focus, inspiration, consistency and digging deeper into the word.
Our discussion of the verses from Judges and Jeremiah centered around the need to have a center…a compass…to keep us on track and the reminder of what happens when we fail to heed that compass which is God’s word.
It was a great time and we are looking forward to getting together again in two weeks. Thanks, Beth, for keeping us inspired and on track this summer!
Wish I could join you but my work schedule prohibits me driving from Hickory to Charlotte on Tuesday night. I have to get up for work at 3:30 a.m. but very, very abundantly blessed to have a great job in this economy! Hope you all are blessed beyond measure by this study! God Bless you all!
Bridge City, TX
A group of 12 precious ladies with an age span of 50+ years from 8 various congregations and denominations met in my home. God’s sweetness over us tonight was tangible. So many needs and hearts that need tending, but we know He is so faithful! How we love Him.
Perry, OK – I am flying solo for this study – my first Siesta study! I leave tomorrow morning for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Mission of Mercy and my Ruth book will be going with me! I also lead a women’s Bible study and we are currently in our 3rd “Beth” study – doing Esther this summer. I’ve done several “Beth” studies in another Bible study group. My one word for this season of life is “anticipation” – for many reasons – I’m turning 50 in a couple of days, going on an international mission trip, assist my husband in our church planting ministry and we are in the middle of 4 new church plants, and we have an adopted daughter that is 2 1/2 years old and ready for potty training!It scares the wits out of me to think of people “doing as they see fit” (Judges 21:25) Wow! What dangerous territory! Seems almost like many Americans today. So, the promises found in Jeremiah 17:7-14 are such a blessing to my heart. Oh – my one goal for the summer is to start a weight loss program. I need to lose about 30-40 pounds and eat healthier. But I’m hoping to have some chocolate – what woman can do without that?
Richmond, VA
8 Counting me
We had a great time and such a nice mix of ladies and one 13 year old teenager. We had a great combination of married and single ladies.
My group of ladies were all strangers to each other. We had dinner and talked and chatted and got to know one another. I felt like everyone for not knowing one another really opened up and we got to peek in each others lives.
The most discussion we had was on the comparison of scriptures. We all could really relate to the scripture in Jeremiah and we all shared parts of our lives where we related. I believe we all left with the feeling that we are so thankful to have God in our lives and have a king to serve and rule over us. For all of us that brings so much peace to our lives.
We are meeting again in 2 weeks. Everyone volunteered to bring an item for our next meal and 2 of the ladies are making the pasta and flat bread recipes. Can’t wait!
~Amanda Taylor
Oh and another thing that was really neat is we had ladies from a few different religious and church backgrounds. One lady is catholic a few others go the Assembly of God Church here in the area.
Locust Grove, GA; 11 participating we are meeting at 4 different homes for each of our sessions. Our groups ages range from late twenties to early forties.
Our lives are characterized by: Circus, Chaotic, Freedom, Settled, Content, Crazy, Overwhelmed, Searching, Overload, Unsettled, Anxious
Goals for Summer Bible Study: Accountability, being in the word, having a summer schedule, grow closer to God, having an evening study to attend, need of change – different environment. One of our ladies takes care of youth and has for many years and is just simply looking forward to being around adults. To grow more, structure, guidance and being around other women.
I also want to note Beth that your message from this morning was SO encouraging, let me explain! I woke up this morning and sent a text my sweet friend, Sarah (she’s the one that put our group together) and said “I’m nervous, I’m the only one that won’t know anyone except you… it’s completely out of my comfort zone! I‘ve only attended bible study at my church where I know everyone!” But after hearing your message I was convinced that God had me in this group for a purpose. I arrived at Sarah’s early and one of the first women to arrive was this darling lady Amy – so petite and we just “clicked” and she shared with me that she almost didn’t come because she was afraid she would be the oldest! And I told her my excuse for why I didn’t belong either and we were both so tickled! Oh this is going to be an amazing journey and I can not wait. After leaving tonight I just had this overwhelming feeling of belonging (which I have been struggling with recently). So excited to see what our God is going to do!
A group of 7 of us gathered at First United Methodist Church in Manhattan (“The Little Apple”), Kansas tonight. We hope that 3 more ladies, who were unable to be there tonight, will be joining us in the subsequent sessions. Only a couple of us have participated in bible studies together before so it was exciting to have this new group gather to start this study. We established that while we are all in different places in this season of our respective lives, we also were all hungry for fellowship and the stability and inspiration that comes with studying the Word together. In our discussion time, we touched on what it means to surrender to God as our King and to do His will instead of our own.
Pace, Florida; 8 of us; Meeting at the Coffee Break. Our group is made up of girls ages 30-55 (I think!). All have children ranging from (1-25 yrs. old). We are meeting on Tuesday nights and the main part of our discussion was the contrast between Judges 21:25 and Jeremiah 17:7-14. In one word each we are transitioning, fearful, unclear, hopeful, chaotic, discombobulated and stretched Jesus girls! Our goals are to stay grounded, have peace and comfort, clarify God’s direction, be in fellowship with other believers, be intentional in relationship with God and to prioritize God in our lives. We want to trust in our King no matter what, drink from the living water and praise Him!
My name is Brooke. I’m 24, flying solo (although I kinda wish I had a group) from Arkadelphia, Arkansas! This is my first Summer Bible study on here and I just discovered the blog over the weekend because I am reading So Long, Insecurity, which is something I struggle with. I found the blog in the back of the book. One word to describe my life right now is: Longing. I hope to meet new sisters in Christ on here and learn how to be more disciplined in my Bible study. I will answer the scripture question tomorrow (I am getting ready to go do my study but didn’t think I would get back on the computer tonight, so I wanted to at least say hi tonight!) Looking forward to a great summer with my new Siestas! 🙂
Oh and I forgot to put that I am married (going on 8 and a half months)! 🙂
I’m from Texarkana. I saw someone else from Arkadelphia, in the comments, I think. I can’t remember the name, though! Maybe you can find her and get together!
Yeah! I saw that someone too Jennifer! It might take some time, but you could just hit ctrl + f and search for Arkadelphia 🙂
And longing was my word too Brooke. So…good choice 😉
I’m Katie from Northern CA and I will be doing this bible study solo.
One word to describe my life right now would be “journey”.
This is my first Siesta bible study.
We are in Springfield, TN, 4 of us, meeting in a livingroom. We started with our words that described our lives currently: hard, comfortable, hopeful, hectic. We are committed to dilligently finish this study (which none of us have done before!) and we want to stay close to God-even in the hardest times- and to hear what He wants for us. We are looking forward to the awesome times to come!
We have 7 ladies (all 50ish or older) in our group in the Forsyth, MO area. We will be meeting in a different home each session.
Our one words included: change, busy, unpredictable and uncertain.
Our reasons for being in Bible study: structure, discipline, accountability, fellowship, staying in the Word, to understand more fully and “bring it home”, discover applications for the lessons.
Beth, we will see you in St. Louis this weekend. We have a group of 30 from FBC, Forsyth, MO.
On another note, I just wanted to say I got goosebumps reading the previous posts with the invites for some who were going solo to join others in their area for this study, and also the offer of providing a book to someone who couldn’t afford one. You ladies are amazing! God bless you all.
Judy from Virginia going Solo. One word that would describe me right now would be waiting. I am waiting to get a word from God and I want to get closer to Him and that is why I am doing this study. I loved comparing the two chapters. We can only live as God would have us to if we trust in Him and not ourselves. That is what is so hard sometimes trusting when we can’t see a way out or a way to make it all work out.
Menagerie of Rockwall, TX
There will be 7 of us but we can’t meet until Thursday night so our posts may be late.
I have always wanted to get this menagerie of christian women God has blessed me with in one room. Some are from church and some are from work and even my ex-mother-in-law (my dearest friend) will be coming together in my living room. I am so excited. We range from mid 30’s to I would have to guess mid 80’s. We have single, divorced, married and widowed. Some have children at home and some now live with their children!
God will surely bless our menagerie of woman!
Chicago, IL (suburb); 6 of us; On our back deck or kitchen (whatever weather permits); Our group consists of five 22-23 year olds and my mom, 50. The following are the one word’s to describe our life in this stage:
*Impatient*Confused*Undecided*Relaxed*Adjusting
We got a kick out of my mom’s answer compared to the rest of our anxious early-twenties’ answers…can you tell which one it is? RELAXED ha! That’s probably not what she would normally say (she’s helping my sister plan a wedding that’s in less than 100 days) until she heard how dramatic we blurted out our answers and suddenly felt relaxed.
Little Rock, AR. Six women are in our group, although only 5 could attend tonight, as one was not feeling well (this is not counting the 3 female dogs who moved among us for attention!). We range from mid-30s to mid-60s and married, singled, divorced, widowed, kids and no kids. We are meeting at my house.
Words to describe us were blessed, off-kilter, waiting, advisor, expectant. Goals for this study included bonding of new friends, structure to get into and study the Word, accountability, strengthening our spiritual lives through study and discussion.
We had good discussion about Judges 21:25 and how it seems to describe our world and our lack of conscience and how respect for authority seems less prevalent than in the past. We’re so worried about making everyone (from children to employees) uncomfortable that we may not be teaching them. Comparing this to Jeremiah’s prophecy on what would happen when the people strayed from God was led into discussion about the oil spill and the fact that no one has any answers – praying is the main thing we can do, as President Obama said in his speech. We only take comfort in the fact there will be a new heaven and new earth, but know we have a responsibility to take care of this one as long as we are here.
We were most puzzled by vs 9 and the NIV translation that said the heart is beyond cure. Another version said “desperately wicked” which was easier to comprehend. We got into discussion of Sundays no longer being a day of rest – kids have soccer tournaments, all stores are open (except Christian owned) so that Sunday is no different a day than anything else. This led to general sharing about how frantic our world is and how technology-dependent we are between e-mail and text and Facebook, etc. One Bible had the example that we sit in front of our TV with uncomfortable, if not immoral stuff on it, and instead of turning off the TV, we turn our minds off instead. Although none of us want to volunteer, we mentioned that a technology fast would be difficult, but beneficial.
We’re going to have a great time – these women are spiritual and smart!
Auburndale, FL – 3 out of 4 of us met tonight in my living room and had a great time. We range in ages/stages from mother of a pre-schooler to retired and represent different denominations as well. We all felt the same about our goals for summer Bible study and that was fellowship – without the kids – and a desire for accountability/staying in the Word. Our present life stages are harried-available-waiting.
We had an interesting discussion comparing the Judges/Jeremiah verses and we all agreed it’s better to put our trust in the Lord than what we feel at a given moment.
SOOOOOOO glad to be back in Bible study and love doing it with “Siestaville”.
Blessings…
Cary, NC There are 11 of us doing the study and 7 were able to meet tonight. We are all moms in the same couples Sunday School class (or Adult Bible Fellowship as our church terms it). We met in a classroom at our church. We have kids ranging from 18 months to 20 years old so we run the gamut of child raising seasons. Our one word seasons were: Transition….Transition….Con-frustrated (combination of confused and frustrated – sometimes one word just doesn’t cut it!)…Dichotomy…Crazy….Juggling….Overwhelmed
We had a good discussion about trying to do what to we saw fit instead of relying on God’s Word. We are all looking for the Summer Bible Study to keep us accountable to studying God’s word daily and are looking forward to gaining a fresh perspective on the book of Ruth.
I am going this by myself in Pella, IA. I’m married, have 2 teenagers and teach the English language to adults…
I have often referred to my husband as my Boaz. I wanted a Bible study to challenge me in a deeper venue this summer….
This year has been a season of loss. My dad and my favorite aunt have died within 6 months of each other.I have sold my aunt/grandparents home. My oldest left for college–9 hours away. I started a new job in a town 45 minutes away….
I loved the verses in Jer.17~ Some of the prayer I wrote in my notebook dealt with some of the words in the verses. I have a creek that runs through the bottom of my backyard. There are some great trees that are there so the visual for me is within sight! I also related to verse 14– Heal me and I shall be healed–it’s just where I am right now….For God IS my praise…..
Joy, I have always felt my husband was my Boaz also.
And comfort to you in this time of your hurting. Psalms 34:18
tonight 4 of us met in King George, VA–we will have more joining us in the future — tonight we are FULL SURVIVING EVALUATING and SUMMER — one of us pregnant with baby Annabelle (first girl in a family of 4 boys) to be born before the conclusion of the 6 weeks, and another mom in the throes of potty-training– looking forward to being in bible study with one another and ya’ll this summer — excited about having the support of the siestas and getting into Kelly Minter’s study–a first for all of us!!
There were 10 of us this morning. We met in my home (Lovington, NM) and had a wonderful time together! We have a diverse group – from 40s to 80s, married/widowed, grown kids/raising kids, new to Bible study/seasoned in God’s Word. Our discussion centered around the questions you posted. One thing we all desired to gain through the study was a closer fellowship with one another. It’s been awhile since there was a women’s study at church, and we are HUNGRY!
I provided snacks of coffee cake, fruit, and almond tea or coffee. The ladies were so excited that we got to eat – it was sweet! Next week Jan is going to bring ice cream with the sauce as per the recipe in the book. The consensus was to meet weekly at my home. We are all super excited!!!
M.J. in Lovington, NM
Raleigh, NC – I bought 2 books today (1 for me and taking 1 to my mom in Swansboro this weekend) I’m hoping we can do it together virtually.
One word – Seeking
Goal – To finally find that personal relationship with God. I find it hard to know how to listen and hear God speaking with me and to bring all my worries to Him.
I think of chaos when everyone does what they think is best. Isn’t that why we have rules and laws and commandments? I think that possibly one person’s best thought is another’s worst. Only God knows what is best and to learn and understand that we need to be in His Word and with Him in prayer.
Forgot to say that I’m happily married with the cutest 2 year old daughter and stepsons that are 10 and 12 and I work full-time outside.
Orlando (College Park), FL, 7, Sunday School Group and some friends doing the study together Tuesday night after we all put our little ones to bed. We are all mother’s of young children. We described our present season as chaos, hopeful, desierous (i know not a real word), busy, anxious, blessed, and scared. We want focus, daily prayer life renewal, revival in our families, and time in the word.
God Bless,
College Park Gals
Marshall, Minnesota;20 of us;Meeting at Ralco Nutrition, Inc. Our group is made up of employee’s and wives of employee’s. The main part of our discussion was getting to know each other and the various the reasons we decided to dive into scriptures this summer. Our groups is an awesome blend of women who have never joined a bible study before to women who are veteran bible study members. We fully expect God to do powerful and mighty things with this group women. Beth we love hearing from you and thank you for being the bible teacher that you are.
Fort Worth TX, there were 3 of us in my living room, hopefully one more will join us in the future. We have a 20-,30-,40-,50- something!! Single, divorced with kids, married with young kids and married with no kids! A great diversity, except that we are all here for the same thing 🙂
Our words: searching, reclaiming, eager.
Our goals: for each of us, we are hoping to stay in the Bible for the summer and get closer to God and to engage in the book of Ruth.
We talked about types of destruction can occur when we don’t trust God, and what it means to really trust and have confidence in God.
Clayton, NC
Solo
One word to describe this season in my life: upheaval
Six months ago after 17 years of marriage my husband left me and my 3 daughters for a “greener pasture”. So my life is in a major upheaval right now. However, God is proving to be very faithful. The purpose for doing this study, is because I want to stay focused on God at all times and I am praying to desire Him more than anyone or anything else. So staying in His word is of most importance to me. I will work on this first set of homework a little sporadic due to directing our VBS this week and then attending Church camp with my girls afterwards. However, it will be done! Blessing to all and thanks Beth and everyone involved for this study.
praying for you.
Kim, I am pretty new to NC so not sure where you live in relation to me, I am in Hickory. I will lift you up in prayer. Be encouraged and stay as close to God as you can during this time. He loves you more than you ever know and you are His Princess Bridge! Never doubt or forget it! I am twice divorced: the first left me for another woman and the I left the second when I discoverd he was having an affair! Needless to say if I ever try it again I will let God pick the next one! I know your sorrw. God will carry you, Sweet Sister!
Thanks Lora. It is nice to hear from people that have survived this. It will be a tough road but God knows and holds my future so I know it will all work out for good someday. You are about 3 hours west of me. I used to live in Hickory. Loved it there, loved being so close to the mountains. Enjoy it there, the people are real sweet. Thanks again for your sweet words and may God bless you!
Praying for you, too. I live in Garner, NC and my husband is from Clayton.
5 of us, Birmingham, AL, single working girls, mid-twenties, meeting all over the place this summer.
To describe us:
Martha–abiding
Lindsey–seeking
Megan F–sporadic
Megan W–confusion
Lauren–overwhelming
Why we’re here:
Martha–great girl fellowship
Lindsey–community Bible study
Megan F–excited about a study on Ruth
Megan W–structured Bible study time
Lauren–meet new friends in a new town
Response to Judges verse:
Doing as we see fit is always self-centered and self-serving; as Christians we are commanded to be Christ-centered and Christ-serving.
Response to Jeremiah verse:
Our sin nature is to do what we want to do, but God is able to judge our true motives. He seeks for us to trust Him and follow His commands even when it is contrary to our own desires.
We are so excited about the Siesta Summer Bible study! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for us as we study and fellowship this summer!
Cookeville, TN, we had 6 tonight, probably 4 more next time. Tonight was a blessing! Joining some fabulous ladies who are seeking friendship and want to draw closer to God! One of our ladies never checks her email, but today for the first time in weeks, checked and realized the Bible study was tonight and was able to come! God is already at work! Praise God!
Wahpeton ND. 5 of our group of 11 met tonight. Some of us have been in Bible studies together for years, some we just met for the first time tonight.
2 – Awe, balance, trust, energized
3 – To achieve a balance in family, marriage, children. To recognize God’s prompting & act when he places something before us. To find the place God wants me in a new ministry. To complete the study & grow.
Our group is just getting to know each other tonight and with summer activities and vacations we may be a mix of the 11 on any given meeting night.
I will also be doing this study with a group of 10 teenage girls starting next week and I’m really excited about that group. The girls & I met last year to do Me Myself & Lies and it was fabulous. Teenagers are very honest and open in the discussions. I love girls ministry.
Mrs. Beth,
THANK YOU for challenging us to do this bible study. I am solo, but need it so bad. I just went through the toughest year teaching. Talk about feeling battered, bruised, and feeling almost lifeless in spirit. I happened to stumble onto this tonight and already feel tons better and encouraged! Not to mention excited! Like singing that song “It’s bubbling, it’s bubbling, it’s bubbling in my soul…”;). I am so in! God Bless you and everyone else joining in!
JoJo
I’m so happy you’re here, JoJo. May Christ bring you much healing this summer. This is a great place to bubble. Grin.
Hello fellow Siestas! My name is Sarah. I am joining from Indianapolis, IN. I currently going on this study a solo but am hoping to get my bible study ladies involved. I am currently married…almost ONE YEAR! WOO! We are in a married bible study which meets weekly. I have offered this study to the women in my study and hoping they catch on and we can start getting to know each other away from our spouses. Not that being together is bad, however it’s nice to get to know other women with only women and no men! 🙂 But we do love our men! 🙂 Thanks, Beth for everything you do for women all over! You are a spiritual hero for some I know and I appreciate all that you do! Looking forward to studying the Word with all of you! 🙂
Round Rock, TX; 5 ladies meeting in my home eating some yummy food and gettin’ into the Scripts! 🙂
The age group of our ladies spans from the 30s to 60s, most of whom live in my neighborhood, but most just met each other for the first time tonight. We had a wonderful get-to-know you discussion, then dinner (jalapeno roast tacos). I was excited to see how we felt comfortable to open up about the seasons of our life. Many of us are going through transition and adjustment. We were struck by how it seems that our world today could also be described using Judges 21:25 (everyone doing what they saw fit). But in contrast, how wonderful it is to be in the security of God who is always in control, who is just, loving, trustworthy. That’s so much better than the chaos and disorder that ensues from our own selfish ambition (James 3:13-16) and taking matters into our own hands.
I’m so grateful to be a part of this and THRILLED to see how the Lord brought our group together! Can’t wait to dig into the Word this summer with ya’ll. Blessings and love!
Solo in Springfield, IL.
One word description is confused.
Goal for this summer study is to grow in my faith and walk closer with my Savior!
Umatilla, FL
Just me, married 33 years, early 50’s teacher
My word is HOPEFUL. I am very hopeful about my 3 sons and their future, my 2 grandchildren, a relaxing summer, and the upcoming new school year.
When I read the verse in Judges, my first thought was “chaos”. Our way, especially all of our individual ways, just does not work. We need the guidance and wisdom of our Father God. I love the thought of a firm foundation, with roots, nourished by water. My goal is be in the Word and grow closer to my God.
God lead me to do Summer Bible Study this year with ladies on my blog. What a Blessing. There are 3 from Clever, MO, 1 from Louisville, KY, 1 from MN and 1 from the UK (I think). And anyone doing this solo and would like to join our discussion certainly can. We discuss through comments on my blog.
The Characterization words really blessed my socks off:
hurt; regret; renewal; busy ~~
Goal ~~ To grow deeper in God ~~
Judges Scripture: One lady shared: “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” gave me chills… its our selfish nature – its the story of Eve in the garden – its the center of sin…
We are looking so forward to see how God joins our hearts together through this study no matter where we are on the planet. It is a beautiful thing ~~ Praise Him!!!
Melody from Birmingham, AL
35 years old, married 15 years with 3 boys ages 8, 5, and 8 months; I serve in full-time ministry with my husband.
I will be doing the study solo this summer because I will be traveling a good bit of the six weeks. The word that describes me right now would be “refuel”. I’m feeling pretty drained and need my heart to be refueled through God’s word and relationship with Him. Looking forward to what He has for me the next six weeks.