My Dear Siestas, I can’t take long with this post because I’m pretty swamped with work and, besides, it’s almost time to go home for the day to my man. I wish I had a unique way to convey what I feel but by the time I think of just the right words, the emotion will probably pass. I’ll just take a messy stab at it before my heart cools off.
At the moment I’m writing this note to you, we’re almost at 1000 comments on the Siesta Summer Bible Study launch. A number of the comments are replies and MANY are glorious solo sign-ins but, even accounting for all of those, we already have several thousand women – in groups or as individuals – doing Bible study together… and barely 24 hours into our journey. Chances are, many others will join us over the next week or two.
You are literally from every corner of the country and from several other parts of the world. You are students, SAHMs, singles, marrieds, and widows. Many have been through painful divorces. Some of you are doctors. Several in med school. Many are teachers. Others of you are missionaries. For those of you who have pictures with your blogger names, you are as different as night and day but as darling as every other. Truly (and I’m not sure how to explain it), I never meet a woman I don’t think is darling. I love all the ages. All the shapes and sizes. Skinny behinds. Wide behinds. Long hair. Short spiked hair. I reckon it’s just because God suited me for women’s ministry.
Anyway, I sat in my bed in my pajamas this morning and checked the blog after finishing my quiet time. We’d had 297 comments come in over night. As I checked each one and read your sincerity and fervor and saw such humility in your self-professed lackings and needs, I shook my head and said out loud to our God, “You must love them so much.” As I watched you reply to one another and invite one another to join in, as I saw you reach out to all our solo girls to make sure they felt completely plugged in, share email addresses with one another and even ask to meet up in person, I nearly started crying. Even now I am choking back the tears.
In a strange sort of way I can’t quite explain, I had a Psalm 8 moment. “Lord, who am I and who are we that You would allow us to join together this wonderfully weird way and seek You? AND FIND YOU, for crying out loud????” The Internet has brought such harm and havoc to individuals and homes but this day I sit in awe of the beauty of several thousand women with hearts knit together in Scripture from all over creation with one lofty aim: to seek Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. Our Kinsman Redeemer. Our Life and Breath.
We are every denomination. We are all sorts of colors. We come from every possible background. And here’s the part that makes me want to lay on the floor and bawl. (Honestly, I’m about to do the ugly cry.) We have been drawn into all these circles of relationships not based on looks, talents, finances, social status or even denomination. We have been drawn by God through our attraction to one another’s hearts conveyed in simple terms and short lines in blog comments, of all things. Something that didn’t even exist 10 years ago. It first hit me when many of us met for our Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration in January. I heard Siestas squeal when they met each other for the first time face-to-face and saw them hug like there was no tomorrow. I watched them huddle for endless pictures and thought to myself as I savored all the differences in age and type, “Would we have been friends at all if we were out in the world where social decorum strictly dictates? Would we have given each other this chance if we’d known each other’s faces, jobs, and worlds before we knew each other’s hearts?” Maybe. But I don’t think so. I think we are an odd composite study in sociology. What would happen if people could only see each other’s hearts first? Who, then, would become friends?? Just think of all the priceless relationships we miss because we look for those who remind us of us.
It’s been different here in this strange little web town we call Siestaville. And if we’d just lean in a little toward the heart of God and close our eyes for just a moment, I think we’d feel His pleasure. No, it’s not perfect around here because we’re so imperfect. Lord have mercy, I’m so imperfect. Sometimes we misunderstand each other or hurt each other’s feelings but those times are the exceptions. Overwhelmingly, this is as sweet a congregation of women as I believe you could find on Planet Earth.
We are a snapshot of the true church. The girly half, anyway. All different kinds of people attracted strictly by spirit. One Body of believers. One perfect Savior. I do not know why on earth this terrible former pit-dweller has gotten to serve this beautiful community of women – let alone be called it’s mama! – but today I am moved beyond words.
And crying.
It is indeed magical how God sways our hearts, and brings us together! Too bad, I will not be participating in this study with the internet girls, however, I am happy to say that I am doing the updated edition of “A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place” with a group of women at my church! I’m just about to start week 3, and I’m already in awe of God and what He is showing me in my own life! Thank you Beth! And more importantly, Thank you LORD!
This post brought tears to my eyes as well. What an amazing thing we have going here. I have met in person, in Houston at the SSMT celebration, women that I would never have known without Siestaville! I was one of those hugging and laughing when we met face to face for the first time! I love the thought that we met heart to heart first and formed our friendships based on that and nothing else. What an encouragement to see women from so many areas of the world, so many generations and so many backgrounds come together in a beautiful picture of “the church”!! I am so blessed to be part of it all.
Dear Beth, I loved what you wrote in your post. Especially “What would happen if people could only see each other’s hearts first?” I pray that the Lord would allow me to “see” people’s hearts and that He would forgive me for all the times I didn’t. We serve a beautiful Lord.
~ I am not”new” per say to the blog, but I am new to being involved~ Hello fellow siesta’s!! I am riding Solo on this one, but do not feel alone as I look around the world and see so many wonderful, beautiful fellow christian sisters in Christ standing beside, in-front, and behind cheering me on. I to am in a valley of .. well something.. Friends whom I thought were friends, have turned out not to be, I still love and pray for them. But I am hungry for more of Jesus, I am hungry for acceptance that can only come from HIM, and when I get to this place I know not to far behind is the hunger for fellowship and I do believe I have found it here! I am currently doing the Esther Bible Study( this is not my first) SO enjoyed the Tucson AZ conference with you Mama Beth, it so inspired me, encouraged me, and refreshed me on my journey. I went ALONE to that as well!! ( well sat with a few people I did know but was alone, make sense?) Anyway OK I am rambling and have probably lost all of you by now. I am way excited for this summer siesta time, and excited to see what God is going to do for each and every one of us!
~Serving Jesus in AZ~
dear beth
i have wanted to let you know for so long how much your ministy has meant to me. i come from a similar background to yours, i think, because what you have to say ALWAYS helps me so much.
i want so much to be of use to my family and neighbors. it is so hard to just get past my upbringing enough to do that. every day. i need jesus. can’t live without him.
thank you. i can relate to you. god has used you hugely in my life and family.
most recently, you have helped me battle an addiction with the proverbs 31 messages on learning wisdom from a fool and the wisdom of restraint.
thank you. bless you. i appreciate you so much.
planting my own flowers,
jennifer
39
mother of 5
wife of student dillon
grateful lover of jesus
i just scrolled down and read some of the comments. this is my very first blog posting ever. i am so excited! my life is very lonely (homeschooling four of my kids, two have special needs) and i sometimes feel starved to talk to other women who love jesus too.
yay rah!
Hi Jennifer, Yesterday was my first day of blog posting. I too am a homeschooling mom with children who have special needs. I know much about lonliness. If you ever need to “talk” my e-mail address is: [email protected]. May the Lord bless your day.
WELCOME JENNIFER!!!! IF YOU NEED ANYTHING OR JUST SOMEONE TO CHAT WITH YOU CAN EMAIL ME AT [email protected]
WE LOVE YOU HERE!!!
Your sweet sincere heart of love toward us blesses me so much Beth. My group is supposed to start tonight, but I have been sick all week and I might have to cancel and it is so upsetting to me, but if we can’t meet this week we will just start our homework and get together next Thurs. I am really looking forward to this study and the fellowship with four amazing women of God.
Love ya,
Brenda
Beth, Your note is so incredibly touching. Thank you for the amazing focus, and bible based teaching you bring to us. It is truly amazing how the web can bring so many together in such a positive way, when it destroys others to terribly. Thank you for the amazing work you do for this community of Christian women. I have been so blessed since finding your studies, and blog. Thank you Lord for all you do for us!!
Dear St Louis Siestas,
My 88 years young mom and I were priviledged to see Beth and Travis in Grand Rapids, MI. We were 7300 strong praising and worshiping our Lord Jesus Christ! The Hold Spirit gave Beth the topic off “trees” to speak on, and boy did she go!!!!!!!!!!! I sure didn’t know the Bible has so much about trees! Of course, it was a wonderful 2 days filled with so much to learn. One of the “branches” was about fruit. Matt. 12:33 tells us that ..a good tree will make good fruit and a bad tree will make bad fruit, and the tree (that’s me!) will recoginized by its fruit. I pray now to show and grow my good fruit for HIM so people can see Him through me.
Finally, I just want to share my most precious moment of those two days. Was it the 7300 women singing and praising our Lord? Well, it was..but on Saturday morning Travis came on stage with his awesome singers.
Now growing up I was always embarassed in church by my mom’s off key and loud singing, but as Travis sang one of her favorite hymns (thanks to Travis for including that for the more “seasoned” ladies there) I heard mom’s voice praising her Lord through song and all I heard was this beautiful, beautiful voice rising to God. I know He heard it the same way as well. Tears ran down my face! Thank you Jesus for giving me that beautiful moment with my mom that I will cherish forever.
Anyway my point was to have an awesome time with our “mama Beth” and the gang! I am praying for all of you!
Joan (who is suddenly not feeling so sad anymore)
What a thoughtful and sweet comment, Joan. Thanks so much for sharing that precious memory. I’m in Florida and I’m not sure where you are physically, but spiritually, we’ll be united in prayer for our Siesta Mama, our sisters, and the gang in St. Louis.
Love to you,
Patti
Joan,
You reminded me of something that happened to me when I was younger. Not with Beth but in my own little country church. First I need to expain that this takes place in a very very small town. It was a sort of refuge for people who just wanted to live in peace and do their own thing. There was this one gentleman who admired the way my mom sang. My mom told him that anyone could sing. So one Sunday he went to the podium and began singing “Blessed Assurance”. Our mouths dropped to the floor in shock. It was the worst caterwaillin and wailing we have ever heard. My mom was so embarrassed for him. However, he was singing to the Lord with everything he had. My mom started to sing with him. Pretty soon everyone in that little country church was singing along with him and there was not a dry eye in that building. It was amazing and all were certainly blessed. As for me, I will never forget it. I was 13.
MamaBeth – I just saw a Logos fb post that you are on the cover of the next Bible Study magazine!! Yay!!
I can’t wait until it comes! 🙂
I didn’t get to leave a post yesterday so I hope it’s not too late. I’m 40, married, have 3 sons (ages 15, 20 and 22) and I’m flying solo here in Elliston, Virginia (near Roanoke). I’m new to Siestaville and not quite sure what to expect. If I had to choose one word that describes me at this time it would be disheartened. It breaks my heart that people just don’t have time for God these days. Mention “Bible Study” around here and suddenly everyone has a full schedule or they are just not interested and I just don’t understand it. It’s so discouraging. I would love to have just one lady friend in my life that I can count on to pray for me or with me when there’s a need and one for which I can return the same favor. So, I guess my goal for this summer and through this study is to gain many new friendships and to grow closer to my heavenly Father.
I took a break at lunch to hop on here and I am so glad I did, I have spent my break talking with other siestas and jsut plain being in awe of our Savior. I am so thankful for this community and the encouragement that is birthed here. Mama Beth, you blessed me with this post – sometimes I am amazed at the insight God gives you and the tenderness of your heart. I too am doing the study solo, and it is so encouraging to know that even when I may be physically alone I am surrounded by siestas and “another great cloud of witnesses” cheering me on! There are just not enough words to describe my thankfulness.
Lord, I know this sounds crazy, but nothing is crazy to You. Me reaching out to Beth Moore of all people is insane, but it’s truly the only peace of mind You are showing me right now. I’ve pleaded for Your guidance due to this insatiable hunger that you have placed inside of me that is debilitating to my core, and You’ve lead me to her. So here I am, Father, blogging my heart on the Internet to appease a conviction you have placed inside me, in the depths of Our relationship. I don’t mean to be spiteful, but You already know what I’m thinking and would just rather me admit to saying it, so here it is…”Now what, Lord? What’s the next step?”
Well my E-town, KY girls met last night. It was my mom Wanda, my 2 aunts Bonnie & Gayle and of course me. It was really interesting when we started asking the questions Beth posed in the video. We laughed about the question to tell about ourselves because we are so very close and know everthing already about each others lives/families. What was so interesting to me was when we talked about one word to describe “where we are”, we were all experiencing variations of the same thing despite being in different phases of our lives (early 40’s to late 60’s). While we wish more of the ladies from our church would be as excited about Bible studies in general, I love spending time with the women in my family and so grateful for the bond we have not only through blood, but also through the blessing God gave us when he bonded us through Him. This is going to be GREAT!!!!!!
This is just awesome! To God be the glory!
Dear Beth,
I cannot thank you enough for all that you do. God led me to join one of your studies with my mother-in-law at a time in my young life when I thought I had lost Him. Now everyday feels brighter and my walk with Him is so much stronger. Without your studies I don’t know if I ever would have opened up my heart long enough to let Him work through me. I struggled my way through high school and college hiding my depression and insecurity -until it almost robbed me of my life- but He lifted me out with your help and I can honestly say I feel so refreshed and energized! My friends have told me over and over again that I exude happiness and seem so at peace. It feels wonderful to wake up each day knowing that the smile in the mirror isn’t fake. I still have a lot to work on though and am so thrilled to be doing this Ruth study with such a wonderful community of believers. I am so grateful that He blessed you with such a miraculous gift. It’s a true blessing to so many of us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
So, I’m reading this day after day and thinking, “Wow, are they gonna have a great summer study or what?!”
The reason for this is that I’m a part of an awesome group of young women at our church that meet every Monday. This summer we planned a whole series on Marital Intimacy. Woo Hoo, that brought in a crowd! LOL!
But then I felt the prompting of the Lord to do this study…why in the world would I net be a part? I read here everyday??!!! So, I’m gonna get the book and jump on in for real.
Cannot wait to really be a active member of Seista Ville!!!
Love,
Emily
or rather *Siestaville*
I’m new to this site & study. I’m a wife, mother and missionary in Panama. We travel to remote villages in the rain forrest sharing the Good News of Christ. I confess I’ve been so busy w/the work here; helping the poor, working in orphanages, ladies Bible studies, ect. that I’ve negleted my own quiet time. I’m NOT a big reader, sitting for any length of time is a chore for me. However, I NEED to “be still” before the Lord…I’m looking forward to this study. My goal is to discipline my time, and more importantly grow closer to my Lord and Savior! http://www.panamamission.org
LOVE YOU BETH MOORE!
And LOVE all these Hilariously, Raw, Authentic, Seeking, Growing, Persevering, and Faithful Siestas that can all say for sure….that we met one another because of YOU! AND JESUS!
We are COMMON GROUND COOL GIRLS : )
Hi Siestas,
I’m a newcomer. I teasingly called my friend Traci, (a Montana Siesta) chastising her for never explaining to me that this isn’t just a blog this is a precious sisterhood. I joined with the intention of being updated on LPM current events making me more able to give back to LPM with prayer. Nevermind giving, once again I am receiving. When I read your comments I feel as though my heart has found a home away from home. I currently am in the thick of another Bible study and not able to join you in Ruth. At the very least I wanted to say, “Hello” to keep from feeling like an imposter when I read your notes. Thursday is the day I have committed to praying for you,Beth,LPM Staff and Siestaville. Oh and I almost forgot, here’s a verse I am praying for all of us today, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain.” 1Cor 15:10 I already love you Siestas.
…and you made me spill tears on the counter at work as I read this and my coworkers trying to console me thinking it was from our hard work day!
Beth,
What a beautiful post. Brings tears to my eyes reading it. I know when I came to Houston – by myself – in January for the SMT celebration, I was so excited to meet women who were like minded like me. I had only connected with others ahead of time because Audrey had coordinated a bunch of us solo out-of-towners. But I met some sweet women who I have stayed in touch with since January. So many of my friends couldn’t believe I’d go all the way from NC to Houston not knowing a soul at the event (except the speaker – ha). But I didn’t feel like I was with a bunch of strangers – I was with my Siestas! So love this blog and love the women involved in it.
Jean M in North Carolina
You are so right…if we met in person would we be able to get past the outside to get to the heart…but God is so gracious that this medium gets around the viewing to the seeing…and it is praiseworthy and tearworthy and awesome…but He is awesome!!!!
Leslie in Utah
Beth,
is there any way we could set up a map or something to see where everyone on the last post is from? I think it would be awesome to see where we are all spread out, and I think it would help too for those of us going solo if we wanted to try to meet up with some other Siestas. 🙂
Thank you so much for being our Siesta Mama and always leading us to the Father. I am already in love with Ruth and what God is going to teach me about being obedient to Him. Excited to see what God is up to!
I just want to see if my picture shows up… I just got a Gravatar ??? Do I have to do anything special to get it to pop up???
Mrs. Beth,
You started it …and then some of you other Siestas finished me off! These days, it seems like i tear up – almost every time i get on here! :”)
…and then, just seeing “the ugly cry” typed out, i had to laugh out loud!! 😀 I know exactly what you mean. I’m quite sure my husband remembers it well – from the first year, or so, of our marriage! 😉
I won’t be able to join you all in the Ruth study, but i will be looking in on the blog, anyway. 🙂 I am still working through the So Long, Insecurity book. Thank you SO much!!! <3
You hit the nail on the head, with this statement, “What would happen if people could only see each other’s hearts first? Who, then, would become friends?? Just think of all the priceless relationships we miss because we look for those who remind us of us.” Wow. Just wow.
We are so honored to be able to interact with you – and each other via the internet. I constantly thank the Lord, that He allowed me to be born at this point in history. – I’m not sure i could’ve handled it at any other. 😉
This community feels like “home” to me, more than you all know…
Big Hugs & Holy Beijos to all…
Amaris
I really liked that Beth. Thinking about knowing someone’s heart before judging them on other merits. That would have saved me quite some time in forming the lovely friendships that I have made in the past few months. It is an art, learning how to see past the outside to the inner…and finding a kindred spirit you might never have known was there.
Can I tell you something? I went to ATL (from Nashville) to hear you speak on So Long Insecurity. Also, I went alone. By myself. Alone. I don’t think it could be more fitting to go to a conference on insecurity BY YOURSELF. Could you? ha! And it was one of the best things I have ever done.
PS I’m also in a Bible Study doing Esther, and it’s been great. We love talking about the study…and also how cute you always look. ha!
Take Care
Beth, I thank God so much for providing someone like you who can touch so many hearts and warm them from bottom to top! 😀 Thank you for all that you do for women everywhere!! We are so blessed by you!
Beth
I am in tears as I read this post. Good tears of course but I have more to add that will make you cry and rejoice. I am doing the Summer Bible Study but I have not posted anything yet because I was waiting to hear from a girlfriend to see if she would do it with me. While I waited on her I wanted to start answering the questions you posted on the blog. So I wrote them down in my book and began answering them last night. As I’m laying in my bed working on it my 10 year old daughter walks by then comes in and asks what I am doing. She wants to do one of your studies so bad. So I invited her in and we began talking about the scriptures you listed. Well within minutes my 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son were on my bed with their Bibles reading Judges 21:25 and Jeremiah 17:7-14 too. Suddenly I was having my Summer Bible study with my 3 children. I was overwhelmed with emotion and thought of you with your girls with your feet in the bathtub. Well my bathtub was my bed. They were totaly into it and understood why it was dangerous to do what we think is right instead of doing what God wants. Well after awhile it was getting late and I was wrapping things up and I asked them for prayer requests. My 9 year old looked at me with the shiest look and said, ” I think I want to get baptized.” My heart dropped and then we began a whole new conversation 🙂 I just thought you’d like to know this. I’m always amazed on how God works in our lives!
Andrea R
Chester, VA
Wow, Andrea. I loved reading your testimony about your children. You are one blessed mom!
Love to you,
Patti
Thanks for the reply Patti! It was a very special night and my 9 year did accept Christ!!! I AM VERY BLESSED!
Love to you too,
Andrea
Thank you so much for that…I’m doing the chin quivering weep as I type. Thank you, Lord for all of these women!!!
What a blessing that you can say what I am feeling so so many times! Only our Lord could link us all together….
Beth
Thank you for sharing your heart with us all. I know I find it hard to believe sometimes that you actually even have time to pay attention to all these crazy little Siesta comments and all the silliness that we share. But to have you sit there, and mention that you took the time to read the blog, know who we are, understand our needs and hurts…who are WE that God should shower such blessings on all of US? We are so thankful for you, and Amanda and Melissa. It is truly amazing how God has placed you “For such a time as this”. And that we can be friends.
Sometimes when I think about heaven, and what it will be like…this is just about the closest thing I can wrap my head around it being “a-kin” to. It’s gonna be Siesta-ville with Jesus! Blessings on your day Sweet Mama!!!
I just can’t express my joyful anticipation at finally being able to see you live Beth,and worshipping to Travis Cottrell’s praise music in less than 24 hours! My bible study group of ladies who are as diverse as a rainbow and the most wonderful bunch you could ever meet have done all your studies,(the tabernacle twice) Anyway I have had MS for 25 years now(I am 50) and have some limitations physically,but my girls are bringin’me this weekend ,and I can hardly contain myself,only less than 24 hrs. now! Would you please remember my friend and her family who are in Dallas today for their 42 year old sons funeral,they are believers but are heartbroken & devastated! See you friday,and God bless you!!
Okay, we did it – 48 hours late and we had a great evening. I went ahead and cooked the enchiladas & ice cream dessert and made homemade salsa…we lasted more than three precious hours.
5 Women, Maryville/Knoxville, TN
We are working and stay-at-home mothers, mostly in our mid-thirties, one single and the others married. There are 14 children among us!
Our descriptive words:
Hectic
Chaos
Overwhelmed
Busy
Uncertainty
Our goals include accountability, habit development, focus, encouragement and adult female fellowship.
We feel the verse in Judges describes a place of selfishness and damaged relatiohnships, hurting others because each is focusing on self, leading to abandonment and relative truth. The contrast of Jeremiah is a place of stability, abiding and eduring faith that results in peace.
This is the first time for several of our girls to do this kind of Bible Study and one didn’t even know what our “Siesta Mama” looked like! We introduced her and all giggled while watching the video on my ancient laptop. THank you!
By the way – if anyone would like to join our group in Maryville, TN…I would LOVE to have you, just email me!
Beth, once again your post has touched my heart, and many others too! Isn’t it just amazing the way you can love and care so deeply for folks you’ve never met face-to-face? Our God is so good to give us each other. I thank God for you and for showing me Jesus. I think you’re the best!
Beth,
You have no idea the impact your making?? So many of us are isloated & doing this study solo. We all have our reasons, work, family, nobody interested, etc. Thank you for branching out to us. I have done many studies on my own at work on my lunch hour. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! We live in a very disconnected world.
Wow…you just HAVE to love God for bringing this amazing group of women together. I see myself in so many of the comments; our hearts truly are knit together by the Holy Spirit.
This blog has been my lifesaver through some tough years at work and just life…I can’t respond from work but now I HAVE to respond, from home. My Mom passed away in January and June is a tough month (both my parents are gone, now); sometimes the grief just washes over me like a tidal wave; when i least expect it; last Friday, at work during a very difficult project. I was so blessed that everyone was out of the office and I could have the “ugly cry” by myself.
It means so much to me to have this place to go and be encouraged whether at work or at home. My husband is amazing, wonderful and sweet, but sometimes he just doesn’t get it. Even when you don’t have a friend you can physically talk to, there are many sweet friends, siesta’s here.
Thank you, Mama Beth…Joni
Hey Joni,
Just wanted you to know that you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you,
Patti
That was Lovely 🙂
Aww Beth, you are one the sweetest sisters on this earth. So glad to be walking with you all these years. As believers in our Christ Jesus, Siestaville will go on into eternity and we’ll all be climbing over Jesus to sit on His lap first. All of us will be first in the only way He can make it happen.
That is so cool. If any one reads this, I could use prayer. It’s not urgent or too important, but I’m having a hard time making friends. I moved to a new city and state, for that matter, almost a year ago, I joined a young mother’s group to meet ladies, but no one really seemed to reach out. I even opened up my home and invited the ladies over, but they were not interested. I love Jesus…He completes me. My husband and I get along well too, but I just would love a girl friend to hang out with every once in awhile…thanks for praying! 😀
Mariah,
I’ll be praying for you.
Blessings,
michelle
Prayers have been sent up Mariah. I can relate to your situation and understand the need for female companionship as we recently relocated as well. You seem like such a wonderful, kind-hearted woman and I know He will bless you with the friendship you long for – and it will be all the sweeter for the wait!
I love how God uses himself to draw together the most seemingly random people. I’m a missionary. At our team gatherings I often look around and marvel at the fact that these are not the people I would have chosen to do this with, and yet they are exactly the right people. Despite all the things that separate us, God binds us together.
I too have been following this blog for a long time. A couple of times I started to try to blog in but chickened out. Just call me scardy cat. LOL. I’m not even using my real name. Ha! Honestly, if you knew who I really was you can’t imagine the shame I would feel. Anyway, I really need the encouragement and I definetly need the scriptures right now. I mean we always need the scriptures but I am in a place of decision. Life or death? Freedom or bondage? Which do I choose? I’ve had to ask myself that daily lately. Do I let this thing take another 30 years of my life or do I let go and Let God? I want to Let God. I have not been very good at the quiet time thing. I am not very good at being consistent with it. And I am not very good at letting people in. Here you can’t see my face but you can hear my heart. I need prayer for freedom. A place to come to. And maybe I can learn to give to you too.
You are welcome here. I am praying for your freedom and for you to let God do what needs to be done.
Thank u. 🙂
I am hesitant to get involved with a Bible Study even from home. I have begun many and have been derailed by two little girls who desire my undivided attention. I don’t even have a quiet time anymore. If I get up early that will be the day that they get up early. Those girls hit the ground running, therefore, I need to focus on them. I praise the Lord for the Scripture memory that I have done with you and in the distant past. Those hours that I was able to spend in the Word have served me well. His Word is hidden in my heart not only that will not sin against Him but also to sustain me in times of famine-like now. I have a reprieve of sorts this week as they are visiting relatives. They will be coming back with me from L.A. next week. I do love reading your posts and even though I am not in the Bible Study, I can still pray for you all. In fact, I would be honored to pray for you wonderful siestas.
Thanks, Beth for all your encouragement and love. I am enjoying the study and it is making me cry too. I do love you very much. You have made such a difference in my life. The Believing God bible study has helped make me into a different person. One who looks for God’s blessings instead of being fooled into thinking there aren’t any in my life. Love, Betsy
I wept and thanked the Lord for all the sisters going solo on this study, and for all the women out there searching and wanting to know their dear Savior better. We should never, ever feel alone. So many stories and so many walks of life. God is so good to weave this tapestry together!. Praying for everyone’s ears to hear His voice through Beth this weekend in St. Louis.
Okay, I will admit it…I have basically been a lurker since the beginning of this blog. I have read every single post but left only a comment a time or two and not read all the other comments. Clearly, I have been missing out! From this moment on, I plan to become a better Siesta! You gals are inspiring.
Hi,
I’m Carrie Ann from Gainesville, GA.
I’m brand new to the summer Bible Study and I don’t really know where to begin. I got my book just yesterday, and I watched the first video, but still feeling a little “lost.” I’m doing this solo, and just wondered really, is it just as simple as watching the video and then doing session one in the book? Do we only do one session every two weeks? I guess I’m just trying to get all my ducks in a row, and I certainly don’t want to miss a step. Thanks for any help/advice
Hi Carrie Ann,
This is my first time doing the summer bible study as well! If I’m correct you do session 1 this week and session 2 next week so that you have both sessions done by the next video. I watched the video, then wrote my letter to God on the inside cover, and jumped into session 1. Then the next video should give us instructions on what do do next. I hope this helps you!
Oh, Mama Beth, I am thankful our God has called you to misnister to all of us tender women, first through your Bible studies, then conferences, and now this amazing blog…God is in EVERYTHING, He is in our Business! AMEN!
I am unable to do the summer Bible Study wity you all, as I am doing Revelation, Here and Now, There and Then, with a group here in Estelline SD…but I love to watch the video clip of your sessions and know all you beautiful girls are being blessed…Hugs for all, Love Tammy
I am so tenderhearted toward you Beth and all of Siestaville too! God has used this place so much to peel off my layers and allow me to feel safe about having my heart tendered. From your posts to Amanda’s to Melissa’s and the responses it’s a wonderful place to be! Thanks be to God!