Hey, Siestas! I am so blessed to bring you this greeting from Kelly Minter, our Siesta Summer Bible Study teacher. I LOVE HER, I LOVE HER, I LOVE HER, I LOVE HER!!
All comments to this post are meant to be straight to her. Here is your chance to thank her or tell her something very specific you gleaned from the study of Ruth.
I have loved every single minute of this journey. Thank you so much for walking it out with us. I am honored beyond words to seek Christ with you through the pages of His infinitely rich Word! Let’s keep it up, Sisters.
God, come get more and more glory from this community. You are the ONLY thing that makes this work.
Greeting from Kelly Minter from LPV on Vimeo.
This was such an amazing bible study. I was experiencing some health issues at the time that I was doing it and it blessed me so much and helped me to hang on to the promises that God has given to each of us through His Word. He is such a personal God and I could so visually imagine myself under His wings, in His shadow and in the palm of His hand. The same protection that He gave to Ruth. Thanks so much for your willingness and obedience to Him to do this study. You brought out so many things I hadn’t realized before and gave such wonderful insight. I’ll be looking forward to the next one that you do.
Pam, Wilmington, NC
Kelly,
You have an incredible gift! Thank you so much for sharing that gift with the body of Christ, using it to edify us. I was definitely edified by this study! It was wonderful to see Jesus as my kind redeemer in ways I had not seen before. You really did an amazing job bringing so many truths to light, but I especially loved learning about hesed. I was nearly standing up doing a jig when I read your final paragraph on page 162!
I began this study a few weeks after my grandmother’s death, and I know this was God’s timing for me. I’ve done a lot of thinking about legacy because of how much my grandmother meant to me and many others. Your precious words about your grandfather made me weep, and in my heart I agree with you completely that “to leave a noble legacy, I would have to give my life–my whole life –to the Lord.”
I admire you for getting out there and living your life for Jesus as a single woman. It says a lot about the confidence you have in Him! I have been happily married for over 20 years, but I have learned that only Jesus completes me.
God bless you,
Tami
Ditto! At my age- love, loss and legacy are very real- I’ve observed this process starting with my great grandparents down through my adult sons- Naomi is a “divine” example of a woman’s life completely redirected- appearing as if all was lost with no hope- I love that she could once again find her God given abilities and potential- then to receive the gift of seeing her legacy through Ruth’s child- I love the Boaz quote also- I do pray to be a woman worthy of such a quote one day-
God Bless you for this amazing study. Thank you for getting us through this hot summer with a focus on our Lord. You are very gifted, dear one. Kathy, Austin
–forgot to mention that Becker’s Pasta from No Other God’s is still a family favorite!
Kelly,
I tried to not look at any of the other girls post before writing my own because I didn’t want them to influence my thoughts.
Here goes….
who knew that there was so much in the book of Ruth! Personally I was blown away by the length of His hand to reach all of us, no matter who we are or what season we are in. With my last one leaving on Thursday for college (this is a tough one) the legacy aspect of the book as left me reeling with regrets and anticipation. I have regrets for all the time that was missed because I had not given my whole heart to Jesus until he was about 15 years old. Anticipation because I know and have seen what God does with planted seed and I pray that he will be so gracious to bless this family with a bountiful harvest for Him alone like He did with Naomi and Ruth.
Thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord and for sharing your life and your life’s work with us this past summer. You are a beautiful young woman of God that continues to feed us and plant the seed in us
God Bless you Kelly Minter and “May God repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”
In His Grip,
Theresa
Kelly,
I cannot begin to tell how much I LOVED this study of Ruth!!! Your insight and Wisdom was so Amazing. It really inspired me how dedicated Ruth was to her mother in law and how Blessed she was because of her Faithfulness to Naomi. It has inspired me in my own relationship with my mother in law that has not always been easy over the years. But through the eyes of the Father I have come to see and love her as he does. I cannot wait until your next study comes out. Thank you for your faithfulness to the father’s leading. Kim from Colorado
Kelly,
I shared a personal note with you on your blog before I knew we would have this opportunity. I did order No Other Gods…….oh so good. I love your style and now I want my own “Nogs”…..kept wondering where you came up with that. God Bless You and Thank You again!!!
Kelly,
I shouldn’t be, but I am ALWAYS amazed at God’s timing. This summer has been no exception. I’ve been in all three seasons, (loss, love, & legacy), for several years now. The loss of 4 close loved ones in as many years, celebrating 22+ yrs of marriage, and raising 3 daughters, (the oldest of which just graduated from high school, moved into her dorm, and is attending RUSH at the University of Alabama, as I type this).
This summer has been like the grand finale of an amazing year. Having the opportunity to participate in your study of Ruth, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time, as I prepared to relocate to our new home @ 6 hours north of Panama City, FL. Being able to log into this blog as I transitioned from one home to another, gave me a sense of stability in all the craziness of this move. Prior to coming up here though, I prayed for signs of confirmation that this was where the Lord wanted us. (My husband is an instructor pilot at an Air Force base an hour west of here, and this is the furthest he’s ever had to commute to work). For months and months I literally saw signs on the backs of cars, in front of homes, even on the back of a semi-truck, where someone had written in the dirt. Then, as I started reading the intro. leading into session 6, I literally had to stop and go bury my head in my pillow, (in my “extended stay” hotel room), as I sobbed a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord. You see, the signs I’d been seeing were for “Alabama” football. The story of your grandfather being a huge Alabama fan, and ending with a “Roll Tide”, pretty much did me in, as I’d been praying about moving up here since last September. (By the way, the back of that semi that I mentioned earlier, had “ROLL TIDE” hand-written on the back door). As I prepare to move out of this “wonderful” hotel and into our new home this Friday, I am confident that I am exactly where the Lord wants my family and me.
So from the bottom of my heart, Kelly Minter, thank you for giving your time, and pouring yourself into such a meaningful and needed study! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!
In Christ’s Love,
Donna Benjamin
Solo in TUSCALOOSA, AL
Donna, Praying for you & your husband in your new home! We made those moves for 22 yrs while my husband was an AF pilot and I know it’s not always easy, but God put us in some wonderful places with some wonderful people and he was always right there in the middle of every one of them. New memories are waiting to be made.
Hi Kelly,
My group and I really enjoyed this study!! So much so that we are going to do NO OTHER GODS this Fall! The one thing that sticks out in my mind right now, that I was reminded of in this study, is that God often blesses us even when we don’t deserve it. I think I had noticed, before, how Ruth seemed so deserving of the blessings, because of all her hard work and godly character, but I don’t recall realizing that Naomi was a recipient of the blessings-even though she had been bitter and did not seem deserving of them.
Thanks for writing the study. Looking forward to the next one you write!
Hi Kelly,
For the first time in my entire life I don’t hate my first name! My “old lady” name now seems like a blessing from God, a reminder that He is ever-present in my story. I’ve been in an ongoing season of loss awhile, it seems like it’s one after another after another and I keep finding myself more and more alone. In fact, in the midst of this Bible study my best friend moved across the country! I feel right now like I’m Ruth going out to glean in the fields every day with no idea that Boaz and season of love is on the way for her and Naomi. It is hard to have hope when you don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel, yet if you can see what’s coming I guess it’s not really hope! Through this study I felt God speaking to me that this is just a season, it is not the end of my story. I couldn’t wait to sit down every morning with my Bible study and my coffee, and I now want to go back and do No Other Gods. Thanks for a wonderful Bible study this summer – and the banofee pie is to die for!!!
Kelly,
Thank you so much for writing this study under the Lord’s direction! I loved the parallel of how God took Ruth, the foreigner, and brought her into His family, just as He takes us while we were still sinners, and through His Son reconciles us to Him.
I participated in this study with my beloved siesta with whom I first connected through this blog. We discussed our lessons via Skype. Although I have never seen her live and in person, it was good to “see” her through the lens of my web cam. During the study, her grandmother went to be with Jesus. We ended the study talking about this godly grandmother’s legacy of love, faith, hard work, and hospitality. It was a beautiful time together.
May God bless you abundantly, Kelly. Looking forward to more Bible studies from you!
Lori in League City, TX
Hi Kelly,
I’ve learned so much from the Ruth study! One thing that really remains in my mind is the fact that Ruth remained faithful to Naomi and was of noble character even when she could have been complaining, moaning and groaning. Ruth was humble in spirit and served the one she loved, reminds me of someone….
Anyway, I loved the recipes and I ordered the No Other God’s Study from your website and it arrived today, YAY!!
I’m very blessed by your work, I’ll look forward to much more from you!
Stacey
Oh, Kelly, how precious my Kinsman-Redeemer is to me! You have brought so many glimpses of His Glory to LIFE in your study. I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed the cd that goes along with this study, too. I am so very grateful that God inspired you to write this study. It is so timely to my life. Weeping forward…the threshing floor…laying down at His feet…hope in despair…the beauty of a humble woman who follows God obediently and WITHOUT WHINING…and the hidden hand of God revealed in genealogy verses. You have given us all a feeling of being loved by our God. That good does triumph. Thank you so much.
I will be looking forward to your next study…on Virtues? NOGS was awesome.
Father in heaven, I pray that You would bless Kelly. I pray that You would be her shepherd and she will not want. Give her green pastures to lie down in and lead her beside still waters. Restore her soul. Lead her in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. As she walks through her valley days, I pray that she would fear no evil for you are with her. Comfort her with your rod and your staff protecting her. May her enemies watch you as you lovingly prepare a table…a feast…for her. Anoint her with your Oil. Let her cup run over. Make goodness and mercy follow her all the days of her life and let her dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I ask this, Divine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, for Your name’s sake. Amen.
Kelly. Thank you so much for the study! I have read Ruth and heard the story so many times but this study OPENED up my heart and spiritual eyes to see God for who He is. This has been a difficult season for me and I was encouraged to praise God for the good, bad, and ugly…He is doing a good work all the time. I am learning to BELIEVE GOD for who He says He is. Thank you and the Lord richly bless you!
Kelly ~ I absolutely loved the Ruth study. I loved No Other God’s too! Hope you write more soon!
I especially like Naomi’s legacy. I had read some of that before but hadn’t concentrated on it like you directed us to do. Isn’t it amazing the legacy she left when at one point in her life (no husband or children) she thought she had no chance of a legacy!? So like our God to do amazing things in our life.
Thanks for blessing us so!
Kelly, thank you for making Ruth’s story come alive for me in a new way. I did my study all alone, but I really felt as though I was a part of your small group. Your writing is just wonderful. I found myself so caught up in your words and insights.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Praying the Father’s richest blessing on your life.
Kelly, I completed this study with my daughter-in-law. We felt a little like Ruth and Naomi on this journey. What a blessing it was. What a message of hope. Thanks.
Oh Kelly….I’ve done this study twice now and love it more each time. Because of the last year and coming out of an intense wilderness….I was most ministered by the time when Ruth wept forward. I learned to weep forward and now I sit on the side of rich blessing and I’m so grateful that I wept forward even through the intense pain.
SO thankful for you, this study, and the opportunity to share the experience with the siestas.
Hugs and blessings from Jackson TN!
Fran
Oh Kelly, I was so disappointed I didn’t get to do this summer study due to some other commitments. Now I am even more so after reading all these amazing comments! I have heard you are a great Bible teacher. I can’t wait to jump into God’s word with you soon. I want to live and leave a legacy!
Beloved Kelly, I had a great loss in late May. Our daughter was pregnant with identical twin boys and lost one at birth with the cord around his neck days before labor began. We are still grieving deeply but also joyfully celebrating the life of his brother who is so wonderful. I had decided to do this study with a few friends by the urging of the Lord a few weeks before that loss. Oh, how the Lord works. Each of us, there were 5, were so thrilled with the study of Ruth and your ways of teaching. We loved the history and tenderness that we learned of the book of Ruth. We had all heard this story many times before but finished with such a fresh Word from the Lord and so many new and exciting things about loss, love and legacy. Our hearts were filled all summer with this study as well as our stomachs. We had a finale dinner the last session and what a sweet time of food, fellowship and encouragement. Thank you so much. We have discussed doing your other study beginning in the fall. It has been made a matter of prayer and we will see what the Lord directs us to do. Once again we loved the study and we love you. Lisa Curtis, Jackson, Missouri
Dear Kelly: I was home recovering from “female” surgery during the Ruth study and the quiet uninterrupted time was very special to me. That and going solo with the study, as solo is unusual for this sanguine. I am so thankful to Beth for giving us an opportunity to share with you. She is such a delight to my heart!
One morning in particular, God reached down and spoke to my heart with such clarity – healing a deep wound – an old wound that had been there for over 20 years. It totally caught me by surprise. It was Session 2 – Day 4, “A Day’s Work.” I was blown away as God revealed to me the honor of work, and the Bible’s clarity about the blessings of steady hard work. I loved how you put it, “work not only brings blessing, it is the blessing.” (pg. 55 – Kelly’s quote.)
For you see, I’ve worked outside the home for 27 of the 33 years of my marriage, and to be honest, at times I’ve resented having to work, and then also felt guilty for working. As a pastor’s wife, I wanted to support my husband’s ministry – but he also needed me to work to help pay bills and for insurance benefits – not for fancy clothes or vacations! Those early years with him in seminary and times being lean – I did what I needed to do to help our family. I was blessed to take off 6 years while our two sons were born and stayed with them until they started school…but even then I worked from home proofreading and editing text. Work, work, work – I’ve always worked. Poor pitiful me…
Then God so tenderly revealed to me that July morning at my dining room table that my working has not hindered my family – but rather has helped and blessed my family…and that my working was honorable and right. Years of guilt and resentment were lifted as I wept before Him. I didn’t neglect home or ministry and those two little boys are now grown men serving Jesus – one as a full time Pastor close to earning his doctorate. He gave me both the strength and the energy to work hard AND minister (with occasional short rests in the shelter…I LOVED that).
When my man came home from the church that afternoon, I told him about my epiphany from Ruth. I apologized to him for whining about “having to work,” and asked his forgiveness for all those times I know he felt badly when things were hard. He cried and I cried – and we counted ALL our blessings of God’s provision over these 33 years.
It may not seem like such a grand and glorious lesson to some folks, but sister – let me tell you – it was PRECIOUS and PERSONAL and I am so very thankful.
Abiding in Him,
Jan
PS: And don’t even get me started about legacy! Those two sons of mine have provided me with 3 grandchildren and two daughters-in-law that “are better to me than seven sons!” Ruth 4:15 GLORY!
PSS: I have to get to bed, I get to go to work tomorrow! 🙂
Wow, Ms Jan! You just made me so glad I decided to wander back through these comments. I wasn’t able to look at them this week, but am so blessed to read yours today.
He cried? What a dear, dear couple y’all are. Thanks for sharing such an intimate moment.
Hope you’re recovering well from whatever-ectomy 🙂 Remember not to lift anything heavier than a serious Bible.
Love,
Kath
Kelly-
Thank you for your insight into the book of Ruth! I am such an input junky to the history behind things, and I loved going back to read the laws and how the wording meant so much to them and to help explain them to me. Also, I loved the stories that you told to personalize the study.
There are so many ah-ha moments, but the most mind blowing one to me is that my time and efforts are being noticed in importance to Him and that one legacy that I am doing is raising my boys in a Christian home and in Church.
I am not a red wearing person so finding red shoes to close out the study was not an option. Though, last week at the beach I did color my toe nails red. The name of the color is: Ru-by or not to be.
So looking forward to the next Bible Study from you! I am going to recommend this one to my Friday night girls to do this winter. The Wednesday night leader already has a Beth Moore study to do.
Blessings!
Kelly, words cannot describe how much that I have enjoyed this study! It never fails to amaze me that God works it out so that each week actually has something in it that helps me that one particular week!! I have cried and smiled throughout this study, and i wouldn’t have it any other way!! Thank you so much for allowing God to use you!
Kelly,
I was actually in a study this summer with some other ladies utilizing Beth’s study on Revelation. However, I saw how excited everyone was and blessed by your study this summer in Ruth through this blog. So, I ordered your study called No Other Gods and am planning to do that this Fall. So, I thank you in advance for that! God’s timing for the study of HIs Word is always perfect! Blessings.
Kelly, Loved gaining greater insight into the Book of Ruth this Summer. I hated it to come to an end. I checked Lifeway to see if you had any new studies out yet. Keep serving the Lord. You’ve been such a blessing to me and to many. What a beautiful legacy you’re creating as you follow Him.
PS, I found the tribute to your grandfather so touching.
May you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!
Cheryl H., Huntington, WV
Kelly,
I can’t thank you enough for your inspirational study. There were 6 of us together, each coming from a different place in our lives, but all of us connected with Ruth in a special way, thanks to your incredible study. I lost my husband a year ago tomorrow to cancer, so my identifying with the season of loss was strong. I can’t believe I am a widow at 54 years old, but I am thankful for every moment with him, for the incredible memories and for my future hopes. I now think of my Lord as my Kinsman-Redeemer and am so grateful for this visual which will probably always be present in my mind!
Bless you girl and keep the studies coming! We want to do another one next summer!
I have studied the Book of Ruth a few times and I’ll have to say,Kelly,that I enjoyed your study very much. I loved the intimacy that you brought to your study as if I came to know Ruth personally and that made a deeper impact on me.I enjoy your style of teaching very much just as I did with No Other Gods, very personal and the music to go with the study was a very special added touch. Thank you so much for being obedient to God in writing these studies and opening up our taste buds to some yummy new recipes! I look forward to participating in the future studies God has planned for you and all of us!Love to you and all the NOGS.
your sis in Christ,bunny
Your sis in Christ
Kelly! LOVED THE STUDY!!! My hubby is planting a new church here in NORTHERN VIRGINIA (www.porticoarlington.org) and many of my siestas here know you from back in the day. We love you! Thanks for dishing up the Word to us here on the East Coast. Jesus is everything to us. 🙂
Thank you Kelly for writing this study on Ruth. I had NO idea how much God could teach me through such a small book. I did mine solo since I was traveling to Germany for two weeks. And yes, your book traveled with me:) I learned so much from the legacy area since I have 3 children. Also, no matter our past and things we have gone through how God can change things around and use them for good. Thank you for reminding us of that and may God Bless YOU! I hope you are in the process of writing another study!
Thanks, Kelly! Ruth was wonderful… and you brought to light so many points I had never thought of. May God continue to bless you!
Kelly!
Jesus was unbelievably sweet to me over this summer while I was going through your Bible study. He showed me how instead of laying at a mans feet I am laying at His feet waiting for Him to give me my man…He also showed me how I can be more like Ruth…and He showed me how I can return from “Moab” (the place He has clearly marked for me NOT to go) and He willingly takes me back. (Isaiah 55:6-7, Deuteronomy 4:29-21) Those my 3 favorite parts of the study you wrote by Jesus’ inspiration…thank you for your faithfulness! You are so beautiful, inside and out! My summer was made rich and meaningful because of your study! Jesus has blessed you and you are such a blessing to me! If I never get to meet you on earth, I cant wait to give you a huge hug in heaven! (And then maybe me, you, and Ruth can hang out 😉
Chesney
17
Knoxville
Kelly, your study on Ruth deeply blessed me this summer. I had my third baby in June, so your study kept me in the riches of the Word of God through sleepless nights and the ups and downs of “newborness”! In addition to being wonderfully rich, humorous, and beautiful, the study was also surprisingly personal. Growing up as the daughter of a Naval Academy grad and submariner, I was awakened every morning to the tune of Anchors Aweigh (much to my annoyance, I might add!). Some of my greatest memories with my dad were spent at Naval Academy reunions, visiting the “Sup’s” mansion, taking in the Servern River, and of course, going to Navy football games with my dad’s teammates. In my parent’s house across the hall from my bedroom is a framed picture of my dad as a senior and a six-striper at the Academy, sitting across the desk from the Superintendent. They met each week and discussed the brigade, etc, and the picture captured just one of their many meetings. I never knew who the Superintendent was, only that my dad loved and respected him. So…when I began reading about your grandfather, the wheels started turning in my head, and I thought there could be a chance your grandfather and my dad were at the Academy at the same time. When I called my dad and asked him if he knew the name “Admiral Minter,” he said, “Of course. He was the Superintendent at the Academy my senior year. That is his picture hanging in the hall of our house.” What a small world, and WHAT a big God! In 1963-1964, your grandfather poured into my father a love for God, legacy, and his country, and close to 50 years later, his granddaughter poured into me an even deeper love for the Lord, legacy, and the country to which we are headed together as sisters in Christ. I wish I had had the chance to meet your grandfather; my father says he was a kind, humble man and a strong leader, but I look forward to meeting him one day, along with his granddaughter as well! Until then, may God continue to soak you in the riches of His Word, pouring His truth and love into you as you faithfully pour it into others…and of course…”Sail Navy Down the Field, and Sink the Army, Sink the Army Grey!”
Kelly, thank you so much for your willing, active service to the Lord! All I can say is, wow! What a journey! A journey with Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz, but also to see our own lives as a journey with just as much potential! I have just been amazed as I went through this, and I am so excited about so many aspects of the study. I have carried it around with me everywhere, because there is usually something I want to refer back to and I have so many things highlighted or underlined or circled or written down. I am truly in awe at God and His word, and how I have been drawn by Him, to Him, these past few weeks. I also really enjoyed the videos on your website. I haven’t been able to do a group study for quite awhile, so it was great to view your discussions. I enjoyed No Other God’s a couple years ago just as well. I can’t wait to see what God has for you next! Thank you so much!
God’s abundant blessings to you!
Gail, Ellensburg, WA
Kelly,
Thank you for your humility and transparency that you shared throughout the study. I loved this study of Ruth, her story, Naomi’s part in the story, and Boaz’s role of kinsman/redeemer. You have a gift in your writing, getting to the core of what’s really going on inside of our hearts and how it relates back to our relationship with God. May the Lord continue to pour out His richness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness; the “Hesed” of Jesus on you!! I have written the entire definition of “hesed” on a 3×5 card. bless you, Pam in San Diego
Hi Kelly,
I loved this study. I used to just see the Book of Ruth as a story about a woman who loved her mother-in-law. It has become so much more to me now.
I really enjoyed your story about the trip to the Amazon. Loved the bit about the boa constrictor!
However, I really liked being asked to think about the legacy I want to leave. Although I had read the book of Ruth many times, I enjoyed this different perspective.
The most impressive part of the study was the relationship of Old Testament/ New Testament redemption.
Thanks so much.
Kelly
I am SO very super-excited to have found you this summer – don’t have words to describe the blessing this study has been and how much I’ve enjoyed it… could hardly wait each day to get into it. I was so sad for it to conclude that I put off doing the last lesson for over a week! Your last question on the last day of the study asked what our most impacting moment was of this study. Without hesitation I knew mine was the very first day which concluded with Galatians 6:9. The ongoing circumstances of my life were at such an oppressive weight that my insides were screaming, “Leave, Leave!!”. How the Lord spoke His answer right into my spirit thru that verse, encouraging me to ‘stand firm where He has me’. And then, like two bookends, the study ended with God speaking to me about thinking about the ramifications of my decisions and actions in regard to the legacy I will leave. Perspective! You are such a cool person! I’d love to have you as a best friend!
Hi Kelly,
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your study this summer! I love the story of Ruth and I loved your stories, insights and analogies. I underlined and hi-lighted many things in the book but a couple things were sticky note worthy. One analogy I loved was on pg.72 “The Lord knew my dad….” That sentence so spoke to me. I jotted each of my family members names in the margin because I feel like this is how God is working with each one of them in their own special way with same intended outcome. My husband loved it so much I am framing it for him to put in his office. What a blessing to know with each failure and humbling experience God is preparing you for something great in His name.
For me personally, you spoke straight to me on pg.159. “To all the women whose pasts are sullied, this is the gospel”. My tears flowed when I read this. I am one of those women with a sullied past. I don’t deserve one bit of the blessing and happiness I now have, only through His grace. God has blessed me and I’m so grateful. How awesome to know this is gospel.
Praying for you and for the one God has prepared for you to make his way to you. I hope we can meet here again next summer.
Thanks for sharing yourself with us! Many, many blessings,
Sharon
WOW
Where to start?!
I had some insecurities exposed, some wonderful truth spoken over my life, and just some absolutely encouraging words. This is honestly the first study I’ve finished in its entirety (I’m new, somewhat, and am usually busy trying to finish school or some other project). It felt so good to take this journey with you, Kelly! I know that you wrote it well before I walked it, but I felt like I walked it with you. And those Mexican Sundaes are so good!!
Anyway, thank you so much for allowing GOD to operate in your life and lead you to do a study like this! These scriptures & truths have definitely given me more confidence and just an extra assurance that I’m walking in the right direction this next semester at school!
This sounds so elementary, but how incredible to know that GOD has been working on the purpose for MY life for generations!!! He’s been orchestrating it all with ME in mind! He has called ME by name!
That truth is just so much more real to me now! WOW!!
I almost find myself with no words to express what this study has meant to me. I can’t wait to do it again with a group of young women.
Thank you, Kelly, for being obedient to God’s call on your life, and allowing Him to use you to share His truth, and His gracious love.
I’m already looking foward to your next study, and more music…hint, hint.
May His blessings pour over you!!
Kelly,
I can’t begin to tell you how this study brought our ladies together beautifully. We had about a 60 year age span sharing and Ruth spoke to each of us where ever we were in life’s journies. We had widows, singles, married women all come and talk about how God used a prostitute to give birth to someone who later would offer a Moabitess redemption. If he can use someone like that, he can use any of us also. We also talked and learned through this study, that life is not easy. God never promises it will be. He does promise he will go through what ever comes our way with us. He will never abandon us. Sometimes, it is easier when the going is tough, to go. But sometimes God has great blessings for us, as he did Ruth, for sticking it out.
I was such a good study!
Jan
Kelly —
Loved, loved this study. I love your writing style. So much in the book of Ruth I’d never thought about before…
The part about leaving a legacy really spoke to me, and the statement that those who leave a legacy do the unexpected.
Thank you for writing this study!
God bless you!
Dear Kelly,
From the moment I saw the title of your Bible Study, I knew God had something in store for me. I spent this summer being challenged, reminded, and overwhelmingly blessed by God’s faithfulness, love, and compassion.
I think that sometimes being a 25 year old you think you know everything, but this study gave me a chance to be still before the Lord, and realize that there are many things I still need to learn and work on. Like loving my family and showing them my love everyday, praying constantly, and trusting God to be my provider.
I never saw the books of Ruth quite the way I see it now. It’s full of amazing details that I guess I never caught and I am SO blessed by what I have learned about the Lord in these 6 weeks.
I have to say that I was pretty sad to end the study because just wanted more, and I wanted to be continuously in study of God’s word. This study also deepened a passion to read my Bible not as a routine that I have to check off my list but as a desire and joy.
Thank you, and may you continue to be Blessed by the Lord! He is good and I am SO happy He puts people, and Bible studies that are life-changing in our lives.
Hey Kelly,
I guess you found something to do with your day! Was taping a video on your list right after getting a seat cushion fixed? I still think you need to come visit Singapore…..I promise to go walking with you while you’re here.
Ruth has been in my carry-on bag all summer as we’ve travelled here to Singapore. I would love to be able to say that I had many amazing Ruth moments in exotic places all over the world, but I have honestly not started it yet. I did NOG with a group of friends and I selfishly want the same experience with Ruth. So, I am working up the nerve to ask some very new friends here if they would like to do a post-summer Ruth study with me.
I can’t believe how far God has taken you from the night at the pizza shop in Florida when I first met you to having Beth Moore declare her love for you on her blog. I love it!!! And, of course, Lisa would claim that she is solely responsible for all of it!
I am so looking forward to getting to know more about my God through the story of Ruth!
Hi Kelly,
I love the way God speaks through you!!! He has truly given you a great sense of humor. I did No Other Gods by myself last summer and did the Ruth study with a group of 5 ladies..now called the fab 5. We look forward to your next project, and loved listening to your music along with the study. The food was fabulous and I continue to make the Beckers Pasta for my family…had it yesterday for lunch,YUMO! Thank you for sharing your heart and insight. Weeping forward will always stay with me, I lost my mom (62) a few years ago and that is exactly what you have to do to get through it. Thank you for everything, and hope things work out with the gentleman you are having coffe with,let us know. I have been praying for you, and keep shining His light.
KELLY…….I ENJOYED THE BIBLE STUDY SOOOO MUCH. YOU DID IT IN SUCH A FRESH WAY THAT I FELT AS IF I DIDN’T KNOW HOW IT ALL TURNED OUT. MY HEART FELT FILLED WITH ANXIETY AND SUSPENSE AS RUTH WENT TO LAY AT BOAZ’S FEET. I FELT THE SAME WAY WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THE NEAR KINSMAN REDEEMER WOULD DECIDE. IT WAS EXCELLENT. I HAVE LOST MUCH IN THIS LIFE. ONLY GOD HAS KEPT ME GOING FORWARD. IT’S WONDERFUL TO THINK OF MY LEGACY AND ACTIVELY WORK TOWARD REFINING ALL I WANT TO LEAVE TO MY PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN. THANKS SO MUCH KELLY. I BOUGHT OF NO OTHER GODS AND LOOK FWD TO DOING THAT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND CONTINUE TO EXERCISE THE GOOD GIFTS GOD HAS IMPARTED TO YOU!
I love the study of Ruth and have always considered myself a “gleaner” in the fields of grace left for me by so many wonderful Christian writers. Now I may actually be able to drop a sheaf to you! When you pointed to the blessing of “May you be like Rachel and Leah” I was about to jump out of my skin waiting to hear you say that in modern times now the blessing that the Jews say is,
“May you be like Ruth and like Esther,
May you be deserving of praise.”
(At least thats what they say in Fiddler on the Roof and I think it is authentic.)
So Kelly, I hope this little tidbit blesses you as you blessed so many of us in this study. My favorite part was about the “women” who were always around. Yep, that’s the way we gals are. And for a childless couple of sisters studying together, we are encouraged that there are many other ways we can leave a legacy.
Thank you for your diligence and faithfulness.
Judy from Littleton NC and Carolyn from Oceanside, CA
Thank You so much Kelly! I literally couldn’t wait for the next day during this study because I knew it was a piece of the puzzle for me and that Jesus my Redeemer and Savior was revealing himself to me more!! I was so excited to find out that Lisa Harper is one of your “best friends”! Wow, what an amazing summer I have had with your study on Ruth and Lisa’s Retreat @ the Garden of the Gods. I was actually on the day that Ruth proposes to Boaz on my flight to Denver to the retreat!! Lisa spoke just hours later about Ruth!!! Only a God as exciting as ours can weave our lives together the way that He does and reveal Himself to us as personal as He does!!! I am changed because of this study! I have a level of expectation that I havn’t had in a while because He has encouraged me in such a way that let’s me know He “REALLY” has a plan and how providence continues to unfold and veils are removed from my eyes!! I simply cannot “Wait” for your next study!!
Kelly…you ROCK! I am facilitating No Other Gods this fall because the Ruth study was so special! I read the NOG book last month and thought it would be a wonderul addition to our fall discipleship training classes.
Thank you for obeying God!
Kelly,
Thank you for writing the Ruth study. The Lord has spoken so sweetly and clearly to me through it. There are definitely some words seared into my memory…words that I will carry for a long time…visions of Ruth on the threshing floor, waiting through the night and finally married to her man with something given to her by the Lord growing within.
Thank you for being obedient and answering His call to write this.
p.s. will you tell Anadara hello for me? 🙂
~Lauren Chandler
Thank you so much for the study on Ruth. I first have to compliment your writing! I found the study to be very informative, thought provoking and humorous. I laughed out loud several times and had so much fun discussing things in our small group. It was truly a blessing to do this study!
What did I get from the study?
1) I love the quote from Sherry Meddings “Lord, may I be willing to be made willing”….This resonated with me and I pray it often. I *want* to *want* God’s will for my life and to give up my selfishness. I’ve already seen Him work on me!
2) Many other things resonated with me but one thing I kept coming back to was Ruth’s character. She was highly esteemed by others for her compassion and loyalty to Naomi and her work ethic. I know several godly women with such compassion and selflessness and I just don’t see myself as such……Lord, may I be willing to be willing to be so selfless!
Thanks again for a great study! I’m excited to see what you have coming up next???