Hey, Darling Things!
I’m working from home today and thought I’d take a little break and let my study-brain relax a minute and tune my heart into Siestaville. Let me tell you how proud I am of you for clocking in with the same general number of 2nd verses as you did your first verses. The hard part is not the start. It’s pressing on all the way through the year to the finish. But, then, like all runners that make it across that beautiful line, we get to celebrate a huge victory that only comes to those who sweat it out. We give all praise and glory to our empowering, sustaining God and sit back for a reflective moment, take a deep breath, and feel His glorious good pleasure. Community will become more and more essential as we realize that, without making a public commitment and running the race beside a host of others in this Scripture memory marathon, we’ll probably fizzle out. There is no doubt in my mind that we’re more successful at this together than we are separately. It’s God’s way.
Yesterday was a really fun day at LPM. I already put this on Twitter but it took about a half a dozen of our staff members to put together additional shelves for the books Melissa has acquired since she last worked within the ministry office.
I have promised Melissa my library when God takes me Home, but if she keeps this up at this rate for the next fifteen years, she’s going to pass me by and I’m going to leave mine to Curtis. (That threat won’t mean much to you but it will get Melissa and her dear brother-in-law sparring again over who gets the books which, in turn, gives me a great laugh.) Amanda has been promised other things like what sits on my left hand. But I might spite them all and live a really long time…with colored hair and firm foundations (and I don’t mean the latter in the religious sense. Or the former for that matter. I cannot find hair color in the Scriptures unless I get to count head coverings which, to me, is not unreasonable. In that way and others like unto it, I am a very submissive woman).We’ll see how that pans out. (The timing of my demise not my hair color.)
The other really cool thing we did yesterday at LPM was preview the movie Courageous. It’s the new movie by the people that gave us “Face the Giants” and it comes out in September. (www.courageousthemovie.com) I will remind you guys about it when the release day gets closer but I can’t wait till then to tell you about it. Sisters, it was so good. I don’t want to give away the story line but I can’t quit thinking about it. They have done such a magnificent job with it. We honestly laughed out loud and cried and cheered. I can hardly wait until it comes out. I think God has something far beyond good, solid family entertainment for this film. I’ve told you guys before that, after retiring from the Army, my daddy ran movie theaters so I love few things on this earth more than good movies and great popcorn. (Yes, we popped corn yesterday. And I ate mine with a Starbucks instead of a coke which was an odd pairing and one I might not venture to combine next time.) The primary message of Courageous is targeted to our men who we all know are also targeted by our very vicious enemy. I really believe I can tell you in advance that the guys in your life will love the movie. Mine will and he’s not easy to please. Courageous scores very low on the cheese factor which we know drives most guys crazy about any form of Christian entertainment or encouragement. I dare say that we may be a tad cheesy in Siestaville but we try to keep our Velveeta loaded with jalapenos.
Lastly, I’ll tell you that we started our January Bible study on Tuesday night with one of the best groups God has ever brought our way. We were flabbergasted. May He be greatly praised and glorified in that sweet sanctuary where He’s met with some of His people so many times. We’ll be talking on here about meeting on Tuesdays but we won’t be talking on here about the material because I’ve established a gag order. Laughing. The on-site participants are previewing a (very little) bit of homework so that their experience will be richer but, for copyright’s sake and for future publishing, we’re going to keep it and the session materials low key. It’s not that we’re hiding something. It’s that it’s just a long way from being finished. I also don’t want hype. Ick. Even well meaning hype from those who are sweetly biased. I just want to study Scripture as God presents it to us in His own good time and His own good way. I won’t actually do the LifeWay taping for this series until late April when we do it with a studio audience and I’ll still write through most of the summer. I am reluctant to keep bringing up the series on here because I don’t want to build it all up in anybody’s mind. A curriculum that speaks to one person can hit another person cold. How this turns out is all up to the Holy Spirit but what I can tell you in advance is that, God willing, we will do our best to know that brief Book of the Bible by the time we’re done. Whether anybody will actually “like” it or not is up for grabs. James isn’t necessarily a party bus.
Well, I’ve had about as much of a break as I can afford today. You’re on my mind every day and I pray for you often.
Oh, and this is one reason I got on here today! You know what we’re doing to stay in the Word this early 2011 but what are each of you doing? (Besides memorizing!) Tell me what you’re studying right now!
I love you guys.
I’m honored to be leading a group of 16 college women through Believing God. I wish I’d had the good sense to be in a Bible study when I was in college! Also, my couples small group is working through the six week dvd series based on the book “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Rich Stearns. What an eye opener!
ahhh, my daughter is a college student doing Believing God on her own. Wish she was with you.
Well i am currently in the hustle and bustle of planning my daughters wedding March the 5. With her in nursing school and working 3 nights on the weekend,mama here is doing most of it. I really wanted to lead another Bibile study at church but I feel I need to wait until this is over. I am doing the Memory Verse, I have my little Siesta note book. Any suggestions on something not time demanding?
A Bible reading guide. It only takes 15 minutes a day, but fills your mind with TRUTH! 🙂
Check out the book 100 Bible verses everyone should know by heart. It is by Robert J. Morgan.
Thanks so much for the ideas !!!!!
I started a womens study on Tuesday nights Be Obedient (Wiersbe). We are studying the book of Genesis particularly the life of Abraham and Sarah. It is wonderful! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to do this study!
Can’t wait to see you in April in Fresno, CA! This will be right before your taping starts for you new study! How fun! Thank you for all you do. I haven’t done a study of your in forever………..I miss that!
Our Women’s Group just started our 1st ever Bible Study. We chose “One in a Million by Priscilla Shirer.” We are in our 3rd session and it is amazing.
Personally I just finished reading “Surprised by Worship” written by Travis Cottrell. Its a great book and a quick read. Thank you for this blog Beth. We love you here in Tucson. As a side note, I am watching on TV right now the transfer of my Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. They just put her on the airplane for transport to Houston. Please continue to pray for Gabby as she continues her rehab in your city Beth.
We welcome her with open arms, Marsha! This is a warm city in every sense of the word. I asked the Lord this morning to let them, in years to come, view their time here as restorative in every way. I pray that they’ll say that God was so good to them in this good city.
Thank you Mama Beth! When I first heard she was going to Houston I thought Thank You Lord, that’s where Beth lives. I know you are praying for Gabby and from the looks of the memorial in Houston last night I could see that she will be just as loved there as she is here in Tucson.
90 days with Jesus the one and only
Breaking Free. This is my first time through the study, I am excited.
That one will rock your world!! But you will be blessed!! Stick with the homework it can be daunting but extremely rewarding!!!
Hi, 1st week, (2 days in and enjoying), Me, Myself, & Lies (Jennifer Rothchild) being offered at an area church, sadly not my own church. Praise God for the open door.
That was one awesome!! And I still could not believe she was blind! And her songs and her sweet heart!! You will be blessed!
My goal this year is to read the book of Proverbs every month. I need wisdom desperately. I actually started in December It is utterly amazing how the Holy Spirit highlights different passages and how they are right on time and are so fresh that it is like I’ve never seen it before. This sounds crazy but it one of the things I like about the Holy Spirit and how the Lord works in my life.
I’ve been doing this for the past year. I love it when something “new” surfaces and fits for that day.
I am participating with my church in reading the Bible in 90days together. Trying to concentrate on reading it as God’s great story instead of caught up in a specific passage. Great way to find verses for Siesta Memory 2011 too!!!
I’ve been WOWED this week as I am studying to lead a Women’s Bible study entitled “Becoming a Woman of Excellence”. I am so thrilled about this I can hardly stand it! I find myself up at all hours of the night studying and listening to what my Great God might say through His Word and His Spirit! Pray for the group of women that I so humble stand before to teach His truth! May lives be transformed and may we truly become WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE for HIS Kingdom! AMEN!!
I’m doing that right now, too.
We just started the revised “Seeking a Heart Like His” study as a women’s group. Awesome so far!
I’m studying and teaching the Book of James. I wanted so badly to wait for your teachings to bring it to my class but as the LORD would have it, He is asking me to spread my wings and fly. Hugs to you.
Shelly in FL
I started Kay Arthur’s Covenant study on Sunday with a group of ladies at church. I did Deeper Still in the fall with most of the same group, which was my first exposure to Kay. I had heard people talking about her, including Beth, but had never done any of her studies. After finishing the first week of homework today, I can say I think I will be learning a lot! I also will need to learn to manage my time a little better to get all the scripture marking done as well as the reading and questions! I’ve already discovered that I hate it when I accidentally use the wrong color on the wrong word!!
Kathy W,
Mansfield, TX
Kathy you are so funny but I feel your pain! I’m with you siesta.
I have started reading a chapter in Proverbs everyday that goes along with the date. So today I read Proverbs 21 (because today is the 21st) and there are so many things that just spoke to me. This is something I will definitely continue to do and recommend it for everyone!
Oh I love to tell you what we study! Thanks for asking. Our group started “Jesus, the One and the Only.” I’ve done three days of homework and cried each day. Don’t ask me why, my heartstrings are simply touched. Pray for our ladies(St.Peter’s Tuesday morning Bible Study)-many have deep worries. Mostly about health of their loved ones, but other concerns too.
Hi Beth,
I so love you! I saw you in Massachusetts in October. Such a blessing. I’m studying Job right now. What I do is continuously read through Bibles, starting with the New Testament. Right now I’m reading the NIV Study Bible. It’s taking me forever because I read all the notes and the reference Scriptures.
I wish our Women’s Ministry would go back to how it used to be. Right now they only have activities during the daytime, so us working women can’t participate. I had asked our minister if we could study one of your excellent studies, like we have in the past, but she said some women complained that they couldn’t keep up with the homework. Oh well. I basically feel you get out of things what you put into it.
God bless you, Beth.
Tammy, Greencastle, IN
I have been working on my own through the kings of Israel, but starting this Sunday we are beginning a women’s Bible study that one of our dear ladies put together. She has titled it Finding Significance. I am very much looking forward to it. Her goal is to show the womens in our church that they too can study God’s Word on their own. Something so many of us feel we can’t do. It is going to be great. We are also going to be doing your Retreat in a Box for our upcoming April retreat.
The ladies in my small group and hopefully a few others are starting Converstaion Peace The Power of Transformed Speech by Mary A. Kassian in the next week.
I’m leading my LifeGroup (Sunday School) class through the Minor Prophets. What a challenge but only two weeks in a great blessing.
Prayer request: because of side effects I have been off my medications for rheumatoid arthritis for almost 2 months. Please pray my lab work comes back normal so I can get meds back and have relief from pain.
David: Seeking a Heart Like His
doing it on my own, while doing small group book “Radical”
Loving 1 Samuel like never before. Thanks for helping put some meat in my mouth each morning.
We just started your Bible study “Jesus, the One and Only.”
I read the book between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had just finished your Bible study on “Daniel” and needed some more reading. The book was amazing and I love the perspective the Holy Spirit gave you on Luke. I am into week 1 of my homework and cannot wait to continue!! Jesus uis truly the one and only for me!! Thank you for your obedience to His call – you have helped the Georgia girl fall madly in love with my Savior and I will never re-enter the deep dark pit He rescued me from though your Bible studies!! Thank you Mrs. Beth!!
Right now in our Tuesday night bible study we are doing Daniel lives of integrity!! We started out with Breaking Free (WHOA!) last year and then moved on to Revelation Here and Now!! Revelation was probably the best study that God has just spoken to my heart(my mom who is such a beautiful Christian woman told me I finally have the ears to hear!! I cried so hard I thought that was the best compliment I could have ever gotten! Every week I would call my parents with my “A HA” moments like I was a 2nd grader that had just learned a new times table!!) so when we put it up for a vote on what to do for our next study we chose Daniel!! What a beautiful way to do those studies. And nearly every woman who did Revelation is back!! I was so excited and it took all I had just to get through the holidays so we could start!! I just love the way God speaks through you!! (It is such a treat and we are blessed that you choose to obey God, so thank you as a side note!!) Love all you siestas I am new to this but VERY BLESSED by it all!! Sorry for all the exclamation marks I can just barely contain myself and I LOVE IT!!! Cathie 😉
This is my first non-Bible verse comment on the site. I’ve literaly read every single blog entry, every single one! I guess I’ve “lurked” long enough. I just wanted to take a quick moment to mention what amazing grace God has already provided through the scripture memory process. He is so incredible! I chose Isaiah 43:18-19 for the first half of January. My husband has been out of work for quite some time and the verse seemed to be such a great fit for our situation. I faithfully memorized every word and say it routinely throughout the day. Yet, I had no idea that God had me select this verse for a completely different reason. I just found out I’m pregnant! After trying for over 13 years, and having two miscarriages, we are blessed to be pregnant again. I’m extremely nervous about miscarrying again, but these verses are bringing me SO much peace and comfort! “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! . . .” How incredible is God to place this verse on my heart?! Totally brings tears to my eyes. It is also really helping me to not focus about what we’ve been through but stay in the moment. This verse has alllowed me to feel HOPE! Thanks for the scripture memory team project! It is soothing my soul more than I can express!
I’m so very excited for you and I am in awe of how awesome our dad is to us! He is so sweet and always on time! Praying!
My Bible Study of 35 women is doing Believing God. i did this study in 2004 and it is my absolute favorite!
Thank you for the leadership that Living Proof provides. Your studies have made tremendous impacts in our lives. Last year we welcomed a new member into His Kingdom because of your invitation in the study of Revelation! Right now, we are using Priscilla Shirer’s study of the book of Jonah – just love it.
I so agree with you about needing to be in God’s word. He has just impressed it on me repetively this year. I am trying for the first time ever to read the bible through this year. I made it to leviticus and got last the last time. I am praying God will help me through that this year. I also am working on Jesus the one and only on wed night at church. I am not doing a good job on the homework right now , which is not like me but I feel God giving me permission to sit back and enjoy the fellowship in the class.
My personal study time I am doing the Phillipian’s study by tianne Moon . I absolutely love this book of the bible and love to study it. I am so thankful for all the resources God has given us in this age but I mostly want to spend this year just in His word. He is so faithful and I just love Him so much. I pray God richly blesses you all at LPM today
Patty, let me encourage to stick with your plan in reading it through it one year. I am doing it for the 3rd yr in a row. I have done LOTs of studies, but this has meant more to me than any study. It is done the first thing for my QUIET time. Then my studies I am leading in my church I do at some other time. It really has awakened the Spirit of God in me. There are days when I don’t get alot out of what I am reading but I keep doing it because I know what is coming…I also as I am reading circle anything that pops out at me which may not be significant to anyone else but I always ask God to reveal something to me in that days’ reading. Don’t allow Satan to rob you of a blessing…hang in there….YOU CAN DO IT!!
2 Tim 2:15
Elkins, AR
I just read Francis Chan’s “Forgotten God” book. It is wonderful! I have not given it away yet so i may read it again to try to get the ideas set into my stubborn brain!
“Anoninted, Transformed, Redeemed” and loving it! I also keep my iphone on the floor by my bed and try to read some Scripture from YouVersion before I even get out of bed 🙂
Studying your 90 Days with Paul. Got to day 48 (I think) on Acts 20:22-24 this morning and that, coupled with an awesomely “tweeted” post by John Piper on the Reason for Suffering, have been blowing my mind the last two days.
It really is all about the Greatness of the Glory of the Grace of God, and when I think about all HE has done to show it to us, and how, for a little while, we get to share with The One who will be worshiped forever and ever- our Suffering, Servant, Savior- the Lamb that was Slain Before the Foundation of the World to reconcile sinners to himself, I am completely overwhelmed, overjoyed and filled with unshakable peace!!! Thanks so much Beth for all of your fabulous work. You make much of Him always.
I am studying an “oldie but goodie”…Living Beyond Yourself: A Study of the Fruit of the Spirit. I didn’t seek this study, but rather, it found me. There are 5 of us friends that sponsored a family at Christmas and one of the girls made a comment about how we should do a bible study together…and God took it from there. The seed of idea had been planted and God watered it quickly! We started on January 9!
I’m reading and studying “The Pleasures of God”, by John Piper and “Pilgrim’s Progress”, by John Bunyan. My 4th time through “Pilgrims Progress”, and it is still so good!
My Bible Study group just finished “Stepping Up” and we are going to start “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst. Personally, other than the Siesta Scripture memory, I started “Believing God” again for the 3rd time. This always starts my new year off with focus. I didn’t get a good report back from my PMD, but I know God will take care of the matter and I can deal with whatever he puts on my plate, because His strength is new for every challenge. Thank you for the word I received just last night! Prayers are welcome.
Actually have 2 study groups. Our Friday night ladies group is finishing up The Inheritance. This is my 2nd time to study it and LOVE IT! After we finish the Inheritance we are open…..any suggestions? I’m still leaning towards “To live is Christ” – have been wanting to do that one for about 5 years now! The Sunday ladies group just completed the Patriarchs (before Christmas) and will be starting a new study this week. Priscilla Shirer’s Jonah, A Life Interrupted.
Our books were not in last week but we are supposed to start Jonah this week with P. Shirer. After that I would like to do some early Bible studies the group did. They used to meet on a Sunday afternoon and at one time I had to go into work for part of Sunday afternoon to get ready for Mondays. I am also looking forward to the James study when it is released.
I just finished reading “Between Sundays” and “The Hidden Flame” and have started “The Damascus Way”.
I am writing a book on women during the American Revolution while I am looking for a full-time position.
Next week, the ladies at my chruch and myself will begin the new David study. I can’t wait.
My small group is doing Jonah by Priscilla Shirer, love this study. We have 35 women in the group and I shared with them about the SMT and encouraged those who are not already onboard to check it out. So excited that over half the ladies are now memorizing scripture!
We finished CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan at our church. What an eye-opener and soul serching book. Did you know there is no such thing as a ‘luke-warm’ Christain?! My daughter and I are lookig forward to coming to Houston the last of Feb. and plan to look you up Beth. What a joy it will be to meet you in person if it works out.
I am reading the Bible through chronologically with my sister-in-law. We are reading it slowly and studying our commentaries. We just finished Leviticus. I am really enjoying it! I have also recruited 14 ladies to memorize scripture with me! I am also reading a book that I found in a thrift store called “The Sheperdess”. Its from the early 1900’s and is first known publication for pastors wives. The wisdom has been timeless and challenging as I have stepped into the role of a pastors wife this past August.
There is sooo much to study! Praise God for His Word and His teachers! So, what am I studying right now?
Wednesday night Church Bible Study = Book of Acts
Bible study at home = Healing & Wellness with KCM
book = Power Thoughts; Joyce Meyer
devotional = To Live is Christ
Hoping to finish my home bible study and book by the end of January to free up time for our Ladies Bible study in February – Beth Moore’s Fruit of the Spirit!And our Women’s Book Club at Church = Priscilla Shirer’s He Speaks to Me, Preparing to Hear from God. I’m going to try it on the Kindle. Can I do it without a hard copy?!
Currently studying “Esther” by myself using Beth’s Bible study guide and downloading the video sessions from Lifeway. For many years, I was Women’s Ministry coordinator at my church and we had a wonderful group of Women on Mission who studied numerous Beth Moore studies together over the years. When I retired, and moved away, I have missed my ladies,but decided to spend time alone with God, Beth, and the Word. I’ve worked through “Daniel”, plus studied Kelly Moore’s “Ruth” with Beth online during the Summer Siesta Study. Thank you, Beth for introducing me to Kelly–her music and her Bible studies. I’ve also worked through “No Other Gods” and enjoy her website http://kellyminter.com/ and getting to know her NOGS.
Love this site, the e-mails, the website…all so encouraging as we journey through this world together. “It’s tough being a woman, but God is with us.” I believe it and praise His Holy Name for the opportunity to know Him better with each passing day.
Our Life Group is ready to tackle “Revelation” by James MacDonald. We LOVE to study with James because he loves the Word so much.I’ve listened to this series with my husband already but we like repetition! (translated…we’re old and we forget)It spoke to us as such a “now” word to the church.
I am reading the Bible through for the 3rd yr. in a row. Last yr, I did an OT,NT, Ps and a Prov. the yr before I did the Chronological, this yr. I am doing The Knowing Jesus Study Bible reading it through in one yr. for my quiet time. I will start the first of Feb. leading Priscila’s new study on “Jonah, A life interrupted” followed by your “Psalm’s of Ascent”. 🙂
I’m working my way through your Daniel study. Beth Moore studies are not provided through my church so I’m doing them on my own. I purchased a workbook through Lifeway and I’ve also downloaded the individual study tapes. I bought a pink jumpdrive that is strictly for my Beth Moore studies. Thank you for making that available. Next in line is the 90 day study of Paul. I’ve so enjoyed all of the others. Zechariah 3:17 fills my heart with peace. A lot of peace also comes from knowing you are praying for me. You are one precious woman. Thank you also for encouraging me to memorize verses. I’ve always struggles to memorize and now I know two verses. I say them to myself each morning as I’m driving to work. I may have to drive a little slower when I get 24 memorized. Love you to pieces!!!
Doing Breaking Free for the second time. When our women’s ministry first announced it would be doing this study I said to myself “Well, I have already done this study a few years ago, I’m not sure I want to do it again.” The Lord put on my heart “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” So I jumped in and the Lord is showing me breaking free is a process and that we are not always ready to break free of EVERYTHING at one time! He has brought me full circle from some things that once held me captive and brought to light new areas. How faithful our Lord is!!! His Word is ALIVE!
My husband and I are in the process of retiring. In preparation we are working on becoming debt free and pursuing our dreams. God has a dream for us all if we pay attention enough to allow him to guide us to it and it is not always the one we would choose for ourselves, but that is another story.
I co-coordinate our church food pantry. It became a mission for me a few years ago when I did my first mobile food pantry and saw the great need. I found that helping them not feel guilty for needing our survices is as important as giving out the food. We have a great and growing team that I am so proud of. Finding something you love to do and then being able to use it to bless others is the greatest gift God can you.
We are doing the Esther bible study on Sunday nights at church and I’ve set my mind to read the bible completely this year, so far so good! I’m also finishing up reading “A Hole in our Gospel” (Rich Stearns). I started reading it this summer and got extremely busy and didn’t finish it, Im determined to finish it in the next few weeks.
We just started Faithful Abundant and True (Deeper Still) with you, Kay and Priscilla. I’m not even through with homework from week one with Kay and I’m seeing Hebrews in such a different light!
At work Bible Study, we are studying the Book of James by Max Lucado. We have two more sessions and I can’t wait to see what we’ll start next. I’m sure it’ll be another fantastic Lucado series.
At home, I am studying Beth Moore’s (isn’t she a doll?!!) Breaking Free! I’m a bit behind but forging on!!!
Just started the study To Live is Christ. I had done it years ago when it first came out, but it was being offered again at church. I always love the studies that you have done, and thought I’d do it again. It is like I hadn’t even done it before, I don’t recall any of it (could be my age), but I am digging deeper into the word of God and LOVING it!! Right now thinking of the Pharisees, and how convicted I was when I had to look at my own life and see some similarities, sorry to say.
But I know that God has alot to teach me, and I am open to His lessons. God is good, and He never gives up on me.
Our church has a Monday morning Beth Moore Bible study in the fall and also at the beginning of the year. We finished Here and Now There and Then and will start Faithful, Abundant, True in February. I’m SO excited, since I’ve never had the pleasure of working with Kay Arthur’s or Priscilla Shirer’s studies. It’s going to be great!!!! We are also including Loving Well so our group will have plenty to learn and discuss over the next 11 weeks. Praise God!