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-lawย 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.ย 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 am blessed, blessed, blessed! Life is hard, but God is Good…
Just opened up my fresh DVD set I bought at your church when I came for the SSMT Celebration last year…the study IS:
Revelation
Here and Now
There and Then
Teaming it up with the new cd Revelation Songs…worship is IN THE HOUSE!
Loving you all and especially my Passionate Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Praying for Joanne…The Simple Wife, too.
I am going to do Revelation too! Wish we could do it together….
Adrienne
What lingers with me this week?
God on His Throne
Jesus on His Throne as my High Priest
The Spirit…with seven eyes…my Rock…coming to me.
And from the beautiful cd of Revelation Songs…the song “Where You Go I’ll Go” by
Brian and Jenn Johnson. That song speaks to me.
Adrienne, wish we could do it together, too. It is my favorite book in the entire Bible.
I just finished my second round of “A Woman’s Heart” and am planning on starting “Jonah: Life Interrupted” by Priscilla Shirer. Can’t wait for the UPS guy to deliver my book so I can get started!
I am finishing up So Long Insecurity with a group of preschool moms….we’re using the audio book on Oneplace.com……and I started Made to Crave with an online group. All I can say is I am glad to have found a this book…..it is amazing.
My dearest friend gave me a copy of “Jesus, 90 Days with the One and Only” and it is blowing me away! I love it so much that my ladies’ Bible study decided to do the One and Only study this session. I am seeing Jesus in such a different way and falling in love with Him all over again. Thanks, Beth, for your wonderful work.
Hey sweet Mama Beth,
I feel like we are having a big tea party here when you post these little tidbits. I have been working on my verses, reading the book of Mark, and focusing on stillness and simplicity. God brought that to the forefront recently and when it continued to be there, I knew it was time to just do it so to speak. EAch year I ask God to show me an area that needs tending to and I work on that during the year. These two words are not me at all. But in the past few weeks I have learned a great deal about myself and more importantly God has shown me Himself and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. This next year has many happenings coming up that will require me to say no once in a while and spend timne with Him. I am not good at no…but I am learning. I just love God with all my heart and I love what He has shown me.
I had to laugh at Melissa’s books maybe a nook or kindle might be in order. She can highlight and write notes in eform. I love mine. Hubby had to put his foot down about too many books. I of course think you can never have too many.
Love to you
Tammy
It encourages my heart that your enthusiasm for the Lord’s work never wanes. Thank you.
I’m studying the tabernacle, and God’s desire to dwell with us, through your study “A Women’s Heart-God’s Dwelling Place.” Going through it on my own, and being so very blessed by it!
This year our entire church is participating in a “Read Thru the Bible in 2011”. It is has been an amazing adventure to ready thru the bible and then have a our wonderful ministers answer questions from everyone at a Sunday Night Q&A.
It has encouraged many to read for the first time their bible. It also is encouraging those of who have read it numerous times to know read it and anticipate God’s response. No excuses!
Our sweet little Salt-N-Light group just finished 1 Timothy, and I thought we were about to move on to 2 Timothy but we took a left turn and are starting Lamentations. Go figure. Should be. . . interesting?
I have been working through Tim Keller’s study on Acts. The study focuses on knowing the Gospel and being a witness. It was designed for a group, but I just pretend the inanimate objects around me are studying it too. The overstuffed chair in the corner has a LOT to say!
I am loving the study of Isaiah as a discussion leader in BSF. Its been so inspiring and I am choosing Isaiah verses for my scripture memory too. There are so many verses that I treasure, like Isaiah 40:11 where God gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. In times of trouble, does it get any better than that?
My Wednesday women’s bible study is doing Margaret Feinberg’s “Resting in Him” and the small group that meets in my house is doing Lysa Terkeurst’s “Made to Crave”.
I’m toting my seista spiral around and getting God’s Word in me. I do much better knowing I’m accountable to few thousand seistas! ๐ฎ And you are so right about James – it’s staight truth! And isn’t that what we need these days?
Just started “Jesus the One and Only” today! I met a bunch of new women today…at my very own church! And I’m really looking forward to this study together with them.
I also love books so much that I can’t see buying a Kindle because there is nothing like the smell of a book. They are all over my house, by my bed, in the living room, in my den/prayer room. Right now, I am reading Crazy Love and One Life and am doing a Bible study by Catherine Martin on A Heart that Dances. I just counted all the Bible study books I have since our church started the Beth Moore bible studies – 9 of them. I love to go through them and read what I wrote down at the time or the insights you recorded. I sure wish that I could remember daily all the wonderful things recorded in Scripture and in these bible studies – great, life-changing words. Thank you so much for sharing your time and talents with all of us.
Blackaby’s Experiencing God. I have never done it before. Didn’t know it had been out there so long!
Besides my recent discovery of the devotional, “Daily Light on the Daily Path”, our small group started “A Heart Like His” this past Monday night. It’s the original version and after allowing ourselves the distraction of commenting over how long your hair was, we went on to thoroughly enjoy the intro video and have had a great week of homework. I am filled with such anticipation for a great time with the Lord during this study.
Blessings,
Melanie
Priscilla Shirer’s “One In A Million” and Max Lucado’s “Grace For the Moment Daily Bible”.
I am doing Priscilla’s Jonah study with my small group of young women…they are 25ish, and I just turned the big 4-0… It has been a great joy to walk along side these women..they love Jesus and they are willing to do the hard work that this Christian walk requires at time. It is so exciting to see women get it early in life…They are a mighty fine group of princess warriors for Jesus. Plus, I only have boys, so these lovely women have become my adopted daughters.
Then I am working through Lysa Terkeurst’s new book “Made to Crave”…With God’s help and using this resource I am on my way out of bondage to my food addiction…”We were made to crave God, not food (or anything else you can think of)”
Blessings Beth… Love you so… Kim
Hi Beth,
I miss the chitchat time!
I am reading Bill Hybel’s The Power of a Whisper and going to the church study on the book.
Ladies from Canada, have you all received your memory books? Mine has not come and I wonder if it was lost. Well, Blessings to whomever has it ๐
I’m memorizing the entire book of James!!!! I’m not kidding. My room is crazy with annotated verses hanging off the wall. Extra tacky, but glorious to wake up to. My dad thinks i’ve lost it.. in a great way. ๐
Listening to James MacDonald. (Refreshing)
Tuesday night bible study.
Mentoring my cousins and having great conversations with my aunts who are coming to know the Lord.
God is alive.
That is a great project. I wish I was as committed. There are a lot of great truths in that book.
I had to laugh and submit a comment…just last night our “little group” started Believing God…(again for some of us!) I’m also knee deep in Forgotten God and a little Walk with Me to Freedom (Shane Claiborne)
Oh yes and LOVE me some James…it’s like having your best friend “tell ya what you NEED to hear, not what ya wanna hear!”
Ohhhhh and I’m a bit green myself over that collection of books….
Currently doing 2 studies…well, technically a book and a study…
1) Lord, I Want to Know You – Kay Arthur. MERCY, it’s good. I just love Miss Kay. Had the chance to ride an elevator with her at DS Bham and by the time we got to her floor, we had all received a sermon. Sweet Stella just stood patiently and held the elevator door open while Miss Kay kept talking. I think she knows that when the Lord tells Miss Kay to say something, she is gonna say it even if she has to stand still while an elevator buzzes at her for keeping the door open too long. I want to be just like Miss Kay.
2) Made to Crave – Lysa TerKeurst. It’s hitting me in places that I didn’t know I could be hit. AMAZING.
Also reading The Jesus Calling every morning. It’s a GREAT 5 min start to the day.
Fran Thomas and I hope to make it to Houston to at least 1 session of James. Too bad we’re 11 hours away. We just need to get in the car (or on a plane) and go. That would be one awesome road trip. ๐
-Robyn
I just started studying Exodus using the Amazing Collection. (It’s snowing here and I’m off today. It’s been a good day to stay tucked in with a good Word!) I get so aggravated with those pesky Israelites until God reminds me of some of the characteristics we share. (Um…grumbling or complaining might top that list at the moment. Sigh.) I suppose that’s what study and growth are for, right? Enjoy the rest of your day!
I am doing the Believing God study with a group at church and reading Joyce Meyer’s book Power Thoughts. LPM ministries is a huge blessing to me.
Just started “The New Eve” at my Wednesday night Bible Study at my church.
Also reading one of the wonderful Dr. Dobson’s parenting books– Dare to Discipline.
Like them both!
“The New Eve” is new to me, Amanda! Who wrote it? Sounds so intriguing!
Beth- Have you heard of Men’s Fraternity by Robert Lewis?
This is kind of the “ladies sorority”. It is also by Robert Lewis.
Its choosing God’s best for your life. So far I really like it. It talks a lot about this new outlook on life that women are lied to about “having it all”- great career, kids, husband, house. It just doesn’t work that way does it?
Our pastor’s wife is teaching it on Wednesday nights- both classes (5:30 and 6:30) were jam packed! Can I get an AMEN??
The New Eve! Great book! Did it last spring & it really challenged me… enjoy!
I’m doing your Revelation study at church, the SOAP method for James with Good Morning Girls and a Proverbs 31 study. I memorize as well. This keeps me daily in God’s Word, in fellowship with others and communion with God throughout the day of what I’m applying to my life.
I’m doing the 90 days with Paul study and I’m loving it!
Also doing my Scripture memory daily ๐
I don’t like mixing Starbuck’s and popcorn! I limit my soda, but popcorn is one of those times you just need a soda!
I am doing Isaiah in BSF and just started “Believing God”, with the ladies at church, this week. Already know it is going to be life changing!
Tracy
Fort Mill, SC
At Sunday School we are doing The Gospel-Centered Life. However, I am most excited about our study at home, our family is reading and taking ‘long-path’ through The Family Study Bible. When ever we eat dinner together we do the review questions together. Then before the next evening we each take the time to read the assigned scripture for the next set of questions. It isnt very deep but it gets each of us in The Bible. My daughters are 10 and 14 and look forward to it! (in fact they even suggest verses for me to write in my spirl and memorize. Gotta love it)
Eileen
God has give me a theme for this year…Love!
I started out the year reading “Love Dare”. Still working on that. Next I want to read James and Betty Robison’s “Living in Love” and next weekend our church is hosting your “Loving Well” retreat in a box. I’m on charge of games, yeah! 75 women are coming! So I believe there is gonna be some good lovin’ this year ๐
And really I can’t wait to do your study on James. I LOVE an in-depth study on one book of the Bible like Esther and the Patriarchs…LOOOOVVVEEDD IT!
I’m LOVING this scripture memory thing! I am already noticing a difference in my thought life and am finding scriptures all over that I am jotting down in a notebook that I want to memorize!
A Siesta that I met on here, and we now follow eachothers blogs, and I are already chatting about meeting in real life next Jan!!
Right now, I’m preparing for the birth of my TWIN boys in 3 weeks! My double portion! God is so good!! Love you Beth, God has used you in incredible ways in my life and I thank Him for you!
So excited! I got my Scripture memory cards in the mail the other day. Its great. I have my co-workers quizzing me on my verses, and I work in a school, so who knows who else is listening. As for Bible study, just started the David devotional that Beth wrote. No group study going on that I can find right now. I think God is starting to draw me into a more intimate time with Him and I can’t wait.
We’re doing the revised “Seeking a Heart Like His” study at church and I’m also doing the revised “Breaking Free” with one friend. God is up to great stuff!!
Thanks for sharing your fun and your heart, Beth! May God continue to teach you so that you can teach us.
Hey Beth,
I am currently doing the devotional “Cultivating a Life of Character” by Elizabeth George which goes through the book of Judges.
I am also going through the book “Lies Women Believe” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss with a Bible study group at church….loving them both!!
Siesta Mama ~ You are too cute “James isnโt necessarily a party bus”. For me any time in the scriptures with you and ABBA it’s a paaarrrty! Whoo Hooo!!! Was it the Esther Study that you said it’s time for Christians to take partying back?
My group is starting the New David: Seeking a Heart Like His next Tuesday and I can hardly wait. I have been praying for each woman who will attend. I never know exactly who will be in the class but God does and in His Sovereignty always puts together the perfect class. Not that we are perfect but HE is and HE does all things well.
As the facilitator I have previewed the material OMG..Mama Beth you had a super natural double portion annointing on this study. Many lives will be profoundly changed through this study.
May God Richly Bless You.
I have a hard time choosing a favorite when it comes to the movies Sherwood has produced. I’ve probably made this comment before. Every time a new movie comes out, I think about the home and the place to belong within the body of Christ that our family found at Sherwood Baptist church so many years ago after we’d made the painful decision to sever all ties with the church of our childhood. You should know I was the one with the problem, not my former church. No further details are necessary, and for a season following that painful time we were blessed to call Sherwood home. After only three years, God moved us to another city and has since, moved us to Florida where we found our church home at Idlewild baptist, and haven’t looked back.
As for studies, I will be going through “Having A Mary Spirit” by Joanna Weaver with a small group of ladies. It was good to hear from you, Beth, and I want you to know that often I pray for you, your family, and your LPM family.
Much love,
Patti Hayes
I’M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA!!!!!!! Feel free to insert an excited scream or two. I’m replying to my own comment because I couldn’t say anything yet when I commented last night because I needed to wait for their first Doctor appointment which was today. I’ve been sitting on this news for a few weeks – do you have any idea how hard it has been for me to contain myself about something as exciting as this for three whole weeks? Our first grandbaby is due sometime between August 27 and September 1st and I CAN’T WAIT!
Oh darling Patti…I am so excited for you. There is nothing like a grandbaby to hold and snuzzle up to…(btw snuzzle is nuzzle and snuggle combined because you have to squeeze and sniff at the same time…talk about a heavenly aroma!!!)
Leslie, thanks so much for your reply. I just have to tell you that my daughter-in-love’s name is Leslie. Love the new word, snuzzle, and you are absolutely right about the heavenly aroma. Thanks for caring.
Patti
Hi LPM – I know everyone there is just crazy excited about having Melissa back in Texas. Have her and Colin actually moved from Atlanta yet? I miss Amanda too.
I didn’t get to come to Tuesday Bible Study as I wasn’t feeling good, and I missed it so much. God answered my prayers, after many years of going to the studies by myself, and hooked me up with a young sister (my best friends daughter-in-law)to go with me. Can’t wait for next week.
I am half way through “To Live is Christ” study and I am enjoying getting to know Paul and his unshakable servanthood for Christ. Doing the scripture memory on my own and planning to go the rest of the James study at FBC.
I pray for continued prayer for Joanne who had the stroke and her sweet family. This has touched my heart in a profound way.
Believing God. I LOVE IT! So much that I needed to hear. Helps me to understand the “Faith Factor.” I mean, we hear it and read it all the time, but to study and really, really “get it” is such a blessing.
I just finished Priscilla’s “Jonah” study. Wow. We just started the “Revelation” study by Beth. It is fabulous! God’s Word could be nothing else. Y’all have a great study in Houston.
Twenty ladies are studying David Seeking A Heart Like His and enjoying it. We have two ladies who have never been in the Bible Study before.
Studying Kay Arthur on oneplace.com about Saul and David. So thankful that our sweet Jesus left us the Comforter for a lifetime, so help us Lord to not quench or grieve that precious gift.
My women’s group is starting up again tonight, and we’re doing “Jesus: The One and Only”!! Oh how I’ve missed this group, and how I’m looking forward to this text! Thanks for all you do, Beth!
It shows how well you understand this subject. Bookmarked this page,thanks god someone that actually knows what they are talking about โ thank you;
It’s so exciting to see all the verses in the SSMT posts!
I am currently doing Kelly Minter’s No Other Gods in my women’s Sunday School class, and loving it! And my husband and I are leading a young marrieds’ small group doing Love and Respect with six other couples. We’re only on week 2 but so far it is great!
I am looking forward to James, but I still haven’t done Esther! I really want to get a group together to do it!
I am getting ready for a long distance move and am 14 weeks pregnant, oh and have a 6 year old too. I would love to say that I am knee deep in a great study of God’s word. Unfortunately when I stop packing and/or taking care of my family I either sleep or eat.
My dogs are happy about the middle of the day naps, and my cat is over the top thrilled by the boxes in the living room. So I know I am keeping someone happy in the midst of it all ๐
Hey Beth! I am studying 1 John and also doing your revised David study. All very timely for me as God restores my marriage. I love you and pray for you.
I am still working on my right side, walking and using hand/arm since my stroke 14 months ago but I am enjoying life as best by spending time in His word. I plan on continuing the 2nd half of Jeremiah even if I cannot always attend bible study in person. Reading each day a devotion or two along with my memorization. God definitely uses the time He gives us as long as we listen. May you all have a good day/evening!
Love the post! I needed the encouragement for sure! ๐
I’m going solo on Priscilla’s Jonah study…and it is speaking loudly to me.
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
A number of your Siestas are doing that same exact one, Rebecca! I know it is outstanding.
Thank you. I am involved with a Lectio type study using the book of Luke. It is wonderful. Also, participating in a 4 year study based on the history of the church, old testament, new testament and current status of the Christian church today. Both of my studies are being offered at my church.
I’m looking forward to your new release. Wish we could all be in Houston for the study. We appreciate you keeping us up to date on how our Lord is leading your ministry. We are the ones who are so greatly blessed!
Just finished the updated “A Woman’s Heart” by Beth Moore, and tonight we start a new study by David Jeremiah.
In my personal time this year I am reading through the Bible and reading Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening. Love me some Spurgeon.