Hey, Siestas! Boy, have we had some blog issues since I talked to you last! Remember that server transition I warned you about? Whoa. That thing has been a beast. If you find this posted, you know that it’s mostly cleared up. You’re kind of a big deal around here to us (grin) so you can know we’ve been chasing our tails trying to get everything fixed.
I have two really fun reasons to be on here today. First of all, we are beside ourselves to head to Fresno for our Living Proof Live this weekend! It’s time for our Siesta Scholarship Giveaway to any Siesta who wants to come but can’t afford the event ticket. We will fix up the first 20 of you who call 1-888-700-1999 and ask to talk to Kimberly or Susan. Remember that we are CST (2 hours later than West Coast) and our office hours are 8:30-4:30. Lunch is the usual 12:00-1:00.
Michelle and I will actually head out to California tomorrow afternoon so we can have an extra night to get adapted to the time change. This will be a sweet trip for Michelle (aka: Hawk) and me. It is our last official one together as LPM coworkers. Our two-year time period with Michelle comes to a close next week. We have always known our time together was this length so, although we will be so sad to say good-bye to one another, we are not taken by surprise. I have very little doubt that Michelle will always be in my life in one way or another. We were friends before she came and will be friends when she moves on to her next post. If we get a chance next week, I’ll ask her if she wants to get on here and say anything to you guys before she goes. She has loved Siestaville and has been the one to organize our group pictures at all our events for the last year. She’s a prize. I love every single person that walks through our LPM doors and look forward to what God is going to do next for her and for us but I have had a blast with Michelle. She’s quirky like I am and we have howled our heads off.
And now for the last reason I’m on here today! I have a friend I want you to meet. She’s a brand new published Bible study writer that I have known for a long time. I love to let you know what’s up out there in Bible study curriculum land. I will give you one heads-up before you watch our conversation. My bangs are going to drive you crazy. I cut them myself with a pair of paper scissors after I saw this. I was only three days from a hair cut but I couldn’t stand it anymore. Think of it as a blond eye patch and I think you’ll be able to handle it better. We’re trying to get better at our amateur video tapings. We have better sound this time because we actually have lapel microphones now but the light is so bright, we almost look like apparitions. I pray it’s the anointing you’re seeing shining on our faces but I think it’s just a bright, sweaty light.
Hey, while we’re at it, let us know of some young women Bible teachers you’ve really been blessed by! Let’s spread the word about what God is doing in women’s ministry in the Body of Christ. And, we who are older, let’s embrace these young teachers and let them teach us some things and let’s encourage them and give them lots of room! We need them and they need us! I want us to celebrate the generations around here and sow into one another actively. This is God’s way, Titus women.
I love you guys so much. I’ll talk to you again on the 1st for our Siesta Scripture Memory Post. Please pray for all of us in Fresno this weekend! Thank you, Sweet Things.
Jesus, come into our midst with power and authority and an affection so strong and evident that we’re healed by it.
Introducing… from LPV on Vimeo.
Speaking of new Bible study authors, a newly published one that’s excellent is:
Laura Krokos
Beholding Him, Becoming Missional
“Awakening to the mission through the study of 1st Samuel”
It’s so good and I love her challenge verse:
“Those who know their God will display strength and take action.” -Daniel 11:32
Hope this helps anyone, I can’t wait to read others’ recommendations; I’m always on the search for a good new study!
I loved hearing the journey that the Lord took Tammie on to write this study! If I remember correctly, I think I was AT that first retreat she taught! The Lord is so cool.
Dear Beth,
Please tell Michelle we are praying for her as she moves to another position. We will never forget her wonderful care and arrangement of things when we visited. May God bless her abundantly.
And thanks for the intro to Tammy!
love to you! Lynn
Thanks for sharing that sweet video! I would love to take this study–will it perhaps be the Siesta Summer Bible Study selection??? 🙂 🙂
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
Rebecca, my thought exactly…sounds like a good Siesta Summer Bible Study selection to me too!
We are blessed to have Bible studies that we can learn God’s Word and teach so others can grow closer to God.
The Christian Creed…
I am tested, I am tried, I am weak, I am as a piece of clay, I am poor, I am as a broken heart, I am a little lamb as lead to the slaughter, I am wondering in the wilderness and I am in captivity….but not longer will I follow the Lie. No longer will Satan have a foothold.
For I will worship the Lord thy God.
He will lift me us and carry me. He will mold me and make me. He will mend my heart and take me from the wilderness into His presence. He take me from captivity into His freedom.
I offer my heart, mind and will to the Holy of Holies.
He will establish my steps and lead my coming and going
His words are precise and sketched as stone, written upon my heart
He will be my stronghold and keep me from sin
I will listen to His voice, His hands are stretched out to me, He will delivery my soul
He will make me a testimony of His faitfulness
I will trust in the real and living God
He will protect me from the wasted highways of life
For I will fly on eagle wings
I will not feel ashame, For I will cry out in His name
My joy has overwhelmed me
For I know my God is great
He transforms the lost, comforts the hurting,
He remembers me when I feel heartache
and fear takes hold of me
He satisfies my every need
He takes away my sins
And builds in me a sanctuary of blessing.
I love my Lord! I am a child of God.
~joyce~
Our family will be keeping you in our prayers this weekend. Wish we were near Fresno!
Cannot wait to do this study. Thank you Beth for introducing Tammie and for the encouragement you always give to all of us, both young and old. We love you so much.
Thanks also for the laughs! You are a trip.
Lawan
Phil 4:8
how Awsome!!! so nice to meet you Tammie! your study is just in time for spring break. can’t wait to delve in.
blessings to you all!
love you guys,
julie
I am so glad you introduced her to us! Do you think we could do it for Siesta Summer Bible Study?
On a side note, I tried looking the Bible Study up on Amazon through their search engine. This is one of the searches that came up:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=tammie+head&x=0&y=0
Celebrity Tammie 4-Section Human Hair Color Training Manikin
Isn’t that hilarious!! With all of the talk of your hair this was absolutely perfect!!
Stacie
PS…I will being praying for FresYes this weekend! May the Spirit of God dwell richly among all of you!!
FresYes – so fun!
Tammie, I am so excited for you. This is a great accomplishment. Praise the Lord! This “God at Work” story is exactly what I needed to hear today. I felt called two years ago to write a book. I never liked writing and even dreaded the many assignments that were required of me in high school and college. However, the Holy Spirit kept tugging at my heart that I needed to write a book on what the Lord has taught me about “putting childish ways behind.” This is a tough topic to write about, but God has been with me every step of the way. I have completed 12 chapters, and my Heavenly Father has placed a wonderful retired English Teacher in my life who read my writing and wanted to help me with the editing process for free! I don’t know what God has planned for me with this book and when it will get published, but I am thankful for the amazing journey I experienced. Tammie, I look forward to learning more about your Bible Study book. I am sure it is going to touch many people’s lives.
I seem to be the only one that can’t get the video to come up…I have gone to Vimeo and I can see other videos, but not this one…
God’s Speed dear Michelle…I would be so tempted to stay even when I knew God wanted me to move on…
How are you trying to access the video, Terri? You should be able to click on the video picture and see the play arrow. Or, click on the link “Introducing…” Do those options work for you?
I think there was a similar issue earlier… Terri – you might need to check your version of the Adobe Flash Player and if needed, download a newer version from the Adobe website. Vimeo will only work with later versions.
Hope this helps!
Adrienne
Good to know!
Tell Michelle that I am praying for her.
Could Tammie’s study be our Summer Bible study?? I am already getting excited about it.
A wonderful Bible teacher at my church (Jennifer Wilkin) has been leading us through Genesis this “semester” and it has been life-changing for me. To see Jesus in the OT so clearly, right there from the beginning!
The study is in two parts (Genesis I & II); we’re working our way through the second part now but there are links to the 1st and 2nd parts on my church’s website (for free). The study materials are downloadable in pdf format next to any of the teachings, using the “SG” button.
Genesis I:
http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/sermons?kw=F.M.+Women+-+Genesis&type=teachings&match=all
Genesis II (current):
http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/sermons?kw=Genesis+2&type=teachings&match=all
Hey Angela – I’m listening to Jennifer right now – on week two of the Genesis study. What a great study – I’m so enjoying it. Thanks for the recommendation!!
As a young Bible teacher and writer I was SO encouraged by this video–thank you Tammie for sharing your story and thank you Beth for posting this interview. I just went to the Lifeway site and ordered my copy of Duty or Delight? I look forward to being encouraged further through the study of God’s Word. Thank you!
I’m gonna miss Hawk! I’m excited about Tammie! Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to do this study! You all are such a blessing!
Watching this inspired me!
1. to go blonde again! and
2. That God is asking for some preserverance in my life.
Tammie, I’m so excited to see God using you! It reminds me that there’s always an extra seat at His table.
I’m praying for you guys in Fresno this weekend!
I have to tell you about an AMAZING Bible teacher I was introduced to recently. Her name is Kasey Van Norman.
She just wrapped up taping her second study at our church in The Woodlands (bonus – she’s a local girl!). Her website is: http://www.kaseyvannorman.com/
Check her out. I promise you will love her (and she didn’t pay me to say that!)
Hey Siestaville – I missed posting the past week or so and see everyone’s been especially chatty; so hope I can go back, particularly to the last post, read up on what was shared, and learn me a thang or two!!
Watched the whole video with you and Tami. How wonderful that you’re introducing us to so many other writers (one of the things I love about Siestaville). As soon as you said one thing on the video, I knew that I knew that I knew it was for me (and probably a lot of others); so I’ve written it down and it is now on my baking cupboard door, right next to Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”
Here’s what you said, Beth, that is now on the cupboard door:
“It takes perseverance to do the thing God has called you to do. You don’t have it in you naturally. It’s something that is way beyond you. Whatever He’s called you to do, since it’s a Spirit work, it’s more than you can do. It takes perseverance to do the will of God.”
Thanks. I needed to hear that.
Blessings, all.
Looks like someone else had the same idea I did, Summer Siesta Bible Study 🙂
Awww, Hawk, don’t go!!! :-
Beth, there were tears and snot pouring down my face as I watched this. THANK YOU for the encouragement. I can’t stop bawling. This morning when I woke up the Lord whispered “blog”…and I thought he wanted me to post something on my blog even though I had no idea what. But no, this is what he meant. He’s recently asked me to write. At first I was excited and then the fear set in. He has given me encouragement through his Word and in the most unlikely places. I’m overwhelmed and snotty. THANK YOU! Go Tammie!!!!!!!!! Your story gives me so much hope!
Beth, Thank you so much for sharing the new bible study! I look forward to looking for Tammie at Lifeway 🙂
Michelle………..NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We LOVE YOU!
I absolutely enjoyed this taping! Very encouraging for me at a time of trying to meet a writing deadline. There are two points that just screamed at me:
1. How the enemy tryies to defeat the work of our God by making us feel we are not qualified enough. She struggled with these thoughts having not completed H.S. and I have struggled with this same issue holding a B.S. and M.A. …
2. I am so amped to continue to press knowing it takes time and patience. I have been riding myself because I though the process should have been an over nighter.
Thanks B. Moore! I am more convinced that this God walk is so much easier when we do it together.
Living Life Well
Mrs.Nez
Thanks ladies for all the encouragement and sweet words! Y’all have been a blast to get to know on the road!! I know the Lord has something fun in store! Y’all are a great source of encouragement and were a blessing to me today! Thank you!
Hawk
Michelle I loved how you were so protective of Beth out our SMT celebration in Houston last year. You should come back to it January 2012! 🙂 Praying for the best in whatever God has for you next. Will miss Beth’s stories of your adventures.
Michelle So sorry to hear you are leaving. You are so much a part of LPM and Siestaville. May God richly Bless you and I will really miss you.
But who will be Beth’s new Secret Service agent? ;->
ooooo pick me! pick me!
What a great testimony Tammie gives about the work of God in her life – her sacrifice, her committment, her perseverence. So excited to get her new study!
All of us in Fresno are full of anticipation and excitement for a wonderful weekend with Beth and the team. I have been praying all week for God to move, for His name to be exalted, for women to be blessed. I love what someone else said about making this weekend Fres-yes… I’ll be the first in Fresno to say that to God. Fres-yes! 🙂
You all (getting my Texas talk ready) have a safe trip here. We are counting down!
Duty or Delight!? I’m already convicted! 🙂 THANK YOU for trusting and taking one faithful step at a time, Tammie! I’m looking forward to getting on this study perhaps in the summer.
My SSMT verse last time was “But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” 2Chronicles 15:7 (NASB)
It is no wonder so many are celebrating your perserverance – it alone TEACHES!
I cracked up when Beth said “it’s like being pregnant for 10 years” or whatever obscene number she said! So April we can all celebrate this Bible Study’s BIRTHday — JUBILEE!
God bless every hair on Beth and Tammie and Hawk’s head and on every precious attendee in FresYes! Love you all.
Can’t wait to see you in FRESYES!
Aww, I didn’t know Michelle was temporary. Blessings to her, and you, and your weekend in Fresno.
I’m awfully glad to see the blog back online.
Now, I have to go watch the vimeo.
My heart soared watching this video and to hear the detailed journey the Lord took Tammie on. The times I’ve interacted with her, I certainly feel like I’ve been near God when I left. She is a jewel and I am so excited for the new study to come out. I so missed out on it when she taught it to college girls a few summers ago. Looking so forward to it.
Sweet Beth, I have to say, you said something to me on Sunday night at church after the LIT semester was over that I have yet to forget. It was a blessing indeed. One about teaching, in fact, and I’ve treasured it since then. God is up to something and you are a huge part of my walk with Him! Thank you for loving and leading well!
We’ll miss you, Michelle!
Lindsee
Miss Beth & Miss Tammie,
Thank you for this video! I can’t wait to complete the study. And just like the Lord always works, this is {timely}. Love of Christ to you each of you.
And Hawk, blessings to you! It has been fun to see you throughout Miss Beth’s ministry these past years.
In Jesus,
Taylor
Ms. Beth, you are so adorable- long bangs and all! Have you seen Lady and the Tramp? You kinda reminded me of the scene where Lady is in the dogpound and the little shitzu breed with the long bang over one eye is prancing around, singing about the tramp…”whaaat a dog…” sorry, I got lost for a minute.
Tammie it is so nice to meet you. I look forward to doing your study!
Praying blessings of safe travel and all out fun for LPM staff traveling to Fresno.
Hawk- goodbyes make me sad. So, I’ll just say, “later tater.”
that was sooo sweet – to hear God’s power and Tammie’s perseverance to get His word out! I was so blessed to hear Tammie teach Sunday school after the Siesta Scripture memory celebration last January 23, 2010 on Sunday morning; Audrey and I had to scoot early to catch our flights home, but we just loved her message in Luke 6:37-49 – and how the disciples were learning to be like their leader. How appropriate to tie back to this video today!
I can’t wait to check out what God had you work so hard to deliver for all of us.
Blessings to you and your family Tammie!
loved the video….you. are. a. nut. 🙂
One awesome teacher is Vicki Tiede – http://www.vickitiede.com. Her most recent study is:
Plug Me In and Let Me Charge Overnight: Keeping Your Holy Enthusiasm Up When Your Battery Runs Low
Her next interactive book won’t be released until next year, but it’s already creating a stir. Its tentative title is Mosaic Hearts: Spiritual Healing in the Midst of a Husband’s Addiction to Pornography.
She’s a joy, and not afraid to tackle the difficult stuff. Thanks for asking.
Best wishes to Michelle – thank you so much for all your hard work. I love being part of this community.
Oh – and awesome video with Tammie. I look forward to her study! May God bless her ministry!
Beautiful! Thank you so much, especially at the end when you talked about perseverance.
Beth, I recognized Tammie from the first second of the video!!! You brought her up to the platform in one of the Believing God sessions.
And I am in the middle of re-doing the Living Beyond Yourself study, and Tammie is one of the participants in your “small group” on each video!!!
Looking forward to getting to know you, Tammie, through this study and praying that many will be blessed by it.
Judith, from Orillia, Canada
What a blessing to still and listen to the voice of God, and hear His plans for you. I’m going through a rough patch in life, and the depression just sets in. I feel myself drifting away from praying and reading the Word, but I remember my Siestas and I feel my heart pull towards my Savior, and I feel hope. Thank You!
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
First of all will be praying for you all in Fresno
2. We will miss Michele I wish you the best Michele wherever you go and hope and pray you have lots of fun in your next job stay in touch you will be missed. Welcome Tammie Ms Beth is this going to be our siesta summer bible study can’t wait I am just sayin.
Carol
Nice to meet you, Tammie. As one who recently published a Bible study and as one called to speak and teach God’s Word, I do understand about having the Lord say “Write” and/or “Speak”. It is truly a calling and God takes you on a path that is so exciting. God bless you. Can’t wait to check out your study.
PS: I’ll shamelessly plug my study: It is published by CrossBooks – a division of Lifeway and is entitled: ‘From the Trash Pile to the Treasure Chest: Creating a Godly Legacy.’ We are all leaving a legacy–either intentionally or unintentionally. We must consider issues such as our faith, character and holiness in the creation of our legacy.
Thanks for letting us talk about Bible study teachers/studies.
Leah
I can’t wait to do this study. I plan to buy it as soon as it hits Lifeway in Beaumont, Texas. Thank you Beth.
Beth – your sense of humor is a God’s given gift! Thank you for serving us and for bringing smiles on our faces CONTINUOUSLY 🙂
How lovely, thank you for sharing this exciting news with us. Tammie’s story will open the doors to so many lives. God told me several years ago that he would show me some of his “Finest” servants to help me with my journey. All of you have been as varied as the body of Christ. I am humbled and I am thrilled.
I am so grateful, Siesta Beth, that he included you in my list. You are truly a remarkable lady. I am encouraged that we have the potential to funnel Christ’s great love to each other if we will open ourselves to our dear Lord. I’m still struggling at age 61, but you wonderful ladies give me such a delightful hope. God Bless You!
Hawk, we are going to miss you! Also, I cast my vote to do Tammie’s bible study for our summer bible study!
Beth,
We did the last night of the new David study tonight and I just have to tell you how it touched my heart when you told about your surgery. I read the blog so I knew when you had surgery but of course I did not know the details. I realized tonight just how much I love you. It scared me so to hear about you going through something like this. You mean SO much to me. Praying that God will pour out His blessings on you…you are such a faithful servant and you have led me to know and love God so much more!
Hi Tammie! It was nice to “meet” you! Congrats on the Bible study! I,too, am praying it will be the Summer Bible study this year!
Beth, I will be praying for all of you this weekend! I am going to be attending the Going Beyond simulcast this weekend! I have never heard Priscilla speak so I am very excited!
Hawk, you will be missed, but I know God will continue to bless you as you move on! Have a wonderful weekend, Siestas!
Talk about perfect timing – I’ve in need of a new Bible Study. I just purchased this at Lifeway and can’t wait to dig in.
Blessings to you, Tammie, as our Lord brings you up to this new place.
Congratulations Tammie!
Thank you for your message, Tammie and Beth. You said some things I needed to hear, even through tears.
Beth, do you have any advice for those of us that don’t have mentors? I have been looking and praying for one for years to no avail. And right now I don’t have much local church support so it is so difficult. I am very grateful for Siestas but sometimes I wish I could just sit and talk with someone in person. What else can we do when we don’t have a mentor or mature Christian support or even hairdo tips? (Yes I am hoping to find a new church but also need to find a job & I am hoping to move south, so it is too much uncertainty right now).
Just found out a job I was really hoping for in FL is not going to happen. 🙁 I know God has a plan. Trusting.
What type of work are you looking for Michelle? Will be praying with you.
Sorry about the job, Michele! It isn’t easy waiting is it? I am in the process of interviewing as well, just had my interview bumped from today until Monday a.m. I,too, am trusting God in this situation, but it isn’t easy. Praying for you! joan
What an encouraging post. I so love it Beth that your testimony is to build the kingdom of our Lord Jesus and not your own kingdom. You consistently lift up others who are faithful to our Lord and encourage the body of Christ at large to let Jesus do what only He can do in us and to allow Him to build His kingdom through us.
Praying for you and all the dear believers who will gather in Fresno, but especially the 20 who God will provide a way to come and worship Him at the conference when they thought it would not be possible. Oh that we all might get a glimpse of what is possible because of what Jesus is doing and will continue to do in our lives. He is always there, but those moments where we notice Him are special beyond words.
Tammie, looking forward to seeing what God continues to produce through you as you follow Him with tenacity!
I about bawled when I read Michelle’s moving on! (and no kidding my spell check just autocorrected “bawled” to “hawked”!!!!!!!!!!!!). Thank you Hawk for your ministry. May He send you out with a bang this weekend in Fresno! Praying Eph 3:20 blessings to all!