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.
Nancy, Morehead, KY
… but He said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Cor 12:9 (NAB)
Roxie, Jerseyville, Hebrews 12:2 NIV
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I finally was able to watch the video today. God kept pressing on me to go back and watch this. I am so glad I did. What a blessing! Oh to hang in there…!!
I can’t wait to do this study.
Tammie, Thanks for sharing all the details in writing this and all the struggles you faced and worked through! I am not a writer…at least not to be published but just what an encouragement to persevere in the day to day. God is so good.
Much love and blessings in Christ,
michelle in VT
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of ths world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans l2-2
Kathy, Delaware, OH
Trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (NIV)
Leslie Currie, NC Lamentations 3:21,22
This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not.
Beth,
My last scripture verse was James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, for when you face times of trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perserverance……
My husband had a stroke 2 weeks ago. Thank God we think he doesn’t have any permanent damage (and he’s 52!) This verse – WOW – trials, testing….thank you for putting this into my life for it is such a blessing. I’m not great a memorization – but just the reminders it is giving me….it’s awesome!
God is good, all the time!
Thanks for blessing me everyday,
Susan
Susan, I was watching the video and decided to read thru some of these posts, for I found Tammie Head very interesting and wondered what others thought. My eyes slammed on the word stroke in your post. I am praising God with you that your young husband seems to have suffered nothing permanent. My husband had a major stroke at 54 in 2009. We are currently going thru the disability application process. Our lives have changed drastically to say the very least. He is so very blessed to have the intellect and physical strength he has considering the size stroke he had. But parts of this thing have been extremely challenging. God is however, our ever present comfort. We know He has good plans for us. My husband is a Child of the Living King and has an inheritance more valuable than gold. Jesus has drawn me so close to Him, He never lets go. God can use everything. My husband has started attending church with me after 34 years of my carrying the boys to church by myself. I now sit next to my man every Sunday. We can trust God. He’s got this.
I appreciated so much your saying (to me, it seemed) on the vimeo, to stick in there and continue on and just let it happen -this writing i’ve been deep imbedded into last few weeks and just let it happen, and dont shove it back in a drawer and forget it, to just keep going and know that god sees it finished even though i dont know what the next page will bring, or even the next paragraph. i admit (to you, beth) i’ve been thinking unkind thoughts towards this process, but, i see, that i cant just Not Write right now… and trust that god does know the next thought he would want me to have. 🙂
Thank you for being obedient, Tammie. I can hardly wait to get your study. We finish Daniel in three weeks and I always try to have a new workbook ready to go before we’re done. Now it’s a no-brainer which I’ll do next.
I love Beth and her teaching style so much that i know I need to be careful to intersperse her studies with other authors. May God bless you for the courage it took to put yourself out there in print form. And an extra thanks for sharing the long journey it has been to write a Bible study. I had no idea it was such a drawn out process. Perhaps I need to rethink this whole “I-want-to-be-an-author-when-I-grow-up” thing.
Does your study correlate in any way with John Piper’s book, “The Duty of Delight”? It was profound for this recovering Pharisee. Either way, I look forward to hearing what God has shared with you. Many blessings!
Two of my precious church/Bible study friends (all the way from Oklahoma!!) are going to be at this conference tonight & tomorrow. They are so excited & I am excited for them. Wish I could be there too!
Michelle, it’s sad to hear that you’re leaving, but I know God has a great future in store for you. You’ll be missed!
Tammie, what a joy it is to meet you. I can’t wait to check out your new study. How awesome to have Beth as your mentor. Thanks for sharing your story!
Beth, I just realized today that I remember reading one of Marge Caldwell’s books years & years ago & never knew that was “the Marge”…. your mentor. I think the book was titled “I Would Be Happy If…” ??
Thank God for our mentors!
Praying for all this evening and tomorrow in Fresno!
Valerie
You all are so very funny! I love seeing women love Jesus, love each other, and LOVE being a lady!
My God richly bless your ministries!
Beth in New Hampshire!
Galatians 6:2 (NAS) Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Amy, Las Vegas NV
Becky, Springfield
But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:32, New King James Version
A big welcome to Tammie!! I’m so excited to hear about her and to study what God has given her for us. I love how the generations are overlapping and there is the provision of mentoring. God’s plans are so perfect. When I saw the title of the Bible study, I about flipped out of my chair. I’m such a ruler follower. That can be good and bad. But my heart’s desire is to please God. And I suspect that Jesus would be much happier with my relationship than my rule following. This is going to be a fantastic study and exactly what I need. Thank you Tammie and Beth. To God be the glory!!!
Tamela, Piedmont, SC: Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 (ESV)
Julie from Abilene
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
I can’t wait to go get it! Thanks for sharing!
Roman 3:10 NIV
As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one
first let me say that you have to believe i wanted to hear you two ladies because it took me 52 minutes to listen to your 16 min 31 sec taping! i don’t know what the deal is with my computer, but let’s just say that travis cottrell has nothing on the freeze frame poses i saw! just kidding! 🙂 it really was 52 minutes though!
beth, thank you so much for sharing tammie with us. she is adorable and blessed to have you as a mentor!
tammie, i love you already! i was so blessed just by hearing how long it took a promise (or direction or whatever you would call it) of God to come through — 5 years just from the time He told you until the time He told you to begin! wow! that is encouragement to me. He tells me He wants me to do something and then i feel like i am sooo ready to take the plunge into the step He tells me, but then nothing. i think i am ready far before i actually really am i guess! lol! i’m so proud of you for pushing through!! i can’t wait for my little group to do your study — because believe me we will!! i am especially thankful to you for talking about not graduating high school! God really doesn’t need degrees to promote people and you are living proof! 🙂 God bless you!
Love in Christ,
Kimberly
It was so nice to hear Tammie and the words of encouragement to keep persevering at what God has called you to do. Sometimes when it gets so hard, I question my call. Sound familiar??? Congrats, Tammie. Can’t wait to learn from you.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Eph. 6:16 NIV
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to meet Tammie, and I look forward to checking out her study. Love the way she spells her name. My best friend all through school spells her name the same way. Tammie mentioned getting away to Tennessee to write the study. Living in the mountains of northeast Tennessee I hope she enjoyed the time she was in our state. Where we live is beautiful.
Beth, thank you for your encouraging words of perseverance and Tammie’s story of how long it took to complete the study. I was encouraged and it was a word I needed to hear.
Hello Ladies,
I can’t get through these comments with out crying. God is so good and the scriptures are so encouraging. The Lord brought me to your video during a sleepless night last night at 330a. I was in tears and so blessed and encouraged. It was just the message I needed to hear about persevering.
Tammie, it is so exciting to see what God is doing for you. I look forward to your study.
Diana, New York City
Cathy, Tyler, TX Hebrews 11:1 KJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Warmest Greetings Beth, I have been praying for you yesterday and today, although my time zones have been off too, I came back from Dallas, TX from visiting my sis last night:) I don’t really know what’s wrong with me, but I cried some watching your and Tammy’s video just now. I have been asked to lead/teach a infertility women’s group and a sixth grade girls Sunday School at my church, and the more I think about it, the more I feel like crying. It’s a big responsibility, but I know God is faithful…here come my tears again….getting myself together…I love love Priscilla and Kelly and now I’m thinking Tammie’s new study would be fantastic to do:) I appreciate your and Tammie’s realness for us, to encourage us.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18 NIV
Stephanie, La Habra, California Sorry I am a little late posting my verse but was up north at the Fresno event and can only say, Praise God! What a blessing! “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55: 8, 9 NIV
Thanks for this, a word of encouragement for sure. Still praying for that mentor! What a beautiful picture!
Hi Ladies!
I just went to Life Way and ordered Tammi’s Study- Looking so forward to doing it-
Just so we keep it equal I also went and ordered Beth’s David Study and am really looking forward to doing that also 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing Tammi!
Chrissy, Lawrence, KS
Sorry this is late, been dealing with dental issues; not fun! 🙁 This is my verse:
“….I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Michelle, 2 years already, WOW…..now i’m regretting not telling you I loved your shoes on the first night of the James study….. i was sitting behind you on your left and noticed your CUTE shoes and immediately thought of your earthy boss! It’s great to read how the influence/encouragement goes both ways! i also regret not sharing my greatfun story with you but thank you for watching over this bible study teacher who has so influenced my walk! Best Wishes for your future!
Beth & Tammie – Thank you sooooo much for blessing me!!! The Lord has and will certainly continue to use you mightily for His Kingdom! I am going out tonight to get this Bible Study by Tammie. Please pray that things will turn around in my life and I will continue to pray for both of you!
Mrs. Moore and Tammie, Thank you so much for this video. I want you to know I’ve never written to an author of any book I’ve read. Although, it crosses my mind EVERY TIME I am profoundly moved from something I’m reading.
I am presently in the middle (literally) of “The Patriarchs” study and it is exactly God’s plan for me right now. I felt Him call me to teach, however He wanted that to look, about 5 years ago. But then just as Abraham offered Isaac, I had to lay that dream down at the alter and give every bit of it to the Lord. Over the past 3 years, so many very profound things have happened to me and my husband and it has been an amazing ride. However, I can see that I have let some things become too big to me and I’ve lost my drive to teach. It is only through “the Patriarchs” that I even remembered that dream that I realized so many years ago.
I have no idea how He wants this to look. I am going to be faithful however it should look. Of course I believe it begins with the 4 children under our roof and spreads to their friends, who are also usually under our roof.
But, I’m writing to tell you that your video really spoke to me and gave me great encouragement. I would say the biggest whisper I hear from the enemy is that I’m not smart enough and that no one will be there to help me. My mom, who was a phenomenal woman of God suffered a major stroke at the age of 45 when I was only 17 (19 years ago). She is still with us, but has great difficulty with a single sentence. She is also not very mobile. When I see women with close mentoring relationships I fight feelings of envy. I have tried to manufacture this type of relationship in the past with no success. I now see I need to spend lots of time in prayer to receive this relationship from the Lord. And further, you have reminded me that just like Moses should have believed in the Lord to give him the words to lead a people, we should trust Him in the same way.
It was quite by accident (from my perspective) that I found this video and I cannot tell you how much it has effected me. Thank you for being obedient and persevering in your calling. Jenny Tamplin (Midland, Texas)
Jenny,
I felt the way you did for a long time wanting a mentor. It was frustrating feeling like I needed the support of an older, wiser person…and feeling alone. But, God brought me the most beautiful woman in her mid-70s (I am 40.)
I pray that God hears the cry of your heart and brings exactly who you need.
Blessings,
Laura in California
Thank you so much for this video. Just yesterday God was pouring out to me what He wants me to do concerning the women at my church. It sounds great but I don’t know where to begin. But what I do know now, is I must stay persistant, stay close to my covering and stay in the word!! Beth you blessed me as always. Till next time love you dearly,
Lanette
I live in Florence, SC and I’m currently involved in a three-week study (Tell the Truth: Getting Real About Being the Real-Deal) with an amazing teacher named Cookie Cawthon. This is the third women’s Bible study she has written and taught; and each time I walk away incredibly blessed and changed by Him! Jesus is so evident in this woman that it is contagious, and her teaching has had a huge impact on my life and my walk with Christ. Finding healing. Gaining a better understanding of who He is and who He made me to be. Challenging me to be a better and bolder believer. You can check out her blog at http://www.cookiecawthon.net.
Oh my goodness gracious, I ’bout had an accident…”Hair today, gone tomorrow!” Just love it!
Sweet Ms. Beth and precious Tammie – THANK YOU for your candidness (did I spell that right?) your authenticity, your huge heart for Jesus first, us too, and yourselves last. I have just recently received this call on my life to write and see what God alone has in store for this whole thing. And, I gotta be honest…I’m scared out of my bleach-blonde head!!! I’m not eloquent or brilliant or even remotely close to being done with Him working on my own U-Haul full of baggage I’ve got…but, I know with Him, all things are possible (Mark 10:27)
I am clinging (as I’m sure you do too!) to the Truth in 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” Can I get a witness, girls?? Tammie – isn’t that amazing that even though you “feel” you are smart enough, HE BECOMES WISDOM FOR YOU!! Man, I just love how perfectly He meets all our needs!
And I love the lyrics to Chris Tomlin’s song, “Our God”…”and if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us, and if our God is with us, then what could stand against?” LOVE IT! That has truly been my anthem during this devastating last two years. (Listen to it and rock out to Jesus, it’ll make your day! I even jam to the violins! 🙂
Thank you this day, for encouraging those of us who are even behind Tammie in all of this to quit stinkin’ ignoring His call on your life just because it is scary. Thank you for reminding us that the enemy is flat wrong about us! The Word alone holds the Truth about us. And when you are stepping out in faith and leaving yourself vulnerable, it is what you need to hear!
I am blessed!
Thank you so much girls!! Find me anytime you are in the DFW area, we would have waaay too much fun! And, fyi Ms. Beth, you know we have good Tex-Mex here too!
Love, love,
Caroline 🙂
Love the video. Very uplifting and heartening – especially after the weekend in Fresno and talking about the dry periods. I am one of those hundreds (thousands?) of women who raised their hands that they were in the dry season rather than rainy. Forgive me for forgetting the young lady’s name….but her story and surprise over God asking her to do something that just seemed crazy or out there is really cool to hear. And, very cool that a spriritual mentor stepped up and supported and prayed over her. That part has reminded me that my dear mentor is such a blessing. Thanks for introducing us. Now I’m going to go back and get her name…. Again, sorry, I need to get better with names in general!!!
Blessings!
Oh, my goodness! I needed that video so much. I’ve been told that I am a teacher, whether I like it or not. In fact, my friend, Jeni, tells me I do it all the time, without even thinking about it. She says I can’t help it. In fact, this last fall, my kids started in, “Mom, you’re teaching again. Stop it!” It drives them nuts!!! I do it in the car, I do it when they’re trying to do their homework. I see teaching moments (wouldn’t have known to call them that at the time) all the time, so I guess you could say I’m practicing on my children for now. Jeremiah says I teach God’s word in a weird way, and I said, “Well, you remember it don’t you.” He rolled his eyes and said, “Yeaaaah.” Really annoyed like (which I then ignore) and simply say, “Well, that’s the point.” However, recently, as you, Beth, and most of the staff there (unfortunately) know that I’m in counseling again, cause I had a major relapse with my Chronic Depression (urrrrrrrrrgggggh!) so I’m thinking, wow, this, whatever it is I’m supposed to do with this teaching gift is NEVER going to happen! I’m so sick of this! But here we are, and thank you, Beth. Whatever it is, it will happen! I just have to keep seeking Him and work hard on my counseling stuff, which I’m doing by the way, and it’s not fun, and I hate it, but I know I have to do it, and I am! But it’s really, really hard. I love my new counselor though. I communicate with her daily via email and man have I given her some heavy stuff for our next session, but here we go! It’s ugly but it’s honest and it’s what I have to do.
Hi Beth,
I was so blessed by that video. It made me cry. My Aunt told me I needed to watch it because this is a struggle I have been going through as well where I have felt led by God to start a ministry but not sure how to begin and feeling very alone and isolated at my church because of the lack of support behind me in this vision. Yet there are others, like my Aunt who have called out my gifts and what God is stirring me to do so this is a good reminder to perservere and not give up when things get hard! Thank you.
Love it! Love it! Love it! Gotta get it!
I just finished the video and again I am touched by God’s encouragement.
As my husband is working on his Maters of Divinity and we are preparing to go overseas for ministry. I constantly struggle with not feeling good enough. I have yet to finish my college degree and feel that on my heart so much. Yet, I struggle with not feeling smart enough to finish my degree, let alone stand next to my amazing husband in ministry. However, I received my acceptance this past week to Oklahoma Wesleyan Univ. I will finish my degree next year as long as I stay the course. This video was just the encouragement I needed to hear God saying “I have called you too Jennie. Finish what I am asking you to finish”. I look forward to doing this study as I embark on this last year of school.
What an uplifting story. I hope you are both doubly blessed today and always.
Thank you for posting this, Beth. It explains why I have failed to fulfill what God has called me to do. His calling to write and teach my own material was so confusing to me because I am a bit older than you. And in my late teens/early 20’s, with no mentor and no models, I was clueless. In my mid-20’s I married a man who became a pastor, and thought my calling would emerge alongside his. But moral issues brought down his ministry. We’re still married, but his unwillingness to work through them has let to years of marital problems.
I’ve allowed life to get in the way of God’s calling, Beth. As you put it, I haven’t persevered. Now, approaching the end of my 50’s, I feel like the window of opportunity passed.
I’m telling a bit of my story to encourage your readers to heed your advice. As Beth said – God has a call on all of your lives. For most of your, it is something other than writing Bible studies. But whatever it is, follow it or you will always feel frustrated and unfulfilled.
I’m a little late on this post, but I did want to share the name of a sweet, sweet friend who has started writing and teaching Bible Studies over the past two years where we live. You can see Jesus all over her and know that this is definitely a GOD THING! I know some encouragement from others who have walked this road before her would mean the world. Her name is Cookie and you can find her at http://www.cookiecawthon.net/
Thank you for mentoring me. I need so much for that “thank you” to say everything because I have to go weep my eyes out under this fantastic head of NY hair. I would like to put my name on the list of Siesta’s that get to have coffee with you in Glory…after we spend a couple thousand years at the feet of Jesus. Love you muchly dear.
Wow…what an encouraging post…
1. I am halfway through Tammie’s “Duty or Delight” this summer. I have certainly been enjoying it. I like that she isn’t trying to “be Beth.” She definitely has a different style and even the bible study’s set-up is different. It isn’t by day, but rather by week. That has taken some getting used to, but I have enjoyed the study. I took Beth’s suggestion and ordered Tammie’s study and also Angela Thomas’s “Brave.” I have done “A Beautiful Offering” before and LOVED Angela’s writing! I am excited to do another one of hers.
2. I TOTALLY appreciate Beth’s encouragement regarding teaching. I love God’s Word and LOVE teaching it. I taught a summer bible study for 10 college girls through Galatians. We met for 10 weeks while they were home for the summer and could not have loved it more. Beth, you’re right–the size of the group does NOT matter.
3. I want to tell you, Beth, that you are MY mentor. I have been doing your studies for about 4 years. At one point, I was doing 3 at one time!! (Each group met every other week, so I had 14 days to complete 15 days of work–NO problem! HA!) I was quickly addicted to bible study. AND I quickly became dissatisfied with SOLELY relying on what God had taught you. I learned to do bible study on my own by doing your studies! (BUT I still love doing your studies!) I totally understand what you were saying about “mimicking” your mentor. I have been accused of “being Beth” on several occasions, in my speaking and writing. 🙂
4. KMac, what airport do you recommend for SSMT? I am praying about coming out but I am not sure.
5. I can’t wait to see you in Baltimore, Beth!
6. I love bullet points. 🙂
Much love to you and your family.
Hey Courtney, I love bullet points, too! Either of Houston’s two airports are fine. Both are about 30 minutes from the church. There should be some more Siesta news coming this week about the Celebration in January, so keep your eyes on the Blog!