Calling all Siestas! It’s mid-May and that means something big around here: it’s time to announce our Siesta Summer Bible Study! Last summer we took a break so we could focus on our Siesta Scripture Memory Team, so, if you’re like me, you are READY to get together in the Word this summer. Woooohooooo!
Let’s take a tad of a stroll down memory lane and review all the amazing studies we’ve already climbed into together: We had a wonderful time studying Kelly Minter’s No Other Gods in 2008, Jennifer Rothschild’s Me Myself and Lies in 2009 and in 2010 we went back to our roots and studied Kelly Minter’s Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy.
With that said, drum roll please…The book that we’ll be going through together in the summer of 2012 – Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break.
Okay. So what if I’m crazy about the way she writes and invites us into the Scriptures?? I can’t help myself. We’re going to do this third one together, too. Now, you know how your blog Mama has to go through the study herself before she invites a mass of women into it. I’ve spent the Spring with Kelly in Nehemiah and loved every second of it. I couldn’t wait for it to come out so I made her send me her unedited version so my copy is in a big old white notebook. You’ll get to have the really gorgeous workbook instead. I can hardly wait for us to start it together. You and I have talked before about how summer is a great time to take off from school but it is NOT a great time to take off from the Scriptures. Three months out of an in-depth experience with God through His Word is plenty of time to find ourselves in a pit. No thanks. Let’s commit and hold one another accountable. The most steadfast victories are planned for in advance. I believe that with all my heart so consider this post our plan for summer V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.
Let me fill you in on some details. If you’ve been in summer Bible study with us before, our approach will be very similar.
Who: As in past years, our biggest hope is that you will assemble a group of in-real-life friends, co-workers, family members, acquaintances, church family, Siestas in your town, neighbors, or whatever mix of ladies God puts on your heart. (If per chance you went through this study this Spring, think of leading a group through it this round! I’ve already been through it too but having a Siesta experience is a whole new thing.) If somehow you just don’t have access to a face-to-face group, with Skyping and Face Time and email, you could also experience a fair amount of community in different locations so that’s allowed, too. We’re not looking to be legalistic here. We just want FULL benefits. Yes, you can go solo but, man oh man, try as hard as you can to get at least one partner or you’re liable to have a difficulty seeing it through. Do your best to connect with a couple of girls on line. The accountability and community aspects of this summer experience are vital. Scripture tells us to stir one another up in the faith and to call one another to love and good works and to bear one another’s burdens and pray for one another and remind one another of God’s faithfulness. 1 Corinthians 12:21 says “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.'” The Word says WE NEED EACH OTHER.
What: Spend the summer together in the Word! Our workbook (also called a “member book”) is a six-week Bible study on Nehemiah, framed beautifully by a set of seven DVD sessions taught by Kelly Minter. By all means, if you’re able, purchase the DVD’s and take your group through her weekly teachings! But just so you know: all that will be required to participate with us here in Siesta Summer Bible Study is the workbook. We will “meet” every other week to discuss two weeks of our homework. (See further details below.)
When: We are partial to Tuesday since that’s our normal night for Bible study at LPM. So we will launch our SSBS4 on Tuesday, June 26, and “meet” every other Tuesday until August 7th. Yes, you can meet another day of the week if necessary but you’ll see when the time comes that it’s the most fun when we all do it on the same day.
I’ll give you the basic schedule now so you’ll know what to expect but we’ll have much more to say about it closer to the time of our launch. If we don’t answer your questions now, save them and see if they get answered within the next several weeks.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012 (1st Mini-Session/LAUNCH/Group instructions)
(In the two weeks that follow our first Mini-Session, you will DO WEEKS ONE AND TWO OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN. If you’re participating in Kelly’s weekly DVD teachings, you’ll need to meet each week with your group rather than every other. We’ll let you guys work those details out on your own)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 (2nd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(In the two weeks that follow, DO WEEKS THREE AND FOUR OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012 (3rd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(In the two weeks that follow, DO WEEKS FIVE AND SIX OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 (4th Mini-Session/Conclusion)
Where: Wherever you are most comfortable. Kelly’s workbooks are part of the Living Room Series. Her core group meets in her living room and they often share a meal together. (Stud that she is, Kelly puts fabulous recipes in her workbooks. I am fairly confident in saying that you won’t be finding any recipes in my studies, fabulous or otherwise.) So, cook it up, if you can! But, you do what works for your group. You might meet in a different house each week so no one has to keep her house clean all summer. Grin. We’ve had some siesta groups meet in restaurants and coffee shops. Find your groove and stick to it!
Why: A summer lived in Bible study is a summer lived in victory! And, anyway, it’s what we do around here at Living Proof. This ministry exists to invite women – and girls these days, thank You, God, for Lindsee! – into a vivid and lively relationship with Jesus Christ through the study of His Word. (Lindsee is taking a VERY FULL group of local teenage girls through So Long Insecurity this summer so she won’t be leading the younger women through Nehemiah. But many of your girls might enjoy our regular Siesta experience. It just all depends on their maturity level in the Scriptures. We’ll leave that to you!)
How:
1. Get your workbooks! Our good friends at LifeWay have promised to have plenty of them for us, but you won’t want to wait until the last minute. You can find them online on LifeWay’s web site.
2. Assemble your small group. Again, you are more than welcome to participate solo or with an online discussion group, but for the sake of richest fellowship and best accountability, try as hard as you can to enlist three or four other women to meet with you every other Tuesday. Let the ladies know that the gatherings will be low on stress and high on much needed fellowship and rich discussion. Keep the emphasis on a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere where you can develop some wonderful relationships in Christ.
3. Sign up on the blog on our official Launch Day– Tuesday, June 26. We’ll ask you a few fun questions about your group.
4. I will facilitate the study by posting 15-minute videos on the mornings of our meeting days. We don’t do it livestream so that you can meet any time that is convenient for you. I will give you instructions on these blog videos for your discussion times and maybe some activities. All will be based on the previous two weeks of study. The videos will be like the ones you’re used to seeing on this blog – very casual and homemade! The idea is to incorporate the videos into the beginning of your meeting times if possible. In case the video aspect of the study doesn’t work for you, you will also find the discussion questions typed out on the blog.
5. After your gathering, you’ll check back in by telling us something about your meeting via a comment on that same post. Don’t worry if your group can’t meet on Tuesdays. You’ll still be able to find the post and comment throughout the week.
What if:
-I want to use the discussion questions in the back of the workbook instead of the ones on Beth’s videos. Go for it!
-I really, really want to do the study but it’s not in the budget. Email us.
–I’ve already committed to doing another Bible study this summer? That’s great! Stick with it.
-I don’t want to participate but still want to be a part of the blog. We totally understand and want to see you around Siestaville this summer. Know that the Bible Study will only take up one post every other week.
We can’t wait to study the Word with you this summer! Lord Jesus, take us on a wild ride! You are the greatest adventure in all of life.
We love you, Siestas!
Oh my! I have felt the calling at times to do Nehemiah. I am going to see if I can get some girls at work to do it with me this summer.
Very excited…
Yay! I’ve never done a Bible study here on the blog before. This will be a lot of fun!
I’m not sure that I’ll be able to get anyone in “real life” who will want to do this with me, but I am quite happy to discuss and grow with any/all of you via email and Facebook!
I started reading Nehemiah a week ago & was looking up Bible Studies to do it this summer along with So Long Insecurity. I am ready for a rich time of learning with the Lord! This is great!
Yay! Getting a group of girls together here in Northern California. Can’t wait!
Thanks Beth & Kelly 🙂
I just finished the study a couple of few weeks ago…..it is AMAZING! You ladies are in for a treat!
So fun to see this post today! We will begin the Nehemiah study on June 7th at Redeemer Church in Lubbock Texas. I hosted and led Ruth and NOG in my home, but we will try out our facility this summer. We will be cooking Kelly’s recipes and getting to know each other while we eat prior to the discussions and videos. If anyone wants to join us – we would LOVE to have you!! I am really excited to be a part of this study, and will check in on the study as you post!
I was hoping we’d do this one on here!
Shattered Dreams Danced Into His Desire
(Heidi Tobin, 2012; Living Proof Testimony)
…for what is loss, I now count as gain…
Like that of the drummer boy, what shall I play for you? I played my best for Him…
Much of my life I have danced to my own rythymn, beginning with each rushed step out of significant childhood trauma into a beat of success, from third grade of winning the Young Authors award to honor roll, to national scholar in undergraduate school, and finally leaping through graduate studies in counseling to serving in the community with the dream I held since childhood. As I stepped into the next round of the dance it all seemed I had it all goin’ on until the beat came to a skip leading my knees to the floor…a lay off, then another lay off, then a virus that wiped my writings from my laptop, the off beat sent my body into a lifeless stance in the absence of all music. Until I searched the Word and kept each promise tucked into my heart believing who God is and what God wants I layed on the stage and cried out my song of many unmet dreams and waited in the longest measure before I rised up in the ashes of brokenness and thanksgiving of learning more of the Dance Partner who had in that moment became my Dance Leader. He continues to lead me in dancing into His desires, leaving behind what once was unmet dreams. For what is loss is now gain…a life beyond survival to a life of seeking Him.
What if I am moving to NJ and want to meet with a group of ladies and I do not know any body!!! zip will be 07820
My life continues to fall apart at a level that I just can’t grasp, I’m an OLD GIRL- welcome welcome welcome as I have come to understand is essential when all seems beyond comprehension and all seems lost- must be for my healing and “removing the baggage” possibly covering generations- if I survive……????
Oops I’m off the topic, YES sign me up as a single – thank you for this opportunity- My heart is broken and Nehemiah sounds like a study you designed just for ME…..Lots of love and appreciation
Dearest Kathy,
This is Heidi, the one who is 2 or 3 comments above yours. I was just browsing through Beth’s blog and read your comment. I just want to say so much to lift your broken heart but this is not my blog and I want to respect Miss Beth. However, I am replying because your comment brought my heart to tears for you, for I too am going through a sudden turn of events just this very second. I want to let you know that as I cry out to my Dance Leader, Jesus the One and Only, that I am lifting you up in prayer. I pray that the study of Nehemiah will be a blessing. With much prayer and love, in Jesus name, Heidi
Yay!! I was SO hoping you would pick Nehemiah for SSBS! Now to go round up a few girlfriends…
WHOOOHOOOOO!!! So excited!
Oh, this has just made my day. I was hoping (with fingers crossed) that our Siesta Family would do another Summer Bible Study this year. I am looking forward to jumping in, feet first, into Nehemiah and learning, growing, and maturing in the Word of God.
This is going to be an incredible summer.
With Lots of Excitement and Overflowing with Joy,
Kim
Knoxville, Tenn.
Thank you Beth for encouraging us ladies to get more into God’s Word. I did 2 of your studies this year. There is not another study at our church until this summer, and I longed to learn more about the scriptures, so I picked up your book To Live is Christ. It has been just what I need right now. I’m thankful for the work God has done and is doing in you!
Love,
The Tea Lady 🙂
I would love to participate in this study.
Going to try and get a group together o do the videos too. I think we will start the week before so weare ready foe Beth’s post on the 26th! Thanks for all you do!
Beth, I am soooo looking forward to studying Nehemiah with you this summer. I will be doing this study with my online Bible study friends at the Women’s Bible Study Cafe. We discuss our lessons in a small group on Facebook, so this is perfect to be able to do this study with you as well at the same time. I will also be doing your study on James this summer with my group at church on Wed evenings which starts July 11…so many exciting things going on this summer!! 🙂
I’ve been waiting for SSBS!!!
Been waiting for this…our group finished James about a month ago and have been looking for something to do!! Now I can share this with them!! Perfect timing!! Not looking to accidentally fall into a pit so I plan on being intentional about my in depth studies!!! Thanks, Beth!!
I’m in 🙂
Can’t wait.
I love, love, love this blog community 🙂
Hugs to all,
Kate 🙂
I saw the Nehemiah launch on a LifeWay webcast and it does look like an awesome study, I already have the book, so I am ready to dive in!
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
So excited! This is my first Siesta Bible Study!
Ummm…. I’ll probably be dragging my husband along 🙂
Hooray! I am excited! I really enjoyed doing Ruth two summers ago. Now, I need to figure out if I will be doing it solo or if a couple friends can join me.
Sooooo ready for this! Need to rebuild some walls around our family after much transition and neglect of everyday joys recently.
Hello Beth,
Looking forward to the Summer study…
Seistaville, it has been a long while since I have been here and I come back with a prayer need.
January 25th I had back surgery and ended up with CRPS2 (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrom) in my left thigh…very painful at first, now manageable…the nerve damage is significant. Healing yes, but mostly that I would know how to serve the Lord in the midst of it.
Thank you Seista sisters,
Deborah
Can’t wait to dig into Nehemiah. My hubby and I will be doing the study together 🙂
Ive been an avid reader, not ” poster” of the LPM blog for a long while now but I think Im just going to jump in and join the fun this summer! Splash! God has been calling to Nehemiah for (ashamed to say) over two years and I’ve just kinda “glanced” through it. Guess its time.
I’m so excited to start this study. Nehemiah is one of my favorite books of the Bible and I love Kelly’s teaching.
Just finished Beth’s Bible Study on James which was AWESOME with a great group of ladies! I am excited to learn about this bible study time, so count Gray Georgia in!
I am IN!! I have an incredible group of women and we are doing this study in the fall. I am excited to be able to do it this summer and glean some of Beth’s knowledge and insight before I roll it out to them!!
Hey Siestas,
We’ve already planned to begin a different study beginning first Tuesday in June but we may jump in a couple of weeks late on the Nehemiah study when we finish that one. Thanks for the invite.
I would love to host the Bible Study in my home, I live in Fairfax County, VA if anyone in the area is interested – day or night. [email protected]
I’ve been waiting for this announcement! Can’t wait to begin!
Yay!! I was praying about what me and my Bible study friends would do this summer! This is what we are doing!
thank you 🙂
Cari Andreani
This is my first time to respond on the blog, but I love Beth, so it’s time. My group will finish a study the first week in June–I hope to enlist them for this one. If that doesn’t work, I can probably find at least two people who love to study God’s word even in the summer time to join me. We finished the James study in April and were greatly impacted by its message.
Word and Poodle Lover
Just one request, since my name is listed in the comment, please omit “Word and Poodle Lover” at the end. Thanks!
I am in the last chapters of this course with my connection group but am so excited to take it again this summer through your offering. The timing of this teaching is so valuable right now with what the Lord has been speaking and doing in my own heart! Thank you Kelly for writing it and Thank you Beth for spending time with us as the Lord continues repairing walls of all sorts!
I’m so excited about this study June 26th cannot get here fast enough!
I just successfully added my photo through gravatar, and now I am trying to add my website link. I hope it works!
I so wish I could afford this? Is it possible to study along with just the website?
It looks like they might scholarship some books, it said to email them if you were wanting to join but couldn’t fit it in your budget. Email them and see!!
Sorry, but where does it say to email? I am missing a lot these days!
This sounds wonderful! Is the only cost the price of the member book? How does this work? I have done many Beth oore studies on my own before. A group like this will be fun!
Becky, yes! The only cost is the price of the membership book.
Thank you Lindsee!
It is such a privelage to have His Word available to us; but to have a community (physical or virtual) to share His Word with an awesome blessing. So excited to do this study!
Just what our souls were thirsting for! We are a group of friends from all over and will be doing this together in Siestaville and via Skype, email, Facebook….what ever it takes to be in the Word together! South Dakota, Canada, Texas and Paris will be represented in our group! Although we will miss sharing a meal together we will savor the Manna we will receive miles apart but together! We are so thrilled to be on this adventure!
I’m in…woo-hoo!
Got the girls, making the time, hungry for the Word! Yeah,looking forward to it. I haven’t done a summer study with Beth, so this will be fun.
Love you, Beth
Just ordered it! Can’t wait! I was actually about to order your James study before I saw this. We just moved to a teensy weeny town in Pennsylvania from Little Rock, Arkansas, so I’m glad for the online community. Looking forward to a siesta study! xoxo
The Bible study I attend will be doing Nehemiah in the fall. We are doing Beth’s “Wising Up Whereever Life Happens” beginning next week. Maybe I will have to take a siesta with you all!
I’m really excited! I love Nehemiah!
I have gone months without a Bible study, and my life has had moments of tremendous disarray. I am excited to make room for another, most timely, study such as that of Nehemiah. Please keep me and my family in prayer that I would stay committed to the study in hopes to be grounded in my faith and belief that Christ Jesus is Lord of all. Even through every life challenge and difficulty, He is Lord!
I can’t wait to get started. Just one more thing to look forward to in June — the others being my birthday and going to see Beth in Colorado Springs!
Are there any Siestas in the Denver area who would like to get together in person for this study or who would let me join their group?
If there are any Denver Siestas wanting to get together, my email is [email protected].
What an amazing opportunity. Thank you so much. Looking forward to it. I’m in Traverse City, Mi. if anybody is interested.
So excited to gather friends for the Bible Study. My first time organizing. Got my copy today.