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!
Perfect! I just began the study and was hoping you would do it. I’ll enjoy your videos, too, as always! Thanks so much.
YAY!! I have been anxiously awaiting the announcement for what we would study this summer! I have enjoyed the other studies by Kelly and look forward to this one too.
I’m looking forward to being part of this study, this summer!
I don’t have anyone I can study with in person, but I hope I can find someone online to buddy up with (maybe you could organise a post so people can buddy up? maybe by age group or something?)
Did you find someone to buddy up? If not, i would be willing. let me know
Hello..my sisters in Christ..ditto with the solo bit..is it not wonderful..were not really solo..but one in Christ for we share a beautiful tresure..Count me in the fold ladies.Debb
Hi Debb, would be lovely if we could manage to set up a bit of a group.
My email is below in my reply to Hope.
Sam
Maybe they will post something – kind of like how Leading and Loving it does with their online Virtual Community Groups! I’d love it – or if you find one on here – please let me know! I can do Skype or Google Hangouts!
I’m leelpatterson[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Hi Hope,
I didn’t find anyone. I was thinking that they might do a linky for us to buddy up. But I’d love to join up with you! (my email is samanthab237[at]gmail.com)
Hi,
I’ve created a Google Group to help those who want to do an online version connect, plan an online meeting date, and share our information privately.
If you’re interested you can email me your email address and I will send you an invite.
Thanks!
I’m leelpatterson[AT]gmail[DOT]com
Oh life has been so crazy I forgot all about the summer bible study!! I am so glad you didn’t….lol
Really looking forward to it.
michelle in VT
I’m planning to participate…probably solo. Bo’t my book when it first came out. Looking forward to it.
I’ve been waiting! sign me and my daughter, Amanda up for the summer study. Carla lee corryton,tn
I’m in! Is anyone in the Killeen, Texas area interested in partnering or doing a group?
Please pray for us in Fremont, NEB., and spread the word!
We’re having a a citywide women’s Bible study, featuring Beth Moore’s “Stepping Up: Psalms of the Ascent.” It starts June 14 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1440 E. Military Ave., in Fremont!!!
That is the study our leaders have decided we will be doing this fall. LOL! I am really excited about it. Thinking I will do some review on my James study since I have the videos. Once never seems like enough to remember.
Count me in! I’m homesick after finishing James-Mercy Triumphs a couple of weeks ago & so need to get back into deep Bible study! Thank you ladies so much! 🙂
If I can scrape the funds up after the Boise LPL costs & my munchkins’ med refills then I might be able to join in too. Tentatively looking forward to being a part of the Nehemiah study!
Diane
Beth–How’s your sister? I’ve been praying for her.
With love,
Elizabeth
Beth I have one of your bible study books with my cookbooks…Esther! I love the Haman’s Ears cookies! See, you have a recipe in a study!
I am excited to join your summer study. Going to start a group in our church in Pinedale, WY.
I’m in as a single for now. My girls in Texas were awesome, but I have yet to find a group here
in NC. We’ll see…thanks for not taking the summer off.
Andrea,
We are here with you and looking forward to studying Nehemiah with you! Thank you for introducing us to this study!
This is so awesome!!! I’m so happy I stumbled across this blog a couple of months ago! I am officially on the hunt to assemble a group of girls to join me! I just love you guys! 🙂
Ever since hearing about this study, there has been a stirring and interest in my soul. I went into the Christian bookstore tonight to look at the workbook. As I flipped it over and read the back cover, my jaw might have hit the floor. The timing of this is such a God-thing.
Back story:
I participated in the James study in Jan – March. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Along with some other things going on in my life, God used that study to re-awake a part of me that felt pushed to the back burner. In April-present (this Sunday will be our last week), my husband (Director of Children’s Ministry at our church) and I have been co-leading a family class called Red Card (http://www.redcardkids.com/) with 9 families (including ours). God has far surpassed what we expected or imagined He would do in the hearts of kids and parents through this class. Amazing.
Now tonight as I read the back of the Nehemiah workbook, there is more understanding as to why God was creating the desire in me to do this study this summer. In awe of Him.
I’ve talked with my husband and also my best friend tonight and am planning to show the Nehemiah promo video at our final Red Card class on Sunday evening and ask the women who have journeyed through Red Card with us to consider joining me for the Nehemiah study this summer. Please pray that their hearts would be moved to do so as we strive to move forward with hearts that desire to align with the Father’s in His love for others. Glory to His Name!
Beth – thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
Yay!!! When I saw this new study at Lifeway a few months ago, I bought it in hope that this is what you would choose for the summer Bible study. I’m looking forward to studying the Word this summer. I just finished James and am ready to jump back into another “formal” study of God’s Word.
Yea! Just ordered mine. We have two new foster babies (well 5 and 3)… I think it is time to rebuild!!!! It will just be me but I am so excited to be doing it with so many others!!!!!
Bless you! We’re planning to adopt out of foster care in the next few years, and your short post just blessed my heart! Love to God loving families out there fostering kids!
So excited!! I want me some summer victory in Jesus!! Thanks for serving us like you do. Got my book ordered today.
I’m so interested in doing this. Our Women of the Word study ended two weeks ago with James and I’m still hungry to be studying the Bible! I need to rally up some friends and see if this is possible somehow but it’s what I need so thank you for the invite! Love you, Beth, and your ministry! Pray for you often.
HELP!!! Is there a way, Beth, you or your staff could intercede with Lifeway to sell PDFs or downloadable or streaming versions of the DVDs? E-versions would save us time and high shipping costs to Abu Dhabi. Lifeway does not have an international distributor near the UAE.
Our vicar wants me to get a group of women together to do this, but I’m concerned that by the time I get commitments, we won’t get the books in time for the study.
This place empties out in the summertime. I know our summer Bible Study will be welcome refreshshment to those women left to languish or toil in the 120-degree weather and the long days of Ramadan.
Thanks!!!
Hi Emily, you can get all the video downloads here: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/nehemiah-a-heart-that-can-break-video-sessions-M00000225
Thanks, Lindsee! The books are the big problem now. They take 3-4 weeks with a prayer. If we can’t get them electronically, I’ll just order a bunch and PRAY! 🙂
Our group is excited and this will fit our summer bible study time. Will the video be available at times other than Tuesday? We may have to try to download video to show at our church (wi-fi issues) so we can show to the group.
The video we put up on the blog will stay there, we won’t take it down. However, if you’re planning on doing Kelly’s teaching videos, you have to purchase those yourself.
Thanks. We plan on watching both. This is so very exciting. God is sooooooooooooooo good! 🙂
I am in Easley, SC if anybody around here wants to get together to do this. I am def signing up! So excited!
Ok, I have done many of Beth’s studies before, but no one else’s and never online. I have bought and downloaded the video sessions for previous studies from Lifeway. I have been wanting to do someone else’s study so this is perfect. Do I need to buy and download Kelly’s video sessions for this, or will they be included here? No big deal either way. I just don’t want to miss a thing 🙂
Becky, I was considering downloading the video sessions due to budget constraints. In doing this, is there a catch with the video downloads (i.e. one-time viewing only, etc.)? My sister and I may participate in this study together from across the miles. We may need to setup a webinar to view the video download together.
Thanks!
Beth,
Would like to facilitate with our small group but just back to work at saint Joseph hospital in Lexington, ky after 12 weeks off for thumb reconstruction. You gotta love osteo! Finances are tight so I’ll need some prayers please to swing the dvd guide. Our small group is just finishing Daniel, (i’ve) led all your studies now some thrice! So we’ll join you this time! So that makes me a real siesta! So excited. Thank you for encouraging me to continue to reach further. Hope all is well on the home front. Prayers continued…we will not fail of faith and sit on our feathers fretting! All my love friend of the heart. Mimi
Just wanted to let Beth know since her last visit here to Boise Idaho, I was looking for something from the Lord to let me know about what I needed to do about serious health conditions including morbid obesity and went to her conference –she spoke directly to me and said “do NOT be afraid–God has a good plan for you” and not to let Satan and fear steal that from me. Praise God it was what I needed to hear-and down 125lbs and living life the way God intended me to live–Beth thank you for being the woman of God that you are and allowing yourself to be used to be a mouthpiece for Jesus Love you!!!
Thank you so much for doing these each summer! My neighborhood does a Bible Study and we love the summer ones that you all do! It is so neat to know that we joining hundreds (thousands?) of other women during their summer studies. Very fun!
Awesome. We are finishing Jame this Saturday Great timing. Thank you.
Turns out Lifeway has downloadable videos, but only hard copies of the workbooks. We will happily pay for soft copies.
I’m announcing it tomorrow in church (Friday is our Sunday), so if hard copies are the only way, we’ll just trust the Lord to get them here on time. 🙂
Sorry! The system didn’t include my original post. Is there a way, dear LPM siestas, that you can intercede with Lifeway to make available electronic copies of the workbook? I’m in Abu Dhabi and concerned we won’t get the books in time.
Abu Dhabi empties out for the summer and hard to get commitments until it’s clearer who is really staying.
Thanks and many blessings! We’re excited about doing the series.
The Journey Continues ~
With Spring time blessings to all!!!
I am excited to do another year of summer Bible study.
Kelly & Jennifer studies have been such a treat for me.
Looking forward to doing another Kelly Minter study.
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina 🙂
By the way,
I was just told that I am getting the bookas a gift for my “52” birthday!!
Already receiving the blessing of the study!!!
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
I am very excited about this study. I have had my book for several weeks now…and it, too, is in a 3-ring binder. I took it apart very carefully! I just seem to study better from a binder. All my Beth Moore studies are in binders as well. Looking forward to the summertime in the Word!
Coolest thing! Me and some Siestas from my town here (Greenville, SC)that I met on the Scripture Memory trip in January are planning to do this study together. We have formed such an awesome friendship and are so looking forward to some Bible study together 🙂
God is so cool……I put together a bible study for my Sunday School kids on Ezra and Nehemiah back in February. I literally thought (LITERALLY) I was the only one in the world who studied those two books in the bible. I’ve never did one of you summer studies, but you put a hook out there that I’m positive God is going to reel me in on…..CAN NOT WAIT!!!! But I’m still pressing on with my scripture memory. NANA BOOBOO!!!!
I’m hosting a group on Tuesdays, the time is dependent on several factors, one of which is when Beth’s video will be available for viewing. Any idea of a ballpark time it will be uploaded? Thanks!
I’m not sure yet, but when we have more details we’ll let y’all know.
I’m Excited!! This will be my first to do with you (on here…plenty through church) so sign me up! Thank you for being so encouraging!
I enjoyed Kelly’s Ruth study, so I look forward to doing the Nehemiah study! And I want to thank you so much for the month advance notice so I can put buying the guide in the budget!!! 🙂
I heard Kelly Minter speak at Abundance in Houston in March. Some of the things she talked about concerning Nehemiah were confirmation of where God was leading me. I’ve been wanting to do the entire study ever since. Will be joining with my daughter and the ladies she has invited.
I am thrilled with the idea of the summer Bible study. I will be going solo due to my busy summer schedule. I’m enrolled in 9 hrs of grad classes, so I will work at my own pace. Thanks Beth!! 🙂
Beth and ladies! Soooo excited that you will be diving into Kelly’s Nehemiah study this summer! I just took our Thursday night group through it right after we finished your James study! Wow, talk about back to back reinforcements! 🙂 We finished Nehemiah last night as a group but I know that for all of us in the group we are certainly not finished working on “the wall” and looking to come “full circle” with some things soon! What a fantastic study by Kelly Minter!! If any of you have not done a study by Kelly you are definitely missing out! The Holy Spirit is completely all over her writing! I encourage you to jump in this summer with both feet!!
Yip! Yip! I’m game!
So EXCITED about this study! I love the books of Ezra and Nehemiah!!
So excited to come across this today! I guess I buy the book online? Thank you!
I emailed ya’ll like you said 🙂 Hoping to get to participate this summer!
COUNT ME IN!!!
I’m not only joining you for this study, but I’m also doing James: Mercy Triumphs with a group at church, starting in June. It’s gonna be a busy, busy summer in the Word of God! I can’t wait!
I’ll be joined by two of my daughters, one of whom is my precious prodigal Katie, recently returned to us by God’s immeasurable grace. I don’t know whether to weep with gratitude or shout for joy — I’ve done both. Talk about mercy triumphing over justice — we are living that out in the flesh. God is so faithful, so abundant in His love for us!
I am so excited -this is the confirmation I needed. I had already committed to open my home for 2 hours every week for anyone who will come (I have purchased the Leader kit and 6 books) for Beth’s “Mercy Triumphs” study. But I’m really nervous about it and still wondering if that was God’s calling for my summer. Reading this post cemented it. Praise the Lord!
I have done some of Kelly’s other studies and am looking forward to this. Nehemiah is one of my favorite books! My mom is extremely ill so I am glad we have the flexibility that you have given us. I would covet your prayers and the prayers of all of Siestaville on behalf of my family, especially my mom. Her name is Sarah. Thank you so much. So ready for the study!
Warmest Greetings to you Beth,
Nehemiah sounds great to me. A group of us here in k-town are wanting to do the study together. We just have to finalize our plans now:) Victory in Jesus this summer sounds so good to me…I was thinking about that verse that talks about encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the day approaching. This is great for that. Blessings to you today.
So looking forward to this. Our women’s bible study group took the summer off. I was looking for something to find the summer with, I learn so much more with a group than by myself. God always provides what we need.
I will have to do it solo. I haven’t found a group yet as I relocated to Beijing, China. Anyone who wants to do it through email or other electronic forms let me know.