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!
Really want to do this study with a group of ladies. I live in Rowlett, Texas and would be willing to host. If anyone is interested please e-mail me: [email protected].
Hi Sherry,
I just sent you an email regarding the Bible Study. I am interested in doing the women’s study group.
I am so excited about this opportunity. I was about to begin this book next week anyways. I am so excited for the opportunity to participate in the study with this forum. Thank You for organizing it!
I can no longer find the books available online. My church is doing this as a Bible study, but now I cannot purchase to participate 🙁 Any idea when the major outlets will have more available?????
Amazon or ebay as a source. I got my copy on Amazon
I would love to do this study with a few women. I live in Hayden Idaho and if there are any women interested please email me at [email protected]
I just wanted to introduce myself as another “Grammy”! I’ve been Grammy for 6 years to Will, 2 years to Elynn, and most recently Grammy to Nik for the last 5 months! I love being Grammy. Will is coming from the Covington, KY area to visit me in southern TN for month of July. My husband “Pappy” and I can hardly wait!
I’ve had my book for a few days and can hardly wait to start this study. These online studies and support from online friends via Womens Bible Cafe are a huge blessing to me! I’m in my seat, seat belt on, motor running, ready to put it in drive on June 26th!
Forever in His Grip –
Tamera
Hi Tamera:
I wanted to thank you for this post as it invited me to the only Bible Group. This summer I am moving from State and, of course church, yet I still wanted to do this bible study. I am glad to join your group. Hope to see you there!
I hardly leave remarks, however after looking at a few of the remarks on 2012 Siesta Summer Bible Study Announcement!
I am part of a Tuesday morning Bible study class at my church. During the winter (Jan, Feb, and March) we did Beth’s James!! It was awesome. So a group of us wanted to do something through the spring and decided on Nehemiah. It was wonderful! I had decided to review these two studies again over the summer and am so happy that we will be doing Nehemiah here. I think everyone will love this study. Kelly really makes this little book of the Bible applicable to our lives.Looking forward to this study as a great review.
Beth,
I’m so excited about this study and have a group of ladies all set to begin on the 26th! One question for you, do you know about what time you will be posting the mini-sessions? Our group meets at 9:45 a.m. and I wanted to make sure you will already have posted your mini-session by then. If not, I will need to let the ladies know that we will need to meet at a later time.
Thanks SO much for all you do for us ‘Siestas’! You are such a tremendous blessing to my life and millions of others!!!
Fran
I’m getting a small group together and starting an online small group if anyone is looking for a group to join please feel free to email me [email protected] God Bless ladies!!!
Are some of you getting together via online small groups to talk about the studies? I would be interested, if this is happening.
If there is anyone who does not have an online group to study with, I am part of one and we would love to have you join us! Please contact me at [email protected].
Hello,
This is my first time doing an online study. I would love to part of your small group online. Let me know what I need to do. Thanks.
Lorna
I’m new to the blog and looking forward to
learning more about the summer study
Excited! This will be my first Siesta Summer Bible Study. I will be going through the study with the Women’s Bible Cafe. The ladies in my Bible study group at church and I finished Beth’s Revelation study last month and we are looking forward to seeing her live in Austin next month…it will be my first time seeing her live. Did Kelly’s study on Ruth 2 years ago and loved it; I have No Other Gods too and will read it soon.
Would like to join a group in Woodstock ga this summer. Otherwise sign me up for solo
I am so excited to join this study! This will be my first one as a Siesta and as I will be doing it solo. It will be great to see and hear other people’s feedback and learn about their experience during the study. I pray God will touch the lives of each and every participant. I am a mother of a special needs child and my schedule is crazy, so being able to “meet” anytime during the day on each appointed Tuesday will work great for me. I just finished the James study a few weeks ago and have been hungry for homework! I get so much more out of it if I am actually processing the information that way. I will forever feel like I know James-personally-because of that study. It was awesome!!! Love this blog and love you Beth! God is using you to change the lives of so many-I am “Living Proof” of that!!!
Heather Jackson
Just for fun I went to the Blog Archives to watch 2010 Siesta Summer Bible Study Videos. It wouldn’t come up and the error message said I needed Adobe which I don’t have or H.264. I have no idea what that is, but I guess I don’t have that either. Does this mean I won’t be able to watch the Siesta Summer Bible Study Videos this year? Thanks for your help
Anyone in NW Ohio (Bryan)or NE Indiana (Ft.Wayne) participating? Would love to join a group nearby but if not would love to do on-line with a few Siesta ladies … anyone still have room?
Once I buy my book, what do I do? Where is the blog, video, chat room, etc?
Thanks!
Hi Cathy! Be looking for a blog on June 26th. There, all of your questions will be answered! Blessings!
I’m doing the Nehemiah study through Women’s Bible Cafe and can hardly wait to start! Thank you so much for the opportunity!
I just ordered my book this morning. I’m really looking forward to this study.
Just started Nehemiah with about 70 women at our church, The Chapel, Sandusky, Ohio, last Thursday night! Looks great. Will try to tap into your blog if possible…best link??
Excited to be a part. I’ve read other books by both of these ladies and yeah…this is a much needed time of refocus and intimacy with the Lord.
Just got my book in the mail yesterday. Can’t wait to start, Im trying not to peak! Im doing the Bible study on my own too. Im sad that no one around here wanted to do it with me but blessed to know all of you will be joing me just in a different way.
Hi siestas! I live in Wilmington, DE and will be leading a group of women in this study. Email me at [email protected] if you are interested in joining us!
I want to sign up for the bible study. I will be all by myself but that’s ok. I will go get the workbook but didn’t know if that is all I have to do.
Can’t wait!
I am hosting a Yahoo Group for the 2012 Siesta Summer Bible Study.
Here is the link if you’d like to join.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/siestasummergroup/
We are a small group right now only four members. I am from Florida but we have members from various states.
M. Waters
I’m part of Melissa’s group and have been so excited about this study of Nehemiah that I started a bit early. I LOVE this study! Ladies, you will love the way Kelly writes, as if there was a one on one conversation between her and yourself. The Lord is really using her to speak to me. i can’t wait until tomorrow 6/26 to “officially” start with the group. I have never done an online study before, but I am so happy to have found this website, and will be continuing with whatever studies are offered even after the Nehemiah study is finished.
I am so excited!! My study went from 3 to 10 in the last 24 hours!! Praying for our hearts to prepare to hear!! What a blessing this will be!!
Hello, New to these and excited to learn and share with everyone. Hopefully the technology won’t be a hindrance for me. Blessings to you Beth as your work as transformed many woman’s lives including mine.
Hay Siestas, Praying for the Lord to open the windows of heaven and pour out his blessings on us all as we pray for wisdom & discernment for every step on our walk home! love, hugs & prayers xoxo cb
I just got my book on Friday and I am looking forward to this study. I live in worcester, Ma….
Just got my Nehemiah Member book! So, so excited!! Can’t wait until Tuesday to get started. What time will the blog post be? Will we be able to go on and register anytime that day?
Thanks!
Hi!
I would love to do this study but I’m currently living in Seoul, South Korea. Does anyone know how I could find a small group online that would be willing to work with my time difference? THANKS!! 🙂
I am so excited about this bible study, it is my first one. I have invited everyone women I know to come along for this great adventure…. ready either way. I know God has great things in store for all of us.
Our ladies’ group is starting tomorrow night! So excited in Conway, South Carolina!
i had to have another lady order my book for me,( debit card needs replaced.) can i still be registered. thanks
Am so glad to join a summer bible study… I don’t have a group to join… So if someone would like to partner with me that would be great… L ove studing Gods word… Looking forward to this study
Tuesday is almost here! I can barely wait!! 🙂
Six of is in the Minneqpolis MN area are so excited! This is our 3rd Siesta study…and we are already through Kelly’s intro ;). We shout love and blessings to you all and pray the Lord will prepare hearts to see, hear and learn what He has prepared for each of us.
Soooo excited to start this study of Nehemiah! My three daughters and friends will be participating as well.
I’m so excited to do this study!
I’d love to join a face-to-face group to enjoy this study with! I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex of Texas. If you’re in the area, please feel free to email me at [email protected]! 🙂
I am very excited about this bible study as is my first! I have read many of Beth’s books and been to Spokane that changed my life! I am a travel nurse and am never in one place long enough to finish a bible study….work nights so is very difficult for me to make it to sunday school! Thank you for this option…I am able to take it everywhere I go!!
Hi Beth and Sistas!
I am exited to study with you! I will be doing it through womensbiblecafe.com because I am moving to Charlotte, NC this month. If anyone is from Charlotte and want to adopt me in their small group it would be a blessing and a privilege. I am new to the area and I do not know many… I am just getting to know our new church, but God is leading me to study in the meantime!
My name is Raquel my generic email is [email protected]
God bless you ladies!
Hey!
Just wondering are we suppose to have the first two weeks done for tomorrow’s start. I was a little confused reading through the email!
Blessings
Crystal
Crystal,
No, we have our introduction first, and then you go through the first two weeks before the next meeting. 🙂
Is there anyone doing it in the Boston area?
My book came today, and this is my first on line study! So excited to becoming a siesta and doing the study!! I too am living proof of our awesome God!!!
Looking forward to the Summer study
Got our group of 4 ready in Rockledge Florida
My sister-in-law and I looking so forward to this study!
I would be interested in the Bible Study in the north Knoxville area (Halls, Powell, Fountain City, areas. If you are interested in doing this together, please e-mail me at [email protected] if interested.
Bobbie
I am really excited about this study. I did the study last summer on the book of Ruth and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been going through a dry spell in my life and I really need to get back into a good bible study. Thank you and Kelly Minter for your faithfulness and many hours of study and commitment to this study. Many blessings to you both and to all your family. I love you siesta sisters and thank God for you.