Just yesterday I realized the blog had been really quiet for an entire week. To be completely honest, it hadn’t occurred to me until one of you so sweetly commented and asked if everything was okay with our Siesta Mama. You’ll be so relieved to know that not only is she okay, she’s actually hosting “Camp Bibby” this week. Needless to say, she has her hands very full and is loving every minute! In fact, we just returned from eating lunch with her and the kiddos and no one could leave until we found the plastic, fake spider Jackson held so dearly all through lunch. Priorities, folks.
Since she is Bibby this week, and since I’m currently obsessing over the high school girls that we get the sheer joy of hosting every Tuesday, the blog, although always on my mind, suffered only due to lack of time, not lack of material or love!
What you may not know is that May 29th brought a whole new dimension to LPM. That was the first day some of the most precious high school girls waltzed into LPM. They were quiet, reserved and scared out of their mind, just as I would have been at that age. Stink, just as I am now to walk in any unfamiliar place! However, that didn’t last long before they were all chowing down on pizza and making new friends. The most ironic part about the quietness and anxiousness is that starting that evening, all of us were going to crack open So Long, Insecurity together. Is there a book more appropriate for a high school girl? I submit that there cannot. My hope and prayer is that they grasp these truths and principles at this young age so that ten or twenty years from now, they won’t have to dig up as many roots of insecurity as some of us did.
And lest you think I’ve learned all I can about insecurity saying as though I’ve already read this book once already, think again, the Lord has let it hit me in a fresh, new way that is striking all kinds of ugly chords. He knew I would need it again, and He knew the only way I’d read it again was to take a group of high school girls through it. I told the girls the first night that I was not only on this journey with them, but that I was certain I’d learn more than any of them. So far, my predictions are correct.
I’ve received a few emails wondering how we’re doing this study, so I wanted to post some fun facts so that if you’re interested, you too could lead a group of girls through SLI.
Since Tuesday evenings are always Bible study nights, that was automatically our go-to night. When we opened up registration, we had an overwhelming response, glory to God, so we decided to also open up an Tuesday afternoon study, all as an experiment. The LPM office isn’t tiny by any means, but it can only host so many people at one time before we get crazy, so fifty girls was our cut off number. When all was said and done, by the time May 29th rolled around, we had just a small group of girls that I lead in the afternoon, then at night we have our full group, along with five leaders.
For the first thirty minutes, we all just chat it up and eat. It’s what girls do best, right? When we’re all done eating, I typically make them find one girl they don’t know and I give them a fun question to discuss, something like their favorite movie. Then, for the next hour or so, they break up into five different small groups and unpack that particular weeks homework. The book now has a workbook to go along with it and I don’t have enough good things to say about it. It is such a helpful, wonderful guide with a lot of rich questions. So rich, in fact, that just last night we had to ring a bell to break up the small groups. You know what that means, it means they’re not running out of things to talk about in small group, praise the Lord!
For the last 20 to 30 minutes, we all gather back in the board room and I give them a little challenge or devotional. The last thing they want to do is listen to me talk for another hour, so I keep it pretty short and to the point. Then we all hug and say our goodbyes.
You cannot imagine the amount of food that has come in and out of this place. Girls can eat.
We’ve ordered 20 boxes of pizza.
Nuggets trays and salads galore from Chick-Fil-A.
Enough sandwiches from Potbelly to feed the staff, the girls, and the leaders for a good three days.
Over 100 potbelly cookies. I’ll refrain from telling you how many calories are in each cookie. You’re welcome.
Jimmy Johns sandwiches that were just right.
And cases upon cases of all manner of drinks, like water, coke, diet coke and dr. pepper.
I think it’s safe to say that LPM is always learning and growing, and this experience alone has been such a learning experience for me, if not for all of us. The entire LPM Village has played a part in some way, shape or form and to say I couldn’t do it without them or my leaders is a vast understatement. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I express my thankfulness enough. They are the bomb!
This I know to be so true, no one has to convince me to want to serve and love these girls. They have my heart. Boy, do they have my heart. Tuesdays are the most exciting and yet the most exhausting days of the week, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is a complete joy and honor to serve them in this way. Oh, I pray that they would be rooted in Christ and their security would be found in Him alone. And that it would begin with me.
The first Tuesday we were ready to receive those girls with open arms and books galore!
The sweet staff made me do this. It felt so awkward that I’m still laughing.
Beth was equally as giddy and excited. She got to pop in and say hey to the girls that day. So fun!
Our typical food set up.
These Potbelly cookies are sinful they’re so delicious. And we had over 100.
If you walked into LPM on a Tuesday, this is what you might find. Isn’t it a precious sight? Brings me such joy.
Thanks for giving us a glance into your Tuesday study time. What fun! I will have to order the workbook that accompanies SLI. Keep up the great work.
Dear Lindsee, Beth, LPM staff, and all you dear Siestas,
I wanted to tell you about a situation of my own with a high school girl. Here goes. . .
I am a special education teacher in a public school. Last fall I accepted a high school senior as a mentor student, to work half a day in my classroom (let’s call her B). At the same time I was meeting a new batch of students, probably the most needy that I have encountered yet in my teaching career, with fairly severe disabilities and medical needs. When B walked into my classroom on the second day of school, she jumped right in and refused to be intimidated. What I knew is that she was eager, she was willing to do whatever was asked of her, and she loved my children. Good enough for me.
As the year went on, B became an important part of our team (in special education you always operate as a team rather than as individuals–teachers, aides, therapists, etc.). We loved her and relied on her daily. At the same time, I think she enjoyed us also, as she expressed her fears about college and her thoughts about life in general. When I offered to go with her to meet with admissions, she was grateful. But in the end, she didn’t need me, she did it herself with her mom. She just needed us to listen. I began to think of B less as my mentor student and more as my co-teacher, my right hand, part little sister, and part friend.She told us we meant a lot to her, when really, I think it’s us who owe her. I watched her graduate last month, knowing she’s signed up for college and ready to go. I couldn’t have been prouder, knowing that this girl is going places. Since school ended, we’ve been able to stay in touch, and I pray for the grace that we can continue.
When I decided to host Beth’s study “Jesus, the One and Only” out of my house this summer, I posted an open invitation on Facebook and invited everybody who wanted to sign up. About a week after the study started, B told me she was interested. I explained about the workbooks and the fellowship/DVD sessions, and she said she’d give it a try. Said she has tried several churches and Bible studies, but not many have made her want to go back. But many of the ladies from our special ed team are in the study, so she’ll know a lot of people here. I am treading carefully and praying for wisdom–have decided to take her a workbook and a good easy-to-understand translation of the Bible with some study notes (I’m thinking the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation) with no obligation to keep up with the workbook. Maybe she’ll start out just attending the sessions. I want the Lord to lead her to Himself–not for her to do it to please me.
Dear ladies, will you please pray hard for my sweet girl? I love her to pieces.
Thanks,
Ali
Praying right now, Ali. Praying deeps seeds are planted. Blessings!
Beth, what a wonderful experience this will be for these girls. I so wished I had this book when I was a teenager. I am going to purchase and read it, it is never too late to continue learning how to seve the Lord!
May God bless you all,
Susan
I just went an purchased this book. How I missed it I will never know. I am planning to give it to my Daughter and her cousins as Christmas gifts, but I’m sure it will be a gift for myself first. I am in awe of the way God has used you to set so many of us free. I took our Singles Ministry through your forgiveness series and oh what a blessing it was for us all. May God continue to use you, Hallelujah!
Minister Pam
Oh Linds thank you for this post! As your friend, I am so excited for you and all the Lord has for you to do at LPM. We have prayed for all of this, have we not?! To Him be the glory, great things He will do! Can I get an amen? As a Mom, I have tears in my eyes and thankfulness in my heart for you and your presence in my daughters life. How can I say thank you for all you have been to us? I am forever grateful to you for your Godly example to my Megan and to all the girls your life has touched. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and thank you to LPM for the ways you are reaching girls with the love of Christ and for all the ways LPM has ministered to me. I am thanking God for you today sweet friend!
Fun times…blessed times 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Just Want To Let Beth And Her Family That I Do Enjoy The
So Long Insercuity Bible Study That I Have Had With Some
Of The Ladies Here In Anderson S.C. The Book Was Really
Good!
May We All Know How To Deal With Insercurity In Our Lives.
Sincerly In Christ,
Ann McAlister
I am passing this onto my friend who leads a girls study once a month! I know you are inspiring many to step out and teach young girls! You go girl!
Wow Praise God for all those sweet girls. I just got excited reading the post and to see the picture at the end just made my heart smile.
Oh by the way those cookies looke delicious.
Carol
Lindsee, that last picture just made me well up! Such a wonderful sight. These girls are making friendships they will have for life and eternity too! Praise God for you guys for doing this!
Laura, I’ve been praying that sweet friendships would come from this study. Would love to see that happen. Blessings!
Such a blessing to see so many young women encouraged to believe in themselves. I’m in the process of reading this book and am hoping and praying that my church starts this study so my teenager daughter and I can attend together.
Keep up the great work and God bless you for your dedication to teaching and encouraging others.
We were just discussing this week how to reach out to our youth girls in women’s ministry….
Wow, Lindsee! That is so amazing and wonderful! What a great next step for LPM. I’m so encouraged by your ministry. Thank you!
I LOVE THIS!!!! I think I’m going to offer to do the same thing with the girls in our neighborhood! Thank you so much for the fabulous idea!
What a wonderful ministry. I only wish I lived near by so I could volunteer. Looks like such a joyful place. But instead I can participate by being a part of this wonderful blogging community and praying for you all. I love you and what you do so much.
I just wanted to share that I have been facilitating an independent Bible study group for several years now. We were meeting in borrowed space but now we have our own space and it is so cool! Currently doing Nehemiah and loving it.
May God continue to bless all you do.
Lawan
Phil 4:8
So glad you posted this. Keep telling us how its going and what you are doing.I’ve been challenged to present this study to single ladies in the fall and feel completely inadequate and will most certainly be learning more than most there. :o) WHat a perfect age to do this study! so excited for these high school girls!
Tammy
Love it! Love it! Love it! I so want to do this at my house. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Lindsee for keeping us informed. When I got up this morning you all were on my mind. Said to myself that we have not heard form you lately. Glad things are going well. What a wonderful thing to be teaching high school girls. Would love to have had this influence when I was in high school. Glad that Beth is getting to enjoy being a Bibby this week. I know she is making lots of memories with those grandbabies.
Lisa B.
Lindsee…so excited for you and the whole LPM gang. What a privelage to meet these young women in the most vulnerable time of their lives. So wish I had the opportunity to do a study like this when I was a young woman. They are so blessed!
So glad everyone is ok! Thanks for sharing and we love you all!
I am so encouraged by your enthusiasm and insight to your study! We are in week two of our study and although there are quiiiite as many young ladies, I just know they are enjoying and will get much out of this wonderful study! We’ve already embarked on a few in-depth discussions already. This study is helping me get excited about the Word, and like you said, pulling a few of my own ugly tendencies into the light.
One thing we did was I had each girl {secretively} write what they felt was their biggest insecurity on a small sheet of paper. This gave me something to specifically pray over as well as helped me know what nasty demons we need to tackle as we go along. The girls were encouraged to know that they also shared many of the same troubles. I assured them we’d face them all head on!
Thank you Linds for sharing and we also thank Siesta Momma for the book and even the wonderful workbook. We are having a blast growing closer to Him together!
I am so excited to see what God has led you to do in the lives of these young women!
I would be a lot less secure right this minute if I had a potbelly cookie. LOL
I meant a lot less INSECURE 🙂
Lindsee,
How funny!! This is the first day in a couple of weeks I have been able to check the blog and I see So Long, Insecurity. This Tuesday, I just finished leading this study with a couple of ladies from my church. I had done this study 2 years ago online with our dear Siesta Mama. Well, I’m 66 years old and got just as much out of it this time as I did the 1st time. God showed me how the Enemy was using my insecurities to effectively shut down my ministries. No more!! I’m choosing security. I’m choosing strength and dignity.
It was so amazing watching my two friends become more confident each week as they too chose security in Jesus. This study should be a must do for everybody.
Hi Lindsee,
Thanks for the update! I’m so glad to hear that all is well. Camp Bibby sounds like way to much fun! Maybe Beth will share some fun pic’s of those precious grandkids when she returns. Hint, Hint…(grin) Thanks also for sharing about your bible study. I will be praying for that precious group of girls. I know what you mean about reading So Long Insecurity again and once again it falling afresh in areas of your life. I have read it three times and it’s happened every time. I love how God works. Thanks again for the update. Blessings to you dear sister!
Thanks for sharing about the Tuesday study with those terrific girls. I got my spiritual foundation during my teen years. I am also “Camp Nanny”. My camp will last for the whole summer for two precious little boys. We have lots of fun activities planned. I am also looking forward to the summer Bible study next week.
Wow–thank you so much for sharing! Love hearing and seeing what God is doing through and in you all! We went through your book two summers ago at our church and it was fantastic! I have been taking bits of pieces to share with my eleven year old daughter. I am also convinced that if we can get the Truth in there before the enemy brings lies, freedom can be proactive and strong! Thank you for being a willing and open vessel used for eternal impact. You are often in my prayers!
Oh Lindsee,
I’ve been patiently waiting since the study started for an update and a peek into what it looks like to lead those girls! I’m currently doing this study with a group of friends (all of us 20-somethings) and we are enjoying it immensely as well! (But, I have to admit, every time I sit down to do my reading/homework, I think about how much I wish I had my own group of high school girls to lead through it! Maybe the Lord will provide that for me some day!)
Please continue to post how things are going as well as any specific ways we can pray for you and the girls.
Emma
Lindsee ~ precious indeed. A multi jeweled crown awaits you in Heaven.
Yeah, yeah, yeah yeah yeah!!!
I just love that you are doing this, and I pray blessings from heaven to fall on your head and soak your soul for your service to these precious tender hearts.
And I L.O.V.E. that you wrapped each book with a beautiful ribbon. <3
I just wanted t tell you Mrs. Moore that you are a God sent and I’m so Blessed to be able to say i have heard you teach in person twice here in Ga. You are AWESOME and a gift from God. Thank you for your time and Love of God’s word and wanting to teach us that God Loves us every second of everyday. God Bless you and thank you.
Love in Christ,
Gayle
Hey there Lindsee–
Love this. There’s real hope for girls. And boy don’t we need it. I am 31 and just read this book. A couple times. And bought it in audio form for all mothers I know for mothers day. Even bought a copy and left it in the lounge room at work if anyone wanted to take it.
Had I believed God on this level then my life would have been sooo radically different.
The greatest mistake I ever made in my life was not believing God. It led to every single other mistake I have ever ever made. And they’ve been many and caused much pain–even now.
You do a good work.
Take care
What a beautiful site to see all of those young ladies.
Lindsee… this is one of my favorite posts yet. Reminds me SO much of my days in girls’ ministry. I LOVE IT!
This is such a fabulous way of encouraging high school girls! My daughter has just entered the youth group and is going into the seventh grade. Would you recommend this book for that age as well or is it more appropriate for older girls? Thanks so much! I’m encouraged by all LPM does!
Um, I don’t know if I’d recommend it to girls that young, but certainly I’d say principles and truths can be pulled out from it that would teach a girl at any age. So maybe I’d just be more picky. However, you know your girl, so it’s totally up to you! But for sure, starting in high school, I’d be all over it. Not sure if that was helpful or not. Blessings!
Thanks Lindsee! I appreciate your advice. I’ll get me a copy and read it first to give me a better idea of the insecurities that are covered. Gives me a good reason to buy ANOTHER Beth Moore study 🙂 Thanks girl!
I love this! I run a summer mission cmap for teens and this is the sight I see every night for 7 weeks each summer. I love to hear them pray one after another and another and another…. they certainly do breathe life into a place, body and soul don’t they?
This is exactly what I want to do. I would really like to speak with someone personally about doing this. I emailed my information to the correspondence department.
How ironic, you’re doing So Long Insecurity, it’s the book I’m reading this month. Mainly for encouragement because I’m leading a Bible study this summer at church for women. ANYWAY, I laughed at myself when I realized how insecure I was as a homemaker, the first 30 years I was married I wouldn’t choose the color of paint for our rooms, my husband always did that. So glad to say I’ve overcome that, after 46 years of marriage. Thank you all at Living Proof for ministering to us!
I just finished this awesome study at my church! I grew so much in the security of the Lord, too. The 2 prayers in the book are wonderful…thank you Beth. I agree that high school girls are the perfect age to read it. Many blessings to you all!
Our small group did So Long, Insecurity some time ago. The first night of the study as an activity, I had the girls make a paper crown and draw on it what some of their insecurities were. We then prayed for each individual as they held their paper crown as a surrender to the Lord. Then, on the last night of the study, I unveiled a tiara and we took turns each sitting on the throne ( an ottoman), wearing the crown. Each individual was prayed for. We thanked God for working in our lives to remove insecurities and asking God to help us rest in and receive the security that only He can give. What a blessing!!!
I just ordered the book. I wasn’t familiar with it. My daughter is 13 and really struggles with being very shy. I am excited to read it together with her. Thanks for the great new resource. Please pray that God would bring one good friend into her life.
Thanks for planting a seed of something I should do with our youth group girls. 🙂
Lindsee, that is is such a cool thing that you all are doing for those girls! It would have been really helpful for me to have had that kind of Bible study material to go through as a high school student back in the day…smile….the late 1990s to early 2000s. Even now, I think you are right, maybe I should revisit the book with the workbook in hand.:) I still have my insecurity issues that threaten to rise up again. I love you all so much at LPM. Coolness thing yall are doing via the direction of the Lord:) ((HUGS)) to all.
I am reading the book right now, and am having a real eye- opening experience, AHA! moments on nearly every page, and, the best bit yet, the 30- minute prayer halfway through the book! Would recommend it to ANYONE, particularily if they seem to always be in control…They may find some meaningful insights throughout their reading. Many thanks, Beth Moore!!
Hi, I am Laura, I am from Romania. I live in US now. Hi, Anca,
Your name is the same as my best friend’s from Romania. May I ask if you are from Romania and in what state you live in the US? I am in North Carolina.
Glad you shared your thoughts about the book “So long Insecurity” on the site. It was very helpful for me too — finally someone who is not hiding her real self, Beth, at the risk of her being belittled or disregarded.
God bless you,
Laura
It thrills my heart to know a group of young ladies is in the Word and spending time with one another.
Oh this brings tear to my eyes! To think these girls have the precious opportunity to grasp this stuff now is PRICELESS!
I am doing this book with my small group of younger ladies…It has been wonderful!
Thank you so much for opening up LPM and your heart to these young women. May they grow into the godly women He has purposed for them to be. You are a building block for that foundation. May He richly bless all of you.
In His love,
Tawni
I just want to say i really enjoy your wisdom you pour into the nation, myself included. I to have a past like yours. You have helped me to know who Christ for me and my life and what He can do in my life. He has freed me from alot of cords that bind you to alot of hurt. Now He’s helping to want to live a better life for MYSELF not just for others. I can wish, pray, want for others for along time and seen the prayers come to life. But when it came to my life, let’s just say you have not because you ask not or you ask with wrong motive’s. I have a weight problem and work at a church that keeps me from being in church myself, i want to be in church with like minded and want to live life to the fullest now. PLEASE PRAY THANK YOU BECKY God Bless You and Your Ministry
Believing BIG things for those sweet girls!
How absolutely incredible for them to have this experience together! May Almighty God touch them and free them from worldly insecurities! What I would have done to have something like this when I was a teenager!
You guys are such a blessing!!!
Love ya’ll! 🙂
Lindsee,
I am so thankful and excited for these high school girls and for God placing you in their lives at such a crucial time in their lives!!!I have three daughters myself with the middle one starting high school in the fall and my oldest starting second year of college. Lily, my baby, is 9. I have been praying for a bible study just for girls that I could do with them and some others from youth (youth group is very small).Is the book/workbook available through Lifeway? How long is the study?
Hi Dean, yes, both the workbook and the book are available at LifeWay. It is a ten week study! Blessings!
Hey There! This weekend Beth will be in Colorado Springs speaking. Would there happen to be any extra (complimentary) tickets for a Siesta like me? Also, is there any gathering planned for the Siestas during the engagement?
I would so appreciate any help! Thank you.
Amy