Hey, Everybody!
It’s almost May and, around here, that means it’s time to announce our Siesta Summer Bible Study for those who are itching to take a journey together. In all these years of doing summer Bible study together here on the blog, we’ve never gone through one I’ve authored. The biggest reason is that I really love to go through other authors’ courses with our blog community. That’s a refreshing blast of Holy Spirit-breath to me and you can count on us doing that again next summer. The other reason is that the launch date of one of mine never coincided well with the beginning of summer. With Children of the Day (an in-depth study of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians) coming out in May, the timing works out perfectly. I ask you to trust my heart on this and know that we’re not doing the study this summer so that I can drive up sales. I can’t prove my motives to you but I give you my word. That’s all I know to do. Any of you who still find it uncomfortable can, by all means, choose another Bible study by a different author and feel completely welcome to formulate your group right here in the comment section to this post. Just start your comment with the words in all caps “ANOTHER OPTION” and get together on line and choose which Bible study you’d like to do. There are so many fabulous ones available. You have my complete and joyful blessing to use this community to put your group together. Any way we can serve you is a tremendous honor to us.
For those of you who would like to do Children of the Day with our community this summer, here are a few important facts:
* We’ll start Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Around here at Living Proof, we formed the habit of Tuesday Bible study over the years so that’s why we choose it as our gathering day but you are welcome to commit to any day of the week that works for you. Simply adapt the instructions to that particular day.
* Children of the Day is an 8-week study so we will wrap it up on Tuesday, July 29, 2014.
* As we’ve done in past summers, we’re only asking you to commit to “gather” with us and/or with your group every other week since summers are so busy. We will still stay on schedule for each week’s homework but you’ll only need to check in once every 2 weeks.
* I will put up a short video greeting here on the blog by 8:00 AM every other week on our gathering days, starting with Tuesday, June 3rd. The greeting will include instructions for discussion in your small groups or with the blog community at large. Your “discussion” with the blog community will take place through your response-comment to that post.
* We strongly recommend forming small groups for the pure camaraderie and accountability of it but you are also very welcome to go solo. The best small groups of all meet face-to-face but, if that’s not possible, try to formulate one on line. You might even Skype. Do whatever would benefit you the most and offer you the fellowship we all need so desperately.
* You only need the Children of the Day workbook to participate in the summer study. You don’t need to download the video sessions. All discussion questions will be based on the written work alone, as we’ve done in past summers, so that no one is forced into the extra expense. Each week we will put up a link to that week’s COTD video session for those who also want to include those but I will leave that option entirely to you. There will be no pressure whatsoever. People often ask if the video sessions and homework portions are the same lessons. They are not. They are designed to complement one another for a comprehensive approach to 1st and 2nd Thessalonians but they are not redundant. They are on different segments and concepts found in the 2 letters.
Does that answer many of your questions? OK, now for the schedule:
Between release date (first week of May) and June 3rd, acquire a workbook of Children of the Day but don’t start it yet! No homework needs to be done before our first gathering. The workbook looks like this:
You can find it at your local LifeWay Christian bookstore by the first week of May, or click here to order online at any time: COTD workbook
GATHERING ONE: June 3, 2014 – Our summer Bible study launches! By 8:00 AM that morning, God willing, you will find a brief video greeting from me and instructions for that day’s participation/discussion. Again, you can do it any day that week. We’re just choosing Tuesday as our official gathering day. You will “register” for summer Bible study by leaving a comment on the June 3rd post with your name and city and whether or not you are participating in a group or going solo. I will give you the specific instructions at that time. At the bottom of the post will be a link for that weeks’ full-hour Session 1 video if you choose to add on that option.
Do Weeks 1 and 2 of homework for Gathering Two.
(June 10th – link will go up for COTD Session 2 video for anyone going for that option.)
GATHERING TWO: Tuesday June 17, 2014. Brief video greeting from me and instructions for that day’s gathering or discussion. (Link for COTD Session 3 video for anyone taking that option.)
Do Weeks 3 and 4 of homework for Gathering 3.
(June 24th – Link will go up for COTD Session 4 video for anyone taking that option.)
GATHERING THREE: July 1, 2014. Brief video greeting from me and instructions for that day’s gathering or discussion. (Link for COTD Session 5 video for anyone taking that option.)
Do Weeks 5 and 6 of homework for Gathering Four.
(July 8th – Link will go up for COTD Session 6 video for anyone taking that option.)
GATHERING FOUR: July 15, 2014. Brief video greeting from me and instructions for that day’s gathering or discussion. (Link for COTD Session 7 video for anyone taking that option.)
Do Weeks 7 and 8 of homework for Gathering Five.
(July 22 – Link will go up for COTD Session 8 video for anyone taking that option.)
GATHERING FIVE CONCLUSION: July 29, 2014. Brief video greeting from me and instructions for that day’s gathering and closing. (Link for COTD Session 9 video conclusion for anyone taking that option.)
Here is the above schedule in diagram form thanks to my beloved assistant, K-Mac. You can enlarge it to see it better or copy and paste it to a document and print it out if you’re that kind of weird person…because I am, too:
Sound fun??!? Yep, it also sounds like a bit of work but not a single word of Scripture will drop to the ground. We can have confidence in advance that the pursuit of Christ through His Word will completely alter the summer of 2014. I’m ecstatic to have the privilege of spending these 8 weeks with you in Bible study. You are a tremendous joy to me. Our God-given emphasis right now at Living Proof is on stirring up women who are less-discipled in Scripture to come to love Christ through His powerful, living, relevant Word. We would be thrilled for you to help us by inviting some women along who have never before done this kind of thing. Take the chance and ask them! So many women have a hunger for God. They just don’t know exactly how to identify it. Bring them along if God opens that door!
Can’t wait to get started! Dearest love to you all!
Beth
Fernandina Beach, FL
Solo for summer – Hope we will be doing this study in the fall at our church 🙂
Looking forward to receiving a fresh Word from the Lord!
Brainerd MN
Leslie
High Point, NC
Solo
Love the study of God’s word and enjoy Beth along the way!
My refrigerator is covered in Magnets from other people’s travels around the world.
far northwest suburb of Chicago
solo
interested in studying 1 & 2 Thess & good way to stay in the word!
Let’s do this!
Going solo. Bakersfield, CA. Cannot wait to get started!
Solo, Douglasville, GA
Planning on a small group of friends joining in once school ends
Kingston, Ontario Canada
Solo
I find doing a bible study helps me stay in His Word!
1. Kim Jamison
2. Charlotte, NC
3. Haven’t been in a bible study for 5 years, God is allowing me more time for deeper study!
4.Going Solo : (
5. Getting a pedicure make my feet so rticklish that I giggle all through it!
Special Note: I thought I submitted this on 6/3/14 but do not see my comment and did not get a link… : ( Maybe this time it’ll stock?
Debbie J Block
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
SOLO
I love summer bible studies because my extended family goes away to manage a camp for the summer and I feel more alone during this time. It helps me stay grounded in God and feel part of a community of woman brought together by Beth’s love for growth and truth.
My quirk is slow and oblivious drivers. I have inherited this from my father and if we lived in Texas we would either both be in jail or hailed as heroes!
A small group from our church is going to meet bi-weekly and participate in the study…sounds great! I’m excited. Your studies Beth (and team) are always so rich! thank you for filling us up 🙂
Stephani
Carol
Jacksonville
Solo
Time to renew & refresh.
Krishanna
Loveland, Ohio
Solo for this study
Looking forward to it! I am waiting on my book 🙂
I am in Virginia Beach and I am doing this study solo. It’s has been a while since I have done any study and I loved the Beth Moore studies that I have done previously
Solo in Cypress, TX
Babbs
Charleston, SC
Solo + 1 long distance
I forgot, my weird thing is I cannot sleep on a wrinkled pillow case. Have to smooth it out even when I turn over. Also I am “Hollie in Alexandria PA”s BFF (she signed in below) she is my +1. We are trying this long distance thing.
Going solo but looking forward to it.
Kristy
Livermore, CA
small group 3-4
With the kids home for the summer I need something for myself!
Can’t wait to dive into the word. Thank you for moving us on the path of
continual growth and a deeper love and knowledge of God.
About me: My best ideas come to mind while taking a shower! (my moment of peace & quiet during the day 😉
Laurie Swigart
Woodbury, N
Solo
You can never learn too much about the Word of God, and Beth Moore makes It clear and applicable. Looking forward to an in-depth study of Thessalonians!
When hanging things on the wall, I can – without measuring – find center within 1/4″ just by looking at it.
Sherry Bowen
I live in Miramar, FL
I will be doing this solo
1. Dianna Meinz
2. Cheyenne, WY
3. Partnered with my bff who lives in WA state.
4. A way to stay connected with my friend and keep us both accountable to be in the Word during summer.
5. Taking a survey of friends and family! Will get back to you on that:)
Tammy Braddy
Murfreesboro, TN
Solo for summer
Tisha Norman
Dothan, AL
Small group in my home. I love lady bible study because it gathers us for fellowship and time in God’s Word. Beth refreshes us with perspectives and history of biblical events and then relates it to our daily lives.
Needing a fresh word from God!
Boonville
Cindy
Solo
I was divorced two years ago and still am struggling hard with battles and relationship problems with ex-husband. I still very much want to work on resolution and restoring our marriage, he is still bitter and angry and want hang on but won’t let go.
Jefferson City, MO
Doing this study solo.
Looking forward to getting into Thessalonians!
I live in Tuttle, ok. I am doing solo. I am in a womens bible study but we take a break for the summer so this will give me one to take during the break, plus I love Beth’s studys. My quirk is that I am very forgetful, so even if I have one I wouldn’t remember it. Lol! Love Darla
Carrie Sue
West Richland, WA
Solo
Looking forward to this! (I hope I’m not joining too late)
Jana 🙂
Fort Worth
SOLO
Desiring to grow closer to God (and it is a Beth Moore study so that is a plus!)
Doing it solo and just got my book today.
Middle Tennessee
Deborah
solo – but we are doing the study this summer at our church so I will get a double portion – woohoo!!!!
going solo!! from New Orleans, Louisiana
Would absolutely love to be a part of this, and I really really want to. Unfortunately, I can’t afford the workbook
I downloaded Video Session 1 this morning and found it a real blessing. Watching the videos makes it seem like I’m in the room with Beth. I can’t find my 5 point introduction that I did Tues. morning, but I’m going to assume it is buried somewhere. It is great to be part of this online study.
Solo-for the summer. My small group will start it together in August. I can’t wait!
Gathering with my BSBs (Bible Study Buddies) tonight in my kitchen for pizza and this study. Looking forward to getting started.
Alexandria, PA
Doing with a BFF in SC.
I’m so in need of this and so ready for it! I just downloaded the workbook tonight and I’m getting into it here shortly!
I’m from Fremont, OH.
I’m doing this one solo as of today.
It’s been since December that I’ve been in an in depth study and it’s time to get back into God’s Word for more than a daily dose ready. Time to get back to working on my relationship with Jesus and not just going through the day.
A quirk of mine, I’m not really sure right now.
New Lenox, IL
Solo
So look forward to hearing from God through Thessalonians!
Quirk… Mixing clothes in the laundry [towels are just towels and never mix my cute shirts with those very dirty work clothes and absolutely never mix undies with anything else, they are a stand alone!]
THANKS BETH can’t wait to do summer study with you and a cast of thousands 🙂
Orange City, IA
Solo
Solo 🙂
1. Deb McGuire
2. Wayland Iowa
3. Solo
4. To be in the Bible and see the transformation in my life.
5. I love chocolate coke ( coke with chocolate syrup in it)
Tasha Stewart
Winchester VA
My women’s group at church is not meeting this dinner so this worked out perfectly!
Quirk: just your typical control freak!
1. Stacy
2. Katy, TX
3. Solo
4. I love Beth Moore Bible Studies!
1. Glenda Maxted
2. Currently Oakes, ND by the end of the month Huron, SD
3. Solo
4. Summer time is so busy and often the church ministry takes a break. So to have the opportunity to be involved in a bible study to keep faith going is needed for me.
5. Quirk….do not touch my feet
I didn’t get the info until today, Is it too late to join?
Small group of 4,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada!
1. Wendy
2. Moorhead, MN
3. solo
4. I just really enjoy studying with Beth and I also find that I need to be in the word daily to keep myself grounded and focused on the right stuff.
Chicago
small group
Love to spend time in God’s word.
Can’t think of any quirks but I’m sure I have several. They just don’t come to mind right now.
solo but discussing it our Connection Group at church! 🙂
Edmond OK