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
1.Twyla McAmis. 2.Cleveland,Tennessee.3. Solo. 4.I need to stay on the word and Bible Studies help me to stay motivated and not get passive and slack. 5. My quirk is: Before I leave my house to go anywhere I keep going back in my house and making sure all my doors are locked. I do this at least two times, and sometimes three.
Going solo in middle Tennessee.
I’m going solo in Colleyville, TX. Love your studies, Beth, and I’m excited about this particular study!
In a group of about 20 in Greenfield, Indiana
Going Solo from Oklahoma City – I’ve been disconnected from a church for about a year and I’ve quit reading my bible. I was talking about my state of being with Jesus two days ago. I told him I must find a bible study to get me back into the Word, and I saw a link to this bible study this morning on Facebook. So, I stopped and picked up the workbook today and here I am. Quirk – I can’t think of one thing about me that’s not quirky, but i’m ok with it..
My accountability partner/bestie and I are each going to invite 3 people to join us for a cyber-group her in the Portland Metro Area (Oregon). Love us some Beth Moore!
Planning to do the Bible study with another friend. First time doing a summer Bible study!
I left a comment but to not see any video here. Can someone help me? I thought there was to a video June 3
Joining solo. Need Jesus closer. Time to heal.
1. Ann
2. Murrells Inlet, SC
3. Group at church that begins June 16, so I am not sure how large the group will be!
4. I love studying God’s Word and learning something new each and every time! I love how He speaks through Beth and through members in group! He is always teaching!
5. Not sure about quirky – guess there are too many options!
Doing the study with a friend in Charlottesville, VA!
Rachel Schnee and I am from Chandler, AZ. I will be doing this study with my mother, Diane Abaid in Hillsborough, NJ because we are visiting for the summer.
Going solo. California.
Kristi from Sherman, Tx.
I will be doing the study with one other friend.
I’m excited and need this study to keep me on track, especially as the summer gets so buys and I don’t always prioritize my time with God.
Quirk: I hate wrinkled sheets/blankets, even if that means remaking the bed during the night.
Session 1 video was so wonderful!!! This study has already been life-changing!!!
Robrenna from Lincoln, NE. I’m going Solo I need to be constantly fed because of whence I came before I knew Jesus. I just do my best to stay in some type of study or choose a book from the Bible.
Christy,Solo in Topeka Kansas
Beth, God has used many of your studies to speak deeply to me and heal areas of my heart! Thank you for all the hard work you do for the LORD! I’m taking this one to keep me disciplined in His word.
My quirk: I’m addicted to the coconut creamer I put into my coffee every morning. NO coco creamer, no thank you!
In Louisiana and studying with my daughter!
Hey my name is Renee and I am in SC. I am a part of a small group and the reason I want to do this study is for the accountability that comes with it. I look forward to hearing Beth’s insight and how God will use her to speak to me!
One of my quirks is I do NOT like ice in my drinks…I like them ice cold, just without the ice 🙂
I put ice in my breakfast cereal. Gotta have ice cold milk! (I guess I should have listed that one under quirky)
Studying in Florida. Getting a head start for a group study this fall.
Leslie In a group with women from Montana and Alaska.
Looking forward to the study
thanks
I’m in Lake Stevens and am part of a small group of six. I’m participating because I know I need help – I feel too distant and inadequate and am desirous of a close relationship with my Savior. I’ve been involved with only one other study – about 10 years ago. A quirk – I eat the middle out of pizza as I love the toppings more than the bread so I want to save my tummy space for the goodies.
Trying it solo, and looking forward to it! Usually lead a small group, but am taking a break this summer.
Jacqueline M
Ephrata,PA
Solo
I feel I need to dig deeper in to the word this summer, especially while my ladies bible study at church takes a break over the summer
Going solo from southern Illinois.
Stephanie, Knob Noster, MO and with a group.
I would like to join in the online Bible Study – Children of the Day. I know I am late; however, I feel better late than never…This will be my 8th Beth Moore Bible Study. I have learned so much and really don’t want to miss out! So, please let me know if I can be part of the study?
I forgot to mention my name is Beth, too! 🙂
P.S. I will doing the study solo and will probably try to listen to the video as well. I love to learn…I know regardless, I will get something out of this study and leave more blessed…Thanks!
So excited about my first summer bible study ~
Pam, from Odessa, Florida. I’m getting started a little late, but doing this study with other ladies from my church. I love God’s word and the structure of a study helps to keep me focused on hearing from and knowing my God more and more!
Solo
Lancaster, CA
I’m excited to join this summer bible study its been a few years since I’ve done a Beth Moore study. It feels like perfect timing. A quirk of mine would be I like my closet color coordinated:)
I will be doing this study by myself-Fishers, IN
I AM DOING THE STUDY SOLO.
My name is Jean Lawrence and I am doing this solo. I have not done an indepth study of Thessalonians and am looking forward to it.
My quirk is the bed has to be made before I get in to go to sleep.
I love doing Bible studies, am doing others as well but love being in the the Word of God, it is what keeps me going and stay strong in the hard times.
Humboldt, TN
On-line group study.
Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am doing the study on my own. I want to do this study for accountability and I want to become closer to God and be open to His word.
Suzanne
Tenaha, TX
Solo
Hi! My name is Katie and my mom and I are doing this bible study together. We both have a goal to stay in God’s word daily over the summer and this gives us the accountability we need! I am excited for the learning and growth that will take place.
Quirk- over analyzing simple situations!
Going solo from Harrisburg, PA. I wasn’t able to attend Bible study over the winter due to serious health issue. Need to be in His Word! I feel God nudging me to do this! So excited to see what He reveals to me through Beth Moore! Looking forward to this Study!
Going solo in Houston, and I am so excited to get started on this study!
1. Gina Burke 2. Billings, MT 3. solo 4. I have not done a Bible study in a while and am so so dry 5. too many quirks to mention.
3 friends are joining together to do this study from different states. We have done many of your studies over the years when we all lived near each other. Looking forward to it- received my book yesterday 🙂
My name is Karen. I am in Kentucky. May be doing this with my daughter in law. I want to do this study to get into the Bible and learn more about God. The word challenges and I want that. My odd quirk is that I have to have my bed clothes on the bed a certain way to be able to sleep.
Monica Wilkinson
Reno, NV
Solo
I have done many Beth Moore bible studies. I am excited to do this study.
I would LOVE to be in anyone’s group so if anyone has anymore room let me know by emailing me [email protected].
Please also let me know how I can see the videos each week.
Studying Children of the Day from Oregon
1. Laura 2. Leadville,CO 3. Doing this with a friend and her daughter 4. For some reason, It’s easier for me to read the Scriptures while doing a Bible study instead of just going through the Bible. Hopefully I can get back to reading it that way again. 5. I don’t have quirks 🙁 All my habits are pretty normal.
Am happy to find something to do this summer! Am just finishing “To Live Is Christ” so will hop right into this one. The two churches in town that do Beth’s studies are both doing this one in September so I’m not sure what I will do then. I will probably be solo but family in a couple of different states will be doing this one as well.
Forgot to add that I’m from WV.
Cindy from Fort Wayne. I am doing this with 2 small groups, one with friends where we will meet either in the park or at a home, and the other with my daughters. We live in different cities, so we will facetime. We’ve never done that before and I am so looking forward to it!