Welcome everybody! This is our first gathering for Children of the Day and we are incredibly blessed to have you along! If you’re just now hearing about it, we’d love for you to join us! You’ll find it most helpful to begin by reading this previous post that includes our approach, our summer Bible study schedule and many other specifics: (SSBS 2014 Info post) All you need to participate is the workbook entitled Children of the Day. We only officially “gather” here on the blog every two weeks because summers are so busy. On each of those 5 Tuesdays (starting today), you’ll find a video I’ve prepared for you with instructions for that day. I’ll also remind you to do the next 2 weeks of Bible study before our next gathering. View it personally if you are going solo or, if you’re joining in with others, with your small group. I’ll always put the bare bones of that gathering’s instructions in print in the post as well (as you’ll see below) in case you have any trouble viewing the video. Here’s your first one!
Basic written instructions in case you have trouble with the video:
Register for our summer Bible study by simply leaving a comment to this post per instructions below. Of course, you can take part without registering but you’ll get much more out of it if you fully participate. It not only increases accountability. It stirs up a sense of belonging and fellowship which is so important to us here in this blog community.
Here’s what we’d love for you to supply in your registration comment today: (Try to limit yourself to this information so it will be easy to read and count.)
1. Your NAME.
2. Your CITY.
3. Whether you’re going SOLO or in tandem with a small group. If you’re in a small group, share approximately how many are in your group and where you are planning to meet.
4. Share in a sentence or two why you could really stand to be in Bible study this summer. Maybe it’s that you’ve never been in one before. We would be elated! Or maybe it’s been a long time. If so, this is a great time and place to come back home to the heart of Jesus. Maybe you’re just hoping to get to know Christ a little better. Or, perhaps you’re interested in particular subject matter that appears on the pages of 1st or 2nd Thessalonians. On the other hand, maybe you especially need to be in the Scriptures because you have extenuating circumstances that could really challenge you this summer. What’s motivating you to get into the Scriptures with us this summer? There are no wrong answers!
5. BONUS question (optional): WHAT IS A QUIRK OF YOURS?? Come on, now! Tell us!
If you’re meeting with a small group, share your answers to questions 4 and 5.
I will pitch out a memory verse each week for anybody who wants to participate:
Week 1 Memory Verse:
1 Thessalonians 1:4 The NET Bible: We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you.
Week 2 Memory Verse:
1 Thessalonians 2:8 The NET Bible: …with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
Do WEEKS ONE AND TWO of your homework before our next gathering in two weeks! If you’re watching the OPTIONAL video teaching sessions, you will want to watch Session 1 this week before you start your homework and Session 2 before you start your second week of homework. Here is the link: Children Of The Day Sessions
Don’t feel pressured to go to the added expense. All you need to participate in the summer study is the workbook.
I am so honored to serve you and study with you this summer! Can’t wait to see your names and locations! So much love to you, Sisters! We joyfully embrace each one of you.
1. Connie Hughey
2. Bolingbrook, IL (Chicago suburb)
3. I am doing this study on my own
4. In the 38 years of my relationship with Jesus I have learned (mostly the hard way) that I NEED TO BE IN THE WORD, hearing from Him and allowing Him to work out His will in my life. I cannot be separated from Him. His love for me shines through as I study His Word.
5. I will never put maple syrup on waffles or pancakes. Not sure why, but the idea of it repulses me.
Ginger, from Camden, SC
I am meeting with one friend. We will meet in our homes or at the pool or wherever it happens to work that week.
We are meeting for accountability and encouragement as we grow in knowledge and wisdom and discernment in our service to our great Lord.
One of my quirks: I won’t go into a gas station or fast food restaurant to use the restroom without buying something before I leave.
Can’t wait to start this, I will pick up the book this weekend and work on it from there. Thank you Beth, I got to see you in Hershey, PA and you and God are an amazing team!!
My name is Mary Pluhar, from a dot on the map in Montana called Cohagen. I’m doing this solo. And it almost feels secretive…like an undercover Bible Study…because I just decided this morning to be brave and jump in.
I’m joining and committing to the study because my heart needs a makeover. It’s been a bad run for 6 years, kind of cold shouldering God, and I want so badly to “make up”. That sounds silly, but it’s the only way I can say it.
A quirk of mine? I’m a poster child for quirkability, I think. (Which, according to my computer, is not a word, but it SHOULD be.) Let’s go with: I have lucky red high heels that I wear when I watch football (Go Red Raiders! and 49ers!). HAVE to wear them.
A-a-a-a-n-d we’re off!
Praying you have a blast with this study! I love football. I may need to try the red high heels, maybe it will help my team!! ( I’m a die-hard Bears fan)
Stay with us Mary ! Making up says it perfectly. I bet Cohagen is a beautiful ‘dot’. I checked it out on The Weather Channel App and see tonight you’re experiencing my favorite weather, thunderstorm & in the 50s. I love cold and wet. Believe it must be my Scottish heritage . Think of me here in hot humid SE Texas. It was almost 90 today and will be 93 on Thursday.
Melissa B.
From Brandon.
Solo
Feeling like I’m in a spiritual desert, and am looking forward to the rain this study may supply!
Quirk? I live in the south but only drink unsweet tea–the way God intended. 🙂
Megan from Algonquin, IL. I am flying solo with this study this summer because I am leading it this fall for my church’s large group study. I am doing this study because without the accountability I get caught up in the crazy of life and forget to make time for God. I have a lot of little querks but can’t pull 1 out on the spot. Lol
1. Karen
2. Beech Island, SC
3. Solo
4. I could use this because of a mission trip to Turkey. (Please pray for me and my family )
5. Quirk of mine~ its hard to say just one! when I drive, I sometime turn around to go and make sure I didn’t hit anything.
God Bless!
I started reading the comments just to see who in this community would be near me…I’m working solo too from Aiken! I’m probably one of the few who knows where Beech Island is. Blessings from nearby!
Janice
Springville AL
I am going solo because I need to be in the Word ongoing and consistently.
1. Sara Correll
2. Linton, IN
3. Solo
4. This is the first online study for me. I recently retired after 30 years of teaching and I’m looking forward to the next season of my life. I’m looking forward to seeing Beth in Ft. Wayne, IN in September.
5. One of my quirks is that I will drive out of my way when traveling if I see a sign for a Sonic just to get a cup of ice. I love ice!
!. Dana Cox
2. Stillwater, OK
3. Small Group
4. Three years ago, I sent my first child to college and now I have two in college. I had been a stay at home mom for 18 years and was able to do many bible studies throughout the years. When college expenses hit, I had to return to work part time and I have not been able to participate in my church’s Tuesday morning Bible studies. So, I wanted an opportunity to get back into a Bible Study in a more relaxed setting.
5. I can not stand it when all of my blanks are not filled in.
wow- as a stay at home mom to three little ones – i really put myself in your shoes reading this! i hope your two are loving college and you are enjoying this new phase – i know it will be here for me too before i know it 🙂 so much love to you!
Pauline Richardson, Eau Claire Wi. Solo
It’s been a year since my last organized Bible study! I cannot wait to see what God has for me! Plain and simple..I need a fresh Word and rain to wash over a dry and weary soul. My quirk..I have to put on mascara when I leave the house and even when I don’t! Without it I simply would scare ya..blonde eyelashes! 🙂
1. Beverly Hale
2. Lexington, Kym
3. SOLO
4. In a crisi of faith, so many unanswered prayers. I’m believing, Lord help my unbelief! I need to stay in the Word
5. Use iPad and iPhone for bible study, but I love to hold the actual bible in my hands, smell the print, feel the pages, hold it close to my heart.
1. Amy
2. Rochester, MN
3. Summer bible study with my mentor.
4. I am so excited to have this opportunity to take part in your bible study this summer. I have been a Christian studying God’s word for a long time and have done several of your bible studies. God has put on my heart to begin meeting with a mentor and she chose this study for us.
1. Beverly
2. Grand Rapids, MI
3. Solo
4. I am involved in a weekly Bible study group that normally meets all year, but we’ve decided to break for this summer. I wanted to continue in a Bible study AND wanted to do the new COTD study, so this is PERFECT!
5. I love lip gloss…I get them inexpensively through my job and own more than one woman has any business owning!
P.S. LOVE your Tiffany’s colored chair 🙂
1. Michelle
2. Nashville
3. Small group at office during lunch
4. Been through challenging time of spiritual warfare and grief with recent loss. No better place than leaning closer into Jesus and God’s Word.
5. Set my alarm really early so I can hit snooze at least 2-3 times!
1. Susan
2. Dayton, Ohio
3. Solo
4. Two motivations for participating in this summer Bible study immediately come to mind. First, during the year I am involved in teaching children during our ladies’ Bible studies and so am unable to participate with them. Secondly, I want to spend my summer in worthwhile pursuits.
5. I don’t like guacamole but LOVE avocados!
Donna
LaVerne
Solo
Summer is no time for me to take a siesta from God’s word. I need his word to stay refreshed!
A friend of mine and I are doing this bible study together via email. This is my first Beth Moore Bible study, but I believe my friend has done one other. Should be fun.
1. Sarah Marion (with a couple of Skype Siestas)
2. Wenatchee
3. Group via Skype with 3 or 4. I will play the DVD on my computer and share my desktop via Skype and we will all be able to view the video together and discuss homework even though we live in different cities.
4. Two family members are away from home right now in the military and the study will help those of us at home focus on God during this time and stay united even though we are separated by distance. Also, the accountability of the summer Bible study is helpful since I am taking the summer off from leading studies.
5. Every year I buy more plants for my garden than I have time and space. Is this optimism?
1. Sharon Harrison
2. Bushnell, Florida
3. Small Group and solo. I’m associated with a small group of 12 or so from my church, which meets weekly at church. But I will mostly be solo as the online version is more convenient for me at this time.
4. I need to be in a structured study. Going through a dry season and I need to be deep in God’s Word.
5. I like to have everything organized and planned weeks in advance.
1. Kristin Schlegel
2. Blomkest, MN
3. Solo, but my BFF in TX will be doing it too:)
4. I just need to stay in God’s word!
5. So many . . . I tend to repeat accents w/o thinking, talk out loud to myself (yes, in public too), and call my 7 year old Shepherd a puppy, always.
1. Dawn Weeks
2. Mt. Olive, NC
3. going solo
4. I have a need to stay in some kind of Bible study, if not two at the same time. God has brought me through a lot, this is how I don’t go back to that place. Plus, I just love Ms. Beth’s studies
5. Every nigh before I go to bed I have to make sure my kitchen is clean. Will not sleep otherwise LOL
you are invited to sleep over my house whenever you want 🙂 lol
tht really made me LOL!!! blessings 🙂
Melissa Pendleton
Roanoke
Solo
I love learning about God. I enjoy Beth Moore studies. I just finished Breaking Free
I have panic attacks. It holds me back from activities I enjoy.
Lifting you up in your panic attacks. I use to have anxiety and panic attacks too.
I will be participating with the small group that I lead. We are in Knoxville TN. We meet in one of the ladies homes every other week. We normally take summers off, but were so excited to do this study with the flexibility online. Also, we never want to take a break from scripture so this will keep us accountable over the busy summer months.
A quirk I have had since I was little is when I read anything, magazine, book, my Bible, I flip the corners of the pages. I have been doing it so long that I don’t even realize it anymore.
1. Jennifer
2. Pleasant Garden, NC
3. Solo
4. I’ve done several Bible Studies in the past but never participated in a summer study. I wanted to study 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
5. My quirk would have to be that I have a hard time making decisions. I bought a yellow pillow to go on my bed over a year ago and still haven’t bought a comforter/duvet to go with it!
1.Claudia
2.Ashburn, VA
3.Solo
4.I love to study the word of God
5. Lord of the rings and the hobbit. I watched the movies over and over.
1. Kathy Wood
2. Clarksville, TN
3. Small group
4. There is no active women’s group in my church it has been a kind of dry season for me in terms of ministry and fellowship. It seemed no one was interested in getting in the Bible. Out of desperation one day, I asked on facebook if anyone would be interested in doing a Summer Study with me. I didn’t really expect any results…but was amazed that so many women answered me that indeed they are interested! I will be facilitating this Study in my home for a local group of ladies. We are also going to attempt to use Skype to bring in a few ladies from different States (this is totally new and intimidating for me), and some people are going to be following it with me on facebook in a private group which so far has 18 members! Praise the Lord! May God richly bless us all!
5. Anyone who has known me for any length of time wouldn’t recognize me without a Diet Coke in my hand. I should own stock.
Yay for Siesta Summer Bible Study! Sandy Bowers from Bryan, Ohio going solo on this one. I really need to do this Bible Study because I am finding that when I don’t have some structure, my Bible Study goes on the back burner….and I don’t want that….I really need to be in the Word! Hmmmmmm, a quirk of mine? I guess one would be that I NEVER go barefoot. I have slippers or shoes on my feet all the time…except when showering or swimming, then my flip flops/slippers are right there when I get out. Weird, I know. 🙂
Hey Beth, did I missing where you told us one of your quirks? TeeHee…..
OK, well I guess I should’ve watched the video first! Sorry my answer is not formatted properly…..and thanks for sharing a couple quirks! Love you Beth!
1. Sarah
2. Albuquerque, NM
3. In a small group of moms meeting on Facebook!
4. I need Bible study because I have been walking through the greatest struggle of my Christian life over the past six months. God has been faithful to hold me close to Him through it but it has also revealed to me just how much I need Him, EVERY hour.
5. I’m addicted to chapstick!
1. DonnaLRB
2. Cypress, TX
3. Solo right now, but I’ve invited others to join me.
4. I’ve just graduated nursing school at the tender age of 53, and I start my first nursing job in 8 weeks!
5. I found out at the age of 50 that I actually like my coffee black!
Kathleen, Phoenix, doing the study solo. Involved because I will be facilitating a small group this fall and wanted as much of a head start as possible. Quirk: I don’t like any of my furniture arranged at an angle.
Linda, Trade Lake, WI. Solo. It’s been a long time since my last Bible study. Too long. I am hungry and thirsty. I love swans, nail polish and coffee.
Hi! I’m Sheela from Ottawa, Canada. I am going solo for this bible study, but I am thrilled about the check ins every two weeks. My family and I are moving to Toronto this summer and I am excited to participate in this study to keep me grounded in God’s word…even when things are upside down! On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand! A quirk of mine is that I love taking baths…I have a soak every night, regardless of how late it is…if not, I can’t sleep!
Julie P
Arthur Il
Solo/with e-mail buddy
Our group Bible Study breaks for the summer. This is a great way to stay in the Word!
Quirks? My husband could probably answer that better than I!
Wow…am I the first commenter? 🙂
My name is Michelle and I live in Champaign, IL. I am going solo; I decided to join up because summer is usually a slow time for bible studies at my church, but I really wanted to stay plugged into the Word.
A quirk of mine…oh my, there are so many. How do I choose? I am known for my dated figures of speech, like “groovy” and “I can dig” and “Far out”. My favorite is “cool beans” (I’m an 80’s girl); and recently I’ve taken up saying “Awesome Sauce”! I’m in prayer about that one…
1. Amy Harrington
2. Wake Forest, NC
3. Duo – doing the study with my best friend, Gen Missel, who lives in Chatham, IL via phone or FaceTime each week
4. I am going through a difficult season and am earnestly seeking God throughout this.
5. One of my quirks is very similar to Beth’s. I order a chili cheese dog without the dog. It’s very interesting the silence and questions I get on the other side of the Sonic speaker!
Hi, my name is Danna and I live in Broken Arrow, OK. I am going solo on the Bible study. I have been feeling really disconnected in my relationship with God lately and praying for something to come along to get me focused again. This morning, I saw your tweet and followed it to your blog. :o)
Let’s see….quirks….really too many to mention! LOL. But the first to come to mind is when I play Free Cell on my phone, I don’t like the black and red Aces to be together; I like them to be every other one. :o)
Looking forward to this!
1) Samantha Downs
2) Kentucky
3) solo
4) I have been out of an organized study for a while. I’m looking to grow closer to God through His word.
5) I would rather sit on the arm of furniture than the seat portion (i.e. I like to sit on the arm of a couch instead of sitting on the seat cushion)
1. Amy
2. Cherry Hill, NJ
3. Small group – anywhere from 10-25 women (depending on who shows up tonight) We’re meeting at my friend Kelly’s house (we call her KMac too 🙂 )
4. I lead others in starting and finishing stuff like this, but really, I think I’m the one who needs it most. James says, “Faith without works is dead.” So despite how I feel, I know I need to keep putting one foot in front of the other just to keep my own faith alive. Right now, that feels especially true. I’m thirsty and tired, and to be honest, a little discouraged. I’m praying God reminds me (“the God of again”) who He is and who I am in Christ.
5. I love to smell my baby’s feet. They have a cute stink. Not sure if that makes me quirky or just a weirdo 🙂 lol
Cheryl H., Huntington, WV, going solo, I’m joining the summer Bible study because in addition to studying on my own, I love the workbook sessions because they make you think and sometimes see things from a fresh point of view. I’m blessed to be able to add the video sessions as well and look forward to them. I probably have so many quirks and have lived with them for so long they seem normal to me = 0 )
Charlotte, NC
Haven’t participated in a Beth Moore study since 2011
The Lord has allowed more space and time now.
Pedicures tickle my feet so badly I laugh when ever I get one.
Amanda Workman
Lebanon TN
There are two in this group. My sweet heaven sent friend that told me about this bible study and I will discuss every two weeks when she comes to get her manicure. It will take us three hours probably to do her nails instead of the usual two! We talk a lot as it is!
Pamela, Mechanicsville,VA. Solo
I want to stay close to God in His Word with your new bible study. Beth, you always makes me feel I am part of your group not just a solo. Thank you for being so faithful to follow God’s leading in your life and for sharing with me.
1. Martha
2. Hesperia, CA
3. Small group, on line through Facebook
4. Our Regular Mixed Small Group which my husband leads stops for the summer. Also I have not been able to get out to our ladies Bible study group for over a year because of health problems
5. Quirk – probably my most peculiar one is that I am very particular about the way people sing our National Anthem. My choir directors drilled us to do one particular part correctly. Near the end it should be sung: ban ner ER ( not ban an an ER). The first way is how the notes are written for the vocalists, the second one is the notes written for the instruments. Rifts anywhere else don’t bother me except in this particular spot.
Doing this study solo.
Reason for doing a study this summer: I NEED it. Need to engage in God’s Word to fill me up!
Quirk: I think everything about me is quirky!
1. Kristen
2. Round Rock, TX
3. Small group – approx 5-6 studying at my residence
4. I’m a better person when I stay in the word! This will be my first go at leading a study.
5. I’m very easily distracted while doing tasks…possibly a little ADD going on! 🙂
Valerie Finch
Warrensburg, Missouri
40 very excited ladies!!!! meeting at FBC Warrensburg, 1 in Alabama and 2 in Belgium 🙂
We are excited to STAY in the Word this summer and fellowship with each other. We need to stay grounded in the Word through the crazy months of summer!!
Our group is from different faith backgrounds, I personally love that :-). I love UNITY in Christ!!!
1. Kim
2. Des Moines, IA
3. Small group…meeting at a local coffee shop
4. Why…wanted to dig into God’s word this summer with friends
5. Quirk…I grow tomatoes in my garden, but I don’t like them. I really can’t stand how the plant itself smells even.
1. Shelly Cavalancia
2. New Albany, Ohio
3. Solo
4. I am approaching a season of change in my life. My oldest son, serving in the Air Force, is scheduled to serve for one year in Osan, South Korea beginning this coming December, my middle child will be leaving home for college in the fall and my daughter-in-law and grandson will be moving back to our home for the year. Lots of change!!
5. Having a hard time thinking of a quirk – I’m sure my family would be happy to supply – maybe that all the throw pillows on my bed have a certain order and if my husband puts them on “wrong” I must straighten them! I know I should just be grateful that he does it on the rare occasion!!
Going solo. The 2 Bible studies I lead during tbe school year break for summer due to everyone’s busy travel schedule, but I desperately need to be in God’s Word this summer. Need its counsel, its comfort, its correction for this season. Thank you, Beth and your team, for leading this way.