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. Sam Caruso
2. Frisco Texas
3. Solo
4. Cant imagine taking any time off from God or His inspired Word for me….not summer…not one day even!!!! Between the rains and being prepared!!!!!We will do this Study as our fall Kick OFF in Sept…God willing(FBC FRISCO)
5.I for sure greet my Heavenly Father every morning, but before I go into my PINK scripture prayer room, I as well make my coffee and I only have from the time I start it till I hear the ready beep…..to clean :0 !! However the second I pour my coffee its in the room I go!!!!! BEST BEST part of my day EVERRRRR!!!!!
Thank you Beth for bringing a fresh word! Cant wait to see what God has for me!!!!!!
1. Bev Kaestner
2. Asheboro, NC
3. Solo
4. Just moved to a new community this weekend and my husband and I are going through a huge lifestyle change. I need the encouragement of being in God’s word to get me through this transition and combate the loneliness that comes with this stage of our life adventure.
5. I think I am too brain-dead from a weekend of moving to catalog my quirks but the list is probably long.
1. Linda
2. West Wyoming, Pa
3. With a friend
4. First time doing an online study and think it will be awesome during a busy summer.
5. To many to choose! Lol
1. Michelle Mitchell
2. Livermore, California
3. Solo
4. I am in BSF during the school year, and I miss it during the summer. Doing a summer Bible study keeps me disciplined and in the Word. Plus, I love Beth Moore studies.
5. I only like even numbers
1. Tracey Knight
2. Arkadelphia AR
3. solo but encouraging friends to join in
4. just b/c summer is slower paced doesn’t mean I have to waste it. also I’m a MESS when I’m not in the Word.
5. i have to tell myself OUT LOUD that I turned my hair straightener off every morning or i will end up turning around in the road to go back & check. I drive myself crazy.:)
We are meeting in Austin, Texas. There are currently three of us and hopefully God will send more. We have just finished a year long program over Romans at our church – The Austin Stone Community Church. I am personally hungry for deeper walk or gulp of God’s living water.
Thank you for organizing all this for us.
Chris.
1. Amanda
2. Catlett, VA
3. small group of 3…meeting via phone
4. Want to grow closer to my cousins, with whom I am studying.
5. I love to run.
1. Corinne
2. Chehalis, Washington
3. my two younger sisters and me: one sister in Beaverton, Oregon and one sister in Davis, California
4. Our lives are all incredibly busy but we each wanted to do this together, even though we live miles apart. My two sisters are the most wonderful sisters a girl could ever hope for, so this is another great adventure we want to share.
I especially look forward to diving into the Word of God this summer!
Brenda, Wheeling, WV
As of right now, going solo, but may join up with my daughter!
Who: Erica
Where: Gainesville, FL
Who With: I’m experiencing this with my mom and sister-friend, but mostly virtually.
Why: I NEED this study! I am a “school junkie” and I enjoy Beth’s in-depth studies to help me feast on the word with my real main man–Jehovah Jireh.
QUIRK: I like to know the particulars before engaging in anything (where we’re going, what we’re eating, etc.) and Google feeds the need (imagine the inner-conflict when leaning on faith).
1. Cheri Hermans
2. Fort St John Canada
3. Women’s Bible Cafe small groups
4. My quirk is if I teach anew computer program I have to know it inside out. I read all the source material until I am satisfied I can teach and best of all answer as many questions that I can. I have to understand in depth my course material.
I am taking this bible study this summer because our ladies group does not meet during the summer. I want to continue studying God’s word live is so much better when I am in a Bible study and just take time to everyday to read the Bible.
1. Connie Alexander
2. Brentwood, TN
3. Solo
4. I want to learn more, dig deeper, hear the Word of the Lord, and apply what I learn daily. I’m a big fan of Beth’s Bible Studies!
5. I like to sort peanut M&Ms by color before I eat them.
My name is Mary-Margaret and I am doing this study with an amazing group of ladies at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Belton, South Carolina! We are meeting in my home. We had so many great responses on why these ladies are participating in this study. Some are just ready to dig in the Word because they have never been in a Bible study before. One dear lady was precious enough to share with us she was 70 years old and had never been to a Bible study, and she just wanted to learn more. AMEN! Praise the LORD!! Another lady shared how she had lost her husband last year and felt she was just getting back to where she could pray again. She is eager to learn from Him through His word!! This is going to be an amazing summer!!
1. Emily Karwoski
2. Cullman, Alabama
3. Doing this with one other sister!
4. I’ve just entered into a new season of life and am craving fellowship and Word above and beyond personal studies more than ever!
5. A quirk: I’m an insane list-maker. I find myself being lazy and not accomplishing ANYTHING if I don’t make a list! I also get a personal surge of zeal when I get to cross an item off a list or check an empty box! (I secretly love filling in those annoying sheets at the doctors office!)
1. Angie
2. Greenville Ohio
3. Solo
4. I’m am doing Bible study because I need all I can get of Jesus. He has been so faithful to me and brought me through so much. His word is life to me.
5. Something odd about me would be my deep fear of spiders.
A fear of spiders doesn’t seem weird to me. I’m scared of them too. 🙂
Deborah
Springdale Arkansas
Solo
A person is never too old to learn and grow spiritually!
All my cabinet doors and closet doors must be closed before I can leave the house. AND my spices are alphabetized!
1. Yvonne
2.Bakersfield, Ca
3.solo
4.great way to spend my summer & refocus on Gods word
5. Have to clean one rm at a time
1. Andrea Mitchell
2. Saskatchewan, Canada
3. Solo 🙂
4. I’ve been in a place of feeling stuck in just every area of my life these past two years. We had a baby two years ago with serious health complications that during my pregnancy had me kneeling at the throne every single second of the day. Now that he is healthy and perfect (praise Jesus!!) I’ve been struggling with all the change his little life brought, directly and indirectly. But I watched the first session video yesterday, and as soon as you said sometimes we find ourselves in a remix and from that remix can be so much newness and goodness, I realized that is exactly what God has been doing. That’s why I’m here – to let go of the things behind and see the new thing He is rising up in me.
5. I giggle at almost everything. (Just did it now!)
Marilyn
Anderson, South Carolina
I am doing study with one lady by email (Michelle)
kinda’ solo
The reason why I can stand doing a Summer Bible study is because I crave the Word of God.
1. Fareen Doss
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. I’m doing it with my bestie!
4. Life is full of transitions and lulls. I seem to have found myself inside of one of these times. I’m not sure what God wants for me next, and I am patiently waiting for a word. I pray to find it within these pages and these words. I want to stand boldly for Him where He wants me.
5. I’m not sure you could call this a quirk, but I cannot write with a pen that I do not like. They have to write well and feel good in my hands!!
Jayme Stadsvold
Sioux City, IA
Solo
Wanting to feel connected to God even through summer when I don’t have my regular bible study group that I go to.
1) Robin Rogers
2) Rogers, Arkansas
3) Solo
4) I have in years past done many Beth Moore studies and attended some conferences. I have not in a few years. I feel too lazy and comfortable in my present season. I know that is dangerous and hope to be reminded, yet again, how only He is my true comfort.
5) I HATE those sticky stickers on (all) products and must remove them immediately !
Donna Smith
Athens, Georgia
Solo and Women’s Bible Cafe online group
I just love Bible Study and Beth Moore studies, and I need structure to my day and to be immersed in God’s Word.
1. Jeanna Mason
2. Senath, MO
3. Solo
4. I am going through a transition this summer after leaving my job to start grad school in the fall. I know I am doing what God is leading me to do, but it’s still scary. I’m hoping to “draw near[er]” to God this summer.
5. I read all the time. I even set up the subtitles on the television to read while I’m watching. 🙂
1. Cara Koski
2. Fridley, MN
3. 5 of us (I think) and meeting at one of their houses.
4. I usually miss out on doing small group bible studies during the school year b/c of being swamped in seminary, so I’m all over the opportunity in the summer.
5. I’m an obsessive note taker. When I watch the video sessions for these studies I write in a separate notebook first, then copy all my notes (crammed topped to bottom) on the study guide pages. It usually blesses me the 2nd time too 🙂
Marilyn Sorrells
Gladewater, Texas
Going on this journey with a group of ladies: COTD East Texas! Woohoo!!
I’m ready for what God has planned for me in this study.
My quirk…..there are so many to choose from!
I have to go down every single aisle at the grocery store even if I don’t need anything on that aisle! If I try not to do that, I’ll have to circle back to the aisle I missed. 😛
Katie
Townsend, TN
Solo
I am foster mom waiting on adoption to be finalized. My heart is tired, exhausted, and I want to be reminded of God’s goodness and love. Living in the daily pain of abused children leaves me fighting bitterness and hopelessness.
One of my quirks is that I never eat the center of my hamburgers or sausage biscuits 🙂
1. Shanna Daniels
2. Elk grove, CA
3. Solo
4. I need to grow deeper in God and overcome fear.
5. A quirk of mine is that I rub my feet together at night like a cricket to put myself to sleep.
OK–quirk. Hmmm…..I’m only comfortable if the temperature is between 72 and 74 degrees. Unless there’s a strong breeze–then I can go up to 80–in the shade. I live in Georgia where it’s hot in the summer and have grandchildren in Minnesota. Something’s gotta change!
Keishia Brushwyler
Anaheim, CA
I participate in a a small group throughout the school year but we take summers off. I need a Bible study for this summer to keep me in God’s word and my eyes off myself and on the eternal
Quirk- Well, I can’t go to bed unless the sheets are perfectly straight, tucked and folded over correctly.
1. Allison Jordan
2. Burgaw, NC
3. Solo
4. I love the accountability of summer Bible study. Everything at church dies down for summer but I need this to keep my focus on Christ.
5. Quirk…I have to use a blue pen to do my Bible study. I don’t like black ink because it doesn’t stand out against the pages. Haha! 😉
1. Julie Terry
2. Alameda, CA
3. Solo 🙂
4. I keep seeing the Children of the Day info each day and felt God calling me to dive in! I’m excited to see all God has for us in this study for Summer, much gratitude.
5. I like to dance in my kitchen, daily. Maybe not too quirky, it will have to do 🙂
Monica Ciampa
Hicksville, NY
Solo for now..but hopefully not for long..lol..anybody in LI area need an accountability partner?
Love Thessalonians & always wanted to do deeper study of it. Already been such a “now” word in this season. Thankful.
Probably “spoiler alerts” w/ shows I haven’t seen yet. Although I’ve been guilty of this a few times
1. Carla
2. Victoria, British Columbia
3. Small group of two, maybe three!
4. Summer feels like the season of untethering from responsibilities, but I don’t want to find myself untethering from studying the Scripture. I like having the routine and rigor of immersion in the Word, even when in a vacation state of mind.
5. I have a thing about roadkill.
1. Michelle Lalanne
2. Visalia, CA
3. Small Group @ Work
4. I do BSF during the fall and spring. I need something structured to keep me in the word during the summer months when we don’t meet.
5. Quirk: When at a restaurant, regardless of how my plate is placed before me, I always have to turn it and adjust it, even if I rotate it back to how it was originally placed.
1. Ashley Schroeder
2. Georgetown, Texas
3. My husband, two close friends so far (trying to recruit more). We will all do it individually then discuss when and where we can!
4. I have an 8 year old, a 4 year old, and a 14 month old, so I feel like I am in survival mode. I want to put God’s Word first, or at least bump Him way up on the priority list from where He is now. I need accountability and a Bible study to be consistent.
5. I have misophonia, where I get angry at people for making sounds. Not just smacking food, but making any noise with it – even chewing silently but breathing while doing it! I’m trying valiantly not to pass this quirk down to my children and have to constantly get on to the rest of my family not to! In the movies, all I hear is people chewing popcorn or squeaking seats! I’d rather my kids be the smackers than the ones getting angry at the smackers 🙂
1. Pam McDonald
2. Hendersonville NC
3. Small group
4. I have a strong need to do some in-depth digging in the Word.
5. I have this need to name my cars.
Jan Strickler
Cypress, Texas
Solo
This Bible study will connect me with God and Scripture more in depth, and I need that. My husband, an MS patient is requiring more physical care from me now, and I’m struggling with it.
My quirk: I still love my vintage Barbies that I played with as a child, and have a lot of collectible stuff that I enjoy displaying in my sewing room.
Marquette, MI
Solo
I miss being in the Word after fall/winter Bible studies.
1. Chrissy Martin
2. Sacramento, CA
3. Tandem – 10 women, at my house
4. After several years of being disciplined to be in the Word during the school year and then being lax over the summer, I have learned that I need some sort of accountability and structure in the summer too. I am also looking forward to getting to know some of the women in my community better through this Bible study.
5. I shower at night and do my hair just like I would for the day, but I go to bed. And somehow in the morning it still looks okay. This minimizes my get-ready time in the morning, which is crucial for a stay-at-home mom.
OhChrissy, how I wish I could do your quirk! I was just thinking this morning, how do people go to bed and get up without their hair being crazy! Had my haircut last night and the style looked awesome, but this am, my hair was a wreck!! LOL enjoy that quirk girl!!
1. Royana Thomas
2. Grand Prairie, Texas
3. Solo – at home and on the road – lots of travel this summer! The Tetons for the majority – camping.
4. I love to stay in His Word – keeps me accountable.
5. Beth – I laughed at your hot dog quirk because mine is very similar. I love a good chili cheese hot dog with mustard and onions etc., but I don’t put the wiener in mine either!! hahahahaha!! My family laughs at me every time!!
1. Suzanne & Gabrielle Marlatt 2. Lake Stevens, WA 3. Small group 4. joined the study to add more to summer – learning! 5. Quirk: (maama) must have quiet, sitting down to be still time with small cup of tea. (Gabrielle) always have ipod shuffle close by.
1) Carola
2) Missoula
3) both a small group in my home and online with friends who have moved away.
4) I’m desperately thirsty
5) I have to start the laundry and pick up the kitchen in the first moments of the morning so I can have coffee, breakfast and time with Jesus without clutter demanding my attention.
Mandy P.
Dacula, GA
Solo- with possible small group gathering
Wanting to stay connected during the summer
Quirk- I can’t stand when people eat ice loudly!!!
Dallas, Texas
Solo
Want to be refreshed in the Word this summer and haven’t done a Beth Moore study in a while.
I’m a list maker. I enjoy making lists just to check things off… Silly, but true!
1. Carolyn
2. London,Ontario Canada
3. Solo
4. Doing desert time–desparately needing to get back into the Word again.
5. Quirky? A lifelong nurse…I cannot possibly eat in a restaurant with out washing or sanitizing my hands after handling the menu ….(though in my head I know I won’t die from it~)
San Ramon, CA — Flying Solo — Intrigued by study as have never spent any time in Thessalonians — Quirks? Too many to list! — Looking forward to this study. Thank you, Beth!
Nicole Hawker
Seymour TN
Solo
I was in the launch group and I’m excited about doing this study as my summer devotional
My quirk – I don’t like drinking from plastic cups; I prefer glass
1)Rhonda
2)Fargo, ND
3)SOLO
4)I am looking forward to having a summer Bible study and thought I would try something new, on line.
5)Everything in my pantry is grouped with like/same items together and labels must be facing out in allignment with the others in their group.
1.My name is Sue Haugh
2.from Manchester, Pa
3.I am doing this bible study by myself.
4. I am so hungry to grow and to know Jesus more and more intimately. I so desire to be more and more conformed into the image of Jesus!!!!! I love learning and love Beth Moore’s heart for Jesus!!!
5. My “quirk” is that I need to go for a walk with Jesus every day on our small farm, constantly looking upward, looking and looking for Jesus to “come on the clouds”. I long to be able to see Him coming today!!!!