Summer Bible Study Gathering IV
Hey, You Darlin’ Things! It’s that time again: our Tuesday for Siesta Summer Bible Study and this is Gathering #4! Please take a few minutes to watch my greeting to you via another very professional, highly technical taping (I know LifeWay must be getting nervous). There is much more on the video than what I’m writing here but, as we’ve done before, I just want to make sure you have your discussion questions in print. Please also note that we have yet another contest. You’ll find out far more about it on the video greeting but I thought it might help to have the eligibility requirements here. You’ll find them at the bottom of this post. The prizes are things you simply do not want to miss. Hint: they may be things you cannot live without…but I can.
I love you guys like crazy and I love loving Jesus with you. Hang in there, stay in the Word, and let’s finish strong!!! Here goes:
Three Discussion Questions:
From Week Five:
1. Take a look at the bottom of p.103, starting with the question, “What word in Numbers 11:4 (NIV) is used to describe their desire for meat?” Discuss a number of specific ways craving something is different from wanting it. While you’re at it, continue a discussion Melissa and I started on a walk a few nights ago. We were talking about how you can tell you’re getting out of control with something when you start trying to be secretive about it. What do you think?
2. Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?” Discuss that whole first paragraph.
From Week Six:
3. Turn to p.125 and reread (one of you aloud to the group) the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God? Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem. As you conclude today’s gathering, have a brief time of prayer, letting those that feel comfortable praying out loud simply state their need or problem to God in one statement, something like this: “Lord, there is no more _____________________.” Or, “Lord, I am ____________________________.” Then simply tell Him that you’re trusting Him to do something about it. Try to resist fretting over it this week but keep watching for Him to turn some water into wine.
I pray for Christ to show up in such a profound Presence in your gathering this week that nobody can miss Him!
NOW, about that contest:
THE INCOMPARABLE PRIZES: In keeping with our kitchen theme (please see video), the prize will be a compilation of several kitchen gadgets or serving dishes out of my own kitchen that I have never used, several of which are still in the box. Can you resist these kinds of prizes? I don’t think so.
ELIGIBILITY:
*A group of five or more Siestas who meet face-to-face on our Tuesdays. (We LOVE our groups meeting on-line and totally dig our solo siestas but I needed a way to narrow down the contest.)
*Perfect attendance at all four gatherings. In other words, every woman who met the first time in your group has come for all four gatherings. Way to go!
HOW TO WIN: Be the first group to sign in AFTER your gathering to say that you’ve had perfect attendance. Please identify your group to us (city/location) then watch for us to confirm the winning group in the COMMENT section. We’ll also tell you how to contact us with an address to receive your prizes. Please make sure you tell us how many are in your group because I will GLADLY send something out of my kitchen for each of you. The times on the comments are recorded so the first one will automatically win.
Whew! This contest is so great that I wish I could enter it myself! But I’m afraid I’d have to win it all back.
P.S. Thank you for remembering that your comments are meant to follow your gatherings! You’re the best!
Labels: Beth, Summer Bible Study, Videos
posted by Beth @ 7:34 PM
140 Comments
140 Comments:
I'm solo and leaving town this week, to try and learn how to put an end to one of my long time "strongholds"- overeating- through a Christian program. I really appreciate discussion questions 1 and 3- 3 especialy convicted me to hand over 4 or 5 very deep heart felt prayers-I'm almost 60 and you would think I would have "slayed" my dragons by now- which is just the point-I'm convinced Jesus is the only one who can either do this for us or empower us through the Holy Spirit-I am definitely a slow learner and oh those idols we notice when we sneak or hide our attachment to them. Sorry for being so long winded-you struck a heartstring- Blessings, appreciation and love in our Lord
Beth, Just want to tell you I love you so stinkin much!!! You will never know what breaking free has done for me until we get to meet and talk in heaven.!!! Forever grateful for the Holy Spirit using you for me. I am praying for you.
Is this post just for the summer Bible study-er commenters?? If so, please delete it after you read it!
Oh, Beth! Just minutes ago, I finished up my last day of homework for Stepping Up. Our final video session is Thursday morning. And right after Bible study, I'm loading up my family and we're heading to Louisville! I won 2 free tickets to LPL from a sweet gal named Emmy on Lifeway's All Access Blog!
You have NO idea what a climactic culmination (big words!) this is for me! This study was crazy life-changing, and I CANNOT BELIEVE God is sending me to see you in person the very day it ends.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME, GOD?!?!
Psalm 134--"Come, bless YAHWEH, all you servants of YAHWEH, who are standing in YAHWEH'S house by night. Raise your hands toward the holy place and bless YAHWEH. May YAHWEH bless you from Zion, the one who made heaven and earth.
If I can get up off my face, I'll see you in LOO-VULL!!!
Momma Beth:
You are a woman after my own heart. I am crying because I have laughed so hard at the helpful hints in the kitchen. My children will tell you that you and I must be related because my kitchen stuff is used in many other ways then cooking.
I love you Beth... have an awesome day!
Lichelle
Hey Beth,
I can't enter your contest but I do want you to know how much I depend on your ever so helpful suggestions at the end of your video. I'm off to put my socks of right now. :)
What I really want is a favor though. Would you save me a seat in Louisville? ;) I'm coming with my girlfriends and I just know they will make me late. :D I mean, you are my siesta and all.
Can't wait for the weekend. I hope you have a wonderful, blessed week.
Rhondalyn
Does anyone else struggle with feeling like they are not experiencing God? When I get to questions like #2 about having a taste of God's future promise to me, I draw a blank. so often in answering questions in Bible studies I feel I don't have an answer. What is God's purpose for me? Why do I not have examples to write? Am I too shallow? Do I not experience God because my faith is not strong enough to handle difficulties...not that I am asking for trouble! Why do so many people have so many troubles, over and over again and I am so blessed or have life so easy thus far?
And then, as I sat still before Him, God revealed to me that he has given me a promise. His greatest promise to me is eternity in heaven. There are times that I have had a glimpse of heaven here on earth, a taste of the sweet, sweet fruit of what it will be like to see Him face to face, to worship Him fully and completely and to sing His praises in His presence. Hallelujah Jesus, my LORD how beautiful you are!
Going solo in MN on the study and loving, loving, loving it! May God bless all of my Siesta's as they meet today.
Thank you Beth for your humor--the alternate use for your oven mitt made me burst out laughing. You'll have to be careful about what you give away from your kitchen though or Melissa may not have the tools she needs to prepare another fabulous meal for y'all at LPM when she comes to Houston!
God's richest blessings, Cheri
Siesta Mamma, I love your videos! Thanks for the encouragement. And I love the on-line Bible study. Although I can't do this study, I am enjoying the "fellowship" through the Blog. Oh, one more Kitchen help: Use it to serve the take home pizza you talked your husband into getting after work. Looks absolutely perfect!!!
Any news or reccommendations for Siesta's attending the Simulcast in Louisville. I am hopping to get there! I am praying God opens my heart to all that you have to share from him.
hugs
Hey Siestas! So looking forward to the Simulcast this weekend. My and mom are attending here in Wichita! Wha Hoo!! So excited to see what God is going to say!
Ok, going solo here and have a godly jealousy over those kitchen winners. I love being in it like Melissa Fitz! BTW, just have a really great new cookie recipe Melissa. If you have time, make these ( http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cookie/HighTeaCookies.htm ) I only made 1/2 the recipe and it was amazing!
Alright, now to answer some questions: I have started to be "secret" in somethings. Often, I've thought to myself this can't be right. But I'll keep it up only to have it bite my bee-hind! The desire definitely turned in lust for that "good thing" and hence, into an idol. I felt/ feel so much guilt over being secret. Sometimes it seems like vicious cycle!!
#2 I have brought fruit back. I've even "spied" out a place to know how good it is but then had to wait to "take the land." Will being doing it again ("spy" out a place) in October. Right now, I don't want to, but God will be faithful. Hoping I see some GREAT fruit there!
#3 Just this last week I wrote a post about how I felt I could not not keep doing what I needed to be doing. He reminded me the next day in this study that HE is going to sustain me (Isaiah 46:4) and I was soooo glad to get a WORD. Even if the situations don't get fixed (or fixed the way I want them too,) I'm going to trust Him to keep filling me up!!
Love this so much, you don't even know! You siestas are wonderful - I love you all too! Let's keep on keeping on!
Beth - I have so enjoyed the videos this summer. My group fizzled out - but I'm going strong! I haven't seen too many active idols in my life, Praise God! My life of sin and the pit was so deep when I was rescued 5 years ago that I am VERY careful to not let anything or anyone come before God. Only He is my idol and His Word. It is my constant prayer and He always answers it.
Your question #2 hit me because after I was saved 5 years ago I decided that if I ever did or thought anything that I wouldn't share with my kids that it was wrong. I had lived on the other side of that and I realized that Satan had used me so effectively in secret places and things and people. NO MORE. My son is getting over a drug addiction and I refused to keep it a "family secret" - I told anyone who would listen. Satan wants to have us feel shame and not talk. Now my son's victory is giving people hope - not only for him but for themselves. Satan is foiled!! I don't keep secrets (except birthdays and Christmas) - I don't live in darkness and I won't help Satan out anymore!!! Praise God Praise God Praise God!!
Its too bad the group fizzled out because I would actually use whatever kitchen utensils you don't use!! One member has a legit excuse and please add her daughter to your prayer list. We thought this precious Godly 14 year old had beaten thyroid cancer last year but it has come back with a vengence. Again, it looks like Satan because the cancer cells in her case have become very devious and have transformed themselves so they are radiation resistant and also resistent to detection in scans - which is why they were only recently re-disovered in blood work. This only happens in less than 5% of thyroid cancer patients. Please pray for Nikki and her mother, LaRaine, for courage and strength and of course miraculous healing. Her next surgery is Aug. 14. I ask all the seistas to join us in prayer for Nikki. Thanks and happy Bible Study!
Susan in Savannah
Going solo in Bellingham, Washington, and loving this study! I think a group of us solos are going to try to meet soon and chew on all we are learning together. I'm the goofy one that gave up shopping for a year so I could lay that idol at the feet of Jesus. My year is just about "up" and before this study, I was so afraid that I'd just go crazy shopping again once Sept. 1st hit. I related totally to your comment that you begin getting out of control when you become secretive about it. I was there girls. Not only have I layed it before the Lord, but all my girlfriends know (aren't girlfriends better than therapy?) and more importantly, my credit card is cut up and my husband is in the know, and I've asked him if I can be accountable to him in this. I feel like the chains that held me to this idol have been loosed and my trust in Jesus has grown so much over this study! Thank you so much for your teaching and leadership... I'll be seeing your simulcast this weekend in Bellingham, at my church, Christ the King! Can't wait!!
FINALLY - a blog about kitchen items that don't require cooking! My family will attest to the fact that I "assemble" meals - I don't cook them!
Just yesterday I asked my middle daughter not to heat up the kitchen by turning on the oven for baking cookies! (It's 90+ degrees here in St. Louis.) Later, I thought to myself: "What a Mom you are! - denying your daughter homemade cookies just because you don't want to heat up the kitchen!"
We have 2 that have met in our bible study group so we don't qualify for the contest, but I'm excited for the siestas who will get the kitchen "props!"
Thanks, Beth, for your creativity and hilarious videos!
Beth:
You are so silly. I think it is such great fun. I am not doing the on line study, but I wanted to thank you for reading the comment from the women in Kenya. I so hit home for me. Only I don't just look at marriage for validation, I tend to look at everything that way. Never thought of it as an idol problem. I have been praying that God would help me see my worth in Him. While this was a little painful I am glad to know so I can root those idols out and set things straight. Thanks
Oh my I know this doesn't count but I just had to tell you that even going solo I have had perfect attendance in my group - the 4 of us everytime - God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Carrie! They have been faithful to show up EVERYTIME and to gently pull the veil down from my face.
I am not one to solicite for prayers in a public forum but I need them tonight. I teach my first Bible study that I put together - What Not to Wear and God has had 73 women sign up!! Good gravy I only thought it would be to about 10-12! As Beth said, "Jesus, show up in a PROFOUND way!
Love you all
PS -can't wait til Friday - I will be in Louisville for Beth *with my husband of all things!
We've had perfect attendance every week. You said you would send a kitchen item to every single one of us, so hopefully you have enough because our group that meets has 200 people!
Jenifer
P.S. Just kidding! Just having some fun with ya! I'm just a solo gal. :)
The Journey Continues ~
YAH! I am glad I am NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO DOESN'T OBEY THE TEACHER! HAHAHAhhaaaaa...
I love you Beth, LPM, Siesta's!!!
Doin' my study with the seals, bird friend, Sassy, dolphins and poopin seagulls. :)
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim
http://www.kimsafinathejourneycontinues.blogspot.com
Two more kitchen ideas:
1. My friend puts dirty dishes in her oven when people come over to her house. (If the oven is full, she puts them in the dryer.)
2. I read about an author who writes at her kitchen table,so she uses her dishwasher as a filing cabinet! She said the racks are the perfect size for file folders.
I'm with you, Beth. The kitchen is really quite unnecessary.
Beth, just wanted to say I am loving the Bible Study. I am going solo and having a wonderful time just me and the Lord. I didn't realize just how many gods I had until now. WOW!!! What a revelation. I absolutely love the kitchen helpful hints. Now, if I can convince my husband of this. To think he wants me to cook every night....huh.
I need help Siestas!!!! I have a three year old son that absolutely refuses to use the potty. I have tried everything even bribery, taking a way his toys and television, taking away his favorite foods. I am at a lose. Any suggestions and/or comments would be great, and your prayers.
God Bless
Can I tell you how much I appreicate your kitchen comments! I'm so already doing those practices now....also adding... It's been a hot summer here and the air conditioning is cranked up so much so I have to wear a sweatshirt most of the day while I'm inside :) The toughest part of the day is removing the sweatshirt and socks to go pick up the pizza!
Our group has had perfect attendance and is just crazy enough to sign up to receive "stuff" we all just sold in our garage sales:)
Going to a simulcast on Fri and Sat. Looking forward to it as I pray for the Spirit to be filling y'all to the measure for an outpouring so big every single person attending will be changed for His glory and His fragrance be an aroma so strong those who cross paths with them are changed by His Spirit for His glory for all eternity. The Great I AM.
Greetings from Plain City, Ohio
Beth,
We had an awesome group today. This is one of those days I live for - our ladies opened up and shared REAL things; struggles, fears, mistakes, victories. It was a beautiful thing to see real fellowship. I think God had a smile on His face today.
We love you in Fayetteville, AR, Tammy
I am doing the summer Bible study solo in Minnesota. I love the videos and this weeks kitchen helps were great! I dislike socks so much that I never wear them, even with my sandals in the winter here with all the snow! But after seeing the video I may have to buy socks so just I can go sliding around my kitchen. I am sure my 5 and 7 year old children will be right there with me.
Thank you for your encouraging words!
Hey-
We met and loved it! It is hard! But we are so encouraged that God is meeting us! It was so sweet to talk about times when God was so close and we felt so sure He was giving us a taste of what was to come. What we both said was that we wish we were there still (again?). We both had very real, intimate times with God and yet now don't feel so close. We were encouraged by each other that while we may have moved, God is still beside us and waiting for us to completely trust Him as our one and only God!!!
AND we (the other lady I meet with) decided we could be a five or more group with perfect attendance because it has been me, her, and the Trinity! Does that count???????????? LOL
Blessings to you all at LPM!
Paige
Wow,#3 really spoke to me!! I have been praying for almost a year over a conflict between me and my mom. It has affected other relationship in our family. I haved prayed telling God what to do in the situation. That is not my job.
Miss Beth, You are a HOOT! I'm gonna let my dh in on your suggestions for the kitchen and see what he thinks. I'm gonna try the dancing out on him tonight. Thanks for making me smile. I hate that I'm not in the study with all ya'll, but love your videos. Oh, and I've made your poundcake 2 times...we love it!!!
We have had perfect attendances> we meet in Washington state. we have really enjoyed the study and being able to get together ;also have so much enjoyed watching the video. One of our girls even just got out of the hospital after a surgery the day of our first study but came, pain meds and all.
Wives of the Warriors, Washington
Thanks, Beth, for reinforcing that a good wife does not have to use the stove or oven- I am a microwaving- George Foreman fool! Does that count as cooking? I can also go through a drive-thru like nobody's business- :)
Your are an encouragement for us soloists- got out of my bible study routine on vacation, and am almost caught up- thanks for the accountability.
God is so great to give us glimpses of future promises- my hubby being so great with little ones and babies, seeing older couples so happy and in love- I feel like God is saying, enjoy where you are now and this will be great too, someday!
Our SS lesson this week was on having false idols! I felt so smart! Can't wait to see you on the big screen this Friday and Saturday! I'll be watching from Great Hills!
Kitchen gadgets are the best!! We have discussions when the boys are putting them away and trying to figure out if they are uni-taskers or multi-taskers. No one can beat your famous ice cream scoop!!
I cannot wait for this weekend and seeing you, Beth, in person. For our bus trip down, I am planning on making one of the chicken salads from Melissa's list and if I'm really crazy :) the apple gallette to leave for my men.
This Bible study continues to be a blessing for our entire family!!
Vera Koch
Tremont, Illinois
I watch your video Beth and really enjoyed it, as I too believe that a clean kitchen means you shouldn’t cook in it! But what really spoke to me was the first discussion question: the difference between wanting something and craving something. Well, if our physical body craves something it’s because our body has a deficiency in something. So when we crave chocolate we are actually craving iron; but instead of eating, say, spinach which has iron we eat chocolate because it’s much more desirable. Iron contains an enzyme key that is needed to make proteins for our body. However, chocolate contains a false enzyme key – so we feel like chocolate satisfies that craving but in the long run we really need the iron in the spinach.
So when we crave something, be it emotional or whatever, we have a deficiency, and so often we reach for something that offers a false key, (false god), that leaves us emotionally drained or just emotionally shot. Though if we go to Him in the first place for our deficiency, He will give us the key and it will be so much more fulfilling than the false ones.
I’ve struggled with being loved and accepted for who God made me. Instead of going to Him for validation I went to people, God knows what a mistake that was, I went to fantasies, and I tried to find validation in my work; my false gods. They weren’t fulfilling, they didn’t work. But coming back to Him I find validation, fulfillment, and value.
- Sarah!
Girls, WE HAVE OUR WINNING GROUP!! No, it's not the group of two who added the Trinity to their numbers...although I really liked that math. And it's not the faux group of 200 with perfect attendance that nearly scared me to death...although I could have emptied out my entire kitchen. Indeed our winning group - providing they confirm 5 or more participants - comes from the American northwest. Donna has written us from the great State of Washington testifying that the "Wives of the Warriors" doing the Siesta Summer Bible Study have had perfect attendance! I am so glad it's Washington! Do you guys remember when we did our survey at the beginning of the summer to see where all our Bible study Siestas were located and I told you we'd had a huge showing from Washington State? I'm so proud of them! And it shouldn't be nearly so hot in their kitchens either.
Donna, I know all of you in your group are just dying to receive my care package of kitchen wares! I didn't see the number of group members in your comment but it had a confident tone to it that made me pretty sure you have five or more. And I was very impressed with the one who attended just out of the hospital! Please email LPM at blog@lproof.org and let us know the exact number of group members and one address where I can joyfully send this care package.
I might just take a picture of what I've compiled for them and post it at some point to spur the rest of you on to perfect attendance in the future. I know you're going to wish you'd won when you see these fabulous prizes from yours truly, the Queen of Kitchens.
Oh, what people miss when they don't hang out and study the Word with weird women.
Oh Beth this is so "impressive'....I wish that I could enter the contest and win your gadgets...I might be able to throw in a few myself...
I am solo and woefully behind because of vacation...and other "life issues' as well....
A non-cook here but who could easily collect dinnerware...(and never use it)
I am behind on my study and my group members dropped out and one is on her way to Montana where she will now live, but I am still with it!
I am so looking forward to the simulcast this weekend! We will be attending at Cedar Run Comm Church in Herndon Virginia. Three of us will be staying at the Hilton out that way Friday night for some extra special GIRL TIME! WOO-HOO! I can't wait to do LPL with you, Travis and the rest of the Siesta's!
I just have to put in a praise and thank you to Diane Riley, LPM's Resource Manager. She was so helpful to me this week and her love and attitude just SHINES! Diane, you rock and thanks again!
Hugs and Blessings,
Susan
We are going to have a total blast in Heaven together!!! I cannot wait!
I have been a little down because I jufst found out that one of my favorite pastors in the world took a position at a different church. (Evidently he was not as crazy about me as I was of him! Go figure!!)
Watching the video today and reading all these comments really cracked me up! Thanks, Siestas!!
You all are the best and I love you with an everlasting love!!
When we all get to Heaven, what a day of REJOICING that will be. When the Siestas see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the VICTORY!
Beth, you are absolutely precious beyond words!! I am so thankful to the LORD for you and your ministry!!
Love you all!
Roxanne
Hey mamma beth! My girls while i was out of town had there meeting this week but guess what......only 1 showed up while the others blew it off and didnt even call eachother! Its not looking good.....it fells like were under attack so please pray for me and my group of girls! I love you Beth! Your amazing!
Hi Spiritual Mom Beth:)
There was just Kassidy and I this wk cause the other two are out of town:)
1)We think that "craving" is obsessive and "want" is more of a desire; we agree that the only One we should crave is HIM. Secrecy means something's not right and/or needs accntblty. Esp. if it is something that we feel like we can't share w/ our husband, but with others first or not at all.
2)Kassidy is also doing fert. type tests and she is seeing how God is her encouragement (ie a word, song, or thru a person);Gen. 18:14 is a verse God had for Kassidy to encourage her to be patient and wait for His timing.PRAISE! her cond. is prob. not what we thought it was; statistically, a better chance for pregnancy!:) For me there has been glimpses too-I just want to fully know what I have in Him to begin with; experientially and all to His glory. Tasting it or knowing about the "abundant life" or "more than a conqueror" life; what it really looks like, makes you want it (in a healthy way)It may not be an easy life, but it is full:)
3.)"Lord, there is no more patience, humility, godly discernment, belief! Lord, I am wanting/craving You the most and trusting Your Sovereignty!
Firstly: Lord, I want to love You!"
We prayed for all these things, and we decided to be accntble to ea. other to remind ea. other to pray for our husbands the most, and to be healthy in our interests and our relationships.
Have a blessed night, Spiritual Mom Beth:)
couple of verses Kassidy and I looked at tonight; what the enemy tries to do to us:
Lam. 3:53-59 (AMP)
Love in our beautiful CHRIST,
katiegfromtennessee
p.s. (sorry Mrs. Melissa, we love your suggestions, but we had my ckn salad since it was just the two of us:)
First off Beth, thank you for sharing that bit I wrote about forgiveness. I hope and pray that your reading it will use the bit that I have been taught through my experiences to help others (and those words will reach more people since you read them, and have a wider audience than I do) and bring glory to God.
1. Oh that is so true. I had a relationship in college that aspects of it began to control me... and those were the aspects I hid from everyone else. I think now, the things that I would hide, have been coming to light through this study, and then I use what I have learned every two weeks and share it with my counselor.. then someone else knows about it too... its that whole, bringing it into the light and stop being secretive about it. It starts to break the hold that something has on you.
2. Fruit of a future promise? I have seen glimpses of my healing, hope for further healing - bits of healing from big things along the way... days of good starting to outweigh the days of bad (depression and anxiety) - it has given me encouragement to keep going as long as I remember what He has done, and keep my eyes fixed on Him... not where I am at.
I think that the last day of week six got me the most. Talking about our idols weighing us down, and how we end up carrying our idols... they may have started out as something good, but we started to exalt them, then worship them, and end up carrying them, along with all our other burdens.
But we can lay them down just drop our burdens, our idols at His feet, finally laying down all the we have been carrying...
I wrote in my journal today...
"When I have done that (collapsing at His feet exhausted) sometimes I have expected punishment... yet You gently take those things from me and cover me, pour Your life and love and comfort into my soul. I just have to let go and let you minister to my soul."
Its the letting go that is so hard. I have to pry my fingers off of the things I think I need.
On another note, I am so excited for this weekend... I will be seeing you from Marshfield, WI on the big screen... I am going by myself (no other friends were able to make it) So, not only solo for this group, but solo for the weekend too! Can't wait though to meet other sisters in Christ from the area! And I can't wait to see what God will do...
Love you all, and God bless,
Heather (solo in WI)
Forgot to mention:)
Praying for you for this weekend:) I know God will bring us a Word through you. God does big things...Holy Spirit sized things:) He loves you lots, big hair and all...just hold His hand, princess warrior, daughter of the King:)
katiegfromtennessee
We have just finished our 4th meeting with the five original ladies having perfect attendance.
We had one other lady join us and has been present since the second meeting making up our group of six.
We are in Rome, Georgia and are members of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church.
We love and appreciate you, Beth.
Original group Carol, Andrea, Donna, Jerri, Edna with Beth joining us late.,
My husband bought me a sign for my kitchen. It reads "A real princess never cooks". I truly am a princess by those standards, and his princess which is even better!
Way to go, Siestas from Pleasant Valley South in Rome, Georgia! Perfect attendance + one!! We've had one group come in before you and we're waiting to confirm their numbers but we give you a HUGE THUMBS UP! Any kind of summer study typically has a big drop-out rate (that's one of the main reasons we're doing this) so you guys hit the ball out of the park. I love you and I'm so blessed to be your servant!
There were three of us this morning from our group of seven. It was perfect for today because it allowed us to share more openly and boy did we share. Deep, painful stuff. God is really dealing with us about things...some of them are things we never even knew we needed to deal with. I know for me personally God has showed me that some insecurities and issues of trust I thought I had dealt with long ago are really just disguised in other things I do now. Don't know if that makes sense to you without explaining it in detail, but I know God is asking me to root it up and throw it out for good.
Pray that we all have to courage and strength to let go of our idols and let God take complete control in every part of our life.
We're logging in!!! We just finished with 6 ladies that have met every week instead of every other!!!
The theme for tonight was...Christ, a gracious offer of pardon, peace, and happiness.
Plain City, Ohio
traceykaeser@hotmail.com
Two of my ladies checked in early at the forums and shared that they would probably be in late and no one else checked in for our live session tonight at 8:00 PM.
My answers are:
1. Craving something is not just about the things we desire to have or want, they are things that we will do anything to have – an insatiable, uncontrolled desire that consumes us. I know something in my life is getting out of control when I will do ANYTHING… beg, borrow or steal to hold onto it. It is not a need, it is just something I feel I have to do and usually when it is over it just leaves me completely unsatisfied and longing for more.
2. My women’s ministry and blog experiences: When I began in women’s ministry at our previous church I strongly sensed God did not want me to “put down” roots in that place. He wanted me to learn and grow as I worked through that ministry and then be prepared when He called us away to leave it for the next leg or our journey. first, in our experience at our previous church my ability to write and teach from my relationship with God came to the surface. I would have never envisioned this for myself. Next, my role in women’s leadership is also something I never would have enlisted myself in because – well I felt ill equipped and unqualified for the position. The time I spent administrating, planning and developing a ministry plan, and facilitating Bible study gave me a firm foundation for building a future ministry that includes my writing my own curriculum and teaching from my relationship and growth with God through His Word.
I tasted a bit of this fruit as I led women’s ministry and experienced the growth of others and the results of being faithful in such an environment. It also required me to let go of that ministry completely to move fully into the plans God has for me now –in this new season of our lives.
3. The number one thing I do before I refer my doubts and concerns to God is to try to fix it or manage it myself. I do it almost every single time. Sometimes I talk it over with someone else and get advice or ask them for help before letting God address it first.
I wanted to take a minute to share this testimony about how this has worked in my life:
My son, Justin, had a mountain of problems that were compounded by some really bad decisions he had made over the course of the last year of his life. I prayed for many months to only to find that things got progressively worse. We went through a criminal investigation and a 7 day period of him being in jail. It was right before this point that I had an exercise in "Living Beyond Yourself." We were to write our most ardent prayer request down on a card and lift the card up to God. I was to praise God for the answer to that prayer request by faith. Beth said, "When this comes to your mind again, don't prayer over it - praise God for the answer instead. I did just that."
This cultivated such a heart and attitude of praise in my Spirit that when the accident and his death came along I was able to praise God and thank God through it. All of this in spite of the pain not in place of it. We must find a way to lay our most ardent requests and our deepest needs before the Lord so that He may be glorified through it.
My prayer is:
Lord, You know our needs before one of them comes due - so Lord, I am asking you to be huge in my oldest daughter's life. You know where she is and what she is going through and I fully entrust her to You. I thank You Lord that You have heard and answered my prayer, In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Beth, this study has been such... such a blessing. So interesting - I am in the midst of writing an inner-healing focused grief curriculum for a group I will be leading this fall. One of the issues we will be dealing with is laying down idols. Since my group will be bereaved moms, the tendency to build idols out of our children or their death looms huge. I remember sitting on my son's grave three years ago after he died and praying, "Lord, please, do not let Justin become an idol that stands between you and I."
Thankfully, Justin is not one of the idols I'm dealing with today - but he could have been... oh he could have been...
My kitchen tip is cooking after dark. I love to cook and use the oven. So--- I'm hopeless!
Beth, I can't thank you eneough for encouraging all of us out there to do this Bible Study with you. This is the best thing I have done for myself all summer. I am doing this solo, and it has been great, God has revealed soooo much to me through this study. I cannot even imagine the conversations those who are in small groups are having over this Bible Study. My husband and I have been praying for a certain situation to change for us for over fifteen years. At times it has been very discouraging and frustrating for us, we have questioned God, and asked why? many times. God has answered some of those to us, and has shown himself to be more than faithful even when we don't deserve it. But God has revealed to me through this study to be patient because in his time he will change our circumstances. I in the mean time have been filling that void with many idols, and craving for our cicumstances to change without changing my heart first. What really amazed me was when Kelly had us do the exercise on page 131. Where we had to pick a psalm based on where we were in our life right now, I was clearly directed to read psalm 37 not knowing what it was about I nearly fell to the ground praising God in tears. It was like he was right there reading it to me in person. As soon as my husband got home I shared it with him and he too shed tears of joy, thanking God for his word. If it would have been our choice we would have had God change our cicumstance fifteen years ago, but realize God has a much bigger plan and we need to obey and trust he will come through for us. God Bless,and Praise God for his word! Brenda ( Beth I love your little extra hints at the end of your video's I am an ex hairdresser and could totally relate to your hair issues!!)
Beth-We didn't have perfect attendance so as the leader of the group, I didn't mention the kitchen prizes. However, after discussing the Israelites and the manna, we all decided they didn't appreciate how easy they had it. We are all tired of the kitchen right now and how much time it can consume. I like your ideas for kitchen paraphernalia and have already used my sock feet for dancing and sometimes I break into a cheer from my cheerleading days in high school. The nogs in Kingston, TN are loving this study and a few of us will see you by way of the simulcast on Friday and Saturday. Can't wait!!!
The Tennessee Eight
We are not able to boast perfect attendance, but are proud of our "steady attendance." It is so easy to find reasons to bow out, but 7 out of our original 8 were in attendance tonight.
I'm starting to feel a real kinship and closeness with our ladies. I "made" most of them pray aloud tonight, and I think that was my favorite part. I love to hear ladies talk to Jesus...especially those who are unused to doing it aloud and in front of others...genuine and heart-felt.
Thanks Beth for organizing us! We are blessed!
allyson
We may not have perfect attendance but we are perfect in who attended! This is one group of women who God specifically chose to share in this study! Although we would have loved to have won the kitchen surprises, our Heavenly Father has showed up in a big way this evening and has truly blessed us, we already feel like winners.
1. We think the difference between cravings and wantings are the obsessions that drive the cravings. We spoke about cravings with foods, alcohol, and even maybe relationships that drive us to be obsessive. We all agreed about if you are hiding something you are probably out of control. Again hiding food, some people spoke about hiding newly purchased clothes or shoes, we won't mention names (lol). It was a great conversation and not something we would have thought of.
2. Joyce shared with the group that shortly before her mom went on to eternal life with Christ, she yelled out "Jesus" and when Joyce asked her if she saw him, she said "It is so beautiful". Joyce felt that Christ had just given her a glimpse of what was to come. I thought that was a beautiful example of Christ showing us the fruit. It also shows us the depth of his faithfulness to us. To know that he is with us through the worst trials.
3. We actually did not get to the first half of the question but due to the depth of our conversations we went to the prayer time. I will not divulge what was prayed for out of respect for my fellow Siesta's but I will tell you that as each one of us prayed, our hearts melted together as one and I believe we truly felt God's love and devotion as we reached out to each other in compassion and love. We each had shared common experiences in our lifetime. Things that are kept "secret" were revealed and instead of being rejected we were accepted, instead of being laughed at, we were loved, instead of being pushed away we were held closer. That is what our Savior did here tonight and I know that this is just the beginning of the blessings he will bestow upon us.
I can't thank you enough, and I know my Siesta's feel the same for facilitating this study. Kelly Minter has just opened her own heart and ours to what God is revealing in his Word and it is powerful.
Joel 2: 25-27
So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts has eaten. The Crawling locust. And the chewing locust. My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: I am the Lord your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
In his Love, Lori
Our group met tonight in my basement, while the upstairs of my home was filled with cousins and family that is in visiting this week. I felt the LORD lead me to keep the date...and I'm so glad.
Girls, we have some huge prayer needs in our group. Melodee's son Ezra, who is almost three, is in stage four cancer and had surgery today. Tonight, he's running a high fever over 103. Please pray for Ezra.
Also, we all have agreed that we have been under a load of spiritual attack leading to depression and short-temperedness--Satan does not want us to unload these idols/ functional gods in our lives. No he likes us to carry them and give him room to do his thing in our lives. But in Jesus' Name, we say NO!
Kelly has done such a great job on this study, and we have SO needed it! Bless her! We do not lose heart, and we continue to fight the battle on our knees.
Love,
Holly in Monument, CO
Nothin' hotter than a south Florida kitchen...and we love culinary gadgets as much as the next siesta, but perfect attendance has eluded all 9 of us. We have been meeting in a community room at someone's condo. The kids swim while we chat and eat:) Last week, a maintenance worker arrived to take measurements for upcoming renovations.(think toolbelt and all) Asks if we mind, we say no. After listening a couple of minutes, says "Mind if I ask you a question?" Being good Baptist siestas, we think--bet this man is gonna get saved right here today. Turns out, I do not think he was saved, but man oh man we could not then get rid of him. Every once in a while he would throw out a verse that he felt applied to our discussion. It was a tad unsettling to have him standing behind our chairs as we were talking, but we just went with it. He wanted to be a siesta in the worst way, and we hadn't even gotten out the food yet!
How funny, that even as we talked about making room in our hearts for God, the maintenance guy was there with his measuring tape getting ready for what was to come in the very room we were sitting in. It was a visual reminder of the work God wants to do in us if we will make room. Naples, Florida is loving this study and is ready for some much needed renovations!
Our group has so enjoyed this Summer Bible Study and we are already looking forward to next summer (hint, hint). We were all disappointed that we didn't have perfect attendance and didn't qualify for your kitchen gadget contest. We would love to see a picture of the gift though!!
I hadn't realized before how easy it is to have an idol and not even realize it! Your kids can be an idol, ok that is an easy one but I thought I was holding them loosely yet I know I would have acted differently than Abraham did! I have always wondered what kind of fit his wife MUST have had (I sure would have had a fit if my hubby wanted to sacrifice MY son). You know what I mean? We can put it under a veil of love and protection, but if God is asking for it and we can't let it go, WOW.
Well first of all, thank-you for the kitchen tips. I personally practice some of those tips myself. And Beth, knowing that I do not have to be a domestic goddess in the kitchen to be a Godly woman, just thrills me!
Question one created the most discussion. Craving brings on such an intense want, that we are never at peace as long as we are craving it. And once obtained, the thing rarely brings the desired and hoped for effect. Our perception of the desired is not accurate. The secretive thing....yes, we understand. If I'm keeping this thing, this desire, this relationship from my spouse, my friends, my God (we think), it is in an improper place in our lives.
Beth, we ended discussing the fact that many times, we don't have something to fill in on Kelly's questions. One of us even said, "I must not be far enough along in my walk, not spiritual enough, to have that area of concern". It occurs to me only now after my NOGS have left, that, that is a lie of Satan. If he can get me to doubt that I'm not even walking with Jesus close enough to have problems, I might think I never can, and just give up walking with Him altogether. Or, end up thinking EVERYONE, has their spiritual life so much more together than me, that they have "a past", and I don't. Oh what cruel games he plays, and we are all too often so ready to join him.
It is not a source of pride that we are (at this moment) without some "baggage", but an acknowledgement of the Grace of the One who has redeemed us!!!
Melana in Wyoming
My past, that's it, that's the idol that the Holy Spirit has been preparing my heart to hear for the last four weeks. My past, what it meant for good and bad, mostly for good which is why it can easily become an idol. It pleases me and it's oh so comforting to slip back in to the memories of my past. I was looking for life out of it. Not any more - I want the awesome power of my God! It's been baby steps all along - T.V., fear, people, and now my past. I poured this all out to my friend Ashley tonight calling it the delivery of the "motherload!" She listened attentatively, then delivered her very own "motherload." Her issue was...the future! What a sweet and soveriegn Lord we have to bring together two ladies whose issues are the past...and the future! My siestas, we have grace for TODAY! Praise Him! Just smile at His thoughts that are so much greater than ours. Really, smile!
I have read John 2:1-5 many times. But this time I saw something I'd never seen before. I am always in such a hurry I never noticed the last part.
The most profound thing for me was....
John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants,'Whatever He says to you, do it!'"
I have no trouble being short and sweet with my requests to God. What I have trouble with is taking the time to listen for what He says and then doing it. I'm usually off and running doing my own thing before He speaks.
The "do it" I seem to have the most trouble with is...
"Be still and know that I am God!"
I'll be as still as I can while I'm asking Him to help me be still...
Tammy in Montana
When I read Wives of Warriors...i was hoping they would be the winners!
I am one of the solos, and this study has helped me to put to rest some of the things in my life that have been driving me nuts..
I wanted to do this study with my Mom and daughters, but I didn't feel like i could have done it..so I didn't even try.. I do hope after I get done that I can share with them what I have learned, but I just didn't know how to go about teaching. Sarah's comments really struck home with me also... as did a lot of what other Siesta's said also. There are a lot of strongholds that I really just do not know how to tear down.. and it seems like every time i make a little progress the enemy attacks again, and i feel like I have lost ground..
Your videos and posts help make things seem more tolerable.. you are a hoot and thank you for all you do for your siesta's!
Delilah
when i first read your second question about the fruit, i thought well i have never had that happen. But later after i thought about it i remembered something that my mom shared with me about 5 years ago. My son Ryan was 5 years old at the time. He was very tired so i took him to the doctor. never imagining that there was any wrong. well after a few test we were told that he has Duchenes Muscular Dystrophy, that it was a degenerative disease, and that there was no treatment or cure. To say the least it was devastating to us. A few days after his diagnosis my mom called us to share with us a verse that God had brought to her while she was praying for Ryan. It was in Mark 2 when Jesus heals the paralyzed man. I thought at that time wow, Jesus is going to heal Ryan. Well 5 years later, we are watching our son slowly get weaker and weaker. Its hard not to get discouraged. I have had my doubts to say the least, but have tryed to hold onto faith as well that God can heal him. I wonder, maybe God giving that verse to my mom at that time was a fruit for a future promise that is yet to come? I never thought of it like that before!
I didn't get to do the study with y'all, but I "randomly" checked the site today and this is so cool because as always, y'all adressed 2 of the issues that I'm thinking over right now. :)
♥~Andreea
P.S. Ms. Beth...that was so cute about the baby's being the same size as a fig. I have never liked figs...until I heard you make that comparison...too cute! :)
Glimpses of fruit: When I pray for someone's salvation, or for a need they have (or even I have), sometimes God gives me glimpses of fruit. I see things happening which I call little miracles, and I know God is at work. Sometimes the harvest is a long way off, in fact we may never even see it, but I believe He gives us glimpses so we can say, 'OK I see now what You are doing.' When an unbelieving friend says to me 'You must have prayed about this for me!'-that's a glimpse of fruit.
Another thing I have noticed is that we can't *always* share these treasures with other people. They don't get it! Maybe they were not meant to.
Maybe what it's all about is us getting it, praising Him for it, and letting Him know that we know He is our God who is coming through for us in His time.
I would encourage all the dear Siestas to look for those tiny miracles. Things you just know God is doing or has done, which give that glimpse into future results and blessings. I'll bet He delights in it when we notice!
And, don't be afraid to let others know when you see these things happening in their lives or for their lives. It's a great witnessing tool.
Siesta Beth,
Great bible time together. God is teaching us so much through this study. We met in a cozy cabin in Vermont. Even though we did not use the recipes, on of the ladies made us fruit pizza. We also had fresh picked raspberries with homemade biscuits and granola. The food was good but the fellowship and prayer time was great.
You are too funny with the kitchen thing. It does not get so hot up here too often and when it does we go out to eat or barbecue outside.
I like the tip of using your hot mitt for padding on your bike. I biked last night and was thinking I sure could use my hot mitt right about now. LOL!!
Thanks Beth, We love you to pieces.
New Hampshire and Vermont ladies.
My entire group had to cancel last night, no perfect attendance for us...except for me because I host the group in my home and I was here.
The material we were to discuss is so rich in content, very convicting. We have rescheduled and will meet the next 2 weeks in a row.
I love the helpful hints, I felt so free from the kitchen, I think I can donate almost everything in it to Helping Hands...
Beth,
I was wondering if there was anyway to to see the simulcast on the internet. There is no one is my area doing it this year. We've always had a church participating in the past.
Since there wasn't a church hosting I am working Saturday but hoping to possibly catch it "delayed" if it will be recorded.
P.S. I have not received my Siesta Registration yet.
We had 12 ladies in attendance last night, a drop from our usual 16 but we had a great night. We had one lady going through a particularly hard time and the promise that she held on to (Question 2) is that God will never put more on you than you can bear. Several of us (including myself) we struggling with simply believing that God loves us just as we are. This has been a great study and we thank you so much for the opportunity. We finished in a circle in intense prayer for our sister who is struggling and pray that you'll remember her as well.
Cassandra
Mars Hill, NC
Worship Warrior Sarah, I loved your comment about the spinach and chocolate. What is it that makes me think I need that idol more than I need God?
I was asking the Lord about this just this morning. What is the deficiency?
To the lady who is struggling with the potty training issue, you are probably trying too hard. My suggestion would be to stop urging him. He may not be ready or it may be a control issue for him. Perhaps at well chosen times you could casually mention certain things he will be able to do when he is a big boy...without even mentioning the potty.
I remember those days. It seems like a big issue now but not in the larger picture.
Love you Beth, and all you siestas!
Jan in NC
After meeting with my Mom on the phone for a discussion and answering the questions I was left with this...
The fruit part is a little frustrating for me, I have tasted- but I know there is more. Doors not opening, and change of plans have caused me to surrender more. I feel I've been asked to do things that I didn't expect, My hope is there but there are some missing pieces to the puzzle.
Then, the last declaration, the one with the take on, declare your doubt or situation to God and then be quiet. That was powerful. I almost ended in tears and I didn't even say but 6 words. That was really really good. I felt like that was all I needed to do. It wasn't hard but almost freeing.
Blessings and Thank you,
Tabby
Another great meeting in Alabama last night. God brought together our group of folks who are members of the same large church, but didn't really know each other. The discovery of idols has been excellent and the fellowship has been sweet!
Hey Mama,
Our group has met every week since the beginning. I'm doing it with the ladies in my family. It's been a wonderful experiment. In any family, there are usually issues. We're no different. But we face each other every week, eat together, and study for a total of 3 hours. Our issues still exist, but somehow, studying and praying together is softening some of the edges. Some who didn't know how they could make it together in the same room and wishing it wouldn't end. Thanks for suggesting such an idea. Praise God!
PS- Hope to see your simulcast.
Beth - I just love contests...I have had perfect attendance in my group...there are 9 of us that meet in Wolfeboro, NH and we rotate houses.
This summer bible study has been so important to us and being able to stay connected with each other and in the word has made all the difference. Thank you for spurring us on!
We had 3 (Connie, Lisa and Pam) of 6 meeting together this week...our other 3 are at the beach which makes it doubly hard to love them since we would have had perfect attendance and a chance at those fabulous kitchen items AND they are at the beach for cryin' out loud!! :-)
I am thrilled to say that none of our group have dropped out and we are loving staying in the Word together this summer.
1) We decided that craving is different from a want because a craving has control, makes us obsess, consumes us and is not easily substituted for. A want you can talk yourself out of more easily if perhaps it's not the best thing for you.
We definitely agree that usually the crave has a secretive component to it. We thought of many ways that could come into play I will share one.
One of our husbands chose to spend frivously and would not wait a month so the item he wished to purchase could be budgeted for. So when the member of our group would purchase something for herself (even if it was a needed item) she would hide the purchase from him so she would not have to have the confrontation with her husband. (Avoidance is one of her "gods".)
2) This one was more difficult. I could think of one example of having a glimpse of what my marriage could be if some factors beyond my control were changed. I fully believe that because God gave me that glimpse I have continued to stay with my husband. However those factors are still in place and even though are marriage is better now...it's not as good as the glimpse yet. Which led me to consider that perhaps I'm still in the period leading up to the harvest.
3) The 3rd one we enjoyed discussing what it would have been like to be there to witness this encounter between Mary and Jesus.
And we totally agree that a lot of times we just need to express it to him with out our prescription for fixing it. Which led us to say that sometimes we may miss His answer to the situation when we have tunnel vision looking for our own fix to the situation.
Thanks Beth for all you do to encourage us! I'm so looking forward to seeing you on Friday in Louisville, KY!!!
Pam
Radford, VA
Somewhere along the bike path this morning I lost my oven mitt!
Hey Bethie... I have a bit of a testimony to share - I want it to be short, but it is not. I hope you will stay with me. You are a big part of this but truthfully it is the God - Christ and His Holy Spirit - in you that drew this out in me.
One of the Lifeway forum gals posted a statement about how we all have said... "Oh, I wish I was..." Thanks EmmaB2002 for making that statment.
Here is what followed for me this morning.
Just wanted to chime in on the "Gee, I wish I was more like Beth Moore" Bit...
I used to say, "I could never do that like Beth Moore..." (Anyone else out there slapping their forehead for me and saying, duh? You're supposed to do it the way God has planned for you.) So, though I knew I would never memorize a whole chapter of the Bible or be able to figure out how so many passages of Scripture go with one topic or where to find them for that matter, or... ever be (listen carefully here, because this one will ring the bell) write and teach my own Bible studies... I literally used to pray, God make me just 1/2 the godly woman and teacher that Beth Moore is and I will be satisfied.
Can I just say that one day I was reading over at her LPM website and they shared a list of her resources. I bought almost all of them - the Key Word Study Bible, A Four-Translation Parallel Study Bible (I am here to tell you that I own TWO of these monsters) and then I purchased a Thompson Chain Reference and a Scofield Study Bible (both in NKJV - though I don't know why) --- Lifeway was loving me in this phase. I later learned that AMG the Key Word people published a couple of Bibles (1 OT and 1 NT) called the Complete Word Study Old and New (respectively) Teataments. These Bible have Strong's and Lexical Aids in the Back just like the Key Word, but they are not just for Key Words, they are for just about every original word.
I began to study, study, study. One day with the chain reference - the light came on. I had never used a cross reference before - but the cross reference in the Thompson was a little easier to get. So I started using it - I remember telling my friend, "Oh, so that is how Beth Moore knows what Scriptures go with a topic." Okay, that and a lot, a lot of Bible reading I'm sure.
Suffice it to say that the Amplified's way of putting their cross references at the end of the verse also did wonders for my study.
I also had occasion to begin writing individual lessons and teaching from my own personal study and observations through His Word. These opportunities were few and far between, but so rewarding - I seek them out now. As a matter of fact I can hardly believe I'm about to start teaching my own twelve weeks of curriculum for the bereaved mothers group in September, but it is indeed true.
This past Spring I did the final... "I never..." I memorized a chapter of Psalms this past Spring. Eleven verses I sought to pray over a group of people I knew. Psalm 46... I memorized the whole thing in less than 12 hours. It blew my mind.
For a long time, Beth Moore was an idol to me. An Idol that really kept me from pursuing the things God had for me, not for me through Beth Moore. In 2006, my ladies and I were scheduled to see Beth Moore at LPL in OKC.
We had just moved. I was in deep despair over losing Justin [my oldest son who died the fall before]. To top it off I got sick the week of the trip. I sent my ladies off with specific instructions - get there at 5:30 PM, and don't be late. Don't settle for upper seats sit on the floor and have a wonderful time!
On Friday afternoon I got a joyous, almost hysterical, phone call from my friend. She said, "You'll never guess who we just met..."
She was out of breath excited.
I chuckled, "Who?"
"Beth Moore." Raucous laughter and more excitement went a buzzing all around her. "We were at the reflection pool at the Murrow Building when we saw her. We approached her and talked to her and had our picture made with her."
They sat on the floor and had a fabulous time. I was so happy for them - but for a moment with that first report I was very, very disappointed.
A few weeks later, after they returned and shared all their pictures and stories of her I smiled and said to myself, "I would have missed the point of the conference being star struck with meeting her."
I went to Bossier City LPL the following March and sat a few chairs from Beth during worship. It was good to see her authentic, real and so personal. I didn't meet her - had no personal interaction with her whatever... but that day she became less of an idol and more of a friend to me than I can explain. A distant, penpal kind of friend - but a friend just the same.
Then a few months later we would begin our Gateway Journey and I would lay down Beth Moore studies for a while. I sat under a group leader at church this Spring and heard her teach her own curriculum. JOYful...
I also saw Lisa Bevere speak at our Women's conference in September '07. Something inside of me resonated with her when she spoke. I could sense God showing me a bit of myself through her.
He said, "You will never be Beth Moore or Lisa Bevere, but that Spirit - the teacher in Beth Moore and the Exhorter that Lisa Bevere is... they are on you. You don't have to think - 'I will never...' Because sweetie, you already are and all you have to do is walk in it."
Now, I know and I'm telling you up front - God does not speak audibly - but it was one of those moments where you can just feel, sense, taste and hear it though there are really no words for it. I have had words of confirmation and encouragement spoken over me many times - though I still go, "Who me... never..." at times, I know truthfully this is a part of the destiny of God unfolding in my life and it is one wild and serious ride. I'm in love, in awe and so anxious to be completely His, I don't know how to do it any other way but raw and real and walking it out day by day. My own Quiet Time and readings of His Word carry more meaning for me these days than the mountains of study I haved done. They paved the way, but the personal revelation of God through His Word is amazing and well, it hits me in the heart. I seek balance, not all one teacher, not all the same source... but I am a student of Many Teachers (as Beth always admonishes us) and One Christ - the Christ of the Gospels, who showed up huge in the Old Testament and who is waiting for us in a blazing white robe, dipped in blood, and with eyes all aflame --- and finally I can say that I'm laying it down for Him - to be completely His no division no part... but all of me for all of Him - its the only way to live. I love Him so...
Beth~
You always make me laugh SOOOO hard...and I love it!! And some of my siestas comments are making me laugh outloud, too! Amy Storms comments about putting dirty dishes in the dryer and using the dishwasher as a file cabinet...hysterical!!! I have to tell y'all that I'm THRILLED to hear that there are other women out there who just don't like to cook and are probably just average cooks. I'm single and sometimes worry that if I ever get married, I may not be Nancy Homemaker for my husband. Now I'm seeing what a crazy thing to worry about!
I haven't gotten to all the discussion questions (doing it solo) so I will have to get back to you on that. Just wanted to comment that I love you Beth and all of you siestas and you do my heart good!!!!! And you're in my prayers, too. :)
Much love,
Missy in SC
Thank you Cheri for sharing your heart about experiencing God and drawing a blank on some questions. It so spoke to me. I had told my group last night that I sometimes felt that very same way. Thank you for so clearly stating your thoughts. I hear you and understand and needed your encouragement. I sometimes feel like the prodical son's brother.
Loved the study (again). Thank you Beth of leading us in some great discussion. We sit with the laptop on the coffee table, watch your video and then feel as if you are right there in our group. Too bad that only makes four total - I love kitchen gadgets. Melissa and I would have a blast together in a Williams and Sonoma store and trading recipes. (The Swiss Chocolate Cake was delicious!! Thanks Melissa)
Pat S.
Austin, Texas
I absolutely love the kitchen helps!! The one thing I struggle with most especially in the summer is "cooking in the heat". So, now with these hints....problem solved!!
We are so bummed that we cannot be in the contest. We have not had perfect attendance...boo hoo!! :)
However, this Bible Study has certainly convicted many of us of our gods! Whether they be functional or people. How do these little mice creep into our lives and sometimes become roaring lions??? You think you are doing such a good job of being a "Christian". Oh, duh, maybe that is the issue, "YOU" think "YOU" are doing a good job....thought that was God's part. Ooppss!!
We discussed the questions with the siesta's that attended. Good discussion on the craving vs wanting. The personal reflection took awhile to get going...but we were all suprised how we had been on the receiving end of the fruit from a future promise. #3 had been answered by most of us during the course of this study. We have been sharing all along how God has opened our eyes to issues we needed to turn over to Him. We all agreed however that sometimes we hung onto the corner of the envelope after we put it in the mailbox. So we released our envelopes again.
We look forward to our last two weeks of study and agreed this had been an excellent study for the summer. So timely. All things in due season right???
Blessings to all of you Siesta's from the Siesta's in No MI.
Bible Bunny in TC
My group fizzled out. I have such a hard time getting my friends to stick out a Bible study with me. Any suggestions?
I loved this week's study and video. I was worried that I just wasn't getting it until this week. I have a few things I need to get rid of and I earnestly prayed for God's help while finishing up last night. I have faith that He can deliver me, but I worry about having the courage to get rid of these things that have been a part of me for so long. Thank you so much for doing this study!! I am committed to finishing up solo! The blog keeps me going.
I am late checking in with our group. This was a stressful week for our group. We have 1 in New York on vacation(she injured her knee), 1 who was dealing with issues with a child and couldn't make the discussion and we had Kim, from Georgia join us because her friend couldn't make it. So, we have 2 in east Tennessee, 2 in Middle Tennessee and 1 in Georgia and I can't think of a name to call us. LOL Scattered Siestas but somehow that implies other things. :)
We had a great discussion last night. I will share one thing because we were on the phone for hours. We talked about Abraham and Isaac. We always talk about Abraham and his great faith and trust in God to provide another sacrifice for Isaac but last night we talked about Isaac who was 13 or older at this point and we may be wrong and correct us if we are, but we don't read that Isaac put up a fight with his father when Abraham was tying him up. Isaac stood there with complete trust in his father as he was tying him up to be sacrificed. Just as Jesus trusted his Father as he came to die on a cross for our sins.
We talked about us, the times God has asked us to do something or go somewhere, move to another place etc... we are usually filled with fear and at certain times have not trusted God and gone our own ways. We didn't like God's plans. I am sure Isaac didn't want to be in the place he was in and had thoughts of running away from Abraham but he didn't and God provided another way. Oh that we would stay and not run from what God calls us to do.
One more thing, we were praying and are believing for some water into wine miracles this week. Kim and I have seen water into wine miracles last week and we praise him and we are still in awe of what God has done for us but we can't wait to see more.
We are believing God to take away the fear and unbelief and to reveal to us the calling on our lives,this is where the fear and unbelief would come into the equation. Trust that God will equip us for what he is calling us to do. BIG water into wine miracles!! One thing spoken into our spirit, just ask, be extravagant in your asking and for that matter believing!!
Sorry this is so long.
Have a great day siestas!!
Love,
Patty, Kim, Georgia, Cecelia and Tabitha. (Scattered but Connected.)
I think I need to clarify something we discussed on Lifeway (Michelle's post 8:57) because it factors in to what I personally got out of this lesson.
On page 125 Minter talks about how we tend to spend 90 percent of our time on problems and only 10 on God.
I feel that Beth gives us something to emulate in that she has a very real, and personal relationship with God.
We can study till we are blue, and load up on books and Bible translations, and in light of Minter's thoughts even self help books. But what we need is that time with God in His presence, just being with Him. Not necessarily just doing our lessons or homework.
Making idols out of our favorite teachers is not good, but hopefully they're showing us what a real relationship with Him looks like and encouraging us to have one too!
Siesta Momma, our group met last night and had a great study/discussion time. But when we got to the prayer time...God showed up in a biiiigggggggg way. One of our girls is going through a really bad valley and we gathered around her and prayed for her.
Loving the study (well, if you like being convicted...which is in the end so freeing!!)
Betty
Lexington NC
We had another amazing night last night. Who knew some food, a few women and a few hours could add up to such an experience of God! The atmosphere of openness and sharing is wonderful and freeing.
Our ladies, 5 of us for last night (2 were home sick) really got into the discussion of "craving". We felt that craving was "wanting multiplied by 2" - a willingness to sin to get it. The object became a "need" to us; not a want. And the secretive part? We felt that was dead-on. It made each of us really look at the things we'd like to keep private. Is it privacy or an idol being formed?
For question 2, one of our ladies shared a sweet story on her oldest son and some of the struggles he has had with school and how God has given her a glimpse of his future success. Our God is truly amazing.
And for the third question, each of us had time to ponder what we needed of God and what we needed to lay aside. This lead to a sweet time of fellowship and then on to prayer. The presense of God was all around us last night.
Thank you Beth for this bible study. It has already made changes to each of us; we've gain some ground back from satan and we're pressing on!
Love ya'
hello Siesta Mama Beth, Nicole from South Carolina and Maria Cristina from England checking in for this week's Gathering! thank you for the time you continue to dedicate to your siestas!!! Here are the answers to your questions!
nicole and mc :)
From Week Five:
1. Take a look at the bottom of p.103 starting with the question, “What word in Numbers 11:4 (NIV) is used to describe their desire for meat?” Discuss a number of specific ways craving something is different from wanting it. [..] What do you think?
MARIA: The term "craving" to me implies a certain degree of an out of control motion or action. It changes how we can view a person, thing or comodity from an accessory to a self-appointed necessity. I believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, hass equipped us with a sort of alarm bell system that alerts us of the danger of a potential craving. Intrinsic to this is our yielding to either the Holy Spirit's warning , thereby we surrender this potential threat, or we CHOOSE to yield to this craving instead. It is at that moment that the "switch" happens - for this thing, person or commodity to turn from something we enjoy to a crave we have to now keep secret, because deep down we know it is a craving that isn't abiding those warning alarm bells, it's quashing them.
NICOLE: This is simple for me. A want is something you would like to have and desire but a craving i something you are alomost to the point and sometimes are of not being able to control the want. A want you can control, a craving you cannot. Also, I will agree with the being secrettive as being a red flag signaling you are in a dangerous position where the enemy is getting his sights dialed in on his target and the thing you had better do is to move!! He hasn't completely dialed in yet, but he is getting very close to hitting the mark. I also believe that if I cannot quit thinking about something and engage in other activities or thoughts then I am being dialed in on and I better start moving or I am a sitting duck. But all of that comes from experience and lessons learned. After enough times of getting "hit" you learn to recognize the signs and you learn what happens if you don't do something about it.
2. Take a look at the top of p.108 under “Personal Reflection.” I loved this line of discussion starting with this question: “Have you ever tasted or brought back fruit from a future promise that had not been fully realized?” Discuss that whole first paragraph.
Maria: after half of a lifetime of living in darkness and utter turmoil, God has showed not only His infinite mercy by instilling in me that all was not lost, and that I was still worthy to be saved, but also gave me an awesome foretaste of His promise of everlasting joy and, particularly in my case, PEACE, at the moment in which I chose to embrace Jesus as my Lord and Savior!
Nicole: God has given me many tastes of the future and they were like the oil running down Aaron's beard. The greatest of them being complete freedom. But it was always just enough to give me another boost of strength to go forward and for that I am grateful, and you can believe that it only took a short amount of time before the "giants" began to take their formation and gather their army around me on every side. There is a book called "the Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson that describes this perfectly and one of the greatest books I have ever read. God will always be faithful to bring His promises to pass if we do not give up on Him. The Word says that He is faithful to complete the good work that He has begun in us. May we all have the bull dog tenacity to take hold of that truth and push through every wall and scale every mountain not settling for just a "taste" of the fruits He has for us but actually laying hold of that prize as our inheritance promises.
From Week Six:
3. Turn to p.125 and reread (one of you aloud to the group) the excerpt Kelly included by Charles Spurgeon. What are a few things we often try to do rather than refer our doubts straight to God? Then, read John 2:1-5 and note how Mary approached the pressing problem. [..]
Maria: in my case, a doubt that rears its ugly head in my relatively new life as a Christian is a sort of inability to fully surrender to God's infinite Love insomuch as to this day I find myself "doubtful" to whether He can really forgive all the errors of my past. Don't get me wrong, I do not for a moment doubt His ABILITY to forgive ; I still myself in dout that He is actually WILLING to forgive me because I am somehow still battling with these lies that sneak into my head!!
Nicole: Okay, first of all your answer bothered me but we will talk about that in a moment. For the answer to this I will use the most recent dilema, my mother. We have come to blows again and my heart can barely take it anymore. There is no more wisdom and there is no answer from my own mind and trying. I struggle between pulling the switch on this relationship altogether because I know that it is toxic for my family and myself and God has told me more than once to cut it loose and the fact that the fine line between respect and disrespect haunts me that I may cross that line and dishonor God. I cannot tell you the torture this has brought to my life and continues to. I want to do the right thing and I have a hard time knowing exactly what that right thing is. It's terrible. Now about your answer. GIRL, don't make me come to London tonight and shake you till you wake up out of this lie and deception!! Let me give you some examples...DAVID!!! He cheated, commited adultry, lied, deceived, and had an innocent man murdered and STILL God called Him a man after His own heart, Peter DENIED Christ three times and turned his back on Him completely and He STILL called him "rock" and built His church on Him. Ruth was not even a Jew and He still gave her lineage in Him. Rahab was a PROSTITUTE and without her Jesus wouldn't have ever been born!! And if you look you will find many more examples than those. MANY! I love you and if I, a mere human being can love you to almost pieces, miss you more than you know, and forgive you for anything you may ever do to me, then how much more could He who is not like us emotional half-cocked terribly self-centered people!! JUST BELIEVE!!
Our Bible study group is a week ahead of you but last night we revisited the question from week six since it was our focus during our earlier study. Satan tries to make us believe that God only helps those who help themselves and we all admitted that we have areas where we try to help ourself out of the difficulty instead of presenting it to God and leaving it for Him. Is this working for us? Well.....no! So --
Like Mary we are describing our problem to Him and believing that He will take care of it. Some of our heartaches include twenty-something children coming to grips with addiction or making wrong choices in their lives to elderly parents with health issues. We are affirming to ourselves and each other that God is good and we will see the water turned into wine.
Lakeway Ladies
Going solo, so don't qualify, but love the study & look forward to your comments each week. Also looking forward to the simulcast this weekend, in Hemet CA.
I'm 70 & have to battle idols. Thanks to good Bible teachers like you, Beth, it's extra fun drawing close to the Lord.
Winette
Yucaipa, CA
We met around a table of Paula Deen cooking (yummy). We had a new member join us, too – YAHOO! Question 1 generated lots of discussion and we loved the comment about a craving being when you feel the need to be secretive about it. Most of us feel that FOOD is that idol, but also mentioned “escapes”, such as shopping and reading. In other words, feeling the need to be secretive about allowing some down time for treating ourselves because it makes us feel guilty – which can start out good, but turn into an idol.
We all had a tough time with Q2. However, Q3 once again created some great discussion about handing it over to God. One member mentioned praying with her hands cupped in front of her, waiting to receive God’s gift of an answer – AWESOME!
Just a special note to Beth – thanks for bringing us together as a bible study group. Most of us only knew 1 or 2 others in the whole group of 10, so we have had a great time getting to know each other. We have decided we want to carry on AFTER THIS STUDY IS OVER and are looking for a new study to do together. We are loving studying His Word together.
Hey Beth and Siestas!!!
I don't know about you, but this was our favorite week yet! (And before I go on, I must agree with you Beth: it has been so neat to study God's Word with 3 generations. I normally lead a group of women in Bible Study from our church, but this summer, I felt like the Siesta Bible Study would be perfect to go through just with family. So every 2 weeks, Mom, Grandma, and I sit around my kitchen table and talk about Jesus- What could be better than that!?! God is so good to us.)
In honor of your cooling the kitchen off, we did no-bake recipes. We made the cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches (Melissa, those are incredible!) and the Peanut-butter bars that also were divine. Thank you for encouraging us to try new recipes- That in and of itself, is such a treat!
Our favorite 2 days of homework were in Week 6: Provision and Bowing Down. We learned so much that we had never realized before about Abraham and Isaac, like that the entire ordeal was an offering and that he expected God to just raise Him from the dead. And we had an incredible discussion about the personal reflection question on p. 133.
After sharing our struggles and how sometimes obeying God doesn't make sense to us, it was so refreshing to share our lists on p. 139 of how God has sustained and blessed us over the years. Grandma is 78, Mom is 54, and I am 27. To hear what God has done in all of our lives was just amazing. And how could we not trust and believe Him for the future after looking at what He's done in the past! It was an incredible night and we are sad that we only have 1 more gathering to go.
Thank you for facilitating this for us. We love you back like crazy, and love loving Jesus with you. Praying for you this weekend and believing God to do marvelous things!
Much love,
Tara
For anonymous who has the 3 year old who won't use the potty - I had one of those too! I thought she would go to school in diapers!! I tried everything and finally decided to just quit and leave her alone. In a short time she decided it was a good thing and did it on her own. Hope this might be helpful for you too. I love this site and even though I'm not doing the study I have been challenged by the questions and discussion. I can hardly wait for the weekend simulcast we are hosting at our church!!! Thanks Beth for your obedience and how it has impacted me and so many other women I know.
Lynn in AB.
Hi Beth!
Judy from H town checking in....we had 4 of us last night and as usual we had a wonderful time of discussion and prayer...AND food! This study has been profound in helping us to see difficult things and yet cause us to focus on THE ONE who is everything! We identify with the comments above that stated sometimes, we simply don't have answers to the questions asked...maybe we are not in that season..but we don't let that discourage us. A common thread last night, even with our different doubts (#3), is that all of us long for more intimacy with Christ. We all voiced that if we just had more of Him, another glimpse, we could move forward. We are all presently going thru some uncertain things and feel that we cannot see him clearly right now. We know and believe He is there, we just want more. I mean...our doubts can even become idols! Sometimes we are like the Israelites and just need a glimpse of where we are going so we will step out and go!We ended up in serious prayer and God honored our hearts as He filled us with His peace,love and approval as we prayed for each other.
Thank you so much for this wonderful summer study....it has blessed all of us tremendously!
Houston girls
Cheri is crackin' me up with her oven mitt on the trail somewhere!!!
Well, we have made it through the 4th meeting, last night we were down to 3 from 5 but I think God had it planned to be that way. We talked about our cravings. Our little group of 3 are all at different stages, I am married, one in a long term relationship, the other just ending a longterm relationship. One mentioned the craving of touch. It was interesting to talk about how a hug, or a pat on the back can go a long way. She shared it has herself going into wanting unfavorable attention from guys to just have a hug. We shared about God being our comfort, but a touch from a person goes a long way. Anyway our group spent a long time on that question, we also talked about sneaking to get food in the kitchen just to meet a sweet-tooth craving. I guess I am saying this is good stuff, God is really showing my group our idols, and the question for us I guess is what now? Do we continue to have them and hide them or do we deal with them?
Beth,
Our group met last night and I wish we could have won all the lovely kitchen gadgets but...in meeting #3 we only had 5 out of our 14 ladies show up so...no perfect attendance for us. But...last night we were in full swing with 13 ladies present. We even had a visitor to our group. She had heard how much fun we have and how good the food was and ask if she could join us and of course we said "YES". We had a blast together. We loved the praying from Mary's example. We went around our group and laid the "I have no more _______________" down at Jesus feet. I can hardly wait to see how God will answer.
Thanks again for giving us such wonderful discussion questions!!
Love to you siesta momma,
Royana
P.S. Melissa, the Swiss Chocolate Cake was wonderful!! I made a double batch of the icing, put it on four layers and WOW!! Needless to say I am running an extra 3 to 5miles for having indulged my "Craving" today.
We met on Wednesday morning this week, due to complications with too many schedules. First, let me say "thanks" for the Hash Brown Quiche recipe for those of us who do late brunch/early lunch. I adapted a bit more by using Canadian bacon in place of ham and adding some chopped cilantro, which seemed to give it a cinnamon flavor.
Here's what we discussed:
Our cravings extend from food to anything we could hide out of shame or weakness. Toddlers in our families begin to hide when they are ready to potty train. Hiding can be in "plain sight", such as making excuses in shabby or dishonest business practices. Another way to "hide" is to try to place blame on someone who is innocent. I watch people who "hide" in the middle of a symphony orchestra by exploiting the weakness of their stand partner or other section players, rather than accept the truth that they are ill prepared or incompetent to play the music.
Second response: One in our group was overwhelmed with some mistakes made in family scheduling and bearing the brunt of the fallout, when she realized that she was trying to be in control of children who were old enough to manage their own schedules. BIG deliverance from false responsibility, which she realized was an idol of control.
Two of us are dealing with adult parent relationships, learning to allow God to be in control and speak to these issues.
Third Response:
Today we laid at Jesus' feet, so He may have control, the following issues--
1. Provision for a recently widowed daughter with responsibility for 2 young sons. She needs medical care, job training, a car, even groceries.
2. Relationships with our mothers and our daughters
3. Macular degeneration
4.Cravings for too much food
Congratulations on Baby Jones! Our most recent grands are 3 years apart. Check http://cheesemyhead.blogspot.com
And thanks again for the delicious quiche, which we ate with Austrian bread, vegetable salad made with blanched green beans, fresh spinach and Spring mix, and for dessert a fruit salad with sauce of sugar free vanilla pudding and juice from the oranges and pineapple. Yum!
Beth
This is one of the Wives of Warriors here and just wanted to share with you that we just got hardwood flooring and I love to slide around on the floor as you were saying. Last night, our kids were gone, staying with their adopted grandparents (we are military and had no family here and these awesome people took us in) and my husbnad and I just got back from our soccer game and had our soccer socks on and me being the dorky wife I am was teasing my husband that Beth Moore told us to slide on our kitchn floors instead of cook in the kitchen (i was on Cloud 9 that we won something from YOUR kitchen) anyway so I slide and mark my spot and then my husband goes and I beat him and then he goes and he went over the line that we were suppose to stop to slide and so I said do-over so I was running back to the starting point when my legs gave out from under me and I landed hard on the floor. I couldn't help but laugh as well as my husband who was afraid to run as he might fall too. That was the perfect ending to our night. So thank you!!
Jenny from not so hot or even warm WA
Beth, I am not doing the Summer Bible Study, but I am doing Believing God with about 12 ladies in my home this summer. I just wanted to tell you that we have been hugely ministered to. Every single one of us. This is the third time in 4 years that I have facilitated this bible study in my home and every time it just confirms in my heart Who HE is, Who I am, and how to walk in this on a daily basis. I wish so bad I could tell you everything the Lord is doing! I don't want to take up too much time, but THANK YOU AGAIN, for BELIEVING GOD and showing us how to do the same. Some of us are going to the Simulcast in Anchorage Alaska on Fri. & Sat. and I am gonna get me a front row seat, so you can put your hands on my face and say "Jesus Loves You my precious Siesta!!!"
And it has been cold and raining up here all summer, so it hasn't been too much of a problem about the kitchen being too warm, but I still would not want to take that risk. I will sincerely take your hints to heart. :)
Love ya much,
Gayle Ann in Wasilla, Alaska
The Tupelo, MS group: We had 6 of our 7 regulars last night and had a great meeting (almost qualified for the contest!). Wonderful fellowship and sharing time. We chose the Becker's Pasta and Caprese Salad (from the book) for our meal rather than the Chicken Cutlets and Mom's Sauce. It was a great meal! We had both of Melissa's desserts and they were both hits. The questions were soul searching. The whole study has caused us to go some places we have needed to go, but maybe did not want to. Thank you, Beth, for facilitating this study. It has been great!
Loving Jesus!
Kay Martin
We're the week behind group in Louisiana, so we haven't met yet, but I just had to offer congrats to the Warrior Wives! I've enjoyed the comments so much - girls, thanks for being SO REAL! I have felt such relief this afternoon reading this blog - tears, laughter and everything in between! Our group has five originals with perfect attendance so far, and two who joined after we started! I can't wait to dive into this week's food and discussion!
Your helpful kitchen hints were ridiculously funny, and it reminded me of one of my husband's childhood antics...ready for this one? If you don't have socks to slide and dance around in (it is hot, after all, and who wants to wear warm woolen socks in the summer?!), you can simply smear a fine layer of butter over the linoleum floor. Voila, your very own skating rink. I may have to post anonymously to avoid detection from my husband!
Beth, I am with you about getting dishes dirty! Why cook in a clean kitchen?! Varnished wood is also great for sliding too! Your last helpful hint was concerning hair and I have to admit I don't even have a can of hairspray in my house! (does it still come in 'cans'?) I was fearful in confessing this for I thought I may be excused from Siestaville! : )
Summer Bible studies are so great aren't they? A very special connection somehow!
Now I'm wondering if I pass along gadgets from my kitchen and keep my kitchen clean and looking good, will that help the spiritual discipline of fasting?? (As well as keep the kitchen cool?)
I'm solo and can tell you that God is really helping me to realize that eventhough I thought I'd dealt with some of my false gods, they are still rearing their heads. This week as I looked at the how the Israelites remembered and craved what they perceived to be as good in Egypt, that I've been guilty of the same thing as God continues to move me in a new direction. I have to learn to recognize that and to claim His promise of filling me to overflowing.
I plan to facilitate this study during the fall at my church so I know that everything I'm seeing and working to correct will continue to be refined as I go through this again with the ladies from my church.
We had our meeting last night. It was great! We are a week off b/c of the whole books hard to get thing, so we did sessions 4 & 5 last night. We had some good discussions about Rachel and Leah and of course the whole mind-boggling Abraham and Isaac thing. Wow.
Thanks!
xoxo in MT
We still have a good strong group of between 6 and 8 gals each week(unfortunately we don't have 5 with perfect attendance) and I post our comment for us late as usual! Our group was truly blessed last night with the very real presence of God in our midst. It was an awesome gathering!! Still just completely grateful to have stumbled upon this very timely study-
your siestas in Georgia
HI Beth-
This is one of the Wives of the Warriors and I just wanted to let you know that I used one of your kitchen tips last night. I was sooo excited yesterday finding out that we won something from YOUR kitchen, I was on cloud 9 all day. So me and my husb and got home last night from a soccer game that went really bad, and we took off our shoes and had our soccer socks on and they were really slick. So I started to slide around on the floor. Then being the wonderful wife that i am I was giving my husband a hard time that I could slide further then him. So we were having a contest who could slide further. I won the first one, then the second time my husband went over our imaginary line so i called a do-over and went running back to the starting point and that is when my legs went out from underneath me and I fell flat on my butt. I was laughing and at the same time moaning in pain from landing so hard. My husband was laughing because of me and trying not to run to fast over to me so he doesn't fall too. We laughed sooo hard. It was the perfect way of ending a very stressful game. So thank you for your wonderful tips!!
Jenny from not so hot or even warm WA
Beth ~
Today we (mom & teenage daughter) went to Cold Stone Ice Cream to discuss our Bible study. I am thankful to have an opportunity for open dialog with my daughter about idols, cravings and trusting God with everything.
We really enjoy your bi-weekly tips. My daughter is considering bringing an oven mitt to school, because she says the chairs are really hard.
We will see you at the simulcast this weekend at our church. We are looking forward to it.
Sue & Taylor in Visalia, CA
Beth,
Just have to chime in and say, that here in Fortuna, California we have to use our ovens and stoves now, because when we do that in the mornings maybe, just maybe, the temperature will reach 67 degrees outside. I miss the heat but enjoy the summer suggestions...
Living by the Ocean,
Kim
Going solo-
Q #3
We've had a situation with our 5 1/2 yr old daughter (who is a believer), and as parents, we don't know what to do beyond what we have already done to combat this sin (amazing how we were experts about 6 years ago). As we discussed the situation, we knew that we could continue being consistent with the current discipline, but ultimately, the Spirit is going to have to convict. How refreshing to know He can take over that aspect of parenting (and do it perfectly!)!
T.G.
My group of emailers is so enjoying the study. Most of us are within 3 miles of each other and one is in Germany. I am learning things about my best friends I never knew before! Heather in WI we are in Waukesha if you want to join in. Beth love your helpful hints too and you!
We had the most awesome time with each other and the Lord last night during our small group time.
Our discussion on secrets prompted a few women to reveal some that they have recently overcome through the Lord's help. It was so cool!
We wrapped up the whole eveing with a powerful time of prayer.
We did meet on Tuesday here in St. George, Maine. Jackie and Sue went to Lisa's house for hash brown casserole and chocolate cake (albiet "diet" versions). We were able to finish our study in a record 1 hour, 50 minutes! We really missed Cathy today, who was busy with work.
susan in savanna-
please email me at sabrinaogreen@hotmail.com
i have had throid cancer this year and i would like to know what kind of cancer this poor girl has. thanks!
sabrina in kentucky
Hey Beth and all my Siestas!
Wow! I feel a little bit unable to fully express what this study has meant to me. Our group consists of my mom, several of my mom's closest friends, one of their daughter's who is about my age, and me. The age range has been so fulfilling for me because these women can pour into me the wisdom of God's truth that they have acquired over the years. Every single time our group has met, there has been one recurring sentiment. At one time or another, each lady has said something along these lines: "This study is exactly what I need RIGHT NOW in my walk with the Lord." Isn't it great to have God who speaks to us where we are and not where we should be or where we have been? Here we are, 6 women, all going through totally different struggles, and yet, the Word of the LORD is TRUE for all of us - in every circumstance. I know my thousands of siestas feel the same way, too!
As for me personally, this study has been a refuge in the storm during a season of sifting. Beth, several years ago I did When Godly People Do Ungodly Things with some women from my church. At that time, God used it to rock my world. I was in a season of defeat, enslaved to the demands of perfectionism and the pursuit of control. God used the study to start the process of healing. It was not until this year that I really began walking in consistent victory - a major triumph of God b/c I just finished my first year of law school. As you well know, our highest highs with the Lord are often followed by our lowest lows - and that is where I have found myself this summer. For several weeks, I have felt such despair. When I read the Word, I felt completely overwhelmed. Unlike some seasons of spiritual trial I have experienced, I didn't feel dry or distant from God. I felt more like I was drowning. I felt condemned by the Word. (That alone is a lie from the pit of hell because we know there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.)
Finally, on Tuesday night, during our prayer time, as we were discussing what had "run out" in our lives, I tearfully expressed my sense of inadequacy and oppression. One my mom's sweet friends (who is also like a second mom to me) wisely said, "Missy, I sense that Satan is attacking your joy." Immediately, it was like light and truth flooded my soul. All I could think about was Jesus's words: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat." I don't know exactly what God is preparing me for, or even what precisely needs sifting (I'm sure there is so much). But, to know that Satan had to get God's permission before laying a hand on me is all the reassurance I need. I am clinging to the same promise that Jesus gave Peter, that He would pray for me that my faith may not fail.
My prayer is that all the "other gods" would slip through the cracks of Satan's sieve and that I would be left in the end with my Jesus and nothing else.
"In all the world, there is none but Thee, my God there is none but Thee." - Oswald Chambers
I love you all, and I am counting down the minutes until the Simulcast tomorrow (where I'll be tuning in from South Carolina). Sorry this was so long!
Question 1:
Not only is it secretive but it is like filling a black hole that never is satisfied with just one taste. For me it is a craving that continues to screem and demand to be filled but it never, never gets filled and finished. Maybe it's like being insane. Keep doing the same thing over and over expecting to be filled but not, so repeat. Secretive is interesting to me because it makes me think when I am secretive I'm in a priviledged place. But that priviledge place is not the truth it is a lie but it "feels" like that in a sense, Make sense?
Question 2:
A sense of joy unspeakable and unimaginable. The faith was in that promise I was stirred up to believe. And yet the struggle of the darkness and familiar was pulling on me as well.
Question 3:
Oh yea...worry, bring God down to my level forget He even cares and that He really and truly wants to help me. That is the struggle of doubt for me.
Certainly need my water into wine...."Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not into mine own understanding but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct my path."
This is your siesta who lives and works for God in Nepal. I was soo thrilled that I was mentioned on the video.. now all my siestas know how to pray for my hair.. and now I can say I have been quoted by Beth Moore!! :-) My twin sister who also reads this blog was the one to tell me. I had trouble getting the video to load so I had not watched it this week! glory-- thanks for thinking of me guys (and especially Beth). I love serving God here in nepal (on year anniversary of being here is next week!) one thing I have learned here is about cravings.. I crave many things from home.. and then it's so easy to make those things become idols.. cravings from evertying from really wanting a good beef burger (it's illegal to eat beef in nepal) to a hot shower, to seeing the faces of my family-- those cravings can very quickly become idols. People worship Hindu idols all around me in Nepal.. serving dead gods. I serve the living God so would I worship the idols of cravings. Just a thought! one God daily works on me on! What a faithful God we serve! Thanks for letting me apart of this community! It does this 26 year old m*ss*onary good!
Checking in from the "Siestas for Him" forum. We are having a great time studying God's Word together. I will just briefly share some things that we have learned.
Craving is an obsession. You can't get away from it, it consumes you. Yet when you get it, you are never satisfied.
Many women have seen the fruit of a future promise. Whether it's future restoration of a marriage, seeing lives changed by a ministry they are headed into, the promise of heaven and the blesings it holds, or knowing God will complete the good work He began in a child.
Lives are being changed forever because of this study and the bonds being formed amongst this group of "solos". Because of the lives of the women being changed, generations will be forever changed as well.
When we complete No Other Gods, we plan to continue and do another study together. If you would like to join us the address is:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/siestas/start
We would love to have anyone join who is interested.
With love and gratitude from the Siestas for Him.
I am a solo, and am not exactly sure if this pertains to the questions this week. God has revealed something to me that is so profound I just had to share it somewhere.
In conjunction with the NOG study I am also doing the Living Beyond Yourself study online. In one of the homework sessions Beth had us read from Isaiah 12. The Word God gave to me was from verse 2 "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song: he has become my salvation."
As far back as I can remember I have put my trust in people (people that one "should" be able to trust)and have always been let down. I used person after person and situation after situation as my idols, the objects of my trust. Of course everybody lets you down, and ultimately you become afraid of trusting. Because of years of living in this endless cycle, I didn't realize I could "trust" God.
SURELY GOD IS MY SALVATION AND I WILL TRUST HIM AND NOT BE AFRAID. I can now release the people and objects that I have expected to be perfect, and put God in the place He deserves to be.
So ladies today I sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things. Isaiah 12
Thanks so much for letting me share. To Beth I just thank you so much for what God has done through you. I thank God for you and pray for all the ladies that share their laughs, tears and struggles.
Jeanna
We had to meet a little late this week (Thursday) but still really enjoyed our "Siesta" time today. It was fun hearing about the fruits God has planted in each of our lives, and how we have seen them flourish.
We have all kept up with the study and are bonding well. We are determined to stay out of the "Pit" this Summer!
-Mommies in Panama City, Florida
This has been a good couple of weeks of study. Even though there have been times of frustration throughout the study for me over not knowing how to answer a particular question or even to correctly identify my idol, I'm seeing as we near the end of this study that God is truly revealing things to me.
What spoke to me the most this past week was the list of Psalms. The one that stood out was Psalm 42 relating to Longing for Intimacy with God.
It starts out "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" After I stopped singing "As the deer", I read it over a couple of more times. What struck me at first was how much the writer of this Psalm desired time with God and I wished I was like that and I wondered how one gets to that point of true longing for God. Then I started to think, what if it's not just about how the writer felt? What if what he said is fact? What if it's a fact that my soul thirsts and pants for God and I never realized it and all these years I've been filling it instead with earthly relationships? That idea had never occured to me before and I sat there relatively stunned.
I believe God is teaching and wanting me to put Him back in His rightful place in my heart - first and foremost.
Praise His Name.
Melanie
I love this study. It was perfect for me since I completed the Daniel study last fall.
Have you ever noticed how the enemy hides our idols so perfectly well. We walk around wondering why things do not seem quite right, then we do a study and we dig a into the Word and we start to realize what the problem is. However, all the while the enemy keeps lying to us saying... that isn't one..no that couldn't be.
I still do not know all of my idols but I am at least praying for God to reveal them to me.
Thank you LPM for your love and gracious service.
I am a changed girl because of the studies God has given you.
I love you all so much. (tears of course are now in my eyes)
Amy
Beth,
Thank you for reading Heather's post on forgiveness. Her words spoke to my heart. "Pain is not the same as unforgiveness."
I have been believing the enemy for too long.
Congrats on finishing Esther.
Blessings!
:)
while I did the study the other night solo, I am just now reading some of the comments. One comment that you made Beth about people dropping out encouraged me to comment. While I have been doing my homework and the answering the questions you ask I haven't responded on the blog. I am also the person in class that tends to not speak up. I realize that means you don't know that I and hopefully many others are still going strong. I love Bible study. I learn something every time I dig into the Word even when (maybe especially when) the point being made is personally painful. I am growing and being refined. I need to be in Bible study day in, day out so I have really loved this approach to it as no matter where I am physically located I can participate. So thank you so much for doing this. I hope it isn't the last of this type of Bible Study. Thank you.
Hi there,
This was not one of the questions, which are all soo good and have really made me stop and think, and I have so enjoyed all the comments. But on page 117 when Kelly said, "List in the margin the things you are afraid of giving over to the Lord," I had listed that "My LACK in so many areas, as a parent, a friend, a sister might cause problems for my loved ones.........."
After writing that and as I read on she said, "I hope the fact that God is referred to as Jehovah-Jireh--"The Lord Will Provide" brings you a certain amount of relief. Provision is part of His nature." God really gave me a visual there, my lack/HIS PROVISION. He is so Wonderful.
I think that when I go to Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast, that is a taste of the future promise of Heaven, I love it there!!
I loved the Spurgeon quote and am watching trustfully for the wine ths week, too.
Thanks so much for this study. You are too fun.
karen :) :)
Thank you for offering this Bible study this summer. It has made me aware of the "gods" that I have set up in both my personal and professional life. My answer is a combination of all three questions:
* I learned that I "want" (not need) everything on my OWN timeline.
* I learned how I justify my actions...I can do "this" because "this" happened to me.
Father God, Help me to let go of the "I". Help me to remember that "YOU" truly provide all that "I need". Amen
Hey Beth,
I'm reading chapters of the book of Isaiah - I don't read in any particular order, but I read them according to where the Lord leads me each day - yesterday I read Isaiah 44 and was blown away by the truth of God's Word...
Idols are the subject of the early verses and I pulled so much from them. Like confirmation of how Kelly says that idols can be good things that we go wrong with. In Isaiah 44 the point is made that idols can be precious (or good) things but they are precious without profit. They bring us shame -
Idols provide temporary comfort but no lasting benefit. (Verses 15-16). Idols cannot deliver my soul because idols are based on a lie.
Then Isaiah makes a transition. I read verses 21-23 substituting my husband's name for "Jacob" and "the house of Bentham" for "Israel." I wrote in the margin: If we see ourselves as God sees us, as something all of creation praises God for - we begin to live like we are his treasured possession before we are even saved. A possession He would pay the highest price for.
Then in the ending verses 24-28... I noticed how God declares His works. I wrote in the margin: God's work of creation is His complete work. It is His pleasure to lay the foundation and build what He ordains.
The question becomes: What foundational calling has He laid in my life and what is in the way of Him building on that foundation?
Last night I was talking to my friend in Tennessee (She is a new Siesta Friend) we met through this here internet trying to find roomies for the hotel. We have seen God be huge in the provision of our hotel room.
We each had reservations for the Siesta Fest weekend, but space available in our room. She had a Thursday - Sunday reservation and I had a Friday - Sunday Reservation but my rate was about $40 cheaper.
We later learned we were in hotels with similar names but they were not the same hotel. Our entire group (Four strangers: One from the North, one from the East, One from the South and I from the western most point on the map of our travel) who had been coming in on Friday were now coming in on Thursday and we needed that extra night. We tried to combine reservations and found out we were in different hotels.
I called two days ago to see if I could extend my reservation to Thursday, something I had done a week earlier and was told there were no rooms available.
Well on Wednesday I got the Thursday reservation - and the price went up $20 because we had 4 people in the room. I was so excited... I set about letting everyone know and realized I did not get the total amount for the room so we could divide it up. I called back. The agent and I got into a discussion about the number of people in our room. He told me my reservation was for 2 people and if we had 4 people it would be $219/night. That was some $60 over the original price and $40 over the price I had just been quoted over the phone a few minutes before. With tax it took us from around $150 per person for the weekend to nearly $200. We were a bit overwhelmed. I called my (new) Tennessee Siesta friend to tell her the situation.
I said that if we were to get the cheaper rate it would be for 2 people not 4 and we would have to lie to get the rate for four people. We rationalized a bit about what the hotel told me when I didn't know who my roommates would be, and about how everyone else was doing something similar - but WE KNEW the facts.
So, we prayed - no we confessed our errant thoughts and our Flesh rationale behavior and asked God to give us what He wanted us to have and provide the way there.
We agreed that if the price was $219 it was still a good deal for three nights in a hotel at near $200 each and we would just do the right thing come what may.
I got ready to send out the email and realized the total price I had was for a two person reservation. I got up to call and correct the information. The new agent - Gilbert - said, "There is a flat room rate on Thursday at $179.00 and that is for 1-4 people. For the conference, the price is $179 double occupancy and that is for 2-4 people in the room. He gave me the same price with tax as I had gotten the call before and said, "I can guarantee you that you will not pay more than $179/night."
I had a relief, praise moment. Our Tennessee Siesta had also learned that Marriott has a special summer rewards program that she qualified for when working with her reservation (how she found this out is completely her praise story and illogically God moment so I will let her tell it) and since she is the first one arriving on Thursday evening - we changed the reservation to her name. When she called back we got an additional $25 off the entire bill. Now, get ready because this is the praise the Lord part: Our room rate is $150(+ change) per person again. God is sooo Good and this rate is actually cheaper than our original plan!
We knew that we would have had all sorts of trouble if we would have "decided" to take the room at the "cheaper" rate by stating (deceptively) that we had 2 instead of 4 people. We just are glorying in the fact that God is concerned with the tiniest details of our trip - including the negotiations of a price for a room! God is gloriously good - is He not.
Now, I must translate this little lesson to the rest of my life. Thank goodness He is patient, because it has taken me 38 years to get this far... :o)
Hi Ms. Beth!
We had a great time late Tuesday night with our group. The members change a little every week, but we welcome the variety of input! Thanks for the providing the opportunity for growth and fellowship! 3 of our ladies will be joining the simulcast at Tyner United Methodist in Chattanooga (we'll make sure we have our oven mitts at the ready!). Our prayers are with you!
Ginny, Becky, Lacey, Mary Beth, and Martha
Three of our group met Tuesday night and six of us will meet next Tuesday night due to conflicts in summer schedules.
Q3 has really been on my mind since Tuesday night. I was fretting today about a issue that WILL NOT go away and God seemed to say -- you need to have a "Mary Moment". So, I simply described the problem to Him and now like Mary will leave it with Him to solve as He sees fit.
Thanks for having us read John 2:1-5. Oh that my faith would be as Mary's on that occasion.
I am an avid reader of the LPM blog. I post sometimes. Taken several of Beth Moore's Bible Studies since fall of 2002. I reread your "STOP IT" post tonight. Beth Moore's 2 Minute a Quick Word spoke volumes to me when she said, "I am a better person HEALED than I would have been WHOLE!" Beth's Words are one of the reasons why I wanted to type the answer to question #3 out in print. I thought if I could see it then I could finally take ownership for the stronghold that these things have had in my life and my relationship with God.
Question #3:
Lord, There is no more bitterness over the strongholds in my life this past decade: job loss after 5 years (budget cuts/choices- I had no control over) & parents' divorce/one parent's remarriage-(their only child, after 30+ year marriage, were active in my hometown church). Father God, YOU know my heart on this and I turn to YOU in all things. Amen
Sorry this is late. We had VBS at our church this past week so we met Thursday night. I was concerned we would all be too tired but WOW what a night we had. God was present as we shared are fears and other gods. We stood and hugged as we said are one-line prayers. We needed it so badly. We love Jesus and we love The Word and are so thankful for all you do, Beth, and the whole Living Proof team.
We have 7 in our group but we haven't had 100% attendance each week.
Can't wait to hear about this weekend!
Solo here.
Thoroghly enjoyed week 6, especially the "cheesy" guitar analogy. How many treasures are already mine, through Christ, yet are undiscovered because I'm afraid to trust Him? or because of my perfectionism?
This gives me much food for thought.
...and i will never look at my oven mitt the same! I've chuckled a few times as I've been laboring over a hot oven with my oven mitt in hand.
First of all I want to say thank you to all those who prayed for my son. God stepped in. He will be ok, but he is at a crossroads - please pray he hears God calling him.
Next I want to say I know why southern women have big hair... It's the water. When I was in Nashville and then in Kentucky my hair was HUGE! Boy did that add some joy to a tough situation. I would look at myself and think about all the hair blogs and laugh and laugh! I love you guys.
#1. Crave... A craving takes over your thoughts and sometimes your life. Thats probably why they make so many jokes about pregnant women and cravings or how dangerous a PMS/chocolate driven craving is! As for being secretive - that could lead to so many other sins, like lying to hide what your doing. It's all down hill from there (spoken by a former bottom dweller).
#2. A glimpse of fruit... Yes! and it's so exciting. Obedience is a reward in itself, but when God gives you a glimpse of whats to come it leaves me speechless. He does'nt have to do that. He could just say "Cause I said so thats why"! But I'm seeing such fruit in my ministry and in the lives of the people I serve with. It gives me goose bumps.
#3. Lord I am not able to help Brandon with the situation he is in. You know what is going on. I'm trusting you to heal him, but to save him first! Make him yours Father. I love you so much.
Judy
I just remembered something, sorry! To the mom with the three year old and potty training trouble... I agree with the other siesta. When My oldest daughter was 2 and a half I was at my wits end with potty training and so one day when she walked up to me and asked for her diaper changed I simply said no. I told her she would have to clean it herself... Of course she was hard headed and figured out immediatley what I was up to so she decided to wait it out. It got later and later, and smellier and smellier... I didn't know how much longer I could stand it, but finally she had had enough and went into the bathroom and started cleaning herself up. She had a little rash, but we fixed that up and I'm pleased to say she was done with diapers from that day on! She's 19 now and I love telling that story!
This has been such an awesome time of discovery for our group. To think I almost went solo, But God...had other plans. I know God would have done a work in me either way, but the women I am doing the study with are amazing.
Our group went from 4 ladies, to 5, and now to 6!! Praise God! i had planned an activity for us to release balloons representing 1.)our fears and 2.) our dreams. When I went to buy the balloons instead of 10 I bought 12 thinking we would have extra if necessary. But God knew that He would be sending another one of His precioous daughters to join us this week. We had exactly enough balloons for her.
This group is growing by leaps and bounds and it is awesome to witness. It doesn't come without pain but the fruit is soul satisfying.
Once we finish with "No Other Gods" we will be diving in to "Believing God". I know that God holds beautiful personal revelation of Himself for each of us, and it excites me to no end.
Thank you Beth for suggesting this study. It's proved to be more than I imagined.
The kitchen stuff works from men too, you know. We have a garage full of screwdrivers...but what man wants to walk all the way to the garage, when he can grab a handy butter knife right out of the kitchen drawer?!
I even tried to put a couple of screwdrivers in our china cabinet drawer (seriously), but my husband stills goes for the butter knives!
I was a missionary in Kiev, Ukraine for over 8 years and TRUST ME, you DO NOT heat up that oven when it's over 90 degrees with no air conditioning!!!! Of course, in the winter, the oven is used as a heater...just manually light the pilot light to the oven and leave the door cracked a bit to let out heat. Not real safe, but who cares about safety when it's so cold inside that icicles are forming on the INSIDE of the windows of your flat?! Lot of uses for things, you just have to be creative (or to be without; which was usually the case in Ukraine!)
Becky
Sorry, late Seistas again! These questions are amazing for my mom and sister and I to stay close even though living so far apart. We've learned how protective we are of each other when having to read each other's answers about our hurts and challenges. Our answers were all very long, but here's the short version :)
Cravings: Wanting something doesn’t necessarily mean taking steps to obtain it; craving means spending a lot of time thinking about it (preoccupation) and plotting how to get it. All reason goes out the window. A craving is something you have to have no matter what, disregarding the cost or consequences. A craving is something you can’t be happy without and are miserable until you have it...but then you don't find happiness.
Secrets: Yes, definitely, you don't want to be challenged or talked out of it. You cant keep a secret from God, before long he will let you see who you are and then you will want to give it up.
Fruit from a future promise: each of ours had to do with salvation with others and family members. We've all seen seeds we've planted in others and also seeds in children that began to do their own Bible study time. When one child made a reference, "He told me..." it was an amazing discovery of fruit for the future relationship that child was developing with God.
We just had our fourth gathering last night. What a sweet time of fellowship! Our group is really jelling together. We don't qualify for the contest, but we do have 14 consistently coming and 8 with perfect attendance!
Personally, I loved the last question. I really need to practice that. It reminded me of a lady I once heard speak who was having challenges with a teenage son. She would pass by his room and pray, "God, You have a problem in there."
1. As we discussed craving, my dear fifteen year old gave a great definition - "insistant on getting it". I could connect her definition with getting out of control when you start being secretive about something. Having coped with my past hurts by spreading peanut butter on them, I guess this is where putting a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts in the oven to hide them from my dear family would fit. And then forgetting they were in the oven when I turned it on to make dinner. God obviously provided a way of escape for me(I Cor 10:13); but *secretive sin* was a mess for me to clean up! And the smell was not pleasant either.
2. Once again the oldest teen added that it was an issue of trust and faith. Which she is dealing with in regards to a book the Lord told her to write. She has now finished it and is working with a dear person, the Lord allowed our paths to cross with, who has much expertise in this area. However, she's 15, and feels like she is blazing a new trail, and did I say she's 15? And I'm no help in this area to her because, well, believe me, I have never written a book before. But I keep telling her "Anything the Lord lays on your heart to do, Baby Girl, He will accomplish." Amen. He will. So it is an issue of trust and faith. Increase trust and faith in our lives Lord.
3. OK, obviously tonight was the oldest teens night to talk. Well I guess because that is how teens seemed to be wired, some weeks they talk a lot and then others they are more introspective. Tonight was a talking night. And she had a lot on her dear heart. After reading Spurgeon's words, she responded that God would give her the "how to answer e-mails from certain people that are confusing" regarding her book. We prayed again about her concern using the simple prayer format given. Almost 24 hours later, the Lord gave her directions for her response! Praise His Name! He is still in the business of doing miracles today! And I just love experiencing them with my children.
Thank you for hosting this study!
Well, we were supposed to meet tonight. In case you couldn't tell I am having a horrible time and my house was not clean and I had no food ready. I was not caring and figured the ladies would just have to see me the way I actually am, a slob. But then Damara called and was leaving town, so she couldn't come, so I called Mendi, who was already in town at that point and asked if we could cancel. I told her if she wanted to meet I was fine with that even though my house is a mess and I had no food to offer her. A terrible thing for a Christian woman to say. Is it possible to have fellowship without food? I used to think it was a southern Baptist, but since going to churches of other denominations occasionally since then, I've found they all have the same practices. It was one of my first lessons once I became a Christian. If you leave hungry you did not have Christian fellowship. I don't care how wonderful it was. It just wasn't Christian. And I'm kidding, of course. (I think?) Anyway, she said she was at the point that she could either go home with her husband or send him on his way and come on over to my house and it wouldn't matter either way. She forced me to make a decision, so we cancelled. I told her we have to close it up next week, cause I can't do it after next week, so we're going to discuss 4 weeks next week. It'll be crazy. And we may be still going at midnight but we're finishing next week. i have to focus on getting everyone ready for school after that. i don't want to go past that. There's no way my house will ever be clean after that until I get these children out the door for a few hours, so i can clean without them following along behind messing everything up I just did. Anyway, this was a loooooong post so I'll shut up.
"BEING COOL IN CALIFORNIA"
Dear Beth and Siestas,
Chris, here, going solo in L.A.
Do you ever have the feeling that Jesus is just BRILLIANT? When you see how He answers a particular prayer, and you think, I could never have thought to ask for that, because it’s just…brilliant! Beyond the capacity of my blonde brain. Only God. This is how I feel about how He orchestrated Beth to choose THIS study, THIS summer to do with all of you. In fact, as a blessing to all of us, but with an extra special message to me, He wove in the spotlight on “Cool, California”. As a tribute to our talented and now famous Siestas just north of me, I entitled this post, “Being Cool in California”. You’ll see…it fits.
The very week we were all starting Session 1 of No Other Gods, my husband and I and our children moved to L.A., where, from a friendship/community standpoint, we are all starting over. At a luncheon before we moved, one friend said, “You’ll make friends fast,” then added, “And don’t worry if all the moms in L.A. have perfect bodies.” Don’t worry? It’s part of our DNA to worry about that! This comment and L.A.’s reputation for being an image-conscious culture were front and center in my mind as explored our new community. Wherever we went--to Starbucks, the post office, the park, the grocery store--everyone looked more beautiful, more fashionable, more fit than me. The nicest and most gracious moms reached out to me (and have continued to), but through MY DISTORTED LENS, all I could see is that they were more interesting, talented, darling, and competent than me. Speaking of lies (Session 3), here’s what I heard: “You’re not thin enough,” “Your clothes are all wrong,” “You’re not interesting,” “They all have enough friends already,” and the prevailing thought, “You have nothing to offer.”
My head was spinning. I kept thinking of all the changes I would need to make to fit in, be accepted, “be chosen”. And quickly, I became overwhelmed because these changes were impossible. I could feel hopelessness setting in. Then I dove into No Other Gods. I had no idea what “confronting our modern-day idols” meant or how it could be relevant to me. My motivation for the study was to not be left out this summer with you Siestas, in my overall search to feel included somewhere. Little did I know, this study was an act of love straight from Our Savior to me! He was meeting me right where I was, in this lonely and unsettling place, to give me His hand and (drum roll please)… HIS VALIDATION.
In Session 1, I quickly and decisively identified my “pharaoh”: insecurity. What holds power over me? Insecurity. What takes me away from the wellspring of life God can give me? Insecurity. This pharaoh has had a life long dance with me, but was in its finest hour after this move to a new city. Still, in God’s perfect timing, one week after moving and having my identity completely pulled out from under me, He said loud and clear through our study, “I already chose you. Your identity is in me.” (p. 37-38). In a frenzy, I was trying to be cool in California, and He said, “Be still. You already belong.” See what I mean? He’s brilliant! He swooped in with His perfect word, His perfect plan, at the perfect time.
I’ll be honest, many times this summer, I’ve struggled with those lies. When everything and everyone is new, you are constantly building a framework about where you fit. The lies naturally creep in. But, through this study, I am constantly reminded of what is true and what isn’t, and I can more easily turn to Jesus for validation. It’s funny, because as soon as I do this and feel His love, I relax, which, in turn, makes it easier to connect with new people. How cool is that? Through God’s graciousness, Kelly’s amazing study, Beth’s delightful leadership, and the insights and support of you, Siestas, I have been given an amazing gift: I actually feel cool in California, in God’s eyes. And that’s more than enough for me.
Thanks for a great study and summer, Siestas. I look forward to meeting some of you in San Antonio later this month!
xo Chris
Looking forward to the conclusion of this Bible study on Tuesday. I have taken so much away from this Bible study to be able to apply in my life. I have discovered so much about myself and how I apply God's Word in my life. I have learned that the false "gods" I have set up in my life are to fill the void of the losses in my life that I experienced unexpectantly (job, relationships, physical death of friends & family). For many years after these losses, I have used isolation as a false god. My thinking: I isolate myself then I won't have to feel the loss of anyone or anything. Without this study, I never would have discovered that about myself. I have started listening to Rascal Flatts song "I'm Moving On" each morning before heading out the door because I feel I am trying to move on and truly apply God's Word in my life instead of isolating myself because of the pain I have felt in my life.
Hi siestas and mama Beth
For number 1 I agree about the secret thing and also when you only tell the good part. You want people to side with you so you omit information that would sway them to the other side (the real side).
number two: I know I have examples from the past, but I think I am in a season now of seeing some things to come. Things that require obedience and some hard sacrifices. so check back in a few years and I should have lots to tell
number 3
for my doubts I run straight to a certain friend. I think too often we call on our cheerleaders before we call on God (well i do anyway)
Okay, Beth...we are behind because our books were late, but you know you have to do a contest for those of us with groups smaller than 5 and solos.......we are a group of 3
Our meeting was absolutely wonderful on Tues in Headland, Alabama at Koinonia Kaffe........Beth, I loved your kitchen suggestions...I am a single mom with two children and I absolutely hate to cook...the other two ladies in my group are cooking women and I am not sure they appreciated the oven mitt thing quite as much as i did......
Love,
Janet
Hi, sorry if this post is a little late, but I am doing the study solo with another solo sister named Marcia. We havent' gotten together to do the study questions for this gathering due to Marcia losing a very dear friend last week. Siesta's will you please pray for Marcia? She needs comfort and encouragement in a mighty way right now as only our God can do. I don't know why I waited until today to ask but God woke me up this morning telling me to make sure and ask so: "Could ya, Would ya? Thanks
Ok...I've finally caught up enough to post a comment about the summer siesta bible study.
Ladies....I must say that I've thourghly (sp???) enjoyed this study! I feel like I can completley identify with Kelly being single and struggling with the fear of being alone. The study has been amazing.
1. I do agree that when we hold something secret that it is a sign that our behavior is getting out of control. I have a question though, do you think that when we talk too much about any one particular thing we've maybe entered into an area of idolatry with it?
2. Like Cheri, I also could not come up with an answer to this question...frustrating! I struggle with feeling that I have to fill every blank on the page!
3. Instead of referring my doubts to the Lord, I find myself telling my friends more than God. Convicting.
I have to say that I loved that Kelly had us physically bow down and pray. Humbling and very necessary for me right now. I need to take this posture every morning....Thank you also Beth for having me do this in Stepping Up. That was the first time that I've ever done so.
Oh....forgot to ask you a question. Is an area of idolatry in our lives the same thing as a stronghold? Thinking so, but just wanted to ask.
I've just got to stand up and give Him some more praise regarding my fifteen year old's prayer request because He who hears and answers is soo deserving! The Lord was so gracious to lead her how to respond to the "confusing" e-mails; but the LORD blew us away by the response of the people she sent replies to! My dear child called me (from Grandma's house) to let me know she had checked her e-mail and was so excited she said she was "bouncing off the walls" because of the responses she received back! She said that they answered her heart concerns, as well as mine, even though she had not asked or even mentioned them in her e-mailed responses. While on the phone, I jumped up and down and we praised Jesus together! It was awesome to know that the LORD "searches all the hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts" I Chronicles 28:9
So we are praising Him! Me by jumping up and down in praise and in a teen's vocabulary "bouncing off the walls" with praise to Him who is so worthy, our Ancient of Days! Delight us again LORD! Turn some more water into wine
And we will jump up and down every time!
In our class last week we had a discussion about how we as Baptist - maybe in other religions too??- use God as an "easy-button". You know how we tell folks to come to God and all will be well.Well it is well, but it is not easy! One of the things 2 in our group struggle with is the "hiding" our sins. Our youngest member is having a stuggle with eating habits. She says it is not easy. She is sure that this Christianity thing is not as easy as the "Easy Button" we push. Please join us as we pray for this dear one to listen to God and then do what He says. It seems like she is over eating and looking into His face and saying to Him, "What are you going to do about it?" I am asking all of you to help us pray for her. This study is bringing things to the surface with her. This is great and we are helping her the best we know how. We need lots of wisdom to help her - lift us up ladies!
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