Welcome, everybody! We are ecstatic that you are joining us for Bible study this summer! Please read the following instructions quickly but carefully then watch the video. On each of our summer Bible study posts, I’ll always write out the interactives just in case you can’t get the video to work. OK, Sisters! Here goes!
BEFORE LEAVING A COMMENT: PLEASE READ ALL WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS AND WATCH THE VIDEO IF AT ALL POSSIBLE . ALL COMMENTS ARE MEANT TO BE IN RESPONSE TO TODAY’S INTERACTIVES. Your comment today is particularly important because it also serves as your registration for the summer experience.
UNLIKE PREVIOUS YEARS, WE ARE ASKING FOR EVERYONE PARTICIPATING TO LEAVE A COMMENT RATHER THAN THE GROUP LEADER LEAVING ONE ON BEHALF OF ALL. It tended to be too confusing. Your comment to each of the 4 blog posts this summer is your interaction with us here in our blog community. (I know some of this seems redundant but we get lots of questions about these kinds of details so we’re just trying to make sure we’ve covered as much as possible.)
If you are in a SMALL GROUP: you will share your responses to all of the interactives with one another in your gathering. Then, when you come back to make your comment to this post, you will choose one of the questions to answer here. You can answer more if you desire but we are only “requiring” you to respond to one.
If you are GOING SOLO: please respond succinctly to each of the interactives. The whole community will in effect become your group and sharing your answers will be part of the activity and accountability. It will make the summer experience immensely richer for you.
ALL PARTICIPANTS identify yourselves in your comments to this post by: First Name, city, state, and country if not the USA and whether you are participating with a small group or going solo, then respond to your interactives. Here’s a sample comment for our summer Bible study to give you a paradigm:
Cheryl, Shreveport, LA/small group: #3 … (her response to the third question will be written here. Note that she is participating in a small group so, since she’s already answered each of the questions in her gathering, she only needs to respond to one here. If she’d gone solo, she’d answer all of them here.)
1. A fun one: What title to a popular song – from any decade you wish – best captures you right now? (It can be serious or ridiculous.)
2. Write one sentence describing something about your present season – your right-here-and-now – that makes it unique. Life changes constantly. What is distinct about this particular season?
3. In one sentence, what is one thing you wish your sisters in Christ would know about you sooner that often doesn’t come out in your relationships till later? Complete this sentence: “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…”
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video devotional that resonated with you.
OK, Sisters! Have Weeks One and Two of Gideon completed by our next gathering in two weeks on June 25th! We are so happy to have you here and to serve you.
Summer Gideon Study 2013 from LPV on Vimeo.
Valerie,Belford, NJ, Solo
1. Song–Homeward Bound, Simon and Garfunkel
2. I have felt the Lord drawing me closer to Him, sitting
in His Presence and being filled to the brim
3. I am a very devoted person
4. The video crashed!!!
Hi Valerie: It always thrills my heart to see another Garden State Siesta!! I live in Martinsville…Blessings on your Gideon journey!
Michele, Liverpool, NY; large group at church:
#4: Ps 32.4 -exactly my life this week – strength is dried up – Wondering about the fruit of my book, which I cannot seem to get off the ground yet – weary, hopeless, helpless – will it ripen
Oh Michele,
It will most certainly ripen!! Read Gal 3:3. It’s spoken so much to me this year. I will be praying for you!
Linda, Lexington, KY, Solo
1.Count Your Blessings
2.As many friends deal with aging parents’s health issues, I am blessed that my 85 year old parents are in good health and active. Praise God.
3.Most of my struggles can be traced back to perfectionism/procrastination.
4. I LOVED the “summer fruit” theme of the devotional. May our fruit baskets be overflowing!
Kristin, Portage, MI/solo: #1. Shackles (Praise Him)!!!!; #2. I want so insanelyindescribably to be a good mama. I feel like I’m failing, but this I know… my God is Redeeming. Everything.; #3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I really would rather be laughing than talking about hard things; #4. Fruit to be USED now AND STORED, that’s wildly hopeful!
Great name and great song! Oh, how I LOVE that song! I just want to praise Him!
Kelly, Evans, Ga./ Solo/#1 “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, #2 I am transitioning from a full time job to whatever God has for me next and am a new grandmother celebrating 32 years of marriage this week. #3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew sooner that I am not as shy as I first appear. #4 I love that Jesus is always working in us and through us whatever the season of life. I don’t want to miss out on God’s Best because I wasn’t doing my part!
Kari, Morgantown, WV/solo
#1: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye/Supremes
#2: My husband, my 2 little girls and I are beginning full-time ministry.
#3: I am very klumsy.
#4: I got a feeling that both the negative aspects and positive aspects about summer as Beth described will both be at work simultaneously in my life.
I am a big ol’ klutz, too, but makes for good stories later! I’m not in full time ministry but my sweet brother and his family made that transistion recently and you are right, it IS a full family affair. Exciting and scary so I am praying that this bible study is just what you need. I know I need it!
Tiffani, Walla Walla, WA, going solo.
1. Catch My Breath.
2. My second child was just born.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I feel I am finally putting forth effort into growing my relationship with Christ.
4. The most resonating portion of the devotional was the ripening of fruit.
Ruth, Geneva, Florida. #1Song title to best describe this season – Where You Go I Go. #2 This season I am pushing hard to leave the past behind. Starting new adventures with God.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew….that I value community, God’s word, and authenticity. #4 Video take away – I will seek to find the fruit that God wants to ripen in my life this summer.
Pat, Knoxville TN
I’ve got a feeling-black eye peas
Empty nester-daughter off to college, new job
I want my sisters to know that I have lost a child but He has held me up since 1998
It’s time to pluck this harvest and get busy living for God this summer!
#1. Which song title best describes me right now? I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!
#2. My present season? Enjoying 4 grand babies with #5 due in Feb 2014
#3. What I wish my sisters-in-Christ knew? I asked Jesus into my life at “ripe” old age of 56…
Would like for my friends to know I am trying to heal emotionally from sexual abuse as a child and God is beginning to heal!!
Praise God for your healing. I am praying for you.
With Jesus you will heal. He will replace all that was stolen from you and restore you completely. You are very courageous. I too am praying for you.
Darla, Dacula, Ga- solo & group #2. I am a mom to two teenagers, and a 24 year old as well as a grandmother to a two year old and one more “grand” on the way while also being a Pastor’s wife at a mega church….lots of different roles all playing at the same time! 🙂
Jen, Houston, TX, solo
1. “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey
2. My baby is about to become a toddler!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I would rather skip the polite “getting to know you” phase and jump straight to the “lets be real with one another about our junk” phase. 🙂
4. I need to be reminded to look for fruit and rejoice over it!
I love the answer to#3. Way to be out there. Be real, no masks allowed
I agree with you. I get tired of just chit-chat. I just love getting in and getting deep, don’t you?
emi, white house,TN/going solo:#1: The Beatles-Help!,#2: first summer my only child didn’t return home from college and trying to figure out what i should do-job/career/continue to stay at home, #3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with insecurity and belief that you like me, #4: Lately, I have been viewing myself as old and the days of dreams fulfilled have past. This devo spoke deeply to the unbelief I am/have been walking in these past few years.
Donna/Charleston/SC/solo The 1st song that popped into my mind is “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother”. Just listened to the lyrics and I’m blown away.Our family is in transition from “all my life” traditional church to home church.I wish my Sisters in Christ knew I am vulnerable under this tough exterior.I can not wait to pluck and taste the fruit on the vine.
Summer Bible Study:
1. A song title describing my life right now would be “Welcome to the Jungle”. I teach middle school English, am a pastors wife, and have three kids involved in multiple activities. Welcome to the Jungle!
2. This present season of my life is chaotic, yet wonderful. I am more content and comfortable with myself than ever before. I am also busier than ever before.
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I often don’t have people over because my house is rarely clean enough for company. I am trying to relax and have friends over anyway, but I need them to not make me feel judged because there are dishes in the sink or laundry on the couch.
Stacey, your friends would appreciate the invite and would be blessed by your mess! You know why? We all have it. After hearing the Lord speak to me multiple times last year on hospitality and not apologizing for my home, etc, I just embraced it all. Most recently when a friend came over I happily pointed out my paper pile on the kitchen counter, knowing that now that she’s seen it I WON’T EVER have to pick up for her! Freedom, sister. You know what she told me? That every time she has company coming, she picks up all the messes laying around, shoves them all in a plastic tub and hides it in her pantry and then when company leaves it all comes right back out! So, that’s an option for you, but I would urge you not to hide it or apologize either. We live in our houses! Blessings to you and your jungle! 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement! Blessings to you!
Stacey, I don’t ask people over because I feel my home is too small. I’m trying to get over that, too! Let’s challenge each other to have at least one invite over before the end of the study!!
You’re on! I will let you know when I have someone over and I will look for the same from you. Blessings!
Pat, Pennsylvania,solo
1. The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be
2. My husband who has been my rock has failing health
3. That below my jolly self is really a very insecure person
Dearest Pat,
Tears came to my eyes when I read your last sentence. It’s so very hard to be insecure – so much anxiety, so much sorrow. I, too, struggle with that and I will pray for you.
Love,
Marie
Sherri, Bellevue NE
#1 May There Always Be Sunshine
Feeling very nostalgic as my little boy is growing up before my very eyes. Find myself holding on to the little things he does that I love so, that I know he won’t do forever.
And I already messed up!
Sherri, Bellevue NE, Small Group
#1 May There Always Be Sunshine
Feeling very nostalgic as my little boy is growing up before my very eyes. Find myself holding on to the little things he does that I love so, that I know he won’t do forever.
1. Those crazy hazy days of summer
2.I have a 93 yr old mother and great grandchildren (ages 1 and 3)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I want to make a difference in my later years of life.
Thank you.
Marlo, Winnie,Tx/solo #1 Free Falling #2 empty nest #3 …I am very insecure with myself even though it appears that I have it all together. #4 This summer is the time for me to be watered and grow rather than alway be the one “doing” for others.
Brittany, Fort Smith, AR/solo
The Anchor Holds
Grieving two losses, brother and pregnancy.
I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I still need accountability in my walk with Him!
We need to ask for recognition of the fruit when it comes.
Madi, Dallas, Ga
1. “Adventure time, come on grab your friends…we’re going to very distant lands. With Jake the Dog and Finn the Human, our friendship never ends….Adventure time!”
(My 3-year old & I watch this show together like fools.)
2. Excitement & nervousness surround me this season. I’m enrolling in school to become an EMT, and also being trained to become a fitness instructor. Both of which are serious commitments to make. I’m also learning to put God first in all that I do for the first time in my life, so that’s my ultimate commitment.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I am shy at first, but with time I blossom into the outspoken friend who you’ll never want to be without! 🙂
Stephanie, Louisville, KY, Solo:
1: Don’t know title: “baby you’re a FIREWORK!” my kids sing it to me!
2: In a season of focusing on the ‘right here and now’ and also preparing to let go–teenager needing some independence.
3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I look the most ‘put together’ when I am the most insecure or in the biggest struggle.
4: Let there be shouts of joy over what He has done!
The title of my song: “Sunrise, Sunset”
Present Season: My youngest just graduated from high school, and my parents are both having major health issues and are in my care.
What I wish my sisters would know about me sooner than later is that I will always strive to keep your trust; please do the same with me.
Liz,NYC/solo #1 Beautiful Things by Bobby Darrin. #2 After leading worship in churches for over 25yrs, at the ripe old age of *well over 50* I’m singing in a Christian rock band! #3 I wish my sisters knew I haven’t had a best friend in over 11yrs. My besties moved away
Liz, I can so relate to not having a best friend for many years. I believe now it was because I had to learn to that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit was my best friend of all. You may already know that. I will be praying for you and friends.
4. Summer fruit- although I am out of school for the summer, I am not free from the responsibility to allow Him to produce good fruit in my life.
This is my first time participating although I have watched Beth on Life Today for years and loved her. Looking forward to this summer study.
Heather G
Charlotte NC
1. “now that we found love whatta we gonna do” by Heavy D.
2. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I need their support sooner than I ask for it.
3. This season I’m in is unique because I have a 2nd child, a rising kindergartener, and am sewing change into my marriage, phew! (Needless to say, I’m in a season of ADJUSTMENT.)
4.The part of the devotional that spoke to me was that what I’ve been sewing WILL RIPEN, in Jesus name!
Kim Colorado
1. Glory Days
2. I am raising teenagers
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know my funny side
4. That there is living water in the desert places
Wendi, Lawrence, KS/solo:#1.”Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia #2. Going into 2nd summer as a new church plant, son going into high school in fall is weaning off drugs for pain & depression after finally feeling like old self again! #3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a quiet introvert that can be your most faithful trusted friend, #4. Loved the analogy of looking for the fruit. When things are not going as we expect its hard to see the fruit because we aren’t looking at what God is doing-we (I) am looking at what He isn’t.
Jeanie, Nashville, TN, Solo
1. Freak Out – sorry but it was the first that came to mind. Maybe I should preface it by the words “Trying not to…
2. My husband and I are without jobs, praying over prodigals in my life, as a recovering fixer of everything – I am trying to learn to truly trust and wait paitently on the Lord.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love God’s Word and enjoy helping others discover the beauty and immeasureable value of His Truth.
4. Beth as always you hit the nail on the head. I am praying that God will reveal the summer fruit to me and that my passion to serve Him will be restored.
Dawn Ramirez,Lancaster California, Solo
1, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
2, having a rebirth of sorts after 18 month battle with cancer
3, I am a loyal and trustworthy friend
4, It is indeed my summer season. I had 18 months of alone time with my Lord and He has shown me many things we need to work on and through. I come to this study “ripe for the picking” and I know my Lord will use it and me to His glory! I can’t wait!!!
1.Crazy – By Deluge
2. In this season of new beginnings I am learning the three P’s Patience, Perseverance, and resting on God’s Promises.
3.I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that although I can be soft spoken I love meeting new people who are in love with Christ and don’t mind letting the world know how awesome our God is.
1. God will make a way
2. New stay at home mom.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t like to hug. So just because I don’t hug ya doesn’t mean I don’t love ya 🙂
4. I hope that this summer I can recognize and pluck the fruits in my life.
Tiffany,
I don’t like to hug, either! So, if we ever meet, we’ll just wave. 🙂
Marie
1. “I love you always forever” by Donna Lewis Reminds me of how much I love the Lord…surprisingly, even though its a love song between a woman and a man
2. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I was more sensitive than I come off sometimes.
3. I am in a season of waiting..just putting one foot in front of the other.
4. On the job right now (smile) so can’t watch the video till later (and literally its blocked on the network), but from the other comments, looks like it is an awesome devotional!
Already started week one of the book! Love it!
Kari, Denver, CO
April, Springfield, IL – Going Solo.
1. Livin’ On the Edge – Aerosmith
2. I am a working mom to a 3 ½ year old daughter who WILL NOT be potty trained! 🙂
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am incredibly nervous to step out and meet new people and tend to come across “stand offish” even though I am incredibly outgoing and extroverted with people I DO know. Takes me a minute. 🙂
4. Watching to see something to ripen that we have sown – stay faithful to His Word this summer.
Looking forward to this summer!
I am right there with you on being shy or just seeming really “serious” when people first meet me, but really I’m pretty funny and outgoing with people I know. I was even a serious as a baby! But we’re worth getting to know 🙂
Cassia: what is ironic is that God has placed me in a job that requires that I facilitate NEW employee orientation 3 times a month for 20-50 people – just yanking me right out of my comfort zone on a weekly basis! HE certainly has a sense of humor! 🙂 And wants us to grow!
Amen, we are totally worth getting to know!!!!
Lauren/Wesley Chapel, Solo
1. I will rest in you, Jaci Velasquez
2. I have been untethered, unfocused, distracted and wish to be close again. The lack of attention to most important providence is needed.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new I was so insecure.
4. Of course, not surprised God is right on time with this one. Thankful, grateful for his provision.
Liz,NYC/solo #1 Beautiful Things by Bobby Darrin. #2 After leading worship in churches for over 25yrs, at the ripe old age of *well over 50* I’m singing in a Christian rock band! #3 I wish my sisters knew I haven’t had a best friend in over 11yrs. My besties moved away
Janice, South Hadley, MA. Solo.
#1 Georgia on My Mind.
#2 I’m a displaced southerner with my loins girded, my sandals on, and my staff in my hand waiting expectantly for God to move us back south closer to our children.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how deeply I I have learned to depend on Christ in this season of my life.
#4 My first online study with you. So thankful. I will be looking for my banana!
BethAnn Harrisburg, PA/SOLO
1. Welcome to the Jungle (’nuff said)
2. I was just recently married and next week will be moving myself and my son (16) into the home of my new husband and his 3 grown (21, 23, 25) children, who since our wedding in October, having been living solo in their “bachelor pad”; changes they are a comin’.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may seem stand offish at first, but its truly that I am really very shy and anxious when meeting new people, but if you stick around long enough, you will learn that I have a great sense of humor and I am a loyal friend.
4. Beth, so much about the devotional spoke to me but what I am believing from the word the He spoke to me, through you, is that the rain and the storms are over, the dry season has arrived. This will be the summer that the fruit will be ready for plucking. I have gotten tired of looking for it, but I need to look now, because it is happening.
I am right there with you in the friend department. Understanding fully, a frirnd across the miles. 🙂
Sarah-Euharlee, Ga. “Going solo”
1. My song-Summertime by Fresh Prince
2. My season- This is my first real summer break from teaching or attending school in several years.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am independent to a fault and struggle letting others in.
4. I spend my life so busy with work that I fear I am missing the fruit and desperately want to pluck, prepare, and store!!!
Becky, Universal City, TX, solo:
1. I’m Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
2. I have an upcoming surgery to remove a cyst in my neck (yuck) and a different homeschooling journey this next year with my youngest moving into junior high.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m usually insecure about my spiritual maturity and always feel I should be more mature than I presently am.
4. I am definitely going through a season of change, and picking “new” fruit would certainly make sense to me, so I’m looking forward to that. 🙂
Kim Baker, Louisville, KY
1. See you Again, Carrie Underwood
2. Last year I recently graduated college and didn’t know where I was going with my life, this summer I am finishing my master’s program and looking for a job, again.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” I am hilarious.
Cory Anna, Atlanta, GA
1. Africa by Toto – I’m headed there July 4 and it holds a special place in my heart 🙂
2. The new chapter season… new job, new commute, new church, new serving, not sure what is ahead, just know the previous chapter is finished and it is a time of transition which is scary good?!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I trust God, but I am not perfect in my trusting.
4. Summer: I am about ready to give up on sowing seed and not seeing the fruit, trying not to grow weary… thank you for that powerful Word Miss Beth!
1. “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller
2. I am waiting on God to clarify to me how I can best use my talents to serve Him.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am begging God to send someone to mentor me.
4. I am asking God to help me see any ripe fruit in my life that is ready for plucking.
Lynn – Rochelle, Ga.
Small group of 2 (me and my sister from another state)
Lynn,
Your #3 struck a chord with me. I have been asked to mentor on two occasions recently only for the enemy to put walls up with one and the other to walk away from the faith. If you really want someone, pray that God will show you who to ask, that He will prepare them to accept this and then intentionally follow through with them by asking for a time to meet and keeping it. Don’t let life pass you by or the enemy keep you from this step of growth in your life. I will pray God will give you that right person and that nothing stands in the way.
Blessings,
Angela
SONG: In Christ Alone
In this season of new beginnings I am stepping by faith into the darkness.
I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I have a confidence in Christ that is greater than my fears!
Allison from Scottsdale, AZ…going solo and participating in the Womensbiblecafe.com online Bible Study
1. A fun one: What title to a popular song – from any decade you wish – best captures you right now? (It can be serious or ridiculous.)
“Today is Your Birthday” by The Beatles because…well, today is my birthday!
2. Write one sentence describing something about your present season – your right-here-and-now – that makes it unique. Life changes constantly. What is distinct about this particular season?
While I celebrate the anniversary of the day I was born, I just received a call from my sister letting me know of my father’s passing r just an hour ago giving me so much to reflect on regarding the impact he has had on my life thus far and on my life going forward.
3. In one sentence, what is one thing you wish your sisters in Christ would know about you sooner that often doesn’t come out in your relationships until later. Complete this sentence: “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” am blessed with a wonderfully supportive husband , four adult children, and a brand new grand baby, but I tend to self-sabotage situations or even sometimes relationships because of my insecurities and approval addiction.
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video
devotional that resonated with you. Beth’s articulate analogy regarding taking note of the ‘fruit’ that is ripening right before us that we don’t even recognize…I share Beth’s prayer that I will have enlightened eyes for what God would like for me to see and to understand what God would want me to do with that fruit.
Happy Birthday, Allison!!
Happy birthday, Allison!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. May the Lord place His comforting hand upon as He lavishes you with His Peace and Strength.
Allison, truly bittersweet for you. Happy birthday, and I’m sorry for the loss of your father. I pray you’ll have many sweet memories of him (and that the not-so-sweet ones will only motivate you in your own life).
Misty,Victorville, CA, USA/Facebook Small Group/ #4 It doesn’t happen by chance, we have to be deliberate in teaching our children about God.
Sorry, this response was not to Beth’s video but to Priscilla’s video for session one. :o)
Christi, Branson, MO: solo
1. Me & God by Josh Turner.
2. We bought a new home.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I attended Higher Ground and it was such a freeing experience for me.
4. I am ready for God to show what fruit needs to be plucked and for me to pick it when it is ripe.