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.
Nancy, Theodosia, MO, solo
1. Live Like You Were Dying~Tim McGraw
2. I’m constantly in seasons of change and looking for a peaceful time of rejuvenation.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that although I love spending time with friends, my family is my priority.
4. The devotional spoke to me because I always think of summer as a time of respite and growth rather than harvest.
Jennifer, Warsaw, IN/solo
1. “Sweetly Broken” Jeremy Riddle
2. I am in a season of walking on shaky new legs of faith in God’s love for me in a new way…and falling down a LOT!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I long for more connection, and although I tend to do deep, I love love love to laugh.
4. My prayer in response to summer fruit..”Lord, open these eyes to see the fruit You have grown and give me the courage to “pick” it!”
ahhh…I meant “go” deep! 🙂
Marsha R./solo Lexington Park, MD
song…He Giveth More Grace
season…I’m going through too many medical challenges for my age and health, but I’m seeing and trusting God’s healing and restorative power.
something my sisters knew about me…I’m really a fun person to be around–just get to know be better.
resonated…Watch carefully for something to ripen that I’ve sown. (secrets manifest…from Greensboro)
Susie Kuss / Lubbock, TX / Group
This is a season of renewal, rebirth, fullness, and seond chances.The Lord has blessed me with three precious Grand-babies over the last three years. I feel blessed with: New Life. His Warmth. Love beyond belief.
Lindsey/Chattanooga, TN/ small group
#4…I would like for the Lord to send bananas U.S. Heaven Express with his promises labeled with my name inscribed upon them. Fruit harvest time..:)
Question no.1- Ain’t it funny how time slips away. Question no.2 I am getting adjusted to retirement and ministering to the homebound. Question no. 3- I wish my sisters could know that it is hard for me to be totally open with them. Twyla McAmis,Cleveland, Tennessee
Buffy/Chattanooga, TN/small group
#4..I need to be strong and ask God for the recognition of my fruit. I want a bushel of apples.
1. Bless the broken road by rascal flats
2. SAHM with 2 1/2 hr old daughter and 6 month old son. Summers are busy for my husband’s job, so often lonely and long days with kids for me.
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I long for real, honest, depthy kinship with other women in Jesus and in the ins and outs of life.
4. Summer is a time for fruit-picking and I need to be expectant and on the look-out (BELIEVING HIM) for that fruit with my name on it. It is coming! He hasn’t forgotten me.
Kim/Chattanooga,TN/small group
#1 Slow Fade
Melissa, Midlothian, VA. solo
1. Winds of Change by The Scorpions
2. Our family has been a part of a small church plant (30 minutes away) for 13 years. We felt God calling us to re plant in a church closer to home. To invest more in our community( where our kids attend school, we exercise, etc.,). Hard decision but feeling God’s peace. Missing old friends, looking for new ones.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I come across intense because I care not because I am angry or judge mental. I truly take things more seriously than most.
4. I was encouraged when Beth said we miss out on seeing our fruit. Wow! I really am making headway? Hard to believe sometimes.
Mimsy00/Tualatin OR/solo
1. Only the Strong Survive
2. Dealing with family member with emotional problems. Nothing is for sure in relationship. Trusting God. So thankful He is the Rock, because this close relationship is shifting sand.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that …Actually they know.
4. I am going to be looking at this summer differently now. Maybe watching a little closer for God’s summer plans!
Kiersten; Wake Forest, NC; Solo
1. Beyonce’s “All the Single Ladies” 🙂
2. I moved to NC a year ago to attend seminary and am learning how to start all over again; with friends, church, places to go, etc.
3. I’m pretty reserved until I get to know you and then you won’t get me to shut up!
4. I’ve been praying for sooo long for a holy passion and desire for the Word & Him and hope that this is my summer to bear some fruit that needs picking.
Carolyn, Orofino, ID/solo
1. Up, Up, and Away
2. I am “retired,” and I teach part-time and volunteer in an international problem solving program for students, seeking the Lord’s will for my time.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I want to be prayer partners and to grow and fellowship with them.
4. While ministering to a troubled family member over the past year, I’ve been holding on to Isaiah 55:11 that the Lord’s words will not return empty but will accomplish what He sends them to do; now, I am ready to pluck the fruit!
Zee/Madison, MS/solo
2. Dealing with the loss of my mother in December 2012, family issues, and being a wife and mother to five boys.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I desperately need a good friend – a friend that is not too busy to talk sometimes and stop and have lunch. Everyone I know is so busy they don’t have time for anything unless they need you.
4. I’ll have to get to this one later – I can’t hear the video for some reason – volume is on – go figure.
I know what its like to desire a good friend. At times I am busy but if you ever would like to talk, please contact me by replying to this message! I am in NH but originally I am from MS – Hattiesburg. So, we have a couple of things in common already! Richest Blessings, Teresa
1. Somewhere Down the Road- Barry Manilow
2. I am a taxi driver/passenger to a 12 year old and a 15 year old.
3. I love to sing with the radio to all kinds of music.
Amy from Noble, Ok (solo)
1. Girls just want to have fun!
2. I’m at home with my 3 school aged children for the summer – I love them (I work during the school year).
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that – I have a hard time making ‘close’ friendships – I wish I had more.
1. Shinning Star by Earth Wind & Fire.
2. Health issues with over active Thyroid.
3. Guarded about allowing new people to get close.
Terrell, NC/small group/”Live Like YOu Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
Barb D: Lakeland, FL/ Group
#1. If Not Now, When *Tracy Chapman
🙂
LaVonne, Peachtree City, GA/Flying solo
1. I’m Alright – Kenny Loggins
2.After a two-year battle with a cancer that I did not fit the profile for, I am seeking to see what is next, what is the purpose for this in my life.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a private person and usually will not be completely open until I get to know you; but once I do, I can be an open book.
4. I need to seek and ask for recognition of the fruit.
1. New Day by Robbie Seay Band
2. New baby + 3 year old = lots of joy and lots of adjusting for this Mommy!
3. I wish my sister in Christ knew right away that I don’t have it together as I appear to and I really need them!
4. It’s exciting to think of all that might be harvested this summer!
Lisa, Pensacola, Fl, solo
1. A Change Would Do You Good – Sheryl Crow
2. In my 40’s and changing career.
3. I am not as secure as I come across and could really use a real, authentic friend.
4. Asking God to open eyes so I recognize fruit when it ripens.
Ronda/Murfreesboro, TN/solo
1. “It’s a Heartache”-Bonnie Tyler
2. As I face an empty nest in the fall with my last child going to college, I am sad and glad all at the same time!
3. …that God’s word and love are the only reason I have survived some of the curve balls life has thrown at me!
Brooke. Pensacola, Florida. Small Group. #1. Help Me Find It
Kendall; Nashville, TN; SOLO
#1 Patty Cake- I have a 9 month old 🙂
#2 Needing to give God more of my trust in the midst of having a special needs baby. LOOK UP MOEBIUS SYNDROME and please pray over my boy. He is still precious and seems to have a mild form, but starting therapies tomorrow and that’s new for me!
#3 That I become “unglued” kind of easily, needing to learn to control my emotions.
#4 I am excited to ask God to reveal “ripening” in my life and excited to get closer to Him through this study!
1) Ch-ch-ch-changes!
2) This season of life is marked by change: new ministry, new job, new home, new church, new college student….
3) I wish my sisters knew that I long to have them ask me significant questions and that I need to be ministered to even as I enjoy the privilege of ministering to others.
4) Lord, may I not “wilt” in the summer heat, but instead be refreshed by the summer fruit that has my name on it – rejoicing in it and picking it in a timely way.
Michelle,Palm Bay,FL,solo.
1) Strong Enough by Matthew West.
2) both girls in school for the 1st time; in a season of trust and guidance from The Lord.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m very trustworthy once you get to know me.
4) One thing that resonated with me from the devo. Is how I need to ask The Lord in prayer to help me recognize the fruit in my life.
#1: Hallelujah, by Heather Williams
#2: True empty-nester (hubby left at the same time the kids were going off to college) learning to LIVE in this season of “aloneness.”
#3: Behind the smile is a broken and lonely heart.
#4: Praying that I keep careful watch so I don’t miss the ripening of something sown in the past.
Jennifer/ Gray, GA/ Group
#1. Forgiveness and Hello, My name is
#2. Seeking a summer filled with spiritual growth while enjoying time off.
#3. I crave acceptance from others but will stand up for what I believe in.
#4. I grow blueberries and as I am picking them each day I will be praising God for the fruit he is going to ripen within me this summer:).
1. A Hard Day’s Night
2. Waiting for the next adventure that Jesus will take me on.
3. One thing that I wish my sister’s in Christ knew about me sooner is that Jesus truly completes me.
Linda, Bartelso, IL-SOLO 1. Worn 2.having a empty nest now, filled with one who needs our help. 3. I wish my sister in Christ could see me as someone who really needs a friend. 4. to remembering how good our God has been to me.
Natalie, Memphis Tennssee, Solo
1.”magnolia” by ellie holcomb
2. Mid twenties, newlywed fresh off the honeymoon & trying to find Lord’s guidance in next step for career.
4. I am anxious to see what the Lord has in store for me this summer and how he will use “Gideon” to change my heart.
4. I am finally recognizing the fruit quicker!
Karen, Trenton, OH / Solo
#1 This is Not My Home
#2 In the midst of dealing with long distance care of my father who has dementia, I came to the realization that I am an adult and can determine my own priorities – not listen to what the world says I have to do.
#3 I wish my Sisters in Chris knew that I love spending time with them doing whatever, but am sometimes too shy to ask.
#4 Loved the reminders of what summer means…relates so well to my favorite verse: Isaiah 58:11 “The Lord will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose waters never run dry.”
Dee, Greenwood, SC; Solo
1) She’s a Maniac, from Flash Dance
2) Working out and Dieting like a maniac, due to a health reason. Got to get it done.
3) Wish my sisters knew, I’m fun and like adventures.
4) Excited about how God is going to speak through this BS.
Suzanne, Harrisville, RI – small group
#1 VACATION!
1. “Blink” by Revive
2. I don’t see my 15 year old granddaughter very often any more, I miss her.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am really friendly but I am shy.
4. There wll be something special for all of us in this study with our name on it. (thank you Beth for the visual of “Sara’s Banana’s”)
Sarah – Appleton, WI – (Small, small) Group (only 2 of us!)
#2: I’m starting a new part-time job and entering into summer with my girls off of school. It’s a season (literally) that I want to be purposeful about and take full advantage of, fully realizing that my time with my daughters is limited as they grow.
Starr/Asheboro,NC/SOLO
#1-“I Can Only Imagine”
#2-This season is unique in that I have been called to move within my gifting but outside of my comfort zone/gigantic learning curve.
#3-I wish my sisters in Christ knew that although I appear confident I have times of great insecurity and need words of affirmation.
#4-After a time of preparation,I can relate to the dry season of waiting and am encouraged by the season of fruit in summer and a time of sharing.
Carolyn; Conroe, TX; solo
#1-My song is “you’re Never Too Old To Be Young” because I have realized that it is important to keep the joy that children have from everyday things in life. Being thankful and appreciative for all things takes me back to child-like faith.
#2- my season is one of changing weather. I am in turmoil over my job. Prayer is requested for peace and joy over the circumstances.
#3- I wish my sisters knew how much I covet their love and acceptance. I’m a mess.
I can hardly wait to see what my “banana” will be from God!!!
Wanda, Tuscaloosa, AL/solo
1. Worn – Tenth Avenue North
2. Empty Nester with two precious grands who’s beginning to seriously think about how I can possible retire sooner rather than later!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a really wicked sense of humor once you get to know me 🙂
Melissa, Pensacola, FL; solo
1. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
2. I am in a season of toddlerhood….leaving behind the baby stage and watching my daughter grow.
3. I wish that sisters in Christ knew that even though I am shy, I crave friendship and will open up as we get to know eachother.
4. Looking forward to growing and ripening my fruit.
1) Thank You God for Saving Me (Chris Tomlin)
2. It is my year of jubilee!
3. I’m not as smart and creative as I appear to be.
4. She took the fruit and made bread. she made it into something that others could eat and taste and see that the Lord is good! I wanna do that.
Deborah Burlington NC.
Rolling in the Deep
Feeling a little overwhelmed
I wish my sisters knew that I am not overly confident.
I would like to recognize fruit in my life.
Beverly, Appling, GA Small group. Loving the study.
1. Cheeseburger in Paradise
2. I am in a season of seeking God’s will in all things
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not as quiet as I seem.
4. Looking foward to what fruits God is going to let me witness being harvested this summer!
Anka ,Paradise Valley/AZ
1.God Will Make A Way(Don Moen)
2. Emotionally drained,financial crisis , a major surgery ,feeling like a failure,some issuses in my marriage,scared that my 2 and 1/2 year old son has autism…
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew i have never read the Bible from cover to cover,and i feel very empty and lonely inside.
4.I m so ready to see the fruit that needs to be picked and be joyful when i pick it!
*solo
Laura – Rainbow, TX
#1 – I Can’t Live if Living is Without You
#2 – Get your act together! (Talking to myself)
#3 – I have a very soft heart
Marie, Post Falls, ID. Going solo:
1. “Never Gonna Steal My Joy” by Mandisa.
2. I’ve grown closer to my “little” (6’3”) brother, Ben, as he’s been recovering from foot surgery.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m reserved, not uncaring.
4. Summer heat ripens the fruit – I want God to open my eyes to the harvest in my life!
Jane, Tomball Tx
1. Don’t Get Comfortable…. Bebo
2. Grandparent to precious 6 and 7 year olds and one of the parents is in the midst of blowing up their loving God centered home and I’m …. devastated….on my face…. bawling…. on my knees…. scared….
3. that I ….just because I’m in leadership doesn’t mean I don’t have challenges, just like them!