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.
Rhonda, Newnan, Georgia- Group
1. Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen. A difficult time span led me to re-read one of my favorite books of the Bible – Job. I’ve loved this book for it’s beauty and God’s mighty account of Himself. This time I was reading for insight. I loved reading it, but in the end came to the conclusion that I don’t get it, I don’t understand, but like Job, I KNOW my Redeemer lives. Thus, my song choice.
3. It resonated with me to give God shouts of joy and praise. I’ve been lifting up a lot of prayers to Him, and I need to be praising God!
Connie, Turlock CA – SOLO
#1 – Step by Step (NKOTB)
#2 – relearning and experiencing the newborn stage (after our first born is 2 months shy of turning 3) creating a new normal for our family and saying no so that my attention can be focused on our family and our needs.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…desire to be in community, sharing what the Lord is doing in our lives and teaching us and that we may encourage one another.
#4 looking forward to looking for, seeing and plucking the fruits!
1. “Under Pressure”
2. Just got some bad news at the doctor’s office.
3. What I wish my Sisters in Christ knew sooner: That although I’m surrounded with people and acquaintances I am missing some true close relationships.
Mardi; Bakersfield CA; Solo
1.) “Say You, Say Me, Say it for Always” – Lionel Richie
2.) Removing layers, empty nest, back to basics
3.)I’m not just a pastor’s wife – I’m an interesting/valuable person
4.) Storing fruit spoke to me – also the fact that I’ve not seen my last season of fruitfulness — AMEN!
Mary/FL/Solo
#1 He’s got the whole world in his Hands
#2 Season of learning and listening and applying
#3 Sisters I am quiet but crazy
Charlene K, Thomasville NC/semi solo (partner)
#1 Worn by Tenth Avenue North
#2God closed a door that I thought I was supposed to go through, I am relieved now but wondering which direction He will lead me.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew I was saved at 26 and had prayed for my husband daily before he was saved 2 years later.
#4 I could use some summer fruit instead of the dry desert land
Jessica, Huntington Beach Ca- solo
1. A Change Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
2. We are preparing for our third child and dealing with a large set back in finances.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I struggle to make decisions.
4. Beth speaking of making something of the fruit we pluck really struck home for me.
#1 All You Need Is Love – the Beatles
#2 Serving where he leads me. A very rewarding time of life, but very busy. Can’t say no.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that the true essence of me is to make people happy. If they aren’t happy neither am I.
1. Let go and let God ~ Dwayne Wood
2. Experiencing God in a different ways
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I am not
a talker and I am very shy. (looking 4 more sisters in
Christ 🙂
4. There’s a bannana with my name on it ths summer 🙂
Erin ~ Cheyenne, WY ~ solo
#1. Free to Be Me
#2. New job, new community…
#3. I appear to be serious, but I’m really not…I’m a total goof.
#4. I am excited for Him to reveal His purpose during this season.
Lisa NY, NY Solo
1. Let go and let God ~ Dwayne Wood
2. Experiencing God in a different ways
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I am not
a talker and I am very shy. (looking 4 more sisters in
Christ
4. There’s a bannana with my name on it ths summer
Ana Meza/ Palmdale, CA/ Solo. Praying for God to help me know HIM in a deeper way.
Kristi Rogersville TN solo
1. Praise you in this Storm
2. Leaving my church of 10 yrs and the only one my daughter has ever really known
3. That I really do love all kinds of people and love making new friends but am very quite at first
LeeLee, Mobile, AL / small group: #4
Ask for recognition of the fruit through enlightened eyes
Tabitha, Palo Alto, CA/SOLO
1. School’s out for the Summer!
2. As a mother of 3 (including twin babies) and a phd candidate, I am learning all about patience and perseverance.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am really an introvert!
Kathy, Livonia, Michigan; Solo
#1 State of Grace – Taylor Swift
#2 Just got my first “real job” as a designer this week.
#4 I pray that Jesus would help recognize the summer fruit. I also pray that Jesus would become my spring of water this summer and always so I will not dry up like summer heat.
Megan, Dayton, OH, going solo, but meeting with another lady throughout the study.
1. Jesus Loves Me (or any other kid song)
2. My husband and I are finishing the process to become a foster family in our county
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very insecure with myself, and I tend to hide behind my insecurity.
Karen Greenville, SC Small Group
1. Who Says You Can’t Go Home
2. After lots of life changes…I feel like I’m coasting in this season.
Carola, Missoula,MT, solo
1-???
2-End of 29 years of homeschooling. Pre-empty nest. What do I do now? Rebuilding relationship with hubby.
3- My passion/intensity comes from years of mistakes, not because I have my act together.
Melissa, Walla Walla Wa, Solo
1. I desire Jesus
2. Wife, homemaker and mommy to 5, that’s adjusting to working part time while all my kids are in school.
3. I have a very deep passion for womens ministry and would love to write devotions or bible studies for women.
4. Something will come to fruit this summer…maybe even something long forgotten
Holly-Eden Prairie, MN; Small Group
#3- I’ve struggled profoundly with depression and know how lonely and painful it can be. I wish you knew where I have been so you would feel safe letting me come alongside you in your own struggle, and assure you that you are definitely not alone and not forgotten.
Kelly, Hickory, NC small group #1 Sing for the day
Haylee. Atlanta, GA. flying solo. 🙂
1. “I Need You More” -Kim Walker-Smith
2. In my present season The Lord is teaching me patience in waiting for my boyfriend to be ready to propose and obedience with my finances. TOUGH STUFF!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I value their friendship and need to be in community.
Sara, Jonesboro, AR, Solo
1) My song right now would have to be “Grace flows Down” by Christy Nockels
2) My life right now is college/nursing school and consists of a lot of a hard work and adjustment living in different places.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle daily to accept God’s free gift of grace.
Kristi, Orlando FL, solo: 1. Unbreak My Heart 2. empty nesting with distant husband and friends have become scarce at same time 3. I have a very tender heart
1. Lord I Need You by Matt Maher
2. Season of my life is that transition as a mom where, your daughters are on the final stay with you at home and beginning to begin their, “lift off into their own lives”.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew how truly tender my heart is.
4. Summer- dry, hot season……
LORD BE MY SPRING OF LIVING WATER IN THIS DESERT! Amen!
Jamie Greensboro, NC Solo
#1 – When Will I Find Love? – Linda Ronstadt
#2 – My dad passed away in March after being sick for several years. During that same time, I was unemployed, then in April, the Lord gave me a job. I am now seeking where the Lord is leading me through these experiences.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that most of the time I am content with my life, but there are days I feel alone and envious of my friends who are married.
#4 – I just want to grow closer to the Lord through this study.
Heather/Lancaster, Pa/Solo
#1 Find you on my Knees-Kari Jobe
#2 this is a season of many stages with my eight kids. Oldest will be a senior in high school and the youngest is learning to walk!
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I used to cry myself to sleep as a kid begging God(for my parents, sister and I) to be a family(they divorced when I was 4) and now he has given me that family-one that is bursting at the seems!
Elise–Newark–solo
1. I will not be moved
2. A season of wanting something(s) for a while now, waiting, trying to be patienet, trying to figure out His plan.
3. That I really am a people person, I may seem quiet, but if given the chance I really do love to talk, listen & be with people, I just don’t really like to join in on the “popular” conversation or gossip.
4. Pluckin-Preparing-Storing (so appropriate since our family has a vegetable/herb garden that we use to can things as well as eat fresh 🙂 )
Nooksack, WA
Small Group with my sister-in-law
1. “Set Me Free” by Casting Crowns
Kathy Carenza
New Port Richey Florida
Forgot to post my verse here and it is a very appropriate verse for the situation 🙁
2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Cheryl, Pensacola,FL/Solo
1. Worn
2. Facing serious medical treatments that really scare me.
3. I enjoy encouraging other women to grow strong in their Christian faith; and, although I have a leadership position in my career, I don’t always like to lead in every situation–sometimes it’s nice to sit back and listen.
4. I’m wondering if this medical treatment that I’m facing this summer is going to be part of my summer fruit as a way for me to minister to others.
Nancy, Pollock LA, doing study w/daughter
1 – “He’s an On-Time God”
2 – My husband & I are trying to sell our property so we can downsize & move closer to his son.
3 – One thing I wish my sisters knew about me is that it’s hard for me to open up to people.
Shana, Sutherlin OR -small group
#2 I’m in a season of learning to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and staying in the present with Him…through loss of a loved one, terminally ill father in law and my baby starting kindergarten in the fall.
Stephanie, La Habra, CA
1) Take these Shackles off my feet so I can Dance.
2) Spend much time alone (husband died at age 48)kids out of house but our amazing Jesus has been the lover and satisfier of my soul.
3) That though I lead Bible studies i.e. Beth Moore etc., so much of my life was seeking what I thought would bring fulfillment to me but for the grace of God, He rescued me and loved me unconditionally!
4) Will be searching for the fruit this summer and with Phyllis Shirer’s Bible study I am anticipating lots:)
Heather, fullerton, CA, solo
1. Walking on Sunshine
2. Oldest son just finished Kindergarten and I am transitioning to stay at home mom for the summer.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I hold back in relationships for fear of being vulnerable and rejected.
Suzi, Bloomington,IN , solo
#1 Go Your Own Way
#2 Spending summer in my hometown for the first time in years.
#3 I struggle with remaining hope filled and can easily give into fear of repeated history.
#4 Asking that I will recognize the fruit (loved the banana picture) that it will be obviously mine! With my name on it so I can take note of it.
Lisa, Brentwood, CA, solo
1. The song that came to mind was Manic Monday.
2. Unique this season is my stepson is approaching the teen years but otherwise things are calm.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I worry too much and ask God daily to help me to my unbelief.
Lauren, Pearland, TX, solo
1. Faith to Believe by Shane & Shane (not necessarily popular, it was just released, but my current favorite!)
2. I moved to Pearland, TX, yesterday, and will start a new job Thursday in Bellaire, TX, and am waiting on my husband to complete our move across the state of Texas ASAP.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I crave close friendships, but am too introverted and shy at times to initiate a relationship.
4. This season in our lives is full of many answered prayers, one prayer in particular that has not yet been answered, and boy am I ready to pluck that fruit once the good Lord deems it ripe for pickin’!
1. Trace Adkins – You’re gonna miss this
2. My husband is going to Paramedic School soon and I will have to start working two jobs in July total of 72 hours a week…right now i work 16 so this is going to be a HUGE change this coming year for our family…and we have a two year old little girl (Kellie Grace)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew now….I am plague with Fear, but I hide it well.
…Morro bay CA
1. American Honey – lady A
2. Kids graduated and both married this year. Empty Nest
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very insucure and unhappy but I want to be. Need a change, but don’t know what. Hoping this study helps guide me.
Madison, AL ~ Solo
1. I Refuse by Josh Wilson
2. A state of limbo ~ Waiting for our house to sell. We partially moved to another state (most furniture stayed behind so the house would “show” better) and the temporary living arrangements are wearing on us.
3. I’m working on not being such a control freak – there are other ways to do things other than how I do them 🙂
Faye from Calgary, Canada- doing the study with my sister
1. “In Heaven’s Eyes”- there are no losers
2. At a point in my life where I need to start making decisions regarding retirement. Afraid of losing my identity.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that even though I come across confident & sure of myself, that inside I am very fragile & feel like a loser.
4. Hoping God will hit me with a banana & open my eyes to his wonders.
Georgia Phinney – Southlake, Texas – Solo
#1 – Hold on my Child, JOY comes in the Morning!
#2 – This season involves caring for my husband, a retired Pastor, living with MS.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ could know that some days the smile on my face doesn’t match
the hurt in my heart!
Laura, Humble, TX, Solo
1. Waiting on You
2. Excitement. I just signed a contract for my first Christian YA book to be published, and I’m so excited.
3. I need accountability.
4. I feel an excitement about life and my relationship with Jesus, and I don’t want that to dry up in the heat of summer.
Delores O.
Lake Stevens, WA
small group
#3. I may look organized and put together and too busy for others but i struggle at times, often feel lonely and really hunger for some fun as well as deep friendships.
Julie-Ozone, AR-Solo
1. My song title is “Hot Blooded”. At the age of 49, you can guess what is going on in MY life. Lol
2. Beth, you wrote “Life changes constantly”. Well, “change” is the word that describes this season of my life. After 12 years, I have been laid off of my government job, due to lack of funding.
Ally, Duluth, Georgia/Solo:
1. “In The Middle”
2. I just came home from an 11 month mission trip 2 weeks ago and I am transitioning into the “real world” by preparing for my first year of teaching.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that vulnerability and accountability are areas I struggle in tremendously.
4. I desperately need to repent of an area in my life that I am frightened to surrender to Christ even though He has continually shown His faithfulness in this area and I can trust His way is always the way to life abundant.
Denise – Cedar Park, TX – solo
1. Hakuna Matata
2. This season of life is unique because at 53 years old, I am back in school and loving my profession as a teacher like never before.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I really love Bible studies and I wish that I was doing this with a small group.
Kathy, Lake Jackson, Tx–small group of 3
#4. It is truly frightening to realize that the “ripened fruit” we fail to see or don’t use is picked at and taken away by birds of prey (the enemy).