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.
1. “It’s a Hard Knock Life For Us”
#1 currently The Altar – by Tricia Brock
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I want to KNOW you deeply not just the top layer.
Barbara Severns, Eagle, Idaho, Solo
1.Take My Life and Let It Be
2.Helping with my grandchildren
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though my life seems perfect with my kids and grandchildren, I still miss my husband who passed away 13 years ago and that I cry everyday because of that emptiness without him.
Rebecca Saiz-Dorado Puerto Rico- Single
1.Stronger (what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger)
2. I am currently moving to Puerto Rico with my family from Texas for my husbands job and I will quit teaching and be a stay at home mom.
3. I wish my sisters knew that I love to be in the word yet fell very insecure on my knowledge about it.
4. I need a banana with my name on it I don’t want to miss my fruit!
Sarah: Wenatchee, WA; Group “Skype Siestas”
#1 Baby, Baby by Amy Grant
Christina #1 “I Refuse” by Josh Wilson
Michelle, Russellville, AR/going solo:
1) Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
2) I am struggling to find a way to slow down the pace of life, so that I have time to live life to truly enjoy life, rather than so often feeling absolutely run-ragged.
3) I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I do want to have deep, caring, loving, godly relationships with them, even though it will probably take me several years to trust them enough to actually develop that level of friendship.
4) The devo reminded me of God’s awesome faithfulness through terribly dire circumstances in the drought of Summer 2012. We clung to Isaiah 58:11 with hope and fear for our livestock. But the fear was unnecessary, because He was faithful, just as He always is.
Traci, Des Moines, IA solo 🙁
1. Crazy
2. I’m thrilled to be living back in IA after being gone for several years – but I am terribly lonely!
3. I seem like I have lots of energy, but I’m really, really tired!
4. Bring on the fruit!
Crystal NC. Solo
1. Livin on a prayer
2. I’m having a prophlactic mastectomy in two days. I’m a working mom trying to take charge of my health for my boys.
3. I am super quiet and shy until you get to know me.
Narelle, Melton, Victoria, Australia – Solo
#1: Raise Me Up
#2: A season filled with a lot of unexpected change – I recently moved countries and gave birth to my second beautiful child all in a short period of time, under challenging circumstances.
#3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may appear strong on the outside but on the inside at times, I’m paddling like a duck under water, knowing I need to stay close to my Rock.
#4 Summer is a season of plucking, preparing and storing.
Carla Corryton, Tn. solo
1-“WORN”&”THAT’S WHAT THE BLOOD IS FOR”
2- after 35 yrs. my husband has now RETIRED! I wandering how do I still have my own time of study and worship? I’m used to being loud, expressive yet private.
3-I love teaching but I also love to be taught God’s word. Trust doesn’t come easy for me.
4- I want to experience God’s working in me during these seemingly hot, dry months. I want to be able to pluck from the vines he has sown in my life–then SHOUT IT OUT LOUD!–Then I want to prepare to let Him use them in me and for others–As well, I need to store up what I need for me so I don’t forget just exactly what He’s done for me!—-Last, I want to remember the promises of God are true and faithful! His love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me!!!!!!!
SORRY SO LONG BUT I WAS THIRSTY!!!!!!LIVE OUT LOUD!
Carolyn/Williamston, MI/solo–1) Crazy Train, 2) This is definitely a season of transition–all 4 kids in school this fall, increased responsibilities at work, missions trip to Kenya in August, 3) I wish my sisters knew that my quietness at first is not meant to be aloofness.
Jessica – Alpharetta, GA / Solo
#1 – Just the Way I Am by Big Daddy Weave
#2 – I am in an adjustment period since moving back to the States after living abroad for two years…what others call coming back to my “old life” is not exactly true now that I’m not working and raising my almost two year old–this is definitely a “new life” for me, just in a familiar place!
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I long desperately to pursue life in Jesus Christ as my greatest passion….it just doesn’t always work out that way, but I’m trying to figure out how to get there!
#4 – There is a season for everything, and I pray this summer bears much fruit for our little family!
Pam, Olive Branch, MS / Solo
1. (I Wanna Be) The Way I Was Made by Chris Tomlin
2. This summer is unique because my only nephew is getting married and my sister is in deep need of my encouragement.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I truly felt a calling to motherhood and how inadequately I usually feel about my fulfillment of this calling after 19+ years.
1) Room to Breathe by Reba McEntire
2)The here and now is chaotic…busy, I have been trying to accomplish all my projects.
3)an achiever…I try to achieve goals!!
Sabrina from Hereford, PA
Heather – Shokan, NY
1). Song: Sounds of Silence – going back to memories where this song was prominent in my mind.
2) This is the season of editing my memoir and taking scenes deeper – connecting feelings with the memories
3) People see me as very confident, but there is an insecurity underneath, a fear of being open and free. Still a few protective masks.
4) During devotional I thought of Gideon winnowing in the well – hiding fruit from the enemy – I need to reverse that trend and boldly use the fruit God has given me to defeat the enemy and make the enemy sorry he ever messed with my life.
Nita, Corinth, TX/Solo
#1 Don’t Worry, Be Happy
#2 I am home for the summer from my teaching job and working on home renovations with my newly retired husband.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I often feel like I have to start all over because I have forgotten the lessons God has already taught me.
#4 This summer can be hot and dry for me or I can recognize and summer on the fresh fruit around me that God provides.
Harvest and don’t let birds of prey get your fruits.
Prepare, store, and praise God for your fruits!
1. “I will survive”
2. Hubby is serving in Afghanistan through September 2013 and he has been gone since September 2012 :-(. Finishing homeschooling year with two elementary age kids plus summer activities…. Lonely but busy 🙂
3. I love the Lord with all my heart and wish that all would experience His love and peace 🙂
Sara; Winter Garden, Florida; solo
1. Today Is Your Day (Shania Twain)
2. After years of waiting to figure out the “big plan” for my life, I am finally at peace with where God has placed me right now!
3. That I am not always as strong as I might outwardly appear.
4. I am so excited to gather some fruit this summer!!!
Jennifer – Mobile, AL
1. Anticipation – Carly Simon
2. I am in ANTICIPATION of what God is doing right now in my life and I am in ANTICIPATION of the delivery of my Grandson in July, woo woo!!!!!
3. I wish my sisters knew that I am a loyal friend who puts her whole heart into a friendship, I can be trusted
Darcy – Edwardsville, IL/solo
1. While I’m Waiting by John Waller
2. I am planning/waiting for my wedding in 11 months and preparing to become a wife while my fiance is in training for the Air Force 1,100 miles away.
3. I wish my sisters knew that I struggle with anxiety and fear, but the Lord truly wants me to be free (and I know this now!).
Janelle, Hilo Hawaii; Solo
1. Song: “Step-by-Step” by Rich Mullins
2. Sentence: uncertain times; certain Of Jesus!
3. I thing that I wish my sisters knew about me:
Their wounds make me cry, especially if they are stuck and feel hopeless, because I have been there.
LaDonna. Hammond, LA- Solo
#1 Hide Away- Ben Rector
#2 I’m in Moore, OK doing disaster relief. Through this God is showing me in my personal life that it doesn’t end with the storm.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love quality time and coffee 🙂
#4 That the banana would hit me in the face.
Julie, Carlsbad, CA, Daybreak small group
#2. This season of life is unique because our family is temporarily living with my mother-in-law. There are many blessings and many challenges. Praying I don’t miss a single lesson!
Katie, Clovis, CA. small group #1 starts with me by Tim Timmons
Becca, Carlsbad, CA, Daybreak Small Group: #2 In this season, I am digging deep into God’s Word and cannot wait to see what He will reveal to me.
Kim Cleveland, OH – solo
1. These are days — 10,000 maniacs
2. My husband is starting his first full time job in 7 years, instead of 2 part time jobs.. We will hopefully, finally have a family life with our two young girls.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’ve become a completely different person in the last 10 years.
4. The fruit is mine for the picking. If I don’t recognize it and grab it…the enemy will!
1.my song is l will always love you.because I will love god.
2. On vac and the tropical storm hit now humid .
3.that I need to grow closer to the lord..
4.the summer fruit will be ripen and plucked and stored up.
(1) Hold Me Now by RED
(2) Searching for God and struggling to find Him/hear Him.
(3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle to trust people.
Ashley, Columbus, GA., solo
1. Defying Gravity
2. My present season is struggling with finding good, authentic friends.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very loyal, love deeply, and have a kind heart.
Kari, Sikeston, MO
1. Song: God is So Good
2. Season: Trying to stay committed to exercise/get healthy routine.
3. I would want them to know that I love to help and they can count on me.
4. I want to find that banana with my name on it and shout praises to our God and allow Him to use me for His glory.
Susan, Murfreesboro, TN/small group
#2. I am a 49 year old college student finally finishing a B.S. degree.
Texas/Small Group
2. I’m in a season of change. Stepped down from one position in my job and moving into another one. My Heavenly Father is so good to me! He is in control and directing my path. To Him I give all glory, honor and praise. Thank you Jesus!
Tanis BC/Canada – Solo
1. I know the plans by Debbie Fortnum.
2. Three teens, one graduating, pending move. Busy
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am soft on the inside and my feelings do get hurt.
4. I am looking forward to the summer fruit God wants to give me.
Rebecca Oliver Mobile Al. Solo
1.) amazing grace
2.) present season: God sold my house. Living with in laws with a 17 month old. Husband transioning into nurse practitioner. God is closing and opening doors on our home search. I’m in a state of being vulnerable to depend on him and learning to trust in his right plan for my little family.
3.) I’m a people pleaser by nature.
4.) I can shout for joy for his harvest. He is doing a good work in my life. I feel his pressure of his presence.
Thank you ladies for being my group.
Caroline, Williamsburg, VA, solo
1) Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
2) Pregnant with baby#2, taking care of our 15 month old, and recently relocated to the other side of the country.
3) I’ll take an once of real over nice any day
Stacie, Earle, AR; Small Group: 1) I Call Him Love
2) Silence – My roommate, ministry partner, best friend is having surgery on her vocal cords, no talking for three weeks at least.I’m looking forward to what the Lord is going to say to both of us.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew I was shy (except when I am teaching) not arrogant.
My name is Nancy. I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and am doing this study solo but also part of Facebook group.
1. My song is “Hissing of Summer Lawns” by Joni Mitchell
2. I am searching for the right work situation and needing faith and courage that God has that planned for me and wish His wisdom.
3. I would like my sisters to know that I am better one on one than in a group.
4. This Devo excited me that I have fruit ready to be picked and that God has great use for this fruit.
Pam; Spring,TX; solo
#1. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
#2. Would like to change jobs-feeling really burned out!
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I long to spend more time with them.
#4. My summer fruit will ripen as I downsize belongings and simplify my life.
Lisa, Frisco, TX, participating individually
1) I am at a loss for a song, but will keep thinking!
2) About to start a kitchen remodel and very nervous. Also, have a daughter in middle school and want to develop our relationship more. Would like to get her to talk more about things at school and friendships.
3) I wish people knew that even after being saved for 20 years, still feel like a new, lost Christian. I was not raised in a home where Christianity was discussed, although both parents were believers. Church was a ‘Sunday’ event, mostly just attended around holiday time. I feel lost when it comes to teaching my kids about God and talking to others about my faith.
4) Love the encouragement from Beth to work on growing spiritually this summer.
Tarin; Torrance, CA; small group
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ new that even though I come across confident and sure of myself, I really am insecure and need reassurance from others.
Song: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns
Season: Settled for a bit after much transition. (Cross country move, husband deployed to Afghanistan and back). Glad to be “still” for a bit and enjoy the peace.
I would want my sisters in Christ to know I am so insecure and nervous in social situations. I look very put together on the outside, but inside I am a mess!
Desiring the God of Truth to help me feast on the fruit of honesty and transparency.
Kim from Springfield, Mo – partaking solo
1. ‘I Need You Now’ by Plumb
2. I am going thru a change of not being needed as much; my oldest just got married & moved out this month and my youngest just graduated from high school and is preparing for college.
3. ???? I’m somewhat of an open book – I always tell my ‘girls’ I’m just another cracked pot sharing with other cracked pots how to stay full. I believe in being ‘honest but modest’ (Beth) and being real but most importantly, sharing my God is real.
4. Loved the devotional & Psalm 32 is where I’ve been because of some ridiculously stupid choices on my part – asking The Lord to bring to harvest the prayers and tears I have sown. There are green pastures & still waters even in our valleys and He will prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies – His goodness and mercy will hunt me down all the days of my life. Amen!
Gaylin, Lancaster, CA/ Group
La Vida Loca
Sharon, Queensland, Australia, Solo
#1. “Come To The Well” Casting Crowns
#2. ‘Mary’ Time out to sit at the feet of Jesus, in His Word.
#4. I’m preparing my bread for the next season to see who I can share it with.
Katy
Frisco, TX
ridin’ solo
1 – living’ on a prayer – except (I hope) I’m not halfway there
2 – feel like everything changes in an instant; there’s no gradual change.
3 – “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m an open book…sometimes to my detriment.”
4 – what seeds have I sown (or not been sowing) that I will reap harvest on this summer, and realizing that if I don’t take my fruit or recognize it then the enemy will use that and take it away.
Jordin, Albuquerque, NM/ Small Group
#2 God is so beautifully blessing our family with a season of unity like never before. Praise Him!
Jennifer, Denver, CO/small group
#4: Tending my fruit ever so carefully, watching for the ripening and praying I use it to His glory.
Sabrina
Lincoln NE
Solo
1. Still Crazy After All These Years
2. I am an empty nester married 38 years with 3 daughters and 3 granddaughters,one of whom has Down Syndrome and was neglected and abused in an Eastern European orphanage before being adopted by my middle (single)daughter.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t think well on the spot in conversations; I need time to process before responding.
4. There is something I have prayed about for years concerning a loved one and the idea that the fruit of something could ripen that was sown years years ago really resonates with me.
Connie, Chicago, IL, solo
1. I’m All Shook Up
2. I am our 29 year old disabled son’s caregiver, the daughter of aging parents, and married to a pastor in a difficult church situation.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am having a hard time meeting everyone’s needs.
4. God will bring my hopes, dreams and desires to fruition, and He will help me recognize them for what they are.
Nikki/Bellflower, CA/Solo
#1 Lord Help Me to Hold On
#2 Holding on by a thread.
#3 I which my sisters in Christ knew that I sometimes need support and comfort too!