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.
Donna/Earle AR/Small Group
1) Til the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns
2) Anticipation, because I have such a sense that we are on the verge of a breakthrough at our church.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew how passionate I am about the things of God, because I am quiet and a bit reserved which can be perceived as passive.
Stephanie, Scottsdale, AZ Going solo may start a small group!
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.)
Hold Me by Jamie Grace
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?
The Lord is preparing for a counseling career by going through the counseling license process.
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…”
I am quiet at first but once you I get to know you and feel comfortable I am REALLY outgoing!
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video devotional that resonated with you.
I am excited to see which fruit the Lord ripens in my life, this summer!
Kimberly in Madison, ME with a small group. #1 Jesus, Firm Foundation #2 Learning to experience God and be intentional in my seeking of His blessings in the mundane of every day life raising two sweet boys, being a good wife, housework, my part-time job and all the rest that comes with being a mom.#3….that I work really hard to control my fears and anxieties and am not always successful. #4 I really like the idea of God ripening fruit in us. Thank you!
Erin in Bellingham Washington, doing this study with my sister in law!
#1 – Try by Pink
#2 – This season is about learning to love and be loved, especially by God
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew how hard it is for me to trust
Sally, St Paul, MN/small group. “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey
Kathy, Grants Pass OR, solo
1) Working 9 to 5
2) Our adult children have hit some obstacles that will take major change to work through. We can only do so much…prayer doesn’t seem like enough.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ would know how afraid of failure I am.
4)Hope for the future – God CAN and DOES work through me
Donna, Angleton, TX – Solo
#1 – Help
#2 – Recovering from breaking right arm at shoulder; surgery to place plate, 8 screws & repair rotator cuff; and now Physical Therapy 3 times a week indefinitely!
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not only comical and loud but also sensitive, sincere & very private.
#4 – That I watch for and recognize fruit and respond as God would desire for me to.
Dorothy, San Diego, CA/solo
1. “Good Time” (Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen)
2. I’m in my final year of graduate school, getting ready to enter the job market. A lot of questions plague my mind, “Will I have to leave my current city? What kind of career will I pursue?” This whole season, to say the least, is filled with uncertainty.
3. Don’t have it all together even though it may appear otherwise on the outside.
4. The importance of STORING the fruit in our lives to eat later…Don’t forget that God has so been so good to us when we’re waiting for the harvest of what we’ve sown!
Amanda; Meridian ID; solo
1. Awake My Soul -Chris Tomlin/Lecrae
2. That I am crazy busy all the time…but bored.
3. Am warmer than I may seem at first
Nicole, Naperville, IL
1). Nothing is Wasted by Jason Gray
Deanna; Safford, AZ; Group
1. My Hope Is You – Third Day
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
small group (29-year-old daughter and me)
1. “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum
2. I’m a wife of 31 years, mom of a precious daughter, and Mimi to an adorable 4-year-old granddaughter; and a recent situation reminded me how desperate I am for God in every area of my life-for His wisdom, strength, peace, hope,joy,etc.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love Bible studies, sports, politics, my family, and fellowship with them.
4. I need to look for ripe fruit in my life and praise God for it!
Twila Wapato, WA. solo
You’re Going to Miss This by Trace Adkins
Recovering from knee replacement & facing the forced retirement of my husband in October….whatever will he do? Just hope he doesn’t try to rearrange my kitchen like my dad did with my mom!
I may appear to like being alone, but I am lonely & enjoy being around people.
I want to pluck the low AND high fruit that God has for me & savor all the rich juices.
Renee, Riverside, CA; solo
1. The Climb
2. Homeschooling mom to tween/teens; Desperately waiting on God to answer prayer in a few areas in my life, and struggling at times…but giving up is NOT an option.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I may not talk a lot, I feel deeply and care much.
Raquel, Keller, TX ~ Solo
1. Jesus at the center of it all because He is, Twist & Shout cause I’m happy and dancing that He saved me.
2. Child is all grown up, now I feel I am trying to jump-start a “new” life.
3. That I struggle with my identity in Christ and with fear at times.
4. Haven’t heard the entire devotional yet but I’m working on it 🙂
Sharon/Modesto, Ca. solo
#1 I feel good, James Brown
#2 Our neighbors of 10 years on both sides of us are leaving.. uncertain who God will bring to the neighborhood.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I love to laugh and make others laugh too.
#4 Pluck it/prepare it/store it!! THere is fruit with SHaron’s name on it! My tomatoes are best in the hot summer heat can’t wait to see what God brings out of this study!And I will shout about what He brings!!!!
Christy, Hillsboro, OR / going solo
1. It’s Time
2. I feel like this season is unique in that it is a season of BiG changes (or hopefully on the brink of some BIG good changes)…in a few different areas.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a lot more depth, care, concern and love than what I communicate in face to face interactions (I express myself and communicate sooo much better on paper!)
4. Feeling a bit discouraged (and defeated) by the seeming lack of fruit in some areas of my life, God encouraged me and gave me hope through what Beth shared about summer fruit! 🙂
Carol Z. / Ft Lauderdale, FL / Solo
1. ‘Hello My Name Is’ by Matthew West – Absolutely love that song!
2. An almost empty nester who is enjoying a hubby who recently accepted Jesus after years of my praying for him – now he is on fire for the Lord! God is so good!
3. I wish I was as confident as people think I am!
4. Thought I was taking the summer off from our women’s bible study – so glad I’m not!
Oh yeah…… “enjoying” the treat of menopause – thus the 2am post! 🙂
Karen/Fairbanks, AK/group/#1-Summer Time from the musical “Porgy & Bess”
Kirsten/Orange County, CA/going solo
1. “Crazy Girl” (Eli Young Band)
2. The circumstances of life are exhausting, it’s hard to see where I’m being led, but the Lord is clearly present and I’m experiencing His peace.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I… seem quiet or guarded, but I’m taking everything in because relationships build slowly for me over time, but I’m worth the investment.
Christina: Armed Forces Europe, Bavaria, Germany/solo:
1. Brown Eyed Girl
2. Beginning a summer just prior to an international PCS move back to the States, with my solider & our middle/high school kids, from a place I love to a place we have been before.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am an introvert,not a snob, who just takes awhile to get to know you before I will be fiercely loyal to you.
4. Summer fruits: YES GOD!!!!!! Everywhere in everything, I ask!
1. Help me find it- Sidewalk prophets
2. God has lifted me from the lowest I’ve ever gone and redeemed me!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew what my life has been like and how insecure i am about not only my relationships with others but with sharing my past experiences.
1. A Quiet Mind–what I seem to be constantly praying for
2. Valley of Baca–trying to get out with a fresh perspective on forgiveness and trust.
3. I am striving to know God’s Word intimately and his will for my life.
#1 – Stronger – Mandisa
#2 – Trying to get out of my comfort zone and deal head-on with big changes (Dad’s failing health, change in church (after many years), and perhaps a physical move across the country).
#3 – I’m shy when I first meet someone which is sometimes misconstrued as being arrogant or “stuck-up” (so I’ve been told many times), but nothing could be further from the truth. Once I open up, you can’t shut me up and I’m a loyal friend. I’m working on it!
Laurie, Milton, GA/solo:
#1. Blessed by Your Name, He gives and takes away
#2. Every member of my immediate family is in crisis.
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew the depth of my love for them and how tenderhearted my love is for them.
#4. I want a banana with my name on it.
Cheryl; Appomattox, VA/Solo
1. “Smelling Coffee” (not sure artist)
2. I’m a new pastor’s wife (since November); we are looking for property to have room for the church to grow, as well as find a parsonage that is sufficient for our family size.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am really more self-conscious than I portray.
4. That summer is the time for ripening. I need so much for a renewal (ripening) in my personal relationship with God. It is so draining to give out, that I need a constant filling.
Largo,Fl. solo. 1- song “I will be there….” 2- Seasong of moving away to new place. 3- Praying for peace always. 4- Be thankful.
Kimberly/Creedmoor NC/solo
1. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
2. Learning to embrace a new decade that brings many changes in a woman’s life.
3. Just because I don’t cry doesn’t mean I don’t hurt.
4. There are pros and cons of every season. What are you going to focus on?
Darlene, Holly, MI
1. Hold On Loosely
2. Stagnate – trying to figure out what Christ wants me to be doing…
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a good friend.
4. Stay in the Word to help me figure out where Christ wants me.
Heather Underwood, Stuttgart, Germany/solo
1) Smells Like Teen Spirit
2)Living in a different land, weather, and culture has made me keenly aware of how the love of Christ can speak volumes when you don’t speak the language.
3)I wish that my sisters in Christ knew sooner how zealous I am to talk to strangers they wouldn’t be freaked out when I do it.
4)The things that resonated with me in the video were these words: unction, recognizing fruit, and not letting the prey birds summer fruit.
Shaila, Syracuse, Indiana. Small group. I have four daughters and this is the first time I get to do this study with two of them. My oldest lives in Houston and we will be facetiming with her to do this study! I know so cool! I’m so excited to see what God has planned for us!
1) On my Knees by Kari Jobe 2) in a season of surrender and a long awaited painful season is actually coming to an end and blown away by what God has done through it all 3) how much I want more of God and to live EVERY area under His lead
Sorry forgot Strasburg Pa
Taylor, Katy, TX, solo: I’m getting married! It’s such a strange and exciting time for us. Were So excited to see how God will work in our lives.
Susan – Maynard MA – Solo
1. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2
2. I am now the only sibling in my family who is not married and I am struggling with this new family dynamic.
3. I wish my sisters would know that it takes me a while to open up to people but when I do I am there for you with everything I have.
4. I am ready to see some fruit with my name on it!
Kelly- Newport, RI
1. Moving Out
2. Moving away from a year of “vacation” at the beach to busy life in a big city 🙁
3. I wish my Christian sisters would know that I need specific encouragement to really share my struggles.
1. Lord, I Need You
2. I am very aware of my age(52) and that I am getting older and my body is not cooperating with me like it once did.
3. I Wish My Sisters in Christ Knew That I Am Searching To Know and Fulfill The Destiny of Plan That God Has For Me.
4. “You Have Not Had The Last Season of Your Life When Your Fruit Will Become Ripe For Harvest.”
Pam in Texas: Going Solo
1. Fun Song – One More Day
2. Right now I am preparing to retire after 35 years as a professional educator.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I fear failure and the future.
4. This bible study seems written for me to recognize and share my abundant fruit with others.
Thank you to all!
Alicia, St.Louis, Mo.
My song is, “All My Fountains Are In You”.
My brother passed away @ age 46, 6 weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
I wish my sisters knew that I long for deep relationships, shallow ones leave me feeling empty.
Solo!
Teresa, Hampton Beach, NH, Solo
1) “Jesus in Disguise” – Brandon Heath
2) In my present season I am keenly aware and impressed that transition is imminent – for good or bad.
3) I wish sisters realized that given I live in 3 geographical regions throughout the year, I do not have any real friendships. (I operate a summer seasonal business, then travel).
4) I identified with the devotion at every turn of summer: My refusal to surrender brings silence and silence brings guilt; I clearly see the young fig leaves and a white harvest but I the Birds of Prey instill selfishness and fear; I’ve forgotten the victorious walk I enjoyed with God when first saved – how I saw Him move and did not store-up strength for today; and finally, how I still have hope that I can live for Christ.
Margaret, Hamilton, MS/solo
1. How Mercy Looks From Here by Amy Grant
2. Still greiving and working, two wonderful grandchildren, and caring for aging parents.
3. The loss of a child is something you never completely get over but talking about them helps.
4. I have many memories (stored fruit) of times God has provided for me to not only sustain my faith but also to share with others to encourage their faith. He’s not finished with me yet!
Stay Strong, Margaret! Prayerfully yours, Teresa
Lynn, Lake Villa, IL. Small group (just haven’t met yet)
#1 – tie between: Who Am I by Casting Crowns and Made To Worship by Chris Tomlin
Pam, Hendersonville TN, duo-long distance 🙂
1. Great is Thy Faithfulness – God truly has provided ALL that I have needed.
2. Transition – in ministry and life circumstances! Patient anticipation of all He has prepared.
3. We had stillborn twins 20 years that are praising the Lord in heaven. Hard to talk about at times.
4. Asking the Lord what is finally ripe that He will be picking. Loved the pluck, prepare, and store for later use!
Lynne, Charleston, SC; Family Group (mom, sister, and family friend)
I love, love the verses from the video. I feel as if God has called me apart (socially) for quite some time now and it has been a season of sowing and “catching up” with my Father in heaven. I pray I have many summer fruit to harvest, I don’t want to leave one thing for the birds of prey to feast on!!!
#1 Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
#2 I feel very balanced with my life for the first time in a long time-coming into my own.
#3 I want my sisters in Christ to know that I have built up so many walls around myself in the past 13 years, and I am ready to start tearing them down brick by brick once and for all.
April, Asheville, NC/solo #1 Blessing-Laura Story, #2 I lost my professional job of 13 years in March just before turning 40 and wait in anticipation for the next chapter God has prepared for me. #3 I wish my Christian sisters knew how I desperately want to please God in all I do and how I desire to help them do the same.
Susan from Houston, Tx
1. The Circle of Life (Lion King)
2. The season of joy and sadness-I seem to be pulled from caring for old people (aging parents)in my life to precious babies (grandchildren).
3. I am not fond of the fact that I am so loud.
4. God has been speaking to me about repentance lately so the devo was dead on. We cannot come to Him without cleaning out ourselves.
#4. The realization that God is producing new fruit in me, and that I need to ask for eyes to see it and recognize it, and then shout over the ripened fruit!
Jesse and Jariza Laubach; Alburtis PA. The 2 of us
I pray that we learn how to believe God even more through our trials and that we would enter all our battles from a stance of victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jean, Gloucester, Va. Song: “Try”. Season of my Life: Empty Nest! I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am more insecure than I appear to be. I loved the video~ praying for my banana!! 🙂
Stacey From Boulder, CO Solo
#1. Kokomo by The Beach Boys…I could use some vitamin sea.
#2. This season of my life is marked with profound peace. I praise God for this.
#3. Even though I love my sisters in Christ, at times I find it hard to relate to those who were raised as Christians and who had a “normal” childhoods.
#4.I loved the idea of making something out of the ripe fruit for others to enjoy and benefit from. I’m inspired to make jam with my fruit both spiritually and literally.