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.Â
Summer Gideon Study 2013 from LPV on Vimeo.
nadalin,portland,texas/solo #1 rollercoaster,#2 stepping out on faith and getting out God’s way so he can finish his work in a life that only God can heal.#3 wish I was stronger than I appear
Liz, Lubbock, TX solo
1. Changes, fleetwood Mac
2. Fighting thru Doubts
3. Wish my sisters knew I needed more real community not superficial fun times
4. My summer season will come don’t give up!
Coleen, Raleigh, NC, solo
1. Till the Storm Passes By
2. My biggest issues are my health problem and our business
3. Although I have been in an 8 year place of suffering I love GOD and am hungrier for my assignment more than ever.
Stephanie, Columbus, OH
1. “To Dream The Impossible Dream”
2. In my present season, the Lord has begun to show me the leaves of the fig tree and I am preparing to pluck the fruit.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I am not as reserved and intense as they generaly think I am at first meeting.
4. Having been in a VERY long dry summer while the Lord’s hand was like a ton of bricks on me, I am shouting in my soul with joy for the great Word which was spoken to em through the Scriptures presented today.
Holly Barrett, Colorado Springs, solo
1. Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
2. Right here and now, I have been unemployed for over 7 months. I was laid off as a minister because of church finances. Just this week, I’ve had to move to CO to stay with my daughter’s family while continuing to look for my next kingdom assignment.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even as a busy minister, mother of adult children, and young YaYa to two, I am still lonely and need some friends!
4. I am so hopeful that my fruit of searching for a ministry assignment will finally ripen. I am weary of the process and frightened by my personal finances at the moment.
Jessie;Yadkinville, NC; Solo
1. The Motions – Matthew West
2. Seeking where/what God wants to do with and through my life.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I daily battle insecurity and it sometimes holds me back from being the friend I should be, but He is helping me overcome it!
Vanessa: Alapaha, Georgia/Small Group, #2: Still adjusting with being a newly wed. Working on losing a couple of pounds. Finding that motivation to get back to my daily routine of exercising. And wanting a strong passion to get to know God more and developing a more intimate relationship with Him.
Connie, Odessa, Tx. Solo
1. Jesus Loves Me
2. This summer I will have special times with my grandchildren, I can’t wait to learn more about Jesus with them.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ could see the Joy that comes from my Jesus in my heart and on my face first.
4. Recognize and store the fruit that our Lord has given us and let me share that fruit this summer!
Fresno, CA
small group in my home
The children of Israel, while living in the promised land became comfortable with their prosperity and forgot the promise giver. May I NOT be like them but like Joshua!
Kati, Ocracoke Island NC, solo
1. Beautiful Mess (by Diamond Rio)
2. My life is in a huge transition right now (going through a divorce), and I am learning to WAIT on the LORD, to TRUST Him a moment at a time, and to put my HOPE in Him ALONE.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have an internal life that often doesn’t “match” the outside – I may look like I have it all together and am doing fine, but inside I’m struggling to understand life and I really need prayer and support even though it may appear that I don’t.
4. “Summer is the time for ripening” really spoke to me; Lord, help me to be still and wait with You for the ripening of the seeds I have sown and am sowing.
Shelley, Waterford, WI/Solo
1) When Mercy Found Me
2) a season of challenges
3)am thankful for you
4) I want a fruitful summer.
Linda/Chester, VA/solo
1. “Just As I Am”
2. Recently retired after 32 yrs. of teaching and looking for new purpose and direction. Widowed 11 yrs. ago at a relatively young age and missing the “what could have been” in these retirement years.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I truly long to walk upright with Christ every moment but often feel like I spend more time stumbling and tripping along the path.
4. My 1st two bananas would be to see both of my sons come to know Christ personally. A third banana would be to watch my sister continue her beginning journey with Christ.
Pat; Tecumseh, MI; Going Solo
#1 – Walking on Sunshine (illogical)
#2 – All three adult sons home, with three of us, including me, unemployed.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew… can’t think of anything – very private — things are revealed in good time.
Toni Hillhouse
Guyton, Georgia
Solo
Song title: Always something there to remind me.
Present season: Transition, just graduated our last child and a short 12 month’s away from our oldest getting married and our middle graduating college. Lot’s of change.
Something I want my sisters to know: I appear confident and together and most days I am barely hanging on.
Cheryl, Brisbane, Australia/ solo
#1 Somewhere over the rainbow…
#2 isolated from family and friends and adjusting to new dynamics of motherhood, return to wiork, my husband who is away working a lot of the time – and learning to try and find contentment in this season and in God alone, when everything in me is longing for people connection.
#3 that even though I usually appear to have it all together, I have many things that are hard to deal with going on and I am dying to find true authentic friendships to share everyday life with
#4 growing expectation that God will reveal to me fruits that are ready to be plucked that I may have sown long ago and forgotten, or thought there’s no chance of that ever happening – it’s time for the ripeningnofnthe summer fruits!
1. Up In Here by DMX. The line where it says, “Y’all gon’ make me lose my mind up in HERE, up in here.” I’m the mother of two kids under 3 so I feel like that is running through my mind all day. 🙂
2. It’s a very calm season after lots of transition and change the last few years. I think God is preparing me for whatever is next, but I am enjoying the calm season while it’s here.
3. I’m more shy than I appear. I don’t like public speaking.
4. I am excited to see the harvest God has prepared for this summer. If I think about the things I have sown into it’s overwhelming to think what God could do if it’s time to pluck some of that fruit. Hopeful!!!
1: Pieces by Meredith Andrews
2: In the wilderness/desert currently; awaiting God’s guidance and direction on several issues and questions.
3: …I beam on the outside but I struggle constantly with in myself.
Kim, Charleston SC, Small Group
#1 – Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison
Sue Alice
Greenwood,IN/solo
1. Bridges Over Troubled Waters by Simon and Garfunkel
2. In this season I would say wanting more of Him in my life….been dry for awhile.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ know that how lonely, I am and how awful I feel about myself. That I have a heart ache now.
4. This summer for hope, things that are lost come back, heart ache healed, and more of Jesus. It is time for more FRUIT= ripening, plucking, picking, and claiming!!!!!!
Joetta/Cross Lanes, WV/solo
1. Walk This Way
2. After 46 years of believing, really turning my life over to God completely after realizing “leaning unto my own understanding” wasn’t getting it done.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have spent a lifetime trying to please others and still have issues with confrontation and conflict.
Shelley, Shiloh, IL/small group (#4)…I want to have a fruitful summer! I might write my name on all the bananas at my house as a reminder!
Colleen, Lyndonville NY/solo
Amanda, Van Buren, AR/Solo:
1. What a Diff’rence A Day Makes
2. I’m in a season of the Lord establishing me in His Word while I am a stay at home mom with a three year old.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I come across as being shy, I do like to talk and would like to have sweet fellowship.
4. I think the Lord is challenging me to continue to be diligent in digging in His Word though others around might be on vacation or playing.
Lindsay, Rio Rancho, NM, SOLO
1. Living on a Prayer.
2. The thing that sets this season apart is the ANTICIPATION for what’s next.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that… I have to feel out situations before I open up. That doesn’t mean I’m not open to new friendships.
4. I truly am waiting of that fruit to ripen!! The anticipation I feel is for God to open a door for a big life change. I want my husband and I and our kids to start the next season.
Lisa; Bloomington, IN, small group #2 God is leading me to find the TRUE definition of me.
Pam in San Diego, solo 1. Forever Reign by Hillsong United; 2. The present season has been full of challenges, changes and God revealing Himself as I confess my weakness and truly trust and depend on Him for absolutely everything, and see His strength in my weakness. 3. Probably, many of my friends don’t know I love to dance and get loud at times, even though it wouldn’t appear that way. 4. The video spoke to me when Beth said to watch for what ripens and be ready to pick the fruit…I’m ready to go pick some fruit! Thank you, Lord! Excited for this study…thank you.
Meredith–New Haven,CT–Solo
1. Southern Comfort Zone-Brad Paisley
2. My husband and I just moved from Texas to Connecticut-away from all our family and friends–adjusting to a new home!:)
3. …long for a strong group of girlfriends that would be like family to me.
4. Even though I am growing weary in a certain area of my life, I know that God is good and that he is teaching me through this season and showing me truly what is important in life.
#1 Running on Empty by Jackson Browne
#2 I am challenged in my career during this season to work harder and more hours for our family, yet still balance homeschooling, leading a small group and dealing with an angry, pregnant unwed 22 yr old daughter who doesn’t want a relationship with our family.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew I have been through a lot of heartache/pain in my life – I have a very sensitive heart that is fragile and needs to be handled carefully.
#4 Hope beyond hope to see something ripen this summer to encourage me to keep pressing on.
#1 –
#2 – My daughter has leukemia (in remission) long treatment for our whole family.
#3 – I am horrible at small talk, lets move on :).
#4 – I feel like God has recently revealed a “summer fruit” to me. After several years of prayer. What a blessing!
1. “The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy
2. Both our sons, 25 and 28, along with Harley, the 2-year old Golden Retriever, have returned home temporarily. The older son is an engineering student (2nd degree and he’s paying for it this time around) and will be leaving for a 2-semester co-op job in another state in August; the younger is saving money and contemplating changing jobs.
3. Although I am an extrovert and love being around people, there are seasons (usually when I am feeling overwhelmed or fighting depression) when I pull away and need some just-me-and-God time.
4. I loved the positive spin on what tends to be a hot, dry season. I will be watching for the fruit!
By the way, I’m Terry in Louisa, VA, and I’m going solo.
Lisa/Loveland Ohio/ solo/ song-Miracles Happen, I’m in a present season of growing in contentment for where I am right now! I would like them to know that I feel a bond with them that blesses me. Harvest the fruit or your enemy will
Marilyn; Arthur, Il; Solo 1. What A Wonderful World; #2. Coming up to retirement and finding housing. #3. I am shy – have to push myself to speak in a group.
Bakersfield, CA, group 6
Best song: Come Sail Away
Jan, Clarkson MI/solo
1. “Speak to Me” – Mark Harris
2. Searching; questioning; unsure.
3. This big smile sometimes hides what I’m really feeling or thinking. This past year has been a test of my faith, & I’m still very unsettled.
Jaime, Charlotte NC; solo
1. Blessings
2. Feeling a little sandwiched; later in life to motherhood with 3&5 year old: DH’s parents are 86&94and health is strarting to fail
3. I expect true friendships to run deep and not shallow
4. After listening to the devo I feel that God is placing on my heart that my children (his children) are the fruit that I should tending to and ripening with his word and love
#2: I am a care taker for many small children during the week which is something I never thought I’d be doing and it is challenging, but I have two children of my own and feel like it has improved our situation in many ways…. mainly because of them being able to interact and be around other kids more and me being able to work less nights at a nursing home. We are experience changes and are hoping for more! I have an expectation for this year!!
Cindy, St. Louis, MO/solo:
1. Desert Song by Hillsong United
2. It is a desert season – the longest, most painful one I have ever experienced in my life.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I want to feel like I belong somewhere and how tired I am of being alone (divorced for 15 years).
#1. Cherish by The Association
#2. I am a grandmother for the first time and I am experiencing a love that I never have before.
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I love teaching/leading other women.
Mariah, Jonestown, PA/small group:
1. “Wherever the Wind Blows”
2. Living out small steps of faith believing that God has a direction, plan, and path that I will see one day.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how genuine I am and how much I really do want a deep friendship with them.
Melody, Kansas City, MO/ solo
1. Forgiveness
2. My children are all living out of state this summer for the first time, and my youngest is in France. I miss them and am trying to define who I am without them around all the time!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I feel like an orphan because my mother died 32 years ago when I was a teenager, and the rest of my family is extremely dysfunctional, so in order to survive I am estranged from them. It makes me very sad.
4. I am praying that this summer I become stronger in Christ, and also closer to Him.
Claire, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada/Solo (Drove 3 hours to Syracuse, NY to get my book!)
1. Livin’ On A Prayer (by Bon Jovi)
2. I am just coming out the other side of an unbelievable season of growth with God; He performed an amazing work in my heart and shift in my level of faith, which was unbelievable preparation for being let go from my job last week and now facing unemployment.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I love them. I probably ADORE you, but don’t know how to show you or express it without feeling uncomfortable.
Tammy,Delray Beach,Florida/Solo
#1: I Am Redeemed, Big Daddy Weave
I so want to live every moment of every day with the a profound faith that measures the profound way this moves me to tears every time I hear it. In this season, it is ‘the song’ that frequently plays on the radio the moment I turn the car on.
#2: I know that God is not only with me, but holding
onto me, holding my hand and never lets go. It is I who needs to stop letting go and look only to him.
#3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am so thankful for their walk with Christ, their pure hearts and their presence in my life.
#4: I pray to do just as you prescribe, that this is the season of seasons of a very long season of grief,sorrow to finally surrender holistically to God the past. I earnestly pray to truly recognize and harvest the fruit intended for me, this summer.
Jennifer, Shelbyville, KY
1. See You Again by Carrie Underwood
2. Our daughter and first born is spending 5 weeks this summer before her senior year of high school on a college campus – will be a challenge for us to not see her face every day!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I’m doing this study solo, I really want to be held accountable to finish; I start with good intentions but rarely finish strong.
4. Asking for recognition of the fruit!
Mary Lisa, Glenwood, MN/solo
1. Long Train Running
2. My husband and I are changing ministry focus, plus family health concerns.
3. I seem a lot tougher than I am. I am a very sensitive soul.
4. I started running a year ago at 43. I am training for my 1st 10k this summer. I have been trying to chicken out, but it is time to see my name on that victory banana!
Jill, Brunswick OH; solo
1. Toby Mac: Me Without You AND Francesca Battestelli: This is the Stuff
2. Mom with one entering grad school (and married), one entering high school, one in middle school and one in elementary school and hubby who wants to quit his job and work from home.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love people and have many friends…but none that are really close (had a few friendships end~2 due to death and 3 due to difficulties)
4. I cannot wait to see what kind of fruit will ripen~and that my eyes will be open to seeing it!!
Heather King
Gloucester, VA
Small Group
#2: I’m in, I suppose, a birthing season. After having 3 girls, I am expecting a baby boy in October. And I have my first book being published in November. So, it’s as if we are preparing for celebration here!
Robin, NM, solo but trying it with Bible Café for the first time.
I’m so encouraged by all these comments from everyone. I love knowing there are so many of us who love the Lord enough to get online and say it!
katie, arkansas, solo
1. southern girl.. amos lee
2. i am a girls director at a church and i am about to be traveling with jr high and high school students for three of the next four weeks.
3. i wish people knew that ministry is hard
Judi, Baton Rouge, LA/solo
1. “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman.
2. Adjusting to and living the journey of losing my husband last September.
3. I wish my “sisters” knew how really vulnerable I am. I sometimes show a tough shell but I have a really tender heart hidden deep….sometimes.
Debi, Alva, FL solo
#1 – Jesus, friend of Sinners -Casting Crowns
#2 – I am going to a new chapter in my life at 50, just became ordained licensed minister with my husband.
#3 – I seem shy and quiet, but can talk when in a one on one situation.