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.
Tracy, Atlanta, solo:
1. “Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow” – life will get better, won’t it?
2. This season seems like a never-ending and tiring cycle of the onset of menopause, a wayward stubborn adult child, financial struggles, and a business suffering growing pains – and I’ll earn my bachelor’s degree next May.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that loyalty plays a primary role in my friendships.
4. For many years, I’ve sown seed through my business so I pray your message on summer fruits and plucking the fruits from what has been sown will apply to me right now. To God be the glory!
Tshaka; Brussels, Belgium; solo
1. You Lead by Jamie Grace
2. Living in a new country but excited about meeting and fellowshipping with new sisters in Christ :0)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love to encourage others through jokes and laughter.
4. My fruit has ripened and ready to be harvested!!! :0)
Rachel, Ypsilanti Twp, MI, Solo
1. Manic Monday
2. I’m training for my first marathon in October through World Vision.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m shy and quiet and might not seem approachable but I’m dying to get to know you!
4. I need to learn to take the time to rejoice and thank God for His blessings of spiritual fruit and then take action and use that fruit to further His kingdom!!!
Great to see someone else from Ypsi on here. May God bless you as you study.
Debbie from Elon, NC/solo
1. Christian song, Let My Life Be The Proof of Your Love. It so speacks to my heart every time I
Hear it.
3. My unique time or season I am in: Alzheimers, so much grief over loved one, so much energy
Spent on mourning loss of my Mom yet she is still alive with much joy.
4. Don’t want to lose sight of those ripening fruits that are there just for me. I want to be blessed
But also want to be a blessing to others.
But also be a blessing to others
Hey Debbie, from Elon. We aren’t too far away from each other.
Just prayed for you! My Grandma has Alzheimers and it is so hard to see.
God Bless,
Kim
1. Blessings
2. I lost my mom this year, my son served over seas this year, I had my first grand baby this year, and my youngest is leaving for college so I will be an empty nester this year. Whew!
3. I’m not always quiet after you get to know me:)
Julie, New Orleans, LA, solo
1. “Hello, My Name Is…”
2. As I enter the last year in my 40s, my eldest is a h.s. graduate and will soon join the Army National Guard, my babies (twins) will be juniors in h.s. and I wonder where the time has gone!
3. … I am a classic introvert but I am not shy or standoffish.
4. I am watching carefully and expecting God to ripen the fruit of His Spirit in my son who, growing up in church his entire life, accepted Christ at the age of 18 and was baptized this past Easter; may he be filled with all the fullness of God.
Hi Julie, nice to meet a “neighbor”….I am in Lacombe. New to the area and going solo also. Looking forward to this summer study, hope you are blessed as you go through this study too.
Darcy, Rosenberg, TX: Going Solo
1. White Flag by Chris Tomlin. Struggling a lot and it’s a reminder to me that I need to surrender all to God.
2. Our family is dealing with serious health issues with two of our four children.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that it’s extremely difficult for me to share how I feel deep down in my heart for fear of being rejected.
4. I am ready to see the ripening fruit in this season, to shout with joy over this harvest, and to always remember to thank God for all the fruit and blessings in my life.
Kelly, Mt. Dora, Florida/Solo
Song: Who am I by Casting Crowns
learning to be still and know that He is God
I wish my sisters in Christ new that I struggle with self doubt.
Adrienne, Ohio
1) the good stuff, Kenny Chesney
2) parent of a teen and pre-teen who think they no longer need me
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that as bold as I seem, I am truly sensitive and insecure.
4) dare I hope for a major summer fruit? I am afraid to even imagine!
Adrienne,
Were you looking over my shoulder? Your #3 is almost like mine!
Blessings to you!
Kim
Michelle Mitchell Livermore, CA. Solo
1. “The Real Me” by Natalie Grant
2. I am going through a divorce after leaving an abusive marriage
3.I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I have never read the Bible from cover to cover. That is my goal this summer.
4. That summer is a time for ripening.
Hi Michelle,
We’re practically neighbors – I’m in Dublin and have gone to Cornerstone in Livermore for women’s bible studies. Maybe we could chat?! Blessings to you.
Hi again, Michelle. Realized I should probably leave a contact email. (I am unclear how this ‘blog’ technology works – this is my first online study). Anyway, not pressure, just wanted to offer a way to keep in touch during the study if you’re interested. Take good care. [email protected]
Hi Cathy,
That would be lovely to chat!! I attend Cedar Grove Church in Livermore, but I have done many studies at Cornerstone as well.
Have a blessed day!
Cathy,
In my last reply, I forgot to pass along my email. It is [email protected]
Blessings,
Michelle
1. Come to the River- Rhett Walker Band
2. My season is in growing in Knowledge and wisdom- to seek God’s will and not my own, to defeat fear and to use my tongue for life and truth not for evil.
3. Sisters- I am a child on milk trying to jump to chicken fried steak with gravy. I love me some Bible studies! LOL
4. Beth- I planted my first garden this year-I believe now as I watch the fruit ripe over the summer it will take on a whole new meaning.
Shellie, Paintsville, KY Solo
1. Need You Now- Plumb
2. This is going to be a season of growth for me. I can feel God changing me heart.
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew how much I desire strong friendships.
Donna/Greensboro NC, w/BFF 1. Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) by Chris Tomlin!
1. song: Life is Beautiful, The Afters
2. season of life: mom who’s my best friend pillar of family suffered bad infection and now paralyzed, figuring it all out
3. wish my sisters knew: I am not super mom
Tobi, Newnan, GA/ small group
1. Who Am I (Casting Crowns)
2. I decided to not resign my teaching contract and take a leap of faith to get a job closer to home and my children, even though the probability of jobs in education are low.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ to know that I am new to Christ and that this is my very first bible study.
4. The devotional spoke directly to me. I planted my seed by stepping away from my job, and I am awaiting God’s favor and guidance in my steps toward my future.
Hi, Tobi – And may our great God astound you with His provision and love for you as you do this study and may you bear much fruit for His glory. So glad you’re here!
Congratulations! I’m very excited for you because Jesus is going to rock your world in the most amazing way!!!! Have fun and always trust HIM!
Tobi,
Woo hoo for a new sister! You won’t regret getting into God’s Word – there’s so much He’s just waiting to show you!
Marie
Welcome aboard Tobi!!!
Jer 29:11
1. Take me out to the ball park!
2. Season of life with 3 boys playing ball, it’s summertime!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew the reasons I want to sell my house so much.
4. That God will reveal to me what I need to repent.
“Colour my world”
Change of church home- wilderness season
I truly desire to please God and love Him and love to feed the sheep.
Cheryl, Pooler, GA/ solo
#1 Jesus take the Wheel.
#2 Approaching an empty nest.
#3 That my mom passed away when I was 18.
#4 This just lept out of the video into my heart! “We want to keep a spring of Living Water right here in the middle of our summer!”
Robin, Midwest City, OK, Solo
1. Awake and Alive
2. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I value truth and authenticity…no drama!
3. I am in a season of conquering fears and trusting God in the out come
4. I am thanking God for the harvest that is coming
Pauline, Eau Claire Wi solo
#1 Girl on Fire
#2 This is a Summer of uncertainty and decisions,waiting on Gods leading.
#3 A Pastors wife with many scars of ministry,I have a precious husband who
Is passionate about Jesus, a handicapped daughter and two other children
Who live far from home..Serving my Jesus is the ultimate!!
#4 I am encouraged that there will be fruit coming from this
Dry season!! I’m ready to pluck, prepare, and store!!
Lord bless you both:Beth and Pricilla!
Teresa, Charleston SC, Small Group #2 What’s unique about my season right now is that I am only truly responsible for my husband and myself. It feels really nice.
“Victory in Jesus” always my song of choice!
Today, June 11 is my 52nd Wedding Anniversary!
I wish my sister’s in Christ could know from the first time I meet them that in spite of my joking manner, I’m really a serious minded person.
“Summer Fruits” very good. Our Bible School theme this year is “Got Fruit?” (Teaching kids about the fruit of the spirit)
Joretta,
Congratulations!!!
Jenny, Haslet, TX, group
2. What makes my present season unique is how God is using His word to change my response to relational and financial situations that seem impossible; by renewing my mind about Him.
Shalah, Haslet, TX group
1. “Strangely Dim” – Francesca Battistelli
JInni, Arlington, TX, solo
1. You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
2. My career and relationship are in a state of flux right now…the unknown can be unnerving!
3. I want my sisters in Christ to know that I mess up all the time, but I try to handle with humility and humor:-).
4. Celebrate when God’s fruit is released to the world!
Debbra, Marietta, GA/small group:
#1 Need You Now by Plumb
#2 Oldest child leaving for college
#4 Praying the fruits of our Siesta summer becomes Fall’s blessing
Janae-Riverside, PA solo
1. Running on empty.
2. As a mom of college age sons and a 3rd grade daughter, it’s all about timing…..and finding time for each of them.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I just LOVE meeting other women who LOVE studying the word.
4. I loved the teaching on fruit and summer and the fact that Priscilla will be joining us.
Kari, Jackson CA, solo
1. ” I will not be moved”
2 I started a new job ( all women & non believers), left my church, eldest son is re-enlisting into the Army and recently just got married. My middle child is in college pursuing law enforcement and my youngest just graduated 8th grade. This season is turbulent !
3. I may look prim and proper, but I love a good prank!
4. Praying -that God will use me in my new workplace, and also use me at home to show my husband and son what God can do! I want a WORD before I reach that desert place!!!
Alicia, Memphis, TN/solo: #1 Crazy! #2 I am in a stressful stage of life now as my husband and I are taking care of his mom with dementia in our home. #3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I truly feel weak in the area of self-control. #4 If the fruit of my summer is not “harvested” the birds of prey will devour it.
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI Solo
1. Remember Me and Hold Fast
2. This season is one of the hardest we have ever been through – every aspect of our lives is being torn and turned upside down, and some days we are fighting to remember to trust God.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I really need friends/family.
4. Mama Beth, you spoke to ME. GOD used YOU to SPEAK TO ME, today. This is where we are…our season, my family’s sesaon, dry, don’t know if we’ll make it. I want to see something ripen, I want to praise God over it/for it. I want BANANA OBVIOUS!!!!AND I want to REMEMBER, what HE’s done. Thank You Father!!! (and thank you, Siesta Mama!)
Sasha, Bellingham, WA- solo but with blog & Instagram friends
1) “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. I’m tired but trusting
2) My unique season- mother of tweens and my man is commuting to a job he hates, which breaks my heart but it was that or no job. I am learning to be thankful in this season and fight bitterness.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I cry easily, in that my emotions are often expressed through my tear ducts, both good or bad.
4) Through the past two years the word “Season” has been continually placed in my heart. The fact that there have been days when I literally coached myself through the day by saying, “This is only a season. All seasons end and another season comes. This season shall pass. Just wait for the next season.” You can’t have summer without first experiencing winter and spring. I am DYING for summer in my heart because it’s been winter a long time. My prayer is that there really is hope of SOMETHING ripening and that I will have eyes to see it and shout over it! When you mentioned someone sowing a seed so long ago and maybe they have all but given up on seeing the fruit. That was for me.
I’m going solo!
#1 – Count Your Blessings
#2 – I’m just finishing a season of extreme weariness after my daughter’s 13 week recovery from two life-changing surgeries.
#3 – I am passionate about showing God’s love to the least of these.
Zuda,Camp Point, IL, solo:
1. My Life is in Your Hands
2. After being a stay-at-home mom/wife I am now the primary bread winner for my hubby and I…after all these years of staying home I am working two jobs.
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew about me is that although I am quiet, I may have a lot to share.
4. Remember to rejoice over summer fruit and share it.
Elaine, Zebulon, NC, solo
#1 Waiting Here for You
#2 This is a season of expectation with many uncertainties, esp in my job, and I am excited to see how God works for my good and His glory.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love adventure and enjoy sharing.
#4 I pray that God would produce much fruit in me this summer and that I pluck, prepare and store it!
Julie Anna, Birmingham, AL, solo
1. “Singing in the Rain”
2. I am entering my second year of homeschooling two small children, while running a tutoring business; sometimes overwhelmed, but immensely blessed.
3. I use humor to protect my feelings and the heart I wear on my sleeve is sincere.
4. That there is fruit ripe for the picking. Wow!
Robin,Viola,AR/solo
1. “Time in a Bottle”
2. Have quit my job to care for my father.
3. My “freedom” comes because Jesus died for it to be so.
I had given up on the Summer Fruit of seeing my Father come to Faith in Jesus, but I do not want the “birds of prey” to have him.
Sheryl, Niles,MI, solo
1. Blessings
2. I am at a time in life with an aging parent and in-laws that the roles have now reversed.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with the need to please everyone.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I come from redeemed brokenness. That I can extend help and comfort to others from my experience.
Madalyn, Flower Mound, TX/solo: #1. Twist and shout, #2. Mom has dementia, 3. …that I’m insecure and doubt my abilities, #3. “something to ripen that I have sown and make it into bread”!
Dee Dee, Knoxvlile, TN, solo:
1. “Why Me Lord?”
2. Moving from being an adult child to the primary person responsible for my mother.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…am not as self-secure as I may appear.
Erin, Aurora, CO/small group #2 I’m in a big season of change! Empty nest and moved away from all that is familiar for the past 30 years. My home, my church family and all that was familiar! God is faithful!
Love you my friend!! Miss you!!
Bonnie/Fayetteville, AR/small group
#4) I want a banana with my name on it to hit me in the head this summer!
Shannon, Thousand Oaks, California/Solo
1. “Don’t Stop Believing”
2. I am a newlywed adjusting to living in my Grandmother’s house and wondering where God is going to lead me and my husband during this season.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am learning how to deal with stress this summer.
4. I can’t wait to see which banana has my name on it!
Cindy Ada, Oklahoma/solo
1. My song is “We are Family”
2. I am in a transition in my life.
3. I wish my sisters knew that I am a friend for life.
Sharon, Moore, SC solo
1. Because He lives…sometime that is the only way I can face tomorrow.
2. I feel like I am in a drought in the mist of a flood – so much activity with one daughter getting married last year & one getting married this year, so happy for them yet sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how lonely I feel sometimes.
1. The Anchor Holds
2. Nana of four attention seeking GRANDchildren.
3. One thing I wish my sisters knew about me is that I am not as secure as I seem.
4. A time of ripening.
Misty/Victorville/CA/USA-Facebook Small Group/ #4 (Summer) Recognize- Pluck/Praise- Prepare- Store/Remember- Summer Comes!
Deborah ~ Prior Lake, MN; solo
1. Blessings by Laura Story
2. My Good Shepherd is carrying me through a long, dark valley of grief.
3. ….that I struggle with achieving a healthy “balance” in my life ~ I put everyone else first and don’t ask for help when I need it most….
4. That I need to watch carefully, with enlightened eyes, for my fruit to ripen or I may miss it.
Alexia- Champaign, IL solo
1. This Will Be (parent trap movie) have a daughter getting married and my heavenly Father loves me with an everlasting love.
2. I have had many a transition to comprehend and I feel my life is a “Work in Progress” which will be completed one day when I unite with my heavenly Father.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that all I ever wanted in life is to be loved.
4. After hearing Beth’s word “summer” I am totally on board with this. There are just as many positives as negatives.
1. While I’m Waiting by John Waller
2. Waiting for the floodgates of Heaven to open up so we can finally start the adoption process.
3. I don’t know how to answer that questions since I do not (at this time) have any sisters in Christ friendships [right in front of me that are non-cyberspace] that are beyond an acquaintance level.
4. Even in the dry season there is fruit that is ripening and ready to be plucked.