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.
What a wonderful world!
Tonya, Ishpeming, MI, small group
#1 What a wonderful world!
Shirleen, Greenville, SC/Solo
1. Place in This World
2. Present season involves empty nest and discord among family members over care of parents.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I am a “quiet one”, I really have to think before I speak, and hold my tongue at times.
I can so relate to quietness being misunderstood when many times I’m just trying to keep from sinning with my mouth!
Carol, Johns Creek, Georgia
? Don’t have a song
Season of Loss-Dad, close friend, Both my daughters/families moved away
I used to be involved in women’s ministry leading women and would really like to be involved again.
Sylena/Katy, Texas, USA/Solo
1. One Day at a Time
2. Trying to stay serenely focused in the moment, while accepting the past and pondering the future.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would share their spiritual/life lesson knowledge in open discussion.
Karlys, La Place, LA, USA, solo
1. Say It With Your Life, Warren Barfield
2. This summer I have seen a bonding in the small group. Joyous to watch.
3. I am an introvert. I gain energy from being alone.
4. Summer fruit is to be plucked, prepared and stored.
Ashley, Minot, North Dakota, Small Group.
1.Meant to Live by Switchfoot.
2.Season of Chaos: So much to do in so little time.
3.”I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” do not take our relationships lightly; it is through them that I am reminded of God’s greatness.
4.Pluck, Prepare, and Store: I am praying God will open my eyes to my ripen fruit.
Ashley, what a great prayer to ask God to open your eyes to your ripe fruit. Hope you do not mind, but I am “stealing” that but in repayment will pray it for you each time I pray it for myself!
Blessings!
1. “God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man” by the Veggie Tales
2. Unplugged from the Internet for the summer, except for bible studies. Focusing on God’s Word, avoiding the news.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love them.
Roberta, Fanshawe,OK, solo
1. Not a popular song but the thing that came to mind was ‘Onward Christian Soldiers.’
2. I am heading into a time of dealing with some health issues.
3. I would love to talk with some good Christian friends.
4. This summer I need to be sure to keep my eyes open for any fruit that I need to harvest.
I’m here if you need a friend! I’m on facebook too. Brooke Buffington, French Lick, IN
1.When He Was On The Cross, I Was On His Mind
2.I just completed the David study,I loved it and am ready for another study.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t think I am a very forgiving person but that I want to change so badly.
Brenda, LaPalma Ca: flyin’ solo
1.My song; I surrender all
2.My decision in the next 48 hours will change the life of a little boy.
3. I wish my Christian sisters knew.. I am real and I value realness in others.
4. Video didn’t work.
Phyllis/South Carolina/Solo
1: Never Giving Up Al Jarreau
2: Widow at 54. God is with me on this journey and I am trusting in his plans for my life.
3: That my step-son is working on a project to disprove everything in the Bible. I am crushed and in constant prayer.
4: To continue to praise God and honor him for his blessings even when times are hard.
Hello Phyllis,
Glad to be studying with you. I have been trusting God for his provision for the past year while I have been unemployed. I know that doesnt compare to losing your husband, but I, too, am trusting him with my life more now than ever. Just took a moment to pray for you and your stepson. Let’s see what this summer holds for us!
I have found that it is harder to prove that jesus doesnt exist than to know that jesus does. I dont know his motives but maybe he’s hurting too somehow. I remember when in my second year of high school 27 years ago, I remember thinking that I would never be able to be willing to Tell anyone that I believed that God real, but now, the questions that come to me are different, now the questions are: if I believe in God that I pray to, how could I keep from believeing that heaven is real. It’s a Given, I guess. I do pray and expect God to listen, please please just listen, so there must be a heaven too, and daddy must be there with his mommy and daddy and all the pets whom tenderly loved me.
That’s rough, Phyllis. Maybe in his journey the Lord will speak to him in spite of himself. Maybe it will help if he realizes he doesn’t have to tilt at windmills that aren’t there–that the Bible is composed of different types of literature but that God speaks through all of them. Like, the parables of Jesus aren’t about real-life events, for example but illustrate Truth. And the Bible isn’t supposed to be a science textbook, so when it says the sun rises and sets, we all know that’s figurative language (although they didn’t know it back in Galileo’s time and it caused all sorts of trouble!). And sometimes events that don’t seem to harmonize–there may have been a typo in translations, or there may be something that we haven’t yet discovered or don’t yet understand to harmonize things–like Quirinius supposedly not being governor….he could have been acting governor in charge of the census. But the Bible doesn’t teach error. Things like that. And we’re free to believe evolution of man’s body or not, but we must believe that God put a human soul in the first man, and that there was a first man and a first woman. The problem is, the miracles are absolutely true and 19th and 20th century liberal scholarship really shook the faith of many in that regard. So I’m praying that your stepson isn’t blinded by the false religion of scientism and can objectively look at things, putting his emotions aside.
The thing that made me realize there has to be a god or gods was studying the fetal circulatory system; all the switches that turn on and off at the very instant of birth. Yes, it can be explained scientifically, but I was struck by how this thing has to be planned. It couldn’t have just happened–it’s too well organized. And probably there’s only one god because imagine a committee trying to put this thing together! Hope that helps….
Grace, Lafayette, LA, solo
1.Staying Alive(lol)
2. Highschoolers & college kids equal more free time and more praying for these years
3.As a friend, I can be trusted to listen and not repeat and
pray for them and love them for themselves.
4. Watching for fruit I have sewn to ripen and give God praise for it.
Funny Grace (your #1). It resonated with me.
🙂
Amber, Laporte, Minnesota/small group
1. How great Thou art
2. I need God and his peace, comfort, joy, love, mercy, grace and goodness more than ever right now.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m a bit quiet at first but super goofy and fun once you get to know me.
4. I have this written in my notes: It is easy to forget how good God is, remember what he has done for you!
Cindy, Ferndale, Wa. small group
1. Cha Cha Cha Changes, by David Bowie.
2. Our children are all getting on with their lives and Larry and I are about to begin the season in life were it’s just “US”… we two again.
3. To share from the beginning about me and to save some face, I am a horrible ( I had to use spell check to spell horrible right) speller ! I am also very loyal person.
4. Summer Bible study, Summer brings to mind sun, fun, rest and play enjoying what you have worked all year to get. What about the Summer would be unique to us, is that we get to do our very first family and friends Bible study. I love what wonderful things technology has given us to stay close even when we are far apart.
Dawn, Mankato, MN, Solo
1. “Take This Job and Shove It”
2. I’m usually pretty engaged and engergized in the things that I’m interested in and this summer I feel like I’m losing energy and interest in a lot of it.
3. That I say “yes” to things when I’m on fire for it and will throw just about my whole self into it.
4. The summer fruits are to pluck, prepare, and store. This might be the summer to learn some canning techniques, to store up the summer fruit!
1)Traci, somewhere north of Miles City, Montana, solo, but meeting with a friend between summer activities.
2) Big Green Tractor
3)Both of my step-kids will be in high school this fall, and they are usually with us the majority of the summer. But due to their athletics and other activities, they are not here much of the time, so it’s really interesting to be getting to spend time with just my husband and our two littles ages 9 and 6.
4. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I’ve been a Christian most of my life and often take leadership in studies and classes at my church, I’d love to be able to just be a student and sit under someone else’s leadership. I have some of my own struggles and strongholds than I need to focus on getting past. When you’re the one in front, sometimes those things get pushed aside and ignored, to help tend to other’s struggles and strongholds. I wish I had a spiritual mentor to meet with face to face.
5. I love the idea of the harvest of ripe fruit… we are wheat farmers and know the struggle there is to get things to grow from one seed to an abundance of seeds… I’m glad God knows and can direct us to the perfect time for picking our spiritual harvest!
Lynda, Monterey,CA/small group
2. Officially an empty-nester and loving just the two of us all over again!
Olivia
Denton, TX
1. Help Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets
2. My current season is moving and starting a new job. It is very exciting but change is hard.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new how much I appreciate their words of encouragement.
Crystal in Up North WI / Solo
#1) The Anchor Holds; #2) Adjusting to an emtpy nest and a son in the US Navy; #3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I need some sisters in Christ!; #4) Let HIM forgive our transgressions and MOVE ON with life.
Hannah, Chicago, IL/small group(me, mom, and sister)
1. Carry Me by Josh Wilson
2. My sister has a disease that is not really curable, which causes mental struggles, and medical issues REALLY impact the whole family.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am 15(finishing my freshman year) and that it is very hard to be the only real christian at school.
CherylAnn, North Port, FL, solo:
1. Under the Boardwalk
2. took a year off from serving at church to make sure I was serving Christ not just the church, lost my job and have seen God use me in different ways but am ready to see what happens next.
3. I want to adventure for God and want friends to do the same, if not our friendship will not flourish.
4. Definitely ready to get hit between the eyes with some good, ripe banana. I dont need a whole bunch, one good ripe fruit will be just fine!
Allie; Meredith, NH/ fam group
1. 22, Taylor Swift
2. Living that college life, no responsibilities, and just figuring out who I am.
hi Allie-
I smiled when reading your post for a few reasons. You are absolutely blessed to be doing this in a family group (assuming fam means family) and to be 22. In regards to figuring out who you are, that is important. May I suggest you write your 40 or 45 year old self a letter and entrust it to someone who will remember where they placed it years from there or hold onto it yourself. A lot happens in the next couple decades and it may be a blessing to go back and see if you have one or two things left on your list of who you are that you need to take care of!
Jen, Sheridan, Wy., solo Learning to Lean. In my present season I have a husband with cancer. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that my shyness is from a fear of rejection. I’ve been studying the fruits of the spirit and God has been showing me how to recognize them in myself.
Guyton, GA. solo 1. Crazy 2. Six children, ages 8 – 38… two are special needs – I will be 60 next month.
1. Stronger- Kelly Clarkson
2. There is no drama in my life right now. I’m able to exhale!
3. I’m not organized at all!!! Help me!
Denise, SC
1. Go Light Your Candle
2. I have adult children and recovering marriage.
Tracie,Charleston,SC/solo
1. One Thing Remains
2. I’m in a season of growing closer to God.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that at first I’m quiet and it takes me a little while to open up – but it will happen.
4. Praying to recognize the fruit.
Pearl, Clovis, CA
Song: I am Redeemed!!
Jacqueline/ Milford/ Utah/ Solo
1. Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson
2. I am in a season of change, my youngest is going into 6th grade, so all 3 of my children are out of elementary school now.
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew was that I have a hard time saying no sometimes.
4. I need to keep my eyes open for the ripen fruit
1. You are My Hiding Place
2.Drumming up courage to move forward rather than rest in the comfort of the known.
Cheryl/Katy, TX/small group with sister in Colorado!
#1- God of This City
1. Sooner or Later. Mat Kearney
2. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:5-6
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…read into things and comments way too much.
PatW,GrBank,WV,USA.solo.
1/Planet of the Ape-men. and Love Me Tender.
2/Something distinct about this particular season, hmmm… I don’t have anyone to rely on financially except myself, and it is a big transition for me.
3/I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I dont like to be pressured into doing stuff they think I oughta be doing, and I wish they knew how much I need them.
4/There is a Banana this summer with my Name on it.
Sandy, Bryan, Ohio/solo this time
#1. “Oh Where is my Hairbrush?”
#2. Oldest son just graduated from high school. Getting ready to go away to college in August.
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’ve never had a true “bosom buddy”, and it is one of my heart’s greatest desires.
#4. This sentence is from Priscilla’s first video in the series (hope that’s OK.) Paraphrased: “If God calls us to a risky situation where we feel incompetent, where we don’t have the skills needed…..He is setting us up to see His hand at work.” Just wow. Did I need that!
Sheila, Beckley, WV/small group: No. 1. Amazing Grace. No. 2. As my age progresses, I am experiencing growth in my walk with God, but loss in a personal way. Growth and loss are simultaneous.
Dance Little Sister – Terrence Trent Darby
Stretched – I am beginning to feel like an elastic band – but HE IS FAITHFUL!
“I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” love to dance!
Fruit glorious fruit – what is there more worthwhile! Baked, swallowed or chewed, definitely worth the King’s ransom – what is it I dream about, what brings out a smile…
Kathleen D
Bernardsville, NJ
1. “Here we go Loop-tee do….Here we go Loop-tee la
2.trying to deal with elderly parents and having a sister controlling all their care, leaving me out of decisions being made and basically leaving me out of their life. Taking away anything & everything I can possibly do for them.
3. That I have a quick temper but always ask for forgiveness or offers the olive branch to get things back on the right track. Blessed are the peace makers….right????
4. Not to steal what Beth said but as she used the word summer I came up with the word dry…Im dry I have pulled back from God with the many issues my life goes thru. I swear my life has mire drama than a soap opera!!!! (Not that I watch the soaps…just saying)
Malinn Saxe, Kingwood, TX/part small group/part solo
1. I Can Only Imagine
2. Loving precious Grandchildren so much I could die, and yet also taking care of elderly parent, and dealing with mentally ill sister.
3. I want to be confident in Christ, but deep down, I feel insecure about aging.
Group study with video
1. David Crowder Band – How He Loves Me
2. I need to season the covenant made during the Breaking Free study with salt. Surrender and submit my ALL to Him.
3. That I am ok with who I am because I am His.
4. Own that I am His and that is what truly matters.
1. Da Do Run Run
2. Opening a home bakery in an emptying nest.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I look much more formal and put together on the outside than I am on the inside–I’m actually a goofball–I just clean up well:)
Shelley, Etna, CA, solo
(Oops! Forgot this part–see what I mean?!)
Ginger, Beckley WV, Small Group #1
It is only a Shadow by Misty Edwards and Chasing cars by snow patrol
Becca, St. Paul, MN, Solo
1. God Gave Me You
2. I’m in a season where I’m dating someone and I’m thinking about getting married and having kids, which is a new train of thought for me.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that, like a lot of ladies on here, I’m also quiet at first, but not after you get to know me.
Penny, Arizona / solo
1. Remember who I am by Jason Gray
2. Right now waiting on The Lord about moving back east and looking for a job
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may appear shy and quiet but, I enjoy getting to know them, who they are.
4. Devotion so timely for where I am on this journey with my Lord. To be open to see the fruit to be plucked and used for others.
Sorry, song should be Remind me who I am by Jason Gray
1. Don’t worry, be happy.
2. I am home for a few weeks before I go back to work as a teacher and enjoying investing sweet time in our 20 month old baby girl.
3. I love when we can sincerely ask each other, “What is on your heart?”
Marisa, Michigan, Solo
What is on your heart, Heather?
Michelle, Concord, NH
1) Redeemed!!
2) Sandwiched generation early. Taking care of grandparents and small children.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew I’m not one to judge quickly and cherish them.
4) Sometimes we miss an opportunity given to us by our own distractions.
Marisa, Michigan, Solo
1. Just Give Me a Reason
2. 4 little ones 5 and under…the days can get crazy, they are filled with laughter, and there are some days I just want to cry but I would not trade one day with these four children for anything because I know it is going to fly by and before I know it the littlest one will be in high school. Some days are perfect and some days I feel weary…in it all I am learning to turn to Him!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I appreciate them so much!
4. Watching the movie later tonight or tomorrow!
Steph, Lebanon, PA/solo
1. While I’m Waiting (still serving the Lord as I’m waiting for Him to answer prayers).
2. I’m in a waiting season, but also exploring and trying new things.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am full of fun when you get to know me (not just serious as I probably first come across).
4. I am trusting God to show me fruit that has ripened from what I have sown.
1. Take It Easy
2. My husband takes a job in CO and I have to stay in IA.
3. I like to act in skits.
4. Looking forward to summer fruits.
Ann
Jones Creek, TX/small group
2. Retired but taking care of my elderly parents so retirement isn’t what I had planned, but this too shall pass.