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.
Suzie,Wenona,MD;solo
1. Hello, My Name Is. By Matthew west
2. Struggling to know how God truly wants me to serve the women of our church. Especially because I feel so unworthy.
3. As out going as I seem, I am truly sensitive and unsure of myself.
4. Please Lord, give me eyes to see the fruit that needs to be plucked.
Karoletha Longview TX solo
1. He Knows My Name
2. Just now letting myself get reinvolved in my church
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I long to be involved but am afraid.
1. I surrender all…over and over again!
2. Unexpected opportunities…full of learning to trust…feeling peaceful despite it all
3. I really am not as strong as they think…
Washington DC
Deanna Smith, Houston
1) Them Ones Them Bones Them Dry bones
2) Moved from CO to MI in 3/2012; moved from MI to TX in 3/2013 and prayerfully going back to CO ASAP!!!!
3) I wish my Christian sisters knew that I struggle with a poor self image; too critical of self.
Kim, Hubbard Ohio, solo
1) A Thousand Little Things
2) Season of mentoring~ husband just named as an elder, just taught my first SS class, lead a small group with husband. We are realizing with our girls in hs/college, this is where God would have us. Passion for spiritual babes.
3)That although I “look” good now, my growing up was ugly. Praise God that He is faithful when I am not!
4) Loved everything about the summer devo~ anticipating fruit!
Sherry, Indianapolis, IN -solo-
1. God’s Great Dance Floor
2. HUGE changes at work and in relationships, usually would go into despair, this season: working on JOY
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew: I may appear confident and self-assured, but I’m often a bowl of quivering jello inside (read S-C-A-R-E-D!)
4. The need to REMEMBER, which has been in my quiet times and in our sermons, so I think I’m supposed to get the point!
#1: Because He Lives
#2: Struggling with a 14 year old teen trying to find his strengths in today’s world of teenagers. Spread thin: Moving classrooms, tutoring, working at a health food store, training for a marathon, and being a mommy and wife. I have trouble saying no!
#3. I struggle with the need to please everyone.
Kim, Central Coast, California, Solo
1. A Mother’s Song by T. Carter
2. Lately my life has been a whirlwind of emotions! watching many friends and loved ones dealing with cancer, loss & grieving while I prepare for joyous bridal showers and my son’s upcoming wedding has kept me on my knees with a box of Kleenex and a heart that one minute grieves and the next rejoices.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that when they ask me to pray or keep a secret they can trust me to take it directly to the cross.”
4. Ripen the HARVEST fruit to be sown during the summer.
Proverbs 10:5 / Jeremiah 10:40 / Genesis 8/ John 15
Gay, Round Rock, Tx/solo
1. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
2.This is a season of both growing and losing, with God’s help.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I love studying God’s word!
* Mahna Mahna by the Muppets
* illness, unemployment in family
* I’m so lonely
* just want Christian fruit to ripen for God’s glory
Hello! Just wanted to swing by and take away some of that loneliness at least for now. Loneliness is a funny thing that creeps up on you sometimes in a room full of people or crushes your spirit when you least expect it. I also understand the unemployment but see it as an opportunity that God is my provider….even though I still want to provide for myself a lot of the time!
1. Amazing Grace
2. We’re on the precipice of the empty nest.
3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much God’s grace & mercy has transformed my life.
Amy, Hood River, OR/ solo
1. This Girl is on Fire – by Alicia Keys
2. I am in a unique season of writing – I self published two books since January and started a blog http://www.truthisaperson.com
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that writing is lonely.
4. Don’t let Birds of Prey steal ripened fruit!
Karen, Watermelon, OR, solo
1. The Rollerskate Song
2. 1-800-I-Fly-Europe.
3. I am a mess.
Twila, Fayetteville, Ga/Solo
1. I have to Believe by Rita Springer
2. In the middle of possibly selling my business after 20 Years. CHANGE=FRUIT
3. I wish my sisters knew that I really am Joyful although I don’t always let it show
4. Summer Fruit is the best. Keep my eyes open and my heart tuned into Christ.
Janet, Simpsonville, SC/Small group #4 – Hope to see summer fruit from ladies in our church family who have been encouraged to mentor and spiritually invest in other’s lives.
Lisa D., Alpharetta, GA, small group
#1. Living La Vida Loca 🙂
Linda, Helena, Montana
#1 – It is Well With My Soul
#2 – Season of much study right when I thought studying was done for awhile..my choice. ;o)
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I needed their friendship.
Kathy
Madison, CT [me, myself, and Jesus]
1. “I don’t want to work: I want to bang on the drums all day” [school’s out in 2 weeks..yahoo]
2. My only child, son, is in college and I do not believe that he is saved. I am also working on how to ‘hear’ from God more.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I needed them to reach out to me once in awhile; I smile, but I am shy.
Christa, Greeneville, TN – solo flyer
1.Brick House (it’s tornado season around here!)
2.Definitely tornado season. Lots happening.
3.I wish my sisters knew that I battle perfectionism and too often hold myself to an unattainable standard.
Sherry Winston-Salem, NC
1-Great is His Faithfulness
2-We will be adding a daughter-in-law to our family soon.
3-I am in God’s Word every day.
4-I need to open my eyes to answered prayer.
DeeDee. Katy,Tx
1. I say a little prayer
2. Empty nester, first time grandparent
3. I don’t like to talk on the phone, I’m a loner.
4. I need to see my summer fruit, Thank God for it, share it, and remember it!
Lindsey, Oklahoma City, OK, small group
1. Good Life by OneRepublic
2. In this season of life I am working on being a better person inside and out so that when my time comes to get married and have a family that I will be able to give my best to them.
3. I can be shy at first, but once I let my guard down and let people in I am very loyal friend. I just wish that there was a way to let new people in my life know that it takes time for me to open up sometimes.
1. Climb every mountain
2. I am in the process of an unwanted divorce and both daughters got married this spring…sorrow and joy.
3. I wish my Christian sisters knew that I have times of fear and doubt more often than I like to admit.
Melanie, Midland, MI, small group #1 No Where to Run
Yolanda, El Paso, TX, small group
1. “Cars”
2. Seeking God for what is next for me.
3. I need people to be REAL.
4.Watching for fruit to ripen!
Beth, Atlanta, GA—#2 New seasons:My eyes are opening daily to new frontiers as I creep closer to a new season in marriage and a job transition.
Rebecca, Springfield, OH, Solo
1. Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
2. It feels like I’m finally starting to put it all together after years of utter chaos and confusion.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that although I’m quiet sometimes, I really am thinking about them and praying for them…”
4. Summer feels to me like the calm after the storm; though hot and dry and sometimes uncomfortable, it is strangely peaceful and still.
1. Relax
2. Nervousness-I have an interview in 2 days that I’m very nervous for; I need to trust Him!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m very quiet until I get to know people.
4. Jana’s banana!
Lauren, Jackson, Kentucky
1. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey (maybe not the song content, but the name, definitely!)
2. Right now, I’m learning to fully appreciate life for all that it is, because next year I turn 35, and there’s still a long way to go in my life, good Lord’s willing =)
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew about me is that I don’t have it all together, and there is nothing wrong with it if they don’t, either.
Loved the devotion, Mama Beth!
Birmingham AL Solo
#1 Jesus Loves Me, This I KNOW!
#2 Busy and exciting time as we plan my daughter’s wedding and preparing to build a house
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am amazed and humbled that God has made me into a woman of integrity that He uses to minister to others!!
#4 I am excited by the promise of the fruit ripening!! God is so good!!!
Carrie, Adairsville, GA/small group: #4
In the video you mentioned storing up fruit for the future. I am in a season where I need to remember and seek out that place of closeness with the Lord and the faithfulness He showed me during a very low time of my life. I am in another down season and it’s so easy to lose perspective and forget where He’s taken you through before! Thanks for the reminder!
Michelle, Moultrie, GA / small group
1) When Mercy Found Me
2) I’m in a season I never imagined I would be as my oldest son is preparing to get his lerners license, my daughter (12) has become a bag full of mood swings, and my baby (4) will be heading to “big school” in August.
3 wish my sisters knew that although I put up a solid front, I really don’t have it all together.
Rene’, Cape Girardeau, MO/small group: #2
After working for five years with our churches college ministry, God has something else for my husband and I to do, and we are anxiously waiting for Him to let us know what it is.
Kay, Asheboro, NC/Solo
1. DAYSTAR
2. Present season in my life is full and hectic as I am the busy Nana who plays “taxi” and babysitter to my grandsons, ages 14 and 9.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I facilitate bible studies with a somewhat calm presence, I could never stand before them without their fervent prayers, devotion to the study, and their hunger and love for God’s Word
Hey,Kay. I am not too far from your neck of the woods. I also facilitate Bible studies in my church. I’m doing the study with one lady in my church and her sil who lives in Bonlee.
God Bless,
Kim
Sandy, Dodge City, KS – solo
1. “I am Woman,” migraines, hot flashes, trouble sleeping. 🙂
2. Soon to be empty-nesters – God willing. Son engaged.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am really shy and find it hard getting to know people and letting them know me.
Elizabeth, Coral Springs, FL group 1) the woman with you, Kenney Chesney. 2) I am in a season of readjustment. 3) I wish my sisters knew how much I crave this time with them and in the word.
Keri, Toms River, NJ, solo
1. Worn (10th Ave North)
2. My two sons with autism are now both in preschool programs and I am trying to learn how to better manage my time… with God not always getting the “leftovers.”
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not shy but rather insecure, and am rather goofy when I get really comfortable with someone.
4. Uh, I was SO gonna eat ice cream (and had it defrosting) while I watched the video, but I paused before the devotion and changed my mind and grabbed a… wait for it…. banana!! Um, I would never choose fruit over ice cream, LOL… I think God, knowing how I am constantly looking for “signs,” was hitting me over the head with the banana so to speak, lol, saying “wake up! This applies to you too!” LOL, I’m listening God! 🙂
Tara, Greensboro, NC (solo)
1. Hold On
2. Coming to the end of experiencing something very painful and difficult, but am closer to the Lord.
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I have been struggling.
4. The seasons have been very meaningful to me this year; I felt that I was in winter for a long time and have waited expectantly for new life to emerge. Every word Beth said about summer was encouraging to me. I am really looking forward to this study and am so happy to be doing it with all of you.
Christina
Louisville, KY
Solo
1. Life is a Highway
2. Preparing for a new job and seeking God’s timing in starting a family
3. I take words to heart and probably overanalyze conversations and situations; it takes a while for me to feel completely comfortable.
4. I love thinking of the summer as a time for harvest. I want to be expectant for God to SHOW me that fruit with my name on it!
Jenny, Auburn Washington/Solo
1. This ones for the Girls (Mom of four girls that are counting on me)
2. Season of trust – Invention, Book, Business…need financial break through to do all God wants me to do…all possible with Him
3. I’m a meditator…in discussion I might need time to think and ponder before I speak or say anything.
4. Summer season still comes….Always!!
DeAnna, Thomasville, NC, solo- with a friend =)
1. Getaway Car, TobyMac
2. Waiting while he prepares us for the next place of ministry and service.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I treasure the relationships that honor Him.
4. Will others taste of my fruit and know it is of Christ?
Kim in Franklinville, NC, doing this with at least one other lady
I am at the end of my childbearing season, at times wanting more children but knowing that my family is complete.
I am very outgoing, but really I am insecure and sensitive, I just love people and like to know more about them.
Summer fruit- my brother Patrick’s salvation.
Jovita, Georgetown SC. #1 The song title that best describes where I am right now would be “The Best is Yet to Come”.
Cece from Texas – going solo
1. Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave
2. This season God is making me face my fears and deal with my “idols”. One of my children is facing a major surgery and he wants me to rely on his strength and have FAITH.
3.
4. Fruit, please Jesus !
Dawn, Dubuque, IA, Solo
1. Hello, My Name is… Matthew West
2. My season is one of exploring who I am as a child of Christ.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am vey quiet but given the chance have much to say.
4. For God to keep my eyes open to see what I have sown and is ready for plucking.
1. Hope Now by Addison Road
2. Our oldest daughter is battling leukemia
3. I am passionate about impacting college students and young couples for Christ
4. I just recently published a book and am hoping to harvest some sweet summer fruit from impacted marriages
Jean,North Carolina , solo
1. This Is not Where I Belong
2.My husband and I beginning a new ministry.
3. That I love my children very much and experiencing the empty nest.
Robin Thigpen / Jacksonville, FL / small group
1) “crazy” by Brittany spears… “I’m going crazy, I just can’t sleep…” (New baby)
#1. Girls just wanna have fun
#2. First summer with two teens and realizing how fast they grow up!
#3. That I would like more of a friendship than it seems.
#4. Excited about study from Summer video clip
Michele, Wilkesboro, NC. SOLO!
1. Carry Me, by Josh WIlson
2. I am currently really struggling with crippling anxiety, and I am convinced I am under a spiritual attack.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am much more liberal than I can share as a Baptist pastor’s wife! LOL!
Traci, FL – I feel the same way as you do!!!