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.
Allison, Atoka, TN/solo
1. Help Me Find It – Sidewalk Prophets
2. New schedule change at work and I am struggling with balancing home, work, etc.
3. I would want my sisters in Christ to know that the look on my face does not describe how I feel. I honestly try hard to smile all the time – as I know my normal expression appears that I am unhappy/angry – which does not really reflect how I feel.
If You’re Happy and You Know It (kids song)
Retired–season to become intercessor
Know about me–I love to laugh
1. “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys”, Willie Nelson
2. What is unique about my situation to me is that I’m not particularly busy, strung out, or stressed out about anything, but I also don’t feel super excited about anything.
3. I get lonely after school gets out. I kind of don’t know what to do with myself when I’m not working, but I’m too busy to socialize much when I am,
4. The part of Beth’s video that resonated with me is the apart about the harvesting of fruit. I have worked hard over a long time to change things in my life and instead of being thankful for what God has done, I’m wondering what he’s going to do next. I think I need to take some time to praise him, to laugh, to enJOY what he’s done, and then pray carefully about what is next.
Plumb :”Need You Now”
Louisville, KY -small group – Plumb, “Need You Now”
Color My World
I’m loving the empty nest with my husband. “Color my world” was / our song!
I wish my sisters would help me in praying for my children. They are not making the best choices, even though they know better.
Lauren – Cypress, TX – small group
#2 For the first time in my life I am accepting and taking responsibility for how I react to people and situations and working on that with God’s gracious ever-present help.
MaryAnn, Cincinnati Ohio, small group
My Song: Be Still
Word/Phrase/Sentence defining this season of my life: Learning & Growing through God’s Discipline.
What I wish people knew about me sooner: my story & the depth of my heart for them individually (to find Him).
My response to Beth’s devo Summer Fruits: I am definitely on board with looking for and naming some ripening spiritual fruit in my life this summer!! And I want to commit myself to using the fruit for its intended purpose (in His plan for me). I need it!!
Robin, Raleigh, NC
1. Be My Everything
2. Enjoying summer with children back from college as I just finished first year as an empty nester.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I have confidence in Christ for all things.
4.I am asking God to help me see the ripe fruit in my life that is ready for picking.
Heather, Greenfield, IN, small group, #1
Girl on Fire
1. You are My Sunshine
2. Taking advantage of the summer break from our busy school year schedule to really be INTENTIONAL about devoting special time and attention to my husband, my 4 kids, and my home.
4. I loved the part about giving God the glory for fruit that we see and really praising Him for it, instead of worrying about how to acknowledge it—-just Praise him for it and get on with living! He is so faithful. I need to open my eyes more to his fruit in my life.
Rebecca, Wiggins, MS/solo
#1 Bridge over Troubled Water
#2 this is a season of explosion of faith and belief and empty nesting.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I need them.
Lynn / Centennial, CO small group
#4 When Priscilla mentioned that we must put ourselves in a situation where God must come in for us, that we must be open to RISK to move forward…that really convicted me!
Gail, Seymour, In
1. Savior.Please by Josh Wilson best describes
my struggles right now.
2. This is my season of going from being a daughter to mothering my mother who has a terminal illness. All the dynamics have changed and emotions heightened with memories and love.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ realized that I have a quiet spirit and have difficulty showing emotions at times.
Mary/Salem, OR/Solo #1.”You are my Sunshine”
#2. God is with me all the time
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ new that when I look serious I’m taking things in and processing.
#4. “God is not dead nor does He sleep”, He is walking right here beside me.
Judy, Oswego, NY
Hosting a group of 15 women at my house for this study but don’t know if any of them will post anything or not, they don’t seem to be much into blogs of any kind, so it’ll probably be just me.
1. A song that’s been playing in my head for a couple of days is Smoke on the Water…maybe because it reflects my walk at times. When I’m really seeking God, meeting with Him consistently, my path is clear and plain before me, but when I let the world or outside powers distract me or keep me so busy I don’t know when I’m coming or going, then I find myself walking in a fog-like state on a smoke covered path. And it seems to just happen–boom–walking along, living and loving being God’s girl, but then all of a sudden I can’t see my hand before my face. That’s when I know I’ve taken my eyes off my Jesus and need to get my head back into the word and filled with His truth.
Lisa from Boonsboro, Md. Going solo.
#1 All I Have To Do Is Dream – not for anyone, but thinking about a career change, not quitting my current paycheck, but something more fun to ease into retirement doing.
#2 I have been unsettled for sometime. Completed Priscilla’s “Discerning..” study looking for answers. Uncertain, settled, confused but not necessarily in a grave negative way.
#3 I wish my sisters knew that I
was a lot more light-hearted and fun than my serious nature shows.
#4 I didn’t realize how many references in the bible their were about fruit and it is way cool that Pricilla is joining us for her own study!
Renee: Texas
1. There must be song about change.
2. A season of change.
3. I am surrounded by nonbelievers and while I have lots of friends, I have no close friends who are Christian.
Allison; Johnson City, TN; Solo
1. Jesus loves the little children. (mom of a little!)
2. I’m still trying to figure out how to be a wife and mother and work full time.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I struggle with church hurt, and it is hard for me to open up and make friends quickly.
This song really speaks to me in the “season” I am in right now. It gives me comfort and hope that God knows all that is going on in my life, my children’s lives and He will never forsake me or my family. He knows and sees all.
Not For A Moment (After All) Ringtone Not For A Moment (After All) Ringtone
“Not For A Moment (After All)”
[Verse 1]
You were reaching through the storm
Walking on the water
Even when I could not see
In the middle of it all
When I thought You were a thousand miles away
Not for a moment did You forsake me
Not for a moment did You forsake me
[Chorus]
After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me
[Verse 2]
You were singing in the dark
Whispering Your promise
Even when I could not hear
I was held in Your arms
Carried for a thousand miles to show
Not for a moment did You forsake me
[Chorus]
And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my hurt at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it’s hard
You will never leave me
After all
[Chorus]
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Carmen-West Monroe, LA/going solo: 1. Hang on Sloopy. 2. I have returned to work after 25 yrs. (necessity) AND went through menopause (I’m 52) AND became women’s ministry leader all in the last couple of years. 3. …struggle just like everyone else and my marriage is not perfect.
Casandra, Weimar, TX, going solo (but cooresponding with sister)
#1 “The Times They Are A-Changing”
#2 My particular season is an autumn–things of past seasons are being shed and making room for the new that will come after a trial.
#3 I want my sisters in Christ to know that I guard my heart closely, wary of hurts I have suffered in the past.
#4
Elisa Harker Heights TX Small Group
1. Redeemed
2. My current season is being an empty nester. I’m enjoying it more than I thought.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I am a loyal friend.
Debbie from Jacksonville, FL/solo
1. This is The Stuff by Francesca Battistelli
2. Season of Life – empty nester who just moved across the country because of my husband’s job leaving my family, my grandbabies, my friends and my job.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ already knew that although I do not express myself well I deeply care for those around me and lift them in prayer often.
4. I am very anxious to see what God has for me in this new town, new church, etc. In this HOT summer season I am anxious to see some fruit.
Allison. Adairsville, GA. Small Group. #2 I am in a season of learning and growing up.
1) Carolina Girl
2) I am in a season of renewal and of leadership
3) I want my sisters in Christ to know that I tease a lot.
My daughter’s and I are doing Gideon.
1. This is the stuff by Francesca Battistelli
1. The Beatles “Come Together” (title – not necessarily content) because I feel like so many things are coming together that I’ve waited for (or even forgotten I was waiting for) for a long time. That is why the “summer fruits” portions were so good. Along with my church’s Sunday study on Acts 3, the video encouraged me to let my praise be fully felt by me and expressed joyfully to others. God is so good that he reminds us to do what is good for us.
Teresa-Orange City-solo
1. Lean on Me.
2. It is a season of healing for me.
3. I desire friends.
Emma from Okathe, KS/small group with my mom and sister.
1. Live like there’s no tomorrow by Selena Gomez
Dede, Boynton Beach, FL. Solo
1. Manic Monday
2. My girls are now teenagers, I’m back to work, have less time and miss my stay-at-home mom years. I’m trying to find contentment in that.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I wish I was bolder in sharing Christ with people and I feel so inadequate at that.
Lisa, Little Elm, TX – solo
1. Alone Again (Naturally)
2. Starting the beginning of the empty nest season, as well as a brand new career (after being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years).
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I sometimes get weary of always being the “strong” one. Sometimes I just wish someone else would take care of me.
4. I can’t wait to find the banana God has with my name on it!
Jenny, Santa Clara, CA/solo
1) “Like an Avalanche” by Hillsong United
2) I can feel God working in me, preparing me for my purpose, but I feel stuck by worry and hindered by impatience.
3) I have a very crazy past, but I’m on the right track now.
4) Opening my eyes to the fruit that is ripening and must be plucked, else the enemy will devour it – I want to see and pluck (and prepare and store) my banana!
Peaceful Easy Feeling
Rest/Renew/Revive
I wish my sisters knew my weariness.
Growing season!
Michele; Whitehall, PA; solo
1) ‘Here’ – Amy Grant
2) Transition is a word my pastor spoke a few weeks ago – I am adjusting to a soon to be 16 yr old son who is wise beyond years and having my 20 yr old daughter living at home – I am learning to adjust & transition to the next stages in life.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with my own inadequacies & feelings of defeat, even though I ‘appear’ not to.
4) I just finished ‘The Circle Maker’ and have focused on praying for my daughter after some what giving up. Beth’s word that some thing will ripen what we have sown was another encouragement to keep investing in prayer.
Cheryl, Austin:
1. “Running on Empty”
2. changes at work, high expectations
3. Even though I’ve been a Christian for years, I still need the fellowship of my sisters in Christ – to keep me focused on the things of God and to encourage me in my walk with the Lord.
4. Make summer a season of ripening fruit, not just a time of heat and drought.
Sylvia, Collinsville, IL, solo – but discussing long distance with a great friend who is doing it in her home also.
1 – While I am Waiting by John Waller:::I always feel like I am waiting for Christ to show me the next steps, to guide me.
2 – This present season of my life I am trying to figure out my purpose. I am 32 years old, married for almost 10 years, and have 2 wonderful children; but I feel like I am blowing in the wind. I gave up my career for my children and family – willingly over 7 years ago. Now, I seek out what God has in store for me….where he wants to direct my path for my family and one very important volunteer job that I love.
3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I….felt a need for their REAL friendship.
4 – Lord, I want to be AWAKE to you.
Kelly, Erwin, TN/Solo
1. “School’s Out For Summer”—I’m a teacher.
2. I’m a single gal (and feeling VERY single).
3. I tend to worry.
4. Their is a fruit in our life (present or maybe something from the past) that could ripen this summer.
1-changed by rascal flats
2-in the middle of helping with aging parents who just moved to be close to me, helping my kids with their kids, trying to stay positive – my husband has been out of work for 2 years and finally found a part time job
3-I am tired and trying not to be discouraged! I want to be filled with Jesus!!
Julie Placentia, California Going solo but checking in with a friend to stay on track!
1. Some Nights by Fun.
2. I am a mom to a 6th grader and kindergartner who is just trying to keep it together and find my voice.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new that I feel inadequate quite a bit and just want to make new friends.
4. I’m excited to be in the word this summer. Thank you Beth for hosting this!
Sherry, Owensboro,Ky…my group is me and my sweet mama..:)
1. I’ve always been crazy, (but it’s kept me from going insane…)
Mindy Seekford Gloster,la doing the study with a friend:)
Song:”Walk by Faith” Jeremy Camp or “the Angel of Your Presence” Jason Gray
This season is different because even though I don’t know yet what direction
my life is going to take, I have peace whatever the outcome.
I wish my sisters in Christ knew I have a really hard time asking for help.
I thought it was neat how at the beginning of the year Beth talked about God crowning the year with His blessings. And the cart being over laden with blessings of fruit. Hoping this summer will be
a good time to pick the ripe fruits He crowned the year with:)
Midge Edmond, SC/GA, individual, hoping my daughter in law will do with me
1 How He Loves John Mark McMillan
2. Season of living with our son and daughter-in-law while I look for work. My husband is disabled and they are helping us. Blessing is they are expecting our 22nd grandchild!
3. I wish my sisters knew that even though I am busy and appear strong I am lonely and need spiritual women for support!
Margaret, Huntsville, Al, small group but missed this week.
#1 We Are Family
#2 My husband is very ill and we are making decisions about his health, hospice, quality of life.
#3 I wish my sisters knew that I REALLY do want to always be in control – and that I’m struggling with giving it up in many ways.
LaLana, Florence, AL/solo
#1 – Waiting Here For You
#2 – I am for the first time in over 10 years adjusting to not having the summer “off” due to a career change.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m not really shy, I’m just quiet.
#4 – I had never thought about the different meanings of “summer.” Praying that God will reveal to me the fruits of my summer and that I don’t let the birds of prey come in.
#2 my present season Weary & tired. Longing for some rest & relaxation.
Lori, Pueblo West CO/solo
1. Turn! Turn! Turn! ~ The Byrds
2. My present season finds me learning to let go and to give up control.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not as confident as I may appear to be on the outside.
4. Ripened fruit – Pluck, Prepare, and Store.
Linda – St. Louis, MO; small group
1. – Tenth Ave. North, “Worn”
Margaret, Centennial, CO, small group # 4 “Oh, Father, I claim it and praise You – Summer fruits, Summer Fruits, Summer Fruits, Summer Fruits…
Heather, Little Rock, AR. (individual)
1. Here Comes the Sun
2. This is a season of getting back to life again after dealing with an autoimmune problem for many months. Thank you, Jesus!
3. I am very outgoing so people automatically think that I love to give speeches or that I have no problem talking in front of a big group (or small) when in fact, talking in front of people terrifies me. I also am a phone phobe. I am probably one of the few people that actually likes talking to a robot on the phone instead of an actual person! 🙂
4. Excited to see what God is going to show me with fruit that will ripen this summer from seeds I’ve sown.
Lori-Anne, Exeter, CA
Solo
1. Hello My Name is by Matthew West
2. My Weakness. God’s strength (Sound familiar?)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I too struggle with insecurity.