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.
Kae, Hatfield, PA
#1 I Wanna Dance with Somebody
#2 This season is unique because, while I love my parents dearly, I no longer want their comfort.
#3 I want my sisters in Christ to know that I am not socially competitive.
1. Most Nights by Fun
2.In a season of Confusion trying to figure out where I am supposed to be going in my life. Struggling with my past and past mistakes and wanting to know where to go and what to do.
3.I wish my sisters knew how passionate I am about studying and learning more about God’s plan for my life and How passionate I am about the scriptures.
4.I am so excited to see what the fruits that this summer is going to present in my life and others.
# 1 Blessed Be Your Name
# 2 I’m going through a challenging season and I’m learning to turn to The Lord for strength, love, and wisdom.
# 3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew I have MS and I might not look on the outside like I’m having problems but I am and I’m not being lazy.
Melody, Jefferson, Ga(solo)
1) These two go hand & hand with me right now, so have to include both:
Never Once by Matt Red man & While I’m Waiting by John Waller.
2) Trying to desperately wait on God’s plans to be revealed to me about certain stressful situations that I tried to ” fix” myself but finally realizing more & more His Hand in everything Beautiful & Ugly in my life…that He does everything in His time & for my good!!
3) I have a gr8 sense of humor, love finding humor in life & laughter in day to day mundane activities.
4) Recognition of fruit!! What is mine & asking God to help me recognize it…
Jamie, Coupeville, WA, solo study.
#1 – I will rise
#2 – A learning season. Learning at work, learning what God wants, hoping to hear.
#3 – I would like more time with my Christian friends.
Emily from Birmingham, AL (Solo)
1. “While I’m Waiting”
2. I’m on the cusp of two years in a new place … kind of in a place of sadness about the gap between the life I have & the life I thought I would have & praying God would show Himself in the gaps.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle mightily & don’t have it all together.
Mary/Valparaiso,FL/solo
1: Amazing Grace (but I’ve loved looking up all the other song titles that I wasn’t familiar with)
2: I’m getting tired, but my life is so blessed that I then kick myself for being selfish about wanting a break.
3: I wish my sisters in Christ new that I was so much like them… anxious, shy, controlling.
4: Every spring we plant our home garden again but even with composting, watering, and close care we hardly ever get to taste the rewards of our efforts. Either the plants shrivel or the fruit rots. Our expectation of good things gets less each year as disappointments mount. However… we keep planting. This summer I will change my attitude and shout for joy that I can even plant something!
Cindy, Denver, CO
Going solo in the study
1 Song title – “At Last” by Etta James
2 Present season – My present season feels like a jigsaw puzzle where the last perfect pieces are slipping right into place.
3 “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am so thrilled to be one of your sisters”
4 Aside from loving the fruit analogy, it is so perfect for the season I’m in…I loved that Beth was talking to God while she put on her mascara about what to share with us. I love how Beth models her prayer life. I love talking to God at random moments, and love knowing Beth does too
Jennifer, Olathe, KS Going solo
#1 This is the Stuff – Francesca Battistelli
#2 Have two teenage step-sons living at home and one just graduated high school and is not going off to college
#3 Tough one–I need more time to think about that. Plenty of things I would rather others NOT know about me.
#4 I’ve sowed a lot of seed, and not all good. Maybe the Lord, in His mercy, would allow the good seed to sprout higher and stronger and bear sweeter fruit than the bad seed.
Laura, Dalton, GA Solo
1. Glorious Day, Casting Crowns
2. A time of trying to understand “why” somethings have happened, a time of praising Him for other things taking place, and a time of wondering if I will find someone to share life with and feel loved, or will it just be God and me .
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with insecurity, that it’s hard for me to open up and make friends even though I put up a really good front.
4. Love the devo pray that I will recognize and see the reaping of summer fruit.
1. Song title – I’ve Been Waiting
2. Present Season – My present season is a time of crises and loss, where I am helpless to do anything but wait on the Lord.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I need them right now.
1-“Tunnel” by Third Day
2-Present Season-I am dealing with severe behavior issues in my almost thirteen year old son who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury six years ago.
3-I wish my sisters in Christ knew how excited I am about this study.
4-This one really spoke to me about recognizing the fruit when you receive it and storing it to remind you later on.
Elisa
Tool, Texas
Going Solo
1. Song Title: You’re Still You
2. Present season: I am having to totally start over on my own with my sons: new town, new job, new church, new friends, new habits, rebuilding relationships with my family,and getting to know who and Whose I am again.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I need to be put to work DOING something.
Roberta, Lexington, Kentucky; solo
1. Theme from “The Twilight Zone”
2. God is clearly leading me out; but no clue as to where my “promised land” might be.
3. I am much more vulnerable than I appear
4. Store fruits to remember God’s grace and power when summer has passed.
Marie-Franklin, TN / Going solo
1. I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
2. In a season of healing and gaining wholeness for the first time ever in my life.
3. I suffer from several conditions that cause me chronic severe pain. I wish my sisters knew how much I suffer and endure to do normal things.
1. Lonely Girl/Just Give Me A Reason/Eleanor Rigby
2. Really enjoying the summer months when all of my chillies are home and “summer homeschooling” with me. They are so much fun.
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that my own insecurities and abandonment issues make feeling part of a group challenging. I may seem strong and independent, but in reality I long for a kindred spirit that will enjoy being in my life as much as I would in theirs.
Marcy, Euless,TX/solo
1 “Worn”
2 Friend diagnosed with cancer.
3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I find it very difficult to step outside my comfort zone.
Michele, Waco, TX, semi-solo (w/mom)
1. Be Good To Yourself,Journey
2. My children are beginning to leave home, my husband is retired,and I am working to build my business to sustainability.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that while I am a people person and thrive on human contact, I also need time to myself.
4.I’m looking for my summer fruit, trusting my God for a rich harvest.
Ellen, Albuquerque, NM, Small Group. #4: My prayer this summer is that God will enlighten my eyes so I can recognize the fruit that He is ripening through me–praise there is a banana this summer that has my name on it!
Deirdre, Hilliard, OH, solo
1. While I’m Waiting
2.In the midst of watching God’s promises be fulfilled, Him moving us to another state, and all the while getting to enjoy His peace and His joy.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I, alone, am so incapable of what He has for me in my future, but praise God I don’t have to act alone!
4.Something will ripen that has been sown!!!
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew right away how much I treasure their thoughts..Their sharing is my joy..
Odessa, TX; solo
1. One is the Loneliest Number by Three Dog Night
2. Am adjusting to the new normals of being a widow
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that while I am able to put up a good front, I really just need to be held.
4. I will seek to recognize the fruit and be the one to harvest it so it doesn’t wind up becoming Satan’s waste. Want to become participant in “Shouting” with joy from my heart.
Thank you, Beth & Priscilla, for letting us join you in this summer season.
Lisa, Oak Hills, CA, small group #1: Don’t Stop Believin’
Cheryl, Great Falls, MT/solo:
1. Takin Care of Business by BTO
2. Season: Transitioning from serving my clients to serving my family (buying back some time – Eugene LPL!)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a chronically ill husband and 2 pre-school aged children that we had later in life and that is why I am So. Tired.
4. God has promised GOOD things for me. He has already proven Himself faithful.
Wendy, Tacoma WA, going solo
Wendy, Tacoma WA, going solo
1. So Far Gone, by Thousand Foot Krutch
2. Moved from MI to WA to be closer to granddaughter and show her Christ
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that as an incest survivor, I have come to realize that Jesus has always been with me.
4. Priscilla reminded me that it is in my weakness that I can encourage others
Erin, St Louis, MO/Solo
1) “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North
2). My present season Im in need of God’s help to develop consistency and discipline and the courage to take a leap into the unknown.
3). I wish my sisters in Christ knew I was genuine when they first met me.
4) I am hoping that God shows me any “ripened fruit” in my life and gives me the awareness and diligence to prepare it and do with it what He pleases.
1. “Move” Mercy Me
2. Time of change in ministry as well as what appears to be the beginning of a much needed but difficult answer to a prayer of many years.
3. That my confidence & personality are nothing to be intimidated by, but that I love people & would do anything to help them know/grow closer to God.
4. Recognizing ripe fruit & rejoice in it so as to bring glory to our Father.
Kari S. Tualatin, OR
Individual + my mom
1. Girls just want to have fun!
2. I am entering a season in my life in which all of my kids will be in school in the fall. I will be faced with filling some of my days — I pray I use this time wisely. I have such mixed feelings of sadness and excitement.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ really knew me — not just in the professional way they know me. Needs more explanation I know but have to leave at that.
I’m Coming Out
Learning about God by getting to know his Son.
That I can be really hard on myself and really stuck in certain areas of my life. Like unforgiveness.
Cindy, Stanton, California Women’s Bible Cafe small group.
#2 A season of change, looking to move to another country and waiting for approval to move.
Jenny, Des Moines, IA/Solo
1. Can’t think of a song.
2. I am juggling many, many things at home with 6 children and am sleep deprived.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am intensely lonely and need a friend.
4. I love that thought that this is a season for picking ripe fruit that has been sown. I feel like a lot of seed has been sown (many in tears) and it’s an encouragement to me to know that God is going to ripen and allow that fruit to be plucked.
Jenny, I am in Des Moines. Email me offline and maybe we can meet for coffee and discuss the study. My email is [email protected])
1. Anticipation
2. Entering the final season of my life and wanting to make a difference – not to have wasted my life on my own pursuits.
3. To my sisters – I wish I could be (could have been) a better friend.
4. I want my eyes to be open to see the fruit!
Jackson,tn (solo)
1) What a friend we have in Jesus
2) in a season of spending ALOT of time
Praying and reading the Word,
Working on my relationship with God
3) I want my siestas to know I get lonely often
1. Trust In Me Now-Anthony Evans
2. Trying to find a good balance between wife, mommy of 2 little girls, pastor’s wife, youth ministry, daughter, friend. =)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I often feel lonely in a room full of people.
4. Praising God in advance for the ripened fruit in my life that He is bringing to light in my life!
1-This is gonna make me stronger (I think that is the title)
2-my job is so overwhelming right now I am ready to quit.
3-That I don not talk alot but enjoy listening,
1. “I’m a Believer” by the Monkey’s (I know, I know, it’s an oldie)
2. God has redeemed me, restored me, reconciled me to himself, and now I believe he looks at me as a righteous woman – not by my works, but by his great grace and mercy.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how insecure I am.
4. I would like to recognize my fruit. And I don’t want to leave it on the vine until it rots!
Denise, Lenexa, KS, Small Group, #1: “Trouble” by Coldplay
Liz Taylor, Washington D.C.
1) Living On A Prayer
2) Growing in leadership.
3) Need others to pray with me, not just for me.
4) Summer is a chance to look back at the harvest of the school year and look at the blessings The Lord produced.
1. Welcome to My World
2. Everyone is doing so much around me, I am taking the opportunity for quiet and giving much prayer for them.
3. For all my quietness, I love to laugh and party. God has been so good to me.
4. With all normal activities taking a break for the summer, this can be my time to really dig in with prayer, reading and Bible Study.
1 – How He Loves Us
2 – Present season: I am sensing a lot of change coming and God is teaching me to hear His voice clearly and listen to His voice alone.
3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am coming out of a long season of bondage and Jesus is breaking me free!!! I am so thankful for His love.
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC – Solo
1. Song title – More Than Meets the Eye
2. Season—Overwhelmed and struggling but trying to hang in there!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have an unexpected off-beat sense of humor.
Sheila, Cincinnati, Ohio, Solo
1. Still that Girl by Britt Nicole
2. My baby will be entering Kgarten in the fall. I’m coming through a difficult season of health issues and daring to dream again.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even though I’m not outgoing at first, I long for real friendships and people to authentically do life with.
4. I want to move into living joyfully. I want my life to be those shouts of joy continually to God. I’ve been waiting to be happy till I “get through” this season rather then celebrating all Gods goodness and blessings that are there daily, they are new every morning.
Q1: My song is “I’m a God Girl” by Jamie Grace. It’s actually the ring tone on my cell phone too!
Q2: I am in a season of grief, losing three family members (two in one week) and processing through the emotions of loss.
Q3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love the Lord beyond belief, that I serve Him in love and that He guides my decisions, my words and my life… I am HIS.
Q4: “Sometimes in summer we can really dry up” reminds me how many times we neglect our spiritual life as we dunk ourselves into the pool of relaxation.
Connie, Chariton, Iowa. # 2 being a grandparent, enjoying the grandkids and sharing my faith with the next generation Deut. 4:9… And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.
Tanya, Charleston, SC; Small Group. #1 “Some Day My Prince Will Come”
Beverly, Vicksburg, MS Solo
1. The Struggle by 10th Avenue North
2. Watching my young adult son with his struggles
3. That I don’t have it all together
4. To recognize the fruit that God has given me
1. No Matter What – Kerrie Roberts
2. Coming out of a season of horrible health struggles and have “empty nest” looming.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that through the most difficult time in my life (above mentioned health struggles) God gave me joy out of pain and I call it “31 Days of Joy: An Eternity of Rejoicing” a devo which is available on Amazon. Is God good, or what?!
4. God can give us fruit out of the desert times!
1. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
2. Dealing with a season of weariness because of pull on teenage daughter from “the world”; many friends whose families are “Christians/church goers” but walk with Jesus is different from our family.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that procrastination affects my resilience (which is what everyone else “sees”).
4. Exciting Word from Beth about summer and fruit ! Summer is a season for something to ripen !!
Morgan, Muscle Shoals, AL
1. “Words” by Hawk Nelson
2. I am preparing for my first international mission trip coming up in July with the IMB.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew the passion that I have to help others see the light of Christ.