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.
Faye, WestSunbury,PA; solo
1. Worn – Tenth Avenue North
2. Healing in progress…learning how to speak truth to myself.
3. I’ll be there for you, but will keep you at arms length.
4. The birds are out, but I plan to grab my fruit and hold tight.
I had to wonder with reading your answers if you are a Pastor’s wife?? The “keep you has arms length” made me wonder.
Blessing to you as you do this study.
My husband was an associate pastor/youth pastor a few years back. We also served for a short time as missionaries in a children’s home. The reason for the arms length goes beyond ministry. It comes as a result of traumas from my past. Some of those things have surfaced within the past month and I am finding myself struggling.
Kristi, Blair WI/with a friend #2 I leave Friday for a 15 day missions trip to Uganda. So excited to be His hands and feet!
Victorville, CA/FB Small Group
1. Song – IT IS WELL
2. Resting in HIM…have had a rough several years with my husbands illness and the financial downturn that came with it!
3. That I struggle with letting others in and so I put up an abrasive front as a result!
Good to see someone else that is meeting as a small group on facebook (smile)
Judy, for your #3 reply…I just want you to know, you aren’t alone! Someone once compared me to a roasted marshmallow: hard and crusty on the outside, yet soft and gewy on the inside.
Lacombe, LA, going solo
#1. Slip Sliding Away – popped into my head when you asked.
#2. Displaced, Discouraged, Drowning, etc. moved 3 states away from family for husbands work, father died last year, new empty nester.
#3. That just because I smile on the outside doesn’t mean I am not hurting on the inside.
#4. Gen. 8:22 Reminder that God is faithful, this season will not last forever….I must not give up.
I understand the loss of family connections. Being on your own, .The seasons areGods way of growing us, having us rest. I have been through many different seasons, some really hard. May this new season see you grow with God, stronger in dependence, He can be the best family and friend ever. God bless in your nrw divine appointment
Donna, Athens, GA, solo:
1 Bless the Broken Road
2. My present season is a return to trust and joy in the Lord.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I sometimes sound critical but am just trying to understand and learn.
4. I want to get back into the middle of that spring of living water!
Debbie – Birmingham, Alabama – solo
1. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
2. Dealing with some family physical and mental health issues.
3. …I want to make life easier for others.
4. I would love to see fruit and would love to plant new seeds.
Sarah, Colorado Springs, CO/solo (my daughter and I doing together, but live in different cities)
1) “Even If” (the healing never comes) by Kutless
2) My husband going through terminal brain cancer fight.
3) I…LOVE to teach/study the bible with women
4) In this dry, hot season of this cancer – I commit to this summer study so I will be a spring of living water for my husband, for my children, grandchildren – ALL for HIS glory!
THIS TOUCHED MY HEART. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU TODAY.
Sarah, I am praying for you and your husband.
Holly Longmont, Colorado solo
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.). Don’t waste your life by Lecrae
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?
My son is in his 2nd year of college, my daughter is a junior in high school and busy driving herself to all her activities. As a stay at home mom, I have a lot more time in this season to be doing something, just not sure what?
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…”. That I love to pray for my friends!
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video devotional that resonated with you. I loved all the bible references to “summer”! I’m looking for what fruits will ripen in my life this summer!
Danielle, Phoenix, AZ -solo;
#1- Hold On (by Wilson Philips) “I know that there is change, but you hold on for one more day, and you break free from the chains”
#2- I’m 42 yrs old, single, and trying to start a new career and move cross-country by myself (with God alone).
#3- I wish my sisters in Christ knew that being single past your 20s doesn’t mean you are less responsible than married people or less spiritual or deficient in any way.
Shaana, Raleigh, NC/with my sister; #2) My family just committed to be a part of a core team planting a new church in Raleigh!
Bonnie B, Florence, Colorado, going it solo.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew is that I have bore much fruit, plucked it, prepared it and stored it and so desperately needed to study with you this SUMMER after having a devastating blow of Betrayal and stolen Birthright…just one week ago today. JESUS truly is my INHERITANCE….being in the WORD is the best place I could be!!!
Thank you so much for the honor and joy as we learn to surrender ALL to HIM…Completely Obeying Him…and remembering HIS GOODNESS to us!!!
Thank you for faithfully serving Him and walking in His Spirit…His timing is always…JUST on TIME!!!
~Grace & Peace, So Cal, solo:
1. You’re Beautiful by Phil Wickham
2. My first born is graduating from college this weekend.
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew about me is that even when I fail constantly my heart really, really wants to follow Jesus.
4. Be faithful to His Word over the summer and watch carefully for the fruit of something I have sown.
Hey Sweet G&P,
Our hearts and minds are still together in His Word and His teachings through various sisters in Christ. This SIC KNOWS your heart!!!!
Love you so much,
Mema Jeanne
Amanda / Lugoff,SC / solo
#1: Stand in Awe by Hillsong Live
#2: I’m about to start a new job teaching 2nd grade (scared to death!), getting serious about growing up (little overwhelmed – have a long way to go), and I have an awesome opportunity to hopefully lead worship on a much bigger scale than what I currently do…praying His will be done!
#3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I will do just about anything to make you smile or laugh (I can be pretty hilarious, if I do say so myself:))!…and sometimes I need someone to do that for me too.
#4: First of all, I am super glad I stumbled upon this on twitter today…going out to find the book this afternoon! I am excited about the idea of there being summer fruit ripening…sometimes I feel like I’ve already used all my fruit up. Thank you for reminding me that God always gives us what we need when we need it. Excited to see what He has in store!! (Sorry, I know that was way more than one sentence!)
Emily McAnear, Corona California, solo
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
2. I’m a teacher on summer vacation with my 4 kiddos, getting ready to “launch” my youngest into kindergarten!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I cry very easily, usually more when I am happy or touched than when not.
4. My life has not seen the last season of ripening!
Oklahoma, solo
1) Starts With Me, Tim Timmons
2) Unique about this season — being over “60” I am feeling that I have wasted a lot of years and do I really have anything to offer.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I do feel insecure.
4) From the devotion I realize that no matter what season of life, you can always bear fruit.
Sharon, San Antonio, Texas, Solo
1. Changes by David Bowie
2. Living in a year of empty nest, one daughter home for the summer, one daughter moving home to graduate and head to med school and my mother-in-law moving to our city to possibly live with us.
3. … that I am so intimidated my their spiritual knowledge!
Hey I’m with you on #1 and #3. Howdy from just up the road in UC. 🙂
Lisa Braun – Warman, Saskatchewan CANADA – yes the shipping was expensive 🙂 but when divided among 15 women it’s definitely feasible! 🙂 We’re all going solo but have a FB group to keep us ‘together’ 🙂
1. Don’t Worry – Be Happy …fun song 🙂
Lord I come to You…give me wisdom, to know just what to do ….more serious song ♥
2. My son is home from England Capernwray Bible school, my middle daughter is graduating this month and then off in Sept to that same school in England. I’m recently home from an Israel trip and preparing for Greece/Turkey next spring.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am just as weak as the next person and very desperately need the strength of God to carry on from day to day…in all situations…without Him I am nothing.
4. Oh how I yearn to see the fruit of which has been sown and I want to feast on it and give God the glory for it so that the enemy doesn’t eat it alive! Don’t listen to the lie that God never does anything with fruit I’ve sown.
Marilyn Odessa, FL studying with a my email BFF Wendy
1. You Raise Me Up
2. I am the child becoming the parent.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am fiercely loyal.
Shakopee, MN
I’m going solo!!! PRAYERFULLY connecting with a few igfriends (theboyandthelittles) & blog along the way!!!
1. House at Pooh Corner by Kenny Loggins & My Hope Is In You by Third Day
2. After finishing a crazy school year (I’m a teacher) I’m feeling parched, overwhelmed, and weak as I enter this summer with three boys (15, 3, & 2). . . . more anxious than ever, EVER before. Sigh.
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew about me is that I love deeply and fiercely. . .so much it hurts.
4. REMEMBER what HE has done! Remember, reflect, SHOUT for JOY!! Praying like a crazy lady for the eyes to see the fruit and to remember. . . .plant them, Lord, plant these memories in my heart . . .allow me to not be so parched. . .fill me with your word and your grace and your love and your JOY and allow me to connect with these prayerful women. For you, YOU are good. All. The. Time.
#1 blessed be your name
#2 have ear surgery on the 25th to hopefully restore hearing from bacteria meningitis infection 6 months ago.
#3 I want my sisters to know.. I’m shy, but I really do love to talk one on one
Kacee, Storrs,CT – SOLO w/far-away friends online:
1. Just exiting “Dancing in the Dark” (Springsteen) – thank you, Jesus!
2. Fully enjoying a full nest of fledglings who are preparing to fly.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…am desperately weary and in need of those who love Him to simply exist in my life.
4. I am going to write my name on the bananas right now and let’s see what those fledglings make of it! 🙂
colleen, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.solo-fb group also
1. I can only imagine
2. first year of new marriage done, adjusting to many things.
3 I wish my sisters in Christ new that i am struggling with a habit in my life that is on my mind all the time.
4, Summer Fruits. If not picked birds of prey will feed on them.
Colleen,
My first year of marriage was a HUGE adjustment. My husband just couldn’t seem to understand that I was always right… 🙂
All joking aside, I know what it’s like to be plagued by a habit. I’m praying for you.
Love,
Marie
You are not alone. The Lord has led me out of bondage to a habit (mine was more of an adfiction) that was uppermost in my mind every waking minute for at least 3 years! Praise His Holy name! Still have a few habits to work on, but I am just concentrating on learning about His love, grace, and mercy right now. If you are beating yourself up over this habit, stop! Know God does not love you any less and your behavior does not surprise Him or shock Him. Just be real with Him in prayer about how weak you are where this habit is concerned and ask for His strength. Don’t give up. Doit every day even if you give in to your habit. Also read and learn verses that talk about who you are in Christ and how much He loves you. Praying for your victory in our Lord!
Addiction….not adfiction!
Melissa , Glen Allen,VA-solo
#1. Again I Say Rejoice (by Infinite Grace-WOF Worship Team) “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say “Rejoice”
#2. Our only son is getting married on June 29th. My husband and I are so happy. We are becoming in-laws and we love our new “daughter”. We thank God for sending her to our son.
#3. I would like my sisters in Christ to know that the reason I have very thin hair is that I am an 8 years breast cancer survivor and the treatments caused my hair to never fully grow back.
#4.Thanking God for allowing the fruit of our advice to our son, which helped him to become a true gentleman and knowing he was really listening to our parently advice over the years.
Megan, St. Louis, Solo…
1. Breathing, by Lifehouse
2. This has been a season of letting go of anxiety about where God wants me; a week ago today grief was added to this season.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have had my times of anger and darkness (I’m “sweet and kind” because I choose to be–because God is good!, not because I haven’t experienced devastating grief).
4. I don’t want the birds of prey to eat my fruit!!!
1. Carry Me by Josh Wilson
2. I am moving from Indiana back to Arizona after 10 years
3. The longer I walk with God, the more aware I am of my weaknesses and the more dependent I am on Him.
Dustalyn, Murdock, NE (small group= my 20 year old daughter and me), #2 In a season of my life that I need healing and clarification.
Karen, Virginia , solo
1. Don’t Stop Believing- Journey
2. It’s a time of discernment, youngest in HS, desiring to know God’s will in what to do for Him
3. I treasure the listening and learning from my sisters in Christ
4. The thought, be faithful to His word and watch for what has been sowed to be ripened.
Betty, Wendell, NC
1. Let me be a Witness by Marty Stuart and Jerry and Tammy Sullivan.
2. In this winter season of my life I praise Jesus for providing special ministries that I can do now, sharing Him over the Internet and sending Scripture cards to the grieving and hurting.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that Jesus gave me a love for Scripture large enough to memorize it (something else I can do in this winter season).
4. I feel God’s hand on me to repent of ignoring Him so much during my day.
Stacy, Fresno, Ca-Solo
1. “Need You Now” by Plumb
2. Struggling in my marriage and completely relying on God to get me through.
3. It is hard for me to trust.
Scrolling through comments and yours made me stop. Just said a prayer for you. A rough marriage affects *everything*. God is so faithful. Soak up that grace every single day, Sister.
Patricia,Elizabethtown, Ontario, Canada
1. Worn (Tenth Avenue North)
2. I took a year off from work because I needed a break from constant stress. I got off the hamster wheel. I am dreading going back.
3. I try to look perfect on the outside to hide the fact that I am so imperfect on the inside. I am tired of trying so hard.
4. I was just thinking this morning about how tired I am of praying prayers that never seem to get answered – I was ready to give up.
Karen, Martinsville, NJ
1) “Let’s Hang on (to what we’ve got)”– Four Season’s (I’m a bit “Vintage”)
2) It’s been a difficult, bumpy ride as we’ve prayed, waited and encouraged our adult son (in Austin, TX) over the past 10 months of his unemployment.
3) I’d like my Siestas in Christ to know that I can laugh, I can cry, I can party, I can pray with the best of them!!
Dianne, Kennesaw, GA- Solo
1. “I am Redeemed”
2. I am a first time Grandmother and I am turning 50 in September.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am just a real person seeking to serve the Lord and others.
Tara, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Solo!
1. Jesus take the wheel, Carrie Underwood
2. I’m a 26-year-old newlywed following my husbands career across the Midwest. 4th state in 4 years!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I fear their judgement.
Praying for you! Excited to see another MN gal here! Hugs.
Tammy, Christiansburg, VA, going solo
1. I will praise you in this storm. Casting Crowns
2. Parent of 9 year old girl, just now healing from broken ankle and have some other health concerns recently.
3. I am quiet but I am a caring person who is good at listening.
1. Change My Heart, O God
2. Mom with advanced Alzheimers living 350 miles away, husband & I are preparing for retirement, struggling to fit in and find healing in a new church after many years in previous church where we left because our hearts were hurting
3. Have no self confidence but love to encourage others.
4. Praise God for the Word you received today, Beth:SUMMER
So hopeful for ripening of fruit in our children and grandchildren this summer.
Monica Blankenship
Springboro, OH/Solo
1) Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
2) Working on getting in shape/healthy, constantly!
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I… have been there and done that. I can relate to more than they know.
4) What is ripening in my life? New job. New opportunity. All these years in my current job…are they the ripening for what I am getting ready to start? I think, YES!
1. Hello my Name Is
2. Three of my four daughters are blossoming and thriving in their young adulthood; what incredible joy to watch them go.
3. My feelings can be easily hurt.
4. Take these seeds and be purposeful to grow.
1. “Hello, My Name Is” by Matthew West
2. More focused on the redeeming and victorious power of God’s living and breathing Word.
3. That I’m just not very good at small talk, but love, love when we can really talk about stuff that’s going on in our lives.
4. That I would recognize the fruit and that I would have enlightened eyes and also that God would continually reveal to me when I need to repent.
Jamie, Ooltewah, Tn / Solo
1. At Your Feet by Casting Crowns
2. I have an older son who is newly married, my other two sons are in college, I have recently retired, and have been having quite a time getting my hormone medication to the proper dosage resulting in hot flashes.
3. I hate drama….. and I love God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with every fiber of my being.
4. “I am believing that God is putting it on our hearts to be faithful to His word and to watch for the fruit to ripen (for plucking) that we have
sown”
The calm after a Summer storm,prayerfully waiting for God’s direction,feeling God’s peace & strength,ready for the harvest!
June, Coarsegold, CA:
1. On the Road Again
2. For this season of my life I am facing some health issues.
3. I wish my Sisters-in-Christ knew that even though I have a joyful, bubbly personality it doesn’t mean that I don’t have challenges and hurtful situations in my life.
4. What resonated the most with me from the video was that I need to recognize the fruit when it comes into my life (the banana illustration).
Monica Blankenship
Springboro, OH/solo
1) Fat Bottomed Girls, Queen 😉
2) Healthy habits, more exercise..constantly dealing with better health.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that…..I have been there done that. I get it.
4) I am starting a new job in my company next week. The ripening is coming to pass after 5 1/2 years in this spot. It’s time. Thankful to God for it!!!
Leigh, Atlanta GA, solo
1. Lord, I need you by Matt Maher
2. Overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I want real relationships with real people- I am tired of playing “games” and lack of transparency.
1. I’m So Excited (pointer sisters)
2. Summer off, not working by choice and have time to really spend with my youngest daughter (15 yo) and encourage her in her walk with the Lord. I also feel God urging me to understand what it really means to surrender everything to Him and love Him first and best of all.
3. I would love to have a close girl friend- I’m trying to learn how to let people in.
Adding to my post above
Minnesota, studying solo
Registering for Teresa, Charleston SC, Small Group, #4
Teresa,Charleston, SC, Small Group, #1 – The song title best describing my life right now? “When Tomorrow Comes” from Les Miserables……
Wanda, Hiram, GA, solo
1. Take My Life and Let It Be
2. Starting to transition my thinking from working to possibly retiring
3. I am not good with two-dimensional relationships
4. I need to be in Bible study – especially in the summer
Mimi Decatur Al. Solo and ready to go.
1.Just as I am done by Travis Cottrel.
2.A prayer I need today. He lets me know wait.
3.That they knew how much I need them especially now.
Yvette, Roseburg, OR/small group #2 My present season is unique in that my only child(daughter) just had her eighteenth birthday.
Katie San Diego, CA Solo
1. Steady my heart -Kari Jobe
2. My season is to get over my fears and just trust God with all of my heart, Just let go and dig into the scriptures.. know him better.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I act a lot stronger then I really am being a military wife has made me that way.
Mary, Zeeland, MI, Solo
1.Worn
2. A busy three year old boy to chase after during a a very demanding work season for my husband.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have really seen God working in my life and growing me in many ways recently, even though I have known Christ since I was a child. I regret not having the same passion for His word and desire for a changed life then as I do now.
4. I am praying for a bountiful harvest on that which has and is being sewn in my marriage and parenting.
Rebecca Jo – Greenville, Indiana – Solo Bible Studier 🙂
1. I dreamed a dream
2. My age is catching up with me with aches & pains, but trying to keep it from taking my smile & joy 🙂
3. I wish my Christian sisters knew that I’m the worst sinner they’ll know so no judgment will ever come from me.
Jenna, Johnson City, TN- Solo
1) “The Lord Our God” (Kristian Stanfill) “Promise maker, promise keeper, you finish what you begin.”
2) I am 26 yrs old, single, and struggling to get by financially, I work at a preschool to pay the bills. I am following God’s call and leading worship on Sundays at church and Wednesdays for youth, I am also working on recording some songs that I have written through my walk with Christ–oh and I am also needing to find a place to live by July–I’m scared, but I don’t want to give up on my dreams.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may seem strong, but I am a little girl at heart with big God-sized dreams that at times scare me to death.
4) I needed that word. I needed to be told to ask God for open eyes for the ripening of fruit. I feel like I have been sowing for years and years now. I just now started recording the songs that have been written and inspired from my day to day walk with Christ. The goal to finish is August. I want so badly to harvest that long ago sown seed. Thank you Beth.