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.
Cathie – Jacksonville FL
(with 2 great friends!!)
1 – Something Beautiful (Need to Breathe)
2 – Empty Nest back to Full Nest
3 – I wish they knew that I always say way too much!!
4 – Storing up some for later – so that we don’t forget all the wonderful things God has done for us!! Love the summer and ripen also!!(Can’t wait to see what will ripen!!)
Sandra R., Swainsboro, GA, solo
1. Crazy
2. Youngest son back after living elsewhere for twelve years.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t have it all together and need help at times.
4. The devotional resonated with me about ripe fruit because we have a garden and fruit trees. I have peas to shell and green beans to snap in my kitchen right now.
But what I hope is that over the years of teaching Sunday School and Bible Study that I have sown something that will ripen soon.
Velma, Colbert, OK/small group: #2
Fighting my weight with a vengeance this summer as I turned 49 last week. Yikes!! I said it, 49.
Sheryl, Rocky Mount,NC
1. “Need You Now” by Plumb
2. Separated from my husband of 34 years.
3. How lost I feel!
4. Will be looking for fruit to pluck from seeds I have sown to the glory of God.
Kim Eshelman Lewisburg, PA
I am doing this study with one friend, Carol Willow this summer.
Kelly, Columbia, SC, Small group
#2. First born graduated HS, and going away to college in Aug.
#4. Looking forward to being pulled out ot the spiritual desert I have been in, looking for fruit…
First, I would like thank you – you are such an inspiration to me. I’ve had the opportunity to study several of your bible studies at my church and on my own. You are amazing and I enjoy you so much!
1. Whom Shall I Fear
2. Two weekends ago my son allowed me to go to my grandson’s High School Graduation. I haven’t seen either in 5+ years. I was so grateful and thankful – I feel my faith, prayers and all the prayers from my Small Group and other’s softened his heart and allowed this to happen.. Praise our Lord!
3. To understand that I have had a very difficult life and I’m not willing to share information from this life – I have only shared with a hand full of close friends.
4. I wish for this summer to bring my son and I back together. I continue to pray for a reconciliation – even if it’s baby steps – I praise the Lord for each time he will communicate with me. I pray for other’s that are hurting and help me be a much better witness to others.
Donna,I will be praying for you and your son. I am touched by your openess, and your honesty. May the Lord bless every seed you sow and return it to you 30, 60, and a 100 fold.
Donna,
Stay strong in faith! Something similar happen to me, the church and I prayed for almost a year straight before we reconciled. Now 9 months after that we are closer than before, but I still pray for the hurt I have to be let go and laid at the cross. I will pray for you and your family. If you need a shoulder or ear, I am here for you as the rest of us in Christ…
From Rochester, NY- flying solo
1- borderline (Madonna)
2- not being in control of my granddaughters life for the first time in 11 yrs.
3-I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am approachable, not as tuff as i look.
4- Clarity of the fruits i posses
Kathie, Asheville NC, going solo
Puppy Love
Empty nest, but just got a new puppy two weeks ago.
Even though I tend to be quiet, your friendship is very important to me.
What is my summer fruit,and what is its purpose?
I’ve already answered the questions. Just had to comment on something…I’ve been reading pages and pages of comments and an overwhelming theme that I’m seeing is how many of us are looking for a friend!! Why is it so hard? There are so many of us that need a good Christian sister-friend and accountability partner that we can confide in, share our burdens, joys, and successes with. Just an observation.
I want to do this to know more about me and Jesus
Michigan, solo
1.?
2.Adult child moving back home
3.How much I struggle to have hope in the midst of illness.
4. To see and know the fruit that is harvest and to store it for the difficult dry season!
Phoenix/Az/Solo
1. Good Feeling by Flo Rida
2. Single raising 3 boys am weary – 8years now; and after 45 weight no matter what type of workout is killing me.
3. Trying to fully understand full love of God — the prodigal-son-father-running to meet kind of love with not having to do anything.
4.
Carmen M. Diaz- Homestead, Florida (1 friend Ellen in another state)
1)Eye of the Tiger (from the Rocky Movie)
2)Aftermath of a Hurricane,in my case serious MVA and rebuilding my body and soul…
3)I wish that my sisters in Christ would know I am Pro-active with unshakable faith for others, but have none in myself.
4)The devotional resonated with me Summer how the fruits we planted can either ripen with care or wither with neglect. For me what I planted in teaching Sunday Middle School/Elementary School to see if what they learned will blossom in the summer.
Laura/ Brandon, FL/ solo
1) Almost Paradise
2) SAHM with 4 & 2yr old…my 4yr old is going to preschool 5 days/wk in fall so enjoying everyday of summer break!
3) I wish my sisters knew that I long to have deep meaningful friendships
4) What a fantastic outline to frame this summer study! Pray for God to help me recognize ripening fruit, to pluck it before birds of prey get it, to know how to prepare the fruit and to remember to celebrate it with joy!
Laura I completely understand in having deep and meaningful friendships. The last few years I realized that both bible studies and online courses is a way to build it. A friend of mine lives by Brandon and we met through a online course. So, stay in faith you will find what you seek and be blessed beyond what you would have thought…
Rachel – Nashville, TN/Solo
1. “For your splendor” By: Christy Nockels
2. My present season is waiting and trusting in the path that God is currently laying out in front of me, for my future.
3. I love having real, one on one conversations with my sisters in Christ!
4. Summer is the time for ripening and picking the fruit.
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
I will be doing the study with 1 friend, Sue. However, we may not be able to participate online as our books have not yet arrived. But we will carry on together.
1. My song: Free at last by Free
2. I am in a season of healing and restoration
3. I wish my sisters new that I desperately want to become the woman I was created to be but feel a failure most of the time.
4. I was encouraged not to give up praying and hoping for fruit regarding a hurt relationship – I have been praying for 3 years!
Please do not give up! Sometimes it takes God a while to work in our lives because our lives are so complex. I am a PhD student in Florida and I just wrote a paper about healing hurt relationships. It is a long-term process that takes time, but it will be worth the wait! Remain strong in your faith, and fruit will come.
#1 “Love Is A Battlefield”
Standing on the promises!
Empty nesters, but started fostering.
Depending fully on God!
Letting God decide when the fruit is ripe.
Becoming empty nesters as daughter moves to Guatemala to and son leaves for college.
1. Help Me Rhonda
2. my only 2 grandchildren have moved far away.
3. my husband is not a believer
4. I need to be in the Word every single day!
Jenny
Douglas, GA-solo
1. Time to Breathe
2. Wonderful
3. I put too much thought & time in trying to complete these questions!
4. I need to take more time harvesting, protecting, enjoying my fruit.
danae | lafayette, in [solo]
1. “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” by kelly clarkson
2. after 10 years of marriage & ministering to other people’s children/teens, we’re expecting our first own little kiddo! 1st trimester.
3. that even though my personality is “alpha female” i don’t feel the need to actually BE the “alpha female” in any groups or friendships.
4. i’m always thinking about planting seeds, & i forget to look for the fruit.
I am going solo on this one!
1.Song:a mother’s prayer by jackie evancho ; just give me a reason by pink; I could really go on I love musiC. Christian song be somebody by thousand foot crutch.
2.I am going through alot of change and I just feel like Iam climbing a wall and it’s as though I can’t grip and I am falling.
3.That I desire to be an artist, and that I never feel like I am succeeding.
Kristin Wiseman, Arizona, Small group #1
“Celebrate Me Home” (Kenny Loggins) , Can’t wait some days, to Go Home to be with the One who loves me Most!
Good Morning by Mandisa
Name: Sarah Eccles, Victoria, BC Canada Going solo
1. My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
2. Season of cancer in our family.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with addiction but God is winning this battle.
4. That God will show me what fruits to pluck and recognize me ripping fruits.
Emily | Atlanta, GA | small group
1. “It Won’t Be Long” The Beatles
2. Season of transition – getting comfortable with a new job, making new friends, finding things that I love to do.
3. I am sometimes hesitant to speak up about things for fear of being “wrong.”
Desiree, Dallas, solo
1. When I get really down, George Strait’s “I Hate Everything.”I listen to it about a million times and after a day or so tell myself to snap out of it.
2. I am 46 with a Curious George, Cat in the Hat, Veggietale lovin’ soon to be second grade daughter.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ new how unworthy of being their study table leader at church I feel. I never seem to say the right thing at the right time and stuff comes out wrong !
4. Summer-let it be relaxed, fun, and fruitful!
Song: Revelation -Third Day (give me revelation)
Season: Walking by Faith in almost every area of my life right now. Ready for a harvest or 10!
Thing wish sisters know: due to many difficult past experiences I frequently still struggle with trusting & believing God. Always trying to do it myself.
Oops! Forgot to add Solo
And # 4. Lord help me to not devour the seeds before they become fruit and direct me to which fruits are succulent and ripe for the plucking.
Brynn in Rogers, AR, going solo
1. Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the Beach Boys
2. Almost graduated from college, almost engaged, almost out on my own. Working my first full-time job interning and figuring out my career path.
3. I actually can’t think of anything, I’m usually an open book. Maybe, that I am naturally grumpy and I need people to gracefully call me out on it so I can realize it in the moment and adjust my attitude.
Barbara Tampa small group
1 Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb
2. Going through character-building times
3. Reliance on His promises. I know whom I believed!
Angie / Hilliard, OH / Solo
wait for me!!!! lol I really am bad at following rules. My apologies in advance and thank you Jesus!
1. Free to be Me -Francesca Battistelli
Remind me who I am -Jason Gray
2. I am also in a season of transition. My kids are getting older, the hugs fewer and far between, my dog is getting old (God Bless his heart!), and I find myself alone in a crowded room more often than not.
3. Outwardly I can appear to be hard as stone and unemotional, I’ve had to be as both mother and father to my children there is no time for tears. That doesnt mean I dont feel, it just means I dont show it as easily. Inside Im just like you and I would really love a hug more than anything else.
4. Yes! The devotion spoke to me on many levels. Dry season.. Im there and have defently given up on a couple of things resently. God has always answered me in His perfect timing and I have no reason to doubt Him now.. its just really exhausting sometimes in the waiting. Praying that my particular fruit in the harvest to come is a home for my family.
Rebecca, TX, small group
2. My family is in the midst of huge transitions: from me being the sole bread-winner to my husband taking on that role, from private schooling to home schooling, from one small town to an even smaller town. Lots of changing!
Amy Simpsonville, SC,solo
1. Dance,Dance,Dance by Mandisa
2. Blessed, busy, and thankful wife and mother.
3. Nothing really. What you see is what you get.
Dana Hilldale, Raleigh, NC – online small group
I just started a new season with my two boys where there are no more diapers!
1. Steal My Show (tobymac)
2. It’s my first season with two teenage daughters; praying daily for wisdom and His hand on them.
3. I wish people could see how seeking God daily has made Him REAL to me.
Oops, sorry … Christina/Houston/solo
Going it solo! #1 Clocks #2 Turned 50 yesterday and feeling the need to give more to God in this second half of my century. #3 I wish my sisters knew how I struggle with following God – I’m not as strong as most people perceive me to be. #4 “Ask for recognition of fruit; eyes to see it.” How much fruit have I missed in my life because I didn’t ask God to help me see it!
1. Song-The old gray mare she ain’t what she used to be.
2. Season-fall/winter-end life with grace and dignity
3. One thing sister in Christ would know about you- I am loyal
Please sign me up for the summer Bible Study
Thanks.
Lisa, Plano, TX, solo
1-Livin’ on a Prayer
2-Going through a period of trial; leaning on the Lord to see me through.
3-Wish my sisters knew I am very loyal & long for close friendship.
4-Thankful in advance for enlightened eyes to see the ripening of fruit that I am hopeful for this summer.
Jamie: Delhi, NY
Solo
1. I Need Thee Every Hour
2. Currently in a season of closure regarding passing of parents, uncertainty regarding health issues of spouse and myself, moving forward.
3. I wish my Sisters in Christ knew how unsure and uncertain I really am.
4. Dry season – I know God is with me always, just not hearing Him too clearly right now. Hoping to stay close to Him through this study.
Summer Nicole | Mountain Home, ID | solo
1. “The Wheels on the Bus”
2. Season of being a new mama; learning how to glorify God and love fully in this new season.
3. I love to dream big and laugh loud, but often don’t do this with people until I feel safe.
Angela, Spring, TX (solo)
1. The Battle Is Not Yours (Yolanda Adams)
2. Starting a business, two of my seven kids going off to college, still have five to homeschool…a lot on my plate.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I was dealing with a very controlling husband, verbally and emotionally abusive
4. I am one of the ones who feel (though I know it isn’t true) I feel like God never does anything with what I sow
Lou, south Florida
1. Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
2. Family transitions are painful right now (mother extremely ill, daughter far away, etc.)
3. I long for a closer walk with the Lord.
4.
Terri, Madison, AL/Solo
1. Carry On by Kutless
2. Oldest graduated high school and moved an hour+ away for a job prior to college this fall, with two elementary age kids still at home
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am relatively quiet until I get to know you really well, then I won’t stop talking.
4. There are some things that I have been praying for for a very, very long time. Could this be the time for them to ripen enough to be plucked after all of these years? Lord give me the enlightened eyes to see it as it is ripening and help me not to miss the time of plucking.
Solo from Arkansas
1 The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference
2 Waiting
3 I wish my sister’s in Christ could see my heart because I fail miserably at showing it.
Laura,Prairieville, LA Solo
1. Walking on Sunshine
2. my daughter’s first summer home from college.
3. I am lonely for close personal lady friendships here.
4. That I need to recognize my fruit when I comes. I know I miss it sometimes.
Ann, Cataula, GA Solo
Lord, I Want to Know You More
My passion for ministry is deepening as my parenting role is changing (my son is getting a little older and less dependent).
I wish my sisters in Christ knew that this question has me stumped!
I was very moved by the thought that summer comes around again–I’ve not had my last summer of fruitfulness. Thank you, Jesus.
Wanda – Arizona – Solo
This is your life by Switchfoot
Single mom working two jobs. Two kids are in college and one in middle school.
I wish my sisters in Christ new that sometimes being a single mom is incredibly lonely, but I wouldn’t change a moment of the time that I have been given with my kids.
Helen, Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada (solo)
1. Show Me How To Love
2. This season has incredible blessing of new grandbabies some of the greatest challenge relationally.
3. . . . I need time to sort out and express my thoughts and feelings and can seldom do it on the spot.
4. Perfect message for me today. . . sooooo needed this word, and receive the hope of fruit this summer!!!
#2 should say . . . and some of the greatest. . .