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.
Tracie, Fairfield Ohio – Solo!
song – Don’t Stop Believing – by Journey
In my spirit I feel a shift is imminent but have no idea (yet) what it might be! (exciting and scary! lol)
I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I really would love to have some good friends to spend time with!!
Resonating within me is that if I do not recognize the fruit & harvest it, the enemy will steal it!
Brenda/Renton, WA/SOLO
#1: The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
#2: I’ve chosen to actively pursue reconciliation with the girl in the mirror.
#3: I ask a lot of questions
#4: Fruit – Its coming and its okay to protect the crop!
Brenda, I just moved FROM Renton to Cheney last weekend. I will keep you in my prayers throughout the study. Kristin
1. Amazing Grace – How sweet it is!!!
2. I’m in a season where I feel lost, down trodden, constant struggling and trying to hold my head up above the water.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’ll be there for them day or night and that I love every one of them.
Linda, Johnstown, Pa., solo
#1 – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
#2 – I am retired, enjoy traveling and spending time with my 5 grandchildren, and I am very thankful to have my 92-year-old mother still in good health and living just 2 hours from me.
#3 – …I do not make friends quickly or easily, but when I make a true friend, it is for life; and although I do not talk much in groups, I still think and feel much, and love the Lord much.
#4 – I am waiting expectantly to harvest some fruit this summer from seeds that I have sown and God has been watering.
I can’t hear Beth! I hear about 5 seconds of music at the very beginning and then … nothing. Help?
Cassia, Spring, TX, solo
1 – “Lean on me”
2 – My oldest child is starting Jr High in the fall, and I have launched a career as a writer.
3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I get really nervous and vulnerable feeling when I share personal details, and it makes me act a little goofy.
4 – Loved the summer fruit, and I am asking God to help me see and pluck the ripe fruit, prepare and use it, and store up some for later!
1. It’s A Heartache
2. Mentoring young adult children, one of whom is struggling with the break up of a long term relationship.
3. I love to plan and go on trips, whether it’s a trip down the street or across the ocean!
4. I LONG to see what fruit God ripens in my life.
Bryan, TX – solo
1. He Been Faithful
2. My season is at my age mid fifties studying to become MS certified.
3. I wish my sisters knew that I. . .that I love bible studies.
jody from Morenci, MI –going solo
1. “Never Once” by Matt Redman
2. Still growing and learning. One of our kids and FIVE grand kids are moving to Africa to serve with AIM.
3. I am very task oriented, and struggle not being in control. I am VERY cautious with being vulnerable and putting myself out there. I’m a pastor’s wife, which has its own dynamic.
4.There is a banana with my name on it. I sure hope so! 🙂 Summer is the time for ripening — what will God show me?
Jody, I just read your responses and knew it was you! I’m doing it too, solo! Since we are having one service for the summer, I won’t get to be in the adult worship services at all, so I decided to do this Bible study! So glad to see you on here!
1. “The Living Years” Alabama
2. Home making/living would describe me right now as a 1 & 1/2 year married bride. I am not working full time right now, but have been a teacher previously for 19 years. My parents are aging in ways now that require more attention.
3. I have OCD and along with it comes the struggle for my self-esteem.
4. God help me pluck, prepare, and store the fruit you have for me to harvest and be used for your Glory for my family, friends, church, and especially for those who do not know you.
Going Solo!
Dear Amanda,
I also have OCD. It’s a real battle some days. I’ll be lifting you up to the Lord. If you ever want to chat, drop me a line at MLSGregg at gmail dot com.
Love,
Marie
1.Somewhere Over the Rainbow
2.During this summer – I have dedicated time to restore, renew from a season of life altering pain & fatigue.
3. I would like for my sisters in Christ to know how much I sincerely love each one. They are a precious gift to me and I praise God for the gift of their friendships.
4.The devotional by Beth provided encouragement to me from God’s Word regarding purpose for this season. This is a part of God’s plan for each one of us to use this time to grow, harvest fruit and store a portion for our times of dry seasons.
Gloria, Bulverde, Tx, /solo 1. All you need is love. 2. This season seems to be one of battling health issues. 3. I wish my sisters would know what a big help I can be sooner than later.
Joanne, Prince George, BC, Canada
#1. I will rise-Chris Tomlin
#2. I am in wait for my next divine appointment, and learning to be content in the season I am in, at home mom, homeschool teacher, outside job, only God knows.
#3. I am a great friend and listener, I just am not the one who takes the first move, please take the time, I am worth getting to know.
#4. I await as an expectant daughter to what fruit God has for me to ripen, pluck and use. It is a time of exploring which box is the present and which one to put to the side for now.
Opps forgot to mention solo.
1. Under Pressure- Queen
2. Pastor’s Wife, Loving my Prodigal young adult girls, Work: Caring for the Aging…pressure from so many seasons of life colliding with mine.
3. I wish my sister’s knew I want to hold your hand when I talk to you.
4. Thirsty for more Living Water in the Hot and Dry of Summer.
Leslie, High Point, NC…solo (Can’t follow directions)
Hey Leslie! Glad to see someone else from NC.
God Bless,
Kim in Franklinville
Jill in Palm Coast, FL
1. Time After Time ~ Cindy Lauper
2.I am in the “waiting room”
3.I want to have close friends, but I am afraid to get too close to people.
4.I can’t wait to see that banana with my name on it!
Mary 28, Maryville, TN Solo
1. Waiting By John Waller
2. I am a single woman, who is trying to get her career going!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that its okay to be single as long as you are in the will of God
1. Footloose
2. I am a widow, empty-nester, and have no grandchildren yet, so I am available for more outreach.
3. That my past is much less than pristine, yet God seen fit to use my life for his honor and glory.
4. God gave me confirmation and encouragement with something that I have been feeling that he is leading me to do and he will give the increase from it.
DeAnne, Talmage, KS/solo:1. Red, Red Robin 2. I am content being at home by myself. 3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle being positive all the time. 4. May I be fruit God can pick and then use.
Autumn, NW Arkansas, small group,
#4: open our eyes and ears to what’s coming. Pick t, prepare and store. Give God the glory.
Brenda, Epsom, NH
1. Worn – Tenth Avenue North
2. Almost empty-nester.
3.I feel lonely a lot of the time and find it hard to let you know the real me.
#4 In the Gideon video, what rresonated with me was the comment that we need to put ourselves in a situation where God has to MOVE! And also at the end, praying for revival in my circle!
Jean – Princeton Maine – solo
1. “You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings”
2. My husband will be retiring in a year.
3. My face does not always reveal what I am thinking.
Sometimes I’m not really thinking about anything! 🙂
4. I am going to be praying for recognition of fruit in my life.
Betsy, Mesquite, TX Solo
#1 I Need a Vacation from my Life (me and my husband we need a wife)
#2 Currently my husband works in another city so we live in 2 places, I only have 2 of our 5 children living at home, and my youngest is 12 so for the first time in 24 years I have no young children. (Giant season of life coming to an end.)
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I need accountability and encouragement in disciplines in life “(prayer, exercise, eating well, discipling kids)
#4 “a time for something to ripen which has been sown” Could that actually be true? And what might that be?
I will suggest princess.com and If youhave a craving, I have a b y Sheri Rose Shepherd. Too bad I live 1000 of miles away. I am looking for the same thing. Seek God, right now He is my accountability.
Alison, Norman, OK Solo (with my teen daughters)
1. P!nk – “Try”
2. God has me in a season of watching others experience devastating loss–I live in the area of the massive Moore, OK tornados—and saying “I love you, but I don’t understand this, Jesus.”
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” am NOT an angry person, it’s just my face. I’m happy! AND funny! 😉
4. I’m definitely in a summer of faith. The negative is the dryness, the positive is the rising up–the fruit–that comes in the middle of it.
Hey Alison… I got one of those faces too!
Jennifer D. San Antonio, TX Leader of small group on line.
1. Love at first sight
2. I am uniquely me, who is working on getting healthier, with God’s help, I know that I will make it through this season of changes.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a person who cares deeply for a lot of things.”
4. The idea of Summer Fruit theme is great.
Sheila, Sharpsburg, GA, Small Group (FB)
1. Not Giving Up – Amy Grant
2. This is a season of trying to figure out my place – learning to prioritize and seek opportunities to share my faith. Not always easy for me.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle to find balance in my life (everything is about my kids) and I am seeking opportunities to develop true friendships.
4. I liked Isaiah 18:6 – if the fruit is not picked, the bird of prey will come. I felt this was a calling on me to not just try to “plant the seeds” but to also find fruit that may be ready to pick. This is an area that isn’t as comfortable for me.
We are a study group of two: my sister and me. Priscilla shared so many profounds insights into God’s people from the book of Judges. There are two concepts that resonates with me: 1) There is beauty is unity; 2)This isn’t a playground, it’s a battlefield. Looking forward to growing with the women of God around the world through this Bible Study.
Michele, Weber City, Virginia (solo)
1. This I Know by David Crowder
2. Waiting to see what the Lord will do with my husband’s employment situation.
3. I wish people knew that I am not as strong as I appear.
4. Praying this dry time (waiting in faith with no idea of what is to come) will produce great fruit.
#1 – Give Me Jesus (Fernando Ortega)
#2 – Dealing with Father’s cancer and we will be first time homeschoolers this year to 2 kids, ages 7&9.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Chris would know that I long to find that sense of joy and peace that I see in other sisters.
Yeah for homeschooling. I will be homeschoolng two 5& 7,. It is a great experience with little frustrations on the way but well worth itresis
God’s blessings on the homeschooling! We are in our 10th year of homeschooling. Our baby is going to start pre-K homeschool very soon, so all 5 of ours will be homeschooling now. A mistake I made at first was I was too serious and worked our oldest too hard! Have fun, learn how they learn best. I am so thankful I have been able to spend the time I have with my children when I think about the fact that my oldest will leave for college in 4 years!
God Bless,
Kim in NC
DeAnna-Greenville SC
Leading a small in home group of 8.
1- “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m looking for” U2- cause I am still looking for my life’s purpose…pressing on!
2-I am almost 44, married,3 young adult sons. Current prayer is to see God move in the lives of these young men and to see the fruit of His Word at work in their lives. Praying Isaiah 59:21 as God’s promise to me over their lives. “So shall it be, Amen!”
3-If only others could see what a FAITH WALK it is for me to serve in the capacity that I do in my church. Pastor’s Wife/Worship Leader… no education/training or qualifications for either…yet will I trust Him.
Darlene/Conyers, GA/small group: WBC
1. From the Shepherd’s Point of View
2. My company has sold to another company and it appears that at 56 years old and after 12 years of service,I will be in the job market within 90 days.
3. I am a very quiet, introverted person; but I really do want to make friends and be a blessing to others.
4. Prov 6:8 spoke to me that we are to prepare our bread in summer.
Heather, Tallahassee, FL/small group
#4 I love the idea of looking this summer specifically for the fruit of that which I have sown in tears.
Carrie, Atlanta, GA. Solo.
1. Let Me Find It by Sidewalk Prophets.
2. We just recently moved cross-country because of my husband’s job and are now in the process of purchasing a home here and getting settled in a much different climate and culture.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that beneath the outward appearance of being ok right now, I’m struggling a lot with adjusting and feeling alone.
4. Spring of water welling up in the dryness of the desert. I feel dry now, am looking forward to the spring of Bible study!
Hi Carrie, I live north of Atlanta, but please let me know if you need any help at all getting adjusted to life here–I’m happy to answer questions or just be a friend!
Anne/Dunn, NC/Solo!
#1 – Give Me Jesus (Fernando Ortega)
#2 – Dealing with Father’s cancer and we will be first time homeschoolers this year to 2 kids, ages 7&9.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Chris would know that I long to find that sense of joy and peace that I see in other sisters.
Rebecca, Austin, Texas
#1: Brickhouse
#2: In my present season I’m rejuvenating my health and relationship with God.
#3: Pne thing I wish my sisters in Christ new about me is my sincerity and compassion towards them.
Julie, Macon, GA/solo.
1. Mama Said–the Shirelles
2.My first season as a part-time worker and a full time Mama!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I love to find a need and meet it.
4. Believing Him for the fruit!
Brea B.; Gardendale, AL, Solo
1. “This is the stuff” by Francesca Battistelli
2. Changes in a job where I have worked for over 20 years.
3. I don’t tell everything about myself when we first meet. I really listen and am very quite at first. It takes time for me to trust and share about myself.
4. Looking forward to the harvest I will produce this summer and giving God all the glory and celebrating with shouts of joy.
Jenny, Lexington, Ky small group
1. Crazy
2. Working and raising two toddlers- It always seems like I have very little time and less energy.
3. It takes me a while to be comfortable with someone I just met, but once I am, I am a loyal friend.
4. I would love to be able to recognize fruit in my life.
4.
1. At the Feet of Jesus by The Swift
2.My current season is slightly overwhelmed. My daughter just graduated hs. My 16 yr old son failed part of his Taaks test and is having to take tutoring and re test. Trying to keep my youngest son away from pornography. All the while doing summer activities and trying to buy a house…….
3. One thing I wish my sisters knew about me is that I have a heart to serve and love Jesus just need help to keep it up!!
Tanya Anderson
Midland, Tx
small group
#1…10,000 Reasons
Lauren, Fairchance, PA/small group: #1 … “The Hurt and The Healer”
#1 – All by Myself
#2 – After almost 25 years of daily interaction with my kids, my husband & I relocated 1000 miles away from them for his job. I’m in an unfamiliar area, trying to make my way.
#3 – If you need me, I will drop everything to be there for you BUT I am not good at the routine of day to day friendships.
#4 – I’m anxious to recognize the ripened fruit when it comes!
1…song, “Friends”..just trying to be a good friend.
2. Present season…just became a mother in law again in March..feeling a little lost without all 4 kids home.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew..that on the inside I’m your biggest cheerleader, I’m just tom shy to scream it out loud.
4. Summer…praying my life will be filled with a new joy and love and desire for Gods word..and that my daughter sees that she is loved by Jesus.
Charmaine
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Small Group
#2 I am in a season with 5 adult children, 2 beautiful grandchildren, a wonderful husband,
and want to now seem to have the time to spend with the Lord. I want to use this time
to the best of my ability to grow in Him and become what He wants me to be.
Nice to see a fellow Canadian:)
ANDE S. CORRYTON, TN SOLO
1: I WILL SURVIVE
2: 41 AND IT SEEMS IT IS A SEASON OF ALONENESS. DAUGHTER IN REBELLION OF FAITH AND NOT ABLE TO CONNECT WITH THOSE CLOSE TO ME DUE TO SCHEDULES ETC. AND HAVING TO RELYING TOTALLY ON HIM.
3: I WISH MY SISTERS IN CHRIST KNEW HOW MUCH I NEEDED THEIR COMPANIONSHIP AND LOVE EVEN THOU I SMILE AND SEEM OK.
Donna, Hopewell, NY/solo
1. Dizzy
2. My youngest child is graduating HS and eldest getting married.
3. I love doing Women’s Bible Studies.
1. Desert Song
2. Reconciling with my husband. As my Pastor says and I truly believe, our God is a God who resurrects relationships. (bringing life to what seems dead.)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I truly love them for being themselves!!
4. Summer – reaping and harvesting for later. My husband and I will see a great growth in our relationship as we reconcile and allow God to work in us and through us for His glory.
Karen, Stephenville, TX, solo
1) “Dust in the Wind”
2) empty nest
4) I need to SEE God’s gifts (the fruit), AND THANK Him for it….and it really is okay to shout with joy over it….even if everyone else thinks you’re stupid for doing so!! :D.
1. Popular Song: I will choose Christ by Kathy Troccoli
2. This Season: Discipline in time management
3. One thing sisters in Christ could have known about me: I have feelings too!
Brenda Collins, Powersville, MO. I will be doing the study with Women’s Bible Cafe.