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.
Robrenna Lincoln, NE-Solo
#1 Hello, my name is by Matthew West
#2 Stillness. I’ve given up all that I was doing in ministry except for Sunday School teaching 6th grade girls, to listen to what God has for me.
#3 I wish my sisters knew that although I’m great when you’re in challenging circumstances, I need someone to be there for me too.
#4 The Lord has shown Himself in many ways in my and my family’s life and I’m ready to display my fruit and store up some provision for what’s ahead. Thankya Jesus!
1. The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel
2.I’m waiting on God to reveal to me what my next season in life is.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that even though on the outside I appear to have it all together, on the inside I do not and am often scared of decisions I have to make.
Hi Robrenna,
I, too, gave up all I was doing in ministry because I really wanted to make sure I was serving God where and how he wanted me and not just how the church wanted me to. I am ready to come out of that season of stillness and seeing how God puts ministry right in front of me when I least expect it. I am also going solo on this journey so I am grateful to be learning with you!
and wouldn’t want to forget this-I get what you mean about needing people to be there for you at times too! It was most frustrating that people always thought I could carry the world on my shoulders. Since stepping out of a leadership role, I have gotten a little more support although at times, being supported was also hard to get used.
Janet, Flower Mound, TX solo
1. Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban (last kid out of the house, time for me and the hubby!)
2. Daughter getting married, becoming “true” empty nesters – love is in the air all around us!
3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am really not as hard-hearted as I sometimes come across.
Julie dk in Casper Wyoming
#1 – I Look to You by Whitney Houston
#2 – My present season is being the spiritual leader of my household and trying to show my sons the path tobecome young men that have a heart for the Word and for God.
#3 – I wish my sisters of Christ knew that although I look confident and all together on the outside – I struggle and have a soft heart on the inside.
Tricia/Charlottesville, VA/solo
1. The Stand – Hillsong United
2. I just moved hours away from friends & family for a new job and it is HARD.
3. That authentic relationships are what I desire most.
4. Which banana is mine!? 🙂
I moved two states away from my friends and family for a job almost 2 years ago. I am FINALLY making some friends and have found a great church. My advice: find a good church and get involved. I didn’t and the last 2 years have been SO hard, not just on me but on my marriage as well. May God lead you in the direction He wills for your life and may He bring new, Christian friends your way to encourage and support you. God bless you, Sister!
Numbers 6:24-26
Ashley/Raeford, NC/ solo
1. Not For a Moment (After All) by Meredith Andrews
2.New job; baby boy starting kindergarten in August
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new that I longed for more friends in Christ!
4. Summer is a dry season=don’t let your summer be dry by not spending time in the word and with God.
Me, too, Ashley! Sometimes, it seems that I’m the only person in my town that is seeking Christ. Thank goodness for my Siesta girls!!! 🙂
Me too Ashley!
1. “Threaten Me with Heaven” by Vince Gill
My apologies — somehow I managed to “post” before I finished. Here are my other responses:
2. Right now my life has been interrupted by the demands of caring for my 84 year old mother who has moved into assisted living.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a “reconstructed” child of God because of my journey through breast cancer.
4. Today’s devotion has given me a burning desire to see fruit ripen in my life this summer. I’ve been in a season of waiting and I am ready for God to use me!
Crystal/Dunn,NC/ Solo~
1- Crazy
Crystal/Dunn,NC/Solo~
1-Crazy
2-In this season I am dealing with health issues with my 12 yr old son, trying to loose weight to better my health and my oldest daughter just graduate high school and will start college this fall.
3~I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a hard time trusting and opening up to others about my feelings due to my past.
Your 2 and mine are so similar. I too and trying to get a handle on my weight and I have a 2013 graduate too. I’m sending prayers your way!
Natalie, Houston, duo with my daughter :))
1. “Keep Your Eyes Open” needtobreathe (I need to get up earlier :))
2. With my children grown and my husband working overseas during this “season”, I have unprecedented personal freedom for ministry, for travel, for projects.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may appear competent and not in need of anything but I am often lonely and crave relationships and fun times with friends.
4. I loved the verses about summer which were very thought provoking! I often encourage myself and others to enjoy the season but also to use it and not let summer just be a wasted time. It’s a time for FRUIT ripening and plucking and picking and claiming!!
Natalie, your #3 could have been written by me.
Linda, Tomball, TX, solo
1. She’s Country
2. My youngest is starting high school this fall, and we will be homeschooling for high school for the first time.
3. I take relationships seriously, and therefore take longer to warm up to others.
4. I am going to be watching for the ripening of fruit this summer!
1. ‘Hello My Name Is’ by Matthew West and ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’
2. I am in a season of beginnings and endings… First child leaving preschool and going to Kindergarten in the fall, and middle child leaving the nest and starting preschool in the fall, leaving me with the third kiddo at home a few days a week!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that though I am a planner, outgoing, and a tad on the loud side, I love to sit and be quiet and listen…
4. I can’t wait to see what my SUMMER FRUIT is! 😉
Hi Beki! Love what you wrote as #4 this is so true what will out SUMMER FRUIT look like after we finish this bible study! Summer is full of life as well as old things die new fruit emerges and new life begins!
Wendy Fort Walton Beach, FL/solo
#1 – Girls just want to have fun.
#2 – Currently changing jobs due to a layoff. Worried about finances – always!
#3 – I am a friend for life as long as you don’t hurt me.
Diana, Greenville, KY/small group #3 that I sometimes enjoy just sitting back and being taught and not always being the teacher.
Also, aside from the fact that I love being there for others and helping them in their time of need. I often wish that they realized that just because I am in ministry, it does not mean that I have it all together and need nothing…Sometimes I would like to hear….tell me how you are REALLY DOING!
This was my answer to this question as well. I work hard at being real — but somehow people still assume I’ve got it all under control! Then they are disappointed when the realize I don’t!
I did. Stressed out of my mind but know “This too shall pass”.
Diana, I am a woman pastor at our church. I read your post as if it were mine from a few years ago. Being a leader in a church can be a lonely place, but it doesn’t have to be. God has shown me that He has called me to lead and teach others and not to expect that back while “doing ministry”. He fills us with all we need, first of all, and He also began to put 3 or 4 other women in my life who I could share everything with, who I could be myself with, who could pour into me when I needed it so desperately. He taught me to be transparent to the women/people I minister to, and to never pretend that I have it all together. It gave me a freedom I hadn’t had before. It also helped us all remember that it’s all about God’s grace and not our performance. I want to ask you, “How are you REALLY DOING?” I hope you will let me know. I will be praying for you and for God to put women in your life who will minister to you when you need it. 🙂 Maybe He already has. Thank you for your post and your honesty. Blessings,
Laura
I understand sister, sometimes the one teaching needs to be taught. Our pastor preached a great sermon on letting go this past Sunday. It is hard as women to grasp that but it feels goo sometimes. Mark Driscoll always says, “you have to have some times when you just say NO”. Peace be with you.
Dawn Texas
1. Forgiveness
2. Seeking God with all my heart and soul, is my seson in life learning how to truly forgive.
3.Need to learn how to control my raw emotions
Sue MacDonald, PA/solo
#1 – My song right now is “She works hard for the money” because I just started back to work this spring after my youngest started kindergarten.
#2 – Our summer officially begins today and the sun ain’t shining yet (literally); but it will. Hope is on the horizon.
#4 – I pray this summer for those things in my life which need restoration that I would have the conviction to move forward as God strengthens me.
Looking forward to this ministry, thanks Beth!!
Sharon;Pueblo West, CO; Group
#2. Family is in the midst of a violent storm, my son and I in the middle and the two we love that we have been praying for salvation causing the storm, but listening to today’s video about harvesting fruit brought Gal.6:9 to mind!
Wendy, Jackson Center, Pa, Small group
1. ” Footloose”
2. I am retired and loving time with my family and friends.
3. I treasure the times I have spent with various sisters in Christ, has helped to make me stronger and rooted in Him.
1. A Bridge Over Troubled Waters
2. During this season, I am dealing with the loss of my mother and all the legal stuff that follows.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am actually very shy, but love being around them.
4. Celebrate the ripened fruit
Samantha, Clinton, IA / Small Group
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle so very much to understand the Bible!
Kathryn, Oceanside CA, Solo
1- He is Exalted
2- My current season is CHANGE moving to CA with my husband from AZ where I have lived all my life leaving family and elderly parents behind.
3- I wish my sisters in Christ knew that once you get to know me I am not shy!
4- Fruit is ripening during summer.
1)Something Tells Me I’m Into Something Good
2)I have a first grandchild!
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am shy.
Ashley, Chittenango, NY; Group
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that underneath the many hats that I wear, resides a vulnerable woman who’s heart beat longs for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus….
Monica, Draper, UT/solo
1. You Set Me Free by Angie Miller
2. Empty nester w 3 adult children experiencing their independence & none choosing to attend church or a Bible study. Very hard for me to observe & stay quiet. Believing in Him & His Will in their lives.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew its hard for me to be vulnerable w my story cause of all the pain it caused me. I don’t want to act like a victim but deep down I do feel it was so unfair, so unkind.
4. Anticipating the fruit to harvest out of my life.
Thank you Siesta Mama!!
Leigh, Montgomery, AL/Solo
1. My song for the moment is “Walking on Sunshine.”
2. God is blessing me with a season of peace, joy & delights aplenty.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a dry sense of humor & am hilariously funny as you get to know me.
4. I am excitedly anticipating a harvest of delicious summer fruits, the best fruits of any season.
1. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
2. My precious birds now have their own wings and are flying high.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new about my mountains and valleys I so strongly feel in my walk with God.
Kathleen, Aberdeen, WA..Solo
1. At Last.
2. Planning for retirement, and being a little worried!
3. Was eager for close, meaningful relationships with my sisters in Christ.
4. Praying that my fruit will ripen this summer, and that I can share it with others.
Jessica, Rockvale, TN (Group)
#2 I’m the mommy of a 4 year old girl, and I love every minute of it! Our summer began a week ago, and we are having fun with VBS and lots of play dates 🙂
Lucy, Sycamore, IL, solo
1. Thriller by Michael Jackson
2. I am having a second interview for a position as a biblical counselor — my dream job!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that my cat, Sneakers, is my brother stand-in. 🙂
Donna, Marquette MI, solo
#1: Trying by Molotov Jukebox
#2: I was in a great Christian community and had a ladies Bible study support group but now I’m solo after moving back home last year.
#3: I may look like I am strong & confident in my faith but I have so many questions (especially as I get older).
1. Let’s get serious – jermaine Jackson
2. This present season is unique as I have been in a period of discipline and pruning and I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of this in abundance!
3. I would like my sisters in Christ to know that that I have lived a very fearful life for a long time and stepping out in faith and living a faith filled life has been life changing but still feels at times, fragile.
4. God has been so good to me and has guided me to purge my life of so many dehydrating things. I want to recognise every one of the different rich luscious fruits my pruned branches will bear this summer and store, treasure and remember them.
I identify with your comments. I just know that God is going to bless us in our efforts to know Him better and to live the life that He has planned for us!
Beckie, Tool, TX /Solo
1. Feeling Groovy
2. I have retired, moved to the country and God is continually opening doors for me to serve in amazing places.
3. …have not always been the strong confident woman that I feel I am today but God is a God of miracles.
1) Healing Begins, Tenth Avenue
2) Present season, waiting for God to answer prayer.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ new how hard it is for me to be transparent.
Kathy/Leesburg, VA/solo
1. Jesus Take The Wheel
2. I’m feeling pressure (and some jealousy) about being our family’s sole bread winner while the kids are on break
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a hard time with being social and ask for MUCH grace and help in this area of life.
#1 “One”
#2 My three men are all looking for work and we have no money for the basics.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I feel lost, lonely and afraid; even with all my hope in Christ.
1. Babylon by Josh Garrels
2. One daughter is dating the other is moving out of state, gulp!
3. I don’t always do what I should do, another gulp!
Julie Olds; Forest Grove, Oregon; Solo
1. It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night by the Beatles
2. Split second and my life has been changed – my husband got hit by a car last Saturday while walking in a loading zone.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I minimize everything.
Sara, Birmingham, AL- going solo
1. Nothing But The Blood- All Sons & Daughters –I try to find my comfort in anything and everything besides Jesus.
2. The season I’m in right now is one big transition.. Graduated college, about to start working in the real world. And engaged, preparing to be a wife. And moving back to my hometown, trying to find a church community.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I value my friendship with them more than they realize- even if I don’t show it all the time.
4. This video was SUCH an encouragement.. I’ve been in this long season of struggling with a particular part of my life, just desiring for something to good to come from it. And I feel the Lord is going to bring it to pass this summer! That gives me perseverance to finish well.
Hey Sara,
Half my family lives in the ‘Ham so it’s special to me. Big transition for sure for you but so exciting, too–especially the part about getting married! Congratulations!
1. Blessings – Laura Story
2. Beginning the adoption process: feeling blessed and overwhelmed.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I became a Christian later in life and God has healed me from many hurts that resulted from my own bad choices. God is so good!
4. Am preparing for the harvest of summer fruits!
4.
Sarah, Marion, KS, solo
Beth; Saint Joseph, MO–solo
1) The BIBLE- song our family sings before bedtime with our two toddlers as we try to help them hide God’s Word in their hearts…and ours, too.
2) God is calling me into a new ministry at church, teaching me to believe Him to do the bearing of fruit in it.
3)I have social anxiety so, although I very much need and desire personal relationships, I struggle with “putting myself out there” in social ways.
1. Man in the mirror by Michael Jackson
2. I believe God is preparing me for change in different aspects of my life.
3. I am quiet until you get to know me. I wish people would know that I am friendly and kind.
4. I am going to stay in his word and claim that my fruit will ripen.
Barb, St Cloud MN/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.) Worn by Tenth Ave North
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? After 7+ years of being a nanny I am resting and waiting.
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…” am in introverted giver.
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video devotional that resonated with you. Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and hear, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease.” No matter how worn I feel God isn’t done with me until I am called home to Him in heaven.
1. Trust and Obey
2. Preparing to begin a new job in August.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew the real me, that I would take off my “everything is okay with me mask”.
4. Looking forward to seeing the fruit of the summer.
Pamela West Virginia, solo
1. My song is “staying alive” (in Christ this summer)
2. I am in a season of starting a women’s ministry at our church
3. I wish my sisters Christ knew that I needed them as much as they need me.
Karen Todd, Beech Island, SC. Solo
1. Victory in Jesus
2. In our family business we are fighting to stay open, the horrible economy has hurt, working lots of hours, praying continues as to what God wants us to do.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I might look like I got it all together, I battle low self confidence.
4. As I prepare to stay in the word this summer I am looking for a great harvest of God of summer fruit, and I am going to shout praises to God.
Megan; Montgomery, AL;solo
#1. My song would be “Gone Country” by Alan Jackson. My boyfriend lives on a farm and I was a city girl. I am loving the country life :).
#2. I am in my mid twenties,just starting out my adult life and soon to be engaged!
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I wish I had more Godly women surrounding me.
Neli, Houston, TX, small group.
Lori, Waxhaw, NC
#1 – Bless the Broken Road – Amazing the path’s God leads me on, over and through.
#2 – Mother to a young teen (13) daughter, and grandmother to 3 new grandbabies.
#3 – I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that all though I look stoic and hard and often unapproachable, I long to be approached. . .I’m compassionate and have a heart to serve.
#4 – I KNOW there is fruit – praying that God will remove the scales from my eyes, that I might recognize not only the fruit, but the precious face of the gardener/vine dresser.
Danielle, Evansville, IN, solo:
1.”I haven’t the time for the pain”
2. Struggling with mental and health issues, but trying to focus on the blessing God has recently given me.
3. One thing I wish my sisters in Christ knew about me is that I feel things very deeply though I may not always react as if I do.
4. Shouting for joy at the harvest.
Kris, Omaha, NE Going Solo
1. “I believe I Can Fly”
2. While I love that the kids are off of school, having very little quiet time in the house for 90 days is taxing.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am a work in progress.
4. Been reading Breaking Free over the past few weeks and I really do feel as if God is creating a ripening fruit in my life.
1) Crazy by Gnarls Barkly
2) I have lived a life of moving and not building relationships, I am now at point in life where I need to build community, and it’s hard, if you have never done it.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not self-sufficient and I don’t have a lot of self-confidence.
Heather Gerard, Bellingham WA, Solo
#1. Highway Run
#2. My current season is spiritual in that God is working with me in battling the enemy’s lies with His truth.
#3. even if I don’t talk with them regularly I still consistantly think about,care and pray for them.
#4. The plucking of fruit and remembering with joy and thanksgiving all that Christ has done for me.