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.
Registering the Gideon Bible study.
Fran, Stedman, NC, solo
1. Through It All by Andrae Crouch
2. preparing to go on my first mission trip next month.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I truly
appreciate them.
4. God is going to do amazing things through this study.
Lois, Abilene, KS. With a friend
1. “It’s a Beautiful Day”
2. Seeking my passion at this time of my life (retired)
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew sooner how much I love Jesus.
4. I’m looking forward to summer and picking the fruit of the Word through this study.
Julie, Holland, Michigan / Small Group
#4 – The devotional struck me hard. I have felt like my faith has dried in this season… so I am hoping and expecting to produce fruit and be able to praise God for what is about to happen in my life.
Hope, Grand Rapids, MI, Solo,
1. Surrender by Lincoln Brewster
2. I am changing, softening, embracing, praying.
3. I would like to invited.
Betty M ND: Going solo:
1. “She wore an Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie!!!” NOT! This screams for explaining!! I have to skinny down for my son’s wedding next summer!! Yippee!!!
2. Is it a season of fruit bearing or what!!?? Seeing fruit for the years of prayers that our son would meet and marry a Christian girl!! I have prayed for 15 yrs it is coming to pass her name is Beth!!!!!
3. I am fiercely loyal and generous to a fault!!!
4. To we who till the land this is the season to prepare to enjoy fruits of our labors to work hard so we are prepared for winter season of storms. This season of preparation for the season when we cannot work to bring a harvest to fruitation. We work hard, we store up, then winter season comes and that is the season of reflection to learn from, to plan for next season of planting and ripening!
Looking forward to the eating of lush fruit this season!!
Love Ya,
Betty
Susan; Lexington, KY; Small Group
1. Landslide
2. I have two small children and am working full-time, like most moms i know; struggling to find a balance.
3. It takes me awhile to trust and open up to my friends, but i’m loyal and trustworthy.
4. I’m ready for that fruit to hit me the head!!
Farah;Edmond, OK;Group
#3 I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I come off shy when you first meet me but once you get to know me I am very outgoing.
Laurie, Gibsonville, NC, Solo
1. “I’m Changed” by Rascal Flatts ( Thank you, Lord, for showing me what real living is!)
2. I’m in a present season of learning how to “forgive in love,” through His love and strength, because, Lord knows, it is the hardest thing to do!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love them all so much and that I look up to all of y’all! 🙂
4. Summer! We’re going to have our socks blessed off this SUMMER!
1. “You’re gonna miss this” by Trace Adkins.
2. I’m a new mom to my 16 week old son, and a new stay at home mom, too. This season of life is 100% different and everything is new. But it’s the happiest I’ve been in my life. I was made to be his Mom. My husband and I feel extremely blessed. Yet, it still comes with challenges and new experiences to figure out.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with insecurities in my friendships. I’m afraid I like my friends more than they like me.
4. What Beth said about preparing the fruit. Making something of it so that people know I’m a disciple of Christ.
Hi Becky! I’m in the same boat! I just left a 10 year teaching career to stay at home with our 3 month old son! We’ll have to lift each other up during this time…so incredible, but all so new!
Cathy, Russellville, AR
1. While I’m Waiting, John Waller
2. Depressed and lonely.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new that I longed for more friends in Christ!
Alison, Beulah, ND, Solo
1. Who Am I by Casting Crowns
2. Unique season: Two young girls (not in school and not babies), so we’re enjoying life with few outside commitments!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…struggle with the old vs the new ‘In Christ’ me.
4. Praise God for Beth and Priscilla for their faithful devotion to the Lord!!!
Anita Huxman, Shedd, OR
#1 – Politically Uncorrect by Gretchen Wilson
#2 – Finally losing weight after talking about it for 20 years (seriously). Wondering if I’ll still be the same me 45 pounds from now.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew how deeply I long for relationship. I always wanted a sister or a close female friend I could tell anything and everything. I think I have maybe 2 people like that in my life.
Leslie Koomler, IN, Group
1. Blessed by Martina McBride
2. My husband is changing jobs which requires me to take more of a backseat in my career, so that I can support him and our family.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ would know that although I am a woman of few words, I do care, and do desire their friendships.
4. Due to my job as a teacher, summer is a time of renewal and a time to grow spiritual fruit. I look forward to growing through this study.
Linda / NY solo
1. (My prayer is for a) Zippidy Do Da
2. Waiting for my youngest daughter to have her first child
3. That my walk with the Lord is vital to my survival.
4. Repent to enjoy the restoration and recognize the ripening.
Barbara, Lewisburg, KY Going Solo
#1 “The Warrior is a child”
#2 God is moving me out of my comfort zone in so many areas of my life and I’m sure there is a purpose and I can’t wait for it to be revealed.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t have things all together. I too need a shoulder to lean on.
#4 “Summer – a season for something to ripen” Yes, I will be ready when the Summer Fruit comes in!
Jen, Prosper, TX/Solo
#1: Manic Monday!
#2: This season is unique because I’m focused more on how to use my gifts and abilities to serve, rather than just to enjoy them and get something out of it for myself.
#3: I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I didn’t even believe that God existed until about 8 years ago.
#4: What Beth said about something we may have given up on that is now ripening really resonated with me and spoke so clearly to me that I ugly cried for about 5 seconds. 🙂
Joan, Dousman WI, solo
1. Many times I feel like I’m in the “Twilight Zone.”
2. I am caring for my Mother and Mother-in-law both with dementia. My Mother-in-law has lived with us for over 1 year. This care has been added into my very busy life working, caring for my grandchildren, and ministry. I am seeking God’s will for how to balance all this as I can’t continue the way it is now.
3. I find it difficult to share deep feelings with others and tend to stay shallow.
4. God spoke to me clearly in this devo that I need to ask Him to open my eyes for recognition of the fruit of caring for these Mothers. I told a friend/counselor just yesterday that I don’t see much fruit from caring for them and very little encouragement.
Jessica – Cape Coral, FL – solo
1 – Living on a Prayer
2 – We are six weeks away from uprooting our family of five and moving to a brand new city as church planters.
3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have been given the gift of faith and am not ashamed to pray bold prayers.
4 – This summer, as I prepare to move to a new city, I pray God plants and harvests good fruit in my life so I may share with those who need to know HIM.
Hydie Amarillo, TX
1. Heal The Wound by Point of Grace
2. I am being forced to deal with being sexually molested as a child and sexually assaulted almost two years ago, along with grandmother passing and father’s health getting worse. Just changed churches as God lead me to and it has been rough. On a challenge to stay away from pornography.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I just want to be loved and accepted for me.
4. I pray this summer is the summer for that God does the miraculous in my life. Been single my entire life and I am ready for that special someone, I have been picked on and made fun of for so long it hurts.
Deb Palka- Caledonia, IL- Solo
#1 My song right now is How Many Times by Plumb
#2 I’m in a particular season right now where I’m wondering if I’m on the right path and having a hard time with where I am- a lot of struggling and second guessing myself- wishing for a loud voice of direction!
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very good at putting on a happy face when I feel like I’ve died inside. I’m not good with sharing feelings.
Really feeling that I need this ministry- thanks for being there!
Deb, you are not alone! I am noticing, through reading this post, there are many of us here, that feel the same or going through the same season. 🙂 Keep your head up. Lifting you up in prayer!
Missy, Lake Placid, FL / solo
1) “Shackles” by Mary Mary
2) I have been a 24/7 Caregiver for 22 years… Starting a brand new life in a new state.
3) I wished my Christians sisters would have know earlier that I was the ultimate bully and most unloveable person before my Spiritual Birth.
4) As I am watching my natural garden produce fruit, I can see the budding of the fruit I planted before I moved! Only hope the dry, hot summer with me ABSENT doesn’t affect the fruit from growing into maturity.
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY – Solo
1. Song “Today Is Your Birthday” – Beatles
2. Empty nest and parent concerns.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I ask God for healing.
4. Eager to see the fruit God wants to ripen in me this summer!
Jana
Harrisonburg, VA
going solo
1. Another Year Has Gone By
2. Change in my job situation and my oldest is heading into middle school this fall.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I would rather be a stay-at-home mom than work outside the home because it would take a lot of stress out of my life.
4. “My strength is dried up” Psalm 32:4 Since February, I have had the most stressful time in I can remember in 18 years of teaching. I am praying for this summer to be a time of rest, relaxation, and revitalizing so I can head back in August with a renewed heart and mind ready for a fresh start.
This is Bobbie Puckett. From Ft Worth, Texas. (I love love Texas)
1. George Strait If You Ain’t Loving (You Ain’t Living)
2. My husband of 20 yrs. passed away two years ago and I kept telling myself that I did not won’t to date at this age so I didn’t until about 7 months ago I met a man at work, who is a good Christian man,now we are dating. I was very lonely! It’s been difficult, fun & wild all at the same time.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how wonderful it is to participate in a Beth Moore Bible study, to be in Gods Word everyday. She has been a life saver, literally in this season of my life. I have tried to tell
them.
Becky, Oklahoma City, OK solo
1. “Yesterday”
2. I am having health issues in the middle of preparing for a mission trip to Africa.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ would know sooner rather than later just how goofy I can be!
4. I’ve been a christian for awhile and I don’t want to forget just how good God really is to me and always has been.
Dale Mixon, Rogers, AR Group with Teresa Gomez and Elizabeth Cox. I am looking forward to this summer study so that I don’t become stagnant and unaccountable regarding my time in God’s Word. It is so easy to do that when I am not involved in a Bible Study.
Interactives:
1. Everything Is Beautiful!
2. I am teaching a class of elderly ladies in Sunday School and am grateful for all they are teaching me and want to be able to give back to them.
3. I wish my Christian sisters know how much I love them and want to be there for them.
Cindy, Biloxi,MS/Solo:
1. Song title: Rainy Days and Mondays (Always Get Me Down)
2. The return of not one but three adult children to the home.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I can get so busy with stuff that I can get lonely.
4. Though I am going through a season of trials with my adult children, God is going to speak to me this “summer” of change and I will shout for JOY!
Missie, Marble Falls, TX – SOLO (but also with my Mom) : )
1. “Already There” – Casting Crowns
2. After 12 years of one thing after another happening…this is my first season of *normalcy and consistency*, so i am trying to just enjoy it without waiting for the next thing to happen.
3. i am a huge loyalist. Loyalty is very important to me. : )
4. i am needing some summer fruit!! i feel i’ve been sowing for years… and i’m needing some harvest to replenish and strengthen this soul : )
“I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am open and wanting friendship and willing to share my life with others”
Stephanie Solomon/Solo from Morgantown, WV.
1. Song is Changed by Rascal Flatts.
2. My oldest son is going away for college and my other two boys will be in high school together. I’ve had a stronghold in my life for years and I’m getting close to breaking the final chain, thanks to Jesus!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I need them during the summer months because my Bible studies come to an end.
4. Summer is usually a dry season for me and very difficult because I love God and studying His Word with women. My husband presently is not in a personal relationship with Jesus so I count on my Godly friendships a lot. Thank you Beth for this study.
Cindy
Flemingsburg, KY
Solo
#1 What Hurts The Most
#2 Stressful, confusing. Everything has changed My Dad passed away, my oldest son got married (which is a wonderful thing!) new pastor at Church.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am tenderhearted and not as strong as I have to appear sometimes.
#4 Psalm 32:1-4 This spring has also been very dry for me. I really need the spring of Living Water. Also, so easy to forget how good God is to me.
1. “Que Sera, Sera” by Doris Day
2. I am only allowed to se my 5 year old grandson when it is convenient for his parents. He has
never spent the night at my house nor am I allowed to take him anywhere by myself even to
church. My heart is crushed.
3. I have a very sensitive heart and cry about everything.
4. I am hopeful that I might see some fruits from seeds I have planted..
Rebecca, Newport Beach, CA. Group
“I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am open and wanting friendship and willing to share my life with others”
Terri, Knoxville, TN/solo
#1 Waiting
#2 Caring for elderly mom with a rare, terminal diease, Multiple Symptoms Atrophy.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m not as confident as I appear.
Mindy B, Gloster, LA/small group – #4 – Learning to shout his accomplishments is not the same as taking credit. Too often in trying to be humble I inadvertently take glory away from God.
Mary, Indian Head, MD/solo
1. “Hello My Name Is” by Matthew West. I have been there and done that. So happy to be moving on!
2. My current season is busy Pastor’s wife, homeschool mom to 4 kids, and part-time business owner. I need to schedule my quiet time!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very tender hearted. I cry when you cry. I love deeply and I get hurt easily.
Kritel, Russellville, AR, Solo
#1. I will Praise you in this storm.
#2. A 5 year old girl that I have taken care of since birth like a granddaughter is moving 16 hours away.
#3. I am a work in progress.
Elkton Oregon USA / group
4. I see God giving me the ripened fruit in my grandson Luke who has been sick for 18 months. I have prayed continuously. Now I see the ripening in his health and the answer to all the prayers.
Cathy, Austin TX/solo
1. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely
2. I feel like I’m at the beginning or in the middle of something big God is about to do with my life.
3. I am struggling with wanting to do the right thing & be happy living for God, yet having a hard time letting go of what I think I really want.
Dimy from Griffin, Ga./solo
1. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
2. My first child just graduated from high school and will start college at The University of Georgia in the fall. My youngest child will be a senior in high school in the fall. My father passed away 6 months ago. I was hospitalized with an illness 2 months ago and just had surgery last week. I’m recovering nicely!
3. I have the best friends a girl could ask for!
4. Can’t wait to see what my banana is!
Q1:: Jesus Take the Wheel
Q2:: my current season is one of ALL NEW THINGS! new adventures in music and ministry and new adjustments becoming a first time mother-in-law.
Q3:: i wish my sisters in Christ knew that i… struggle with and battle fear and insecurity.
Q4:: this devo/video hit me right smack dab in the heart today! perfectly timed, precisely what i needed to hear. im in the middle of a project that i’ve been sowing into for some time, and it’s sometimes hard for me to believe that the fruit of it will be ripe and ready to be consumed and enjoyed. i can easily get caught up in the difficulty of the sowing itself and forget that God is working behind the scenes for my good, and will use my efforts for the benefit of others.
Carol, Jacksonville, FL, solo
1. I Will Wait – Mumford and Sons
2. I’m unsettled and still in transition. Moved to a new city last year that we were sure would be our final destination but now doesn’t feel that way. Waiting on definition.
3. I wish my sisters in my old small group had known I wasn’t as put together as I appeared and I had been able to be more open with them.
Deneen
Sterlington, Louisiana
Solo
1. Constant Craving
2. Current season: Living in a slinky.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I crave your sincerity. Do not tolerate me in the name of bearing all things in Christ. The revelation that occurs when I realize how you really feel is awful.
4. Fearing that there will be no fruit…….I am such an Eeyore today……
Wendy- Ozark, Ar / Solo
Downtown by Lady Antebellum
This year I think is the Biggest year ever. My Son 22
Just bought his first home. My Daughter Graduated Higj Scholl and will
Be attending college and my youngest son is starting 7th Grade.
We have Left my Childhood Church after being a member for 34 yrs
And let me say it took me a year of Praying about it.. Needed more things for not only my Husband but our children:)
I wish my Sisters in Christ knew that although I’m a strong person but as I have Grown I’m not as strong as I used to be and need them to be there for me and understand my life:)
Thanks Beth can’t wait to start this Study!!
Marelle St. Charles, MO/Solo
1) Good Morning (Wake up to a brand new day)
2) Kids grown (almost empty nest) and enjoying the ability to do some things I’ve been wanting to do for a while.
3) I may give the appearance of having my act together, but I have just as many insecurities and mess-ups in my life as everyone else.
4) I want to get my shouting back on when God does something glorious and REMEMBER how good God has been to me!
Loveland, CO / solo #2 In the season of not just knowing about Gods love for me but feeling in my heart. And then acting out of that love instead of duty.
RoLynda, Columbia,SC (small group)
1. This Girl is on Fire by Alicia Keys. In this season I have asked God to re-ignite the fire in me for Him, His word and His people and he is truly answering prayer.
Sam,Idaho,Solo
1. Who You Are – Unspoken.
2. Transitioning out of a career. Praying to find my calling.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew I want to spend more time with them.
4. Hoping to recognize some fruit.
Susie, Tomball, TX/Solo
#1. Lay Me Down – Chris Tomlin (Burning Lights)
#2. I am in a season of laying down my will for His, it is hard to surrender all but my SHOUT is HE is with me always.
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have insecurities like them, I just want us to be friends.
#4. I had cherries this morning with breakfast and said “Lord I love summer fruit” then I watched your video…Can you say obvious “fruit”?!