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.
Marilyn/Taylor Mill, KY/ solo
1. Song for me: Wow so interesting, so many choices. Pray by Sanctus Real
2. Season of my life: confused, hurt, pain, growth and joy
3. I want my sisters in Christ to know that I need the new strength God promises to repair my relationships and live a happy life. Lord take control!
4. Make me new this summer Lord!
Laura; Littleton CO; Solo
#1) My song would be “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band – ’cause I miss my Southern roots and am eager to get back to them for a bit this summer! 🙂
#2) My current season is one of going back to work and kids at home for the summer.
#3) I think friends would find me a bit stand-off-ish after the initial excitement of getting to know each other dies down. I need to be pursued.
#4) So exciting to see what my summer fruit is and how it will be harvested!
Anne, Dallas TX, solo
#1 Teenage Daughters
#2 My oldest just graduated from high school and will move out in a few months. 🙁
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I was a stuffer that built barriers and that they wouldn’t let me!
#4 I could jump up and down for the prayer of helping us to recognize the fruit. I need help in this area!! I will pray that daily all summer now. Thank you!
Jackie,Owensboro, Ky./small group #1 What The World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love, Burt Bacharach
Brit, Kansas City, MO
I am doing the study with sister and best friend.. Both are hundreds of miles away so we will discuss weekly via skype/phone.
1. Great I Am- Phillips, Craig and Dean
2. I am currently learning that even in my weakness and insecurities, God is able to use me if I just say yes to His call.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am not always as strong as I portray”
Alice, Chesapeake,Va. solo
1. How Could I Ask for More?
2. Several unexpected events in our family recently, both good and bad~learning that God is good and faithful in both.
3. That I treasure my friendships and long for them to deepen and grow.
Dora, Chicago, IL/small group:
#1 Jesus Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood.
Allison H/ Toronto, Canada/ Small group
#1 – Bless the broken road by Rascal Flatts
Monica, Abbotsford, BC Canada – solo
#1 – Worn by Tenth Avenue North
#2 – Adjusting to being newly single at 52 after 26 years of mariage – the loneliness can be overwhelming.
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I still want to believe God for a miracle.
#4 – I am SO ready for the rain to be over, for summer to fall on me so I can pluck, prepare and store up some friut from these past 6 years. Please God, may I recognize what the fruit is – I don’t want to miss it!
Vanessa from Victoria, TX…going solo
1. Waiting Here for You by Christy Nockels
2. In my present season, I have an empty nest, there are lots of changes at work, and one of my very best friends has moved 4 hours away.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I just want to love God more and totally rely on Him.
Angie, Farina, IL – Solo
1. Country Strong
2. My present season finds one career ending and learning much more about farming and tractor driving!
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I am on the shy side & not always sure of myself with a bunch of females.
4. Please open my eyes to see the summer fruit!
Brianna, Huntsville, AL /solo
1. How He Loves
2. Truly knowing the depths of His love for me but struggling to overcome a lot of insecurities and self-doubt.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…am actually really friendly. It just takes me awhile to open up.
4. I want to pluck my ripened fruit, so that the enemy doesn’t have a chance to get his hands on it!
Sue, Wellington, FL. Solo.
1. Jesus loves me
2. Requesting Jesus to shake up my life to give me clarity for His will
3. Would want sisters to know that I’ve identified with Paul in sinfulness and have been delivered from death to life.
4. Summer is a dry season for me and truly I pray to recognize the fruit that needs plucking because right now it all feels withered.
Carol,Naperville, Solo
#1 – I Need A Miracle
#2 -trying to assist my daughter and grand daughter
#3 – I wish my sisters in Christ knew how hard I’ve tried.
A.M./Hempstead, TX/Solo
1. CRAZY – Patsy Cline
2. In a time of transition with children, now teenagers.
3. I have a hard time trusting people, but will eventually. Being unable to find genuine friendships, causes me to retreat into myself.
Lee, Newnan,GA
#1 You’re In My Heart
#2 My 3 chilren are finishing milestones, my Godly mother-in-love died; and I desire to wisely guide a tween, provide godly counsel to 2 young adults, and do this in a manner always pleasing to God.
#3 Desire God to be in total control of my life, and have the faith that pleases HIM above all else.
#4 I truly desire to make the bread and not waste the grain, but sometimes I’m not sure what bread is desired.
Rosalie, Cincinnati, OH /small group
#2 I am in the middle of painful recovery and PT for a torn rotator cuff.
Katie; Knoxville, Tn; going solo
1.”Front Porch Looking In” by Lonestar because I’m grateful for my husband and children:)
2. In this season of living, it is the first summer with two children in tow, not just one, and that makes this season unique for sure.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…do want them to be as real with me as I am with them about life’s issues, so that we can encourage each other in the Christian race of life.
4. What stuck out to me about the devotional was that if I’m not willing to pluck the fruit or recognize the fruit of the Summer, then the birds of prey are going to eat it instead.
#3 That i am introverted.
Karen, Virginia Beach, VA, small group: Question 3: This summer is unique in that our daughter is graduating from high school and starting college in the fall.
Ok – that was the answer to #2 NOT #3….my friends know our daughter’s graduating!!
Vicki/Longview, WA/solo
1. “We’ve Only Just Begun” (showing my age…)
2. I just finished a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and don’t know what is next!
3. I’m and outgoing introvert.
4. I’m looking for some fruit to ripen this summer from the seeds I’ve planted for the last four years of study!
Alisa, Winchester, KY/small group: #1 my song choice would be ‘I need a new job’
Erin; Hershey, PA; Small Group
#2. This season in my life seems to be one of stillness even though it is not what I thought or would always truly like it to be at 29. The life of a bubbly single girl can be lonely at times. I believe that the Lord is truly trying to teach me to love Him more and to enjoy these quite moments of months and years with Him in this adventure called life!
Rhonda, Winchester, KY / small group #1 my song choice would be “All because 2 people fell in love”
Genevieve, Orange, Texas solo
1. Fireflies by Owl City Ocean Eyes
2. I am in limbo with selling our house and building a new one.
3. I need extra prayers right now – health, home, life.
4. The bananas with Sara’s name on it. Claim it girlfriend!
Kristin A. in Cheney, WA -solo-
1. I’m Walking on Sunshine
2. My family (hubby+me+3 little ones) just moved across the state for my hubby’s job and bought our first house (at the age of 33)!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have lots to say and I’m really nice, but it takes me a little while to warm up and I definitely won’t interrupt you to say it. And that although I have the gift of encouragement, I also could use a little encouragement every once in awhile, too.
4. Just my agreement and prayer that God would give me enlightened eyes to recognize fruit this summer.
1.) The song that best captures me is Thank You.
2.)My mom passed away just 2 months ago & I miss her.
Betty, Angleton, TX/Sm Group
With one of my children married & the other, recently, graduating, I’m moving into a new season in life! Who am I? LOL. With God, I know, an exciting new adventure awaits! I’m hanging on for the ride!
Barbara, Houston, TX; Solo
#1. Stand by Rascal Flats
#2. About to be an empty nester; last one headed to college
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew it takes me a while to let people in but I need my friends.
#4. Eyes to see the fruit. Looking for my banana. 🙂
Amanda, Santa Rosa Beach, FL/solo: #1 – you are still holy #2 I am in a season of healing and repair and waiting on The Lord. I am so thankful for The Lord grace and love in my life. #3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have a heart for the weak and weary and want to encourage others through my testimony and experiences.
Amy R. ; Austin, TX; SOLO
1. The song title that best describes me right now is: “I dont care (I love it!).”
2. My present season is unique because i currently live with my in-laws; my 17 year old Sister-in-law, with my husband and our 2 chihuahuas, their cat/chihuahua and guinea pig all under 1 roof.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how wounded i have been by so MANY women in the church that are supposed to treat me like their daughter, but that through Christ, i am finding my joy again.
4. The thing that resonated with me the most about the devo was that i need to take things to God and not put off bringing things before him.
Susan – Pittsburgh, PA
Solo
1. Little Bitty – Allan Jackson
2. Waiting
3. I love a real and authentic friend
4. Your summer season will come – something will ripen
Anita; Purcellville, VA (group is Mom & I)
#1 Name of song: “Stop the World and Let Me Off”
Paula, Okc, OK/small group #2: We are thankful that all three of our sons, daughter-in-law and fiance’ are Christians and that we have the privilege of having them close and seeing God at work in their lives.
…after much prayer any trials. God is so faithful! Thank-you, Beth, for the devotion and scriptures.
Cathy, Dublin, California/Solo
1. “Don’t Try So Hard” – Amy Grant
2. Walking by faith with Dad who was just diagnosed with terminal cancer.
3. I wish my Sisters in Christ knew that I may need help or support but am often hesitant to ask.
Elisabeth
Kisumu, Kenya
Solo
1.)Hakuna Matata
2.)I’m 30, spending this season as a missionary in Africa, & have absolutely no plans beyond this summer!
3.) I wish my sisters in Christ new how deep and prophetic I can be when you see past the comedy.
4.)Excuse me, but WHEN did y’all follow me around with a camera?! That “word” on Summer was completely for me!
Aurelia Stratton
Springfield, Missouri
1. “I will not be moved!”
2. Our family will begin homeschooling next fall.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I may be quiet in a group setting but I love one on one chats about God and life!
4. After watching the video I did the thing I have been putting off for weeks and found out my “fruit” will be ripe and available to “pick” in exactly 76 days and will “cost” me at least $510. Thank you Beth for warning about the birds of prey.
Oops… I’m solo, for now. Doesn’t feel that way after reading the comments though. 🙂
Rebecca, Midlothian, VA/solo
1. Life is a Highway
2. Moving family from central Georgia to Richmond, VA so my husband can work with International Mission Board
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I seem really quiet and stand-offish, but just take a while to warm up.
Cheryl, Culpeper, VA – solo
1.) “Spinning Wheel”
2.) Going from 4 grandchildren to 8 by year’s end plus helping care for 98 year old father whose health is failing
3.) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…
…struggle with things just as they do even though I’m the Pastor’s wife
4.) Watching for evidence of ripening fruit
Stacey, Klamath Falls, Oregon (solo)
I am new! by Jason Gray
Recovery and Reconciling (forgiveness) Beauty from ashes- (bringing new life to what seems dead)
I wish my sisters in Christ knew me.
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.
Carol, Dallas TX, paired up
#2. Moved from the country to the city after 30 years in one place. Left behind family, friends and a great church. Feel displaced and unfruitful at times.
1. Our God
2. On the verge of seeing some dreams coming true.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I need the companionship from them.
4. Ready to pick and pluck some fruit that has been sown…ready and waiting.
#1. Battlefield
#2. Navigating life with 2 teenage daughters…trying to love them well and enjoy this time.
#3. …that I don’t have it all together, not even close! 🙂
#4. REMEMBER all that He has done…I too easily look at the negative.
Candy Redel, St. louis, MO solo
1) Faithful
2) fully trusting in Gods plan for our family including son looking for work
3) i’m a very loyal and good friend but do need some alone time to replenish my emotional energy.
Cheryl, Huntington, WV, Solo: 1) Anticipation; 2) Striving for obedience and expecting good things.; 3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that although I’m reserved, I’m fiercely loyal. 4) The part of the video that resonated with me is asking for recognition of the fruit.
Jan, Athens, Ga, solo
#2 My husband and I are in the season of parenting of my stepson’s daughter…we’ve been empty nesters for 10 years and my husband has retired within the past year.
#4 I pray that I recognize the fruit that will ripen. Thank you, I needed today’s devotion.
Diane E. from Charleston, IL; Going Solo
1. I don’t know the title, but the refrain is, “Our House is a very, very, very fine house!”
2. With my sons ages 7 and 10, I’m in that stage where they still need me but in a different way than when they were really small.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew what a mess I am on the inside!
4. I really related to not being able to even recognize the summer fruits in my life.
Gina, Rosamond, Ca/ small group
#2 I am in an oddly, quiet season at this time.
#1 “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North
#2 caregiver in the middle of special needs grandchildren and my 88 year old mother
#3 I would want my Sisters in Christ to know my passion for studying God’s word!
#1 stronger by Kelly Clarkson not because of a divorce my husband and I are together just life changes and it does make you stronger!!
#2 I have 5 children in the Fall 3 will be in college and only 2 home that will be an adjustment. I am also going through a career change.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew how I yearn for deep meaningful friendships.