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.
Vickie, Pella, Iowa-solo
#1 Lovin Every Minute of It-Loverboy…ah..the 80’s
#2 We are a church plant of 4years, and we are taking a 2 week vacation to Africa this summer.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ would know that I am just like them, even though I am the pastor’s wife:)
Deborah, Pratt, KS, solo,
#1-We Have This Moment To Hold In Our Hand
#2-I am blessed with my family, holding onto moments as my children are quickly, quickly growing up and as we face a landscape of unknowns and work on holding tighter to faith and I am amazed and awed and thankful for the grace of my Father as I cling to Him and as I see many situations imploding around us.
#3-I want to encourage others and focus on positives, yet be real and know we all fail, we all mess up, no one is perfect.
#4-I want to harvest the summer fruits! I believe they are there for me. Hallelujah!
Stephanie V., Tulsa, Ok, solo.
1-Brave (Josh Groban)
2- This really feels like a season of extreme preparation. Everything that I’m doing has an urgency and rush feel about it, and even though I’m waiting, it feels like I’m waiting for something to happen.
3-I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…am ok with being silent at times, that is when I’m processing things, it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong, I just need to think.
Pat, Hilliard OH/solo (possible duo)
1. “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real
2. A season of change-preparing to relocate to a different state after 20+ years here.
3. Sometimes I feel like a “fraud”-appear to have it together but, have secret struggles.
4. This relocation begins a long time dream/plan–a new season to ripen/harvest what we have been prepared for?
Shannon, Lakeland,FL/small group
#1- “Lifeline” by Mandisa
#2- My 8 year old daughter has become a new believer, & I just hope that I can be a good influence on her as I try to grow closer to Christ myself.
#3- I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I still have a hard time forgiving myself for decisions I made before I was saved.
Hi! I’m Teresa from SC. I’m also going solo!
#1-Song Wagon Wheel
#2-I am in a season of (real) change, Good Lord willing.
#3-I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I am wanting to be a sponge to learn and apply ALL that I can possibly learn through these studies.
Thank you all very much!
Callie; Statesboro, GA; Small Group
#2 I find myself in the preparation definition of summer. For the first time in my life, I am independent. I moved to a new city where I know no one and all the relationships I build are my own. As an introvert, that is mildly terrifying; but as a new “adult” it is mildly exhilarating. I’m looking forward to this study!
Marney, Colorado, USA
1. “I Simply Live for you” Hillsong United
2. deliverance from depression after 60 years
3. I would like my Sisters to know that I am shy, even though I am talkative
4.Looking for fruit to ripen this summer
Brandy, Sutherlin, Oregon, group, #1 “Busy, Busy” Veggie Tales 🙂
1. Jesus Culture “All Consuming Fire”
2. This is my season of singleness & God has opened up the floodgates of encouragement for me!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I have trust issues, even with God at times.
4. “The harvest is plentiful, but workers are few.” Matthew 9:37 & Luke 2:10 Encourage one another to be a worker!
Beth, Ypsilanti, MI/going solo: #1 “All the Single Ladies” 🙂 #2 Since moving to a new place, I’ve not yet connected with a church, so I’m thankful for this community while I continue visiting churches. #3 I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that although I am secure as a single woman, I long for people who will encourage me in my walk with Jesus. #4 Many times in the last year of hardships and blessings, I’ve said to God, “May I never forget what you have done in me, through me, and for me.”
Constance Joy, Vancouver Canada, solo
1. Soon – Brooke Fraser
2. Season of waiting… “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron, I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel who summons you by name.” Is 45:2
4. watch for the fruit
Brenda,Knoxville,TN /Solo
1. You are My Sunshine. Sang it to my children and now to my Grandchildren. That and Zip a dee do dah!
2.Empty nesters but staying busy with grandchildren.
3.I am not as together as I seem. I fight loneliness.
4.Pray to recognize fruit when it comes.
1. “He Never Sleeps” by Don Moen
2. Fast moving grandkids to love with arthritic hands
3. …. I think in pictures but can’t always put it into words
4. All I can think of is making banana bread from the ripe freshly picked fruit.
Forgot to put Sue, Gilbertsville PA solo
1. “He Never Sleeps” by Don Moen
2. Fast moving grandkids to love with arthritic hands
3. …. I think in pictures but can’t always put it into words
4. All I can think of is making banana bread from the ripe freshly picked fruit.
Doing this with my daughter who is living 9 hours away — what a blessing! My current season is characterized by soberness and even mourning over ministry. There is so much pain in those I work with and so little I feel like I can do about it. I needed Beth’s words today on waiting and watching for the fruit!
Jo Anne Chicago, IL Solo
1. Taking Care of Business–I’m having a 70’s revival.
2. I’m trying to make a decision concerning a surgery.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am uncomfortable when praying aloud.
4. I am expecting great fruit this summer. I can’t wait to see what happens.
Christie/Austin, Texas – Solo
1. Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now – Maybe not as I am recovering from two eye surgeries for retinal detachments and must go thru a third surgery next month.
2. Helping to raise a teenage granddaughter , trying to find appropriate clothing in the teenage girl section. It is very hard to find appropriate clothing and teaching her what she can wear and why…Taking her to the womens-‘s bible study each week.
3. “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…” survived my childhood.
4. God is good! He mends the broken hearted, he can lift us from the gutter and take us to the mountaintop
I will be in a small group. My song right now is Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.” It simply states my reality is one word…but with God’s strength it will be fine!
Hillary, Petoskey, MI, solo
1: Here Goes by Bebo Norman.
2. Can life ever be the same one day to the next?
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that in my B.C. (Before Christ) life I struggled with alcohol, so PLEASE don’t offer me wine at dinner….
1) Single Ladies
2) I am single for the first time in 7 years and I’m turning 24, praying the Lord will meet my desire for a Godly man.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that even if I am doubtful and hesitant at times in my spiritual walk, I am so hungry for God’s words and direction.
Pam, Apple Valley, MN, solo
1)”Nothing is Wasted” by Jason Gray
2) I am in the season I call “the long goodbye” as Mom gradually declines much like a slowly deflating balloon.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder during a lengthy hospital stay six years ago this summer.
4)Another fine use for the Sharpie pen resonates with me!
Joan Vera, Port Saint Lucie, Florida (solo)
#1 Popular song : Ok the first one that popped into my head was ‘I need a Hero’ as I tell you I laughed out loud at this one. Pursuit ( from Jesus Culture) is the other one.
#2 My season right now are health issues, changing work environments, and trying to find my place in life.
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that He’s helped me come a really long way since I accepted Christ, that there are still some bumps to work out, and I mean well.
#4 The devotional definitely resonated with my desert status these last several months and it gave me some much needed hope to keep my eyes open for ripening fruit.
#1 I don’t really listen to music
#2 I will have a middle schooler in the fall attending a new school–leaving our Christian school after 9 years. This is a big step out of our comfort zone.
#3 I have a hard time letting people in!
#4 I need to keep my eyes for fruit!!
Debbie, Calgary, Alberta. Canada/REALLY small group 🙂 :#1 “Oops There Goes Another Rubber Tree Plant” (Just because I am enjoy a “goofy” season and it fits.)
Donna, Marquette MI, solo
#1: Trying by Molotov Jukebox
#2: I was surrounded by a Christian support group and ladies Bible Study until I moved home last year & going solo now.
#3: I may appear confident & strong in my faith but I have a lot of questions (more as I get older)
SAN TAN,AZ/SOLO
#2. THREE MONTHS AGO GAVE BIRTH TO OUR 8TH BABY!
#3 I WISH MY SISTERS IN CHRIST NEW THAT I DON’T HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER. AS FAR AS PARENTING GOES!
#4 I LOVE THE WORD GIVEN TO US TODAY! I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR MY OLDEST SON (13YRS) TO GIVE, TRULY GIVE HIS LIFE TO THE LORD.
1. “Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson
2. This summer I am trying to define the purpose God has planned for me in my family and in my job.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ could see how insecure I am about so many things.
#1 Proof of Your Love by King and Country
#2 I will be an empty nester in a few months, beginning the next chapter of my life.
#3 I wish my sisters knew that I am confident and comfortable with the future plans that God has for me.
T.C., Edmond, OK/Solo
#1 “Never Once” by Matt Redman
#2 Over 50, changing jobs, new industry, starting over
#3 I wish my sisters in Christ new that I struggle with others’ perception of me having never been married and never had any children.
Elizabeth; Lewisville, TX; Skyping with my bff
#4 Praying to see God’s hand at work in my kids, and to see fruit from the seeds I’ve sown in them. Sweet Jesus please move in their hearts!
Carmen, Branson,MO
1.Forever and Ever, Amen ~Randy Travis
2. This is a season of dreaming for the future while watching for direction from God.
3.I wish my sisters knew how much I value mutually supportive relationships.
4. Really looking forward to summer fruit–Lord help me see it and then to know how to prepare it!
Danita, Lake in the Hills, IL – solo
1) Wipeout
2) There has been a lot of loss in my life this year, but God has shown me His strength through those times.
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I can handle the word “no”. I am okay with you telling it like it is. You don’t have to hide. I am real, and I want you to be real as well.
4) What struck me was how one season can have so many different parts. It can be a dry season, when God carries you through a particular trial. It can be a growing season, when God prunes you so you will produce more fruit. It can be a harvest season, when we enjoy filling ourselves with the fruit God has brought about. It can be a planning season, when we store up the memories of what God has done in us. So many different types of seasons, and yet, summer is constant as well. It is always filled with His goodness and His best for us if we will only obey.
AmandaJo; Trinidad, CO- solo.
1. “Love without end, Amen” G. Strait
2. My dad is going through treatment for very recently diagnosed brain cancer….so many things make this season unique.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that while confident, I often second guess myself in all decisions.
4. What have I given up or forgotten that God still remembers?
Debbie, Cumming, GA, Group of 2.
#1. Song Title – “I’m Waiting”, John Waller.
#2. God has brought us out – by selling our house of 20
years quick from a flyer in our mailbox, so that He
might bring us in – living with our daughter, stuff
in storage and waiting to see where He wants us to
live – a new city, new church, new everything.
#3. I loved the video – anticipating the fruit He is
bringing to harvest, preparing and gathering.
Where/how do I register for the blog
Gayle, Vicksburg, MS, solo
1. Carry On Wayward Son
2. As an empty-nester eligible for retirement, my husband travels way more than I like, and I am beginning to care for both parents.
3. I am willing to help and listen, but I need others to acknowledge my needs, too.
Brenda, Hendersonville TN, solo
1. I can’t get no satisfaction
2. 61 with 6 granddaughters (age 8-0) and an 85 yr. old father
3. That I really want to spend more time with them.
1. Dance, Dance, Dance by Mandisa (I believe He’s giving me my dance back! :))
2.One word comes to mind: TRANSITION…I’m transitioning from a dark, emotionally exhausted season into a time I believe will be marked by some spiritual refreshment…also, my son’s transition into full fledge junior high and my daughter being potty trained, and me transitioning more fully into a certain ministry position.
3.I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much fun I like to have fun when I feel comfortable enough and accepted…love to laugh & dance, etc.
4. It is a season of ripening in my life,my family, my ministry, etc. God has been speaking much to me from Joshua to keep marching and the breakthrough is right there…it’s just the 6th day…which is the hardest day…I found myself getting tired and suffering from emotional fatigue that I’ve pulled back in my waiting on God and fighting in prayer full of faith. But, I’m reminded…it’s a time for ripening to see that fruit reaped that I’ve been sowing into prayer for so long.
Kristin, Carlsbad, CA Daybreak Small Group
#2 Looking forward to the “banana” that God has my name on this summer – can’t wait to see which one it is!!
Shellie P.
Spokane, WA
1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy
2. I don’t think I can do this in one sentence. What isn’t unique about this season would be easier in my case right now. I’m working a brand new, 12 step program, seriously for the first time of the last 21 years that I should have been! NEEDED to! My son will be entering high school in the fall, my oldest daughter will be entering middle school (7th grade), and my youngest will be going to elementary school by herself without either her brother or sister for the first time. I’d say more, but that’s the main stuff that is new.
3. This one’s really hard for me because honestly, for those I know in person, I would just assume they knew as little as possible, but a few are learning a lot about me, and not much of it pretty, because I just had to get real for once and I hate it!
4. I nearly cried when you talked about having eyes to see, cause the ladies in my AA group, right before I got my 6 month coin, were talking about how much I’ve changed and they feared that I couldn’t see it and they were right. I didn’t see it. They had to tell me what I was like and how different I am now. I never noticed the things they noticed.
P.S. I know I did a really terrible job of keeping those short, but I could have said a lot more, believe me!!!
Hi, Shellie!
I’m just over the border in Post Falls. 🙂
Marie
Cool! I have a friend that goes to a HUGE church over there! I’m sure you’re familiar with it! A large church in Post Falls is pretty hard to miss! 🙂
Tracie Ft.Thomas-small group #1-Redeemed #2- trying to grow my relationship with God,enjoying our empty nest #3-spent my life not feeling good enough which has changed(changing) through God,s love!
Megan JOY, Calgary Alberta, Canada/small group: 2. God is persistently making me face and fight my flesh and CLEARLY calling me to decisively make the choice of whether I’m going to follow my sin nature and the lies of the enemy or what He is CLEARLY showing me is His will and His desire for me.
Annette, Siloam, NC, Small Group
1)Get Over It – Eagles
2)Currently in the season of discontent in several areas of my life.
3)I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I look in control most of the time, but really want to run away.
4)I want my eyes to be open to the fruit in my life.
Lisa; York, pa; solo
1.) Lifesong by Casting Crowns
2.) Stillness and closeness with The Lord.
3.) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I really don’t have it all together and need Jesus now more than ever.
4.) The idea of harvesting fruit this summer makes me hopeful that I will see God’s unmistakable Glory.
#1. A Mother’s Prayer-Celine Dion
#2. Empty Nester/Uncertainty
#3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m not quiet nor serious! 🙂
#4. Summer Fruits-Shall summer upon them. Isa 18:6 (Either I summer on fresh fruits or my enemy is)
Wisconsin, USA Solo
#1 Shake It Up Baby
#2 I’m a year and a half into being a follower of Jesus, recently moved into a new area, and learning an awful lot about myself right now….noticing logs in my own eyes, pulling them out, and really learning a lot from it.
#3 …that I have a much more tender heart that gets hurt much more easily than I let on.
I guess the song title is actually Twist N Shout… 🙂
Tami- Columbus,Ohio/Solo
1. Under Pressure
2. Empty nest with aging parents, special needs sister and helping to raise niece
3. I have overcome much baggage in life and have a wonderful testimony that I hardly feel comfortable sharing (which doesn’t give God the glory for all he has done in my life)
1.Lesley .TN / solo
2. The Motions; Mathew West
3. I wish my sisters knew that I love to be there for them but sometimes I need them to be there for me even if I don’t ask.
Suzie, Fort Mill, SC/Solo
1. Heatwave by Martha & the Vandellas
2. This is a wonderful season of my life for many reasons but mainly because two hours before my 50th birthday last year I became a “Grammie” and this year has been like no other!
3. I wish my sisters-in-Christ knew that I have been so hurt by churches that I don’t trust going to them anymore.
4. Summer fruits! Love that!!
Julie, Spartanburg,S.C. U.S.A. #1 “Staying Alive” #2my youngest child of 3 just finished elementary school and my oldest is learning to drive! #3 I don’t always have it together, I struggle with need for significance and acceptance#4 that I don’t want this summer to produce dryness from God’s word