***Bible Study Check In 8-7***

littlecookie

Hi everybody, welcome to the Bible Study Check-In. If you’re new, please jump right in the thread. If you would like a prayer partner please PM@MrsG80inTN @littlecookie and we will work to assign you one. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with your prayer partner, please let one of us know as well.

This is a list of the current prayer partners. Please respond to your prayer partner's post and/or communicate via PM:

@littlecookie & megrae12

@MrsG80inTN & @mara005

@graceanne927 & @bluedaisy0627

@mrsjg2013 & @mrandmrsk91011

@elliecat17 & @jj32

 

The sermon at my church this weekend was about faith. He used Matthew 8 23-27

 ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

He said a couple things that stood out to me. First, it says “suddenly” here in verse 24, but the version we read was “without warning” and he stayed on that for a bit, mentioning that storms often come when we do not expect them. Second, the disciples were afraid because logically fear was an appropriate reaction to the situation. However, God wants us to have a faith that doesn’t make sense. In the midst of the storm, we should be able to sleep knowing that He can keep us in perfect peace.

 

1. Are you screaming that we are going to drown? Sleeping through the storm? Something in the middle? What steps are you taking to grow your faith in him?

2. Prayer

3: Praises

QOTW: Read any good books lately?

mrandmrsk91011 how has your week been? Are you feeling any less overwhelmed?

@ mrsjg2013 Any word on your HCG? Make it to church this weekend?

@ jj32  Looks like you’re in the 2WW. How are you holding up?

@ Elliecat17

@ MrsG80inTN Made a decision on the job opportunity? Feeling any better about this cycle? Thinking of you.

@ graceanne927 Glad your procedure went well. Gearing up to spend more time with your parents? 

Elliecat17

1. I think the 'without warning' version hits me more. In Mass this week we were reading about the sermon on the mount and the fact that we need to be more open to the love of Jesus because it happens every day in the things we least expect. I think these two go together very well, and I have been thinking about this a lot so far this week. I have been looking for all the little things that show God's love instead of dwelling on the things that I could blame Him for. Instead I am focusing on faith and belief that He will never give me anything that I can't handle, even if I don't understand it now. How hard it is to not control everything,but I keep reminding myself that a little faith goes a long way. "And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you." Luke 17:6.

As for me these verses really speak to me today as I begin meeting with doctors to try and figure out if there is a health issue that has been causing my losses or not. I have also finally begun to see results in my attempts at leading a healthier life and my scale is starting to show it! Finally I keep needing to remember that the Lord is holding my hand in this 'storm' and that soon I will hopefully have a classroom of my own and no longer just be a substitute.

2. Prayer - Prayers for good results as I get my thyroid checked. Prayers for patience and faith.

3. Praises for the wonderful weather we have been having! Praises for waking up every morning. Praises for my mother in law who has been so very supportive.

QOTW: Actually no. I haven't been able to acquire any books. The library up here is hard to get to since they have weird summer hours. Add to that the fact that I just finished my masters and have been working a lot subbing to make up for all the weeks I didn't work, and I haven't had time. I think I am going to try to get the Outlander books and finally read more then just book one.

MrsG80inTN

My pastor always says that we are in one of three places in life... in the midst of a storm, coming out of a storm, or headed back into one... So, this is very interesting.  

1. Are you screaming that we are going to drown? Sleeping through the storm? Something in the middle? What steps are you taking to grow your faith in him?

I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle... though this week has been a little more screaming that we are going down (at least if you count the number of M&Ms that I've consumed...).  My inlaws have been in town again for her biopsy (no results yet) and DH and I have just been tired and busy.  I'm not feeling all that great about this cycle... I was super hopeful until yesterday when I am pretty sure I had some spotting (after wiping and after BD too) so I think it's probably a no go... which depresses me.  A friend of mine, whose son is in the midst of recovering from his 3rd open heart surgery --- and the recovery isnt' going very well - said this on her FB page which really convicted me about how I face the storm: If you are being tested youre being perfected. Which means you have a divine purpose and reason to rejoice!

2. Prayer - That I would handle whatever this cycle brings with grace... for my MIL's biopsy to come back  ok, for my dad's eye sight issues, for me to regain some control over my eating.

3: Praises  For you ladies :-)  For my DH - even though things have been crazy, we are growing closer to each other.  DH has decided we can try a sunday school class out (this is a praise AND request) --- we will start this weekend and I really pray it goes well because DH can be a little judgmental and we could really use a strong group of believers to lift us up.

QOTW: Read any good books lately?  Eh, I finished the Goldfinch and didn't really like it... I'm a big fan of Francine Rivers and read her newest novel earlier this summer... Also, Tamera Alexander's books... they are both Christian Fiction writers and I love them...

Saw this on FB and thought I'd post for you all too.

graceanne927

Hi Ladies

@elliecat17 - I'll be praying for your thyroid testing and that you get your own classroom soon! 

@bluedaisy0627 - I've been praying for you!  I'm glad your tests came back normal although I know that leaves unanswered questions for you. Keep growing your faith...God won't let you down. xo

@jj32 Praying for both you & your husband. (((hugs)))

@mrsG8inTn  Oh my...your friend's quote made me cry esp w/ everything she is going through w/ her son...I can't imagine but her strength is so courageous and admirable.  I'll be praying for them.  Keeping you in my prayers too!  Oh and I love Francine Rivers  xo

1. Are you screaming that we are going to drown? Sleeping through the storm? Something in the middle? What steps are you taking to grow your faith in him?  

I feel like I'm keeping my head above water...staying afloat...drifting along...not at the screaming point but anxious if that makes sense.  This week was difficult for me...I felt like I was at a breaking point.  So many things coming at me...my dad...unexpected bills...ttc...health scares....I barely managed to not crumble.  And a few days later I am breathing easier and see how God really does work things out.  It's so easy to freak out but to be calm in the face of the storm...what a testament to faith and trust.  I want to be like that. 

I read this verse this week and boy did it take a hold of my heart - I hope it speaks to you all just as strongly.  "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along the riverbank with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or bothered by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they never stop producing fruit. 

Prayer: Please pray for me as I try to decide about our next steps w/ TTC.  This is our 6th cycle since after our loss and it may be time to see a RE.  It's overwhelming.  If you could continue to pray for my father I would be eternally grateful.

Praises: After a hard week; I can see how God is so faithful even in the little things.  My heart is thankful.

QOTW: Read any good books lately?  Yes!  I read "Ill Be Seeing You" by Suzanne Hayes  It's about two war wives in the 1940's that do an address exchange and write to each other - like a pen pal exchange.  Their correspondence shares their story about life during that time and missing loved ones as well as building a lasting friendship w/ one another.  

littlecookie

Elliecat17 Thinking of you as you await your results. Prayers for the start of the school year that you are able to get in your own classroom. 

bluedaisy0627 I'm kinda jealous about the GTG. Have fun! I think I'm in the same boat on the unexplained losses. All my results so far are normal and I haven't been like yay, you don't want something to be wrong, but having something that can be fixed might sort of calm some of the fears. Hugs! Can you order the gift online? If so, might be easier than having to go in store.

@jj32 Sending you love and definite prayers for H.

MrsG80inTN Prayers for peace whatever happens this cycle, but I'm still hopeful for you. I'll be praying for your friend. The quote reminds me of something said in the sermon, "a faith untested is only theoretical". I didn't want it to be inferred that I think God is testing us, because that's not what he meant, it's more like the storm reveals/ confirms/strengthens a faith that is already there, similar to "adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it" which incidentally our CEO quoted today.

graceanne927 So many prayers friend, for your dad, for you, for peace, all of it. I'm hoping this cycle is successful and you don't need to see the RE, but praying for direction if it comes to that. Hugs!

I'm kind of in the middle too. Working on getting closer to sleeping by just trying to let go and not feel like I need to control/do everything. Trying to listen and be more directed by him, which of course leads to more confidence in the future.

Prayer: Direction for next steps once we get all the test back. So far everything looks normal, so we're likely looking at trying again without much different, which of course is a little scary.

Praises: The stuff outside of TTC is going well right now and I'm super grateful for that.

QOTW: I recently read The Invention of Wings. I like historic fiction and this was a different time period than I typically read, so fun.

Elliecat17

Oh and prayers for the safety of my family. They all live in Hawaii, and with those hurricanes coming, I am praying that they stay safe. 

graceanne927

Thanks @bluedaisy0627 - I would love any advice you can give on seeing a RE. I'm sorry I forgot to give the reference for the verse!  It's Jeremiah 17:7-8

mrsjg2013

1. Are you screaming that we are going to drown? Sleeping through the storm? Something in the middle? What steps are you taking to grow your faith in him?

I would honestly say it depends on the day, but typically I'm somewhere in the middle.  Some days I am able to pray and feel the fears subside, but others I feel like I'm downing in fear, sorrow, and anxiety.  I spoke with a friend of DH's recently and he said something similar to what @MrsG80inTN 's friend said... I won't say it as well as he did, but about the difficult battles we face being God's way of developing our character and our strength, preparing us for something He has in store for us.  He referred me to the Book of Job- I've read verses, but have not read it in it's entirety.  I've made it a goal to start reading my bible, but I just haven't done so.  I'm going to start tonight before bed with Job and make that a nightly ritual.  I find that I have trouble falling asleep and often turn to TV, but I'm going to turn instead to the Bible. 

2. Prayer- For an anxiety-free return to school next Monday.  I can feel it building, as I often do when I know I'll be leaving my house for more than a few hours.  For my cycle to return on it's own now that my HCG is finally down to zero, and that with that period I will pass the retained tissue found in my hysteroscopy.

3: Praises- 

**pregnancy mentioned- not mine**

After a long road of TTC following a 20 week loss five years ago, a friend of mine is pregnant and everything is going well so far.  God is good!

QOTW: Read any good books lately?

I'm almost finished with my two summer grad classes, so once I'm finished with those books, I'm looking forward to getting back to reading for pleasure.

mrsjg2013

@ mrsjg2013 Any word on your HCG? Make it to church this weekend?

@littlecookie- My HCG is down to zero!!   Now the next step is anxiously awaiting AF so that I can have my second hysteroscopy.  Fingers crossed it comes this week before I have to go back to school next Monday- I remember the first one being really rough the first day or two! 

I did not go to church this weekend- the message was about Fatherhood and I just didn't think I could handle it quite yet.  MH and I are going to watch it together online (they stream them for free!) once we're actively TTC again in a couple months.  I have a DVD on prayer that I'm going to watch this week- I started it a while back and am looking forward to finishing it. 

Prayers that as your test results come back you are guided in the right direction, and that you'll feel confident in whatever that direction is.  I understand the feeling of wanting to be in control and do everything possible... I often have to say "Jesus take the wheel" so to speak and give Him complete control.

mara005

Sorry I'm so late! Sunday night is the best time for me to do this. Thanks @littlecookie for the check in!

1. Are you screaming that we are going to drown? Sleeping through the storm? Something in the middle? What steps are you taking to grow your faith in him?

Definitely somewhere in the middle, I float between trying to completely trust God and put our TTC journey fully in his hands, and wanting to take control and stress about creating our rainbow baby.

2. Prayer

For my HSG on Thursday, I'm nervous and excited at the same time!
Also, continued prayers for my sister, she is in her 6 week of Chemo, she shaved her head and is doing some kinds of normal activity.

3: Praises

My sister's dog had surgery and seems to be feeling/breathing SO much better!

QOTW: Read any good books lately?
Sadly I'm not reading anything, I've been so wrapped up with summer.

MrsG80inTN

Just thought I'd update you lovely ladies... CD1 came for me on Saturday.  Bugger.  Hopefully next cycle will be better.  Beyond that my MIL's biopsy came back benign - praise the Lord.  Also, we tried a sunday school class yesterday and it was great.  We will likely try another class before making a position, but it was really good to feel like we are getting plugged in.

Hope you all have a great week.

littlecookie

@mara005‌ contained prayers for your sister. We'll be thinking of you on Thursday!

@mrsg80inTN I'm so glad your MIL's biopsy was normal!! Great news. Sorry to hear about CD1 though. Hugs.