Bible Study Check In

megrae12 · May 2014

Welcome to the Bible Study Check-In. This check-in currently runs 2 times a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Mondays are our in-depth study. Thursdays are our check-in day. If you cannot get int touch with your prayer partner please PM @MrsG80inTN @megrae12 and we will assign you a new one.

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

@littlecookie& @megrae12

@EKGibs & @skategirl128

@MrsG80inTN & @MoreThanSparrows08

@graceanne927 & @mcnsher062

Ok, I am still waiting to see what GMG is going to do next so in the meantime, I thought we could delve into some verses and see how we feel about them and their application on our lives. So, I thought we would begin here, in James, my favorite book of the Bible.

James 1:2-4 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,a]" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,F)" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 3 because you know that the testing of your faithG)" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> produces perseverance.H)" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be matureI)" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> and complete, not lacking anything.

1. Why does James say to "count it all joy" when we meet trials? He says that it produces perseverance, how do you feel about that?

2. How does this verse apply to TTCAL? How can we keep going when our faith in everything is tested time and time again?

3. My challenge to you this week: Look back and see where trials in your life have shaped you. Did they shape you for better or worse? How can this process of losing our LO shape us?

4. Prayer

5. Praises

littlecookie · May 2014

Our pastor led off with this verse this weekend

so sounds like a good place for me to focus this week.

Maybe I'm wrong about this, but for me this is about finding joy despite the situation, not necessarily in the situation itself. I see all kinds of benefits in that (peace, strength, the ability to have hope for the future).

After my loss in December, I asked God that I not get pregnant unless it was a baby that we would be able to bring home. My mom mentioned last week, that since I don't seem to have a problem getting pregnant, maybe I should be praying for him to tell me when we should TTC rather than asking him to prevent something that seems to be contrary to the way my body seems to work naturally. I don't know that I have heard him telling me when/where to move in the past, so I'm looking to figure out how I hear him clearly.

Prayers: I still have an hcg level in the thousands. Prayers that it continues to decline quickly and that I do not need a repeat D&C.

MrsG80inTN · May 2014

@littlecookie - sorry to hear your HCG is so high still. How often are they testing it? What are your next steps?

1. Why does James say to "count it all joy" when we meet trials? He says that it produces perseverance, how do you feel about that? I'm going to have to go back and look at my study on the book of James and see what it says on these verses as I can't remember a lot of teh greek info... ONe thing I've always tried to look at with trials is that God allowed Job to be tested because he knew what would happen when he was tested and that he would prove faithful... so I have to hope and find job in the fact that I'm facing trials because God has something better in store. I know it definitely does produce perseverance/endurance, but that doesn't mean I like it :-)

2. How does this verse apply to TTCAL? How can we keep going when our faith in everything is tested time and time again? I think we only keep going with HIM as our guide... we absolutely can't find joy in a situation like a loss without knowing that HE is in control... at least I can't... and I think it is often a "don't let this set you back... keep going because he has something great in store." Does that make sense?

3. My challenge to you this week: Look back and see where trials in your life have shaped you. Did they shape you for better or worse? How can this process of losing our LO shape us? Challenge accepted.

4. Prayer - I'm nearing the end of my 2WW... prayers for that would be greatly appreciated. I have nearly 0 symptoms, but my temps are near exact to previous losses... DH Is getting his hopes up despite the BFNs yesterday and today... Also, prayers for my BIL and the situation with his estranged wife. He didn't even go to church yesterday (on his birthday) because he knew she would show up just to try and see him.

5. Praises - My grandmother turned 91 yesterday. She's such a blessing and inspiration. We made it to church yesterday (that's 2 weeks in a row since we "watched from home" on Easter).

MrsG80inTN · May 2014

PS _ I think Good Morning Girls is doing a book club type study this summer but I can't find the info... We can either read through the Psalms again or perhaps Esther or Ruth (women of the Bible style)... or was can do a book that everyone gets that has short devotions like Jesus Calling or Whispers of Hope...

AggieBeth06 · May 2014

Meg, do you just have a beeline to my heart? You always seem to pick verses that my 5th grade teacher made us memorize.

1) We should receive all of God's gifts - even the ones that come in unexpected packages and unexpected ways. God gives us spiritual and expects us to use them. James is a book that discusses how important it is to ACT - not just have faith. Our actions are testaments for our faith... It's one thing to talk the talk, but a true believer walks the walk.

2) I apply this verse to owning that God loves me wholly. He has not forgotten me and I have not forgotten Him. Meditating over this verse makes me get to a point of shucking my anger so my gifts of listening and serving aren't impeded.

3) I had a horrible experience with a professor in my master's program. It was almost emotionally abusive. However, the experience taught me that I can withstand a lot. I can overcome a lot. It taught me not to assume things and to step back and look at things differently when things get dicey.

As far as TTCAL, my faith has been tested. It has been a reminder that it's not me, but He. We are here to serve His will. I've learned to ask for things and accept them in a larger picture than in the narrow terms I usually ask for things.

******living child mentioned******

4) DS tends to have a respiratory reaction every time that we go to my ILs. Within 12 hours, he starts coughing and won't stop until we are back on the road home and are out of the situation for a few hours. I'm sad because they live far away and he is always so happy to be there... But last time it turned into croup and this time it's not as advanced but still nasty. His allergist thinks it's viral, but I don't see why this would be such a coincidence. Pray please that he feels better quickly and that we can come up with a plan for when this happens again.

5) praises for our family business and the flexibility it yields for my work schedule.

MrsG80inTN · May 2014

@mcnsher0627 – Thank you for being so honest and taking a good look at your trials and all that you have been trhough. God has great plans for you lady. I’m excited you are back on WW. I love WW and think it is so beneficial. I have about 10-15 more # to lose so we can be buddies J Praying that your TTA time will be healing to your heart and body and that you will get answers of some sort from your GP.

@AggieBeth06 – you are right about James being a book of action… it reminds me of the bearing much fruit verses in the gospels as well… Your DS’s reactions do sound a little too triggered… could there be something in their house that is causing it? Changes in elevation maybe? Praying that you get answers.

MoreThanSparrows08 · May 2014

Howdy, ladies. I'm late to the party, as usual...

1. Why does James say to "count it all joy" when we meet trials? He says that it produces perseverance, how do you feel about that?

I completely agree that trials produce perseverance. I also think that we should consider our trials as joy because God is taking the time to help us learn to persevere. Like, he know's we're capable of it, we just need a little (or a bit) nudge to help us out. I think, through our trials, we also learn what's most important in life, and that's a joyous thing because who wants to waste time thinking/worrying/doing things that really don't matter to us?

2. How does this verse apply to TTCAL? How can we keep going when our faith in everything is tested time and time again?

I remember when DH and I felt called to become missionaries to Seattle - we prayed about it, sought council, and began the process. Sent out letters requesting support, spoke to our church pastors, etc. We went through all the steps. But the response to our support requests was less than a handful of people, and we knew we couldn't do it without their help, so it fell through. Now we look at that a test of whether or not we would actually be willing. God was testing our hearts to be sure that when He put something in it, we would pursue it until we no longer could. It showed us that we're not opposed to becoming missionaries, and that we are able to follow His guidance.

I think the trials we face in TTCAL are meant to strengthen us and make us aware of how much we truly want a child in our lives. Yes, losing our babies just plain sucks - there's no way around that. But that baby had a purpose for being with us, even for a short time. It changed all of us, and the changes that were made in us, we may not even know about for some time. So, while we mourn our lost babies, we should rejoice that God gave us an opportunity to love that wholly and unconditionally, and that it has affected change within us for years to come.

3. My challenge to you this week: Look back and see where trials in your life have shaped you. Did they shape you for better or worse? How can this process of losing our LO shape us?

The biggest trial I've ever faced was repairing my marriage after I did everything I could to sabotage it. The story in itself is a novel, so I won't bore you with all the dirty details. But it shaped me in ways I never knew I needed to be shaped. I learned how selfish I had been, and how loving my spouse wasn't that bubble, ooey-gooey feeling we used to get as teenagers. Yes, those feelings are still there, but love is a choice. I wake up every morning and choose to love my spouse unconditionally. Yes, he angers me sometimes by leaving the toilet seat up or by leaving his guitars, amps, and pedals all over my house, but I still love him. I also learned that I needed to be more proactive in ensuring my marriage was the best it could be - going out of my way to do things for my spouse that filled his love tank. It's an ongoing process, but I am much more aware of the little nuances of my marriage now than I was 4 years ago. The loss of our twins was devastating to both of us, but it brought us closer together. We both realized how much we wanted another baby in our little family, and we now know how fragile life can be.

4. Prayer

Still waiting to hear from the county regarding the job DH applied and interviewed for nearly 3 weeks ago... UGH... prayers that they get off their bums and do some work on this!!!

5. Praises

My mom's oral surgery (to have 14 teeth pulled) went really well. As far as I know, she's healing well - we go back to the surgeon on Thursday to make sure, and start planning for dentures. Also, we had a very long "come to Jesus" type talk with the Pastor of our new church. Long story short, DH and I were very frustrated because we're not used to his style of leadership and he's very Type A in that he doesn't like to delegate tasks to people, and we're the kind of people who want to help and don't like someone watching us over our shoulders. Anyway, we had a very long chat with him on Sunday, and we're optimistic that we'll work better together now.

((hugs)) to all who need them!!

megrae12 · May 2014

1. Why does James say to "count it all joy" when we meet trials? He says that it produces perseverance, how do you feel about that? I think it's imperative we see joy in all things. We need to see where we are in our lives and how we can grow from this. Everything in this life is a growing process, a learning process, a pruning process. It's a constant ebb and flow. Perseverance is not something I want. I feel like my life has been a constant trial. The last three years of my life even more so. It's hard, very hard, to see where God is wanting me to be. I am struggling to accept how this is going. I think it is my type A personality. I like to control things, and these last three years have reminded how little I control in my life. My faith has been tested to its core and I am ashamed to say that it is rocky.

2. How does this verse apply to TTCAL? How can we keep going when our faith in everything is tested time and time again? I think this verse, more so that a lot, applies to TTCAL. We are constantly tested in our faith in this process. I never thought, when I set out to have a baby, that it would be this hard. I had stuff stacked against me starting out, but still, I never expected it to be this hard. I think this is where perseverance comes in. We need it to keep going, we need it to help us when things get hard. I can honestly say, I never thought I would be here and be dealing with the things I am dealing with. I am sure, none of us thought that. I can also say, I have never felt God's heart more than I do now b/c of what I am going through.

3. My challenge to you this week: Look back and see where trials in your life have shaped you. Did they shape you for better or worse? How can this process of losing our LO shape us? I think the trials in my life have allowed me to see God. As I mentioned before, I have a better understanding of His heart from all of this. All of my life, I have heard how He loves, how He weeps for us and intercedes for us. I have never felt it as I did that day I asked Him why He allowed this. His heart is full of love. This is whole process is showing me a new place in my heart. One where I am compelled to pour my love out on women like me. I cannot allow this to be a taboo thing anymore.

4. Prayer Pray for my job. They are taking micro managing to a whole new level of crazy and I am completely over it. My heart and my mind cannot handle it anymore.

5. Praises My H. He is my rock and I cannot imagine being w/o him. I look back on my life and I am amazing I lasted as long as I did w/o him in my life. God literally made him for me.

@littlecookie What can I pray for you this week? I will be praying that your levels drop quickly, are you being monitored weekly?

@MrsG80inTN Prayers for you love. I hope that things settle down for you soon. I will be praying for the BIL situation.

@mcnsher0627 I love your heart. I am happy to see some hope in what you post. God has amazing things planned for you love. I know this. He is holding you up with His mighty right hand. You are loved.

@AggieBeth06 Haha, I dunno if I have a line to your heart or if we both need to hear the same things. I love that you say this a verse to act. It is, a verse, a call to action. Prayers for you DS and I hope they figure out what is triggering these respiratory things for him.

@MoreThanSparrows08 I love that you are still so in tune to what God is wanting from you. Keep it up, lady! Prayers for you that things settle down at church. Much love to you.

graceanne927 · May 2014

Hi Everyone

Sorry I'm late also!

@littlecookie - I will be praying for your levels to go down!

@MrsG80inTN- Praying for your 2ww

and for your bil. Happy Birthday to your grandmother! I can only imagine all that she has seen in her lifetime; what a great age to be. Btw I love your siggy! LOL

@mcnsher0627 - Ha! I have to agree w/ you - I don't like it either! I'm glad you find moments of joy. I think that is so important. I will be praying for you while you wait your tests & results - I think this is a good idea.

@AggieBeth06 You've brought up a great point - our actions are a testament to our faith. So important to realize that esp w/ how we handle tough situations. Our trials and how we face them can point others to Jesus - that's something to count as joy! I will be praying for your son. Where I live allergies are so terrible and I never had allergies before living here - it could def be something in his environment bringing it on. I'll be praying he's better v soon!

@MoreThanSparrows08 - We had a great reminder at church this past Sunday that no one falls out of love that it's a choice - so if you feel out of love the good news is you can choose to love again! It was healthy sermon for us b/c I sometimes think we can take each other for granted - we have all these expectations from each other but we don't do enough to cater to the other person and fulfill their needs. I def think we needed to hear some of things said - experiencing a loss and then the process of ttc has def had its toll. And our journey has been short. It sounds like you have a good grasp on how to keep your marriage strong and selfless...I admire that. I have a natural tendency to be selfish. My poor husband. I'll be praying for YH's job oppty - hope it's worth the wait in the end.

@megrae12 It's a wonderful thing to be able to say ...b/c of this I have seen and felt God's love. I know I've said it before that if we had a perfect life we wouldn't be so compelled to rely and trust God...we'd wouldn't be at place where we would "need" his grace & love. We can't grow close to God w/o the trials we face in life. Praying for your job situation! I love your praise - acknowledging that YH is your rock. I should add my hubby to mine

1. Why does James say to "count it all joy" when we meet trials? He says that it produces perseverance, how do you feel about that? I think he says to count it all joy b/c we know that God has a purpose and the trials we face should helps us grow and trust in him more. I agree that we develop more perseverance b/c we can look back and see in our own lives some of the difficulties and obstacles we have faced in the past and see how we have come through it, how God has provided, and if there was a lesson learned that we are better for it. 2. How does this verse apply to TTCAL? How can we keep going when our faith in everything is tested time and time again? I always keep coming back to the word TRUST. I feel like God has laid that word specifically on my heart. When I'm filled w/ doubts or I feel like I'm defeated - I remember that there are better days ahead and I've got to believe that & keep my focus on him. 3. My challenge to you this week: Look back and see where trials in your life have shaped you. Did they shape you for better or worse? How can this process of losing our LO shape us? Great idea - I want to be a better person just for the sake of that little life - to honor it and know that it had a good purpose even though the loss was so early. I want that life to matter. Someone on here (not this board) but she shared her losses and she said it made her softer, kinder, and love more deeply. I loved that b/c that is exactly how I wanted to move on from my loss also. I know that life went straight to heaven and when she meets me one day I want her to be proud and know she had a significant and profound purpose in my life. (for some reason I tend to think it would have been a girl) 4. Prayer please continue to pray for my husband - he's still not 100%! Getting better though

5. Praises my hubby and I are finally looking to buy or build a home here in SC! we've been renting bc my hubby has not felt certain he wanted to stay here (he's from the west coast) and now (even though he's still restless w/ his job currently) he's content on moving forward w/ raising our family here. This is HUGE! I'm thrilled and so excited to begin the search for our new home!!

megrae12 · May 2014

@graceann927 I love how you keep acknowledging trust. I think it is something we all forget from time to time. It is so easy to get caught up in the things WE can do it's easy to forget what HE can do. ((Hugs)) my friend. Prayers continuing for your hubby and YAY for staying the South!! It's a great place to be!!

hayleyclaire · May 2014

Hi Ladies!

I wanted to say thank you for letting me dip my toe into your Bible Study threads.

I have been thinking over the last week or so after getting a diagnosis of grave's disease. What it boiled down to is that It will be at least 9 months (probably more like 12) before we can even try again. (medicine plus possible radiation=TTA for awhile). When I started contributing to the board I thought it might be 3 months.

I think because of this, the best idea is to leave the bump for now. Thanks for letting me participate.

God bless you all!

littlecookie · May 2014

MrsG80inTN 2WW is the worst. I second guess everything. Hoping you get good news! Prayers things get easier for your BIL and he has clarity.

mcnsher0627 Hope the results of your appointment bring you some comfort whether they find something or not.

AggieBeth06 Prayers for your son. I've seen croup and it's the worst.

@morethansparrows08 ack. Come on job. So glad to hear your mom's procedure went well. Prayers she continues to get better and also that you all find your way at church.

@megrae12 Thank you for being so honest. I'm praying for your faith and for your job situation. It's so tough to spend so much time in an environment that is uncomfortable.

@graceanne927 I love what you said about being softer, kinder, and more loving. Hope your DH feels better very soon. I love house hunting and I bet they have gorgeous homes in SC. All the best on your search. I can't wait to hear more.

@hayleyclaire- praying for you over the next several months that you are able to heal physically and emotionally. ((Hugs))

To answer some of your questions, I'll be going for follow up betas weekly. I don't know at what point we'd be concerned if they are still around. My plan now is not to ask and to expect that they will be down soon. I'll ask if it gets to a point where I feel like it's been too long.

Outside of that, Megrae12. I really think my biggest thing is being able to hear him clearly. What I should be doing while I wait (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and what I should be looking for from Him as a sign that I'm ready to move forward.

MrsG80inTN · May 2014

hayleyclaire - we will miss you, but applaud you for doing what is right for your heart and family. If you need prayers don't hesitate to come back to us and ask.

AggieBeth06 · May 2014

Hugs @hayleyclaire... I am so sorry you are going through this. It's ok to post here if you are TTA... I will be for at least another 6 months if not more. We are here when you need us. Healing prayers on the way.

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