Bible Study: Acts 29

This is such a great Bible study and the women have been wonderful. We went on Saturday morning at 6 am up and the leader came up and asked me how everything was going with the kids. We got to talking and she is praying for us and for them and it was just good to know that we had prayers around us. We did our bible study on Rejoicing and it was great. Mom was in a much better mood at this one as well and I really enjoyed going. Fellowship was great. I'm a bit behind in posting my lessons, so I'll be posting those over the next couple of days. Abba, thanks for bringing me to this study. I want to be on fire for you, dear Lord. Fill my heart with true love and joy for You.

The embarrassed one at Bible study...

So, we had our candlelit tea for Bible study last night. I had been looking forward to going. Normally, Mom picks me up and we go together. She texted me and told me she'd meet me there (that should have been my first clue). I get there and go to walk up to the door and Mom honks at me. So, I go walk out and meet her and we go in together. She talks to me for a bit about Jimmie and some stuff that she had found out about his football. They recruited 60 people to play football and they'll be weeding some out as they go. They have a team this year for the first time, but they're not actually playing any games against anyone until next year. This year will just be training and working out. But, I guess next year they're bringing in another 60 and they plan on being pretty competitive. The players will be the best they have with the best grades also. Mom is praying that God will favor Jimmie.

Anyway, the rest of the women were showing up and we got some crepes and some tea and shared in some fellowship. We answered our Bible study questions and then we gathered around and sang together and we went around the room asking for prayer requests. One of the ladies stopped everyone and wanted to hear about the court hearing last week. I told her it wasn't last week, it was this week. So, they wanted to pray for that. The Bible study leader wanted to know their names so she could pray for them by name and I told them all the sibling names. Mom spoke up and said that she just felt they would be a burden. At that, the ladies asked "to the birthparents?" At that point, I could feel the tears in my eyes. I couldn't speak or I knew I would start crying. Mom says "no, to them and she nods her head my way." She said "we need to pray for the kids and what happens to them that it's in their best interest." One of the ladies looked a little confused and asked something as she didn't realize that was my Mom. At that point, I was staring at the floor. Mom says "they're good parents, but I just feel the kids would be a huge burden." And I've never felt so embarrassed...all I could really do was stare at the floor. Prayer ended, I picked up my dishes and everyone was telling me that I'd have their prayers this week and all I could do was say "thank you." The prayer group leader told me they tried to adopt a little girl once and that she'd be praying for me. I said thank you and I wanted to talk to her, but yet I knew if I even opened my mouth, I'd be bursting into tears. I only have been around some of these ladies maybe 4 times, so I just didn't want to be that person. Mom told me she was leaving as she was tired and I figured that was a good leaving point and I walked out the door with her. We walked to our cars, I almost left without giving her a hug good-bye, walked over to her hugged her and said "bye," got in my car and dissolved into tears on the way home. She has been so negative to me recently...

"I wonder what would have happened had your Dad and I stood up at your wedding and said that we didn't agree with your wedding?"

"I don't like your neighborhood."

The comment last week about how I get to stay at home and do whatever I want because my husband makes good money.

She's criticized my parenting with Deidra and that we wore shorts to church one Sunday.

And now apparently we're not good enough for the girls.

I came home last night and Andy knew something was wrong. I sat on the couch and talked to him about it and he was very supportive. She's not around enough to know what goes on around here. She sees bits and pieces and thinks she knows the full story. She compares all of the bad behaviors in our kids to my brother, Zach, and yes, I know he was a handfull, but she sees every one of those behaviors as a burden. Well, if she's not over helping or babysitting and dealing with those behaviors...who is she to say what we need or what these kids need?

Andy told me last night that he thinks I just need to distance myself from her for awhile. I told him I just don't understand how she can be so wishy washy. Even when we were adopting Josiah and going through all the battles with lack of sleep, dealing with his screeching and his melt-downs she told me to think long and hard about adopting him. I came back and told her that I strongly believe that the kids in our house are here for a reason and that God will help me to deal with them and their behaviors and that He will show me the best way to help them. He doesn't give us more than we can handle. We don't get to pick our behavior traits in our biological children, I don't feel that we get that with our foster/adopt children either. I strongly believe in my heart that Josiah was the baby that I had been praying for. She told me that I had my head on straight and that I needed to follow what God had put on my heart. She was so excited on Josiah's adoption day. And she told me that she could finally put her guard down and be close to him now as she didn't have to worry about him going away and trying to protect her heart.

Now, I see her doing the same thing... seeing these kids is not easy for us at all. We want what is best for all of them and each one that leaves takes a part of our hearts with them. But, I just don't think saying things like she said last night is cool...that's hurtful on top of everything else. I don't know...I'm just really hurt. I think I'm going to keep some space for awhile. And yet, what is sticking out in my mind from Bible study...if we don't run into some persecution now and then, we're not doing the works of the Lord. If Jesus was persecuted, we'll be persecuted from following Him too. I think my Mom sees the kids as that they keep me from her at times because they do keep me so busy. Yet, she doesn't come over much either and when she does, she's criticizing my husband for something afterwards. I don't know, sometimes I feel like she'd prefer me to wind up in her shoes. Andy and I love each other...do we have some personality traits that get on each others nerves...yes. But, what couple doesn't?

All I know is I'm done sharing with my Mom about behaviors, what's going on with the foster kids (well, she doesn't know everything anyway...), and what Andy and I are thinking about things (foster/adoption wise). It's not her decision anyway really. Whatever we decide, she can either accept or not accept...and the bottom line is that it's her loss. It's not ours.

And I've explained to her before when we talked about pro-life and the Catholic family. Andy and I don't use birth control. Obviously, we have some issues that she's well aware of. But, even if we didn't...most Catholics that don't use birth control have several kids. When we started the foster care journey to add to our family, we determined that if we were asked to adopt, we'd say yes. If the kids were meant to reunify with their families, we were ok with that too. We just figured that God would give us our forever family according to His will and that the kids in our Home were here for a reason, whether they stayed for a little while or if they stayed forever. We trusted Him to bring us our forever children. And we still believe that.

God Speaks...

Bible study has really been a big blessing to me. I have a Daily Devotional that I got about a month ago from Kay Arthur that I have been trying to read daily as well. It's so neat to see that some of what I am learning in Bible Study is also appearing in my devotional. We just studied the "Follow Me" command and it also appeared in my devotional. God is really laying a lot on my heart lately and I hear it confirmed through some of my Christian friends too that are also trying to do similar things. (Spending more time away from tv, doing more for others, getting off the computer more, just stuff like that). I have a few ideas in my head about some things. I'll share as we start to plant our seeds. I've had a lot on my mind lately and have just been trying to give it back to God...God doesn't want us to worry...he just wants us to have faith and trust in Him. So, I've been trying to do that more. I love it when I read something and know that He is totally speaking to me and letting me know that He is taking care of my worries and of me or whoever I have been worrying about. God has truly blessed me and I love it when I He speaks to me.

What a great day!

I got up bright and early and went to bible study at 6 am. Lots to ponder and it was wonderful! I'll share more when I have more time. Then, I came home and get the kids dressed to go to training up at our foster care agency. We had to take Common Sense Parenting. Andy and I really didn't feel like going, but it didn't turn out that badly. Lots of laughs, sharing, and we came away with a renewed spirit of things to try with some behaviors going on in the house. Came home and took a nap. Got up and got the kids up...the girls' baby brother got picked up and then we sat around the table talking about our training today and some things that we were going to implement. Put the girls to bed as they refused to eat their dinner, Josiah got to stay up a bit later as a reward for being good and eating all his dinner and he got a popsicle...then I read to Deidra for awhile. We're starting Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms. We read the first chapter and then she fell asleep on the couch. I'm going to spend some time with Andy before heading to bed here myself.

Tomorrow, we have church, and then I have to help sign the kids up for catechism tomorrow after both masses. Then, I have to come home and do a clothing inventory on both the girls, and then we're going to my Mom's for a cook-out with my brothers and my parents.

It's been a great weekend so far...complete with a great night out last night with a friend. It was exactly what I needed!

Acts 29: Humility

Back on the Repent command...our developing character was humility vs. pride.

Developing Character
Humility vs. Pride
Humility is recognizing that in myself I am nothing and have nothing, and therefore, everything in life is a gift from God's hand.

We got a hand-out on humility.

Definition: recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking His will for every decision.

The natural result of being in the presence of God.

Expressed by a servan't spirit that is excited about making others successful.

Humble--Hebrew words

Anah--to stoop, bow down, to be afflicted, to weaken oneself

Kana--to bend the knee, to be brought into subjection

Philippians 2:5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. Therefor God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Specific ways to humble ourselves
--Welcome critics and bless those who curse you
--Volunteer for mental tasks
--Ask others about blind spots
--Express gratefulness
--Listen to others instead of talking about yourself
--Kneel in prayer
--Let authorities make final decisions
--Ask forgiveness for wrongs you have done
--Praise and honor others
--Take time for prayer and fasting
--Give sacrificially
--Give testimony of God's grace
--Deflect praise
--Be a servant.

Personal Evaluations:
How humble are you?
I think there's always room for improvement...I hate being in the spotlight and I don't always receive praise well from others. However, I've found that lately I have been craving praise and thanks for all that I do around here from my immediate family. I need to take more time to realize that God sees all and that He thanks for me all that I do. I don't necessarily need to hear it from my family.

Acts 29: Repent

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revalations 3:19.

"Have mercy upon me, Oh God, according to thy lovinghindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest and be clear when thou judgest" (Psalm 51:1-4.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19.

"Repent therefore of this thy wickedness; and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22.

"Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you" (Proverbs 1:23.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10.

Personal Application for Command 1
Praying the Names of God
Holy God--Joshua 24:19-21
Passage Joshua 24:19-21:

19And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

20If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good.

21And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD.



Advocate--1 John 2:1
Passage 1 John 2:1:

1 John 2
1My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

Examining My Heart
Have I cried out to God for salvation?
What is God convicting me of right now?
Have I confessed my sin?
Do I have a spirit of repentance rather than just a feeling of regret?
Have I turned from the sins of which the Holy Spirit has convicted me?
Have I asked God for a clean heart that follows after me?
Have I spent time in prayer over my sin?
How can I demonstrate my repentance?

Developing Character
Humility vs. Pride
Humility is recognizing that in myself I am nothing and have nothing, and therefore, everything in life is a gift from God's hand.

Acts 29 Base Questions

This is what they went over their first meeting that I missed, but my Mom and I went over a couple of them with the Bible Study Leader and I thought I'd post them all here.

First Base Questions
1. Do you know for sure that you are going to Heaven when you die? Why or why not?
I would like to think that I am. I was baptized as a child of God when I was 12 years old and I try to live my life for Him. However, I do think that in certain situations if you quit living your life as you should that God's Kingdom can be taken from you. I strive to say on the path to Him and I hope to live with Him one day.

2. Briefly share your testimony if you have accepted Christ: What was you life like before Christ? How did you get saved? What difference has Christ made in your life?
I can remember early memories of being a little girl and going to church with my Grandparents and my Parents. I always loved going to church. When my Mom got sick and she passed away, we quit going. It was something that I missed. When my Dad got re-married, I can remember going in their bedroom and asking if we could go to church on Sundays. Sometimes we did, sometimes we didn't. We tried out different churches...non-denominational, Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist.... When I was 11, a friend's mom that I went to elementary school with introduced us to the Catholic church. We wound up going to the traditional Latin Mass with them and a year later we converted. When I was 12, I was baptised with my baby brother, Zach and it made a profound impact on me. Wow, all my sins were washed away and I was like a baby again! I was a true child of God! The very next day, I made my First Communion and I was very excited! There have been a lot of things that have happened in my life that if I didn't have my faith and my relationship with God, I don't know how I would have gotten through them. Yes, there have been times that my relationship with Him has been distant...yet, I always make my way back to Him. I need Him in my life!

Second Base Questions
1. Describe your relationship with Jesus. How is your quality time? How do you interact with the Word of God?
I try to spend time in prayer and in reflecting over God's word. This is something I don't seem to devote a whole lot of time to with all my little one's, but I am trying to be better about it. He is someone who always has time for us and who always wants us to spend time with him and I need to remember that when I am feeling off or down that He is always truly there and wants to spend time with me whenever I can. I love teaching my little ones about Him too.

Third Base Questions
1. Are you a disciple of Christ?
I think I am a true follower of Christ...well as true as I can be...I am human after all. I know that I am not perfect by any means, but I try to follow Him the best that I can.
2. What does that mean?
To me it means trying to keep His Commandments, loving one another as Christ loves us, doing good deeds, and teaching God's word.
3. What attributes would you expect in a disciple?
Someone that loves everyone, somebody that you constantly see good in, somebody that makes you also want to do good and live your life for Christ. Someone that is willing to help others and is willing to teach God's Word and practices what they preach.

Home Plate Questions
1. Articulate the Great Commission: What did Jesus command us to do as his disciples? Serve Him, Know Him, and Love Him and teach that to others.

2. Read these Scriptures:
Passage Matthew 28:16-20:

16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Passage Luke 24:47-49:

47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48And ye are witnesses of these things.

49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Passage John 20:19-23:

19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.

21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Passage Acts 1:6-8:

6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

3. Are you doing these things?
I try to do them, sometimes not as much as I should.

4. Share examples and results of recent experiences.
Andy and I have been baptized and we have baptized Deidra and are getting ready to baptize Josiah. It is important to us to raise our children as children of God. We go to church every Sunday to worship as a family. When I do wrong, I ask for forgiveness not only of God, but to the person that I have wronged. I am trying to teach my family to the same and to be a good example. One thing, I think we all need to do as a family is read God's word together and pray together more often.

Acts 29 Bible Study

My Mom invited me to attend a Bible Study that had recently started with her. We missed the very first meeting, however we picked up 2 weeks ago with their 2nd meeting. We are going to be doing a year's study on Gods commands in the Bible. She playfully named it Acts 29 (there isn't an Acts 29 in the Bible).

I think I'm going to post my questions and so forth here, so I can come back and reflect from time to time and see my growth.