Blog #9: Acts of the Apostles

"Christ Ordaining the Apostles (Christ Ordaining the Twelve Apostles)." Christ Ordaining the Apostles (Christ Ordaining the Twelve Apostles). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering?

I learned that people suffered from being ridiculed and shamed for their beliefs. Many people did not believe the Word of God and humiliated and sometimes physically hurt the Apostles and the people of the Church. In my own story, Paul and his men suffered on the ship while a storm raged around them. However, all of their reaction to the hard times eventually were unfailing faith that God will always be there to protect and guide us. 

Wilson, Marvin R. "The Apostle Paul and His Times: Did You Know?" Christian History | Learn the History of Christianity & the Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why?

I found my own story from the Acts of the Apostles most inspiring. During the storm, Paul's men were beginning to lose faith. However, God sent a messenger to Paul, who passed the message on to his men in a sort of pep talk that showed them that we should believe in God and get him through the hard times. I find that inspiring because it's always nice to have someone to turn to when things get hard. 

"Marine Planning: Stormy Seas." Michelmores. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

How have you experienced challenges in your own life and how have you dealt with them?

I have experienced challenges balancing school, sports, and my social life before. However I always make sure that I have someone to remind me to take a step back and collect my thoughts, so that I can focus on the task at hand. Sometimes it is a close friend or family member, or I take a few minutes to reflect on where I am in life and pray to God about it.

ictorio2227. "7, Christian Video Background, Video Loop, Easy Worship." YouTube. YouTube, 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Who are people that you can turn to in times of need and why?

I can always turn to my mom in times of need, because she is always very supportive in all of the things I do. I also have a few close friends who I can always count on to be there for me. And of course, I can always turn to God, because He is always there for me and ready to guide me through His plan for me.

"Friendship Resources for EYFS and Primary." TES. N.p., 14 Nov. 2016. Web. 16 Feb. 2017.

Blog #8: Discipleship

https://alexcolao.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/lastsupper.jpg

What did you learn about the original disciples from the group projects?

I learned that the disciples were selfless and fully devoted to a life preaching and spreading the Word of God. I also learn that they were very dedicated to the cause, some going as far as to die for their faith.

Which disciple did you find most interesting and why?

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I found Matthias most interesting because while I was researching him, I found that before he was Matthias, he was Zacchaeus. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus first met Jesus, and that's always been a prevalent story in my early Catholic education. I remember as a kid admiring how dedicated Zacchaeus was by climbing the tree and serving Jesus and repenting her ways of a tax collector.

Based on what you learned, what are the characteristics of people who follow Christ?

http://www.colindye.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/To-reach-the-multitudes-Jesus-actually-turns-from-them-to-his-12-disciples.jpg

I learned that people who follow Christ are wholeheartedly devoted to Him and willing to repent their sins and give all of their material possessions to preach the Word of God. They are also kind and patient and forgiving.

Do you feel that you display any of these characteristics? Why or why not?

I feel like I do display some of these characteristics. Definitely not to the extremes that the disciples went to, but I feel like I make an effort to be kind to people and make them feel loved.

http://www.icr.org/i/wide/christ_our_life_wide.jpg