Psalm 51 - Mark, Learn, Inwardly Digest

Through Lent I will attempt to memorize Psalm 51. It shouldn't be too hard since some of it is in our liturgy and will be familiar, but the old brain ain't what she used to be!

To help me I've made up some 3x5 note cards that I glued into a small notebook (I use one of these). I'll only commit 3 verses to memory a week.

If you'd like to memorize this chapter with me, feel free to download the cards for your own use. You can get those HERE.

"Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions. 

Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin. 

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me." Psalm 51:1-3

Verse by verse reflections from Good News Magazine Issue 40 "God's Healing Medicine for You"

Verse 1

"Notice how David comes to God with all his sins. David first acknowledges God's mercy. This is also how God desires that you know him, first as a God of mercy, in spite of you Sin. By reading and reciting this verse daily, the Holy Spirit sill give you increasing assurance of God's mercy, in spite of your many failings.

Verse 2

David is not asking for God's assistance to wash and repair himself. Rather, David asks God to take total control and for God to wash him thoroughly with the water of His cleansing and healing Word and Spirit. David makes this request with absolute confidence that he will receive this cleansing, healing and faith-strengthening gift from God.

Verse 3

David made no pretense of hiding or avoiding any sins. Let David's example be your daily guide. Don't hesitate to confess your Sin to God and do it with the assurance of total forgiveness, even of your most secret sins."

Lenten Project for Children

If you're looking for ways to get children to give or think about others through Lent this may be helpful. I came across these ideas in our local newspaper.

Using Christ's words from Matthew 25:

Week One: "I was hungry." Children can collect canned good for a local food pantry.

Week Two: "I was thirsty." Collect can or bottles of juice for food pantry.

Week Three: "I was a stranger." Write cards or letters to residents in area nursing homes or retirement centers. 

Week Four: "I was naked." Contribute diapers, wipes or baby care products and clothing to a local women's or homeless shelter.

Week Five: "I was sick." Donate health products such as shampoo, soap, lotions, toothbrushes and tooth paste to a food pantry or shelter.

Week Six: "I was in prison." Donate paper products, tissues, toilet paper, napkins and paper plates.

Is Respite Care for Us? - From BethAnn

BethAnn writes:

I have been thinking about foster respite care. I am not sure why I have been thinking about this a lot the last few months. I have been praying and have discussed this with others too. I have been in the Word as well. I just can't seem to make up my mind. Part is that my husband is only half way on board with this idea. The second is that I am going to have another little one soon. But it is heavy on my heart, which from my past means that my answer to my prayer is 'yes.'

They are looking for care for families who care for special children, which is my speciality. I have been told they need qualified people like me to help this special population. The following words of our Lord in this Bible account is always heavy in my thoughts and prayers.

"And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work." (John 9:2-4)

I think I should wait until I am done nursing my second child before we go through this process. I just want my husband to see that this would be a good opportunity to share our faith, get a little extra money, and have an opportunity to help a child see that God does provide blessings to all.

Please pray for me and my family as we make this decision. I need some clarity.

Matilda Grace Now with Jesus

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my cousin's family this week. Baby Matilda's heart surgery went as well as it could but her little heart just wasn't strong enough.

My cousin writes:

"Our Lord sent His holy angels to bear home His sweet child tonight around 10:30. There was nothing else that the doctors could do, but Matilda has been healed by the Great Physician. We could ask nothing more."

Please continue to pray for them.