Psalm 51

The other night before bed, I recalled singing this song as a little girl:

"Create in me a clean heart, Oh God.
And renew a right spirit within me..." (Psalm 51:10)

David was a worshiper. He was a skilled musician. He was a humble warrior known throughout Israel. He was a king! As he grew, he attracted people everywhere he went. Perhaps he was like an Old Testament ROCK STAR! He had been anointed as a child to replace King Saul on the throne and was celebrated for one of the most amazing defeats in all of the Israelite days in battle. No wonder Saul was so jealous of this guy! But David, being one of the most celebrated men of all the Old Testament, still messed up. Psalm 51 was his cry of repentance before God involving his secret sin with Bathsheba.

I think we all WANT to remember David for those celebrated accomplishments. I don't think any of us want to believe a Bible hero so great could have messed up so big. Surely when his sin was made known, he was disappointed in himself, or perhaps he regretted his compromising decision. But I happen to believe the saddest part for David was his knowing that his sin had made him FEEL separated him from God's presence- by his own choice and actions.

BUT, (I LOVE THIS PART!!) as his HEART began to turn towards repentance, true repentance, the only thing that mattered to him was to be close to the Lord again.

I kinda think this was a weepy song he cried out to God:

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

What a beautiful heart cry. We know that God's Word promises He will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, it's quite the opposite. He is waiting for us to run to him when we need grace and forgiveness.

Hebrews 4:16 (New King James Version) says:

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Haven't we all been in need of his Grace? As a mom, I am WAITING for my kids to run to me and get it right when they mess up. I never stop loving them because they didn't obey the first time. How silly we forget God the Father loves us also in that way! I just love how God leaves His arms open and he immediately receives us, forgives and LOVES!! Don't camp out in the problems of your life or your mistakes. Just like David, God can use you when you turn your heart to Him.

I love this quote, borrowed from my friend Amy...Troy liked it so much he used it in his Sunday message!

"God is not distracted by style, personality,
appearance or achievement.
His gaze pierces the flesh and weighs the heart.
Then He places His hand upon sincere souls
and turns shepherds into kings."

SUMMER LIFE GROUP: UPDATE!

We are celebrating the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL and the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER! No more waking up at 6 am (well, at least for the kids!). For those of you interested in the summer life group, we have decided on a date and time!

EAT THE COOKIE, BUY THE SHOES!!!!

Wednesday, June 23 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, June 30 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, July 7 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Wednesday, July 14 (10:00 am- 11:30 am)


* We will be meeting at Highland Chapel Church at the Township, located upstairs (directly behind Soulshine Pizza)
* Childcare will be provided. You may bring snacks/lunch with your kiddos if needed.
* Anyone is welcome!

At some point over the next two weeks, try to purchase your copy of Joyce Meyer's, "Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes"
new book release. There are many sites online and it is probably at the local stores. The purpose for this group is to
CONNECT, ENCOURAGE, and have FUN!!! So please feel free to invite a friend.

We will CELEBRATE our completion of the group by having some girl fun- SHOPPING AND DESSERT!!!! Time TBA

Please leave a comment if you plan attend. The only thing I ask is that you let me know ages of any children coming, so that we may provide enough help.

Looking forward to our time together!

NEW SUMMER LIFE GROUP FOR WOMEN!

I am so excited about the idea of hosting my first Life Group for "The Girls" since I have been here in Madison. I have ALWAYS grown from these times together- girls just need time to hang out, be real, talk and pray with one another- especially for encouragement and LAUGHTER!!! I am thinking to meet once a week for 4 weeks and study the new book by Joyce Meyer, EAT THE COOKIE, BUY THE SHOES! Here is a little sample:

"I didn’t know how to trust God with daily life. I was out
of balance in almost everything and I did not yet realize that
celebration and enjoyment are necessary in our lives and we
cannot be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physi-
cally without them. We must remember that we are not built
for guilt, and we should deal with it aggressively anytime we
experience it.
The best gift you can give your family and the world is a
healthy you and you cannot be healthy without celebration
being a regular part of your life. You can change the entire
atmosphere in your home simply by giving yourself permission
to lighten up."

Joyce Meyer

If you are interested, please let me know the best time and mid-week day that would work for you and we can get our plans rolling! We will provide childcare at our church facility, located in The Township.

Looking forward to a great summer together!

Hayley