Oh, how quickly we forget...

Here's just a real short snippet from my recent readings, "The Hidden Smile of God" by Piper.  It is another book from his "the swans are not silent" series highlighting the lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd. These books ministered to me deeply while I was in the hospital and I am excited to be reading another.  It provides fresh perspective on the "sufferings" of my life, my inadequacy apart from Christ and the call of endurance to the saints.

From Cowper's book, "The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion of the Church of England", he says:

"We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by faith, and not of our own works or deservings.  Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort..."(emphasis mine)

Comfort indeed.  For apart from Him, I am nothing and can be nothing.  The last couple weeks have given me a whole new perspective on my need for Him.  
In many ways during these past few months of recovery, I feel like I have been able to jump out of the gate, so to speak.  Get back in the swing.  Pick up where I left off.  No problem.  However, I will admit the last couple weeks have been quite trying.  There was something about being in that hospital bed for 40+ days that made me recognize my need for God. 

I was helpless. 
I was not in control.
I could have despaired. 
I needed God.

And He was there.

But now that I am back in full swing as wife, mother, sister-in-law, auntie and daughter-in-law...I am in my element.  I just needed to get better.  And then, I could competently run my home again.  I couldn't wait to get back to my busy life and the many "hats" that I wear everyday.  I could do it.  I, in my own strength.  I can be all things to all the people that need me.

But really, no...I can't.

Father, how quickly I fall back into old habits.  Pulling myself up by my bootstraps. Taking pride in my even-keeled personality and ability to be flexible and handle stress. 
This is a trap and an excuse for me to be lazy in my priorities and goals. And it's how I get in trouble.  And then fall flat on my face.
Thinking I can make it...on my own.  And for me, it leads to not spending the time needed in the Word.  Not getting on my knees to beg for mercy and ask for help to spend my day for the glory of Christ.  Not seeing every moment I spend with my children, every day I enjoy being married to my husband and every second I call Christ my Savior as a display of grace.
Oh, it makes me so mad when I fall back into bad habits. Habits that are sin! Help me Lord...and may I be ever-conscience and comforted by your grace. For it is only by that unfathomable grace that I can make it through each day. I don't deserve it...but I sure need it. 

Don't we all...

Tools to fight...

This morning, the kids and I began memorizing scripture again. I am afraid we had to take a serious hiatus while I was on bedrest & in the hospital. I missed it and so did they! They were very excited as I wrote out the verse this morning with bright markers (a favorite thing of mine, remember?) and put the paper up on the fridge.
There are obviously so many verses in the Bible to chose from. Where to start? I decided to use the Fighter Verse Program.  It is a list of scripture selections designed for weekly memorization.  (There's even a website/blog specifically about the Fighter verse for the week and some deeper thoughts.)  I believe they were originally from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Pastor John Piper. There are 5 different "sets" of verses, all chosen specifically to encourage the believer to fight for faith, hence their name "Fighter Verses". 

We started with Set "A" and I just jumped in on the first one, Deuteronomy 7:9. 

We said it 5 times and the kids repeated it after me. Then I would say it and leave a blank for them to fill in.  Childrens' minds are incredible.  They were both rushing ahead of me after only the 3rd time through.  Ella said "Mom, let's do another one!".  So I gave in and wrote out another one. :o) 

So, the McPherson children are working on these 2 verses this week.  With our goal of learning them both before daddy returns from T4G late Thursday night.  (Remember how much I like goals!) We'll see how it goes and I'll let you know.

In the meantime, how's your scripture memory bank? Full? Probably not, if you are anything like me.  As I heard once from a wise and experienced woman (who had memorized almost half of the Bible), "You just have to start".  Even if it's just a short verse.  Just start somewhere!  Blessings as you fill your mind with tools for the fight!

Happy Birthday Helen...

Today is April 10.  
It is a special day.
First of all, today is Grandpa Carey's birthday.
And that is very special.
Also, it is Saturday.
Which is always a plus.
But the reason I think it is really special is because it is my friend Helen's birthday. 

You've probably heard me talk about my friend Helen before...
-She's the one that does really cool things with a sewing machine (wish I could do that), making cute aprons right & left.  Or wonderful blankets and bedding for my children. She should have an etsy shop (hint, hint Helen!).
-She's the one with the same little red Bible as me. We weren't together when we bought them, but we picked the exact same one.  Fun little coincidence.
-She's a real cowgirl. I may be from Texas, but she's actually rode a horse.  And not just rode one, she's won trophies because she's so good at it. I just like that about her.
-She's my party-planning-partner.
We love parties...baby showers, women's events, and tea parties for no reason except to get together, eat really yummy food, dress up a little and bless the socks off the person it's for. I don't plan a party without her. Unless the party is for her, of course. And even then, that's really hard for me to do.
-She's a really good and adventurous cook.  She's not afraid to try something new...and it always turns out really good! 
Some personal favorites of mine are her apricot-sage scones, homemade rustic bread, and lemon meringue pie. 
-She's married to my husband's cousin.
So we're not just friends, we're related. Super plus.
-She's a godly woman, striving to serve her husband, train her child (soon to be children plural!) and serve her Lord. She challenges me by her voracious desire to learn, her devotion to serve & bless her husband in every way, her love for Jesus, her humble spirit, and her genuine heart for hospitality.
Recently, it looked as though they were going to have to move out of state.  My heart sank. How sad it would be to see my friend move away. But thankfully, it did not have to be so.  And I am looking forward to another year filled with fabulous memories with my close friend who still lives close. Yay! 

Happy Birthday Helen...I love you my friend. And I thank the Lord for your life today.