This song by George Winston helps me relax when I am entertaining...
I've heard the story about Martha and Mary many times, but for some reason I never seem to "get it" in the depths of my soul. Hopefully by writing about it here for the whole world to see, I will make a much needed change. For any of you who don't know the story, it goes like this...
At the Home of Martha and Mary
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)
You see, I am a lot like Martha. I can almost hear God Himself saying, "Angie, Angie, you are so worried about your house being perfect, preparing the perfect meal and worrying about what others think, that you miss out on so many opportunities to welcome friends in your home. And when you do finally invite them, you are so distracted that you aren't able to fully engage and enjoy your company! These are your friends and family and they love you! I have given you a beautiful home, enough money to buy food to offer them, yet you don't because you are too nervous and get freaked out! Have you forgotten you don't need the approval of man, just me? I want so much more for you. I want you to welcome my people in your home and share my love. If you just relax and rest in me, everything will be fine."
And I can't overlook what we read this week about forgiveness...
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (Matthew 18:21-22)
One more thing... We read in Mark 9:23-24 about Jesus healing the boy with an Evil Spirit.
" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
We also read Luke chapter 11 where Jesus teaches us to pray the Lord's Prayer.
As I am reading His Word I Pray I do more than tell you how much I enjoyed it. I Pray my life is changed forever...
He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28)
Our Cover to Cover readings with Bev and the girls are life-changing, especially when we choose to obey!
Love,
Angie xoxo
12 comments:
What a beautiful family! I know you enjoyed their visit.
Girl, I am so Martha. (and I just want to smack that Mary sometimes.) I'm supposed to be reading Mary in a Martha world by Joanna Weaver this fall. I'll let you know if it helps. I'm like you in thinking that we miss so much in our Martha-ness.
You touch my heart with your thoughts. I know that you are living His Word.
love,
karen
Hi Angie,
I have really missed you! As I took time off of my blog I thought a lot about how faithful you are to write these Cover to Cover posts every week! I am very impressed with your devotion!! It is hard to keep it up sometimes but I do LOVE blogging!
As for your post today, I want to say I am Mary but I am definitely Martha. I'm getting better but I have a LONG way to go!!
Enjoy your week and thank you for your sweet comments and prayers, I have really felt them!
Love,
Kelley
Martha gets a bad wrap, I think. Jesus knows women's hearts and he wants more for us to enjoy life than to fret over the details. You already know I'm a Martha (and it's not Stewart.)I want to just sit at Jesus' feet and like you, not just enjoy it, but be changed forever. That is my prayer for each of us in Cover to Cover. I'm believing God for this and so much more. I also love the Bible when it tells the father's honest response, "I believe. Lord, help my unbelief!" Amen. Love ya, Annette
Hi Ang..
I was a big time Martha *smile* But there came a time in my journey when I began to understand why Mary choose the best, and that was learning to be still. being still is so hard especially for me, but so necessary.
Hugz Lorie
I love George Winston too! It is finding the balance between Mary and Martha. Too often I get caught up in the "preparations!!
Beautiful! I loved the post A walk to remember too! Thanks for sharing your heart Angie. Your loved ones are so blessed to have you!
I used to be a total Martha and would tell God - You made me this way, You knew me before I was in my mother's womb. I am more Mary now. I think you could safely call me Marty.
Love, Annette
I'm back!!
I love the song you chose this week ~ it is relaxing. I need to have more of this type of music on in my home ~ whenever I'm home that is!
I have tended to be Ms Martha but I am learning (and it's a long process) to be more like Mary. Of course there must be balance or else nothing would ever get done.
Looking forward to visiting with you more this next week or so.
Blessings, Cindy
I would say most of us are Martha's, I know I am...It is in recognizing it that we can begin to let some of the Marthaness that holds us turn into more of a Mary.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Well that so spoke! I just posted late cause I have strept throat and thought I would --- I don't know--- worst throat pain ever. Love you Ang! Love your heart for Him, it's so humble.
Good words, once again.
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