There's Got To Be More

Sometimes we have to slow down in order to take spiritual inventory and see where we stand with God. Sometimes we have to realize how empty we are before we're willing to be filled. As I looked back at my life, I could see a series of mountaintop experiences where the rain had fallen rich and deep, but there were quite a few dry valleys as well. Famine times when I was so dry and so low emotionally that I barely felt alive. I had the classic sanguine personality when it came to my walk with God. What was wrong with me? When I stopped to think about it, I knew part of the answer. My personal times of devotion were erratic at best. My prayer life was quirky, my reading of the work sporadic. And because I was not spending regular quiet time with God, I was not putting myself in a position to be filled and refilled. No wonder I was running on empty! What it really came down to was I only met with God when I felt like it. And that, I was learning, just wasn't enough. If I wanted to be filled with God on a more consistent basis, I had to determine to let myself be stretched, to make room for the Better Part on a daily basis in my life. And that would mean learning to abandon my emotions as a compass and start exercising my will. (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Too Full For Comfort

Before I "blog" from my study today I have a confession to make. It's important to share this because of what my study is about. Normally on Saturday's I take the grand ones to visit my parents. Because Kaylin's other grandmother wanted her to be at a family cookout today we went yesterday afternoon. So I had the whole day to stay in my PJ's and do whatever. Not that I didn't get a few things done (I did sweep the floors and work on my picture books). I don't know what happened to the day but it just went by and before I knew it - it was gone. I had not done my study or had my prayer time, not that I didn't think about it several times (I just would tell myself "in a minute I'll get to that"). My day just has not seemed right and I know the reason why-after I did stop and do my study I really knew why. Why is it God always has a way to open your eyes for what you need to see? I don't really need an answer to that, I'm just glad he does. Now, here is my study for the day:

We were created for the fullness of God, not an ounce or liter less. But are we ready for that? After all, being filled to the measure with all the fullness of God will most likely require our being stretched. At the very least, it is sure to disturb our comfort. Are we willing to let God explode our comfort zone and expand our capacity for him? Or do we want a God we can manage? The trouble , of course, is that God doesn't work that way. He's not on the market in manageable, bargain-size portions. He's not on the market in the first place. And he's not looking for buyers; he's looking to buy-you and me. He wants a people who are sold out to him. He has already paid the price. His Son died on the cross to pay our debt and ransom our souls. But the transaction is never a forced sale-and that's crucial to realize. God is a gentleman, not a robber baron. We can actually say no to the Maker of the Universe. Martha's excuse was duty. She had cleaning and cooking to do. She didn't think she had time to sit at Jesus' feet. Perhaps your excuse is children or work. Or maybe like me, the only excuse you really have for devotional delinquency is sheer laziness. But whatever it is-whatever keeps us from spending regular time with God-it is sin. Does it sound harsh to say that cooking or cleaning or taking care of children or doing your job might be sinful? The very definition of sin is separation from God. So no matter how important the activity, no matter how good it seems, if I use it as an excuse to hold God at arm's length, it is sin. I need to confess and repent of it so that I can draw close to the Lord once more. Because the longer I go without being filled with God's presence, the drier and emptier and more frustrated I'm gong to become. (From: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Tag Your It

I have three post today on one day - and it's still very early!

This was a tag from Dana(I wanna talk about me..me..me..):
Ten years ago: I was 41 years old with a 17 year old daughter. Need I say more? All I did was worry about her (oh wait, I still do). I was working for Huntsville Hospital (good job-not as good as my current job, great friends). I was not as fat (I mean healthy) as I am now. Due to my current age that's pretty much all I remember.

My to do list today:
5am get out of bed (still very sleepy-again, due to age I've been up 3-4 times during the night going to the potty). Feed Bud (the dog), Lucy (the cat) and her seven new little kittens. (They are sooooo cute-if anyone needs a kitty. I'll bring it to you and buy you a bag of food!). Get ready for work (shower, makeup, etc.).
6am Kerrie (daughter) brings the grand ones so she can go to work. Well most of the time it's just Eli, Kaylin is already here.(Sheeee, they are asleep)
6:05am Prayer time, read a section of my book, blog it
6:35am Wake kiddos up (let them watch cartoons, drink juice/choc. milk, ect.)
7:00am Get kiddos ready (brush teeth, clothes on, etc.)
7:20am Leave for drop offs (Kaylin at school, Eli at Ms. Dosha's)
8:00am Head off to work (after taking a deep breath and thanking God one more time for helping this old girl with the last three hours).
8:20am Arrive at work (wait-today I decide to stop by Wally World for something, my work day starts around 9:15)
12:15 Lunch Time!!! (lunch was late getting here)
1:00pm Work again (short lunch, not much to talk about?)
5:30pm Home to get things ready for the next day (wash/dry a load of clothes, iron for the next day, etc.)

Favorite snack: Ice cream!! (Mayfield Mint Choc. Chip, Blue Bell Banana Split) Not many flavors I won't eat except Vanilla (unless there is Choc. syrup)

If I had a million dollars: Pay off all my bills, pay off all my family and friends bills, buy the beach house next door to Dana's, give to any church in need of something, maybe do something like Oprah did - oh but better.

Places I've lived: Let's see, oh yes, Alabama. (Huntsville and Hazel Green)

My Tags: Amanda-because I think she will do this (she lived more places than I have)
Connie-because she needs to do this (she does not blog like she should)
Lilah-because she needs the practice (I have more blogs on her site than she does)
Stephanie-because she needs to blog more also
NOTE: So sorry Dana - not that much to know about me.

If you like giveaways...

Be sure to visit my sweet blog friend Rebecca. She is having a wonderful giveaway - you will love it! You can click on (China, Baby!) from my list of blogs I read or go to http://www.ourfamilyjournal.com/

Making Room

I've found I need solitude, a daily quiet time alone with God, if I am to have any hope of keeping my center. Left to my own devices, I am fickle and ever-changing. One day I'm hot: "O Lord, I love you! Be glorified in me." The next day I'm lukewarm: "Sorry, God, have to run." The only way I've found to fight this wandering tendency in my life is to keep my heart centered on Christ, to keep my gaze fixed on him. But that takes time and an act of my will. I have to be willing to make room in my life if I want to experience the Better Part. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). First things first, the Lord was saying. Take care of my business, and I'll take care of yours. Make room in your heart for me, and I'll make room for everything else. (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Keeping A Focus

"I can't spend time with God today," I may rationalize. "I haven't the time." But the truth of the matter is this: The rougher the day, the more time I need to spend with my Savior. The more hoops I have to handle, the more I need to keep my center. I think it's important to remember that if Mary hadn't chosen to take time out of her busy Martha-run schedule to sit at Jesus' fee, the whole encounter wouldn't have happened. The Gospels would have moved right along without recording this intimate pause between a woman and her Savior. And we wouldn't have seen the difference Living Room Intimacy can make in a life-in a family-surrendered to God. (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Hula-Hoops And Holiness

Life is filled with Hula-Hoops. We all have responsibilities, important things that need our attention. It's easy to forget that while there is a time to work, there is also a time to worship-and it's worship, the time we spend with God, that provides the serene center to a busy, complex life. I can almost see Martha as she greeted Jesus on his way through Bethany. "Come in! Come in!" she probably said. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to check the soup. I, too, have been guilty of giving my Lord a breathless hello and a quick hug. I've welcomed him into my life and gotten him situated, but then moved on like Martha, gyrating frantically as I pursued other duties. Mary didn't do that. She dropped her Hula-Hoops and sat at his feet. Now it's been argued that Mary probably didn't have any hoops (the lazy thing!) "That's why she had time to sit at his feet," we Martha's like to emphasize. But we have no proof of that, and I believe Scripture is vague for a purpose. The story of Mary and Martha was never meant to be a psychological profile or a role play in which we choose the character with whom we most identify. This is a story of two different responses to one singular occasion. In it, we should find not our personality type but the kind of heart Christ longs for us to have. A heart centered in him alone. (From: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Sticking Out All Over

I don't know about you, but I want Jesus to be so evident in my life that people don't just consider me a nice moral person, full of good works. I want my relationship with God to be so real and vital, so like that of the apostles Peter and John, that people can't help but sit up and take notice. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have words said of us like those Acts 4:13 records? "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.". One life truly can make a difference. Your life plus my life makes two. Let's get connected to the Vine so that we start bearing fruit. Let's start living in such a way that Jesus sticks out all over. Let's start loving in such a way people can point at our lives and say, "I know who they are!" Or better yet, "I know whose you are"-because they see our Lord and his love in us. (From:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Can I get an AMEN on this one???? It makes me want to get out there in all this rain we are having and just shout-now if I can just keep this feeling after I leave the house and step into the distraction of the day......
It's 9:45a and all is well, still feeling the love.....3:14p and all is good.....

What We Have To Offer

It might be a good idea for each of us to stop ourselves periodically in the midst of serving and ask, "What am I relying on? Whom am I pointing people to?" Because if our Kitchen Service doesn't point people to Jesus, we risk becoming surrogate messiahs. If we, not God, end up being their source of hope, we are setting them up for profound disappointment and ourselves for profound burnout-because we, in ourselves, are simply not up to the task of saving the world. In ourselves, like Peter and John at the gate called Beautiful, we have nothing to offer. But in Christ, we are given the power to give people what they most desperately need. Only God you see, can make rag dolls whole. Our job is just to be his rag-doll emissaries, formed in his likeness, filled with this love, and endued with his power. And gifted with the privilege of sharing a loving Father with our orphan world. (From: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

How guilty I am of all the above! I do want to solve the problems of the world, I do find that I am burnout, and I do have people thinking I'm their source. It's not to late for me or the other Marmary's (part Mary part Martha) to change those things. I'm working on it, of course when I see it in my study it does sting a little-and then again it should. Most of the time I need that whack in the heart to open my eyes. Have a blessed day!

Passion, Compassion, and Power

A true passion for God will naturally result in compassion for people. We can't love the Father without also being willing to love his kids-even when they're less than lovable. As his children, we are flawed and wounded, broken and often bent. "But we are God's rag dolls." And Jesus made it clear that serving him also involves serving the the ones he loves. I think that's why, in Acts 3, Peter and John couldn't just walk by the lame man sitting at the temple gate called Beautiful. When they looked at the crumpled rag doll of a man they didn't see a cripple, they saw a child of God. But instead of offering the man money, they gave him something far more valuable-something we all need to remember when we offer compassionate service. Compassion, you see, is just the beginning of what we have to offer the people Jesus loves. But it wasn't Peter's charity the lame man needed that day. He needed something not found in pockets or purses or even in other people's sympathy. That man needed healing. He needed the power of God to transform his life. And power was exactly what he got. He jumped to his feet and began to walk...walking and jumping, and praising God! (3:7-8). (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Serving In All Kinds Of Ways

Jesus didn't have a luxurious corner office on Jerusalem's east side with a brass doorplate that said "Messiah." He just ministered as he went along. On his way. As he went out of his way. In all kinds of ways. Instead of guarding his life, Jesus gave it away-and he beckons his followers to do the same. When we surrender ourselves to be used by God, we don't always get to pick the time, the method, or the place of ministry. In fact, sometimes, we may find ourselves doing nothing at all-except praying and waiting for God's leading. When we bring to him our willingness to serve, he'll always, eventually, point us toward something we can do for him. And that task will always have something to do with love. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Going Out Of Our Way

Jesus must have been exhausted that long-ago evening we see sketched in Matthew 14. "There he is!" Voices echoed across the water as a long stream of people made their way around the lake. The disciples groaned. They had seen the pain in their Master's eyes. They, too, were weary from the demands of the day. Surely they deserved a little rest. "Let's send them away," one of the disciples suggested to Jesus. But Jesus said no. Instead of sending the people away, Jesus "had compassion on them and healed their sick" (Matthew 14:14). He moved past his own neediness and loved them. He did what he could do to help them. And then, if that wasn't enough, he provided dinner for the hungry crowd. He laid aside his hurt so he could pick up their pain. He laid aside his wishes so he could become their one Desire. He laid aside his agenda so he could meet all of their needs. And that is the essence of ministry that goes out of it way. It puts self aside and reaches out in true compassion. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

On Our Way

Instead of pressing on to Jerusalem, where he was headed, Jesus apparently made an unscheduled stop in Bethany when, as verse 38 tells us, "a woman named Martha opened her home to him." This is a God who comes to us. When we open our lives, he enters our hearts and dwells within us. Then he invites us to join him on his journey-for that's what serving God is all about. God doesn't come to sign our guest book. He comes to make us his own. Jesus did nothing of his own initiative, according to John 5:19. Instead the Son did "only what he {saw} his Father doing." That is the secret of holy Kitchen Service. Instead of expecting God to acquiesce to our plans, dreams, and schemes-or frantically trying to impress him with our efforts on his behalf-we simply need to "watch to see where God is working and join Him!" When we minister on the way, every day can become an adventure! And if we'll take the time to stop and listen, we may find our destination, even when we thought we were lost. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Joy In The Kitchen

What a goal! To be so in tune with the presence of God that washing dishes becomes an act of worship. That the moments of our lives, no matter how mundane, become aflame with the divine. When Jesus rebuked Martha, remember, he wasn't rebuking her act. He was rebuking her attitude. "He blamed Martha, not for her attentive service of love," author Charles Grierson says, "but the allowing that service to irritate, agitate, and absorb her." Service without spirituality is exhausting and hopeless. But in the same respect, spirituality without service is barren and selfish. We need to unite the two and so it all "as unto the Lord." When we do that, something wonderful happens to our work in the Kitchen. Sinks turn into sanctuaries. Mops swab holy ground. And daily chores that used to bore us or wear us down become opportunities to express our gratitude-selfless avenues for his grace. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Oh yes, this one hit me in the heart this morning. My husband Bob takes several different medications and has a really bad habit of sitting the empty (no, lets not give notice that your out) bottle on the kitchen counter for me (no, he doesn't know how to use the phone or find his way to the pharmacy to pick it up). I sometimes feel like any day now Rite Aid will ask me - sweetie, why don't you call these in at one time instead of coming by here every other day? Well, I have allowed this service to irritate, agitate, and absorb me! I am human, and thank God he loves me regardless of those feelings. I will be picking up that Rx out of love this afternoon and not out of a sense of duty. Hey, I'm growing and learning everyday - I will not give up on that!
Have a Blessed day!

What will they say next?

Every morning I take my seven year old grand daughter Kaylin to school before then taking my two year old grand son Eli to Dosha's (she takes care of him while mommy is at work). By the Grace of God most mornings go pretty smooth ( I am 51 you know). I guess like most second graders it's not that she doesn't like school, she would just rather do something else ( like go with her brother to Dosha's and play all day - can you blame her?). Each morning is the same, while waiting in line for her to get out of the car I tell her " if you get nervous just remember God is with you and ask him for a big hug if you need it". Well, this morning morning she tells me she is excited to go and that yesterday she ask God to hold her hand - and he did. I wanted to cry - not sad tears but happy ones because she had faith and in her time of need she ask and received!
God Bless and have a great day!

Fruit Happens

Throughout the Word of God, the analogy of fruit is used. All four Gospels include Christ's picture of the Vine and the branches. Out of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament, fifteen mention the kinds of fruit we are to have in our lives, including:
The fruit of our lips: "Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of the lips that confess his name" (Hebrews 13:15)
The fruit of our deeds: "That you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10)
The fruit of our attitudes: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).
So how can I make sure my life is producing this kind of fruit? You see, fruit isn't something you can sit down and manufacture in your life. Fruit happens. You get connected to the Vine and pretty soon you've got zucchini-tons and tons of zucchini. So much zucchini you just have to share! We begin loving as we never loved before. Our lives change, and we become examples worth imitating. Fruit in our lives that tells the world who we are and what our God is like. Even when we're stuck doing dishes in the Kitchen. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Fruitful Living

I once heard of a man who loved experimenting in his garden. His crowning achievement was a tree he'd pieced together. Part plum, part apricot, part peach, and part prune-it was the craziest mixed-up tree you ever saw. Oh, it was alive. It grew fine. The leaves were there. But it never did bear any fruit. John the Baptist noticed the same problem in the lives of many of his Jewish followers. You identify a tree by the fruit it produces, John said-and a tree that doesn't produce is worth nothing at all. John was chastising the Jews for believing their DNA- their "root stock" was enough to please God. It wasn't enough to be sons of Abraham, he said. In the same respect, it isn't enough to call ourselves Christians. We must live like Christians. "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven," Jesus once said, speaking of the barren lives of many, "but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). If we call ourselves Christians, then our lives should be unmistakably and obviously Christlike. (From :"Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Templates Of Christianity

Of all the identifying marks of a Christian, Jesus said love would be the thing that gives us away. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples," he said, "if you love one another" (John 13:35). We need a love that loves "in spite of" and "because of." In spite of rejection, hardship, or persecution, we love. Because of the great compassion God lavished upon us, we share it with our world-both in words and in sacrificial service. We're supposed to serve others and show love to them-and, in the process, to represent Jesus to the world around us. Unfortunately, as the world well knows, it's easy for Christians to forget what we're here for. It's easy to fall into the hypocrisy of talking one way and living another way-or to get so involved with our religious activities that we neglect to reach out to those around us. "Don't look at people," we might protest. "Look at Jesus." But while that may be true, the sobering truth remains: Whether we like it or not, we're the only Jesus some will ever see. Dwight L. Moody put it this way: "Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian." Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7: " You became imitators of us and of the Lord.....And so you became a model to all the believers". The same is true of us today. We are God's love letter to the world. We were set apart for a purpose-to communicate his glory to a lost and dying world. (From: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

How wonderful it would be if we all could live our life being that kind of an example of God's love. We have could intentions-and then we put or feet on the floor and get up. Well, at least I do. I'm opening my eyes and my heart with each second that I spend "alone" with God. Trying not to get feelings hurt by the "Christians" of this world that show "no love" if your not in their circle of friends. Does it matter if you don't know someone all that well (How will you unless you give them a chance)? Does it matter that they don't go to the same Church you attend (could that be the reason why)? I want so much to show love to any and every person-even when some make it very difficult. I'm working on showing love.....to everyone.....I have Faith! God Bless!

Maintaining Intimacy

God longs to make his home in us. And he longs for us to make our home in him. Think of it. Christ "in us" (1 John 4:13). Our lives "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). What an incredible, intimate entangling of humanity and divinity! My goal is obedience-avoiding sin by following God's commands. But when I mess up. I try to choose repentance. I tell God I'm sorry and look for ways to make amends for any damage I've caused. I consciously give the Lord those things I just can't fix and resolve to do better, depending on God to make it possible. Intimacy with God? It's pretty simple, really. It's not a pillar we sit on; it's a house we live in. It's not striving to know God, but realizing that our Father longs to know us. And it's free for the taking--at lease for you and me. But we must never forget-it cost Jesus his very life. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Living Room Time

My prayer list is extra long-I'm taking my study time this morning and having a little more "alone" time with Jesus. If you have not seen "Staying Close/Meme Lorie" (my blog from yesterday)-please please read it. Lorie's request is very special. God Bless!!

Staying Close / Meme Lorie's Pay It Forward

If you have not seen Meme Lorie's blog, please pay it a visit. She is doing a Pay It Forward that will touch your and most importantly some other precious people's life. I have already added one of her request to my prayer list and have done something for her second request - it was a breeze. I'm not good at this blog thing so bare with me-I was suppose to have a link to her site ( I have not a clue how to do that). So..... the best I can do is tell you about it. Go visit her if you have not-you will love her, I do. God Bless!

Now for Staying Close:

My sole responsibility is keeping my connection to Jesus Christ solid and secure. How is that done? It's really not that complicated. As trite as it may sound, the formula for intimacy with God remains the same today as it has always been:

PRAYER+the WORD+TIME=INTIMACY with GOD

Prayer is my heart crying out to the Lord for guidance and wisdom, for my own needs as well as the needs of others. As I focus my heart on him, prayer allows me to express my love through praise, to declare my absolute dependence on him alone. Then, as I wait before the Lord, he reveals his heart to me. One of the most precious ways God expresses his love for us is through his Word, the Bible, which is the second essential factor in intimacy. Isn't that wonderful? We don't have to wonder what God thinks, what he feels about certain topics, because to a large extent he has already told us through Scripture. Time is an essential factor in Living Room Intimacy for a purely practical reason. If I don't take time to pray, there well be no real communication in our relationship. If I don't take time to read God's Word, I won't hear his loving call. And if I don't make time to be alone with Jesus, our relationship will suffer, because time is integral to any relationship. That's what I want. That's what I need. And that's what I receive when I spend time in God's Word and in prayer. I get more of Jesus and, in the process, a little less of me. (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

How To Live Together

Good Wednesday morning! I hope any of you that may visit me today will have the best day ever-until tomorrow-and then I hope that's the best day ever-etc....
God Bless!
Jesus came to show us the way to the Father's house. Instead of making a once-a-year visit to the Holy of Holies, we're invited to dwell there. To make our home in God's throne room-or, if you prefer, his Living Room. But practically speaking, how is that possible? Jesus gives us a hint in John's gospel. "Remain in me, "Jesus says in John 15:4, "and I will remain in you." The King James translation of that verse makes the relationship even clearer. "Abide in me,"Jesus says. And abide means to live or dwell. Dwell in me, he promises. And I will dwell in you. All our "do and do," our "rules on rules," will never accomplish what Jesus can when we let him have his way in our life. But in order for that to happen we must be connected to him. It's not enough simply to be associated. To be acquainted. We have to be spiritually grafted on-to draw our life from him, to be so closely attached that we would wither and die if we were cut off. (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

The Comforts Of Home

As I did my study this morning like most days I feel like this book was more than just a gift from two dear friends. It started as a joke at work with me wanting to be like Mary but.....okay.....let's be honest- I'm Martha. I feel like God placed this book in my hand and I thank him dearly. Each lesson seems to open my eyes a little more. I still don't think it's a bad thing to be Martha, all she does, she does with and out of love. Her priorities just get mixed up and in this "mixed up crazy" world we live in how easy it is to do just that. I want so much to do it all, do it right, and do it the best that sometimes I do forget to just be still and spend the time I need with my Father. Sorry today's is so long, I try to give you the parts of each study that touch my life. God Bless! Love, Debbie

The place Mary found at Jesus' feet is the same place available to you and me. It's a place where we can be comfortable, where we can kick off our shoes and let down our hair. It's a place of transparency and vulnerability; a place where we are completely known yet completely loved. It is truly a place called home. If we love him and obey his teachings, Jesus says in John 14:23, God will actually come and live with us. "My Father will love him," he said of those who follow him, "and we will come to him and make our home with him". And it goes both ways. Jesus not only wants to be at home in us; he also wants us to make our home in him. "God wants to be your dwelling place," Max Lucado writes in The Great House of God. What a beautiful, gracious offer from the Lord of hosts. It's hard to imagine saying no to the opportunity to live in God and rest in him. But we can-and so often we do. When we refuse God's offer of grace-filled rest in the Living Room, the only alternative is the tyranny of works-which, as we have seen, doesn't work! We will be driven to do more and more-more service projects, more committee chairmanships, more spiritual extra-curricular activities-trying to win God's approval. And still we will fail, because what the Father really wants is for us to find our identity-our "mailing address" as Lucado puts it-in him and him alone. (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Making Room For The Savior

While other people may struggle with worldly temptations, my struggle has always been in the area of spiritual disciplines. My devotional life has been haphazard at best. Because I hadn't developed the habit of a quiet time as a child, when the busyness of adulthood came, I found it difficult to find time alone with the Lord. It has taken me nearly twenty years to come to this discipline, and even then, it has been a gift of grace, not an accomplishment of my own making. My spirit began to grow and thrive as the soil of my heart was tilled deep and fed by the Word of God. But then my Martha-like perfectionist tendencies kicked in, causing me to approach my devotional time as another duty to perform. Suddenly my eyes were open to what true devotion is. It is not a duty. It is a delight. It is not an exercise in piety. It is a privilege. And it is not so much a visit as it is a homecoming. What an amazing thought-that Christ wants to spend quality time with me. That he looks forward to our time together and misses me when I don't show up. Once that message started sinking into my heart, I started looking at my devotional time in a whole new way-not as a ritual, but as a relationship. And a relationship doesn't just happen. It has to be nurtured, protected, and loved. (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Wild ?

I thought mid life crisis might finally be over for Bob-guess I was wrong. His latest is a Harley. I'm just keeping my camera charged waiting until I see his friend "Moe" riding behind him. So far, he has several friends that either own one or has bought one after he got his. I need a name for them (did you see the movie "Wild Hogs"). Well if you come up with one please let me know, I'll have it put on a jacket or tee shirt. The grand kids, Kaylin & Eli, love it. Eli just sits on it and wears the helmet. Kaylin on the other hand can't wait to get here in the afternoon's to go for a ride. He just takes her around the block and I still hold my breath until I see them pulling in. I do not like motorcycles, I don't even like driving next to one on the road. So if your wondering when you will see me on it-never! God Bless!

Spiritual Snickers Bars

I constantly fight the tendency to fill the God-shaped hole he created in me with fluffy stuff. I don't like quietness, so I fill up the silence with sitcoms and talk shows, Christian music and CNN-but it was in the quiet of the night that Samuel heard God's voice. We were designed to be close to God. Just as our bodies hunger and thirst for food and drink, our spirits hunger and thirst for his presence. But just as it's possible to bloat our bodies with empty calories, we can find ways to pacify our spiritual cravings without really getting the nourishment we need. We can fill up with spiritual Snickers bars while all the time our spirits are withering for want of real food. Once you've tasted the Living Room Intimacy Jesus offers, you'll find nothing else will satisfy. For even Snickers bars taste flat in comparison to the sweetness of the Lord's presence. When you've sampled the best of the best, you'll be willing to skip the junk food this world offers in order to have a real sit-down meal with the Savior. "Taste," as the psalmist says, "and see that the LORD is good!" (Psalm 34:8). (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Barriers To Intimacy

Before salvation, Satan tells us we're just fine. We don't need a savior. But after we're saved, the Accuser points his bony finger at us and tells us we're no good. We don't deserve a savior. He's lying, of course. Jesus says so in John 8:44. Satan is "the father of lies." In fact, lying is what he does best-it's "his native language." Satan usually doesn't try to make us swallow a blatant lie-he's too smart for that. Instead, he just doctors the truth for his own purpose, which is to keep us as far away from God as possible. He twists the truth of sin into a bludgeon of guilt and shame and beats us with it. Perhaps you've never experienced the lonely alienation of such doubt and guilt. But beware! Satan can use other circumstances just as effectively to keep you from drawing close to God. Take busyness, for example. I wonder if God understands when we're too busy to attend to his presence in our lives. Or too tired. Make no mistake. Satan enjoys using our hectic schedules, stressed bodies, and emotional upsets in his efforts to put up barriers to our intimacy with God. That's why we need to take a close look at any thought, feeling, or activity that diminishes our appetite for intimacy with God. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

God Bless!

The Burden Of Spirituality

Intimacy with God. What does it mean to you-and how do you achieve it? All over the world, people go to unimaginable lengths to fine God-which is sad when you consider the unimaginable lengths God has already gone to find us. All we really need is Jesus. For he is all the evidence we need. The Father actually wants us close and is willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure it happens. For when Jesus died, his cross bridged the great chasm of sin that separated us from God. Now we could come into God's very presence, clean and approved, not by our works, but by his grace. Jesus "destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" that had separated humanity from God. When we couldn't reach up to heaven, heaven came down to us and welcomed us into the Living Room through the doorway of Jesus Christ. That is the good news of the the gospel. The way has been made. The price has been paid. All we need to do is come. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

If anyone has been reading my daily "bits and pieces" of this book, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have. This has been one of the best gifts I have ever received (thank you Amanda and Mandy). God Bless!

The Cake

I told you about Eli winning a cake from our weekend in McMinnville, well......here are a few pictures of his prize. He was so proud of that cake - he would not let it out of his site. God Bless!

One Thing Is Needed

When Jesus told Martha that only one thing was needed in her life, the context of the verse clearly points to a spiritual call. The Better Part that Mary discovered was to be found not on the table, but at his feet. How easy it is to confuse duty with devotion; the common with communion. That was Martha's downfall, and it can be mine as well. For in her effort to set a table worthy of the Son of God, she nearly missed the real banquet. "Only one thing is needed"--and that is found in true fellowship with him. For he, after all, is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the only "dish" we need. He wants to change our hearts and empower our lives. He wants us to find the great freedom of Luke 10:42. I cannot do everything, but I can do "one thing." I cannot meet every need, but I can respond in obedience to the need the Spirit lays on my heart. I cannot carry every load, but I can carry the load God has for me. For his yoke, indeed, is easy, and his burden is truly light. (From: "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

If we can manage to do a million things during the course of just one of our days, then why is it so difficult for us to do that "one thing"? We make time for a phone call, to wash or dry that load of clothes, watch that program on TV, and the list goes on. How much time do we spend just "sitting at his feet"? For me the answer is not enough. I am however working to correct that-it may mean getting up a little earlier before the craziness of the day begins. My day may be a little better, I'll let you know. God Bless!

First Day of Second Grade

My first grandchild Kaylin started back to school today. I had to get her picture by the tree in the front yard. I have a pictures of her by that same tree when she started Kindergarden and First grade. It's hard to blink without her growing another inch (and with each inch I love her even more). She seemed to be excited about going this morning. Kerrie and I worried about it more than her. Of course I'm going to e-mail Kerry (Mrs. Thomas) and ask her to keep an eye on her. I know she will do fine, it's just hard letting go. I'm still trying to let go of her mother! God Bless!

Giving The Gift God Desires

So often we give God the gift we think he needs rather than take time to find out what he desires. We make promises and New Year's resolutions to be more heavenly minded. We make goals to be more loving and less selfish. We look for opportunities to serve. And everything we do is important. All of it is good. The problem is, contrary to popular belief, we can't do it all. We're not even supposed to try. Paul explained just that in Romans 12. He said that the body of Christ has many members, and each of them has a different gifting-which means each has a different job to do. Jesus' words to Martha are words to those of us who are overextended in service as well: "Only one thing is needed." We must take time to sit at Jesus' feet, to worship him, to get to know him better. Even if I have a burden for a certain need or project, my interest or concern is not a surefire sign that I need to be in charge. God may only be calling me to pray that the right person will rise up to accomplish it. What's more, I may be stealing someone else's blessing when I assume I must do it all. It is a costly mistake, for often, when the Holy Spirit does ask something of me, I'm either knee deep in another project or too exhausted from my latest exercise in futility to do what God wants of me. (From: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

Wow-I feel like she wrote that book for me in mind with each part I study. It kinda hurts when it hits home like that. All my life I have wanted to please and do for others, thinking I was doing the "good" thing. Have I ever been more wrong?? I never really thought about the fact that I was stealing someone else's blessing. I am trying to change what has been conditioned in me for a life time-and with God's help I will get there. Change is hard but often very good. God Bless!

The Picnic

I now know why they call decoration day in McMinnville "the picnic". Two sisters started having a picnic years and years ago to raise money for the cemetery. I guess it just stuck with people through out the years. I know that I have been going each year since I can remember and I'm 51 so that tells you how old this tradition is. It was a pretty good weekend, my parents had a nice time visiting with family and friends. It was really good for my dad, he did wonderful-Thank You Lord! He even recalled things from the past that amazed us. They had a cake walk and my little Eli won three times. The other kiddos were getting upset that he was winning everything. We shared so they were okay with that. He was so proud of the cake, he just wanted to hold it and not let go. Until tomorrow, God Bless!














Above : Eli and Kaylin by the grave of their Great Great Great Grandparents (my mom's grandparents) Mom in the distance in red shirt



my dad and Eli just hanging out

Dumping Rocks

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, KJV). That's what Jesus told Martha that busy afternoon. "You're worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." And what was that one thing? Not cooking or cleaning or doing good works, but knowing God. Listening to him. Leaving the Kitchen long enough to experience the intimate fellowship of the Living Room. Only then, as Martha let go of her lengthy list of to-dos and began doing the one thing that was needed, did she begin to give God what he really wants. (From "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")

Why is it so much easier to give advice than it is to take it? Even when we know in our hearts and our head what the right thing to do is. We try to teach our children about faith, trust and patience but do we show those things by example? I want to dump my rocks, they get pretty heavy. How about you? Are you listening?
God Bless!

An Overloaded Wagon

Nothing is harder to bear than a burden we're not called to carry. And while there are many needs, God has not asked us to meet every one. In fact, we, like Martha, may be surprised by how little God actually requires. The day Jesus visited Martha and Mary was probably busier than usual. The Feast of the Tabernacles was near, and the house was filled with cooking and activity. So when Martha invited Jesus and his disciples to stay at her home on their way to Jerusalem, they accepted her kind hospitality. Martha continued with her expected tasks-making everything comfortable so everyone else could worship. The thought of joining Jesus never occurred to her because it simply wasn't allowed. But she loved Jesus. I think she knew she was entertaining the Messiah. And so Martha showed her devotion by giving the gift she knew best. The gift of service. But even welcome wagons can grow heavy, as Martha quickly discovered. Especially when they're laden with the extra weight of our human agendas and expectations. (From Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World)

I don't know about you but those words hold true in my personal life. I often (everyday) carry loads that I need to place in God's caring hands. That human side of me just wants to take care of everything-knowing full well that I can't. The more you take care of somethings-the more you are expected to take care of (by those other humans around you). I am trying to learn (I'm a slow learner) which things I can handle and which I need to let someone else deal with. I know now that I'm not doing them any favors by doing everything for them. Trust me-it's a hard habit to break once started. What I have to remember is, how can they turn to God for His loving guidance if I'm carrying the load for them? One "rock" at a time!

On The Road Again

I am leaving again today for another weekend away from home. This trip not as nice as seeing the beach last weekend. I'm taking my parents to McMinnville (don't blink or you've missed it kind of place) for the yearly "picnic" (cemetery decoration fund raising). Please pray for us (this is the first night away from home for my dad since his Dementia). He is exited about going, my prayer is that taking him out of his "element" will be a good thing not a set back. Since I will not have access to a computer I am doing the weekend study from Mary/Martha today also. Take care and God Bless! See you Monday!

The Battlefield Of The Mind

Continued from "The choice that leads to peace":
Will our thoughts center on things true or false? Noble or nasty? Right or wrong? Pure or putrid? Lovely or lewd? "Garbage in, garbage out." We've all heard the saying. What we put in our minds affects our hearts. And out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouths speak. Our minds churn. Our lust burns. An lives overturn. We cannot underestimate the effect of what we think about. The war of worry, as well as the trail of temptation, is won and lost on the battlefield of our minds. Like Martha, I had been continually upset and worried about many things. I had wanted to grow in Christ, but every time I came up against an obstacle, I had balked in fear. Rather than leaping over the roadblock "through Christ who strengthens me," I'd skid to a stop. Then I'd back up for a good look and try to figure a way around it on my own.

For Saturday-A New Mind

Continued from "The battlefield of the mind":
It's been my experience that God won't usually take away our "friends," those things we look to for comfort-even if those friends aren't good for us. We must be willing to release them ourselves. And until we do, the battle for the mind will rage on. I'd allowed my worry to lead me by the poisoned waters of doubt. My fears had made me lie down in green pastures of self-pity. Instead of gnawing on my problem, I trained my mind to chew on the promises of God. And as the Holy Spirit and I brought back the Word to remembrance, something exciting happened. Anxiety fled in the face of truth, and peace-the kind of peace that quieted the disciples' raging storm-came to take its place. The kind of peace only Jesus can give. Peace, be still.

For Sunday-Perfect Peace

Continued from "A new mind":
I was anxious for the same reason the first man and woman became anxious: I was not secure in God's love. Oh, I knew that I was saved and that if I died, I'd go to heaven. No wonder I worried. No wonder I was afraid. I was constantly sewing fig leaves, trying to cover up my inadequacy. When Jesus said, "Martha, Martha...." so gently that frantic day in Bethany, he was speaking to you and me as well. Lovingly, if we'll listen, he whispers his diagnosis concerning the state of our souls: "You're worried," he points out. "You're anxious. It isn't just about this meal; it's about everything." "Do not let your hearts be troubled," he's saying. "Trust in God' trust also in me" (John 14:1). As we trade the "many things" that make us anxious, he gives us the "one thing" that calms our hearts. Himself. For he is the Prince of Peace.