Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

I just signed this book out of the church library and am really enjoying it. Its by Joanna Weaver and its about finding intimacy with God in the busyness of life. It includes a 12 week bible study.
I have read the first chapter and am so intriged by the writer - she has such a way at looking at things. The book is centered around Mary and Martha:

Luke 10:38-42 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

Joanne asks are you a Mary or a Martha?

I love what she says here : The good news is woven through the New Testament in a gace-filled strand that shines especially bright in the Gospel stories of Mary and Martha. The message is this; Salvation isn't about what I do; it's about what Jesus did. The Cross did more than pay for my sins; itset me free brom teh bondage of the "shoulds" and "if onlys" and "what might have beens." And Jesus' words to Martha are the words he wants tp speak to your heart and mine: "You are worried and upset about many things, but only oen thing is needed." The "one thing" is not found in doing more. It's found by sitting at his feet.

Joanne shared an experience that I could completely relate to. I had tried so hard to find that peace with God and tried by doing all that I could - keep a house, work outside the home, have the perfect marriage, and volunteer for everything (youth, bible studies,etc) and all I did was burn myself out. So instead I now have turned the complete opposite - I have said no, withdrawn from everything in hopes to find peace and walk closer with God - but instead I'm still feeling that emptiness. I seek it out in all the wrong places - but where I do need to be is right beside Mary ~ at His feet ~ available.

Bible Study Notes:
1. What preconceived ideas did you have about Mary and Martha before reading this book? Which woman do you relate to mose - Mary or Martha? Explain your answer.

Well I think I thought that Martha was the right one - she was being that perfect hostess until I got down to what Jesus said - I was shocked to know that Mary was right in that situation. I didn't truly understand it actually until reading what Joanne said about it.
I thin I am more of a Martha for reasons stated above - I don't just sit and listen, I do what I think "needs" to be done.

2. One woman told me, "My life is like a blender - and it's stuck on frappe!" What inanimate object best describes how your life currently feels?

Wow good question ~ I think I am like my bread maker - and I mean mine - it rarely gets taken out of the cupboard to be used for its purpose. When it is taken out it works so hard to produce its expected product, but then before it can make anything of great worth it gets put back into the cupboard.

3. Read Luke 10: 38-42. List at least tow things you learn about Martha in this passage and at least two things you learn about Mary. How would you sum up Martha in one word? How would you sum up Mary?

Martha - welcoming (great hostess), hard working, easily distracted, busy,
Mary - good listener, whats to learn more, whats to know Jesus

4. A woman told me, "I guess I'm not a Martha and than I'll always be a Martha." Is it possible for our basic character to change, or are we destined to live our lives stuck in a predetermined nature? Explain your answer.

I don't know ~ I would like to say that we can all change with the help of the Lord - and I know that if the Lord wants us to change that we will - but it all depends on if we will be the clay and let our molder - mold us into what he wants.

5. What does the Bible say in the following verses about our potential for change?
Ezekiel 36:26-27
- He will give us a new heart, and a new spirit and will put His spirit in us and cause us to walk His ways
2 Cor 5:17
- we are a new creation if we are in Christ
Phil 1:6
- He who has started a work in me will complete it

6. Have you seen God's work of tranformation in your own life or someone else's? How did you know it was a "holy makeover" and not just a temporary "facelift"?

Yes in me! When I came to Christ at the age of 17 I wasn't doing the things I should have - swearing, drinking, thinking awful - but as soon as I gave my life over the word "God" never came out of my mouth again as a swear word, the idea of drinking slowly became less of "I need to do to be cool" thing, and I realized that there is a purpose here on earth for me. I'm not saying that from that moment on I stopped all of those bad things - but it was apparent to at least me that they were something I needed to stop doing.

7. Read Matthew 11: 28-30. Circle (Bold) key words and meditate on these verses - really think about what Jesus is saying. Then memorize this passage phrase by phrase. Write it on an index card, and refer to it frequently, repeating it until it becomes a part of you.

Mat 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Mat 11:28-30 (Translation - MSG) "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

8. What spoke most to you in this chapter?
- see above notes.