What are you focusing on this holiday season? Are you taking time to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary, or are you being more like Martha getting overly consumed with the gift-giving, decorating, parties, and preparations? (Luke 10:38-42) I personally have gotten overwhelmed with the gift-giving list, and the many invitations to events, but I have been graciously reminded today of the most important thing. And what is that? I would strongly encourage you to head over to Girl Talk to catch up on their current series called Martha Moment, to keep your focus this season. It’s all about Jesus! It’s about sitting, listening, and enjoying His presence. Here are some quotes to wet your appetite:
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.’” Luke 10:41
What is the “one thing” that is truly necessary?
“Serving is important. Our Lord also taught us: “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” But serving is not the most necessary thing. There is only one thing that is truly necessary—listening to the Lord speak. So as we head into the holidays, as we face the temptation to be distracted with much serving, or tempted about many things, let’s remind ourselves of Jesus’ words. Should I be serving? There is one thing more necessary! Should I be worrying? This is completely unnecessary! There is only one thing that is necessary. And what is that? To sit and listen to the Lord’s teaching, that’s what!
“Let’s take our cues from Mary. We shouldn’t wait until things settle down after the holidays. We shouldn’t postpone listening to Jesus until January 1. We must choose to sit and listen to the Lord’s teaching today: right in the middle of the Christmas craziness. And we must strive to do so every day after.”
To read the full series, visit here.
Lindsay my comment or question is a little OT. You said you wanted to knit scarves for the homeless. Do you know of a certain organization? I crochet and I would like to do it too! Thanks for any info.
We are just donating them to a local homeless shelter…ask around you area to see what ministries are taking place. Blessings!
Lindsay-
Sorry that this is unrelated to your post, but I just wanted to share something. I was visiting Washington a few months ago (I’m originally from Clark County) and usually attend the MOMS group at New Heights when I’m around. Of course, you were speaking one of those weeks, and I’ll admit I was a bit overwhelmed at first! But since 1) we’re both Christian and 2) I love frugality, I figured that it couldn’t be hard to add on the 3) living naturally part. I visited your site and decided to just try a few things. So I made the Sloppy Lentils (WONDERFUL, by the way!) and the Fudge, and then I decided to order some soap nuts. It is natural AND cheap, and I like both! As I was searching around the Naturoli site that you have linked, I went to purchase my bag of soap nuts and realized that you can do an in-store pickup at their one-and-only store front…in Phoenix just 6 miles from my house! I thought it was neat they were just down the road and I didn’t have to pay shipping! Who can argue with that? Anyway, just thought I’d share, and say thanks for all of your info!
Lindsay,
I am needing the reminder about Martha about right now! Through the Savior’s help, I can experience the peace, devotion, and priority of Mary!
So, did you make the Waldorf dolls for your children this year? It looks like you have been up to all sorts of merry making and delightful, thoughtful gifting. I made my first two children dolls for their second Christmas’s, from an old Christmas book. (They named them Bethany and Idgy) My sister found the Waldorf dolls this year, atleast I think it was or something that looks very similar; and she made her daughter the most darling doll! I am making my third daughter her 2 year old Christmas doll just now, and my children are floating about me crafting too! ~ What a lovely time of year, I just had a bad night of sleep due to pregnancy, hence the reminder was nice to enjoy the peace only our Savior offers, strength and pure joy. That fudge recipe also looks like it could add to my joy! lol
Thank you Lindsay! Today I have been blessed by your blog and seeing God’s hand using your words in my heart. I was reminded this morning in the sermon that I must have the spirit of humbleness like Christ Who “took on the form of a servant” and here I am reminded that I will not be able to do that without taking time for the essential part of Christmas-focusing on Christ!
Thank you Lindsay! Today I have been blessed by your blog and seeing God’s hand using your words in my heart. I was reminded this morning in the sermon that I must have the spirit of humbleness like Christ Who “took on the form of a servant” and here I am reminded that I will not be able to do that without taking time for the essential part of Christmas-focusing on Christ!
Thank-you I needed this reminder. I have been a little bit of a “bear” the last few days when thinking about Christmas. I needed a reminder.
Thanks again…..and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thank-you
I needed this reminder. I have been a little bit of a “bear” the last few days when thinking about Christmas. I needed a reminder.
Thanks again…..and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
thank you for this. my husband and i argued about the heart of christmas just this afternoon… i needed this reminder tonight. it has been almost a week since i last picked up my bible. and i can honestly say, i feel the difference in my heart. i say i am seeking “him” instead of the world this season, but if i am not reading and studying like deuteronomy says, then i am really not. blessings… and thanks!
I just finished writing a paper for my Gender class, and I had to write about Mary and Martha. I was reminded that what Martha was doing wasn’t WRONG per say – because it is good to be hospitable, but what Mary was doing was BETTER. She was choosing to do something that couldn’t be taken away from her. Martha was conforming to what is expected of a woman, when she should have stopped for a moment and get the priorities right. We have that now, too. As women, we are expected to have houses perfectly and read to go for hosting at the holidays, busying ourselves. It’s not wrong, but if it’s taking away from our devotion and listening to Christ words, we’ve got our priorities wrong.
thanks for the reminder!
*whet* your appetite.
Great thoughts.
Wow!! The kids and I did our devotions this morning and this was exactlty the verses we read. It is easy to get overwhelmed/sidetracked with everything that we forget the One who matters the most. He does not care if the the house is perfectly cleaned, or if the gifts are bought….etc. All he wants is to spend time with us.
Honestly, this post was very helpful, even though I’m not religious. My family is though, and include me in all the holiday traditions, so I like to return the favor. This year I settled the gift part with just one gift per person, and it’s something that has been made homemade with love and is also very useful. That way when I see my family we can focus on, well, family and of course, Jesus!
No reason to stress myself out with shopping and party planning when I should be enjoying my trip home!
Wonderfully true reminder! Thank you! One of the reasons I like to get most of my shopping or crafting done by Dec. 1 is so that I can be free from distractions when I most want to worship. I don’t always get it all done, but the more the better.
I’ve just discovered your blog and am very excited to find a Christian perspective on green-living, natural products, and biblical womanhood. Thanks for this reminder! = )
This seems very similar to the Book A Mary Heart in a Martha World a book that is a woman’s devotional as well.