Martha, of course! That poor lady was as stressed out as you can get, unless you live in my shoes and some days, I think I may just beat her! We all lead such stressful lives--and when we're "maxed-out," we make a bee-line for the chocolate....OK, be honest--if it's not chocolate for you, it's SOMETHING, and it's usually found in the fridge!!
Not going to be TOO hard on Martha--cause there are an awful lot of Marthas--or Michaels--out there! We're busy people--and when you're busy, you CAN get a little cranky and create a priority lapse for yourself! I believe the Lord understands us better than we do ourselves. He doesn't send us sternly to the corner chair for "time-out" discipline! He does gently lead us to His feet for "time-out" delight, where like Mary, we can fellowship with Him and feast on His Word.
And so the cure-all for stress? It's certainly not . . .
I enjoy creative humor--and one day I found the most delightful Web site for women: "Maxed Out" by Debi Stack, Christian author and speaker (see link below). Debi, like me, is a fan of Mary and Martha, AND a chocoholic, and of course, immediately saw a connection with Mary, Martha--and "M and M's"!! She DID have one major concern--"Which sister is plain and which is peanut?" What's YOUR guess?
Martha, of course! That poor lady was as stressed out as you can get, unless you live in my shoes and some days, I think I may just beat her! We all lead such stressful lives--and when we're "maxed-out," we make a bee-line for the chocolate....OK, be honest--if it's not chocolate for you, it's SOMETHING, and it's usually found in the fridge!!
Not going to be TOO hard on Martha--cause there are an awful lot of Marthas--or Michaels--out there! We're busy people--and when you're busy, you CAN get a little cranky and create a priority lapse for yourself! I believe the Lord understands us better than we do ourselves. He doesn't send us sternly to the corner chair for "time-out" discipline! He does gently lead us to His feet for "time-out" delight, where like Mary, we can fellowship with Him and feast on His Word.
And so the cure-all for stress? It's certainly not a taste of chocolate, delightful as it may be! It's a time with Christ, the satisfaction of our soul! He alone, in the fellowship of prayer and His Word, can relieve the stress, revive the spirit, and restore the joy. So next time you're "maxed out," remember where Mary found the secret of relief--and where you can find it too--feasting at His feet! It's BETTER than chocolate! Believe it--and have a wonderful day!
A Bonus poem by Peggie for your munchin? delight!
SWEETS!?!
Chocolate candy will tempt you to taste; And chocolate ice cream slide right to your waist!
So when you're maxed-out--in a "Martha-mood,"
Head for God's Word and some spiritual food!
It will quiet your nerves and lower your stress Bring joy to your soul--and spiritual rest.
So sit like Mary at His blessed feet,
Where a feast of His Word is far better than sweets!
Scripture: Martha, Martha, thou are anxious and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41,42)."
"Lord, I'm guilty - so many times, I stress out, I run for food to relieve my pain--and it does not satisfy. Only YOU--and time spent in Your Word and at Your feet will bring true relief for the stresses of life I carry. Help me, Lord, to take time, to make time, for the most important Person in my life--my Lord. You are the strength and joy of my life--and I love You. Hear my prayer, In Jesus? Name, Amen."
All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Copyright 2006 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, Mo. Used by permission.
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