by
Joanna Weaver
Find out how to win a copy of this book at the bottom of the post!
My Thoughts:
Unfortunately, I imagine some of my first words were suggestions to my mother about how things could be done in a different way. For some sad reason, I tend to see things that can be improved instead of enjoying things they way they are. I hesitate to entertain at our home because I get stressed about things that aren't done 'right'. In fact, I often give up on a job because I can't get it done perfectly rather than to complete it and enjoy it's imperfections. With five children, grandious goals for serving others, writing, scrapbooking, decorating, and gardening I just get too worn out.
Joanna could have written this book just for me! I actually purchased a paperback copy of this book several years ago, then in true Martha form I put it on my bookshelf and never found time to read it. She takes those of us who desperately want to serve in valuable (and perfect!) ways and helps us take a break to truly learn who Jesus is and how he shows us the better way.
Sit back, put your feet up, tell your family to fend for themselves for just a little while and spend some time learning how to feed your spirit.
Here's a note from Joanna:
Dear friend,
A new outfit can make a girl smile--especially if it's extra beautiful! After publishing Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life for seven years in paperback, WaterBrook Press is celebrating their tenth anniversary by giving my book a facelift. And I must say, those two sisters from Bethany are looking mighty fine!
The new gift edition is in hard cover and has a lovely two-color interior design. While the text remains the same, I think you'll enjoy the gentle art that welcomes you in with soft colors and soothing spaces, as well as the pages in the back for journaling what God is teaching you.
While the new edition makes a great gift, sometimes it's nice to take another look at a familiar book for ourselves. I hope you and a friend will work through the Bible study portion together.
Thank you for allowing me into your life through the pages of a book. It is a wonderful privilege, and one I don't take lightly. Until we meet at Jesus' feet, dear sister of mine, keep choosing the "Better Part!"
Love,
Joanna Weaver
About the book!
An invitation for every woman who feels she isn't godly enough...isn't loving enough...isn't doing enough
The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet...but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him...yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.
Then comes Jesus, right into the midst of your busy Mary/Martha life-and he extends the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters of Bethany. Tenderly he invites you to choose "the better part"-a joyful life of "living-room" intimacy with him that flows naturally into "kitchen service" for him.
How can you make that choice? With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story and its creative, practical strategies, Joanna shows how all of us-Marys and Marthas alike-can draw closer to our Lord, deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy.
The book also includes a 12 week companion Bible study and here is a link to the reader's guide.
Meet Joanna Weaver
Joanna Weaver was voted the Most Promising New Writer of 1997 at the Mount Herman Writer's Conference. She has authored Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and written for publications such as Focus on the Family, Home Life, Aspire, and The Evangel.
A pastor's wife for more than eighteen years, she and her husband have counseled many couples, both those approaching their wedding and those struggling in marriage.
The Weavers live in Montana and have taught young married classes and spoken on the topic of marriage throughout the northwestern United States.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENTER TO WIN ONE OF SEVEN FREE COPIES OF THIS BOOK, go to Joanna Weaver's blog and leave a comment!
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