Day 174 Doing Good

 

6/23/2026

 "Who is my neighbor?"

Luke 10:25-37 

 

God has a way of testing our motives and our sincerity, especially when we are desperate for an answer to a pressing matter. Lately I've been examining every thought I have to make certain that my motives are right, because it's so easy to think we're doing the right thing, but really it's selfish. I tend to overly examine myself about everything, but I'm glad that I have a conscience, and that I am concerned with the welfare and feelings of other people. I often get upset because for all the caring I do about others, no one really seems to sense that I may have needs too. I guess that's the hazard of always being the one to sense the needs of another and reach out. I can actually see the heart, and I'm glad that God has given me this understanding. But I also know that I can get myself into hot water mighty easily if I am too eager, so I have to step back, pray, and wait. 

My son and I have experienced so many challenges, frustrations since his accident in early December 2025. The accident was difficult enough, but he was actually accused of things that were not true, and even now he has been unable to set that person straight. Perhaps this is just something he needs to release to God and prove by his silence and his actions that his conscience is clear. I understand how he feels, because I have been wrongfully accused more than once, but thankfully, God vindicated me each time, so I pray that He will do the same for my son.

When we're desperate for answers, and ache for release to begin something new, God may bring people into our lives whom we can bless more than they can meet out need. For instance. I have spoken to several people recently about helping me with some work that needs to be done on the home. I've been let down so many times with people promising and never calling back that it becomes disheartening, and frankly I wanted to cry. So I did, but I cried out to God to please show me something good. That's been my prayer in recent years when things don't work out time and time again. He realizes that I don't have a clue as to what I am doing, but I know, as He knows that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. But I cried out, then within a short time I received a message asking if I still needed help with my project. I was skeptical at first, but I wrote back. So right now I have someone working on my home project. I took a chance in using someone qualified but not licensed, but the job did not require one.  In reaching out in response to a stranger's offer to help, I believe that I may be able to repay the kindness in another way. God never allows us to sit on our talents. It's too early to tell yet, but perhaps this person needs my help more than we need his. Either way, if it works out, it will be a win, win situation I pray and perhaps the answer to some other dreams I have.

I've been restless again about getting a job, not so much for finances to do repairs around the house, although it would certainly help out. But more, I think, because I can provide a need in the workforce and to the community. God gave me jobs that trained me the ropes of case management, and I worked with many special needs including trauma victims. Because of personal experiences I am particularly sensitive to women and children who have been abused. There are jobs available with the State and County that I could easily qualify to fill, but I am asking myself if I really want to work that hard in positions that are so painful and potentially life-threatening. And I ask God if the desire is from Him or me? I no longer doubt my ability, but I do examine my motives. I'm getting older now, and although I want to be useful, doing what God wants me to do, is this it? So I pray, as I know that intercession is a call I've had since I was a youngster. How my heart breaks for the prayers requests that cross my path, and the brokenness and tragedies that I hear about. Sometimes all I can do is weep, and I wish I could be with that person and hug them, so they would feel true love and compassion.                                                                           

So many people need friends, real ones who stick with the person, and helps them navigate life. Isn't that the life of a true believer in Christ? If Jesus was here in person, I know my son would have a true friend, one who would understand him and accept him. Listen to his hurts, his thoughts, and give answers. Who would point him back to the only true source of truth, the Word of God. Jesus is the Living Word. And I can be a friend to someone who needs one, even when it isn't convenient to help. That's what the life of Christ is all about. Many have experienced the lies of the enemy who send his minions to appear to be friends only to get something from the one in need. I've even seen intense indoctrination into false religion, leading a person from the narrow path of a Christ follower to the culture's standards. Made to believe things that simply are not true. Blaming innocent people, especially parents. It seems that mothers get a lot of the guilt heaped on them for trying to love their children, provide for them, protect them, and instruct them in righteousness. All of a sudden that's abuse and indoctrination. Teaching a young one how to clean their room, make their bed or attempt to make it, and to teach them how to make a sandwich is now considered abuse or neglect. The enemy is so busy trying to twist and turn the hearts of children of God into victims, even after they have reached adulthood. It makes me so sad, but I pray and having done all, I stand.

I no longer hear the lies play over and over in my head, and I no longer entertain the distortions, but I do see and understand very well that these problems exist, and they are destroying lives. This is why I feel that God puts us to the test. He knows our hearts, and He knows our good intentions, but do we really know what we ask for? Are we ready to say yes so eagerly? Do we count the cost? Or is our trust so strong that we say "Thy will be done, Lord, not mine? Do we surrender, come what may...what His will directs? The test will tell. I pray that I'm listening and will respond to His true call.

Day 173 Goodness of God

 

6/22/2026

"From the moment that wake til I lay my head down, 

I will sing of the goodness of God! I will sing of the goodness of God!" 

Goodness of God

by Bethel

 

So much happens in my day from the moment I open my eyes until I go to bed at night, that the notes in my journal become confusing to me. I knew exactly what I was going to write about this morning, but after a challenging day, and a rather lengthy phone call, I felt dazed and confused. Thinking back over the day, it seems as if I didn't accomplish very much in the way of housework, yard work, or any work. But then I do tend to judge myself too harshly, because as so many people tell me, I am advancing in age - noted; so my body wears out faster - noted; and I need to rest more - noted. Older folks need to be put out to pasture, I imagine many younger people think, but then fast forward the years, and they suffer the same fate. The younger generation is amazed that baby boomers still exist who love to be involved in helping others, learning new things, and taking little trips to places on their bucket lists, who do not succumb to the lure of couch potatoism. Although I do tend to stay up too late at night and rise somewhat early, my life in no way can be compared with that of the Proverbs 31 woman, whose home is immaculate, meals prepared beforehand, garden tended to perfection, and for fun she buys real estate with the egg money she's earned. I've had my days of never ending fun, but I never made money off eggs. My gram fixed them for breakfast. What a life!

I used to be a more meticulous homemaker, but I've long passed that stage. In my house, dust and cat hair freely fly, and it is an all-consuming battle to keep their fur brushed, and in Alex's case knot free, as he loves rolls in the leaves and loves to sleep in the bushes with little green burrs snagging his fur. Right now my cat is outside after hissing at poor Mia, my son's indoor cat, because she looked at him while he was eating and got too close to me. Mia, being the lady she is, didn't hiss back nor did she run and hide. On the contrary, the one who ran was Alex, as if he's afraid of his own hiss. I'll never understand cats, but then, I don't want to. Their lives are way too sedentary for me.

It's raining again, and why not! After all these days of trying to hire someone to fix my back steps, the day he's coming it rains! At least it gave me a chuckle, so we postpone until tomorrow. The weather forecast is promising more rain, so we'll see how long this drags out. While sitting here tonight at my laptop trying to finish writing, a crash of thunder sounded and a bolt of lightning cracked down so loudly that it startled me. I ran to look out the window to make sure my maple was still standing and nothing was on fire. Thankfully, no fire and my electricity stayed on. Then came the rain and the gully washer continued a good while. I noticed that the basement had some water coming from outside to the drain, so that means mud is trapped over the drain at the base of the steps. Thankfully the sump pump did not engage. This is part of the fun in owning and maintaining a home. 

In spite of all the challenges of life and the silly little things that happen, I am truly grateful for this home. While it may be older than I am, and it may not have newer appliances, it functions well and serves our purposes. I would love to have the repairs completed and everything a little neater and freshly painted, it really isn't that important in the scheme of things. Many people don't have a home or regular meals. So I take it one step at a time. Waiting for the Lord's good timing, trusting Him to provide for our needs in unusual ways. I wouldn't want it any other way.   

Day 172 A Wonderful Life

 

6/21/2026

 "Knowing what to do is understanding.

Doing what you know is wisdom, (Are your wise?) 

Teaching what you do is prudence.

Daily Walk

 

Today as the nation celebrates Father's Day, I am celebrating my daughter's birthday! Although I am not able to be with her in person, we still find ways to celebrate together. She doesn't have internet or a computer or a cell phone, so we can't "face time" or Zoom or Google Chat or any of the things most people who are distances apart are able to do, so we come up with creative ways to enjoy and celebrate. She prefers a simple life, but I feel confident that if she gave it a try, she might enjoy having a computer or cell phone. Still, there's something to be said about retro televisions with the big tv screen inside of a wooden cabinet, an old radio, and a hand held telephone. For emergencies, when the phone lines are down, she has an old rotary phone I gave her that makes it possible to phone in a report and let me know her lines are down. Why it works and how it works when the power is out I don't know. Maybe it's a direct line to God. Who can say?!

Today is also Shabbat, and the message was from Numbers 16:1 - 18:32, and it covered the story of Korah's rebellion while Moses was leading the children of Israel in the desert  where they were wandering after the ten spies returned with a bad report. Korah belonged to the tribe of Levi, so he was one of the priestly tribe who had been given specific daily duties for caring for the tabernacle. In this portion Korah was attempting to lead a rebellion against Moses, God's chosen leader. Joining with Korah were Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben and 250 leaders of the congregation. They accused Moses of thinking too highly of himself and taking too much authority, the authority God had given to him and Aaron. Actually in their grumbling and complaining and hurling of insults, they were really directing accusations against God, so this rebellion did not bode well for Korah and company. In the end the naysayers were once more severely dealt with, and the rest of the company continued their trek through the desert, no doubt with renewed fear of the LORD, thankful they had been spared the fate of the others. Nonetheless, it seemed as if no one learned from their mistakes, and very shortly they were at it again - grumbling and complaining. 

This entire portion of scripture concerned the honor and reverence due a Holy God. He had delivered them from Egypt, destroyed the enemy who was fast on their heels. As Moses led them through the wilderness God appeared as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, His presence always went before them, just as He promised Moses He had blessed them with manna from heaven and quail flew down into the camp for their meat. Still, it was not enough. 

When we think of the modern church today, there is a stark difference between the the way my generation  was raised up and those who make up the churches today. I have been attending the Baptist church where my parents were members, and there are visages of the days of my youth. I've spoken about the messages by Pastor Jonathan before, as he teaches in an expository style - book by book, line by line, and he explains the context in which the entire chapters are written. This is essential in teaching and training up the people to follow the whole counsel of the Word of God. The congregation dresses respectfully, and the little children are well behaved and well-mannered. It's refreshing to see how the young adults and teenagers are growing in discipleship and community interaction. It seems to be a well-rounded modern church where the church is open on more days than Sundays and offers different groups. It's not as progressive as some of the Pentecostal churches I have attended, but the worship and heart of the people is sincere. 

Still more is needed as this is not the case in all houses of worship. Jesus said "come as you are," but many take that to mean however they want to dress, and it is very disrespectful. The popular thing in churches is to have a cafe where beverages and snacks are sold, but these items should be left outside the sanctuary which should be devoted to honoring God, inviting His holy presence. The modern culture dresses in clothing that is torn or immodest, and pants that are tight as skin are worn exposing the well endowed attributes of the one wearing them. Again, not meant for the sanctuary. I know that God wants us to come as we are, but we are not meant to remain that way. Whereas it may be understandable to see a new believer improperly clad, but as this one grows and matures in Christ, that should change as the person becomes transformed by the renewing of their hearts.  

I'm sure there are grumblers and complainers in every church, because there are always unhappy folks no matter where one attends. This is rather sad, as a church should be a joyful crowd of people sharing one thing in common - the love of God and bringing glory to His name. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship with the Living God, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who wants to live with us, every day and in every way. Each joint supplied meaning each member using the gifts God has given them to serve mankind. It's a wonderful life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit of God dwelling within in each Believer - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Day 171 Let Us Kneel Down

 

6/20/2026

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down;

Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is God,

and we are the people of His pasture,

and the sheep of His hand."

Psalm 95:6-7

 

It's a beautiful day, sun is high in the sky, it's cooler than normal, and the rain clouds have dissipated. It's going to be a clear, breezy day for my friend's family cook out under the trees. She and her siblings own their grandparents' old farmhouse situated on a few acres of off the grid farm land used for raising crops, and although it doesn't have modern plumbing, she has rented facilities for the day. All is well and anticipation is high!

Meanwhile back at my house, my day of Sabbath rest begins, and after the morning call and Shabbat message, I get to spend my day lounging or doing whatever I decide to do. Right now I'm looking across the freshly mowed field adjacent to my house that separates my home from my neighbor. The original neighbors no longer own the home, but their daughter still owns the field. My daddy used to raise potatoes in a small patch of that field, so I spent much time digging potatoes when in season. It seems as if most of my parents' friends have crossed over the great divide, and sadly, so have many of my friends. Time stands still for no one, and our days are numbered. We have a high school luncheon coming up in July. There will only be a few of us, but I enjoy smaller groups - less gossip and a quality time. I'm hoping I can talk to my literary friend and get some tips on setting the pace for my book. It's something to look forward to doing, so I am waiting anxiously.

The tone for our global call at the Embassy in Jerusalem was mixed about the way negotiations are going between Iran and the United States. Israel has not been privy to certain information, or so the news media wants to spin their yarn. Truth is in short supply, and many games are being played. Only the next few hours or days will tell the real tale, but one thing's for certain - it's time for us to get our act together and live as friends. Of course that won't happen in the long run, but for now a little peace and solidarity would be nice. Each partisan camp seems to be doing their own thing, each not including the other, and this must end as nations continue to watch. Also, our young people, the future leaders are watching the way the adults behave, and it is my prayer that things will be turned around, and the country will turn their hearts and minds back to God. 

When I consider the way things are going in our nation and in our world, I think about a passage of scripture found in Habakkuuk 3:17-18:

"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut of from the fold, ad there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." 

Being content in whatever situation we find ourselves. In famine or flood, sunshine or rain, eyes on the Lord, our Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. To God be the glory. 

Day 170 In Christ We Are Free!

 

6/19/2026

"We do not bow our knees to tyrants, only to our God and Savior Lord of All" 

 

Today we observe what has come to be called Juneteenth National IndependenceDay, commemorating the freedom from slavery granted through the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln. According to the story Texas was the farthest of the Confederate states, and the slave owners made no attempts to free the slaves which made Lincoln's proclamation "unenforceable without military intervention, which eventually came nearly 2.5 years later," according to an article by the National Park Service. On June 19, 1865 the Emancipation Proclamation became law, and in 2021 this celebration was made a national holiday.

In an article written today it reads: 

"Over the years, the Juneteenth celebrations grew. They spread across Texas, then the South, and eventually they captured the imaginations and hearts of the entire nation." 

"As we celebrate this day, we offer gratitude to the God who inspired our founders to declare, "All men are created equal." We forgive the hard hearts of so many who limited those freedoms for so long. We honor the tenacity of those who fought for so many years on behalf of abolition and ending segregation."

 

"Most importantly, we recognize the power of Jesus Christ to not only give us earthly freedom, but to give us spiritual freedom. In His own words, He reminds us... "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free" (John 8:36)."

 

Over the weeks and months preceding America's 250th years as a nation, many articles have been written about the birth of our nation and events that have followed it, as America was being shaped into the nation it has become today. There have been many wars fought to make our land free from tyranny and oppression and to keep it free from terrorist attacks, but sadly many things have also happened to bring shame and regret. At one time a few years ago there was a mad rush and an angry wave of mayhem as statues were being removed and buildings burned, books removed from libraries in an attempt to remove the evil from our memories and from the conscience of a nation. While much has happened to shame our nation throughout the years, we need to remember the good, the bad and the ugly, because it is part of history, and hopefully as a country we have learned to correct the mistakes and be proud of the successes. 

 I say that in optimism, because that is my hope for our nation's future. Regretfully, bad things, tragic things still happen that stains our nation's conscience. This year our President proclaimed our country as One Nation Under God once more, and it is my prayer that it will be so, but it is not happening yet. As the Church sleeps lawlessness and corruption continue, and because of divided lawmakers and extremist/hate groups, evil continues to disrupt and destroy life. Since our new President took office many improvements have been made, and many miracles have resulted, but there are still many who are opposed to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness unless it involves selfishness and power plays. The only answer can be found in true repentance and a major change in the hearts of many who are determined to destroy the American dream on which our country was founded. The answer can only be found when our nation turns back to God. Jesus Christ died to save all from sin. Through Him we can all have new life, eternal life and relationship with our Holy God who desires to share eternity with all who accept His Son as Redeemer and Lord. May today be the beginning of a true wave of freedom that brings Heaven to earth and truly is a day of celebration!   

Day 169 The Proper Response

 

6/18/2026 

"O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

 

Psalm 95:6

 

 

I can't seem to wipe this silly smile off my face. It almost seems disrespectful, should anyone see it, but yet I saw the same knowing on the face of another intercessor this morning. But before I go further in that thought, I want to finish sharing the saga of the two sisters - Mary and Martha.

 

As it turns out later after Jesus has been in the home of Lazurus and his sisters a few short days prior, Lazurus became quite ill, and he died. Jesus had been informed by carrier that Lazurus was sick and in need of his friend, but Jesus chose to remain where He was staying, only a short distance away. Jesus did so, because He listens to what His Father instructs Him to do, knowing the better plan and the appointed times. The story is told in John 11:1-44. When Jesus receives the word that "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick" (verse 3), His response to his disciples was "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (verse 4). Jesus knew His appointed hour and that it was near, and somehow God had made Lazurus part of the plan, the end game. 

 

In two days Jesus tells the disciples "Let us go to Judea again" (verse 7), and later in verses 11 and 14-15 tells them "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.... Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless, let us go to him." By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany Lazurus had been dead and sealed in a tomb for four days. Martha was the first to bolt out of the house when she heard Jesus had arrived at their home, while Mary remained inside. Did Mary realize that He was there? Generally when news of Jesus coming was known Mary was the first one out the house practically tackling Him she was so excited to see Him, to feed on His every word. But not this day. The first words from Martha's mouth were the same that later came from Mary's: "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."

 

Jesus assures Martha that her brother will rise again (verse 23), to which Martha responds that she knows that he will in the resurrection in the last days (verse 24), but Jesus quickly corrects her in verses 25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  Mary eventually comes running out and shares the same concerns, and in the end Jesus does what He came to do, He raised Lazurus from the dead to the amazement of all present. It's a great story with deeper meaning, so I invite all to read it and meditate on what it means to you. It's a matter of perception.

 

People will always say that God has a plan, so we don't need to worry, but they see very dimly as through a dark mirror, clouded by preconceived notions or the plots of the enemy who understands that weak minds not rooted and grounded in the Word will follow anyone who seems to know exactly what is going on. The one with the loudest voice, just like satan, twists the words around to make it sound good or holy to the Christian deceived and listening. If we study Genesis and the incident between Eve and the serpent, we can see that satan is a great conniver and great at twisting words, making the unaware believe it. We need to be aware, especially the Church at large. There's a lot of misconceptions and outright lies and fabrications being pronounced from pulpits today that need to be silenced by our Authority. But, few leaders or even lay persons seem not to want to speak out against wrongs. But God certainly is reigning in deceivers and exposing many in these last days, as He said He would do. 

 

There is much hearsay and many accusations or opinions - "Here's my take on it...!" I admit, on the surface level things are looking a little bleak, and there appears to be back stabbing and betrayal blow by blow, but what do we truly know? And whose report should we care about? That doesn't mean that we sit idly by and do nothing. It certainly doesn't mean that we change our citizenship, move to another State, or climb into a hole until things are back to normal! Has anything truly been normal?! Whose to tell?! Whose report do we heed? 

 

The reason I can stay calm, although I am very close to the eye of the storm, and I can have what appears to some as a silly smile on my face is because I know in Whom I have believed (2 Timothy 1:12), and my heart can remain steadfast (Psalm 57:7-11) as I place my trust in a God who never sleeps (Psalm 121:4) and who upholds me with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). I know that around me are many angels who guard me and protect me from harm (Psalms 27, and 91). And I know that if I put my trust in Him, He will direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Should I go on, or do you get the picture. Do you know that these promises are for all believers in Jesus?!

 

So our response is not to sit on the fence with our legs dangling or hide in a closet praying Jesus will hurry up and come! We should be praying His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That covers salvation of all who do not know Him, because He doesn't want anyone to go to hell. He wants all to be saved, beginning with His Chosen People through whom salvation comes to us as Gentiles (1 Timothy 2:4-6 and Romans 1:16; John 4:22).

 

Our response is to repent, humbly bow before our gracious Lord and praise His Name, worship and adore Him. We suit up according to Ephesians 6:10-20, and then having done all we stand! Worship is a huge part of my life, as it should be with any believer. The tribe of Judah always lead the way into battle, and Judah means Praise! It's a great way to begin your day, continued through the day, and end your day! 

What's going on now is very disturbing to me, to many who understand Bible prophecy. But I also know human nature, and I know about discernment. Best of all I know and trust my God who gives me discernment. So, before you panic, or if you're on the side of rejoicing in someone's pain, take some time and sit in the secret place and consult the One who knows it all. Begin first with an attitude adjustment if you ever take joy in another's misery and claim to know Christ as Savior and Lord.

Day 168 Uniquely Me

 

6/17/2026

 "Know who you are - what God

has called you to do."

 

God has a way of getting my attention, and I have to laugh, because He's ever so subtle...well, not always! The lessons He wants to teach me are those I have already been revisiting in my mind, and then with a gentle reminder here and there, answers come. In attempting to put ideas together for my story, the one the Lord wants me to tell, I re-visit again and again certain passages. It seems as if everything I do these days is a reminder, but I imagine that's how it can be when I'm supposed to be writing the story - His story, as my life is certainly that and more.

Today in our pre-prayer message we visited an oft repeated one in sermons found in Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus' visit to the home of Lazurus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. While Martha hurries to prepare refreshments for Jesus and His disciples Mary sat quietly listening intently to His every word. Her gaze transfixed on one thing. Martha became so flustered at one point that she mentioned to Jesus that Mary should be helping her. Jesus replied: "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." 

That's all that was written in the scripture portion, so the rest is left to us to ponder. I imagine Martha felt hurt and a bit betrayed by Mary and Jesus. I can imagine I'd want to hide in the kitchen and avoid the stares of the others present in the room who were obviously wondering what her problem was. About this time the devil was probably feeling her mind with all kind of thoughts. Then aren't we all a bit prone to jumping to conclusions in our minds from time to time?! But that comes from a person who is extremely self-centered and full of self-pity or from someone who has been hurt and feels left out. Two sisters, two personalities. I love the way Dallas Jenkins portrayed the scene in my beloved series, The Chosen. First of all the disciples and some other followers are present as they journey to Lazurus' home in Bethany, so this unexpected stop probably caught Martha by surprise, maybe with mixed emotions. I know if thirteen men showed up on my doorstep I'd be scrambling to throw together some goodies, because that's the way I was taught to honor guests. The Jewish culture of hospitality is so beautiful, as is the Southern culture in which I was born. But I was not taught to offer a bowl of water to wash the dust from their feet after the long walk down dusty roads wearing sandals. Imagine how refreshing clean feet feel after walking dusty roads for hours at a time. I can't even get into bed at night without clean feet on my cool sheets. That's a gift we take for granted, but that's another story.

As Martha goes into the kitchen trying to pull together a little food, she is first of all in a well-prepared kitchen with so much fruit, nuts, spices, cheese, and freshly baked breads. She must spend her life baking, cooking, preparing, and there are only three in the household. Nonetheless as we watch her throw it all together hurriedly, as she knows these men are hungry, because men are always hungry, she prepares a platter of elegantly designed snacks for these guys to enjoy. And well they did and asked for more before everyone was served. But as the wine flowed, and the meal served, Mary just sat there cow-eyed, entranced by Jesus' every word. I know that's where I'd be, as reading His words in scripture does that for me. Martha tried to get Mary's attention each time she walked past her or reached over her with the serving plate, but no, Mary was hanging onto every word from her Master's mouth. So that's when Martha spoke up. In the scene Jesus had Martha sit down beside Him, empty tray in hand, and He talked to her so gently. I can envision the scene as I write it, as I rewrite my own account of how I feel Jesus would respond. He listened to her heart cry as only the God of love would do, because He knew Martha, He saw her. He is, after all, El Roi, the God who sees. The God who understands and never condemns our pure desires. He created us to be who we are supposed to be. He let her know she was so appreciated, and He invited her into this time, this space, and let her know she was welcomed. He wasn't short and dry with her. He invited her to stop and listen, to choose the better way as Mary. Who could refuse so warm a gesture of immense love. 

Mary at this point is so overcome by Martha's feelings being hurt that she apologizes to her and responds that she should have been more considerate. I can't blame her though. I'd be right there plopped down at His feet, listening, reveling in every word. No one realized how short a time they would actually have with Him in His earthly journey. Mary and Martha, although seemingly polar opposites in personality and gifting, loved each other, and each had a servant's heart. I believe that each of us, if we're honest, would see that we have a little of both personalities in us, but there is a lean towards the one to the other, as we do each have unique callings and purposes. Discovering those qualities about ourselves often takes time and either years of failure or settling for whatever happens. We let go of our dreams for various reasons, but they never seem to leave our thoughts as possibilities.  

No one should consider themselves a failure if they have sincerely tried or made attempts to do what they felt compelled to do. A person who is a failure is one who has never tried, who is content to talk about it, but never attempts anything. Life has a way of handing us curve balls. I know a lot about that. Some days I'd love to be a Martha who stayed in the kitchen and prepared feast after feast, but that being done, I'd want to serve every homeless person or those down on their luck a feast fit for a king. I don't want to fatten up those who have the blessing of three meals a day, rather I want to feed those who do not know what it is like to sit at a table and enjoy an unhurried meal with a few friends who understand and listen. Those who do not look down and consider them less than. That's my heart. Yet on the other hand, I lean more towards the Mary personality as I want to feed on every word that comes from the mouth of Jesus. Then, I'd want to share that meal with everyone I encounter. A feast on top of a feast. That's my heart. That's my dream!