For a long time I had a love-hate relationship with the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. The following insight from Bonnie Gray affirms the okay-ness of my Martha-ness, while providing the loving reason Jesus corrected her:
Jesus didn't love Martha for what she could do for Him. He wanted her to receive everything He longed to give her — Himself.Pursuing rest is probably an oxymoronic phrase, but that has been one of my tasks in becoming #Wholein2017. I'm holding on to Jesus's promise to give me rest (see Matthew 11:28-30)!
Notice Jesus doesn't say, "Come to me strong, cheerful, without worries." We're invited to come to Him weary — whether confused, numb, anxious, angry, or stressed. Jesus tells us to simply come. Imperfectly His. As we are.For a good part of 2015 and 2016, I felt as though I were in a desert place. I love the image, instead, of being well-watered (see Jeremiah 17:8 and D&C 97:9).
Joy may feel selfish, but it isn't. ... The truth is, a well-loved woman who chooses joy will naturally bless others, like a river being filled by refreshing spring rain.One of the personal commandments of my on-going happiness project is Be still. I love the definition Bonnie gives of that phrase:
The Hebrew word translated "Be still" [in Psalm 46:10] literally means "Let go of your grip."As I've started to think about my goals for 2018, a re-read of Whispers of Rest seems to be a likely project!
Disclosure: As a member of the book launch team, I received a complimentary copy of Whispers of Rest. All opinions are mine.
