Are You Frenzied or Focused? by Nina Faye Morey

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

(Romans 12:12, ESV)

Often when I sit down to write, my mind is swirling with so many “to do’s” that I find it hard to maintain my focus. I have a general idea of the topic I want to write about, but I can’t get a handle on the central message I want to convey. Or I may think I’m writing about one thing, but wind up going down so many rabbit trails that pretty soon I’m totally lost. In either case, I find it hard to focus on what’s important.

On these occasions, the story of Mary and Martha comes to mind (Luke 10:38-42). Martha had invited Jesus into their home, but she had no time to focus on His message because she was too distracted by all the work that needed to be done. She soon becomes angry that she’s been left alone to prepare their meal. Was it right that Mary should be so entranced by Jesus’s every word that she left Martha all alone to slave away in the kitchen? Was it fair that the Lord didn’t seem at all concerned that Martha’s sister had deserted her when she most needed her help with serving?

This perceived injustice so emboldened Martha that she confronted Jesus and accused Him of not caring enough about her or her dilemma. She even went so far as to demand that He order Mary to help her. But which sister’s actions truly showed the greatest care and concern for their Master?

Who do you identify with most, Martha or Mary? Like Martha, have you often felt that life isn’t treating you fairly? Do you, too, become so distracted by all the busyness that you fail to pay attention to the One who should be your primary focus in life?

Too often, we tend to base our worth on how busy we are and on how much we are needed. We brag to our friends, family members, and anyone else who will listen about how much we need to do and how little time we have to do it. We’re more frenzied than focused. We’re like Martha. Our priorities are out of order. Jesus tells her:

Martha, Martha, you are worried about so many things,

But few things are needed—or indeed only one.

Mary has chosen what is better,

And it will not be taken away from her.

(Luke 10:41-42, NIV)

As Christian writers, we need to stop and ask ourselves if we’ve become so busy trying to serve God through our writing that we fail to hear His voice? Are we so focused on the busyness of our work that we forget to pray for His guidance? Are we so lost in the weeds of our words, that we lose sight of our primary message and purpose?

Jesus explained to Martha that “Mary has chosen what is better.” Martha’s main focus was on their material needs while Mary’s primary focus was on their spiritual needs. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Jesus declares in John 6:63: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”

Like Mary, we must choose the best. The Lord should be our number one priority. Pray for His guidance so you don’t wander down rabbit trails that lead nowhere: “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you the path to take” (Proverbs 3:6, NLT). If we maintain our focus on Jesus and His words, we will succeed: “Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3, CEV).

Placing My Ordinary Life Before God by Sharon Espeseth

Sharon fitting in some writing time

“So here’s what I want you to do, (Sharon), God helping you. Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, (caring-for-your-family) work, and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.” (Romans 12:1 The Message--other parentheses mine.)

Duties and Distractions

Paul’s letter to the Romans always packs a punch, but Eugene Peterson’s wording makes this advice personal, so I add my name. Like Jesus’ friend Martha, I have an agenda and I get worried and upset when too many things are happening and I can’t keep up. Today, for instance, I have ideas for my blog and I need to get to my computer. The distractions I mention are good and important things to do, but I want/“need” to keep my writing commitment.

Recognizing Answers to Prayer

My husband Hank after a long time of feeling poorly, wants to visit the fruit truck this afternoon, so he can top up the freezer for future jam sessions. We went to mass at the senior’s residence this a.m. and had an appointment with our pharmacist. How can I complain about any of that?

Although making jam requires time and effort from both of us, I am delighted that Hank feels upbeat enough to consider his hobby of making jam. And I, thankfully, am well enough to help him. We won’t be making the jam right now, I remind myself,  and Jesus counsels us not to worry about tomorrow, "for tomorrow will take care of itself." Phew!

Hank enjoys making jam and sharing it
with family and friends.

I have prayed for some time that Hank would feel well enough to enjoy life and feel up to doing some activities he used to do. In this light, his wanting to make jam is an answer to prayer, even though I don't immediately see that. I grumble briefly to myself about the insufficiency of time. Then, asking forgiveness,  I admit that God knows way more about what's good for us than I do. I release my grip on the steering wheel.

Hank always loved planting--trees, a garden, potting flowers

Day to Day Life

Hank and I understand that this world isn’t our "forever home," but while we're here we will love and help one another. When Hank is ill, I'm his caregiver and advocate. I attend appointments with him, ask questions and take notes. I do research and reach out to others more knowledgeable than we are in medical issues.

When my hubby's in hospital, I bring his home-brewed morning coffee the way he likes it. I run errands and go for walks with him in the hospital hallways. When he's home, I cook foods that might tempt him to gain a few pounds.

Our present, but not our "forever home"

Looking for Guidance 

To keep me steady, I read God’s Word. I pray, and try to leave the rest to God. I read the Psalms and other scriptures that assure us that God is our strength and help in times of trouble.

For example,

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5: 6-7 NIV)

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46: 10 NIV)

Seeking and Finding God’s Purpose

"God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105) Walking by lamplight requires faith in the One who lights and holds the lamp. At this point, I find it difficult to make long-range plans for life or for writing, but I trust the One who promises that he has plans for each of us-- plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. (Paraphrased from Jeremiah 29:11.)

Martha and I Grow Spiritually

I smiled when Fr. Johnny recently spoke about the fact that the world needs Marthas, because they are the ones who get things done. We first meet Martha when she is preparing a big meal for Jesus and his friends. We Marthas may complain when we feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. Over the years, some of us learn that we can’t do it all and that we don’t need to do everything to perfection. We learn that we need some quiet time, even if it means getting up early in the morning to have it.

I reread the conversation between Martha and Jesus after Lazarus had died. Martha, speaking her mind, reminds Jesus that if he had come sooner, Lazarus wouldn’t have died. But read further in John 11:17-27 and you will see how Martha’s faith has grown

Because I, like Martha, believe that Christ is the Son of God, I will “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

Shifting from the Kitchen to the Living Room by Sharon Espeseth

Getting out of the kitchen

Jesus statement struck close to me.

Like Martha, I've spent a lot of time in the kitchen of my life. I still cook, clean and help those around me, but I am spending more time for the living room. I can still love and serve beside Martha, but I now strive to relax, read, learn, play, spend time with my family and also  at Jesus' feet. Mary is already in the living room adoring Jesus.

Being a perfectionist, I empathized with Martha. I felt for her when Jesus said, "Martha, you are bothered about many things. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken away from her."







Comfortable or exhausted?

Striving to be the model homemaker, mother and wife, plus being a dedicated teacher, Christian, parishioner, daughter, sister, and friend was exhausting. I was so used to operating  on all eight cylinders that it seemed normal. How would I keep up if I slowed down?

In the mid nineties, my over-achieving efforts brought me to a halt. Knowing my life was wobbling like a table with a short leg, I began seeing a counsellor. Still l limped on in the classroom and at home without giving myself the attention I needed.

By mid-February, I had a total breakdown. My family doctor and my psychologist put me on anti-depressants and booked me off work. I didn't return to teaching until September.

When comfort zones become uncomfortable

This book was a life-changer for me.

Changing my ways became crucial. Counselling sessions, meds, journalling, long walks, listening more carefully to my husband's advice, praying, reading my Bible and other good books became the new order of my day.

In the Bible we are reminded often to seek rest. "Come to me, all you who are weary," Jesus tells us.  The Lord invites us to share the yoke with him. He will even make us lie down in green pastures.

Recent struggles

Recently while struggling to finish the jobs I had piled up in my kitchen, I felt God nudging me to unload some of it, but I had excuses.

I had co-led a church committee for more than a decade, but now I felt prompted to let this go. I could feel God showing me the way, but I couldn't let go of it without tidying the details. Not feeling up to the task, I "sat" on it.

God delivers his message


While  driving to the city in late March, the Norwegian and I observed the signs of spring. While
Hank drove, I watched a long string of geese flying beside us. Craning my neck as far as possible, I said, "I wonder why they aren't getting into V-formation." Just when my neck could turn no further, I saw a few front geese break the line. Knowing they were going to manage without my supervision, I turned my attention back to my journal writing.

Canada geese deliver message

Epiphany. That's what I need to do with my committee position. When we got home that evening, I phoned the friend I'd been planning to ask about my committee job. Without hesitation, Theresa agreed. I explained that certain details needed updating, but that I didn't feel up to doing it.

"That's okay, Theresa said." She didn't type, but she would ask the church secretary to do that. I felt like a heavy chunk of ice had slid off my shoulder. "Did God already have this lady lined up for the job?"

With one less responsibility, I hope to spend more time resting in green pastures, talking things over with God, and writing.

The geese incident had shown me how prideful I was not to pass on this job unless it was in perfect shape. Just as I knew the geese would manage on their own, I realized that Theresa, whose name God had whispered in my ear, would manage this job without my help.

What about comfort zones?

I love what you are saying, Sandi Somers: that God created each of us in a particular way and for a particular purpose. We are called to spread the gospel. We can do this through our writing, our living and our loving.

The Father also knows our limits.

I may never write the next great Canadian novel or set the world on fire spiritually, but I will do the best I can with the time I have left. I appreciate this quote by C. S. Lewis.

"God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them." 

This then reminds me of Paul's words to the Christians in Ephesus.

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God--not of works, so that no one can boast.
Setting my priorities

When it gets too hot in the kitchen, I can move to the living room. I will do the best I can each day in evsetting my priorities. You may remember the video, A Valuable Lesson for a Happier Life by Meir Kay. With minor changes, I could mentally rename this video A Valuable Lesson for a More Faith-filled Life.

https://www.youtubecom/watch?v=SqGRnlXplx0

For me, the golf balls would still represent the important things: family, friends, health, faith and passions. I added faith to Mr. Kay's list, as that would be, or at least should be, my biggest passion. Writing is inferred as another big passion.

Put the golf balls in first.

For new comfort zones in writing, the genre doesn't matter as much as the fact that I write. I do, however, need to write and submit more for publication, even when I am timid about doing this.

I can do this from the living room, our deck, or the boat launch at the lake. I just need to honour the golf balls in my life.

From Martha, With Love... by Glynis M. Belec

Blogging...one more thing to do. Mary often chides me for my hectic schedule but what can I do? The demands are great. Perhaps if my young idle sister would step in to help, maybe I could find more time to present my words thusly via this blog.  Economy of time. I know...Economy of material...I know. Economy of spirit...never! There is no compromise and God knows my heart.

Jesus will come soon for a meal. He drops in periodically for a time of refreshment, renewal and I think, escape. I long for His strength and even an iota of the wisdom he proffers each day to the people.

The people. Oh, the people. Constantly demanding Jesus' attention. The pressure He must feel. But one would never know.

I feel pressure, too. But when I consider what Jesus goes through each day, my pressure pales in comparison. He talks to so many hurting souls. Every moment of the day, it seems, He heals broken bodies, broken lives, broken spirits. If He is not healing, He is sharing prolific words about the Kingdom of God. I know I should take more time, like Mary does. I mean to. I really do. But then my work beckons and before I know it I am up to my ears in the demands of the day. I do hear Jesus speak, though.

"Multi-tasking Martha" they call me. I do love my Lord, but there are days when I long to have the inclination of Mary and toss the guilt aside that I feel if my hands are not busy with a chore. My personality is one that includes fussing and fuming if something is not exactly done to my specifications.

But this day, as I clack out this blog, I am beginning to feel something. I am starting to realize that perhaps I am frittering my days away with good intentions. I need to toss away the tendency for perfection. I must make a better effort to simply be still and know that Jesus is Lord. Maybe it's okay to sit a spell. I know I will always be concerned about the food and the home and the people who grace my four walls. But perhaps it is high time I fuss less over the pomegranates and persimmons and more over the Creator of such and Giver of life.

Oh, I think I hear Jesus knocking. The time has come for me to greet my most welcomed Guest. But first I must straighten the cloth and prepare the bowl so He can wash the dust from His feet. The oven has to be prepared and then the vegetables scrubbed...

Are Your Thoughts Flying? - Janis Cox

"The wind blows to the south and turns to the north;
round and round it goes, ever returning on its course" (Ecclesiastes 1:6, NIV).

That's the way my head feels today. Thoughts, ideas and plans swirling round and round. I get something accomplished and then 10 more items appear on my page. As a writer I know I need to find a focus or a plan; but as a Christian I also try to follow God's plan.

So how do I find my way between these two plans of attack?

As I grow in the Lord and in my writing, I learn that it is sometimes one way and sometimes the other. I can plan my day - right down to the hour only to find other things drop in, without so much as a "May I come in?" Then I have to make a decision - where does God want me in this moment? Most of the unexpected drop-ins are from God. I need to be aware of what He is doing so I can change my schedule to fit His plan.

Then there are days when I have neglected to make a plan. I follow my rhythm, God's Presence with me the whole day. And I love these days as He puts things on my heart in His timing. I know this doesn't always work the most efficiently but eventually I do get the jobs done. And I enjoy His Presence with more clarity that I would have if I worked on my own.

I used to be a rigid Martha, with a rigid schedule who ran a tight ship. More recently I like working towards being a Mary. I have learned to stop and ask God for His advice; I have learned to take a breath and hear His voice; I have gained energy from Jesus when there should be no energy left. I have made God my first priority. I like the new way of working.

What ways do you work? Do you feel under stress? Why? Are you trying to do everything yourself? Can you ask God into your day and let Him lead, guide and give you the added energy you need? Is God your priority?





Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published a couple of devotionals and a number of articles. As owner of a group blog, Under the Cover of Prayer and a blogger at He Cares for You, she writes often. Her children's book, Tadeo Turtle, in which she is also the illustrator, is available at retailers, online or on her blog. A free curriculum is available upon request. Email her or visit her on her website.