but only one thing is needed (Luke 10:41-42)

The one thing that Jesus said was needed in Martha's life was fellowship with him - and that's true for us, too. Here are some ways to practice one-thing thinking when you feel overwhelmed:

1) Invite Jesus to rule and reign each morning when we get out of bed. Let Him come and take the throne of your life - to be the 'one thing'

2) Ask God to reveal the next step. "What is the one thing I need to do next?". Then take the next step.... and then the next.

3) Have faith that what needs to get done will get done, since you have dedicated your day to the Lord.

4) Be open to the Spirit's leading. You'll be amazed at the joy and freedom that comes from surrendering your agenda and cooperating with His.

Extracted from "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"

"Lord, the one you love is sick."

In John 11:2-3, Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha was dead. We were told that the sisters sent Jesus a word. The message was very simple "Lord, the one you love is sick."

Imagine the worry, grief, sorrow and sadness of these sisters. Yet their note to Jesus was so simple. The note did not demand Jesus to come quickly, to heal Lazarus immediately or requested Jesus to do this or that according to their wishes. So, in our earnest prayers to God, just state plainly the facts to the Lord and let God be God. We don't have to tell God what to do or how to do and when to do for us according to our wishes. What a lesson!

Also note that in this message, it stated plainly that Jesus loved Lazarus. It's not necessary to know whether Lazarus loved Jesus or not - Jesus will perform a miracle whether Lazarus loved him or not. It's an act of grace! And I was amazed that Jesus knew who was sick, even though the note did not state the name!

Some ways to Tame Your Worry Habit

In her book 'Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World', Joanna Weaver shares with us some ways to tame our worry habit, as worry can be a habit:

1) Pray (Colossians 4:2)
2 Mediate on God's promises (2 peter 1:4)
3) Trust God (Psalm 112:7)
4) Prepare for the unexpected (Proverbs 21:20)
5) Control your imagination (Isaiah 35:3-4)
6) Look on the bright side (Ephesians 4:29)
7) Do what is right (Acts 24:16)
8) Take care of yourself (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
9) Don't worry alone (Proverbs 27:9)
10) Separate toxic worry from genuine concern (Proverbs 16:3)

Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things

Pastor and teacher Gary E. Gilley sums up the difference between a healthy conern and worry like this:"Worry is allowing problems and distress to come between us and the heart of God."

When we are conern : Involves a legitimate threat
Is specific (one thing)
Addresses the problem
Solves problems
Look to God for answer

When we worry: Is often unfounded
Is generalized (spreads to many things)
Obsesses about the problem
Creates more problems
Looks to self or other people for answers

Extracted from the book entitled:Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world

Having a Mary heart in a Martha world

Found this book in the library. The author talks about finding intimacy with God in the busyness of life - Haveing a Mary heart in a Martha world

Love to share some pointers extracted for encouragement:

We all dip down now and then into discouragement. The secret is not to stay there. Here are some ways you can beat the downward spiral of the Deadly D in your life:

1) Allow for rest stops. Remember the Sabbath rest? Be still and know that I am God.(Exodus 34:21)

2) Get a new point of view. Take a few steps back and ask God to help you see His perspective on your situation. (Isaiah 33:17)

3) Have patience. (Romans 8:28)

4) Mingle. Discouragement feeds off isolation. It's amazing how good, old-fashioned fellowship can life our spirits. (Psalm 133:1)

5) Set the timer. Just a 10-minute good cry is good for you. Jesus wept too! (Ecclesiates 3:4)

Remembering Thy Wonders

I just want to record these 2 wonderful incidents so that I will remember God's goodness and grace to me - I must not forget how good He is to me.

1) Elder son Jon wanted me to watch World Cup final with him. I agree as his dad is not in town to watch with him. But Jon also suggest we watch the match between Spain and Germany together. I could not agree as I have to work the next morning. He must be disappointed. But Papa God is good. Somehow during the night, I was awakened. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew that bonding with Jon is important. So I watched the later part of the 2nd half with Jon and saw how Spain won the match! (I know nothing about soccer)

2) Younger son Tim asked me to wake him up this morning at 5:30am. He wanted to print something on the computer to bring to school. So I set the alarm clock at 5:15am, but somehow it did not ring. Even my mobile alarm did not go off. But Papa God is good. He woke me up just in time - 5:25am.

Reflections: God is good. God is good all the time. God does good all the time. God watches over me all the time. Amen

GOD'S TIMING IS PERFECT. HE IS IN CONTROL

Very recently, my faith was put to the test!

I had an examination on Wednesday. In order to pass, I had to have a live model. And I had only just half an hour more, if no model appeared, then I failed! If you want to show that your skills in trimming some one's hair is good, you must have a live model, you just can't cut a dummy's hair to pass the test.

Lord, I have really done my homework well. I prepared well for the test. And I have prayed and submitted this exam. into Thy loving hands, so where is my live model? Just when I felt that all is lost, the Lord sent me a very beautiful live model! Praise the Lord, all glory to Him. And of course, I passed. Hallelujah!

Reflections: The Lord's timing is perfect. Just trust in Him. I have prayed, He has heard. Don't fret, don't worry - just believe.

P.S. The above example is only an illustration of my case. I am not a hair dresser, nor a doctor.