Martha, Martha, Martha!

Ever had one of those days where you know what you really need, instead you turn to everything but that? Homemade chocolate chip cookies... College Football bowl games... leftover Christmas candies... reruns of "How I Met Your Mother" and "Big Bang Theory"...

These things aren't bad, in fact, they're all pretty awesome.  But they didn't satisfy me no matter how long I sat in front of the TV.  My stomach was full but my spirit was empty.

I was getting a headache after sorting through educational materials for the D.R. and thinking about all I have to do in the final preparations and packing this week.  So I walked into the kitchen for some Ibuprofen.  As I was reaching up, I heard within me...

"You're thirsty.  You know you're thirsty."

I knew that voice and it wasn't referring to just any water.  We serve a Lord who pursues us.

I withdrew to the secret place and just fell apart.   I was tired with my spirit running all day...

Today my sister went back to school  for the semester and my heart was grieving that loss... I'm stressing about choosing the best insurance coverage while I'm in the D.R....  I'm debating what educational materials to bring and what to leave behind...  I'm worried about being a good steward of my time in meeting up with dear friends before I leave and making time for packing.... I'm running out of time! No wonder my head hurt so bad.

After just crying and releasing my sorrows and concerns at His Feet, God spoke.

"A woman by the name of Martha welcomed [Jesus] and made Him feel quite at home.  She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word He said.  But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen.  Later, she stepped in, interrupting them.  'Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.'

"The Master said, 'Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself all worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it- it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.'"                    

  - Luke 10:39-42 (The Message)

God whispered to me, "Lauren, sweet Lauren, you're worrying far too much and getting your heart worked up for nothing... I've got this. Right here is where you need to be."


This week is going to be hard for me emotionally with all the goodbyes and wrapping everything up.  But I have to cling to Truth that God's got this.  He will carry me through and lead my every step. He is so sweet to me.

Besides... I had THE most invigorating communion with Barb Sucher and the Lord last night in prayer that has filled me with great expectancy for what the Lord is about to do this year.  We prayed boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ground shook.  So, while there may be sorrow and pain tonight, JOY comes in the morning! Nothing is going to keep me from living in that Truth!