Martha Home the Mary Way

As many of my regular visitors know, I had a wonderfully profound experience in February.  A sort-of, re-balancing of life, so-to-speak.  In that time, I felt a need to touch back on some basics as I refocused my life.

As God would have it, the wonderful Tyndale Blogging Network put up for review a wonderful 1-month devotion on what I like to call, the Art of Housewifery.  It is titled, Having a Mary Heart the Martha Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae.

I loved the balance in this book and the raw honesty of the author.  Hearing pieces of her testimony revealing her journey to become a God-honoring housewife and help-meet showed me that I am not alone in this journey to perfect the art of housewifery.

The book is set up with daily devotions launched with an inspirational quote and personal story.  This then leads the reader to  the Mary Challenge: sitting at the feet of Jesus.  Readers are challenged to read specific scripture and prompted with provoking questions to dig into it in order to see the profound truths which can inspire us as both daughter's of God and caregivers to our family.  Each Mary challenge is followed by a Martha Challenge, some cleaning task which helps bite off small chunks of the greater scope of housewifery.  

The days on time, laziness and grace were by far my favorites, though my entire copy is marked up with stars, hearts and underlines for the tidbits I found truly inspiring.  However, I think the greatest take-away for me is HOW I use my time.

We are never going to find more time, which is why the apostle Paul encourages us to be vigilant.  I like what Chuck Swindoll says: "God has given you...sufficient time in each day for you to fulfill His perfect plan--including the interruptions!"

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
    while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

 - Proverbs 13:4

The hand of the diligent will rule,
    while the slothful will be put to forced labor.

- Proverbs 12:24  

 
 I already have planned to purchase it for some friends whom I know could use the encouragement!

All in all, Having a Mary Heart is a great book for anyone needing the valuable reminder of balance between our heart and our home.  It is most helpful for those who have never experienced having a Martha home the Mary way but even old hats like myself could find pieces of gold in this treasure chest of information.

Blessings,

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House for my honest review. This review is my opinion alone.

Having a Martha Home the Mary Way