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You Can Worship While You Work | Katie M. Reid

You can worship while you work! Encouragement from Katie M. Reid author of new book Made like Martha.

Many of us have tried to shed our efficiency or apologize for our drive to “do” because of the passage about Martha and Mary, in Luke 10:38-42.

Martha was busy in the kitchen getting ready for company while her sister Mary sat listening at Jesus’s feet.

Martha goes to Jesus and says:

Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me. (Luke 10:40b, NIV)

And He responds:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about 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)

For centuries, Martha has gotten a bad rap. But if you identify more with Martha than Mary, I have good news for you!

  1. Martha’s wiring to work was not the problem.

 Jesus pointed out something that Martha needed to work on (not being so worried and distracted). But He was not criticizing the totality of who she was.

Jesus was inviting Martha to rest in who He was from a spiritual standpoint, even in the midst of meal prep.

Martha’s serving wasn’t the problem, it was her mentality while serving that Jesus addressed.

Jesus invited Martha to serve from a place of strength and peace instead of a place of striving and worry. But He wasn’t telling her to stop being a doer, He was reminding her that she was a daughter first and foremost.

  1. Martha was loved by Jesus.

Somehow I had overlooked the fact that Martha was loved by Jesus. But John 11:5 sets the record straight:

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.

Martha wasn’t loved because of what she did but because she was His; a friend of Jesus.

Her works were fantastic but they weren’t what made her fantastic. Her worth was cemented into her cells before she could ever lift a finger or write a to-do list. And the same is true for you.

Have a Martha heart? Get encouragement from Katie M. Reid’s new book Made like Martha.

Jesus loves you—even when you are short-fused, whether or not you have a quiet time, even in the midst of tackling your to-do list.

  1. You can worship while we work.

In John 12:1-3, we see a beautiful display of worship:

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

It seems that once again Mary is getting it right with her lavish display of worship at the feet of Jesus. But let’s not overlook Martha. She is found serving again but Jesus does not correct her this time.

I believe that Martha is worshipping while she works—serving from a place of gratitude instead of fret.

Sure, there is a time to sit and soak in His Presence—to raise our hands in praise. But we can also worship Jesus even when our hands are busy.

We don’t have to worship first and then work, we can worship while we work.

Are you working to try and earn Jesus’s love or are you working in a response to already being loved by Him?

Are you working to try and pay Him back or are you working because you are so thankful that Jesus paid for your sins on the Cross?

Whether you are sitting at His feet or serving up supper, worship Jesus—the One who completed the biggest to do of all time, out of His great love for you.

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More about Made like Martha

Made Like Martha by Katie M. Reid

An invitation for overachievers to discover what it means to rest as God’s daughters without compromising their God-given design as doers.

Though she didn’t sit at Jesus’s feet like her sister Mary, biblical Martha was loved just as she was–and you are too. This practical resource invites modern-day Marthas to sit down spiritually as they exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom without abandoning their doer’s heart in the process. Doers need to be affirmed in their innate design to do rather than sit, yet also be reminded that they don’t have to overdo it in order to be worthy. This book is not an exhortation to add or subtract things off your to-do list, but it is an invitation to embrace the “good” of the Good News. Here is an offer to step into your position as a daughter of God and to enjoy life as a doer.

Order a copy of Made Like Martha
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD | KatieMReid.com

Katie M Reid author of Made Like Martha

Katie M. Reid is an author, speaker, and singer who encourages others to find grace in the unraveling of life at katiemreid.com. Her first book, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done, will release on July 10, 2018 (published by WaterBrook). Katie’s writing style is transparent, poetic, and reflective. She has published articles through Focus on the Family, HuffPost, MOPS, LifeLines, iBelieve, and LightWorkers and is a contributor in Tales of Our Lives: Reflection Pond and the Five Minute Friday book. Her album, Echoes of My Heart, is also available for purchase. Katie delights in her hubby, five children, and their life in ministry. Hot or iced tea and cut-to-the-chase conversations are a few of her favorite things.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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Put Your Work Aside and Enjoy God’s Presence

put-your-work-aside-and-enjoy-gods-presence

The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple. 1 Kings 8:11 (NLT)

Has there ever been a time in your life when you were so amazed at God’s presence that you simply had to pause? Pause to take Him in, pause to rejoice, pause to reflect on how amazing God truly is?

I remember a time when I was folding a load of laundry, and I almost sank to my knees at the sight of dozens of tiny socks that needed to be paired up. No, it wasn’t the overwhelming task that stilled the movement of my hands (although that can be overwhelming at times), but the revelation of answered prayer. You see, my husband and I felt God’s call to adopt for many years. After years of paperwork and disappointment, God blessed us with a baby girl.

And then we added more and more to the Goyer clan. Words of thanksgiving flowed through my lips as I folded those little socks, remembering the many, many times I was on my knees in my bedroom, crying out to God and asking Him why this adoption thing was so hard and why it took so long.

The truth was, because God knew the children He had for us…at the right time. For a while the work was waiting… and now the work is just work! But what a glorious work it is.

When I think of the priest who worked at God’s temple, I can imagine the awe they felt when God’s glorious presence came down. How spectacular! I can see those priests on their knees before God. Work can wait at times like this! Work can wait in our lives too.

“God’s true presence requires that we stop working in our strength and rely on His,” writes author Rachel Wojnarowski. This is true whether we are seeking to expand our family, seeking to find a loving husband, or seeking to further our career. Work can wait when God’s presence meets you…and your work will never be the same after that.

Faith step: Put your work aside for a while and just enjoy God’s presence.

Put your work aside for a while and just ENJOY God’s presence! @TriciaGoyer

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mwj-2016_3d_flat_1_1Read the original post at Guideposts.org. Want more devotions? Check out Mornings with Jesus 2016.

Put the world on hold and step into the presence of Jesus, who gladly takes our burdens and stress and restores them with “the peace that surpasses understanding.”

This uplifting daily devotional book includes 366 short five-minute readings that help you rest and recharge your spirit by putting your focus on the Living God. Each page begins with a Scripture quote, followed by and uplifting devotion that demonstrates how Jesus’ life and teaching apply today. With humor, humility, and grace, the writers share insights that are easily relatable. A Faith Step is also included for you to practice throughout the day. The Faith Step will inspire and challenge you to apply the day’s message to your life.

For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus 2016 offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is and what that means for day-to-day life. As you focus on His truth, you will experience an abundance of blessings that spring from your ever-growing personal relationship with Him.

With a warm and friendly voice, 366 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage you to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into your day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

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The Balance Between Mom and Writer

The Balance Between Mom & Writer - TriciaGoyer.com

I started writing when my kids were five, two, and a newborn, and I was starting my first year of homeschool. My husband was in college and worked at night. We were poor. LOL.

I started writing during naptime, but by the time I started getting book contracts, my kids were too old for naps, we still homeschooled, and my kids were home all day. So for years I wrote when they were around the house—usually in the afternoon.

I was just talking to my daughter Leslie about this a few days ago. She’s twenty years old and she’s passionate about God. She’s a pretty great writer, too! Here is her blog.

Anyway, I asked Leslie what were the benefits/drawbacks of having a writer-mom at home. These are the three benefits she came up with.

1. Leslie said it really impacted her how I modeled serving others in my life . . . and through my writing. She said I showed her how important it was to serve other people.
2. She said it really grew a love of books and writing in her. She loves to read and write and is minoring in writing/editing in college.
3. She said that it was “cool” having a famous mom. Her friends thought it was cool. She also got to meet amazing people and she was able to travel with me to interesting places. (I had to laugh at the “cool” part. She never told me that before!)

I asked about the drawbacks. She told me it was what her and my brothers referred to as the “five-minute rule.” They would approach and ask me something . . . and then wait. “Then, Mom, after about five minutes, you’d turn and say, ‘What?’ Or you’d turn and answer our question. We’d always laugh about that.”

I thought that was very funny, and I can remember that happening. If I was writing I’d have to finish off my train of thought before I turned to answer them. I’m glad to know that they thought it was funny. Also, it was normal for them. It was normal to have me writing at my computer for a few hours each day. (They were with me 24/7, and I had times dedicated JUST to them, too.) And I was still there—still present. Our presence as moms makes a big impact.

Our presence as moms makes a big impact. @TriciaGoyer

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The funny thing is that Leslie didn’t mention the stuff I felt guilty about:

1. Not having a clean house all the time.
2. Limiting their extracurricular activities to one activity per child per year.
3. Getting a babysitter once in a while.
4. Going away to conferences a few times a year. (And later a few more times to speak.)
5. Having weeks now and then of picking up pizza or Taco Bell for dinner because I was under deadline.

Every family is different, but this really encouraged me. Now, as I continue to balance writing with my younger ones, it’s been a huge benefit to see that the older three have turned out great. It’s helped me to realize that I often feel guilty about things that aren’t really going to matter years from now.

Being present, and letting your kids know that they are the most important thing, goes a long way!

Prayer

God, Thank you for my children. Thank you for instilling creativity into each of us, myself included. Help me find the right balance between family, creativity, and the rest of my life. Give me wisdom and sensitivity to see things from a new perspective.

More Resources

Balanced: Finding Center as a Work-at-Home Mom by Tricia Goyer

The Solution To Working Moms Finding Balance In Everyday Life: Control Your Life Before It Controls You by Marita Kinney

Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom by Tricia Goyer

Get Organized Secrets of Professional Organizers Volume 2: Leading Experts Talk About Productivity & Work-Life Balance by Donna Smallin Kuper

Beyond Soccer Mom: Strategies for a Fabulous Balanced Life by Leonaura Rhodes

 

 

To celebrate launch of The Lulu Tree Boutique, I’m doing a giveaway!

Ten winners will receive a copy of my book“Life Interrupted.” One grand prize winner will receive “Life Interrupted” and a Lulu Doll! Only those in the U.S. are eligible to win. Winners will receive an email and be announced next week! a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Rewriting is the Real Work of Writing

Rewriting is the real work of writing



Rewriting Is The Real Work Of Writing

No one writes a perfect novel the first time out of the chute. - TriciaGoyer.comI get letters almost daily from people who want to write a novel. Most of them have started one, and some are close to the end of their book. But once the writing starts, the fears come quickly. We know what we want to say. We know what story we want to share . . . but the words on the page often don’t match. Then we look at our manuscript and see that it needs so much work! I remember that feeling. I still feel that way at times.

I’ve written more than 70 books, and all of them seem TOO BIG for me. I always look at the words and paragraphs and think, “Am I going to be able to pull this off?”

I love what Anne Lamott said: “Just look at the one-inch picture frame and do the next thing.”

Let it take the time it needs. - TriciaGoyer.comNo one writes a perfect novel the first time out of the chute.

If it takes a year to edit your book, let it take a year.

If you need to start over, once you’ve come to the end and know your characters and the situation better, then by golly start over.

My first novel took a couple of years to write. Some authors I know go through complete rewrites after the first draft. I’m friends with a NY Times best-selling author (you would know her name), and she was just told by her editor that she needs to rewrite a large portion her book completely . . . and she rolled up her sleeves and got started!

Rewriting is the real work of writingRewriting is the real work of writing, and we shouldn’t be afraid of that.

Of course we need the right information to make sure we rewrite well. We also need the right support group. I highly recommend ACFW if you’re not a part. There is a loop where people ask questions and workshops. There are also writing contests for unpublished authors so you can “submit” before you “submit”—to get constructive feedback and to see how your manuscript stacks up.

Rewriting is the real work of writingRemember this whole process takes time.

I started writing in 1994, and my first book came out in 2003. That’s 8 years later. With ANY career, people expect time to grow and learn. Doctors go to school. Teachers go to school and then student-teach. Artists go to art school. Writers must write—lots.

No one in any other occupation feels they have to get it right the first time. Remember that!

So, maybe the words on the page aren’t what you hoped for. Keep the best ones, throw out the worst ones, and rewrite the rest. It’s great practice, and you’ll never know what you may end up with!

 

 

Prayer

God, thank you for giving me the creativity to write. I am so grateful that we are made in your image. Teach me to have patience in the process of creativity. Teach me diligence and dedication.

Writing: Keep the best ones, throw out the worst ones, & rewrite the rest. @TriciaGoyer

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More Resources

– Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

– On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

– On Writing Well, The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser

– Writing Down the Bones, Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

– The Writing Life by Annie Dillard

Do You Want To Write A Book?

Making your writing dreams become a reality is tough. You have ideas but you wonder if any of them are good. You have no idea how to connect with agents and editors, and what in the world is book proposal anyway?

I’m here to help. And I’ve invited some of my friends to help you too. They are professional agents, editors, authors, and marketing and publicity team members. They’re the best of the best in the Christian publishing industry. Together we want to help you reach your dreams.

To help you do this, I’ve created Write That Book. This premier group provides education, inspiration and connection with other writers and experts. Learn all the tricks of the trade while getting your personal questions answered.

Over thirty experts will be available throughout the month to answer your questions. Their decades of experience will be at your fingertips. They not only want to help you, but they also want to get to know you better. After all, your words might just be the ones they’re looking for!

rewriting is the real work of writing

For More Information or to Join Write That Book now CLICK HERE!

Or from Facebook go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/writethatbook/

 

 

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Making Hard Choices: Saying Goodbye to ‘Living Inspired’

Making Hard Choices

Making Hard Choices

Saying Goodbye to ‘Living Inspired”

Many people often ask me how I “do it all.” Sometimes it appears as if I do. I write blogs, write books, host a radio show, mentor teen moms, and care for my husband and kids.

The truth is I have to make hard choices to maintain balance. There is a lot I say no to. I’m also cautious about what I add, and I frequently go before God and pray about what I need to back away from.

A few months ago, as I sat and prayed, I felt God telling me it was time to back away from some things. Some blogs I wrote for came to mind as I prayed. Even though they were wonderful ministries, it was no longer my season to write for them.

The truth is I have to make hard choices to maintain balance. @TriciaGoyer

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I didn’t even think about cutting back on my radio show, Living Inspired, but God brought it to mind, too. At the beginning of 2014 I added on a wonderful c0-host Michelle Hill who works in radio at FamilyLife. We were having a blast and talking to wonderful guest(s? Yep! Make that plural.). We had plans on making things (the radio show? Yep, she’s referring to the radio show.) bigger and better, but I felt God saying, “Did you pray about that?”

Yes I had wonderful plans, but the more I prayed the more I realized that God was asking me to walk away from my plans for His plans. He knows what I have coming ahead. He knows the time and attention that my books and children will require. So, as hard as it was, I decided to end Living Inspired. It’s been an AMAZING four-and-a-half years of being on the radio. I’ve interviewed wonderful guests and I was thrilled to be used by God to help promote other Christian authors and speakers.

The good news is that all my old podcasts are still available here.
I encourage you to listen to them and be inspired!

Some Special Thank You’s!

So as I end this season of my life I want to thank a few people:

  • First, the wonderful people at Toginet! Especially Erik, Sabrina, and Karina. Erik-the-Viking, I especially enjoyed working with you. You’ve been 100% helpful and supportive. Thank you, Toginet, for allowing me to help and inspired other!
  • Second, the Litfuse ladies. Amy, Caitlin, Christen, and Christine. Thank you for all your hard work managing my schedule and the guests.
  • Third, thank you Michelle Hill for jumping on board and being a wonderful co-host. You made the last six months the funnest ever.
  • Fourth, thank you to all the wonderful guests! I loved getting to know you are your hearts! I’m grateful to call many of you friends now.
  • Finally, thank you for all who listened and supported the show. I appreciate all of you!

And thank you, Lord, for giving me this season of radio … and reminding me that your ways are perfect.

The final taping of Living Inspired is done, but enjoy the remainder of the shows. They’ll be airing until July 17th!

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

 

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Work-at-Home Mom and Work-at-Home Dad

Work-at-home

We’ve launched a new adventure in the Goyer home. My husband, John, has a new job and has started working from home. Since I work at home as an author, that makes two of us. Yet, even though we’re both at home, our “styles” are amazingly different.

  1. Offices: Both John and I have offices. Just last month we moved into a new house that had two spaces for our two offices. His has been set up. Mine is mostly boxes still. Why? Because I’ve unpacked the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and most of the kids’ stuff first. My office is an “add-on” to my work around the home. It is the last thing to get attention.
  2. Schedules: John turns in a time card, and he has to work eight hours a day. I work when I have a babysitter for a few hours or when the kids are napping. (Of course, sometimes instead of working, I nap too.)
  3. Responsibilities: Both of us have contracts and deadlines. Both of us do conference calls and Skype sessions. John works with a team. I work with numerous teams at publishing houses and with my own assistants. Work is work. The responsibilities are big.
How both spouses can work from home successfully: tips from @TriciaGoyer and @MomLifeToday

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Read the rest of this post on MomLife Today!

Did you hear the good news? My new book Balanced is available now via Amazon and Barnes & Noble for only $2.99 (digital only)!

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