Martha and Mary - Ministry and Prayer

 Hello out there! No weather report today because it hasn't changed - it's  still HOT! 

Today is the Memorial for Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus - I love these saints! I have to share something I read in my Magnificat today. On page 404, before the daily Mass scriptures, there is a summary (or that's what I call it) from Luke's Gospel. I want to share one sentence from that summary, that jumped  right off the page: Since the 3rd century, the Fathers of the Church have seen in Martha and Mary the right relation between action and contemplation, ministry and prayer. 

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful and uplifting way to explain the importance and necessity of both of their roles! Sometimes I can get so caught up in "action/ministry" that I don't take the time I need to "contemplate/pray" like I should. I know from past experience that if I go, go, go - no matter how important the ministry or need is - if I don't take the time to pray/contemplate, rest, etc. I end up feeling wiped out and it takes longer for me to recuperate. Martha and Mary -  action AND contemplation - ministry AND prayer!

It has been a busy summer at the Ynostrosa Hacienda aka Nana and Pa's home! If you've read my blog, you know that Jim and I have been blessed with a big and boisterous family. We love spending time with our children and grandkids. We are talking about some major "Action & Ministry!" But as the summer days wind down... I've come to realize that this fall (once all the grandkids are back in school) we need to spend some time in "Contemplation & Prayer!" Yes, there will still be busy times, but we also need to take the time to recharge our batteries! Hopefully the fall days will be cooler and we can spend some time sitting on the back porch; Jim with a Lone Star beer and me with some cheap wine on ice, listening to some old country music, watching the clouds, and thanking God for our abundant blessings! 

I'm going to share a post I wrote back in November of 2020 - Martha and Mary - different story about choosing the better portion during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and really all year!

Full disclosure for the following story; I did buy more pillows, but everything else is still pretty much the same! I still color with our four youngest granddaughters and working puzzles is a big hit with all ten of our grandchildren! This is a big one - our three oldest grandchildren  are all driving now! Hug your spouse, hug your kids, and make some wonderful memories with your family!

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

"Choosing the Better Portion" During This Special Time of Year (Martha and Mary)!

Good morning out there! This scripture came to my mind this past weekend.

Mary and Martha. On their journey Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her home. She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord's feet and listened to his words. Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to him and said, "Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone? Tell her to help me."       The Lord in reply said to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required. Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it."       Luke 10:38-42 (Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible)

This is the time of year when many of us feel like "Martha" - Let's be like Mary, also! I love having a full house. I have learned through the years to not stress so much about everything being perfect or whether our family traditions and meals look like the ones in the holiday magazines. This past Saturday night two of our children and their families were here. The total count including Jim and myself was fourteen! Our meal included; meat and or bean burritos, Queso, hot sauce and chips, jalapeno, bacon, and cream cheese wraps with or without dove - cooked on the pit. I had some pie crusts that needed to be used - melted butter, cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top and baked in the oven - a simple and yummy dessert! A pitcher of tea and a pitcher of lemonade, paper plates, plastic cups, and lots of napkins. I had a glass of wine!! A very loud and lively card game that involved spoons was played after dinner! I did not participate - I spent time with our younger grandchildren! 

Our son and his family spent the night. We had a full house – kids asleep on the couches, and one on a cot. Every bed was occupied as well! I need more pillows!  Jim got up early and fixed breakfast for everyone. I sat on the couch and colored pictures with two of my granddaughters. I added them to the pictures that had been colored the night before. As I’ve shared in previous posts – our seven year old granddaughter has leukemia –we were so thankful she felt well and enjoyed being with everyone. Sitting next to her and coloring pictures was definitely a “Mary” moment.  I didn’t worry about what needed to be done – I just gave thanks and “chose the better portion.”

I pray that your holidays; Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. are filled with peace, joy, and love. 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone – I pray that you are with those you love. Keep things simple and enjoy each moment!  One more suggestion – I am blessed to have my mother’s china dishes. As our family grew I stopped using the china during holiday meals. We use heavy duty paper plates, but I do use the china serving dishes – they add that special touch for that special meal. My favorite time is when we stand in a big circle, hold hands and give thanks – Our God is an awesome God – rejoice and give thanks!

Peace and Blessings to you and yours! Bye for now, Sharla

(After re-reading that post I just want to add/clarify that the meal we had was NOT our Thanksgiving meal! That was the weekend before meal!)

A big thank you to everyone who has been praying for our granddaughter, she is doing well and should be through with her treatments by the end of this year! We are also thankful for her whole medical team! They have been amazing!  Our God is an awesome God! 

And as always,

Peace and blessings to you and yours, near and far, wherever you are!

Bye for now, Sharla