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Happy Friday! I’ve got an awesome GIVEAWAY and FRIEND FEATURE for you today!
It’s my pleasure to introduce you to my sweet friend: author LIZ CURTIS HIGGS! This woman is incredible. She’s as real – as deep – as joyful – and as friendly as you’ve ever imagined or desired in a friend. There have been several times over the years where I have needed direction and I’ve picked up the phone and called Lizzy. Without hesitation she has prayed with me, given wise advise, and shared her experiences. LOVE this woman. And girl can write!!! Good grief… Liz Curtis Higgs has written more books that I have shoes. {Wait. Since my house fire two and a half weeks ago I only have 7 pair… sigh… but I’m working on that. #winks}
I’m not even going to delay this anymore. Prepare yourself to be stirred by this wonderful post from Liz’s incredible book, The Women of Easter.
Ask any Christian woman “Are you a Mary or a Martha?” and she’ll have a quick answer. (Me? I’m a Mary wannabe, trapped in a Martha body). Their story may be two thousand years old, but these two sisters from Bethany still show us what matters most to the One we love.
While Mary of Bethany “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39), her sister “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made” (Luke 10:40). Distracted. We know what that looks like. Martha didn’t need the Internet or a smart phone to divert her attention. She was “pulled away by all she had to do” (MSG) and became “overly occupied and too busy” (AMPC) to pay attention to their honored guest.
But Martha did have one question for Jesus. “She came to him and asked,…” (Luke 10:40). This wasn’t as polite as it sounds. Martha “burst in” (Phillips), “interrupting them” (MSG). She stood before Jesus, all up in His face, determined to be seen and heard. “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (Luke 10:40).
Really, Martha? No one cares like Jesus. Even so, she was convinced He would agree with her. “Doesn’t it seem unfair?” (NLT), she asked Him. Or here’s the LRV, the Lizzie Revised Version: “I’m upset. Aren’t you upset?”
Any hostess who has slaved away in the kitchen while her family and guests enjoyed themselves in the living room can empathize with Martha, as we see and hear her mounting frustration. Rather than confront her sister directly, Martha asked Jesus to intervene. “Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40).
We know this woman. We are this woman. We fret, fuss, and find a dozen reasons to be unhappy when we feel overworked or underappreciated.
Now it was Martha’s turn to learn from the Teacher. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41). I wonder if Jesus shook His head when He said her name. Twice. “Martha, Martha.” The repetition was a tender rebuke. Rather than applaud her work ethic, the Lord chided her for “fretting” (CJB) and “fussing” (MSG).
True, her preparations were her means of service, her brand of ministry. Martha was doing good things. Godly things. Useful things. Jesus was scolding her, not because what she did was unimportant or unnecessary, but because Martha thought her efforts were of greater significance than Mary’s.
Jesus, who once cautioned His followers, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27), was urging Martha to change her focus from standing in the kitchen to kneeling at His feet. His voice was surely gentle as He reminded her, “Few things are needed—or indeed only one” (Luke 10:42).
We’re listening, Lord. When you told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42), you were telling us as well.
©2017 by Liz Curtis Higgs. Adapted from The Women of Easter: Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene. Published by WaterBrook. All rights reserved.
Hurray! Hurray! It’s a Giveaway!!!
Congratulations to our winners: Cheryl King & Patty Robinson!
To qualify for the drawing, you need to do TWO things:
#1. LEAVE A COMMENT to win by CLICKING HERE.
#2. SHARE THIS POST on social media.
That’s it! Once you do both, your name will be entered into the random drawing. Be sure to tell your friends so they can sign up too. The drawing will take place on April 10th, so don’t delay! {Contest is limited to US and Canada readers only.}
MEET LIZ CURTIS HIGGS
Liz Curtis Higgs has one goal: to help women embrace the grace of God with joy and abandon. She’s the author of 36 books with 4.6 million copies in print, including Bad Girls of the Bible, The Women of Christmas [http://amzn.to/2fn8BtB], and her latest, The Women of Easter: Encounter the Savior with Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene.
Connect with Liz on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Comments 161
Yes, I am a Martha to but a want to Mary. I was able to see her at a women of faith conference a few years a go. Wonderful speaker.we as women sometimes!as have a hard time sitting still!
I am so in need of a wake up call. Running and doing, doing and running, trying to keep everything in the air, and the only thing I knew up until I read this post, is that there had to be more to life. Stop and make time to listen, don’t do, just be, where do I get more of that. Hope I win a copy… Thanks Liz
I would enjoy the chance to read her book!
Liz is a great writer and have read other studies and really loved them. I’m definitely a Martha even though I strive to be a Mary.
This sounds like it would be an amazing book to read.
You Read My Mind! I AM ALSO a Mary Wannabe stuck in a Martha body! there’s so much to do! and never enough time to get it all done! but I am learning when I take the time first thing in the morning to have my quiet time first with God, the rest of the day is more peaceful, productive and powerful – in His power, not mine! <3 I am reading your post thinking Oh, man! I would LOVE to be able to just call up "Lizzie" and ask her about stuff I'm going through! her good girls… and bad girls of the Bible we great reads! and her honesty, transparency and humor are wonderful to be taught by! Even if I don't win the giveaway, I'm going to be getting this book!!! 🙂
I’m definitely a Martha but want to be a Mary. Would love to have this book to learn more about these women.
I would love to have this book!
I am seeking a closer walk with Jesus and hope to be inspired by both you and Liz!
Thank You for the opportunity!
Being I just embraced my Christianity in the past 10years, I yearn for additional knowledge and have used words of the Lord help me through many a daily walk. I would be honored to read this book of Liz’s.
Wonderful.
I heard Liz’s interview regarding this book on Focus on the Family this week. Sounds like a great book
Sounds like a wonderful book. Liz is a great author.
Sounds like a book I would love to read and need. I am a Martha but want to be a mary
I love Liz Curtis Higgs. Her writings are fun but teach so much about how we as women react. I try to be more of Mary, but sometimes Martha comes roaring!? Can’t wait to read this book.
I look forward to reading your book!
I am currently studying John in my Precept study & we had a discussion this past Tuesday about the different Marys. This sounds like a great way to learn more about them!
I love Liz Curtis Higgs – heard her at my very first ladies conference in Newfoundland. I am not a reader but would love to read this book. Definitely a Martha would love to be a Mary☺
Would love this
I am trying to be a Mary. I need this book. Thank you for the chance.
From London UK ,I will pass this book on to others who need to know that as women they are powerful
and under the full favour of God!
Thank you for such insight!
I had the privilege of hearing Liz speak when she opened the book of Ruth , showing me Gods heart of love for her and her family , and in the specific details God worked through Ruth , Naomi and Boaz , to reveal His plan for Ruth ,making me want to trust and be closer to Our God . Thank you for your obedience to God in sharing your gifts and talents through your writings , speaking engagements . I am looking foward to reading your book on Women of Easter, seeing Jesus for all He is and the women that surrounded Him. I used to be a Martha But now my children are grown and I am more a Mary wanna be , and less Oda Martha
Cant wait to read another of your books
Have done a bible study on bid girls of the bible. Now i look forward to reading this book. Love your books.
I believe the women in the Bible have some hidden gems of truth to teach us. This book DOES sound interesting and exciting!
Thanks Lizzy..you an encouragement…
So blessed. I do do want to be a Mary!
Lizzy is such an encouragement..thanks Bonnie
This total Marths/Mary wannabe would LOVE this book!
Love the devotion! Always so blessed to read them
each day! I think each woman could learn from this
book. We all seem to struggle in this area.
So thankful for such inspiring woman of God! Pray
blessings to all them who encourage us each day!
God bless ?
Love Liz’s books! But alas, I follow you all the way from New Zealand and can’t enter 🙁
Gwen, you should come do a seminar here! We’d love to have you hear and you would LOVE New Zealand and New Zealanders (Kiwi’s) <3
I would love to be a Mary, but I admit, I’m a Martha. I think this book could be helpful insight on how to become a better listener
We love to read this book
I would love read it sound so wonderful that what next right now is to feel
the love of the lord in my life right now
Love the message and it truly hits home about where my priorities lie. Would love to be a Mary all if the time. Hope to win
Love Liz’s other “Women of . . .” books & know that this newest one is just as wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I love to read Liz’s work. I really loved the Queen of Sheba and the orange! I love your work too. I know this book will be fantastic!!
May I learn from both Martha and Mary….help me choose time with You, Lord, above all else!
Definitely a Martha
Would love to receive this and get a deeper insight of the women of Easter.
Would love to receive this book and get a deeper insight of the women of Easter.
love to win that book
Can’t wait to read your book.
I heard Liz at a women’s conference in PA a couple years ago. I was so delighted to meet Liz and hear her words of wisdom. It was a delightful weekend retreat; one that I will always remember. Liz is “memorable”, and I would love to have her book The Women of Easter. I would hope to share it with the other ladies ministry gals at church. What a blessing she is and I’m sure her book would be also.
I am excited to read this book.
Thank you for sharing Liz Curtis Higgs with us today. Her devotional was a great reminder. It would be so wonderful and such an honor to be able to receive and read one of her books. Gwen, I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. May you and your family be blessed with a sweet weekend…filled with God’s goodness!
I enjoy Liz’s books and would love to have this one!
Love her books and the different perspectives she brings to the reader.
Would love to read this book. I feel as a Christian I need all the help and encouragement I can get so I can be a good example for others and possibly leads them to Christ.
Did a small group with your “Bad girls” and would love to run another one with this publication, keep on the blessed works that you do!! Thank you!! Barbara
Ahhh, I need This book so much! I am so busy busy busy all the time running around making sure everyone else and everything is taking care of! And my lack of Prayer and Fellowship have cost me! Would love this study to remind of what’s really important and also to learn of and from these great women in the Bible! Going through a desciplieship program now and would love this Womwn of Easter Book to continue my Journey ?
Thank you both for your ministry!
I believe this book would be awesome!!! I would love to win it!!!
I left a comment before so here goes again yes I would like a copy I feel this would help me a lot
I left a comment before so here goes again yes I would like a copy I feel this would help me a lot
Needed this reminder. Would love to win Liz’s book!
I used to be a Martha very busy doing things, then had a stroke and became a Mary studying His Word, learning about all kinds of beautiful women such as Abigail, Deborah, Mary Magdalene and more. I would not have heard about them in a sermon so I would have missed them. Proverbs 31 Ministry features women writers. I like Liz’s devotionals, she points me toward God.
I totally agree with Liz – I’m a Mary in a Martha body – Lord help Me! Thanks so much for this opportunity!
Want one.
Would love this book
After hearing Liz at a church event I had the courage to give my testimony. She is so real,honest and obviously funny!
I have had the pleasure of hearing Liz Curtis Higgs when my church
hosted her for an event. I’ve been a fan ever since
Inspiration is a great way to stay focused. How I would love to own this book and continue to “lean in” and learn especially with Easter around the corner
Sometimes I am a Martha and other times I’m a Mary
I love to sit at His feet and soak up His presence..
I’ve read a few of her devotions and she is wonderful!
I am so enjoying your Broken Into Beautiful ?
Yes please
I would really enjoy receiving this book
Would love to get this.
Love this! “a Mary wannabe, trapped in a Martha body”. This was a must read. Thank you! There are many times that the daily interruptions of day to day life seem to sneak in and prevent us from listening to our Lord. I’ve been there, a lot. Thanks for bringing me back down to where I need to be today.
Shared!
Oh how I would love to read this book please!
I Love Liz Curtis Higgs’ books! I have almost every one! I am so privileged and anticipating seeing Liz in Clarion, PA In November!!!!
Thanks for this opportunity to win The Women of Easter! I own the book, but, would be glad to share with someone who could really enjoy it, too.
I love reading Liz Curtis Higgs books. I didn’t know about this one. Would love to win it!
Love Liz Curtis Higgs and her great sense of humor!
Fabulous
I love Liz and I love reading about the women of the Bible. So this is a perfect combination!
would love to win this book!!
shared on facebook
I would love to add this book to my collection. I have a picture in my kitchen of Jesus with Mary and Martha. I need to rest sit at Jesus feet.
I love Liz and all her books.❤️
yes please, your post really touched my heart, would enjoy reading your book, thank you
Martha was to busy thinking about what her sister was doing by not helping her. Mary was totally different then Martha. She wanted every thing from the lord. She wanted to recieve what she can from our sweet loving father. Martha was to busy looking at the natural instead of the lord. Our loving father saw what was going on with the both of them. Liz is very anointed by what is spoken of her. I know she is being use by the lord. I am Mary not a Martha. I want every thing from the lord. From Rachel Sims
I can’t wait to read your book! I loved the powerful words you shared in this post! Your book will definitely be a blessing. Liz, you are an amazing writer!
Liz is an inspiring woman! I would be blessed to rec one of her books
I am definitely a Martha! I love my Lord Jesus, but I get to wrapped up in meeting everyone else’s needs. Give me strength!
Yea, I shared on Facebook and I have her bad girls of bible. I would love to read another one of her books❤
Have read a few of your books, I have enjoyed them, thank you, also thank you for the opportunity to win this book, I think I might be a Martha at times. Have a wonderful day, blessings to all.
I’m looking forward to reading THE WOMEN OF EASTER. Thank you for the chance to win the book.
Shared on Facebook
Shared on Twitter
Can’t wait to read!
I AM BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SHARE W/WOMENS OF FAITH ON A DAILY BASES…LOOK FORWARD TO.IT EVERYDAY!
BLESSING TO ALL,
PAMELA
Sounds just like what I need to read to bring me up out of the Valley! Thanks for opportunity to try to win, good luck everyone !
Sounds just what I need to read at this season of being in the Valley, thanks for opportunity to win it.?
I would love to read this book and share it with the ladies in my family
I am new to this — but I love the idea of Christian women sharing with one another – and sharing their faith
What a wonderful topic for today’s women. I look forward to learning more about Martha and Mary!
I am praying for the right balance of Mary and Martha in my life, and many times I know that Jesus cares and still say Do You not care about the affairs of my heart? Truly I know that God and Jesus care it’s just hard sometimes
I want to learn to sit at the feet of Jesus and soak it all up, but I have more of Martha in me, as bad as that sounds. I admit it, but am assured that there is a Mary in me somewhere, and I claim it in Jesus name! I look forward to the teaching in this book as it transfers us Marthas into Marys! Amen!
Women of Easter are my sisters in Christ who behind the Seneca lay down their life daily for friends, family, etc so that Christ can be seen & arise in others.
Liz is awesome! Loved her story on the Bad Girls of the Bible, which I heard about from Hannah! Can’t wait to see this new one! Love you Liz!
Oh I just love all the writings and books I’ve read and/or received from Liz … thanks for the opportunity … be blessed,
I love her books!! Sounds like another great book.
I absolutely love Liz Curtis Higgs! I love her books on women of the Bible, they are so beautifully written. Liz, you’re one of my favorite authors!
Nice I want to read it now. Sounds like a very nice read. Hope I win.
Right now I am in a really “sad” place. I feel like my marriage is falling apart and I could use some wisdom on how to help “ME”. Thank you for allowing me to participate and hopefully get this book!!
A good read Im looking forward to…
Sounds like a book I definitely need to read. I am definitely a “Mary wanna-be in a Martha body.” Would love to win this book.
I would love to receive the book. Thank you for your obedience to God by writing the book.
Would love to win this book.
Thanks for giveaway option and hope all is well with you and your families!
I am so excited about this new book!!! I love Liz Curtis Higgs!
I just love Lizzy’s writings! Pick me! Would love to win her new book!
Reading has been my saving grace the last 3 weeks and has brought me closer to God than I thought imaginable. Thank you for the opportunity to get this amazing free book.
I’m definitely a Martha, trying to get the work done, but working hard to become a Mary!!! Would love to read this book!!!
I would love to have this book – thank you 🙂
Love her books!! Thank you for the give away opportunity!
Would love to read this book, I am a Martha but working to be a Mary.
I have a feel By this is the book I’ve been looking for.
PIck me! Oh, PLEASE pick me!
I would love to have a copy of this book! Reading has helped me so much these last few months!
I have just recently been “introduced” to Liz and have started watching her on Right Now Media & I just love her! I love how she says it like it is (& exactly what we’re all thinking!)
God Bless her!
I have been wanting this book!
This seems like an awesome study and I love Liz.!!! She sure makes you ponder things. one minute you are laughing the other in tears.
Would love to win have several Liz’s books enjoy reading them
I would love to win this book as a gift for my daughter!
Thank you Liz Higgs for another Great Novel to enrich our walk With Our Savior Jesus Christ. Blessings to y’all.
I am very interested in reading this book
Thank for such a great devotional this morning. The story Martha and Mary has always touched my heart. I to have trouble deciding whether I am a Mary or a Martha because so much is going on in my life. I would really love to win this giveaway so I could become more of a Mary woman so Jesus could come more into my life. I am really trying to get more into my faith walk with God and Jesus. But life keeps throwing things up into my face to make it so hard for me. But I try to study my bible and read devotions every day. Asking Gods help to keep everything right in my life. Thank you for allowing me to try for this wonderful giveaway and always for the wonderful devotions from you and your friends. God bless you.
Liz Curtis Higgs has been and continues to be a faithful Jesus worshiping sister in Christ! What a blessing she is and the encouragement she gives to everyone is amazing!
Tweeted! Thanks!
I hope I win, but if I don’t I’m buying the book! Thank you for reminding us of the Mary/Martha!
enter my name please. I’d love to have the book and share it too
This book sounds like a must read. Alas, I am also a Martha, trying the best I can to seep some Mary in me. Thanks for sharing Liz with us Gwen!
I love Liz Curtis Higgs. She is an amazing author and I would love to add this book to my collection!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your gifts of spiritual guidance with us. God Bless you
Love to be able to read this book.
So excited. Hope to be a winner!
Such a beautiful reminder – I, too, am a Mary wannabe trapped in a Martha body. I constantly find myself trapped in the distractions of life. I love Liz and her way of relating to women. I so want to read this book.
She’s one of my favorite Christian writers, I would love to read this book! ??
LOVE Liz and would love to read this book! Have shared with all my friends so they, too, can know what a wonderful, spiritual author Liz is!
This book sounds like a wonderful book. A great tool to learn from and share with others. Great for our small group. Would love to win it. Thanks. Have a blessed day!?
Thank you for giving us spiritual guidance and biblical truth it’s going to be a blessing to many women ? ? ?. I know that this book willing speaks to many of us ?
I would love to read this book!!
I would love to win this book. I did a Bible study with her book “Bad Girls of the Bible.”
I can’t wait to read this book!
I love women’s books. When my kids were small, I thought I didn’t have time to read, boy was I wrong. Now, I am making up for lost time. I would so enjoy this book.
Can’t eait to read this!
Would love to win and read this book,
Would Love to win & read this book
I love Liz’s books. She’s a great speaker too.
I’m looking forward to reading this book!
I would love to win this book. Blessings everyone. ??
Love this! Liz is such a wonderful teacher. I have been blessed to be at a retreat where she was the speaker! We laughed, we cried and we were challenged.
❤ Liz Curtis Higgs & how she blends biblical truths & women of the bible into her writings. And I’ve been wanting to read this book for several months now ?
LOVE Liz!! Saw her in Greenville NC and was so inspired! Would love to have this read.
I would love this book. It would help me so much in my process of learning balance in my service and devotion to The Lord.
Can’t wait to read this
Love this! This morning is the first time I have heard of Liz, I love the story. I am a mixture of both Martha and Mary. Somedays, I more Martha when I should be Mary. Thank you Gwen for introducing us to Liz Higgs. Happy Friday to all
Would love to win as I have read some of Liz’s other books and enjoyed them
Would be blessed by reading this!
This sounds like an interesting book. I met Liz at a women’s convention last year. She made me laugh and cry. I have been going through a lot in my life right now and hearing Liz’s wisdom has helped me carry on. I definantly need to get this book.’