Cypress And Myrtle

Tag: inspiration

  • When Moms Become Marthas

    “I’ll relax after I finish cleaning” vs. “Let me relax first before I start cleaning.”

    There’s a trend going around comparing spouses personalities. A simple meme started a discussion among my friends, and one thing we all agreed on — most of us became Marthas after becoming moms.

    From planning to prepping to executing #momlife and household duties, the to-do list never ends. Even with automations and reminders, it still feels like we’re always playing catch-up. But deep down, we know we’re called to prioritize what truly matters first and foremost—the Lord.

    That’s why I was delighted when I came across this article by Our Daily Bread, Biblical Wisdom for Parents addressing this tension between being a “Martha” and a “Mary.”

    “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)

    Big idea from the article is that Mary and Martha weren’t in opposition but in tension. Jesus wasn’t rebuking Martha’s service, but her stress. The lesson is not to stop serving, but to serve from a place of abiding, not anxiety.

    The conclusion? We’re invited to be both.

    So, to all the Martha moms out here (myself included), here are some key takeaways and life applications:

    1. Our “many things” must be rooted in “the one thing”

    Motherhood constantly demands our attention; from school communications and toddler tantrums to the dishes in the sink, the growing pile of laundry, and late-night feedings. The to-do list never ends.

    But when we chase after everything without pausing for “the one thing”—sitting at Jesus’ feet—we eventually burn out.

    Jesus gently reminded Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:41–42)

    In our Martha-like moments, let’s not forget the Mary invitation:
    To be still. To listen. To rest in Him.

    How to apply:

    • Start your day with just 1 verse and 1 prayer.
      Example: Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God”.

    Reminder: Don’t chase perfection. Chase presence.

    2. Martha was distracted, not wrong

    Martha’s service was good but she let it distract her from what mattered most.
    In today’s terms, Martha could be the “default parent,” or the one who couldn’t relax until everything was done. Sound familiar? We’re not doing anything wrong but when distraction replaces devotion, our soul gets noisy.

    How to apply:

    • Create mini Mary moments in your day (e.g., when washing dishes, say thank-you prayers; during school drop-off).
    • Set an alarm on your phone—midday or anytime, just to stop and breathe in God’s presence.
    • Turn chores into worship: play worship music while you clean or meal prep.

    3. Jesus wasn’t condemning. He was inviting

    The tone in Luke 10 isn’t condemnation; it’s a loving redirection: “Martha, Martha…” He sees you, He understands.
    God isn’t asking moms to choose between spiritual or practical. He’s inviting us to do both, but with peace. It’s about His presence in our day.

    How to apply:

    • Reflect weekly: What’s one area where I’m striving in stress instead of serving in peace?
    • Say “yes” to help. Let others carry part of the load so you can rest and reset.

    Reminder: Replace guilt with grace. Missing devotion time doesn’t “cancel” our day. It reminds us to return.

    Points to ponder:

    1) How do you see yourself; more like Martha or Mary lately?

    2) Am I serving from a place of overflow or overwhelm?

    3) What would it look like to invite Jesus into my daily rhythms?

    We were never meant to carry it all alone.

    Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve from exhaustion. He calls us to serve from overflow. And that overflow starts when we take time to sit at His feet—even if it’s just for five quiet minutes.

  • To the Introverted Woman Walking with God

    If you’re an introvert like me, I want to encourage you today in your walk with God.

    Social gatherings whether at church, school, or work can leave us feeling drained. We come home with our social batteries low, longing for some alone time to recharge. But if you’re a mom with young children, finding that quiet space can feel nearly impossible.

    Let me remind you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.


    Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

    There is nothing wrong with you. You are not “too quiet,” “too reserved,” or “too sensitive.” We are simply made differently.

    Unlike our extroverted friends who thrive in busy circles and constant interaction, we often need time to be still, to reflect, to breathe, to be alone with our thoughts and with God. That space isn’t a luxury for us, it’s a necessity. It’s where we reset, so we can pour ourselves out again with intention and grace.

    And we’re in good company.

    Many of God’s chosen servants were introverts—Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah even Jesus often withdrew to be alone to pray.

    Mark 1:35

    Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

    Quietness doesn’t mean a lack of purpose or power.

    So if you find yourself needing a moment away, don’t feel guilty. Take your moment. Guard your quiet time with the Lord. Let it strengthen you. And remember, your introspective spirit is a gift to your family, your church, and the world.

    I also want to share 4 things that have helped me as an introverted woman walking with God.

    Maybe they’ll encourage you too:

    1. Create a Mini Quiet Time Ritual

    Spending just 5–10 minutes with God can make a huge difference especially on busy days. Wake up a little earlier, take a break during the day, or step outside for some quiet. Read one Psalm, pray briefly, or sit in silence. Keep it simple and consistent.

    2. Journal Your Prayers and Thoughts

    As introverts, we often process life through reflection. Journaling my fears, hopes, struggles, and prayers help me bring everything before God clearly. It clears my mind, helps me stay grounded, and gives me a better perspective of things.

    3. Honor Your Limits, But Don’t Stay Hidden

    It’s okay to say “no” when you’re overstretched—but don’t let comfort become complacency. God calls us to love, serve, and reach out, even when it feels awkward. Look for small ways to step out: send a message, attend that small group, pray with someone quietly.

    4. Pursue Deep, One-on-One Connections

    Crowds wear me out, but soul-filling relationships happen in small settings. A walk with a friend. A meaningful chat over coffee. Ask deep questions. Listen well. These quiet connections can be some of the most powerful ways God works through you.

    You don’t have to be everywhere to be used by God. Even in your quiet moments, even when you feel stretched and unseen—God sees you. He knows your heart, your limits, and your desire to walk closely with Him.

    So take that small step. Make space for Him. For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

  • 8 Strips Of Paper

    It was 2006, and I was in a season of turmoil—standing at the crossroads of chasing my ambitions and seeking God’s purpose for my life. I wrestled with where my own desires ended and where His calling began.

    During that time, I was reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George. One night, I tore a page from my notebook and wrote down eight things I needed God to help me with—each on a strip of paper.

    In no particular order, my list read:

    To be godly feminine

    To be alone but not lonely

    To be a better steward of money

    To be a better steward of time

    To learn to live in a Christian community

    To find a life partner

    To have more faith in Him

    To have more courage

    I folded the eight strips of paper and placed them in a shoebox. A few months later, I opened the box to revisit my list. Nothing had changed.

    A year later, on my birthday, I opened the box again. Not much had happened, except one thing: I realized I was no longer as lonely when I was alone.

    At the end of 2007, I made a bold decision—to leave the corporate world and become a full-time seminary student. It meant living on campus for at least a year, without a stable income. It was a scary step. (The initial one year became three years).

    A year into seminary life, I opened the shoebox again. This time, I found that almost every prayer had been answered:

    I was learning to be godly feminine.

    I have learned to live in a community of believers.

    With no regular income, I learned to steward both time and money with discipline.

    My faith was growing. So was my courage.

    All except one—“to find a life partner.”

    But God wasn’t done. I met him in seminary. He was a fellow student, also following God’s call. We became friends, then more. Two years after I graduated, we got married. The final prayer in the shoebox was answered.

    Blessings Come After Obedience

    My journey reminded me of Abraham.

    In Genesis 12, God gave Abraham a command:
    “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
    (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

    God didn’t give Abraham a detailed plan. There was no map, no itinerary.

    But God let him know the blessings he would receive if he chose to obey God.
    “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
    (Genesis 12:2–3)

    So, Abraham obeyed and he went.

    The blessings didn’t come before Abraham moved—they came after his obedience. That’s the pattern we see throughout Scripture. When we obey and take the step of faith, even when we can’t see the whole picture, God responds. He transforms us in the process.

    And so, I leave you with this simple reminder:
    that blessings come after obedience.
    Not instantly. Not always the way we imagined. But always, in God’s time and way.