Marti's Blog

Sheep

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 02:55 |

Written by Martha Wolowicz

        Years ago I heard a story that impressed me so much it comes to my mind often, and I'd like to share it with you.
        It seems that in the life of shepherds years ago there was a practice that when a sheep wandered off or strayed from the flock, the shepherd upon finding the sheep would break its leg. Then he would bind the wound and carry the sheep in his cloak very close to him. When the sheep's leg was finally healed, the shepherd returned him to the flock. Because of that constant nearness the sheep experienced with the shepherd during the healing process, the sheep would then remain close to the shepherd and not wander away again.
        I like to think that story has similarities to our lives of faith. When we wander away from our faith, God may use that time to allow heartache or problems in our lives. But as often as that may happen, God is right there to take care of us, healing our wounded spirits, comforting us in our heartaches and holding us close. Then we find ourselves learning more about God, understanding his goodness, and relying on him to help us through the trials. In that way we become so close to him that we would not want to stray away from our faith again.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 26 May 2010 03:22)

Walking the Talk

Monday, 15 March 2010 18:57 |

Written by Martha Wolowicz

      I recently had the privilege of learning about a unique church in River Falls, Wisconsin. My visit with Pastor Frank of the Servant of The Shepherd Church opened my eyes to the many ways a Christian church can reach out to others in this careworn world.
      I was blessed to learn how he and his church are truly "walking the talk" by welcoming and serving each hurting person who comes through their doors. Many who come are recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, mental problems, domestic violence and homelessness, to name just a few.  Pastor Frank said the church welcomes everyone, and they don't judge where they're at spiritually, or what they've done in their lives, showing them that real unconditional love is theirs by faith in Jesus Christ, their Savior, Lord and Friend.
      I was amazed at the number of services Servant of The Shepherd Church provides including 12-step group and other support programs, food from their food shelf, temporary housing (and help finding permanent housing), referrals for other services, and pastoral care (which I learned includes a variety of duties).
      Pastor Frank is the first to say that it is only by God's grace that their church is the success that it is, and they give God all the glory!
      Wouldn't it be great if, like Servant of The Shepherd Church, all our churches could be "Jesus-in-skin" to the world........................

Last Updated (Saturday, 20 March 2010 02:25)

Friendship

Sunday, 14 February 2010 17:06 |

Written by Martha Wolowicz

Years ago when I was grieving for my mother who had just died, I wrote the following poem to a friend who was helpful to me especially during that time:

Friendship

I felt your presence today, dear Friend.
Were you thinking of me?
I felt your hand on my shoulder as I cried
And I knew that it could be.
I felt your strength as I watched the grey dawn,
And your encouragement as I began my day.
Your friendship is like a part of God's spirit
That is helping me find my way.

Isn't it great that throughout life there are friends you can always count on?

Last Updated (Sunday, 14 February 2010 17:17)

Pride

Wednesday, 10 February 2010 04:18 |

Written by Martha Wolowicz

No one has ever choked to death from swallowing his pride.

Clever, isn't it? It caught my eye, and the idea came to me to write a short paragraph on "Pride." I think pride is a very subtle personality trait...it sneaks up on a person. It puffs up...it's stern, unmoving, so sure of itself. Not a character trait one would desire...yet, we all seem to have a bit of pride in us once and awhile.

Well...that's it. That's all I can come up with tonight. If any readers have thoughts to share on the subject of pride, just contact me and maybe together we'll discover some new literary concepts on the many aspects of pride. If so...you'll see them here.

Last Updated (Wednesday, 10 February 2010 05:00)

Do I Have To Be A Martha?

Sunday, 07 February 2010 03:12 |

Written by Martha Wolowicz

The first thing I picture when I hear the name "Martha" is an old woman in a rocking chair.
Well, my name is "Martha" and years ago I gave myself the nickname of "Marti." I thought it sounded younger?? But, maybe not.

In later years I've done much more Bible reading and often read the story of Mary and Martha...you know, the one where Jesus visits their home and Martha gets busy preparing the meal. Mary instead spends her time listening to Jesus as he speaks. Martha gets impatient that Mary isn't helping her and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her.
Well, of course, Jesus tells Martha that Mary has found what is the most important...letting Martha know, in a nice way, that she should also be listening to his teachings...the meal being secondary in importance.

I've always felt rather embarrassed when I read that story...considering that I'm a "Martha." So...I wrote the following prayer:

Do I Have To Be A Martha?

Lord, help me be a Mary today,
Let Martha take a rest.
Show me how to stop my toil,
And lean upon your breast.

I need your strength for living today.
Tomorrow will come soon enough.
Open my eyes and teach me your ways,
For a faith to endure when life's rough.

The Martha in me takes over at times
And I get so obsessed with the task,
That the open heart of the Mary I seek
Is forgotten 'cause I'm too busy to ask.

Let me be Martha only as needed,
And be Mary the rest of each day
So that my heart is eager and ready
To pursue my spiritual way.

Last Updated (Sunday, 07 February 2010 03:40)

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