Queen Jen's Gems

 Hmmm...I would definitely say Martha. However, I'm learning to be more like Mary. Let's take a closer look at the Bible story of the 2 sisters, Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42. In verse 38, we see that Jesus, along with his followers, was in Mary and Martha's town and wanted to stop by for a visit. While they visited, the two sisters had two very different responses. Mary was sitting down listening to Jesus' teaching. Verse 39 says that she "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word." Mary didn't want to miss anything Jesus said! On the other hand, Martha was bustling around the house serving and making sure everything was right for the guests. As any good hostess, Martha wanted her people to be well taken care of. Two sisters in the same house where Jesus was, but they had two different responses. So which one are you- Mary or Martha? Mary took time to be still. Martha was worried about getting everything done that needed to. As we read further ...

 To honor someone means to appreciate, recognize and consider them. When was the last time you took time out of your day to honor God? Others? When we honor God and others, we show appreciation and thanks. We let them know that we appreciate who they are and what they do. We're saying we notice you and we care. We should show honor from the heart. Earlier this week, we celebrated Veterans Day in which individuals were shown appreciation for their years of service in the military. To anyone who may be reading that served or currently serves in the military, we thank you for your service. Giving honor goes a long way. First, let's look at how we can honor God. God is the One who has given us life and allowed us to live to see this present moment. We honor God when we please Him and give thanks to Him. Every day, He deserves the honor. Even when our circumstances aren't always great, we serve a great God who is beside us all the way. We also need to honor God in our words and ...

 2 ears. 1 mouth. Hmmm...2 is more than 1. It sounds like listening must be pretty important then. We hear a lot throughout our day on the radio, television, in music, on social media. But are we really listening to what we're hearing? Are we really hearing what's being said or not said? Let's take a moment and and look at the definition of listen. Listen is a verb and means to give attention to sound or action. It is making an effort to hear something and be alert to hear. For example, when we listen to songs, do we really listen to the lyrics and what they're saying? I love a good beat just like anyone else, but we have to check the words and what message it sends. The right song with powerful lyrics will have us uplifted and encouraged. I'm a witness! Have you really listened to what's being said in conversation? Have you really listened to what God's Word is saying? We need to be intentional and focus purposely on what we hear. Now I do need to give you ...