I love to make lists.
I may have a tendency to check items off my list with great amounts of gusto. *wink
When I heard about the launch team forming for a new book by Katie. M. Reid titled “Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done” I jumped at the opportunity.
If ever a book title described my life, it was this one!
I admit I approached the book with quite a bit of apprehension. Would this be an attempt to turn this Martha girl into a Mary? The subtitle led me to believe there was good news – not criticism – for my Martha tendencies.
In Made Like Martha, Katie invites fellow Martha’s to exchange try-hard striving for hope-filled freedom.
The good news is that we don’t have to toss out our lists in the process! (Praise God!)
Katie unpacks the truth that our desire to get things done is not something to temper but something to embrace as we serve from a place of strength and peace – knowing that Christ already did His most important work for you on the cross.
If you’re a girl, like me, who’s Martha ways sometimes cross the line into bondage (I have to finish this task! I must get this done!), I pray you’ll take the journey and find the freedom offered ultimately through Christ.
Katie, as a fellow Martha, shares thoughts and stories that resonate deeply.
Because of my ultraresponsible approach, I have taken on things that aren’t mine to carry. I am weighed down with trying to play the Holy Spirit and take care of things outside the territory that He has given me.
For me, the book was not an easy, quick read. Putting my Martha tendencies under a microscope, wasn’t a fun or comfortable process. But it was needed.
When you’re used to operating under the perception that you can handle it, manage it, and produce it through your own strength and intellect, it’s easy to forget your desperate need for the Savior.
Does my get-it-done attitude point other toward me and my capabilities or to Christ? As a follower of Christ and also as a women’s ministry leader I “want my actions to communicate that Jesus is already enough for me.”
Chapter 8 “Easy Does It – Rest for the Try-Hard Soul” was my favorite chapter. Having just returned from a week-long vacation with family at the beach, rest was fresh on my mind and heart.
This Martha struggles to rest. There’s always a long list of to-do’s I think I need to tackle. Katie admits “rest can be tricky for modern Martha’s. We often must work at relaxing, because it doesn’t come naturally for us.”
Work at resting. Yep! I had done just that. I prepped my blog post and social media posts before our trip and intentionally limited my time on my laptop and social media. I didn’t post a single vacation pic until we returned home as I knew I’d just get caught up in “the scroll”. The extra work prior was totally worth it!
No matter what your Martha tendencies may be, you’ll find hope and encouragement in Made Like Martha.
The back of the book also contains a Bible study. Bible study participants utilize these 5 study tools:
- Marking keywords
- Making list
- Studying action words
- Looking up Greek definitions
- Cross-referencing
There are a total of 5 Bible study lessons. Each lesson corresponds with two chapters of the book. The study follows the WORD format (Worship, Observe, Reflect, Do).
I’d suggest stretching your Bible study into 6 or 7 weeks. Add an intro/getting-to-know-you week and add an extra week for reflecting on the lessons learned overall and celebrating the end of your time together. That extra time together will allow relationships to form and grow.
Giveaway Details
To enter to win, please comment below by midnight EST on Tuesday, July 17, 2018. Comments are limited to one per person. Winner will be contacted via email and must respond within 24 hours. Winner must reside in the US. Please note, your comment may not appear immediately.
I encourage you to check out Katie’s site here and follow her on Facebook.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Made Like Martha in exchange for my review and participation. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
You may also want to read:
Tips & Tools for Bible Study and Small Group Facilitators
Book Review: None Like Him
Book Review: Lies Women Believe
One year ago: Helping Your Women Share the Gospel
Two years ago: High School Memories Bingo (Free Printable)
Three years ago: The First Day of Bible Study
Four years ago: 8 Ways to Ramp Up Prayer Before Your Event
Five years ago: Left Right Nativity Game
Christine Distelhorst says
I would like to be more like Martha and this would be good for me!
Anna Schambers says
This would be a great study for our ladies and one I know I could use. Thank you.
Mary Peres says
My name is Mary but I want to be more like Martha. I would love to read this book.
Betty Wright says
I lead a women’s Bible study and am always looking for a new study to meet the needs of the group. Most of them work and struggle with how to be a Mary in a Martha world. I think this study would give them insight and encouragement in how to cope with the pressures they feel and not be discouraged in their day to day lives.
Kacy Burns says
This book seems perfect for me!
Connie says
I would like to read this book
Karen C says
Sounds like a great book.
Debra says
This book sounds interesting. I tend to procrastinate but will get it done!
Lanette Haskins says
I soooooo need this book!! I’m a list maker, a planner, and sadly a martyr at times (“no I’ll just do it ~sigh~ then grumble complain) and lastly “Jesus make them help me!”
Can’t wait to read it! So proud of you Katie!!
Donna says
I am a Martha too. I love to get things done!
Heather Hayden says
I SO need this book! ☺️
Brigitt Mast says
“Work at resting” is so me!
I need to read this book.
Denise Harn says
Sounds like me and several others in my circle of friends. Would love to do a study with this book.
Jennifer says
It is so easy to fall into the busy-trap and lose focus of our role and purpose. This book sounds like a must-read 🙂
Carla says
So interested in this book! Looks great!
Alyssa says
This book sounds amazing! Thank you for the amazing opportunity to receive one!
Nancy Criss says
I would love this book, I am looking for a study to do with my sisters in Christ for the rest of the summer and this would be great
Katie Reid says
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing Made Like Martha, so grateful!
Kelly Blackwell says
I tend to take the world on my shoulders…everyone’s world. It makes for a very tired and put upon lady. The more I read about Katie’s book, the more I feel like I need it.
Sherry Cunningham says
Need to add this book to my ‘TO DO’ list.
Leanne Turner says
Taking on things that aren’t mine to carry, trying to play the Holy Spirit, doing things in my own strength then realizing how much I need HIM…. definitely sounds like a book I need to read… SOON! ????
Thanks for the review!
Laura Dodson says
This book sounds like what I need! I struggle with my inner Martha on a daily basis.
Becky says
I would love to win this book!
Deb Ellis says
I would love this book…it sounds like I need it!
Ginger says
Thank you for the review. I know I would benefit from reading this book.
Deborah Wilson says
Would love to win.
Debbie says
I need to read this book. Sounds like the book is a reflection of my Martha ways.
Sheila Hunter says
Would love this book!
Judy Smith says
I’m a Martha but I make a conscious effort to change some of that. Would love the book.
Gennie says
Sounds like my kind of book! Will be ordering this!
Sue Olson says
Sounds good! Thanks for sharing!
Paula Termeer says
Oh my….I need to order this book if I don’t win one!! Sounds perfect for our book club at church. I was working on tow different lists while reading this blog!
Traci Lowery says
I am such a planner and list maker! Trying to balance my time serving my Lord AND spending time with Him. Not to mention family 🙂 I would love to share this book with my upcoming new women’s ministry.
Shannon says
I would love this book!
Michelle says
We all need to be reminded. I know I will enjoy this book.
Debbie says
Sounds like a great book for this list maker and lover of checking things off that list! I find it hard to rest because of “things” that need done.
Cindy Venble says
Looks like a great book. I would love to check this out for my Ladies Bible Study Group.
Valerie Mathura says
I am definitely a Martha. Anything I can learn about her would be a great blessing! Thank you so much!
Sharon Strickland says
I would love to have a copy of this book. I love reading anything about Martha.
Carolyn Ott says
I know I am a “Martha”. Sometimes, I have to make myself be a little like “Mary” 🙂
Wanda Shawyer says
I believe there is a little of Martha in every woman. Would love to read this!
Hope Anita Smith says
I am very much a Martha and I’ve always felt it was something to be ashamed of. I hope this book will prove me wrong. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Martha Galletta says
My name is Martha and boy do I fit the description that you have given of this book. I am also the co-director of the Women’s Ministry in my church and I am the pastor’s wife. This book sounds like it would be a great help and encouragement to me and others in our church.
Linnea says
I am a Martha! I need to stop, rest and read this book!
Diana B says
This book sounds great for a women’s Bible Study! We ladies were just talking about being a Martha when we want to be more like Mary. Really looking forward to reading this book!
Leigh Ellen says
This sounds like a book I could benefit from! I struggle to rest. When I sit down, my mind races with all the things I could be doing. Resting then feels wrong. I’ve actually thought many times, “why can’t I enjoy resting?” Thank you for sharing about this book.
Karen says
As a Martha who is always trying to be a Mary, I look forward to reading this!
Monalisa Ramos says
So need this book, I hope I can win this and start reading it ASAP.
Louann Leslie says
This book would make a great bible study for our women’s group at our church. And the Bible study’s how-tos are always something that the ladies ask about.
I would love a free copy of Made Like Marth!
Denise Swaim says
Yep, this book sounds like it’s for me, too!
Nancy says
This sounds like a book for me!