This has been a tragic week here at Good Morning Girls, as we have grieved the loss of our friend and GMG Leadership Coordinator, Mandy Kelly. As I was about to record this week’s video, voice messages and texts started flowing in on my phone. I didn’t know what was wrong or why so many people would be contacting me Tuesday morning. So I ignored the messages, recorded this video and then checked all of my texts. That’s when I discovered the terrible news that Mandy had passed away in the night. But friends – she is with Jesus and her relationship with Him is all that matters now! And that makes this video all the more relevant!
Are you tired today? Join me as we take a look at the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10. You have God’s permission to rest.
{If you are reading this in an email or feed – click here to view the video}
When I consider that my friend went home to be with Jesus this week, I cannot help but to acknowledge – that at the end of the day – all that matters IS Jesus. She is WITH Jesus now. May we walk WITH Jesus NOW as well.
**Chime In**
Do you struggle with loving your neighbor more than you love God?
Do you find yourself distracted, anxious and troubled about many things? What things need to change in your life for you to be able to rest and become more like Mary?
Walk with the King,
Courtney
Well said. You always have the most comforting words. Thank you for those words and know I’m praying for you too.
I am very saddened to hear of Mandy’s passing. There is comfort in knowing that she loved & lived for God. I am praying for her family & friends. May God give them comfort.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. That’s why it is so important to know Jesus because we never know when we will meet him face to face.
I was brought to tears my this message this morning because I am a Martha. Right now I am so overwhelmed and anxious with my life. And I’ve even been saying “no” to people to try to ease things. Time to really slow down and focus on Him. So that is what I will do.
Hi Charlene,
I feel the same way. I’m a full-time employee, I’m trying to build a business with my partner, and I’m going back to school to finish the BA in Accounting. I’m a mom of four amazing girls. My husband is a stay at home dad. I feel that I lack in every area, but I’m learning to say no – at work, with my family, and soon with my personal business.
And I booked some vacation time for next month!
Our church, Trinity Baptist and our community have been devastated over the deaths of Scott and Mandy Kelly and their two children. Scott was a Deacon in our church and they both taught Sunday School and Mandy was the Womens Ministry Leader. They live in my area in Lexington, and I actually heard the sirens in the night not knowing it was their house. It’s so hard to understand why this happened to such wonderful Christians who walked the walk and talked the talk. But I can only imagine the wonderful joyful celebration they are experiencing in Heaven right now. It’s just so hard on the ones left behind with grieving and broken hearts, especially the two children who are now without parents. So very heartbreaking! Thank you all for your prayers!
Sheree,
I heard the news Tuesday morning from fellow bloggers. Though I didn’t know Mandy well, I know she had a strong online presence of faith and truth to God’s Word. I have been praying for her children and their families all week. I’ve had some loss, but I cannot imagine the loss that their children are grieving right now. I know your church will be instrumental in shepherding those kids not just for the next year, but their whole growing up. xoxo
Thank you for this reminder that is so needed. Thanks Courtney. So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and Mary’s family and the two children left behind.
Sue
Prayers for the children whom have lost their parents. Prayers for those who worked with Mandy.
I enjoy your videos each week as they help me realize little bits that I mighg have missed or help seal my thoughts as being on the correct path. I love that my cousin saw my need for this and that God gave her the strength to share and me the power to follow through. Peace is coming back into my life and I hope to be more like Mary and the Samaritian again.
Thank you for all you do!
I love the way you highlighted the fact that the Good Samaritan story came right before the lesson about Mary and Martha. You can see in Martha’s reaction to Jesus that she is full of resentment. God has been stripping off striving from my life since 2012. I came from a family who found their identity in how much they accomplished in a day. It has been a roller coaster ride with Jesus that has been profound in my own life as I allowed him to remove striving from me. Finally at 53 years old I have that peace that surpasses all understanding that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. you can’t have striving, being loaded down with works, and peace at the same time. Thanks Courtney!
Happy to hear this Donna. I know God is smiling at you. <3
I love the way you highlighted the fact that the Good Samaritan story came right before the lesson about Mary and Martha. You can see in Martha’s reaction to Jesus that she is full of resentment. God has been stripping off striving from my life since 2012. I came from a family who found their identity in how much they accomplished in a day. It has been a roller coaster ride with Jesus that has been profound in my own life as I allowed him to remove striving from me. Finally at 53 years old I have that peace that surpasses all understanding that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. you can’t have striving, being loaded down with works, and peace at the same time. Thanks Courtney!
Thank you for sharing, Donna! This is something at age 30, I continually need reminded of! I appreciate your words of wisdom and sharing your journey. I’m now a stay-at-home mom and teach online, but I can easily get distracted and fill my day with things that seem important, but just aren’t in the end. I need that reminder to turn to Jesus- love Him and serve Him first.
Thank you for this video. I needed to start off my day with this Scripture and your kind, knowledgeable words…will continue to pray for Mandy’s family, and the GMG organization.
How I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Your Videos, Courtney! You have a Special Gift for expressing and explaining what we read. I understand so much more and so much better after one of your videos. Thank You. Thank You. Bless Your Heart! Thank You!
I am a Martha, when I know company is coming to my house. But most days, I try to be a Mary. I try to make sure I spend several hours at the feet of Jesus, learning more about him through His Word and several Bible studies, like yours. Thank you for your great insight from God to help us learn more about our Savior. I was disheartened when I read your email about Mandy and her precious family. The image of them perishing in a house fire has really brought years to my eyes and pain in my heart. I am praying for their 2 girls that were left behind. She seemed like a really sweet Godly lady.
I am really enjoying this study Courtney. I love the group of ladies I am with on FB. Your SOAK method has allowed me to not only understand the chapter better but connect with God on a more personal level. For this I feel blessed and grateful to have you lead us with God doing his will in your life. I am sad about Mandy and the fire and loss of the family. I am praying God will put bible believing mentors in the children’s life. At their age, it’s such a hard concept to understand and then to have lost their mother prior to this event too. It’s going to take good godly men and women in their lives to keep their eyes focused and faithful to Jesus. Sending you a warm gentle {{{hug}}} with deepest sympathy for those lives who were touched by the Kelly family. Sincerely, Brenda
Yes, I too had never thought about The Good Samaritan story coming right before the one about Mary and Martha. Thank you for that insight. I see now that we want to help so much that we don’t take the time needed to sit at Jesus’ feet. I am trying to take one day a week as a Sabbath as a day of rest, and just sit and soak up Jesus.
I am sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers.
I’m sorry for your loss. Praying for you and the family of Mandy
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am guilty of being Mar he often.
I am so stunned and saddened by the loss of Mandy and her family. Prayers for her loved ones and friends.
Such truth in this video. I do feel anxious and stressed when I allow myself to get too obsessed with the tasks I need to complete and loose my focus on God and don’t prioritize not just a “study” but sitting at Jesus feet in worship, prayer and relationship.
Thank you, Courtney for another great video! I’m a little behind in the reading this week, but this is definitely what I needed to hear today!