Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Joanna Weaver is the bestselling and award-winning author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, which has sold more than one million copies. Her other books include Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, At the Feet of Jesus, and Embracing Trust. Her articles have appeared in such publications as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and In Touch. The parents of three, Joanna and her pastor husband, John, live in Montana.

Nothing has transformed my life like the study of God’s Word. Something
powerful happens when we go beyond other people’s opinions and revelations
and discover for ourselves what God has to say. I designed this twelveweek
Bible study to help you do just that.

I recommend using a translation of the Bible that you enjoy and understand,
as well as a notebook and a pen to record your answers. Before each
lesson, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your understanding as you examine
God’s Word and then help you apply the truths you discover.

Each lesson starts with questions for individual reflection or group discussion,
then moves into a study of scriptural principles. At the end of the lesson,
you’ll have an opportunity to write about what spoke most to you in
that chapter. The stories, quotes, and sidebars within the chapters may provide
further opportunities for discussion or reflection.

My prayer is that each of you will begin to experience the blessing God
promises to those who look “intently into the perfect law that gives freedom…
not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it” (James 1:25). There is
a holy makeover waiting for each one of us. It is found in God’s presence and
within the pages of his Word. Dig in, ladies! You’ll be glad you did.

"Often a book fails to live up to its title, but Joanna Weaver’s Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World more than lives up to its promise. I found the book easy to read, personal, and well-written with a message much more than surface deep. The book probed, challenged, and encouraged me to live day by day as a Mary in a Martha world, while showing the positive qualities of both Mary and Martha personalities. Readers will be blessed!"—Carole Mayhall, author of Come Walk with Me and Here I Am Again, Lord

"Joanna Weaver has a heart that sings. Whenever I’m around her, she makes me smile. Her voice rings out true and clear in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. This book invites us to join in the chorus of daily communion with Christ, despite the pressures that threaten to silence us. Consider it as sheet music for your soul."—Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the Christy Miller series

"Balance. That’s what it is all about, and Joanna Weaver has found it, described it, and called us to this wonderful, practical work. If you have ever struggled with how you can find one quiet moment while longing for a deep holy communion or if you have been discouraged because neither seems possible, you will be challenged and blessed by Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World!"—Jan Silvious, author of Foolproofing Your Life

"With candor, humor, and passion Joanna Weaver invites us to cultivate a ’Mary heart’ that delights in time with God and assigns him top priority. Yet she doesn't discard the service-oriented Martha. Instead, she wisely and practically models how to balance the Mary and Martha qualities in us all. I especially appreciate her thoughts on expressing lavish love–to God and to humanity."—Judith Couchman, author of Designing a Woman’s Life and seminar leader