She remembers the day when she could get up, pour coffee, grab her Bible and head out to some comfy, solitary place to read, journal and pray. Now this busy mom’s alarm clock is a baby, a toddler and her school-aged children. Their faces, their needs, their cries all come first. There’s only apple juice, baby bottles, Cheerios and burned toast first thing after getting up. Oh, the coffee is made, but has been sitting on the burner for far too long. Her time in God’s Word is a desire in her heart, but how will it happen when there are so many other demands on a young mom’s plate? What is a young mom to do to grow spiritually?
Your demands as a woman might be different, but you’re busier than you’ve ever been, and find it difficult to cultivate time in God’s Word that is meaty and meaningful. What is a busy woman to do to grow spiritually?
I believe there are several practical ways for every woman to spend time in God’s Word when life is busy.
Place devotional books, books of God’s Promises, or other short reads in places where you can stop for a minute and read something from God’s Word. Put those kinds of books in a basket in the bathroom (if you’re fortunate enough to be in there alone!), in the laundry area, or in the car. Read something that will encourage your heart for that minute or two.
Listen to podcasts of preaching or other biblical broadcasts while you’re nursing the baby, folding clothes, making dinner, riding in the car, etc.
Listen to Scripture on your phone. In the same times I listed in #2, when you can’t sit down and open your Bible, you can still listen to someone else read it! I love the You Version.
Read the Proverb for the day. It probably only takes about five minutes to read a chapter. Highlight the verse(s) that jump out and speak to your heart and needs.
Don’t fill your mind with television and other “junk!” Use every opportunity to fill your heart and mind with God’s Word instead!
Write one verse that you want to memorize on a 3×5 card . Tuck that card into your pocket and keep it with you all day. Pull it out and refresh your heart with the next sentence, and the next and the next. In a couple of day’s time, you’ll have it memorized! Scripture in your heart can feed you all day long!
As your life slows down, begin to add in more and more of the kind of Quiet time that will really nurture your heart. These strategies are for a season, but not forever. Eventually you’ll be able to be back in a regular routine of study, journaling and prayer, but in the meantime, you can still be fruitful and growing!
Don’t allow the busy times to make you stagnant. This (busyness), too, shall pass – but you’ll never recapture what you could have gleaned if you don’t grab the spiritual nuggets when you can!
Are you a busy woman like I described? Which of these tools will you try?
We often read that statement and think immediately of the material provisions God gives, and praise God for those gifts! But God’s provisions for us as we follow Him are multiplied and varied to meet every need – physical, spiritual, and emotional. Let me tell you how I saw Him provide all that for us in Week Two at The Wilds.
Last night our small group met in our home to study Luke 5. Levi, the tax collector encountered Jesus and is called to follow Christ. He immediately left everything – EVERYTHING and followed Him. His monetary gain, his security, his family – were all left behind. Serving Christ is not without sacrifice.
As my husband and I continue to serve the Lord in this new D&D Ministry, I’ve been more aware of what it is to leave and follow. Our past ministries have been “home” to us, but for right now, the Lord’s directive has been “go.” On Monday evening we pulled into our driveway after traveling 2,063 miles.
One day a dear older man and his wife (I’ll refer to them as Mr. and Mrs. C) from our church stopped in for a short visit. I loved it when they would stop by. They didn’t call. They didn’t announce ahead of time, they just took the risk and drove out to the country, stopped in and rang the bell to see if we were home.
On their stop that day, Mr. C. was seated only momentarily before a twinkle came to his eye and he proceeded to attempt to get up off the sofa.
“I’ll be right back” he said, with his finger extended to make his point.
“I have to go get something.”
He slowly made his way back out to his car, assisted by his cane. Returning minutes later, he walked towards where I was seated and presented me with a little box of chocolates. “Here’s you some chocolate!” he said with a chuckle. I was blown away. This man who had difficulty just making it into the living room in the first place due to the effects of his age, made a special trip back out to his vehicle to retrieve this treasure box for me? I was so touched!
I was not surprised at his kindness; he was known for that – not just by me, but by many others as well. Many times I’ve seen him reach his hand into his suit coat at church, like a magician reaching in to retrieve a rabbit out of a hat, and coming out with a sweet treat to share. This is a special kind of “magic.” It’s the magic of a giving heart.
Who doesn’t love to get a little gift? Proverbs 3:27 is a reminder to me to give. It says,
“Withhold not good to them to whom it is due
when it is in the power thy hand to do it.”
Proverbs 3:27
That verse is a little push to be like Mr. C, who was always looking for ways to share the things he has the power to give. We can all do something for someone else. It’s just about asking the Lord to make us aware of what we could give. I’ve noticed by watching giving people that being a generous person makes your heart large. Mr. C. was just a loving man; so was his wife. I know others who are always on the lookout to do thoughtful gestures, and they, too, have that spirit that just makes you enjoy their company – not because of what they give, but because of their large heart!
If we’re going to be like Mr. C, We need to:
Ask God for wisdom and the heart to be a giver.
Think about who we’re going to be with today.
Prayerfully think about what their needs might be – or just a grace gift you could share.
Obey whatever the Lord brings to your heart!
Need a few suggestions to get you thinking?
You might be the lady who always has a peppermint or chewing gum in your purse to share.
Did you get special Buy one Get One Free offers at the grocery? Share the extra one!
Hand over the magazines or books you’ve read to someone you think would enjoy them.
Keep wrapped candies – Kisses, Werther’s /caramels, Smarties, miniature candy bars, etc. at your front door to give your guests.
May people remember us as folks who have large, giving hearts! A little gift says big things!
What special gift has someone given you that touched your heart?
Refresh your heart and the hearts of others by giving!
The story of Ruth isn’t merely a love story to read and enjoy, but it is a part of OUR story as a believer in Christ. Listen to hear what the applications are for us today. You will be comforted and challenged by its truths.
RefreshHer 