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4 Impeccable Accessories for Every Christian Woman
When we think about our Christian character, we think about who we are in Christ. We are a new creation in Him, and our old ways, characteristics, traits, thoughts, and mannerisms are…
I must admit— I’m not the fanciest or trendiest person. I like to keep up as best I can, but you likely won’t see me rocking the latest style jeans, dresses, sweaters, or fill-in-the-blank. Being an Instagram-worthy fashionista is just a little bit daunting to me.
But, even if my cute sweaters are a little too “last season”, throwing on the right accessories kind of distracts from that a bit, am I right? I can put on some eye-catching earrings, a belt, or fancy shoes and give an old outfit a new look.
Accessories can heighten and change the look of almost any outfit— in or out of style.
So it is with our Christian character. While the Lord calls us to put on some new things once we become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are walking in His light— just like with our fashion— there needs to be a constant putting on of these things, daily. It’s not a one-time, “get it right forever” deal. It’s a regular yielding to the Spirit to help us live this way.
And, even with these “new things” that we put on, there are certain accessories that will heighten the way our new dress looks. These accessories upgrade our Christian character and conduct because being mindful to wear them means we are allowing God to control our newness of life, not ourselves.
Christian Character
When we think about our Christian character, we think about who we are in Christ. We are a new creation in Him, and our old ways, characteristics, traits, thoughts, and mannerisms are to be gone. When we allow the Lord to work in us and change us from the inside out, we become more and more like Him– walking in His ways, according to the will of God.
As we pursue the Lord and His righteousness, our Christian character becomes more crisp and resilient.
What are accessories?
If you haven’t read my post 7 Things Every Christian Woman Should Wear, take a few minutes to read about the main dress every Christian woman needs! These are the vital things we Christian women should be mindful to put on as we live out our new life in Christ. These traits are laid out for us by the Lord Himself in Colossians 3:12-14.
But, the accessories that go along with these 7 traits are very powerful parts of our Christian character that we should be mindful to put on— or rather, that we should allow to rule our inner beings.
As I state in my above-mentioned post, any well-put-together outfit strategically uses accessories to pull it all together. According to www.shopyourwardrobe.com, “Accessories provide interest to your outfit. Without them, you run the risk of getting bored with your wardrobe, and your outfits looking boring, because they’re always the same. Accessories extend the life of your clothes and familiar ensembles.”
The bottom line is, that we can try to pursue having a strong Christian character on our own and in our own strength, but these accessories are what hold it all up. That’s because they come from the Lord and are the workings of His might, not ours.
4 Accessories for Every Christian Woman
So sister, let’s heighten our dress with these important accessories.
#1: The Peace of God
True peace is only found through God— specifically through our acceptance of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross. As believers, we are called to the peace of God as believers. As a fruit of the Spirit, when the Holy Spirit dwells in us and we allow Him to lead us, we will fully experience His peace.
Having the peace of God means that we have comfort, security, and a calm that is present deep within our souls, no matter what our outside circumstances look like. We know that the Lord is our safety, He has us, and He will protect us.
It’s like Jesus sleeping on the boat in the middle of the storm. His disciples were in a state of panic. Jesus showed them the example of God’s peace.
His peace should rule (control) our hearts. This means that our thoughts, feelings, and emotions should NOT control us. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things— this is why His peace needs to be in control, not our hearts.
His peace exists amidst ALL circumstances, not just the good ones.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
We won’t always understand all of our circumstances because His peace is greater than our trivial understanding. It surpasses it. And, as we let it rule our hearts, it guards our hearts and minds against all uncertainty, doubt, fear, and emotions that lead us astray. Let His peace stand at the gates where our enemies dare to enter.
RELATED: Discover more about the importance of the Peace of God.
#2: The Word of Christ
As a Christian woman, it’s likely you know the importance of the Word of God in your life. But, let’s stop and really think about a few things.
The Lord writes the Word on our hearts and minds (Hebrews 10:16); therefore we should not forsake it. It should dwell in us richly.
The word for “dwell” in the original Greek means to inhabit; or to dwell in and influence for good. This isn’t just talking about head knowledge— anyone can memorize the Scriptures or “know” what the Bible says. Sister, this is more than that.
It’s as if the Word of God is to take up residence in our lives, so much so that it permeates our being and influences every thought and action we take.
“But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.”
The Lord gives us His Word so we have a standard, roadmap, and a manual by which to live. It is to dwell in us and be written on our hearts so we can live it out, not just know it.
The Word of God should become our internal operating system.
And, as Colossians 3:16 says, it won’t just dwell, but dwell richly. The Word of God can dwell in us richly because He gives it abundantly. What God gives us, He always gives us richly and abundantly (1 Timothy 6:17; Titus 3:6; 2 Peter 1:11).
The Word allows us to walk in wisdom (Psalm 119:98) — wisdom that comes from God– true wisdom. It guides us in all righteousness. But, we must know it, meditate on it, and live by it.
Ask yourself: What effect does the Word have in my life, actions, and conduct?
Bible Verses about the Word of God
These are just a few Bible verses about the Word of God. Comb the Scriptures yourself and discover many more! God desires that we know and understand the importance of the Word of God in our lives.
Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:98; Joshua 1:8; Luke 8:21; Luke 11:28: Ephesians 6:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Revelation 19:13.
tools to help you dive deep into the word
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#3: Knowing the Importance of Worship
When the word dwells richly within our hearts, we have a greater understanding of who God is— His kindness, mercy, grace, goodness, and faithfulness. We feel and know the depth of His love for us. How could we not then have a worshipful heart? How could we not desire to sing praises to Him?
What is worship? Worship is to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion. When we worship, we give God the honor and reverence He deserves. He and He alone is worthy to be praised.
Yet, sometimes our worship seems dry and forced. Ever feel that way, sister? We don’t have the umphf and pizazz we usually do. Well, I don’t believe this attitude within us has anything to do with the Lord. He doesn’t change. He is not less praiseworthy today than He was yesterday.
“He’s laid it all out for us— the expression of who He is written in the form of His Word, and physically seen through Jesus Himself. ”
No— I believe this lack of enthusiasm in our worship comes because we have not been spending ample time with the Lord in His Word. We have not been finding delight in His Word (Psalm 119:47), and therefore, our delight in Him is lacking. This is why making time for God is so crucial.
You can’t get to know someone you don’t spend time with. And, would you really speak praises to others about a person you don’t know? Of course not.
He’s laid it all out for us— the expression of who He is written in the form of His Word, and physically seen through Jesus Himself.
It’s our job to grab hold of the revelation He’s given us. The importance of worship shows itself in the end result: a heart that desires to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).
RELATED: 22 Ways to Make Time for God
#4: A Consistent Christian Character
When we do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, we act consistently with Who He is and what He wants for our lives.
We yield to the Spirit in our everyday lives. No matter what decision we’re faced with, we take it to the Lord, allowing Him to guide our steps, direct our paths, and convict us on whether or not our actions line up with His Word.
“…for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world…”
When we do all in the name of the Lord, we show the same compassion for others as He does. We do His will without complaining, no matter how insignificant the actions seem. We are more concerned with God receiving the glory through us (1 Corinthians 10:31), as opposed to our comfortability.
RELATED: How to Make Decisions as a Christian
The Beautiful Accessories of Our Christian Character
Sister, what will it be for you? Will you don the eye-catching, spirit-lifting accessories the Lord calls us to wear? Will you spend ample time with the Lord, gain a deeper knowledge of Him, praise and worship Him, allowing the Word of God to dwell within you richly?
It’s a choice. Just like you choose to add accessories to any outfit you wear, you choose to put on these additional pieces of your Christian character.
I exhort you, sister to do so. In the process, you will grow in your love of the Lord and sing His praises to others. Is He not worthy of that?
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11 Things to Stop Doing During Tough Times
Trusting God during difficult times is not easy. Whether it’s tough for a day, a week, or several years, we can draw our strength from the Lord and look to the various examples He’s given us in His Word.
2020.
I bet I don’t have to say too much to remind you what kind of year that was. Many of the events that transpired during that time are still very fresh in our minds.
Maybe you lost a loved one. Perhaps you were very sick. Or possibly your greatest struggle was juggling your new work-from-home position alongside your new school-from-home kids.
We all faced tough times, in various ways.
I was pregnant in 2020. What I thought would be a wonderful, exciting time of sharing my pregnancy with my loved ones— especially after experiencing a miscarriage and then struggling to get pregnant for a year following it— turned out to be a year of loneliness and isolation.
We could barely leave the house. We couldn’t go to church. We couldn’t see our families. I remember sitting around and wondering if anyone even remembered that I was pregnant. Between morning sickness, the flu, perinatal depression, and other minor pregnancy difficulties, I became withdrawn and down in the dumps.
Eventually, I didn’t care about seeing anyone, anyway, even if Covid restrictions hadn’t been in full gear. I had little motivation to do things that mattered.
Sister, it was a tough time.
Although my situation was not as terrible as what many faced during that season, it was my situation, and I had to walk through it. And, while walking through it, I had a decision to make.
Would I dwell on all the difficult, uncomfortable things swirling around me, or would I draw my strength, comfort, and peace from the Lord?
It’s the same decision we all have to make today, and one that David had to make countless times, several thousand years ago.
David’s Tough Time
If you’re familiar with the life of David before becoming king, then you know that he faced numerous trials and tough times at the hands of his predecessor, King Saul. What began as an amicable relationship quickly turned to rage and jealousy towards David as Saul became threatened by his power and favor among the people. Therefore, David spent a lot of time running from Saul, who wanted nothing more than to take his life.
1 Samuel 23 tells of a particular time when the Philistines went up against the people in the city of Keilah. Simultaneously, David was fleeing for his life from King Saul. David heard the news of the Philistine’s threat, and he inquired of the Lord about whether or not he should fight the Philistines. The Lord told him to go, as He would hand the Philistines over to David (verse 4). Of course, with the Lord’s help, David delivers the people of Keilah.
Following these events, David knew Saul was aware of his location and would pursue him, likely destroying the city David just saved in order to do so. Once again, David inquired of the Lord, asking Him for confirmation on whether or not Saul would come and if the people of Keilah would turn him in. The Lord answered ‘Yes’ to both of these questions.
The people David had just rescued were ready to betray and hand him over to Saul.
What’s Your Default During Tough Times?
Has this ever happened to you, sister? Have you been hurt, betrayed, lied to, or stepped on– despite the good works you’ve done for others? It stings, no doubt. But, it’s the reality we often face in a fallen world.
What’s your default during times like these? Do you retaliate? Fight back? Whine a little bit? Ask God, ‘why’?
These reactions may give you relief for a moment, but sister, let me tell you– there is a better way.
Let’s take a moment and look at David’s default during this particularly tough time in his life.
7 Lessons from David in Psalm 54
There are so many encouraging Psalms in the Bible. Psalm 54 is one of them– not only for its encouragement but also because it gives us an outline of how to respond when we’re personally going through tough times. The notes at the beginning of the Psalm tell us that David wrote this Psalm about the challenge he faced when the people of Keilah gave up his location to King Saul.
“Save me, God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your power.
Hear my prayer, God;
Listen to the words of my mouth.
For strangers have risen against me
And violent men have sought my life;
They have not set God before them. Selah
Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
He will pay back the evil to my enemies;
Destroy them in Your faithfulness.
Willingly I will sacrifice to You;
I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good.
For He has saved me from all trouble,
And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.”
David’s default was to inquire of the Lord– about what to do both physically and emotionally. He acknowledged his situation, yet didn’t wallow in it.
Let’s break Psalm 54 down into 7 observations:
1.) First, David calls out to God.
Save me, God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your power. (verse 1)
David is aware of where his help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). He immediately turns to the only One who can save him.
2.) David prays to God.
Hear my prayer, God; listen to the words of my mouth. (verse 2)
At the time, David was camping with hundreds of his men. He could have turned left or right and received any bit of counsel he sought– yet, He knew his best option was to speak to the One who is all-knowing.
3.) He acknowledges his circumstance and sees it for what it is.
For strangers have risen against me and violent men have sought my life; they have not set God before them. (verse 3)
David is aware of what he’s facing. He knows that Saul is trying to kill him. Upon learning from the Lord that the Ziphites would turn him over to Saul— and although he likely feels betrayed— he still is able to see the situation clearly. He knows the main reason they are willing to do this is because they have not set God before them.
4.) David recognizes God for who He is.
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. (verse 4)
Again, David knows there is no one besides God Himself who is able to help, save, and sustain him. His hope is in God alone.
5.) David is aware of God’s power and what He can do.
He will pay back the evil to my enemies; destroy them in Your faithfulness. (verse 5)
The Lord is always faithful. David knew that the Lord would come to his defense and that He has the power to handle his enemies in a just way. David didn’t have to devise a plan to retaliate or seek vengeance on his own. He trusted the Lord to handle it as He saw fit.
6.) He decides not to dwell on the situation at hand.
Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, Lord, for it is good. (verse 6)
David makes a choice. Instead of setting up camp in a land of self-pity, he decides to praise the Lord for who He is. He honors and praises him through sacrifice for the fact that He is good. His mind is set on the Lord, not on the disappointment surrounding him.
7.) David knows and believes what the Lord has already done, even if he hasn’t fully seen the outcome yet.
For He has saved me from all trouble, and my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies. (verse 7)
He believes God has saved him from his enemies because he knows that’s what the Lord does as his helper and deliverer. David trusts God at His Word.
“I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth. ”
How to Get Through Tough Times
11 Things to Stop Doing Now
It’s inevitable– we will face tough times in our lives. Trusting God in difficult times is not easy. However, whether it’s tough for a day, a week, or several years, we can draw our strength from the Lord and look to the various examples He’s given us in His Word as we march forth through our trials.
It’s about leaning on Him in the decisions we make. Will we honor Him in what we do, or get in His way and trip ourselves up?
Here are 11 detrimental things we should stop doing so we can begin trusting God in difficult times.
If you’ve made any of these mistakes before— take heart! I have too, which I why I know how detrimental they can be to flourishing in our faith and walk with the Lord. So, let’s dive in so we can grow together!
#1: Don’t seek outside counsel before praying.
God is your number one source for all the information you need. Although there is wisdom in a multitude of godly counselors, others’ advice shouldn’t trump God’s– which can easily happen when He is second on your contact list. Gain revelation from Him first.
#2: Don’t dwell on your circumstances.
In the hard times, it’s much easier to dwell on the situation at hand– how difficult it is, the many questions we may have, or the anxieties about the unknown outcome. Your mind holds a lot of creativity and imagination and can lead you down roads so far from reality. Focus on the Lord, not your circumstances.
#3: Don’t forget who God is and what He is capable of.
In the midst of maneuvering through a very real situation, you can forget that God is more real and more true than whatever you face. He holds the power to strengthen you, lead you, and deliver you from your enemies.
#4: Don’t forsake time in the Word.
Anxiety has a way of consuming your mind, making it hard to concentrate on anything other than your troubles. However, this is the time when you need to be vigilant about what’s going into your mind. The Word of God is living, powerful, and active (Hebrews 4:12); it has the ability to break the strongholds of death and defeat, especially when they overtake your thoughts. Let His Word dwell within you deeply.
#5: Don’t make moves without inquiring of the Lord.
David knew the best decisions to make because he wasn’t the wisdom behind them– He drew his wisdom from the Lord. Allow the Lord to direct you and guide your steps, no matter how small. The road may be difficult, but in His will, you’ll be safe.
RELATED: Trusting God in Hard Times
#6: don’t spend too much time with those who do'n’t provide support for you.
Many in your life are well-meaning, but not all will give you sound and solid advice. Some will flat-out lack the support you need at this time. Purpose to spend time with those who uplift and encourage you, and exhort you prayerfully in the Lord.
#7: Don’t withdraw or skimp out on fellowship with other believers.
The enemy will tell you that it’s time to withdraw and focus only on yourself. Don’t buy into this lie. The Word tells us to not forsake assembling with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). During tough times, you need godly support, friendship, hospitality, and encouragement the most.
8 Bible Verses to Help You During Tough Times
Instead of listening to the negative rhetoric that can flood our minds during difficult times, let’s fill our minds with the power of God’s Word.
Use the form below to receive your FREE Download featuring 8 Bible verses about trusting God in difficult times. Print it, hang it on your mirror, or carry it with you for a reminder of God’s goodness throughout the day.
#8: Don’t forget to grieve.
It’s ok to grieve. Whatever needs to be grieved, sister, do that. You don’t have to bottle it up or hold it in. You are not weak because of it. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He hears your every cry.
#9: Don’t wait for your circumstances to change to bring you joy.
Our circumstances are not our source of joy. Joy comes from the Lord– from being in His presence (Psalm 16:11). When you’re walking through a tough time, don’t fall into the lie that you have to wait for things to get better before you can experience true joy. Draw close to the Lord, and allow Him to fill you with His peace and joy.
#10: Don’t carry the burden on your own shoulders.
Tough times are heavy. Feelings, thoughts, and emotions can weigh you down if you let them. But, the Lord tells us to give Him our cares, anxieties, and worry (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22). Sister, remove the weight from your shoulders– you are not strong enough to go it alone. Allow Him to carry you through and remove the burdens you’re used to internalizing.
#11: Don’t try to avoid your circumstances.
Like David, acknowledge what you’re going through. Pretending as if everything is fine or sweeping all doubts, fears, and emotions under the rug are not healthy ways to cope with tough times. Ask the Lord for His perspective in the matter, see things for what they really are, and seek to walk through it according to His leading.
“You will make known to me the way of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
The Lord Triumphs Over Tough Times
Tough times can’t be avoided. In fact, they’re a guarantee we face in this life (John 16:33). The key, sister, is relying on the Lord. Walk hand-in-hand with Him every step of the way. He is ready, willing, and waiting for you to seek Him more deeply, see Him more clearly, and love Him more wholeheartedly through your trial.
Remember– He is the One who saves you from all troubles. Praise His name.
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An Afternoon Routine that Honors the Lord
When the afternoon weariness sets in, we turn to the next cup of coffee, our favorite podcast, or maybe a walk around the block to revive us. All of these things are great, but they don’t…
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This one is for all the weary mamas. And, you know what– it’s for the energetic, pumped up, “get it done” mamas too. We’re all somewhere within that spectrum on any given day, and at any given moment. We all need a little boost of encouragement to help us flourish in our motherhood for the remainder of the day.
The problem is, that many of us are looking for that boost of encouragement in all the wrong places.
When the afternoon weariness sets in, we turn to the next cup of coffee, our favorite podcast, or maybe a walk around the block to revive us. All of these things are great, do not misunderstand me. Yet, they don’t fully revive and restore our souls the way the Word of God does.
In the first part of this series on routines, we focused on the early-bird mamas and how to create a morning routine– but not just any old morning routine– one that honors the Lord.
Starting the day in the presence of the Lord certainly sets the tone for the remainder of the day. But, if morning Bible study time is not what the Lord is calling you to in this season of your life, hang on! Don’t put off your daily meeting with God just because time has escaped you. You can still have a beautiful, intimate time with the Lord when the clock rotates to those “PM” hours.
The fact of the matter is that spending time with God is what matters, not the hours on the clock. So whether you have an effective morning routine, afternoon routine, or your Bible time comes hours after sunset, you can still make the Lord a priority, any time of day.
How to Prepare for Your Afternoon Routine
Mornings can be hectic when you need to get everyone up and out of the house on time. When I was a full-time working mom, my mornings did not include a beautiful, serene quiet time before the Lord! I know many working moms who have different stories, but just know that your story is your story, and you have permission to seek the Lord and what He desires for you in this season of your life.
Afternoon routines can work well for working moms, homeschool moms, or even stay-at-home moms with infants who keep them up all hours of the night. No matter what your situation, remember that the Lord is always present with us– in every moment and circumstance; during every task.
It is our job to be diligent to take our eyes off the tasks at hand and instead set aside time to focus our full attention on Him with no (planned) interruptions or distractions.
We’re talking about coming before the Lord– the Creator of the universe, the Great I AM, the Almighty God! How amazing is it that, as His daughters, we get to have a regular calendar appointment with Him, whenever we want?!
But, before creating a God-honoring afternoon routine, I think it’s essential to do a few things:
#1: Pray to find a time of day that works for you.
First, determine whether the Lord truly wants to you have your quiet time in the afternoon. You may think that’s the best time, but He may have other plans! If the afternoon is His will, then seek the Lord in what specific time in the afternoon to block off.
Whatever time of day you prayerfully choose, ask the Lord to remove obstacles you may face day to day.
#2: Pray and ask the Lord to help you be consistent in your schedule.
We all know that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). We may truly want to be consistent, but distractions, calendar changes, and outside influences can easily throw us off track.
Pray for strength each day, so you don’t constantly give into your flesh.
#3: Decide where you will do your quiet time.
We’re creatures of routine and habit. Pick a special spot to study the Word, whether it’s a favorite chair, your car, a park bench, or a quiet room. Eventually, this place will become mentally synonymous with your quiet time.
The Importance of Spending Time with God
Spending time with God is more than just taking out our cute journals, pens, and beautifully-bound leather Bible, and doodling in the margins. While there are numerous methods we can use to study the Word, it’s not about finding the perfect technique.
Above all else, spending time with God is about communing with the Father— the One who created you, who loves you, and desires a close relationship with you. And, we can only have close relationships with those we spend time with, right?
“Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.”
Reading the Word of God gives us a better understanding of who God is, what He’s done, and what He desires for our lives.
As we see in Psalm 119, when we prayerfully read and meditate on Scripture, God gives us an understanding of His Word. He shows us the path we’re to take, gently leading us to take off our false, fleshly ways and leave them in the past.
Spending time with God gives us the desire to choose the Lord’s way— one of faithfulness because He is faithful.
So, sister— let’s not forsake the Father’s heart for us. There will always be time for the tasks that need to be completed, no matter how small or how significant. Yes– be responsible and fulfill the commitments He has entrusted you with; however, even in doing so, put Him above all else on your priority list.
STAY FOCUSED DURING YOUR AFTERNOON ROUTINE
Download this set of FREE Bible Study Printables to assist you during your quiet time! This 5-page download includes a place to take notes, create a weekly or monthly reading plan, and capture verses that speak to your heart. Fill out the form below.
10 Hassle-Free Steps to Creating an Afternoon Routine
Just like creating a God-honoring morning routine doesn’t have to be difficult, neither does building an afternoon routine. Remember– spending time with God is about spending time with God– not about perfection.
#1: Mark your calendar.
Once you determine a time, mark it as a daily appointment in your calendar. This will help you stay consistent and remind you to schedule other appointments around it.
#2: Eliminate distractions.
There are so many things in our lives that determine to waste our time. Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent, and vow to check emails later. Menial tasks and entertainment can wait.
#3: Understand that this is your shot.
Since the morning has come and gone, and your evening can quickly become busy with dinner, activities, and bedtime routines, this may be your best shot at uninterrupted quiet time. Sister, don’t waste it! It’s not the time to skimp on spending time with God or put it off until later. Don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing that there is something more pressing to do.
#4: Be Prepared.
First thing in the morning, or perhaps even the night before, gather your Bible and any study materials, such as journals or pens, that you’ll need during your quiet time. Pack them in your bag if your afternoon quiet time will happen outside of the home, or put them in your study spot in your home. You don’t want to waste time scurrying around last minute when you could jump into the Word immediately.
#5: If you’re home, put aside household tasks.
Lunch clean-up, dishes, and laundry can wait! Mama, you don’t have to strive for the Pinterest-perfect house in each moment. Be a little more Mary and less Martha during this time.
#6: If you’re home, make it a big deal with your kids.
Explain to them what you’re doing, why you don’t want interruptions, and give them a few things to do to occupy themselves during the time. They may distract you at first, but if you stay consistent, eventually they will come to realize that this is an important time that mommy has with God. It may even impact them so much that they’ll be encouraged to have their own quiet time!
#7: If you're home, utilize nap time.
If you still have afternoon nappers in the house, first of all— hallelujah, right?! A child’s nap time can be such a refreshing time for a weary mama’s soul when used properly; yet, it can easily be a time to get a little lazy, binge a bit of Netflix, or take a scroll through Facebook. But, I think the Lord has better things for us. This is the perfect time to spend time with God in the quietness of your house, and many times, the only uninterrupted time you may get during the day. Put God time first, then do a few other things for yourself that you enjoy in the time you have left.
#8: If you’re a homeschool mom, work your quiet time into your homeschool day!
Schedule it as a time when your children can be independent in their work for a bit. Or, make it a scheduled part of their curriculum whereas everyone, including mom, has “Bible Time.” You could even take turns discussing what everyone read when quiet time is over.
#9: If you’re at work, utilize your lunch break.
The 30 minutes to an hour of freedom you have every day is golden. Don’t overlook how much you can get done in this brief amount of time. Eating and studying the Word simultaneously works great! Just stay focused.
#10: If you’re at work, find a spot where you can sit quietly alone.
When I was a working mom, there were so many times I’d go sit in my car to read! If an alone spot is not possible, politely ask your co-workers to not disturb you (and who knows how they’ll be impacted by seeing you read the Bible daily!).
“There’s no such thing as perfect balance— the Lord’s importance should always outweigh everything else on your life’s scale.”
Above all else, Pray.
No matter where your quiet time will happen, your afternoon routine will eventually fall to pieces if you don’t pray first! Start your time in prayer, asking the Lord to eliminate external distractions, internal dialogue, and thoughts. Ask Him to help you focus on His Word, give you an understanding of the text, and a willingness to receive all that He has for you during the time.
Encouragement for Spending Time with God
Sister– seasons change, schedules change, and circumstances change. But God and His Word do not change. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He is always ready for us to come to Him. It’s our job to make the choice and decision to do so.
Not once. Not sometimes. But, consistently and regularly.
Spending time with God is one of the most crucial tools in our arsenal to help us not only grow in our own faith, but to be equipped to train up our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). So whether it’s in the afternoon, morning, or evening, just choose, sister. Choose Jesus. His counsel. His instruction.
He’s ready for your lunch meeting tomorrow! Are you?
Don’t stand Him up.
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Barnabas: A Lesson in Encouraging One Another
Take a moment and recall something someone said to you as a child that you still remember today. Remember the words and how they made you feel. Think about…
Take a moment and recall something someone said to you as a child that you still remember today. Remember the words and how they made you feel. Think about where you were, approximately how old you were, and who said it. Do you have the mental picture?
I bet you do. I also would guess that the words you heard were either extremely hurtful or amazingly encouraging.
How do I know that? Because we tend to remember– long after the incident has passed– words spoken that had a strong impact on our emotions, thoughts, and being.
Both hurtful and encouraging words do that.
We have the ability to do both in the lives of those around us— to either encourage one another or cause pain.
God has given us the ability to put off our old selves, which are filled with corruption through our evil desires, and instead walk in newness of life– a new life created in the likeness of God, exhibiting true holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
When our minds are renewed by Christ and we allow Him to guide our thoughts and tongues, it is easier to encourage one another.
But, it is just as easy for us to allow our flesh to take over and do harm with our words. For when we relinquish the power of Christ in our minds for a moment, the power of our tongue, backed by our innate deceitful desires, takes over. Even if it’s just for a moment, we may end up speaking a phrase that will be remembered for years to come.
Power of the Tongue
Our words matter. That likely comes as no surprise to you. Since childhood, we’ve heard the rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I know the ultimate goal of this elementary teaching is to not let others’ words affect us so much and to learn how to not take things too personally.
But the truth is, words can, in fact, do hurt us.
Our tongues are a powerful little thing. They have the ability to speak deceit and evil (Psalm 34:13), or speak justice, and wisdom (Psalm 37:30), and tell of the Lord’s righteousness (Psalm 35:28).
Good vs. evil. Both are available in this small part of our body.
Our words have the power to tear down, build up, inspire, and belittle. With over 100 references in the Bible about the tongue and its capabilities, what makes us think that words hold no power and can never hurt us?
Sister, one of the facets of pursuing righteousness comes in the form of being mindful of the things we say. As believers, the Lord calls us to be uplifting and encouraging in our speech (Ephesians 4:29). To think we have no control over whether we do so is blindness.
What does the Bible say about encouragement?
It’s important to understand what the Word of God commands us not to do, but we cannot stop there. Knowing what the Bible says about encouragement and how we use our words gives us a basis for how we’re to conduct ourselves. And, using that knowledge, it’s our job to walk out that instruction day to day.
For example:
“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ”
This verse is a go-to in terms of our speech. Not only does it tell us what not to do, but it also sums up beautifully how we should talk as believers.
In those moments when a thought pops into our heads and we’re contemplating whether or not to share it, we can come back to Ephesians 4:29 and ask ourselves,
Is this a corrupt or unwholesome thing to say?
Will it honor the Lord?
If I say it, will it encourage and edify those who hear?
Is this wasteful speech or will it fill a need at the moment?
Will it give any measure of grace?
we learn how to encourage one another from the Source
Encouragement is not a thoughtless and pointless gesture. Romans 5:5 says that God is the God of endurance and encouragement. If He is the God of encouragement, then know that encouragement is direct, precise, and purposeful, just as the Lord. It should be so as it manifests in our words and deeds as well.
The fact that He is the God of encouragement is good news for us! Although God uses us to encourage one another, we are not the source of the encouragement. We only need to look to Him, who He is, and all He has done.
There is encouragement in Christ (Philippians 2:1) — by the love He showed while living on earth, in His ultimate death on the cross, and through the power of His resurrection. When we allow these truths to permeate our being, we are filled with His encouragement and that is what we share with others.
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
”
I’ll say it again, sister— our words matter! Our conduct matters. Gracious speech that is based on His truth can turn even our greatest enemies into our friends and gives us the ability to gain the confidence of kings.
Barnabas in the Bible
Let me tell you about an often overlooked friend in the Bible. Acts 4:36 tells of a Levite man named Joseph, who the apostles called Barnabas. Barnabas means son of encouragement.
Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith in Acts 11:24.
Shortly after Saul’s conversion to Christianity, Paul (formerly Saul) began preaching the name of Jesus. He came to Jerusalem where he attempted to join the disciples, but knowing Paul’s history of persecuting Christians, they were afraid of him. They didn’t believe that he truly was a disciple (Acts 9:26).
But, the son of encouragement steps in. Barnabas immediately went to Paul’s defense, personally bringing him before the disciples and sharing with them the details of Paul’s conversion and his preaching of the Word in Damascus thereafter (Acts 9:27). Barnabas, as a trusted brother in the Lord, was able to bridge the gap and alleviate the disciples' fear of this once-ruthless man.
The truth he shared about Paul encouraged the disciples enough that Paul then became one of their own— able to join them in preaching the name of Jesus in Jerusalem (Acts 9:28).
Barnabas’s encouragement cleared the confusion and promoted an atmosphere of peace amongst everyone involved.
Encourage one another with this free resource.
Sister, encouragement doesn’t take a lot of work, and it doesn’t have to be hard! However, it is something that the Lord wants us to take seriously and walk out intentionally.
Grab this FREE resource with 25 effective, purposeful, and intentional ideas to help you be an encouragement to those around you.
Encourage & Connect Like Barnabas
There is actually much we can learn from Barnabas in the Bible. Although Paul quickly becomes a highlighted character in much of the New Testament, Barnabas is steadily present in much of the book of Acts, playing what seemingly looks like a supporting role. Yet, there is so much to glean from the man who lives up to his name that helps us understand the capabilities that encouragement has.
Encouragement inspires others to “do”.
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. -Acts 11:23-24 ESV
Because of the encouragement the people received through the work of the Holy Spirit, many came to the Lord. Not only that but those who had already come to the Lord were exhorted to remain faithful to their calling and in their walk.
Encouragement inspires connections that carry out God’s purposes.
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. -Acts 11:25-26 ESV
Barnabas knew how God wanted to use Paul, and he did things in his power to provide Paul with those opportunities. Bringing Paul to Antioch allowed the Christians there to be encouraged by the Word through Paul and Barnabas for an entire year.
Encouragement inspires others to encourage.
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.” -Acts 13:15-16 ESV
The rulers of this synagogue in Antioch undoubtedly knew the work Barnabas and Paul were doing. They’d been encouraged by it, and now, in turn, they sought an opportunity to pass that encouragement along firsthand to those who were in the synagogue that day.
Encouragement inspires others to seek the Lord.
And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. -Acts 13:43-44 ESV
One of the most important purposes of encouragement is to inspire people to seek the Lord for themselves. Barnabas and Paul didn’t want the people to follow them; they wanted them to seek the Lord and have a yearning for His ways and His Word.
Encouragement emboldens the encourager.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly… -Acts 13:46 ESV
So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord… -Acts 14:3 ESV
That fire within, that only comes from the Lord, burns fiercely when we let Him, as the God of encouragement, lead our steps and direct our words.
For so the Lord has commanded us… -Acts 13:47
They were willing to do what the Lord called them to do, no matter the reception, response, or persecution.
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. -Acts 13:51 ESV
They could withstand persecution from the Jews who were angry at them for preaching to the Gentiles, shake it off, and move on.
Encouragement brings comfort.
When you are naturally an encouraging person, the atmosphere you create permeates those around you. You don’t have to try or work hard. The Holy Spirit is powerful and is always bearing witness to the Lord and all He is. Through Him, you will bring comfort to those in your midst (Colossians 4:7-11), and uplift them during trials.
How to Encourage One Another: 5 Ways to Uplift
Let’s face it. The Bible calls us to encourage one another, so why not ask the Lord to help us do it in a way that He desires? Here are a few biblically-based tips:
#1: Rely on the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24).
We see Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. We need to recognize and remember that we are not the source; we can rely on the Source to guide us.
#2: Encourage through the Word of God (Acts 13).
People are yearning to hear the truth of the Word, sometimes they just don’t know it. Once they receive the life and refreshment the Word brings, they’ll thirst for more (Acts 13:42). There is nothing wrong with general encouragement, but biblical encouragement based in the Word is influential.
#3: Take encouragement with you everywhere you go (Acts 15:31).
Even when you’re delivering news or truths that are tough to understand and swallow, you can still leave those around you encouraged. Be mindful of your words, tone, and body language; even correction can bring the fresh air of encouragement.
#4: Be a faithful friend.
Not only did Barnabas initially defend Paul as a new believer and connect him to the Church, but he also stuck by Paul’s side, traveling with him on many missionary journeys. Travel the miles with a friend. Go through trials together, encourage others together, and encourage one another.
#5: Seek the Lord in whom you should encourage.
There are things happening in others’ lives that you may not be aware of. They may be facing hard tasks (Deuteronomy 3:28), struggling to make a decision, or wrestling with instruction from the Lord. Even if you have no idea why you are to bring encouragement to them, if the Lord tells you to, do so. Ask Him for the words to speak— if the words are from Him, they will always match up with the circumstances they’re facing.
Encouragement for you, My Sister!
May the God of encouragement, the One who sustains us, guides us, and cares for us provide eyes to see all He really is. May He allow you to see clearly the things He is doing in your life, and give you wisdom and discernment to know what to do in every moment.
You are a daughter of the Most High King, chosen, beloved, and blameless in His sight due to the blood of Christ.
You carry within you an incorruptible beauty that can’t fade away.
You have a purpose and He has given you the knowledge, skills, and talents to carry it out according to His will.
You are wonderfully made and all of your value is wrapped up in who He is, not what you do.
May you be strengthened by the Lord and His might all the days of your life.
RELATED: Find more encouragement straight from the Word in the BRIEF NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT series:
Trusting God as Jehovah Jireh
It can be difficult to see up ahead, can’t it? We want to. We try to peer into the future as…
It can be difficult to see up ahead, can’t it? We want to. We try to peer into the future as far as we can see, calculating steps along the way, obstacles that will surmount, and triumphs we’ll make. We squint with all of our might, but the truth is, our finite minds can only see so far.
We can only come up with so many scenarios and so many “best” routes and possible outcomes.
We aren’t God.
Shortly before my daughter was supposed to start kindergarten, I was squinting hard. You see, my husband and I had talked since before she was born about how we planned to homeschool our kids. After numerous years of digesting our thoughts and praying over them to be sure it was something God was calling us to do, we discovered that yes, homeschooling was the route we were to take.
Yet, with the school year quickly approaching, I still found myself sitting in front of a computer every day at my full-time job. I knew working and homeschooling simultaneously wasn’t what the Lord had for me, and I’ve always had the strong desire to stay home with our kids; so, why did I sit at my desk, hesitant to back away?
As I shared in my 2-Part series about the idols we have in our lives, I struggled with leaving work because I didn’t think we could survive as a one-income family.
Even though I knew the Lord was calling me to stay home, I held onto the false belief that my monetary contribution to our family was greater than what God could do for us on one income.
Deep in my heart, I didn’t honestly believe that He could provide for us. I didn’t trust God’s promise of provision.
RELATED: Modern Day Idols in Your Life
God’s Provision is always available
But God.
He allows us to go through trials, be tested, and face hard decisions so that we can learn to trust in Him more.
According to Merriam-Webster, the word “provision” means the act or process of providing. It can also be thought of as a measure taken beforehand to deal with a need or contingency.
So when we fully understand provision, we can see that not only does God provide in terms of providing what we need at the moment, but He also provides what we need to prepare us for things to come.
This may not be obvious to us at the time (we can’t see into the future, remember?), but He’s putting the puzzle together for us. He knows what the full picture on the puzzle box looks like; we see just one puzzle piece at a time.
Release Your Grip and Grab God’s Provision
Please know that God’s provision is always there for His sons’ and daughters’ taking, but we don’t receive the blessing of His provision if our fists are clenched, tightly gripping what He’s asked us to release.
Maybe it’s something we have to physically let go of, like a job; or, perhaps it’s a decision we face that requires us to step out in faith. Whatever the case may be, the more we try to gaze into the future through our strongest prescription lenses, the more we are relying on ourselves, and not on God.
“God’s provision does not need our assistance. God will provide because He is good, gracious, and loves His children.”
So, when I finally took the step of faith and left my job to stay home and homeschool our daughter, I got to see the power of God’s provision firsthand. Of course, I’d seen it before; but this time it was evident to me. My husband’s income increased, expenses we previously struggled with were covered, and it was not stressful in the least bit.
I had the Lord’s peace.
And now, four years and counting— through various job changes and losses— God is still providing for us as a one-income family.
Bitter Sweet
Many of us are likely familiar with the events that transpired for the Israelites following their exodus from slavery in Egypt.
As we step into the scene in Exodus 15, the Lord had just saved the Israelites by parting the Red Sea for them and then closing it on top of the pursuing Egyptians. They praised the Lord in song, and as they entered the Wilderness of Shur, they found no water that wasn’t bitter in Marah.
God had just saved them through water; would He allow them to die by lack of water?
No. There, in Marah, the Lord miraculously turned the bitter water into sweet water. Traveling on, they came to Elim, where there were not one, but twelve wells of water.
First, parting waters. Next, sweet water; and then, an abundance of water.
God provided.
The Story of Manna
It’s easy to forget God’s provision sometimes, isn’t it sister? This is what the Israelites did. Just a month and a half after they witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, freedom from slavery, and more recently— fresh, sweet drinking water, they began to complain.
Exodus 16:2 says that the whole congregation of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron. Not just a few of them. All of them. They complained because they lacked food in the wilderness, yet had plenty to eat while in the hands of the Egyptians.
Despite recently witnessing the power of God through the 10 plagues in Egypt and the miracles that followed, they forgot about God’s ability to move His mighty hand.
But God.
God is Jehovah Jireh. He has compassion. He cares. He provides (even when we complain a little bit!).
The Israelites once again had a chance to view God’s provision, this time in the form of manna from heaven. God would rain down this manna each day; they only had to collect it according to the measurements the Lord instructed and trust Him that it would be enough (Exodus 16:16).
Since He promised to make it rain down every day, why did they have to trust Him that it’d be enough?
Because they were only to gather so much per person, and they couldn’t leave any leftovers. Some followed this command. Others lacked trust in God’s provision and tried to save some for the next day. The result– it spoiled (Exodus 16:19-20).
“And the Lord said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?””
But, here’s the thing about God’s provision. God is in control. Even after He gives it, He’s still in control.
We see this in the fact that the Lord instructed them that on the day before Sabbath they could gather twice as much manna because He would not rain down manna on Sabbath. Whatever manna they gathered and was leftover for Sabbath did not spoil. This shows that God was in control of His provision and whether He allowed it to spoil or not (Exodus 16:24).
We also see in Exodus 16:21 that the Israelites had to be disciplined to gather manna early in the morning.
Why? The manna melted when the sun got hot. God was in control of His provision. His desire was for them to trust in Him as He provided, but He also didn’t want them to be lazy as they trusted in His provision. He provided, but they still had to be diligent to do their part, according to the instructions He gave them.
Trusting the Lord as Jehovah Jireh does not mean we sit around with our feet kicked up. We allow the Lord to work in our lives, being mindful of what He is simultaneously asking us to do.
What does Jehovah Jireh mean?
Jehovah Jireh is one of the most well-known names of God in the Bible. We see it mentioned shortly after God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, yet in the midst of Abraham’s obedience, God provides a ram to be sacrificed instead.
“And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” ”
Even given what many would consider the most soul-troubling of commands— to sacrifice your own son— Abraham’s faith in God did not waver.
In fact, his faith was so deep-rooted that he didn’t hesitate, and fully believed that no matter how God carried out His purposes— whether God would provide a lamb for the burnt offering (Genesis 22:8) or God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19)— that he told the servants who had traveled with them to Mount Moriah that after the sacrifice, “we will come back to you.” (Genesis 22:5)
He said “we”, not “I”. Did you get that?
Abraham trusted in God’s provision; but more importantly, he trusted in God Himself— Jehovah Jireh.
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How to Trust God: 10 Practical Tips
Coming to grips with how to trust God in our needs is possible, sister. Will we make mistakes sometimes? Yes. Will we forget what He’s done in the past as we approach a new situation? Sometimes. But, there are a few lessons we can learn from Abraham, and the countless descendants that came through the line of his “almost” sacrificed son, Isaac.
#1: Seek the Lord in your need.
Get to know Him. Stay close to Him. Cry out to Him, and He will hear you.
#2: Know that the Lord will never lead you astray.
Isn’t it amazing that Abraham, having never seen God raise someone from the dead, would have enough faith in the Lord to believe He could! As illogical as God’s commands may sound sometimes, know that His wisdom is infinite and He knows what He is telling you to do.
#3: Step out in faith.
Just believe. Search the Scriptures for Bible verses about trusting God, re-read Hebrews 11, and then go read the stories of each person mentioned in the Hall of Faith. You will be encouraged.
#4: Remember God’s provision in the past.
Think about the small and big ways the Lord has provided for you in the past. It will ignite your faith in trusting Him with your future.
#5: Praise the Lord.
Just as the Israelites praised Him in song after they left Egypt, you can praise the Lord as you see His goodness in your life. Write the praises in a journal so you can turn back to them in the future. Journaling will help you immensely with tip #4!
#6: Follow the instructions the Lord gives you.
Don’t go looking for manna on the Sabbath! Sister, the Lord tells you the things to do for a reason. His directions don’t need your editing or manipulation.
#7: Be diligent.
Be a good steward of God’s provision in the way you handle it, keep it, and use it.
#8: Prepare for hard decisions.
Sometimes what the Lord calls you to do may be hard. You may have to wait longer than expected before you see His provision. That’s ok. He knows what He’s doing. Do you believe that?
#9: Expect to see Jehovah Jireh.
He can provide. He will provide. Trust and believe that He will do all He says He will do.
#10: Stay in prayer.
Communication with the Lord is crucial. He is your lifeline. As my pastor always says, “Don’t hang up the phone!”
Bonus Tip: Take a few minutes and read Psalm 78 which gives insight into many of the things we discussed in this post!
Be Encouraged
Sister, God is ready and willing to provide for you, just as He has for countless people since the beginning of time. He loves you, and won’t leave you hanging. God’s provision is real.
Don’t make the mistake I used to, trying to see too far up ahead into the distance. Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. The Lord is near. Refocus your eyes. He’s right here.
Creating a Morning Routine that Honors the Lord
Moms, we must make time for God. Does your morning routine reflect that? No matter how busy we are, God has entrusted us with the lives of tiny humans, giving us the privilege and responsibility to…
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Motherhood is hard. But mama, you know what? It doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it sometimes. Jesus calls us to come to Him and give Him our burdens when we’re weary; and to cast our cares on Him.
Are you in the habit of doing that, sister?
Full disclosure– sometimes I do; but, often I don’t. Many times I get overwhelmed, worried, and anxious in my parenting. There are so many things to do, schedules to manage, places to be, and people to care for.
But God.
God can handle all the things. He will calm our hearts, give us peace, and gently lead us in the direction we should go– if we let Him.
I’ve found that I struggle with these negative (and unnecessary) feelings the most when I am not seeking Him and studying the Word regularly. This happens when my morning routine is slacking and lacking.
Moms– we must, must, must find a way to make time for God. No matter how busy we are. God has entrusted us with the lives of tiny humans, giving us the privilege and responsibility to raise them to be productive citizens in society, who fear the Lord. In my opinion, this is the most important job in the world.
Therefore, we have no excuse. Yup, I said it! No excuse. These little eyes, hearts, and minds depend on us to train them up in the way they should go.
Yet, if we aren’t taking the time to allow the Lord to continue to train us up, how can we in turn expect to have the godly wisdom and knowledge to pass on to our children?
RELATED: 22 Tips for Making Time for God as a Busy Mom
How to Prepare for your Morning Routine
Creating an effective morning routine as a Christian mom is more than doing small and sometimes insignificant things to make your day more productive. You can find a lot of tips, tricks, and articles on the web about general morning routines.
Sis– that’s not what we’re going to focus on today, ok?
Here at A Woman Created On Purpose, I feel called to equip you in your walk with the Lord. So let’s use our time wisely and focus on the things that are actually important to the Lord, shall we?
So, when I say morning routine, I’m not talking about making the perfect cup of coffee, or what music to listen to as you work out (not that coffee, music, and working out are bad– I love all of those things!).
What I’m talking about is coming before the Lord. And, since coming before the Lord is such a major thing, before creating the perfect morning routine, I think it’s important to do a few things:
#1: PRAY. ask the Lord to help you be consistent in your schedule.
We all know that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). You may truly want to have a consistent quiet time with the Lord in the morning; but, late nights, overnight feedings, or draining schedules leave moms weary in the mornings.
Pray for strength each morning, so you don’t constantly give into your flesh.
#2: Decide where you will do your quiet time.
Pick a special spot in your house to study the Word, whether it’s a favorite chair or a quiet room. Eventually, this place will become mentally synonymous with your quiet time.
#3: Find a time of day that works for you.
Since you’re reading the “Morning Routines” article, I’m assuming you’ve chosen the morning (or you’re entertaining the idea!).
There is something powerful about starting the day off in the presence of the Lord, but if you’re not a morning person, don’t try to become one overnight. You can check out the next two parts of this series to learn about Afternoon Routines and Evening Routines.
Whatever time of day you prayerfully choose, ask the Lord to remove obstacles you may face day to day.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ”
The Importance of Morning Routines for Moms
Our days need to be hemmed and wrapped in prayer. I don’t know about you, but my 24 hours seem longer, harder, and more tiresome when I forsake my time with the Lord.
If we want a day where we are keeping the Lord and His Word first and foremost in our minds, then we need to put the Lord first and foremost in our schedule.
Seeking the Lord first puts our minds in the right framework. We can give our control, worries, schedule, and hearts to the Lord when we seek Him first. Also, we can do a better job of mentally preparing for the day when we allow ourselves to bask in His glory with the sunrise.
When we wholly give ourselves over to Him first thing, we’re less likely to take ourselves back into our own control throughout the day.
Bible verses about morning prayer
Although we can seek the Lord at any time of day (and we should!) there is something encouraging about seeking the Lord in the morning. It is like wrapping the day up in a protective covering and shield, powered by the Lord. If you’re looking for Bible verses about morning prayer and seeking the Lord first, be inspired by these:
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. (Psalm 5:3 NKJV)
Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8 ESV)
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in Your words. (Psalm 119:147 ESV)
But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of Your steadfast love in the morning. For You have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. (Psalm 59:16 ESV)
But I, O Lord, cry to You; in the morning my prayer comes before You. (Psalm 88:13 ESV)
10 Uncomplicated Steps to Creating a Productive Morning Routine
So, sister– let’s get into it! Your morning routine may look different than mine, but there are some basic things we can all do to create the ultimate morning routine for ourselves.
“If we want a day where we are keeping the Lord and His Word first and foremost in our minds, then we need to put the Lord first and foremost in our day.”
#1: Determine how much time you’d like to spend before the Lord.
There is no right or wrong answer to this! Set a loose goal for how much time you’d like to spend praying and in the Word. Be gracious with the amount of time, knowing that there will likely be things that cut the time shorter than you prefer.
#2: Set your alarm for at least 45 minutes before your children wake up.
Be sure to account for the timeframe you determined in Step #1, so you may need more than 45 minutes.
When we allow our children to be our alarm clock, we set ourselves up to begin the day frazzled. Not that our children are a constant cause of stress (!), but we as mothers need to remember that first, even before our motherhood, we are a daughter of God.
We need time to be His daughter, alone, before engaging in our role as a mom.
#3: Pray the night before.
If you’ve ever been a morning workout person, you know that one of the things that can help to ensure you follow through with your morning exercise is to set out your workout clothes the night before. I’ve even heard people say they sleep in their workout clothes!
The idea is that you need to determine the night before the things you will do in the morning. Thankfully as Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us be accountable; we don’t have to do this in our own strength.
Before going to bed, say a short prayer, asking the Lord to give you strength and mental clarity in the morning, and to help you uphold your commitment to meeting with Him.
#4: Get up!
Don’t you dare hit that snooze button, sister! Turn your alarm ringtone to something that sounds pleasant and invigorating, and puts a smile on your face. Get up and get moving.
#5: Don’t waste time doing unnecessary tasks.
I love starting my day with a cup of coffee, but I don’t want it to be an extra chore in the morning. I typically prep the coffee maker the night before, so that at the crack of dawn, I only have to hit a button or two to get the joe flowing.
I also give you permission to ignore the leftover dishes in the sink, the room that needs tidying up, and the looming to-do list. It’s not time for that yet! First thing in the morning is primetime for the Lord.
#6: Hold off on the electronics.
I have Bible apps on my phone that I use during my study time, but other than that, all other apps are avoided until my time with the Lord is done. Do your best to ignore email and social media notifications. Don’t even open the apps– we all know how easy it is to get sucked into the digital world!
Outside media has a way of heavily distracting us from focusing on the Lord– not just in the morning, but throughout the day. Be mindful that you aren’t wasting your precious quiet time reading about everyone else’s life on Facebook or responding to emails. There is always time for that later.
#7: Prepare your study materials the night before.
Could you imagine diligently popping out of bed when the alarm clock rings, getting your coffee in a jiffy and eliminating all distractions– only to waste 15 minutes gathering your necessary study tools?
Whether it’s just your Bible (which is enough!), or your Bible along with a journal, pens, highlighters or study guides– place your study tools in your quiet time area the night before. Having everything ready to go removes the need to scurry around for it in the morning.
get the most out of your study time
Download this set of FREE Bible Study Printables to assist you during your quiet time! This 5-page download includes a place to take notes, create a weekly or monthly reading plan, and to capture verses that speak to your heart. Fill out the form below.
The less you feel you have to work to put your morning routine into motion, the more you’ll be motivated to stick with it.
#8: Pray before you get started.
This may seem obvious, but don’t miss it! Not only should you pray over what you’ll be reading and that the Lord will give you wisdom and understanding of His Word, but it’s also a good idea to pray over your morning routine itself.
Do you struggle with being extra tired as you read? Does your mind start to wander as you pray? Are you looking at the words of Scripture on the page, but mentally preparing your grocery list at the same time?
Pray and ask the Lord to give you undistracted (internally and externally) peace and quiet as you study.
And can I share a secret? I even pray that the Lord would keep my children asleep until I’m finished with what He wants me to read that morning!
#9: Focus. Focus. Focus.
Purpose to sit and be still for the entirety of your study time. I know your coffee needs warming. What was that noise upstairs, anyway? Ooops, there were clothes left in the washer last night that needed to be placed in the dryer. What time is that appointment, again?
All of those things can wait. The more you get up and interrupt yourself, the less you are soaking in what the Lord has for you. Your morning routine is not the time to multitask. Focus on hearing from the Lord, not on your present circumstances.
So, finish reading the verse, the passage, or the chapter. Whatever you felt led to study that morning, be diligent to stay put until you do so.
#10: Help your children start their day with the Lord.
You’ve just spent ample time with the Lord, and now your little blessings are awake. Will you forget everything the Lord revealed to you, or could you pass it along?
If appropriate, share a few truths with your little ones as they begin their day. Whether this is casually over breakfast, or in a devotional-type setting, getting your children in the habit of thinking about the Lord first and foremost sets them up to have their own quiet times as they get older.
Plus, we all know the best way to imprint what you’ve just learned is to not only take action on it, but to also teach it to someone else.
RELATED: How to Purposely Pray Over Your Children
Morning Routine: Bonus Thoughts for Working Moms
The 10 Tips above are coming from my perspective as a current, stay-at-home mom. I understand that it sounds easier said than done, depending on the number of children you have and their ages, and whether you work full-time or part-time, out of the house, or at home.
I remember how differently my morning routine looked when I was a mom working full-time, with two kids under the age of 4.
#1: Consider the Lord’s wisdom
For my working sisters, please know that although your mornings are probably busier, as you also must prepare for your day away from your children, the Lord will give you the wisdom to know how you can make spending time with Him a priority.
#2: Prior Proper Planning
Perhaps you do the bulk of your work-day preparation the night before:
Pick out your outfit (and your little one’s)
Shower
Prep and pack certain components of your lunch and school lunches
Pack the diaper bag
Prep the coffee maker
Maybe you have to get up an extra 20 minutes earlier to account for the time it takes to get dressed and do your hair and makeup; however, if many of these time-wasting tasks are handled the night before, you have much less to do in the morning!
#3: continue to converse with the lord
Work schedules can change, whether you have meetings or events; morning schedules can change when children are sick. But, as you continue to seek the Lord, you will see ways to make a productive morning routine possible. He’ll show you things you can change, adjust, or cut out so that He can be a priority.
The fact is that God wants us to seek Him and keep His Word, and He promises that those who do will be blessed (Psalm 119:2). Therefore, if you genuinely want to make the Lord a priority in your day, He will help you establish this time and sustain you through it.
“Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with their whole heart.”
Sister, we’ve got this.
As we work to set up a productive morning routine, please remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Things will arise. There will be unavoidable emergencies. Children will wake up a bit too early. You’ll get sick one morning and decide to stay in bed to get more rest.
Give yourself grace— because God does. He is always there, whether you missed your morning quiet time or not. He doesn’t move farther away throughout the day. He is waiting patiently for you to come to Him, seek Him, and spend time with Him.
So, although obstacles may come– don’t purposely stand Him up. Don’t leave Him hanging, sis. He’s your first love and He deserves to be honored.
Remembering that it’s all about Him, and not our perfect morning flow can help us start and stick with a morning routine that pleases and glorifies Him.
How to Make Decisions: 6 Simplified Tips
Before we get to the place where we’re ready to make a decision, we need to believe that the Lord has our backs no matter what. He is for us. He has…
About a month or two ago, I started to feel really guilty. That mom guilt kind of guilt. The guilt that comes when you know you’ve slacked on something as a parent.
For my husband and me, it was teaching our kids how to ride a bike.
I know, I know. Such a common, almost universal skill that many kids learn in their youngest years. How dare we slack on this and rob our kids of the enjoyment of bike riding? At this rate, I was thinking our kids would one day become adults who would never rightly understand the figure of speech, “It’s just like riding a bike!”
They’ve always had bikes. We’ve just never really worked with them enough to get past the training wheels phase. Because, well… life.
So one spring day, as I watched them ride up and down the sidewalk on their scooters, it hit me that as 7 and 9-year-olds, they’ve got no two-pedal skills. And, it really hit me. I felt so bad, and as I said, very guilty.
At that moment, I just spoke what was on my heart to the Lord, and asked Him to help us find the time to teach them how to ride a bike this summer.
Not more than two weeks later, the neighbor boy gave them his old bike upon getting a new one as a gift. His old bike was a smaller bike with no training wheels, much cooler than my daughter’s which still donned its training wheels. Immediately my kids wanted to attempt to ride it.
And guess what– in a matter of a day or two, they were cruising up and down our sidewalk on this bike. With no training wheels.
Both of my kids taught themselves how to ride a bike.
God provided a smaller bike that they could easily learn how to balance on, and that didn’t look intimidating.
God equipped them with the smarts and physical coordination to learn how to balance, pedal, and steer without crashing or falling.
And, it didn’t take all summer. It took two days.
My guilt, toil, and feeling of failure over our lack of parental guidance in this life skill were dissipated because the Lord had my back.
I cried out to Him over something I perceived as small, yet because it caused an ache in my heart, and because He is a good, loving, and caring Father– He did something about it.
He showed me (once again) just how much He truly cares about every little detail of our lives. And, He showed me that when I let Him handle those details, I’m really not that important of a piece of the equation after all.
The Pre-Decision-Making Process
If you're wondering what my bike story has to do with learning how to make decisions, the answer is: Everything.
Before we get to the place where we’re ready to make a decision, we need to believe that the Lord has our backs no matter what. He is for us. He has plans and purposes for us, and no matter what we do or don’t do (like teach our kids bike skills!), He always has plots and plans being orchestrated behind the scenes.
God is in the details.
When we seek Him first and let Him know the desires of our hearts, He will take care of it all. It may not look the way we think and it may not work out the way we hoped– but, however it does work out, we can trust Him knowing that His plans are forever good.
What does the Bible say about decision-making?
One of the main themes in all of the Bible is the topic of trust. Wouldn’t you agree? The Lord wants us to wholly trust Him in all things– in the big and the small (Proverbs 3:5-6). It begins with trusting in Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our life.
From there, if we’re truly submitted to Him, He wants us to hand our lives over to Him.
His will be done.
This is the first step in our decision-making process. It starts with our surrender, and our openness to commit our works to the Lord so that He can establish our plans (Proverbs 16:3).
Decision-making should come from a place of humility and submission before the Lord, as opposed to selfish intentions and motivations.
“ All the ways of a person are clean in his own sight, but the LORD examines the motives.”
Bible verses for making decisions
The Bible is full of so much wisdom. It literally is a handbook for how to live our lives properly on this earth. So, it’s no surprise that within Scripture we can find numerous Bible verses for making decisions that please the Lord:
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. (Proverbs 14:15 ESV)
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16 ESV)
The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 NASB)
Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed. (Proverbs 15:22 NASB)
Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments. (Psalm 119:66 NASB)
How to know the will of God
When we’re in the process of making a decision, one of the first things we should do after committing to humbly submit to the will of God is to do our best to discern what the will of God actually is.
Figuring out how to know the will of God is not as complicated as most may think. You see, God’s Word doesn’t change. God doesn’t change. Therefore, even though circumstances may look differently for each decision you are faced with, God’s will for your life is consistent.
Generally speaking, God’s will for all of our lives is to trust Him, walk in His ways, share the good news of His love, and glorify Him in all that we do.
I know what you’re thinking– Shanna, how does that help me to know the will of God so I can decide whether or not to take this job? Or move across the country? Homeschool, public, or private school? Stay in this relationship or end it?
Again, let’s not overcomplicate it. Start with prayer. Seek God for the nitty-gritty details in the web of questions you may have.
Then, ask Him to show you the best path that will allow you to:
Grow in and show your full, undivided trust in Him.
Faithfully continue to walk in His ways, according to His Word.
Be in a position where you can grow in your faith and share His love with others.
Glorify Him in the decision you make.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, but as my husband and I have made major decisions in life, considering all of these things have helped us discern the wisest path to take.
Freebie: Use the power of God’s Word to grow in your Trust
Grab this free, 16-page mini Bible Study of the Psalms. Bring ease and simplicity to your decision-making process by growing in your faith and trust in the Lord!
Trust God’s Plan
One of the most crucial things we can learn to master in our Christian walk is the habit of trusting God in all circumstances. The path the Lord instructs us to take may not be the decision we’d hoped for. We may have thought that a different path would make more sense.
But, the Lord can see the bigger picture. He has bigger purposes than we can fathom. And, let’s not forget that He causes all things to work together for the good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
“One who pays attention to the word will find good, and blessed is one who trusts in the Lord.”
Trusting God to lay out our plans isn’t always easy, but He promises blessings for those who do. When we seek Him, stay faithful to His Word, and commit our ways to Him, we can be sure He is not leading us into a path of darkness.
His plans do not fail.
How to Make Decisions: 6 Practical Tips
Sister, let’s keep this simple. Life and circumstances can be complicated enough. The Lord doesn’t want you drowning in a sea of frustration over the decision-making process.
When you do, this puts the decision itself in a place of being an idol in your heart. Meaning– your thoughts will become so consumed with the decision in and of itself, that you use that as a navigational starting point or compass for your life.
Yet, God should always be the focal point. He determines the outcome of your life, no matter what your decisions may be. Nothing you do can mess up His plans and purposes for your life because He is sovereign.
Here are a few practical tips to help you along your journey of making decisions:
#1: Be prepared to follow God’s will. Not your own.
Humility is key. Although the Lord has given you intelligence and the ability to make logical choices, sometimes following Him means you need to throw your own logic out the window. Ask the Lord to help you put your heart in a place that is fully surrendered to Him.
#2: Make sure your decisions line up with the will of God and His Word.
Always check your decisions against the Word. If what you think the Lord is telling you goes against Scripture, you can be sure it’s not from the Lord!
#3: Seek wise counsel.
It can be a good idea to bounce your thoughts off of a trusted, godly friend, mentor, or counselor. Be honest about the options you’re weighing, as well as what you believe the Lord is telling you. Sometimes this person may share some insight and wisdom, or give you another perspective to think about. They can also come alongside you in prayer about the decision you are facing.
#4: Be patient.
God’s timing is always perfect, even if it feels like forever to us! Be prepared to wait on Him. Waiting on God’s timing enables you to step forward at the right time, as opposed to making a rash decision.
#5: Make your decision in faith.
Act in faith, knowing that the Lord is orchestrating the plans and has your back. Even if it seems completely illogical or scary, trust that God will lead you every step of the way. He will provide for you and equip you with whatever you need. He always has your back.
#6: Cover everything in prayer.
Pray throughout your entire decision-making process. Keeping your line of communication with God open is the best thing you can do. You want to hear from Him directly about your decision, right? Well, He’d love to hear from you too.
Be Encouraged
Navigating how to make a decision isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be complicated either. There are little and big decisions; hard and painful decisions. But— God is sovereign over all. He will light our path and direct our steps as we let Him lead.
So, sister– trust that He already has plans in motion for you. He simply wants you to trust in Him more than you trust in your decisions.
Will you grip the handlebars tightly and pedal to your destination quickly with your blinders on; or, will you release your grip and let him do the steering?
You decide. ;)
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Here's a Reminder of Your Worth, Sister
Dear Sister who has lost sight of her value at the moment:
Maybe you’re so weary of what the world is telling you is right– how to look, what to believe, what’s important in life. You can’t seem to…
A Brief Note of Encouragement
Dear Sister who has lost sight of her value at the moment:
Maybe you’re weary of what the world is telling you is right– how to look, what to believe, what’s important in life.
You can’t seem to keep up with your friends and the “perfect” lives they display on Instagram. Everyone else is married. Everyone else is having kids. Everyone else is taking amazing vacations.
You feel disappointed by the way you’ve been treated. You’ve been ignored and left alone. You feel like even God has moved farther away.
Your children buck at your parenting skills and think your ways are so “mean.” Nothing you say seems to matter. You’re beginning to think that you can’t do anything right.
Well, Sister, shatter these lies in your mind with the power of Scripture. I’m here to tell you that the Lord has something different to say about your worth:
You were made perfectly, just the way you are.
For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).
There is nothing wrong with you. Don’t let the world tell you anything different. If you are in Christ, you are a daughter of the Most High King. He didn’t mess up when He made you. You are the way you are because he knit you together that way. Your looks, your personality, your silly quirks, and those things you get compliments on all the time– they were all hand-picked and flawlessly designed by Him.
God’s work is wonderful— including you.
I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well (Psalm 139:14).
Everything the Lord created was good (Genesis 1). This includes you. You are part of His works, which means you are wonderful. You don’t have to try to be wonderful. You don’t have to perform or do more to be wonderful. The original version of you is wonderfully made.
You were purposefully created, down to the most intricate details.
My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139:15).
God didn’t create you with His eyes closed. He didn’t just “throw you together.” Why do so many of us treat ourselves as if He did?
That thing you don’t like about your body, the quirks others have made fun of you for— all of those things have a purpose in your life. Instead of being disappointed that you don’t look or act like someone else, seek God and discover His thoughts behind the intricate details that make you your wonderful self.
“And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”
God has fashioned you and your days.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them (Psalm 139:16).
Not only did God see you as He created you, but He also sees you now and all the days of your life. He is El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing that happens to you or that you decide to do comes as a surprise to Him. He’s the glue holding all of your life together, weaving each strand of fabric into a beautiful tapestry to represent your life. He is the greatest fashion designer of all time.
The Maker of the universe has precious thoughts about you.
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand (Psalm 139:17-18).
When you feel overlooked or forgotten, remember that the Lord has countless thoughts about you all the time— precious thoughts.
If He created you, intricately, purposefully, and wonderfully, does that not mean that He calls you “good” and He is proud of His work? If this is the case, are not His thoughts of you, His daughter, good as well?
Your negative thoughts and feelings about yourself hold no weight against His. Dispel those thoughts. They are not the truth. What comes from the Lord, your Master Maker is truth.
Whether sleeping or awake, the Lord is happy to be with you.
I awake, and I am still with You (Psalm 139:18).
When no one else understands you. When not a single friend is by your side. When you know you’re innocent but no one believes you. When your head hits the pillow at night and you feel guilty about how you treated your kids, believing the lie that you’ve severely damaged them and they won’t forgive you.
In all of those times, the Lord is right by your side. He will not leave you, so don’t leave Him.
Take comfort in knowing that because He sees you and every detail of your thoughts, actions, and days, He knows who you truly are— yet still is happy to be with you.
He doesn’t flee when things get tough. He isn’t embarrassed to be seen with you because He’s not sure what others might think. He isn’t afraid of gossip.
He willingly fights for you, defends you, and goes to bat for you. You don’t have to be strong enough. He is with you and in Him is your peace, joy, and strength.
Find your value in the Lord
So Sister, will you join me in remembering who our God is? How He fashioned us? How He delights in us, His daughters?
The world will always tell you that there’s just “one more thing” you have to do or accomplish to become valuable. Whether it’s a career change, a fashion change, or a personality tweak. But God—
He tells us that we are already precious, valuable, and wonderfully made. He sent His only Son to die on the cross so we could have a restored relationship with Him. And even if you were the only person created in the world, He still would have sent Jesus to die for only you.
He bought us at the ultimate price and we can’t be stolen or let alone bought back— which makes us priceless.
Let’s find our value in Him and Him only. You are worth every moment He spent creating you.
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Humility in the Midst of the Unknown: A Lesson from Mary
It may seem weird to pair the word humility with the word unknown. Normally, when we’re thinking about journeying into the unknown, we’d…
It may seem weird to pair the word humility with the word unknown. Normally, when we’re thinking about journeying into the unknown, we’d use the word trust, or maybe even faith.
But humility is appropriate too. That’s because it’s the arch-nemesis of humility– pride– that sets off our struggle as we step into the unknown.
Pride hinders us from fully trusting the Lord and walking in faith.
I have first-hand experience in this area. August 2012 was initially like any other hot, summer August. I was working full-time during that season in my life, but I had a lot of paid time off I needed to use before the end of the fiscal year. So, during those weeks at home, I had a lot of quiet time with the Lord.
Before you jump to the conclusion that this was a beautiful, serene time— let me stop you right there. You see, we hadn’t had kids yet, but I felt the Lord strongly pressing upon my heart that it was time to start our family.
For someone whose only dream when growing up was to be a mom, you’d think I would have jumped at the Lord’s calling. But, I didn’t. I hesitated.
A lack of humility
At the time, we had people in our lives who truly wanted what was best for us and would help us to “stay on the right track” by offering advice and counsel. Nothing wrong with this– as long as it is godly counsel from a biblical perspective and worldview. In fact, Proverbs 11:14 tells us that there is safety in a multitude of counselors.
Encouraging us to make sure our finances were better first, or get out of debt, or buy a home first… these were some of the things we heard in terms of whether or not we were ready to have kids. Again, none of this was inherently wrong advice. The Bible tells us we should be good stewards of our money.
The only discrepancy with the advice was that I had a strong conviction from the Lord. He spoke directly to my heart about starting a family.
I hesitated with the Lord’s calling because I was too busy listening to everyone else’s counsel.
As I look back, my faith and reliance on the Lord were not as strong then as they are now. Be that as it may, I don’t recall the Lord ever bringing those personal finance matters to mind. They weren’t any of His concern– He simply called me to start a family.
It was my job to trust Him and proceed. Yet, the sin of pride was what kept me listening to others’ counsel overtop of the Lord’s.
RELATED: Trusting God When You Can’t See His Bigger Plans
Pride makes you wrestle with God
So that August, as I had time off work— time to be alone and commune with the Lord, He brought me to my knees. I call it my Jacob experience. You know, the time the Lord wrestled with Jacob at Peniel (Genesis 32:22-32).
I began feeling very irritable, emotional, and depressed, crying almost every day. This is how it began. Over the course of about 2 weeks, I agonized over the decision to get pregnant as the battle between man’s counsel and God’s counsel waged war in my mind.
It was a trying time— painful, confusing, and intense. Once I truly recognized what was going on, and that this was the Lord’s way of getting my attention, it all became clear.
He brought me out of my pride and into humble submission to the plans and purposes He had for me. He prevailed, His plans prevailed, and He showed me that what He calls me to do, I can only willingly do in submission to His will– once I remove the pride.
“Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor.”
I had to remove the pride of: My plans are better; I need to fix things on my own before I do this; or, This idea sounds good, God, but I was thinking…
Pride keeps us in a place where we walk the dangerous line of destruction, falsely deceived into thinking we know best.
But we don’t. His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are above our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).
Pride holds us back from purposely living for the Lord.
Pride makes us walk by sight, not by faith.
Humble Submission
When the Lord calls us to a hard decision, we cannot fully operate within the safety of His will when pride fills our hearts. We must allow Him to remove it.
Once we do, we can enter into a place of humility before Him, where we can bow to His will, and from there, humbly submit.
Once we humbly submit, then, ultimately, we can walk in faith. And, when we walk in faith, we have the peace that only the Lord can give us.
By the end of that August, after humbly submitting to the Lord’s timing, I was pregnant with our first child, who we welcomed into the world that following spring.
RELATED: How to Accept the Peace Jesus Offers
Finances weren’t an issue. It didn’t matter that we still lived in a two-bedroom apartment. It made no difference that we weren’t out of debt. All we needed was provided. Jehovah Jireh.
Because He is the Lord our God. And that is what He does.
Humility & Submission as Seen in Mary
We can look to Mary in the Bible, Jesus’s mother, as an example of what humility and submission look like. She is an amazing example of being willing to be used by the Lord, no matter the cost.
Unlike me, she did not buck at the calling the Lord gave her for weeks on end. She didn’t wrestle with Him for many days as she contemplated what others were telling her about her life.
When the angel Gabriel appeared to give her the message that Jesus would be conceived in her womb, she didn’t say ‘No.’ She didn’t say she wasn’t willing, or “What about this…?”. Her only question was a logistical one when she asked how this could happen since she was a virgin (Luke 1:26-34).
She didn’t even speak about the possible consequences of accepting a calling like this– being looked at as an adulterer, or how others would view Joseph, to whom she was betrothed.
No– her next words are ones we can all learn from:
“And Mary said, “Behold, the Lord’s bond-servant; may it be done to me according to your word.””
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Humility in the Bible
Humility is a heart attitude. It displays itself in our lives when we possess meekness, and we see ourselves rightly compared to God. Got Questions states, “True humility produces godliness, contentment, and security.”
Humility shouts, He is God; I am not.
Proverbs 22:4 says, “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” (NASB)
Pride is never rewarded. In fact, the Bible says repeatedly that pride comes before the fall, before destruction, and that the Lord will humble the proud (Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 29:23; James 4:6).
Instead, humility comes before honor (Proverbs 18:12). We can never truly and honestly submit to the Lord without humility. He honors those who do, just as He did with Mary. She became the mother of our risen Lord, and was loved and cherished by Him throughout His time here on earth.
So, what can we learn from Mary? In times of uncertainty– when the Lord is calling us to a place or to circumstances unknown, like Mary we can grow in our faith in these ways:
#1: Listen intently to what God is calling you to do.
As Gabriel spoke his message from God straight to Mary (Luke 1:28-33), she didn’t interrupt or overthink it. She didn’t jump from “A” to “Z”, wondering about all of the letters in between. There was no verbal comeback or hint of extreme disbelief in her response.
You too can have this heart attitude. Be still and quiet long enough to actually hear what the Lord is saying. Make sure you understand His Words and the things He is pressing upon your heart. Don’t immediately jump to conclusions or get wrapped up in the details.
#2: ALLOW GOD TO HANDLE THE DETAILS.
After she heard the message, her only question was simple (yet, I’m sure all of us women completely understand why she’d ask that!). She just needed a tiny piece of the puzzle to help her make sense of it all, and that was that.
God is not the Author of confusion. Even if He calls you to do something but doesn’t give you a bunch of details (which is often the case!), it profits you nothing to try and figure out “how to get there” or what you’ll do when you arrive.
God will provide for you, sustain you, and keep you every step of the way.
#3: Take the Lord at His word.
Gabriel explained to Mary that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and her child would be called the Son of God. In case she needed more encouragement in the power of the Lord, Gabriel also gave her word that her cousin Elizabeth was pregnant in her old age (Luke 1:35-37).
Mary simply took the Lord at His word, believing all of these things immediately– not because she thought she was worthy, but because she knew her God. She knew her God was big enough to handle all the details. To work things out. To give her the grace and steadfastness she needed to live out this calling.
Sister, do you take the Lord at His word? When He calls you to something big or small, or something a little frightening, do you respond in a way that presents yourself as a humble servant, ready to do His will?
He is the same God now as He was back then. If He entrusted Mary with carrying the Savior of the world in her womb, will He not also trust you to carry out whatever task He is calling you to?
SISTER, LET’S Walk by faith.
Please don’t be like I was during that hot August in 2012. Please don’t buck at the Lord’s word. Please don’t listen more to the counsel of others— no matter how godly it may be— if you have a clear conviction from the Lord.
Trust me, it doesn’t end well. Until…
You submit. You bow in humility. You release the pride. You let the Lord have His way.
His way is always best for you. You can’t see the full picture. You don’t know everything that lies up ahead– all the blessings, the honor, and the ways your life will glorify Him.
But He knows.
So trust Him, sister. Humbly submit. Step out in faith.
He can’t wait for your relationship with Him to grow more deeply as you do.
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5 Surprising Ways Busy Moms Waste Time
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Did you ever grab your phone and hop online for a bit, maybe just to make a quick post or respond to a notification you received? Did you start this process at 7:00 pm and spend “5 minutes” on social media, only to realize that 5 minutes later was actually 7:30 pm?
Time is a mysterious thing, isn’t it? It “goes quickly” when we don’t want it to, yet “goes slowly” when we’re impatient.
Why, oh why does time change tempos according to our circumstances?
Of course, I’m being a bit facetious. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute. Time doesn’t actually change speeds, we just feel like it does in our minds. Based on the way we view our current situation, we believe we don’t have enough time, that time has gone by too quickly, or time is dragging.
It’s in our minds. In our choices.
You see, sister, we can waste time by the choices we make. Just like my example with social media above, we can easily let our minds get sucked into the moment and before we know it, the time flew by, as they say.
I’m sure you agree with me that wasting time isn’t good– especially in our role as mothers. Our motherhood needs to be attentive, effective, and productive– all to the extent that the Lord leads.
But, if we want to learn how to be productive and how to stop wasting time, we’ve got to pay attention to the decisions we’re making and the actions we’re taking. Are we letting our mind lead us, or are we allowing the Lord to lead us?
The speed of time won’t change– but we can.
How to Stop Wasting Time
Before we talk about how to be more productive as a mom, we need to look at what could be wasting our time. There are many things we choose to do that can get in the way of us making time for God, our spouse, and our children.
If you’re constantly feeling “spent” and like a weary mama, yes– it could just be the season you’re in; however, I also think it’s wise to look at what fills your day and consider whether or not you’re redeeming your time well.
5 things to stop doing today
If you’re wondering how to stop wasting time, here are a few tips:
#1: Stop giving yourself unlimited screen time.
One of the worst things parents can do is give their children screen time unleashed, right? Well, it’s the same for us, mom! Just as you do with your kiddos, you can schedule your own screen time and set a time limit.
Find a time of day that you set aside for social media, checking emails, and watching tv. As you do with any calendar appointment, do what you need to do on screens in that timeframe, and when time is up, time is up!
Maybe this is over lunchtime, naptime, or after the kids are in bed. Whatever the time, make it a habit to not look for the remote every moment you get bored or grab your phone at each notification ding. (Bonus Tip: Unless it hinders your job, business, or ministry, turn off your notification sounds for these apps so you aren’t tempted throughout the day!).
#2: Stop wasting downtime.
Yes, moms– we do have downtime! Seriously, we do. In these precious moments of downtime, you can find time to connect with the Lord through His Word. (Hopefully, this is bonus time if you’re aptly getting in good quiet time each day! If not, find 22 ways to make time for God, here.)
Download a Bible app onto your phone, like Blue Letter Bible, Bible Gateway, or YouVersion. While you’re third in line at the bank drive-thru, waiting at the grocery checkout, or watching something heat up in the microwave, open your app and read a verse or two.
If you’re struggling with a slight addiction to social media, move all of your social apps to a folder on your home screen, and put your Bible apps front and center so they’re more easily accessible. When you feel the itch to check your social feeds, practice opening your Bible app instead!
#3: Stop engaging in wasteful things.
Examine your life and find the timewasters. Maybe this is social media, TV time, hobbies, or unproductive relationships. Perhaps you simply need to limit the time spent in these areas, or they need cut out altogether. If there are things that are too distracting or pulling you from the Lord and your family– either mentally or physically– they may be wasteful.
#4: Stop saying ‘yes’ all the time.
If certain things aren’t in God’s will for your life, say no. Sister, we must learn to entrust our plans to the Lord.
Proverbs 28:26 tells us that when we trust in our own hearts we’re behaving foolishly; yet, there is safety in walking wisely.
I’ve heard it said many times that the safest place to be is in the will of God. I don’t believe this is just for the big decisions in life, like whether or not you should uproot your family and become missionaries in a foreign country. No– this is in the small things too— the everyday decisions that you think the Lord doesn’t care about, but He does.
He wants you to be in the center of His will 24 hours a day.
So, even if opportunities present themselves that look and sound good, that doesn’t always mean you should say yes.
The best of things can waste your time if they aren’t what the Lord has for you.
#5: Stop turning off your ‘productivity switch’ when your kids are occupied.
Limit your children’s screen entertainment time. This may seem like an odd suggestion; however, I’ve noticed that when my kids are allowed to veg out in front of the TV or on their tablets for an extended time, that is when I find myself becoming lazy. I start scrolling. I begin doing busy work that doesn’t matter.
When your children are available and ready to actively engage with you, you don’t have the luxury of getting sucked in by a time-waster.
Free Download:
These handy sheets walk you through the process of taking inventory of your daily activities to discover what is wasting your time.
Investigate your time wasters, then use the Prayer worksheet to prayerfully consider the Lord’s will in these areas of your life. Track how the Lord answers your prayers!
A warning about being Idle
I believe that learning how to stop wasting time is different than learning how to be more productive.
Removing time wasters isn’t enough. Learning how to stop wasting time means that we have to choose to eliminate distractions and things that cause us to go astray during our day.
But, once we do that, we have a bunch of empty holes. And, when there are too many empty slots in our schedule, we can become bored.
Yes, even as a stay-at-home mom, we can become bored. Even as a working mom. A homeschool mom. A ministry mom.
In all of these seasons of motherhood, there is always room in the emptiness or our “lack of interest” in the things of life that can lead us towards an enemy: idleness.
What does the Bible say about idleness?
The Bible mentions that the Proverbs 31 woman was diligent to watch over the affairs of her house. In doing so, she didn’t make time for idleness (Proverbs 31:27).
I’ve found that idleness leads to a lack of interest in the important aspects of life, especially spiritual things.
We begin to look for entertainment in a variety of ways, new endeavors, or friendships to give us something “interesting” to look forward to in our days.
Idleness takes our eyes off Jesus and puts them onto the things of the world.
Although Paul is addressing this issue in relation to young widows in 1 Timothy 5:13, what he says about being idle doesn’t only happen to widows. I believe it’s a warning to any of us who choose to have too much time on our hands:
“At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.”
What I’m about to say isn’t a slam on those who spend ample time on social media (I too have various social accounts!), but I’ve often thought— as I’ve read different posts or comments— that some people simply have too much time on their hands.
If we have time to engage in every bit of drama happening in our extended family, with our friends, and in the world, then my dear sister— dare I say, we are trapped in idleness.
We are striving to create something “exciting” in our lives.
As Paul says, this opens the door for us to become busybodies, gossips, and talk about things we ought not to. Does that sound like what you see sometimes on social media?
In short, idleness leads to other sins in our lives, and should be avoided at all costs.
How to be more productive every day
I know it seems as though I’m picking on social media a lot! I promise you, I’m not a certified hater of it. I am, however, not a fan of engaging in any form of entertainment that lets you lose track of time for hours on end because your mind is so occupied that nothing else can get past the wall.
So, whether it’s Facebook, movies, binge-worthy TV, the latest gossip magazines, and the list goes on– we need to be careful and let the Lord guard our hearts and minds against things that heavily distract us.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ”
5 ways to boost your productivity
In order to be more productive every day, there are a few things you can do:
#1: Ask the Lord for guidance.
What does He want to use to fill in the holes? The worst thing you can do is start making your own plans and fill in your schedule with things you think are important. Instead, seek the Lord and ask Him what He intends for your life in this season. Allow Him to be your Master Planner.
#2: Get up early.
There are many benefits to rising early before your household, especially when you have little ones. Proverbs 31:15 tells us that the infamous Proverbs 31 woman did this so she could begin to prepare for the day.
Maybe you’re not an early riser, and that’s ok. Perhaps waking up a mere 20 minutes before your children will help you jumpstart your day and mentally prepare in a way that doesn’t allow when your children are your alarm clock.
Getting up early also gives you space to have quiet time with the Lord so you can begin your day wrapped in prayer and spending time in the Word.
#3: Prepare for the day ahead.
It’s easier to be more productive if we plan for tomorrow. Be ready for the meals you’ll cook. Look at the appointments on the calendar. Prepare school lunches, pick out your outfit, double-check the diaper bag– whatever tasks that seem mundane and only “take a few minutes”-- these are great things to get out of the way the night before.
Starting the day one step ahead always puts an extra pep in your step.
#4: Prayerfully create a schedule for yourself.
Following the Lord’s lead in what He has for your life today and in this season, create a schedule that works within those parameters. Whether it’s a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule, consider what needs to be done, and put a plan into action.
If you’re working on eliminating time wasters in your day, creating a daily schedule is a great way to be sure you’re focusing on fruitful things.
#5: Get organized.
If you’re already an organized person, you probably have this step down! If you’re typically not organized, finding the simplest area of your life to organize will help you in your desire to be more productive every day.
Perhaps laundry falls to the wayside. Create a simple weekly chart outlining the specific days you’ll do each person’s laundry in your household.
Or, maybe you’d like to concentrate on teaching your children some new life skills. Create a chore chart to help everyone stay on track.
Don’t overcomplicate organization. Start small, and move forward from there.
Being a “busy mom” is a thing, but…
Sister, learning how to stop wasting time is one of the most important things you can do.
Lean into the Lord and ask Him to help you avoid the areas of your life that aren’t pleasing to Him. Prayerfully consider what you need to do to be more productive every day.
Being productive isn’t about becoming busy for the sake of being busy. Every single block on your calendar doesn’t need to be filled in.
I was just explaining this concept to my older kids, as they tend to jump from one activity to the next, with no rest time in between.
Having a constant flow of input into your mind and stimulation to your body isn’t good either. We need time to mentally break and hear from the Lord in the quietness of our souls.
A packed calendar doesn’t allow for this. So beware, there is danger in having too much in our lives.
This is where you need to consider what the Lord has for you in your season– not just your overall season of life, but your minute-by-minute season as well.
…it’s better to be fully surrendered
I know being a “busy mom” is a thing, and so often that’s our reality. But, let’s not wear our busyness as a badge.
Let’s purpose to be fully surrendered to His plans, whether to be productive; or to be still, so we can be totally and completely in His will for our lives.
How do you typically approach the new year? Do you run at it with full force, excited for the change? Is it just another season, and you’re willing to see what comes of it? What’s the right way to approach the new year as a believer?