THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. DISCLOSURE
Ever since Addi was born, we have been in survival mode. Trying to get through the day with minimal sleep, 42 bottles to wash daily (okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but you get it), and more blow out diapers than I ever thought I would ever see in my life (the girl knows how to poop). And in the midst of our new crazy routine, I’ve realized that Jesus has slipped right through the cracks.
Now don’t get me wrong, we still make it to church every week (even though we’re always 5 minutes late), and I say my prayers when I go to bed at night (and usually fall asleep before I’m finished- sorry, Jesus). But I haven’t been cultivating my relationship with Him like I used to or like I should be doing now.
MAKING TIME FOR JESUS
A few weeks ago, I started an online, virtual bible study with 91 other women. Although I was completely intimidated and questioned God over and over again if I was ready to tackle this or not, it has turned out to be a wonderful time of fellowship each week with some amazing ladies that I probably wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for this study. The book we are following (by September McCarthy) is called {Why} Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting. We are only a few chapters in and I’ve already learned so much about myself as a mother. But, more than anything, I’ve started putting more and more thought into being intentional with my relationship with Jesus. I’ve found a few things that have helped me- I wanted to share them with you so you can implement them into your routine as well!
FIRST FIVE
First Five is an app that you can download for FREE on your phone. Each day, it sends a devotional to you and you can check in anytime to read it. The thing I love most about First Five is that they are short and sweet, right to the point, and they always include a link for the daily bible reading- perfect for if you are on the go and don’t have your bible handy! You can also set up groups with friends so you can do a study together, which is so convenient!
BIBLE STORY TIME
Even though Addi doesn’t quite understand it yet, we have started doing bible story time with her every day. There are so so so many benefits of reading to your children, even when they are infants. We have 50 Bedtime Bible Stories that we are currently using, and I plan to get a more advanced one when she is a little older. But for right now, she LOVES looking at the bright and colorful pages and the stories are short enough for her attention span.
FAMILY BIBLE STUDY TIME
This is more time for AJ and me right now, but as time evolves I hope it can be a time for our entire family. When AJ and I first got married, we made it a priority at meals to read a devotional and the bible together. Well our meal times together have come fewer and farther between with trying to keep Addi entertained. But, we have decided to make it a priority to sit down at the table for all of our meals, and when we are finished eating we take time to read a devotional and pray together. We are currently using Moments Together for Couples by Dennis and Barbara Rainey and really enjoying it!
PODCASTS
I’ve always enjoyed listening to the radio in the car, but I mixed it up this month and started listening to Joyce Meyer podcasts on my way to work, running errands, and even sometimes in the morning when I’m getting ready for the day! I love Joyce, and reading her books, but mama doesn’t have time for books anymore. You can find her podcasts in iTunes if you are an Apple user, or on her website as well!
I hope these few tips help you find a way to add Jesus back into your daily routine!
