Living God’s Word One Step at a Time
We have ten people who live in our house. Me, my husband, my grandmother (she’s 88!) and our youngest seven kids. Not only that, I also homeschool. There are always people around. There is always noise. And believe it or not, I’m an introvert. I thrive on quiet. So how do I find quiet times in a noisy, busy house? How can you, too?
Click here to read the six ways I find quiet times in a noisy, busy house on FortheFamily.org!
Recently I was talking with a friend about spiritual growth. Out of everything I’ve done in my journey in drawing closer to God, the one thing that has brought me closer to Christ than anything else was spending daily time in God’s Word. Yet as mom it’s not easy to do! The wonderful thing is there is no right way to do it. I’ve tried different methods during different seasons. The point of all of it is spending time reading the Word of God and being present with Him.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.
Mother’s make the world go round; they really do! In so many facets of daily life, moms are the outlet that God uses to show nurture, compassion, and presence to children, both young and old. Once a mother, always a mother! Though I am probably considered a young mom, I’ve been granted the opportunity to dive in deeply and in ways I didn’t plan for.
My story of motherhood came with quite a long list of unreconciled grief and also gifts that came in unexpected packages! With a background in applied health sciences and training in various Christian inner healing programs, I was able to bring some of my motherhood challenges into a better perspective by allowing myself the space to sit back, listen to the Holy Spirit, and fill up with the grace of God. His truth in my life gave me the tools I needed to simplify the rumblings of my heart and to organize the noise in my head. I’m so grateful that as I learned how to be a mom, I mostly learned how to live in His presence. It has been true in my story that,
“You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand, there are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
The challenge for every mom is learning how to manage the dance of filling up our hearts while also giving them away. It is what we do on a constant basis and without hearing the voice of God, we can easily drift into depression, overwhelm, and disappointment. He is good, and He made us the perfect woman and mother for our family. I say woman first, because it’s sometimes difficult to remember our identity, especially in relation to self and in marriage. I say mother second because we give out to our children what comes from that place of truth rooted in love.
One of my favorite ways to encourage presence in my home is the living a life of simplicity. I love making tasks easy and enjoyable, while also making a lot of room for fun! I try to “own” little by means of earthly materials and time-wasters, because de-cluttering my schedule, my body, and my home has brought me the most freedom! Here’s a few tips I use daily or weekly on living simply and creating room for presence:
It is difficult, yes. But it is worth it. It can be challenging, yes. But we will grow! It can be downright scary, yes. But God is always bigger. Live with simplicity, trust in His goodness, pray all the time. You are a world-changer! Your life and heart matter.
Often considered a dreamer and silly heart, Sarah Humphrey uses inspiration from her most beloved career, motherhood, to fuel her passion for writing, creative movement and teaching. She has and is authoring several books and children’s books. Sarah currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three beautiful, bouncy kids.
Find out more about Sarah at http://sarahhumphrey.com.
40 Days to a Joyful Motherhood: Devotions and Coloring Book to Nourish Mom (Abingdon Press, August 2016)
Nourishment for a mother’s soul through 40 days of devotion and . . . doodling!
Wouldn’t it be marvelous if mothering came with a concrete set of instructions—an easy recipe we could follow? Instead, motherhood challenges women to find their faith, their true selves, and their family through daily doses of trial and error. It is a brilliant and healing time of life that is full of joy, pain, and beauty with a small side of crisis (and humor). What mothers do not know, they learn. And through this lifelong process of learning, they nurture and care for the most precious gifts on earth: children. In a modern society where moms often have a full and busy plate, these 10 minute daily devotions focus on six key topics of motherhood:
—Self-acceptance
—Self-care
—Reconciling with grief, hope and expectations
—Generosity
—Presence
—Forgiveness
In addition to the devotions, these beautiful pages are adorned with handmade illustrations to help you refresh from long days or even occasional sleepless nights. So, grab your colors and a little quiet time for yourself while doodling at the kitchen table. You will be grateful you did!
Learn more and purchase a copy.
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“Reverence for God adds hours to each day.” Proverbs 10:27 (TLB)
At this moment, I’m preparing for a conference in South Africa, trying to stay on top of my writing, and I have TEN children, all in various stages of life. If I were to have an excuse not to take time to be with Jesus, this would be it. Staying up late every night until midnight, packing during the day and chasing kids around the house, you’d think I’d cherish every extra moment of sleep.
Yet my eyes still pop open in the morning. Not because I’m wide awake, but rather because my heart is hungry. I need Jesus. I need to read His Word and spend time with Him. After years of loving Jesus, my heart reveres Him. I stand in awe of what a difference spending time with Him makes in my life.
In Jesus’ arithmetic, “subtracting” time from our busy day multiplies the potential of every moment. Because of our time with Him we have a clearer vision, a more peaceful heart and a more joyful spirit. When I spend time with Jesus, I better discern what to spend my time on. My day seems to work better, and in the way Jesus works the hours of the day seem to multiply too.
This week is busy, yes, but when I spend time with my Lord I can make it through the day better than I anticipated I could.
Faith Step: Find at least two other times during the day to get away with Jesus. Think about times like the ten minutes when your biscuits are baking at dinnertime or the fifteen-minute break you have at work. Afterward, consider how that time focused on Jesus impacted the rest of your day.
Read the original post at Guideposts.org. Want more devotions? Check out Mornings with Jesus 2016.Put the world on hold and step into the presence of Jesus, who gladly takes our burdens and stress and restores them with “the peace that surpasses understanding.”
This uplifting daily devotional book includes 366 short five-minute readings that help you rest and recharge your spirit by putting your focus on the Living God. Each page begins with a Scripture quote, followed by and uplifting devotion that demonstrates how Jesus’ life and teaching apply today. With humor, humility, and grace, the writers share insights that are easily relatable. A Faith Step is also included for you to practice throughout the day. The Faith Step will inspire and challenge you to apply the day’s message to your life.
For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with Christ, Mornings with Jesus 2016 offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is and what that means for day-to-day life. As you focus on His truth, you will experience an abundance of blessings that spring from your ever-growing personal relationship with Him.
With a warm and friendly voice, 366 short devotional writings on the character and teachings of Jesus encourage you to greet each day by drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into your day. Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness and peace in a new way throughout the year.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.
One of my favorite things about writing devotions for Mornings with Jesus was sitting down and thinking about my own encounters with Jesus—really taking that time to reflect on my relationship with Him. I began writing or thinking about each devotion by asking myself, “What Scriptures have really impacted my life?” I would write out the Scripture verse, and then jot down experiences I’ve had that are related to that verse. It was a wonderful time of reflection for me as I looked back at the moments in my life and realized how God’s Word has brought understanding and strength to my life, and pushed me to change.
Some of the devotions came to me through that reflection process. Others were borne out of my own personal quiet time. As I met Jesus in the morning and read His Word, special Scriptures would stand out. I knew God had a plan for me to include those, too.
Since I’m a novelist, I like lots of description … it was hard to keep myself to the shorter word count of a devotion. Writing for Mornings with Jesus has also reminded me to pause as I read God’s Word and think about what one message God’s speaking to me at that moment.
The biggest lesson I learned as I was writing was thankfulness. As I wrote about the Scriptures that meant the most to me—and about the numerous ways Jesus met me in everyday moments—my heart was flooded with gratitude. I realized even more that Jesus has given us the amazing gift of salvation but He didn’t stop there. He gave us Himself to walk beside our every step. My life and my devotional stories are proof of that.
My prayer for every Mornings with Jesus reader is that these devotions stir their hearts to open to our amazing Savior, and that the devotions give them a hunger to build a deeper, personal relationship with Him.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It’s funny how much we grow and change in our life with God. Just the other day I was thinking about how much my devotional time has matured and blossomed, just as I have.
When I first started quiet time with God I thought the goal was to learn the most about God as I could. I read commentaries and studied books. Then one day I felt God whispering to my heart, “You know ABOUT Me, but take a moment and just love me. I’m right here.”
After that, I still study, but I also make sure to just spend time in Jesus’ presence. I wake up before anyone else. With my husband, college-aged son,three young children, and my grandma, that’s the ONLY time it’s quiet. In addition to sitting down with my Bible and journal, sometimes I’ll read while I’m on my recumbent bicycle. I’ll read Scriptures and then close my eyes and pray for various concerns.
Sometimes I sit on my couch with my Bible, a journal, and a few devotional books. My all time favorite “study” book is Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. I usually write out what God is speaking to my heart or I write out my prayer requests. It’s great to look back over old journals and see how God answered prayers!
Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Prayer has transformed my life and it’s led me on wonderful paths that I never expected, but it hasn’t always been that way. It’s taken me a while to feel as if I understood prayer, and considered myself a praying person. Maybe it’s because of my misconceptions that I had since childhood. Today I want to share 3 ways to improve your prayers and find freedom in the process.
What are your first memories of prayer and how God works? Here are a few of mine that I shared in my book Blue Like Play Dough. (I am in the process of republishing this book, so be on the lookout for it this fall!)
When I was in the fifth grade, a friend stayed the night. Before we drifted off to sleep, Heidi climbed out of the bed, got on her knees, and prayed. At the time, prayer wasn’t a part of my nightly ritual. But seeing her there, it hit me that something wasn’t right. If God is God, then couldn’t He hear my prayers as I lay on my bed? Didn’t my whispered requests meet His ears, no matter what position I was in?
I remember another time I prayed in the second grade for something I wanted. It was a book of Barbie paper dolls. You know—the kind with the perforated edges and all those cool two-dimensional clothes to dress that cardboard figure in.
I desperately wanted the paper doll book, so I prayed. I told God He could make it appear, and I’d keep it just between me and Him. I made a deal, and I told Him He could drop it in my closet, and I’d only play with it when my mom wasn’t around. I prayed so hard and so long (for a second grader) that I was highly disappointed the next day when I opened the closet door and the paper doll book wasn’t there.
Disappointment trailed me for a week until I was certain that God wasn’t all people talked Him up to be. Until … my birthday arrived. And guess what I received? The paper doll book! It wasn’t my only gift, but it’s the only one I remember today. It struck me then as I pondered it with all the contemplation a seven-year-old possessed, that God had answered my prayer after all, just not in the way I expected. p. 128-129
Looking back I can see a few misconceptions that I had about prayer. Understanding and identifying these will help to improve your prayers.
Misconception #1: Prayer is an event. When I saw Heidi pray as a child it confirmed to me that prayer was an event. I understood that I didn’t need to kneel to pray, but I did think it was something that I needed to tack on to my day.
For years and years, I saw prayer as an event. It was a time when I need to be still and come before God. There are times when I do that. I love quiet mornings on my couch. Sometimes I even get on my knees before Him, but I’ve grown to discover prayer is not an event; it’s a continual conversation.
In the last week, I prayed as I rode an ATV for the first time. (I prayed I wouldn’t die!) This morning I prayed as I watched my son drive away in the snow. (I prayed for his protection and for a bubble to surround his car from crazy drivers.) Last night, I prayed for a friend when she shared a need on Facebook. I didn’t wait until the next morning’s quiet time to pray. As I sat in front of my computer I closed my eyes for a moment, and I asked God to be with her and to give her peace.
Misconception #2. Prayer is about getting what I want. As a young girl, I learned the importance of prayer from Sunday School, but I thought that prayer was a way to get what I want. I wanted paper dolls, so I prayed. Later, I wanted a new outfit, so I prayed. In high school, I wanted to make the cheerleading squad, so I prayed. Yes, God’s Word tells us to bring our needs before Him, but that’s not the only thing prayer is about.
Prayer is taking everything before God and listening for His voice. It’s asking that my heart reflect His heart. It’s begging for discernment and reading His Word. It’s not depending on popcorn prayers to get you through. Instead, it’s looking back at what God has done and considering what direction He is providing. And then it’s stepping out in trust that God will pull you back if He needs to. (Blue Like Play Dough, p. 133)
I improve my prayers when I better understand:
As I improve my prayers, my relationship with God improves. As my relationship with God improves I become a different person. Want to improve your prayers?
Learning to pray has been a growing process, and I’m so thankful that God has been patient with me along the way. I’m a different person because of prayer. I’m thankful to walk in freedom, turning every need and thought over to Him.
Lord, help me to pray. Help me to turn to You through the day. I want to become a better prayer NOT so that I can get more of what I want. Instead, I desire to know your will. I also want to walk in the freedom that will come when I turn everything over to you, Jesus. Amen.
I hope these thoughts have been helpful as you seek to improve your prayer life.
Want to grow in your prayer life? I recommend these resources:
Live A Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean
The Power of a Praying® Wife by Stormie Omartian
Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson
Blue Like Play Dough: The Shape of Motherhood in the Grip of God
Praying for Your Future Husband
Do you struggle with being faithful in your bible reading? Tricia Goyer shares some help and 5 benefits of reading God’s word. She also shares one big problem which might surprise you…
At the beginning of this year, I felt the desire to read through my Bible again. I’ve read through it six times before and putting God’s Word in my heart changes my life. On a whim, I asked if anyone on Facebook would like to join me—200+ women did!
Reading through the Bible is the same as providing water, soil, and sunlight to a new plant. It’s what’s needed for God’s children to grow!
Growing up in Sunday school I knew a lot of Bible stories. I knew about David and Goliath, Noah’s Ark, and the miracles of Jesus. Sunday-school lessons are often laid about by theme, which is great for building morals. But . . . what I didn’t understand was how the pieces fit together. I didn’t understand how Adam’s story connected with David’s story and how they both connected with Jesus’ story.
Are you considering reading through the Bible? Start today! You don’t have to wait until the new year. You can start any day, any time. (I use this guide.) And if you do, you will be blessed.
I’m a different person, who makes different choices when I read God’s complete Word.
Problem: The more time I spend in God’s Word the more I NEED it. I don’t function well without it. When I don’t have time to read and meditate on God’s truths, my soul feels weary and hungry. AND this hunger problem leads to one cranky, overwhelmed wife and mom.
More than once I’ve been on the brink, and I’ve told my husband, “I just need fifteen minutes to read and pray.” And it works.
God’s Word is addicting. My soul craves it on busy, harried days. I need His word to be reminded, taught, guided, filled, and convicted. Without it, my own desires, demands, and decisions lead me astray.
Thankfully even when I’ve feel soul empty, there is an easy fix. I open up God’s Word and read. As I do, my problems aren’t solved overnight, but I’m changing. . . and from there God is able to do His work on all that’s around me, too.
What about you? What benefits of reading God’s word have you found?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Word spoken to us through the Bible. Thank you that it feeds and nourishes my soul. Help me to continue to hunger for it, to need it daily, and to make time for it every day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible but found yourself giving up? Or even worse, you read the chapters and at the end question how they apply to your life. Tricia Goyer understands. For years she felt frustrated that she couldn’t stick to her commitment to read God’s Word all the way through. Things changed when she found a doable plan and wrote out a daily prayer. Tricia’s heart changed. Her life did, too. God can bring real transformation into your heart and life when you daily commit to reading your Bible and praying through God’s Word. Praying through the Bible in One Year offers a guided reading plan and a daily prayer starter to help you make God’s Word applicable to your life. Discover the inspiration for real-life transformation.
Praying Through The Bible in One Year
How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens
Read Through the Bible in a Year
How to Read the Bible Book by Book
