God's Words:
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees, I will not neglect your word...I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
~Psalm 119:15, 16, 17b, and 18
I try to have "quiet time" with God most days of the week. This is when I read a little from His Word, spend some time in prayer and quiet reflection on what I've just read. And maybe pray about the other prayer requests that are on my heart. Some days it might only be 5 minutes; others a half hour or longer, but those are the rare days. And regretfully, of course there are the days when I don't make time for devotions. Those are the days that tend to end up not being so good and I look back and think, well duh!
Since I am a stay-at-home, homeschool mom of three rather loud and exceptionally busy children, you are probably guessing that there isn't much "quiet time" available at our house. Well, my friend, you are correct! I usually find myself having to steal away somewhere that happens to be peaceful for the moment (sometimes this requires shutting/locking the door to keep the kids and my tag-along dog out). It's all very random, time-wise and location-wise. I never really know where I'll be for my next quiet time. But you know me, I just live for spontaneity! Not.
That's why I put together my "Bible Basket" so when I finally find a few minutes of peace, I can very easily and quickly grab everything I need for my devotional time and go get to it before the peacefulness is invaded once again! Isn't it cute? And notice the handle, so it's very mobile and, well...handy!
In my Bible Basket I keep my really, super-old, falling-apart NIV Student Bible that I've had since I was a senior in high school (please don't even try to estimate how many years ago that was, ok? I'm getting to be age-sensitive as of late). But I love my personal Bible and just can't bear to part with it. It has every precious highlight, note, and mark that I've made over the years since my young adult days. Sure, you'll find that some pages appear to be completely highlighted, but each verse means something special to me!
Also in my Bible Basket are my Scripture Card File, Bible Study & Prayer Journal, and a pencil pouch with extra highlighters, pens, and pencils (ok, am I the only person that seriously loves the term "pencil pouch"? It must stem from my adoration of school supplies).
I store my Bible Basket in my bedroom, so one day last year I decided I should decorate it to match the decor in there. Hence the blue and green color scheme. I found the ribbons at Hobby Lobby. LOVE that store. Someone please help me not go there so often. My son hates being "dragged through that place". Hahaha. Get ready, buddy. Your future wife is going to love going there, too. It's a girl thang!
Some mornings I wake up before everyone else in the family and spend that precious time of tranquility communicating with my Heavenly Father. I grab a cup of Joe and get comfy on the sofa. I just have to make mention here that I am not a morning person, so this is very out of the ordinary at this point in my life. Someday I might turn into an early bird... but I highly doubt it.
Most of the time I enjoy doing devotions in the peacefulness of my cozy bedroom. Either before we start our schoolwork or activities for the day or once we're finally done with the busyness of the morning. Then the kids are off doing whatever they do when mom's not making them do schoolwork or chores. Sure, they might be making noise and quarreling amongst themselves, but that's when I make use of the door, and possibly its locking mechanism. They know that if they knock and I say I'm doing my quiet time, that it's wise to back off and hush up for a few minutes. Happy mom, happy life, people. They really respect my need and desire for alone time with God. It warms my heart that they truly understand this.
But other times, I like to read my Bible while I enjoy a quick bite of breakfast or lunch. Nothing better than feeding your body and soul at the same time! And that's what I call multi-tasking. What we moms do best!
On days when I have some writing to do or online devotions to read and need my Bible handy, it's so nice to be able to quickly grab my basket and have it nearby my desk.
While looking through the photos of "Where is Suzy's Bible Basket Now?", did you also happen to notice the other item that is always present? Did you find it? I admit to maybe having read too many search-and-find books like Where's Waldo? with my kids over the years... Hint: I love coffee!
Anyway, I just thought I'd share how I do my quiet time and keep my devotional stuff all together, in case you also struggle with managing to steal away for your alone time with God. What do you do for your quiet time?
In Christ,
Suzy
Since I am a stay-at-home, homeschool mom of three rather loud and exceptionally busy children, you are probably guessing that there isn't much "quiet time" available at our house. Well, my friend, you are correct! I usually find myself having to steal away somewhere that happens to be peaceful for the moment (sometimes this requires shutting/locking the door to keep the kids and my tag-along dog out). It's all very random, time-wise and location-wise. I never really know where I'll be for my next quiet time. But you know me, I just live for spontaneity! Not.
That's why I put together my "Bible Basket" so when I finally find a few minutes of peace, I can very easily and quickly grab everything I need for my devotional time and go get to it before the peacefulness is invaded once again! Isn't it cute? And notice the handle, so it's very mobile and, well...handy!
In my Bible Basket I keep my really, super-old, falling-apart NIV Student Bible that I've had since I was a senior in high school (please don't even try to estimate how many years ago that was, ok? I'm getting to be age-sensitive as of late). But I love my personal Bible and just can't bear to part with it. It has every precious highlight, note, and mark that I've made over the years since my young adult days. Sure, you'll find that some pages appear to be completely highlighted, but each verse means something special to me!
Also in my Bible Basket are my Scripture Card File, Bible Study & Prayer Journal, and a pencil pouch with extra highlighters, pens, and pencils (ok, am I the only person that seriously loves the term "pencil pouch"? It must stem from my adoration of school supplies).
I store my Bible Basket in my bedroom, so one day last year I decided I should decorate it to match the decor in there. Hence the blue and green color scheme. I found the ribbons at Hobby Lobby. LOVE that store. Someone please help me not go there so often. My son hates being "dragged through that place". Hahaha. Get ready, buddy. Your future wife is going to love going there, too. It's a girl thang!
Some mornings I wake up before everyone else in the family and spend that precious time of tranquility communicating with my Heavenly Father. I grab a cup of Joe and get comfy on the sofa. I just have to make mention here that I am not a morning person, so this is very out of the ordinary at this point in my life. Someday I might turn into an early bird... but I highly doubt it.
Most of the time I enjoy doing devotions in the peacefulness of my cozy bedroom. Either before we start our schoolwork or activities for the day or once we're finally done with the busyness of the morning. Then the kids are off doing whatever they do when mom's not making them do schoolwork or chores. Sure, they might be making noise and quarreling amongst themselves, but that's when I make use of the door, and possibly its locking mechanism. They know that if they knock and I say I'm doing my quiet time, that it's wise to back off and hush up for a few minutes. Happy mom, happy life, people. They really respect my need and desire for alone time with God. It warms my heart that they truly understand this.
But other times, I like to read my Bible while I enjoy a quick bite of breakfast or lunch. Nothing better than feeding your body and soul at the same time! And that's what I call multi-tasking. What we moms do best!
On days when I have some writing to do or online devotions to read and need my Bible handy, it's so nice to be able to quickly grab my basket and have it nearby my desk.
While looking through the photos of "Where is Suzy's Bible Basket Now?", did you also happen to notice the other item that is always present? Did you find it? I admit to maybe having read too many search-and-find books like Where's Waldo? with my kids over the years... Hint: I love coffee!
Anyway, I just thought I'd share how I do my quiet time and keep my devotional stuff all together, in case you also struggle with managing to steal away for your alone time with God. What do you do for your quiet time?
In Christ,
Suzy
Great Idea! I have lots of totes that I use for different things--I think I'll desginate one for my Bible Tote!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy your Bible Tote! :) God bless you as you find the countless treasures in His Word.
DeleteWhat a great idea! I have 4 kids under 4 so I have trouble getting quiet time in. When I do have a second, I can't find my bible! I am going to make a bible basket today!! Stopping by from Titus 2sdays Link Up.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Leigh Anne! You ARE a busy mom! God bless your family as you seek to put Him first in your lives.
DeleteI just found your blog, Suzy! And I love it!!! I have a new favorite spot to do my devotions, but I think I might still try to add a cute basket like this to keep all of my supplies together. Thanks for this great idea!
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea! Thank you very much! I'm so glad you have a favorite spot for your quiet time with God. Isn't it the most wonderful blessing in the world to be able to commune with our Creator, whenever, and wherever?! May our Lord bless you richly as you seek to know Him more each day. Oh, and thank you for reading my blog!
Delete