A Why and Ten Tips.

I feel that I’ve shared a lot lately , especially on Instagram, about just how important time with Jesus is. Sometimes I feel reluctant to share because I don’t want to be making some of you feel as though you’re not good enough or just think I’ve turned into a religious nut, because, well, I’m being honest with you here!

But God just keeps impressing it on my heart to share these things and I can’t leave it.

Having spent several years distant from the Lord myself, my heart aches when I see others where I was, and I had no one that encouraged me or probably even realised where I was spiritually.

But what I wanted to say tonight is this, many of you are mums or in amother very busy season of life and finding ‘quiet time’ may feel next to impossible so I’ll share a few thoughts.

1. It doesn’t have to be quiet, although of course it’s easier to concentrate and listen to the Lord if it is.

2. If the children are playing around you Try reading your bible out loud, it’ll help you concentrate and the children will be taking it in too, probably more than you think!

3. Try leaving your Bible on the chair where you sit to have coffee so you think to pick that up rather than your phone! (Yes, I fight that one too!)

4. Worship can happen in the busy moments, try singing along to your favourite CDs or downloads throughout the day. You’ll find the words will also make their way into your children’s minds.

5. Try praying for those you are doing things for throughout the day. Eg. When you pick up their shoes, pray that God will bring then to walk in His ways.

6. Get up a little earlier for some time with Jesus. (Don’t groan!! Not always such a popular one and it takes discipline but God can and WILL help you, although the enemy will be doing his best to get you to snooze that alarm too!) Try just ten or fifteen minutes at first, it’ll soon start to impact your day.

7. Do a swap with a friend, you look after her children for an hour one week and then swap the next week so you both get a regular chunk of quiet time. You could even have your quiet time at her house while she has the children at yours so you’re not distracted by phone calls or that pile of ironing on the chair! 😉

8. You and your hubby could each take one evening off a week. The other can do the evening routine while you shut yourself away somewhere quiet for a while.

9. Write a verse on a post it note and put it somewhere where you’ll see it through the day and can mediate on it and pray over it throughout the day. Bible verse apps are a good way to get a daily verse.

10. Last but not least, a question….will having a Pinterest worthy house, or being up to date with social media matter in one thousand years time?

So dear friend, if I keep encouraging you to regularly pray and read your Bible and to draw near and keep close to the Lord, it’s because I know from experience that the road back from a distant place can be long and painful and I also know what an incredible difference it makes to your life when you allow time for Jesus.

‘Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you.’ James 4:8

In Love

Sharon x