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Confessions of a Busy Mom

March 10, 2015 By Kathie 9 Comments

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I can still remember (just barely!) whey my husband and I were first married and had no children. My husband and I joke and ask “What did we do with all our time back then?”

We have eight kids now and our days (and nights!) are filled! As a new wife, and even before that, I was always very faithful in my devotional life. As a teen I’d been taught the importance of daily spending time in prayer, and reading God’s word. Therefore, it was a habit to spend time alone with God each morning. Now, here comes my confession!

As I started having children, I began to have a little difficulty being faithful to my quiet time. I did fairly well with one and two kids, but as we went up from there to three to four, and on up,  my daily quiet time alone was no longer daily; my quiet time was rarely quiet(!), and alone –impossible! But I didn’t give up!

As a mom, I knew it was vitally important that I read God’s Word and pray daily. Therefore, I kept trying different things. Getting up before the kids didn’t work. Without fail, one of them would get up too. Nap time didn’t work too often, because I usually needed a nap. So, unfortunately, there would be days when I fell into bed exhausted at night and realized I’d never read my Bible that day. Perhaps you have struggled with this problem too, or still do.

Here are some thoughts that might help you, and then I’ll tell you what solved the problem for me when the kids were young, and the days were busy.

1. Realize that when you have kids, your devotional life will probably change.

If you used to spend thirty minutes or an hour with the Lord, you’re going to find it hard to keep that up when you are in the busy days with little ones. You may have to settle for five or ten minutes.

2. Don’t feel guilty!

It’s better to spend some time, than to skip totally because you don’t have as much time as you’d like.

3. Keep trying different times and methods till you find one that works for you.

Remember, as the kids grow you can always go back to your other time or ways.

Here is what  worked for me:

I finally decided to INCLUDE my kids in spending time in God’s Word.   This meant having a Bible time with the kids daily, and reading a Bible story from a book. Since I needed to be reading the Bible, I decided to read a chapter to the kids each day. I loved it, and they loved it!

Rather than quickly reading some verses (just to say I did) and not really getting anything out of it, I took my time. The kids needed a lot of it explained to them, which made me think, and I ended up getting a lot from it. Don’t believe that the Bible is boring to kids! My kids, from preschoolers to  teens enjoyed this time and listened well.

This is a great way to re-enforce from the Bible the things you’re trying to teach your kids. For example, obedience. One chapter in Matthew tells the story of Jesus calling His disciples to follow Him. I stressed to the kids that they “straightway” followed. They didn’t ask “why”, or “do I have to?” etc. They obeyed immediately without question! (That does a lot more for the kids than a lecture on obedience!)

So my quiet time alone was no longer alone, but I was still gleaning from God’s Word daily.

As far as prayer time, it too took a different format, but didn’t get neglected. I often had  a hard time getting up in the morning , so when the kids were up and dressing, I laid in bed and prayed for strength (!) and wisdom for the day, etc. Then throughout the day there were many times when I said a quick prayer for wisdom or help in situations where I needed  it. I also prayed with the kids after our Bible reading.

Time with the Lord is worth fighting for, so don’t give up because your circumstances make it difficult. Keep trying! The rewards and blessing are worth it!

 

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9 CommentsFiled Under: Encouragement for Mom, Purposeful Parenting

Comments

  1. website hosting says

    August 10, 2020 at 3:24 am

    I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this weblog on regular basis to get updated from latest news update.

  2. Kathie says

    December 6, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Thanks Candice! I’m so glad that the post was so encouraging for you. Don’t give into the guilt! Remember you’re in a busy season, and things will look different for at time 🙂

  3. Candice Jennings says

    December 6, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    This is a wonderful encouragement! I often feel so guilty for not doing more, more, more! My girls and I enjoy studying God’s Word together and I pray this habit becomes ingrained and longed for in their hearts for life! Thank you for sharing this practical practice and lending your perspective as one who has gone before us! I love to read what the Lord has taught you!

  4. Kathie says

    April 25, 2015 at 10:29 pm

    Michelle, I’m glad it was helpful for you! 🙂

  5. Michelle @ Moms Are Frugal says

    April 25, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    I love this post because I have been struggling with a time to spend in the Bible. I have four children and like you said if I get up early one of them gets up, nap time I take a nap and so on. Since we homeschool I can just include a chapter a day in my school time with them.

  6. Kathie says

    March 16, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Thank you Kim! It’s a win-win to include the kids in my Devotional time. They have learned to love God’s Word, and it helped me keep a better spirit as a mom when I was able to still have time with God & His Word.

  7. Kim says

    March 16, 2015 at 9:19 am

    This is a great post! Once you start having kids it so hard to find time for the things that keep you as a mom healthy in all areas (physically, mentally, and spirituality) . I think that your idea to include your kids in your devotions is amazing. Not only are you getting what you, but you are also instilling the value of spending time with God daily in them from an early age.

  8. Kathie says

    March 11, 2015 at 4:05 pm

    Genevieve, thank you so much for those encouraging words! I’m glad that it was helpful to you. 🙂

  9. Genevieve says

    March 11, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Hi Kathie,
    I just wanted to say that is the absolute BEST post I’ve read about How To Keep Your Devotional Life Intact When You Are A Busy Mom! Thank you for giving a real practical solution to keeping time with God! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

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My name is Kathie, and I am glad you stopped by. I am a stay-at-home mom of 8 wonderful kids, and have been homeschooling for 31 years. I hope that my blog will be a blessing and encouragement to you! Read More…

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About Kathie Morrissey

My name is Kathie, and I am glad you stopped by. I am a stay-at-home mom of 8 wonderful kids, and have been homeschooling for 31 years. I hope that my blog will be a blessing and encouragement to you! Read More…

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