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quiet time

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Faith

I’m A Christian, But I Don’t Read My Bible Every Day

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

When I was 6 years old, my dad came home from a funeral for a little boy who had drowned. He was in tears, but not because he was sad. He sat me and my 5-year old brother down and told us that the little boy was with Jesus because he had invited him into his heart. Then he asked us if we wanted to do the same, and we said yes. That day we entered the Kingdom and I started my walk with the Lord.

More than thirty years later (I know, I’m showing my age here), my journey with God has had many ups and downs. Periods of intense intimacy with Christ has salted the road through many seasons of life, and carried me through the times I’ve spent at a distance from Him. At every hurtful loss or moment of anxiety, I become the prodigal daughter who comes running back to God with tears running down my face into open arms. Often times, I feel like those moments are the ones that punctuate my walk- a series of give and take as I struggle to become the woman God wants me to be. Even at 35, I’m not there yet.

Growing up in the Evangelical circle taught me a lot on the topics of Christian dating, music, modesty and maintaining my walk with God through regular quiet times. While I can look back at several of the social trends that were relevant at the time and laugh (thanks, but no thanks “I Kissed Dating Goodbye), I know the foundation was laid early on for having a close relationship with Christ. Some things still come naturally for me, like enjoying regular Sunday church services and listening to worship music. The hardest thing for me has been reading my Bible on a regular basis and it’s something I struggle with daily.

Here’s my confession: I don’t read my Bible every day.

read Bible

I don’t know where exactly I first heard that you’re “supposed” to spend time in the Word every day, but it’s something that has honestly always weighed on my heart. If I’m being honest, I’ve felt the obligation more often than the desire in my adult years, as I struggle to check off everything on my to-do list. I’m constantly torn between relieving the stress of my day by getting things done, and adding one more guilt-ridden task to my growing list of responsibilities. Because that’s the truth: I feel guilty. And that’s really not what God wants.

I don’t read my Bible every day because I don’t want to spend time with God. I don’t read my Bible every day because my heart isn’t always in that specific act of worship and I think God desires TIME with me more than an action. Quiet time doesn’t only equal reading your Bible- it’s ANY time spent with God and if you’re a mom it’s probably not even quiet.

It’s waking up and asking God what He plans to do with your life today, and giving Him the power to do it.

It’s listening to worship music as you get ready for the day, work and drive.

It’s crying out to God in moments of sadness and anger.

It’s thanking him for your children and marriage, even in the midst of struggle.

It’s reading that one Bible passage you can manage in between a million other things and the devotional you sneak a peak at on your phone.

One of my favorite women speakers, Donna Jones one said, “Don’t make spending time with God complicated, make it consistent.”  I can say with complete certainty that God would much rather talk to me through the day, be it through worship or quick prayers, then wait for me to sit down for a quiet time with my Bible that may never happen.

The biggest hurdle I’ve had to overcome is getting past the notion that I’m supposed to read my Bible every day, but knowing I’m still loved and valued by God when I don’t. Do I want to? YES. I know my soul is thirsty and can be quenched by the Word. I want to be well-versed in Scripture and be a light to others. I don’t write this post to advocate for a deliberate avoidance of a regular and daily quiet time. I want to be transparent but share that God’s heart is to be close with you, and that reading your Bible religiously is not the only way to get there.

So for now, I’m setting the guilt aside. One of the most beautiful characteristics of our God is that He meets us where we are. We don’t have to come to him perfect, we are only made perfect in Him.

How about you? How do you choose to connect with God throughout the day?

 

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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quiet time
FaithFamily

5 Ways For Busy Moms To Have Quiet Time

by Amanda Foust
written by Amanda Foust

Women of faith are told all about the importance of quiet time with God, but the years spent with young children makes any quiet hard to find. When a mom finally does get a few moments of quiet, adding God into that time is not often her first thought.

quiet time

Here’s what you need to know: God doesn’t want us to feel guilty. Making time for Him out of guilt is not the posture He wants from us. Give yourself grace in this busy season and be willing to get creative with how you nurture yourself spiritually.

Kids need us most hours of the day, the house needs cleaning, bills need to be paid, and interruptions run rampant.

God isn’t pleased with us only when our Bibles are open or our heads are bowed. He is pleased with us when our hearts are in the right place. All that we do throughout the day can be a way to serve God or further His kingdom. We simply have to keep God in mind and shift our perspective from doing mundane tasks to serving in daily “kingdom work.”

Not all of us are able to wake up early before the kids to sneak in some alone time, so here are some tangible ways to incorporate spiritual disciplines throughout the day:

1. Prayer journaling

I’ve always been someone who does better writing my prayers down. It keeps me focused and helps me come back later to see what prayers have been answered. I try to incorporate room for gratitude, confession, as well as requests.

2. Listen to worship music or audio Bible

If you’re also known as a “taxi” mom, you probably spend most of your time in the car. Use this time to connect with God in some way! You can listen to worship music, Bible on tape, or even turn up the music in the back for the kids and have something else playing from your phone in the front seat. I like to listen to sermon podcasts, for example. This form of quiet time doesn’t always go smoothly. Kids don’t stay silent in the back seat and like to interrupt with many questions or quarrels, but don’t give up! I also turn on worship music or a spiritual podcast when I’m making dinner or cleaning up afterward.

3. First5 Devotional App

Maybe you only have five minutes here and there. The First5 app was created for you! Download it on your phone and open this devotional app first thing in the morning for encouragement and a spiritual challenge to meditate on throughout the day.

4. Praying in the shower

Sometimes the shower is the only place you can be completely alone. It may feel weird at first, but this is a good place to share your thoughts with God or to make time to turn off your busy thoughts and listen!

5. Family Scripture memorization

A lot of spiritual growth can come through leading. Pick out a few verses from Scripture for your family to memorize together. Keeping the Word close to your heart will transform your days and encourage you to live a life that looks more like Jesus.

Tell us in the comments how YOU spend your quiet time!

 

quiet time

Amanda Foust

Amanda Foust

Amanda is a wife, mother, writer/editor, and certified life coach. Pen and paper make her spirit come alive. She spends her creative time reading, decorating, and handwriting fonts. Her world is better with an assortment of chocolate and a stack of books packed and ready for travel. She works each day to be a creative maker and a light bringer. You can find more of her writing at Downs, Ups & Teacups and TheDailyPositive.com.
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The Painful Truth About Quiet Time
Little Kid

The Painful Truth About Quiet Time

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

This last year, this work from home mama said goodbye to 2+ hours a day of prime work time, when my almost 4-year old decided she didn’t need to take regular naps anymore. I had been dreading it for months, as I watched my well-rested looking mom friends go from fine to frazzled when their kids dropped their final naps. I knew that my 3.5 year old wasn’t the norm in taking naps 7 days a week, but I hoped she would continue to buck the system and nap until she was at least 10 (Kidding. Sort of). “Don’t worry” they all said. “Just have her do quiet time, it’s practically the same thing.” They said. Well guess what? It’s SO not the same thing and I’ll be honest and say this whole “quiet time” thing has been really hard. So instead of giving you well-meaning advice on transition from nap to quiet time, I’m going to tell you how it really is.

1. Kids Don’t Like To Be Alone

In case you hadn’t noticed, even a quick trip alone to the bathroom sends your child running to be by your side. It’s not that they don’t want you pee in solace- it’s just that the don’t like to be alone. Sure, they may tend to like the occasional solitude when they’re up to no good. But to be alone on purpose? Get ready for some push back my friends, because quiet time is all about being alone and for a long time. In an effort to avoid the loneliness, your child will start to resort to any means necessary to connect with you: having to go poop every day, right in the middle of quiet time. Maybe they are insanely thirsty, hungry or they just can’t stand the way their sock feels on their foot. It doesn’t matter and it’s usually the most sanity-sabotaging reason that will have you wondering, “why am I even bothering with quiet time?”

2. Quiet Time Is Never As Long As Nap Time

Gone are your 2 hour chunks of time, mamas. When they said that “quiet time is the same as nap time” they were lying to you. They just wanted you to feel less stressed about the impending doom that is quiet time. My normally independent 4-year old who can play on her own when I need her to get dressed for school, suddenly can’t go more than 10 minutes without asking if quiet time is over. I had dreams that I’d just give her activities to do for 2 hours and she’d be fine. Yeah right. Naps were 2 hours, quiet time is an hour and 15 minutes max. Get used to it!

3. Quiet Time Activities Work For 10 Minutes (Max)

When this whole quiet time thing started, I thought “I’ll just make her some quiet time boxes and she’ll play happily with them for the whole time.” Yeah right. Even the most well-intentioned quiet time activities lose their luster and usually within the first 15 minutes. Keeping special toys for quiet time is still a good idea, but don’t go thinking they are exciting enough to entertain for over an hour.  Before we even begin quiet time, I have my daughter gather a bunch of things she wants to play with and they are usually her favorite toys. Some days they keep her playing, other days she’s opening the door every few minutes to see if I’m still working across the hall.

4. They Are Really Good Days And Really Bad Days

This last week, quiet time was both a dream and almost the death of me. I could hardly believe the girl who skipped to her room to spend an hour of solitude one day was the same one who cried into her comforter about how long quiet time was the next. I cheerfully typed away one day, while my heart was breaking the next as I listened to her sob in the next room. The bad days are almost enough to want to throw in the towel all together. The good days keep you going, but the bad days threaten to break you.

5. It’s Worth It To Keep Going

As frustrating as it is to keep repeating the words “close your door, it’s quiet time,” it’s totally worth it in the end. Even though my all-knowing 4 year old doesn’t think she needs quiet time, she does. And so do I. I work from home, and as much as I love her, I need a break. She needs a break from me too. She’s an only child and probably always will be. She needs to be able to play independently, enjoy the quiet parts of life and be able to be away from me, emotionally. As a mom, I need a break from the constant needs and wants that come with a young child. I also need to be able to work so I can help provide for my family. Yes, she’s still young. But she’s old enough to start understanding that mommy and daddy work, and I hope she sees a healthy work ethic. Quiet times aren’t just for weaning kids from naps- they can be observed for years and we plan on doing that in our home. Despite the difficult days, I’m so glad I’m laying the groundwork now, when she’s young. Maybe it will make the pre-teen years all the more easier. Or is that just wishful thinking?

Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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15 Perfect Quiet Time Activities For Toddlers
CraftsFunTips & IdeasToddler

15 Perfect Quiet Time Activities For Toddlers

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

As babies grow into toddlers, they become infinitely more clever and aware of the world around them, which makes getting them to take those much-needed afternoon naps almost impossible. As toddlers are naturally inquisitive and active, it can be challenging to get them to transition from sleeping during the afternoons to spending those hours doing quiet time activities. While plopping them in front of the tv with a nice snack is certainly an option, there are also tons of awesome activities that help foster independence and succeed in teaching them great problem solving skills. From interactive puzzles to quiet books, these unique quiet time activities will make your little one’s transition a blast!

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Source: andnextcomesl.com

1. Mix & Match Creature Blocks

Draw up some awesome animated robot and monster parts on various colorful pool noodles. The mixing and matching will allow your child to express themselves in a super fun way. To make things even more interesting, create the blocks using characters from their favorite tv shows, movies, or books!

Find helpful information on learning disabilities as well as creative parenting tips at And Next Comes L.

Finished-I-Spy-Bag

Source: handmadeintheheartland.com

2. I Spy Bag

This genius I Spy bag puts any old picture book to shame! Simply gathering a few fun, miscellaneous items and placing them in a pencil case alongside a healthy dose of Poly-Fil Poly-Pellets, you can create a 3-D game that is incredibly fun and interactive.  Tip: Clipping a clear, printed photo of the items in the bag also allows your child to easily identify and cross items off of the list.

Head on over to Handmade in the Heartland to find tons of adorable crafts and delicious recipes.

shapes-11

Source: pastelsandmacarons.com

3. Toddler Shapes Activity Book

This helpful printable booklet acts as a quiet time activity and as a fantastic learning tool for toddlers at the same time! The extremely helpful guide on the last page is great for teaching toddlers the names of common shapes and the rest of the book, outfitted with corresponding colorful cutouts, is an awesome way for them to match and learn on their own. Laminating the printables is a must to prevent tearing and stains, also, carefully placing them in a binder or folder is a great way to prevent loss and ensure accessibility.

Pastels & Macarons is a great place to find crafting inspiration and helpful home tips.

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

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7 Tricks To Transitioning Out Of Nap Time To Quiet Time
Tips & IdeasToddler

7 Tricks To Transitioning Out Of Nap Time To Quiet Time

by Karly Wood
written by Karly Wood

If you’re reading this, you have probably come to the realization that your child’s much beloved nap time may be disappearing before your eyes. While most kids end up ditching their afternoon snooze by 4 years old, it’s not uncommon for children to stop napping as early as two and a half (please don’t let that be my daughter!). It’s also completely normal for children older than 4 to still need a few naps a week, especially if they are in preschool. What are some common signs that your child may be ready to forgo their nap time? They may have started a new routine of fighting nap and bedtime, as well as a long period of laying in their bed and talking, singing or laughing to themselves before falling asleep at night. If this sounds like your child, don’t lose all hope. Just because your toddler may not need a two hour nap anymore, it doesn’t mean that they don’t need (or that you don’t need!) that time to rest. Here are a list of some great ways you can start the transition from nap time to quiet time!

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1. Talk About Quiet Time

If your child is weaning from nap time, they are probably at least 3 years old, and have the cognitive capabilities to discuss quiet time. It’s not like talking to an 18 month old who switches from two naps to one (ahhh, remember those days?). You can have a very basic conversation with your child telling them that they don’t have to lay down and go to sleep, but that they do need to be quiet for whatever amount of time you deem appropriate. If you remove the requirement that they don’t have to nap, you may be surprised how willing they will be to play independently. And bonus: many kids end up falling asleep anyway!

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Source: @arrathoonlaa@att.net via Flickr

2. Start Out Slow

Depending on your child’s age, don’t expect an instant transition from a 2 hour nap to a 2 hour quiet time, in which you can lounge around eating bon bons, while your child plays industriously in their own room. This transition is going to take some getting used to, especially as your child realizes the new found freedom they have by not having to lay down. You may need to start out in 15 minute increments, and check in frequently. As your children get used to quiet time and as they get older, you can send them to their room for the required time and feel comfortable that they are ok.

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3. Quiet Time= Nap Time Mindset

In your mind, you should treat quiet time and nap time as the same. The purpose is to give everyone a break: an emotional and spacial one for you, and a physical break for your children. It may be helpful to still keep the pre and post nap time routine to signify the start of quiet time, such as having lunch and some milk, followed by a book. Whatever it takes to demonstrate that quiet time is coming will help your child take it seriously.

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4. Create Rules

Moving from a structured routine of nap time to a broad quiet time is a recipe for a disaster. As mentioned previously, you can’t expect your child to know what to do and be able to do it for 2 straight hours! Make sure you have rules about how loud they can be, bathroom breaks, what type of activities they can play and how long the quiet time will be. Make sure your expectations are clear and that your child understands them so you can have a successful quiet time.

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5. Have a Designated Space

Most people observe quiet time in their children’s bedrooms, but you can pick whatever space works for you. Perhaps they can play next to you as you work in the office, or in the living room within eye sight. Its up to you and entirely depends on your child’s personality. Some kids are just too social to have quiet time and NOT be chatty, so playing alone may be the better option. If there are too many toys that are tempting to play with and defeat the purpose of quiet time, consider moving them or your child to a less stimulating room during this time.

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6. Provide Activities

It is a great idea to offer choices about what type of games or activities your kids can play with during quiet time, and may help them be more amenable to observing it. Keep in mind that certain activities may actually rile your kids up, like playing video games or watching action movies, so it’s ok to designate those as post quiet time games. Books, blocks, puzzles and dolls are a few imaginative toys that are quiet natured and will keep them occupied for the length of time you’ve deemed to be quiet time. I have a friend who has “quiet time only” toys for her kids, and a stuffed animal that isn’t allowed to leave their bed. This is a big motivator for their kids, and a great idea to try out!

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7. Be Flexible

Just like with anything in parenthood, there are going to be good days and bad. If you have multiple children, then you no doubt have some coordinating to do as you try and get everyone to either nap or be quiet at the same time. Do your best to observe a routine as often as you can, but be flexible for the days when you just can’t get home or get it together enough to set aside that 2 hours of quiet time. Sometimes just having 15 minutes is all we need to recharge our batteries!

Karly Wood

Karly Wood

Editor at Red Tricycle
I'm a born and bred Southern California native and currently the managing editor at Red Tri. I get to share my life with my husband of 13 years and our beautiful, 5-year old daughter. In my free time you'll catch me cheering for the Dodgers, cooking, baking, reading, crafting and probably watching a little HGTV!
Karly Wood

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