Quiet time. Why is it that when things get busy, our quiet time is the thing that lacks? (Please tell me I’m not the only one!) It’s a new month (and new year). Time for re-starts and new beginnings. I, for one, want to make it a point to have my quiet time every day—even if it’s in the midst of chaos. Here are three simple ways I am adopting to help make sure my quiet time happen.
1. Keep a simple lifestyle. For me this means saying no to things. I am a people pleaser; I have an insanely hard time telling someone “no.” In the past few months, my eyes have been opened to the world of “no” – and knowing it is OK. By going through my life and cutting out the unnecessary, I’ve found more breathing room. I have also discovered starting my day with my quiet time does a world of change in my attitude. I can actually remember what is important and needs to get done. I’m not scurrying all day trying to get things finished and ending up with a pile of stuff finished, but not to the best of my ability. For me this means shutting down early (no more late-nighters for me) and getting up early—before my kids (who get up pretty early).
2. Download an app. (I’d suggest the YouVersion Bible app.) I love my Bible. I love the feel, the smell, the words—everything. (I am a bit of a book lover, anyways.) But some days there are those days. Those days where the kids are up before I can even think about pushing the snooze button. The days where no amount of trying can make anything go right to have a “quiet” time much less my quiet time. This is when I love having the accessibility of an app on my phone. I can lay in bed and read before the sun comes up (because it is a known fact that as soon as Mom is out of bed, it is time for everyone to wake up—no matter what the hour) or I can a few precious moments in the bathroom throughout the day. And with my Lifeproof case, I can even do my quiet time under the hot stream of the shower!
3. Have a partner. Have someone who will keep you accountable. For me this is my best friend in the whole world. We have similar lifestyles (both have two rambunctious kids under the age of three) and both have the tendency to let our quiet time slide accidentally. But together we keep each other accountable and stay in the Word. This year we have downloaded the same “read through the Bible in a year” plan. It is so much easier when you are doing it with someone. It is also fun to compare thoughts on what you read.
Do you have a plan for staying in the Word? I would love to hear your suggestions!
About the Author
Christen graduated from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith with a BA in English in 2007. After graduating, she worked as an assistant in a nationwide real estate auction firm in a big city. After getting pregnant, she and her husband moved back to her small hometown to settle down.
Christen loves working with people. She’s passionate about assisting others while they accomplish their dreams. She loves a good cup of coffee and rainy days. When Christen isn’t keeping the Nest at Litfuse in order, she’s spending every last minute with her husband, Andy, and kids, Elsie and Drew.
Catch up with Christen at her blog or via Twitter!
Other button size options
I’ve gotta say, it probably wouldn’t have occurred to me to do my quiet time on my phone!
It’s a new thing for me, Caitlin!! I’m getting real “tech savvy” with my phone lately!
xo,
Christen
They have some great devotionals on YouVersion, too!
Oooh I didn’t realize they had devotionals too! I’ll have to check that out!
Loved your post today. Since I’m not tech savvy and am homebound, I use the first one. Keep my life quite simple. Due to my disability I have to decide what I’ll be dedicating my time and energy to during that day since it’s so limited. This may sound silly, but actually many of my ideas for spending time in the Word come from blogs or parts of fiction books I’ve read during the day. All of a sudden something hits me and I want to study about it. This happens everyday and is perfect for me. Blessings, Susan Fryman
Sounds like a great idea, Susan!
xo,
Christen
Love your post. I think quiet time tends to be a challenge for most everyone. I like the idea of being in the Word before your feet hit the floor for the day. You go, mama!
It doesn’t always happen but I sure try!
xo,
Christen
I use the YouVersion and love it. There’s great reading plans!
My friend and I are doing one chronologically through the Bible. We’re both pretty excited about it!
xo,
Christen
Christen, I enjoyed your ideas very much. I’m a lot like you, being a people pleaser, and having an extremely hard time saying no to anyone for anything. I need to put my priorities in order. I think that you may be onto something with the app. I always have my iphone or tablet with me, so no more excuses! I’m going to check out the particular app that you mentioned and add it to both the tablet and the iphone! Thanks again, and thanks to Tricia for hostessing you today!
Good luck, Nancee! I know you can do it!!
xo,
Christen
I’m not a huge fan of Bible Reading plans, esp. ones that are Calendar based (e.g. through the Bible in a year). In my experience, its too easy to get discouraged and give up on these plans, especially if/when you get a few days behind and try to “catch up” (which usually happens in mid-February a few chapters into Leviticus : ) There are several ways to approach scripture (i.e. order of reading the books of the Bible), I say pick one and if you get a couple days behind forget about all that guilt and just pick up where you left off (God has no interest in shaming you). I’m big on setting realistic, achievable goals, so choose a Reading Plan that’s only 1 chapter a day (that takes about 5 minutes) and has a check box next to each daily reading but no date. At that rate, you can read through the entire New Testament in a year (even taking weekends off), and the entire Bible in about 3 years. I’ve been reading the Bible (and journaling on it) about 4-5 days per week for 10+ years now and this approach has served me well. A regular diet of God’s word will transform your life (Heb. 4:12).
Great thoughts, Brad! I love journaling too, although I’ve gotten out of the habit.
xo,
Christen