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I have always considered myself a Christian, but a few years back I came to the realization that the life I was living did not necessarily reflect my Christian values and beliefs. I worked hard to make changes to live the life that God had intended me to live.
With a busy schedule of work, school, and of course married life, I had to find creative ways to squeeze a little faith in my day. I started attending a bible study class and read my bible cover to cover in a year. When I was put on bed rest during my pregnancy, my faith took a HUGE leap. I was reading tons of books on Christianity, I was praying intensely, and I even said my rosary on a daily basis. It felt AMAZING to be using all of the extra time I had to further my faith and deepen my relationship with God.
Now that I have a gorgeous little girl, free time is ... well... pretty much non-existent. All of the free time I have is spent sleeping, showering, stuffing food down as quick as possible, cleaning the house, and paying some much needed attention to my husband. Although I LOVE LOVE LOVE my life as mother, I began to miss the extensive faith based activities I had gotten used to engaging in throughout my pregnancy.
I may not have as much time as I used to, but I am determined to spend the time I have in a way that pleases God and enhances my faith.
A while back, I listened to a pastor speak. As he spoke, he challenged each of us to ignite our faith and set our hearts on fire with love for the Lord. What a calling!!!!!
I am so blessed to be able to teach children about Jesus and God our Father on a daily basis. although I love our silly bible songs, Christian kids books, and bible activities, I began to crave more "grown-up" time with God.
I bought a daily devotional written specifically for busy moms (there are a bunch out there, I am using A Mom After God's Own Heart). Now I start my day with a short page of scripture and real world application that I can relate to as a wife and mother.
I know all of us have busy lives, but we MUST be careful not to let our faith take a backseat to all of our other daily obligations.
I encourage each of you to take a few minutes out of your day and dedicate that to enriching and strengthening your faith. You just might be surprised at the rejuvenating effects it may have on your day. Take time to pray, read a devotional, study the bible, or just spend time contemplating the great gifts that God has blessed you with. Whatever you choose to do, do it with exuberance and love for the Lord. Your life will change in magnificent ways!
Much love and God bless.
What a wonderful reminder!
ReplyDeleteWhat devotional is it that you're reading? Now that I'm two weeks into this new-mom thing, I'd love to start something similar!
As soon as Bradli was born, I realized I needed strength from the Lord more than ever. I was just too run down (and swamped with the baby blues) to do it on my own. I started reading a chapter of Proverbs every morning on my iPhone through the YouVersion app. I read it during her first morning nursing sesh, then I spend the rest of the time in prayer. It's so worth it communing with God! He wants the relationship with us and we NEED the relationship with Him!
Thanks again for everything, INCLUDING THE GIVEAWAY! So exciting!!
I am reading A Mom After God's Own Heart
DeleteI completely agree with you!! It is so easy to let life get in the way of our walk with the Lord, but HE is the only reason we are on this earth anyway! When we take time out of our lives to sit with him, listen, and be obedient our lives will be a reflection of Christ!! Praying that the Lord will spark a fire in your heart for him!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've found a way to make your faith a part of your daily life, Jillian, and that your daycare is really taking off! Though I was raised in the Catholic faith, I've now chosen to not practice religion as an adult for many reasons. Still, I take the time regularly to consider the steps I can take to be a better person, to love and help others, and to be grateful for all that I have.
ReplyDeletethat's so encouraging lady..thanks for encouraging all of us!
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