Eight weeks ago our little family of three became four as we welcomed precious Lucas James Walters into the world! He is a doll and we are soaking up every sweet minute of his new little life. His presence, however, has brought my blogging and my study of God’s promises to a screeching halt. Since this is my second kid, I knew this would happen. I knew that the first several months (a.k.a the “fourth trimester”) would be largely focused on keeping my kids and myself alive and that reading and writing would likely take a back seat. And it has. No surprise.
But in an effort to be fully transparent, I am struggling. I miss that time of study. It was renewing, refreshing and invigorating to spend quality time searching the Bible for God’s promises. I felt more focused and clear minded than I had in a while. During my pregnancy and the months of study on this topic, I knew that eventually this sacred time would end and I would enter into a different kind of sacred time caring for baby Lucas. So I made note cards upon note cards of verses that I could grab and read over during this season to remind me of what I learned and the clarity and focus I gain from spending time in the Word.
Yet the cards lay scattered on the floor under my nightstand, having been knocked to the ground around 1 am in the first days home with Lucas, pretty sure some are ruined from knocking over a glass of water or two on top of them in the dark. Why didn’t the cards work? I thought I had made a fool proof system to keep myself connected but my system isn’t working. I have my Fighter Verses App on my phone, and I am forgetting to go there too. I occasionally open my Jesus Calling App and get something there. Inevitably the few times I have tried to meditate I either fall asleep or get interrupted. And part of me mourns the loss of that peaceful and precious “me” time alone with my Bible and my notebook.
This is a season. It will change, just like the season before it changed. But what I am searching for now is a way to stay connected to God during this season. I have to confess, since I have shared so much of this journey with you, that I am feeling very disconnected. And I worry that I am going to lose much of what I gained.
I need some advice from yall. How can I stay engaged and connected to studying God’s promises in this season? How can I keep it up alongside caring for infant and toddler? I am sure that someone out there has figured this out already. I am about to write verses on the walls and maybe that is the answer I dont know. All I know is that there will always be seasons and change will always threaten to disrupt my flow. I need a system in place that can adapt with the changes and keep me in the right frame of mind.
Any thoughts out there?
annielauriewalters.com 
Girl, I’m gonna have to say that if anyone says they have it figured out-they’re lying. I know it is a season but I’ve struggled in every season I’ve been in. I will say this-God is always ready to spend time with you. He doesn’t get sleepy or distracted or interrupted. Ideally, I would get up before everyone else and spend time in the Word. Does that ever happen? Sometimes. Mostly not. But since He’s always ready, I can sing His praises while I clean the kitchen. I can thank Him for all His blessing while I’m doing laundry. I can ask Him how He wants me to parent my children while I’m picking up their toys are organizing their closets. I can confess and ask Him to wash away my sin while I get that much needed shower. I can ask how He wants me to minister to others in my community when I’m out working in the yard or going to the mailbox. It’s constant communication. He’ll respond and you obey. You pass along what He says to your family, to those precious babies. The Holy Spirit will bring all those Scriptures you’ve spent time in before kiddos to mind and you’ve got 2 way conversation going. Keep those Scripture cards nearby and open the Word when you can. I love you girl and I’m praying for you!
Well I for one need some advice as well in this area! There is a verse that a older wiser more mature woman shared with me once that I cling to. Luke 2:17-19 “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I love that Mary pondered them in her heart…she had a new baby and was going through all the same realities that we do as moms with young kids except she was raising the Messiah! But I imagine she was exhausted and feeling similar…but she pondered in her heart. Some seasons that may be all we can do. 🙂
loved reading this blog this morning friend… although I don’t have kids, I know that watching you over the years seeing your dedication to the littles is such a sweet devotion to God… I’ll pray that He “breaks in” to your parenting time and shows you His love in creative new ways. xoxo 🙂
Let’s schedule a phone date! I have a few ideas I can share with you.
Thanks everyone for the good feedback! I am comforted to know I am not alone in this!
Hi Anne,
I dont have kids yet but I have been guardian to 4 teenagers and a 8 year old. I love kids and I know they are a blessing from GOD. I must say, I admire you moms all over the world. From my firsthand experience I had to call my older sisters for help and all they said was; “you beat us to it though, you started with teenagers, we started with toddlers.” lol.
But I have learnt that despite our situation, or what the world throws at us for any reason, it all comes down to our relationship with GOD. If you hold a deep intimate relationship with GOD you will always put Him first in everything you do each day, each hour, let him be your everything, your ALL and will experience life and your purpose in an EXTRAORDINARY way only you can testify how glorious and rewarding each day you face will be.
I recommend the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Its a 40 day spiritual journey that will absolutely transform your life!
Abundant Blessings!
I read this today and thought of you and your question. It’s one idea…
http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2013/10/03/my-not-so-quiet-time/
Thanks Sarah! I am going to check this out now!
OKAY that is a great idea!!!! I love it!