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Has it been difficult to find time for personal Bible study?
You always seem to have a baby/toddler with the superpower of waking up 10 minutes before whatever time you set your alarm to! (How do they do that?) If you can manage to find a quiet time when the kids are asleep, you're too exhausted.
It's ok, mama. I know how it is. I also know that we want our kids to be children who love God and His Word, right? One of the best ways of cultivating that in their lives is for them to see us honoring God with our time and reading His Word daily.
So, what's a mom to do?
A fun and practical approach is to bring your kids into the Bible study along with you!
As much as possible, include them in your reading of and reflection on the scriptures you are reading for the day. They can draw pictures, act out scenes, and discuss ways to apply what they've learned that day.
Now, before you click away thinking that's just unrealistic, I have a fantastic resource that will help you and your children dig into the Word together!
Bible Study for Busy Mamas
Let me tell you about Bible Study for Busy Mamas by Pam Forster of Doorposts. These books are packed full of down-to-earth ideas for finding time for personal study and including your kids as well.
I can honestly say that the Busy Mamas studies are the best studies I have used. (We use and love several of their parenting resources in our home too!) We are in a season of life where I can't get out to a women's Bible study, and I lose my way with other ones I've found online.
Here's why I love the Busy Mamas studies:
- Just 5-10 minutes a day. No, really! You read through the passage/verse, look up some words, and write a few things down. There are catch-up days built in, and even the kids' activities are relatively short!
- Study tools and techniques. Simple and effective techniques for Bible study become part of your personal toolbox. The resources recommended are fantastic and usually completely free!
- Focused and in-depth study. These aren't fluffy studies with no meat. You will learn good things and have some “aha!” moments that stay with you.
- Wisdom and advice. Pam's experience and wisdom really build up and minister to moms of young children. It is a true blessing, like having her there to mentor you.
- Includes the kids! Your kids are included in the study. They hear God's Word and do activities that solidify it in their little hearts. Every day is different, so they won't get bored.
Kids' drawings from various Doorposts studies.
Your Kids Join the Study!
This is such a unique aspect of these studies. For each lesson, there are ideas for including your children in the fun. Just look at the drawings, dress up, and building projects shown in these pictures! (Many thanks to Arinne, Kim, Carrie, and their kids for sharing their creations.)
Here are some of the things your kids will get to do:
- Act out scenes themselves or with toys
- Watch videos that illustrate an idea
- Activities to reinforce a concept
- Create props and put on costumes
- Draw pictures
- Craft projects
- Service projects
- Shoot videos
- Object lessons
- Much more!
For more ideas on how to occupy smaller kids while you study or to include the children, read Pam's helpful post on How to Study Your Bible Along With Your Children.
Proverbs 31 study – gates of the city and a little man of valor.
Available and Future Studies
There are three Busy Mamas studies available to purchase so far: Thirty Days in 1 Corinthians 13, Thirty Days in Psalm 37, and Thirty Days in Colossians 3. Proverbs 31 is currently in the works, and more studies are planned for release later this year.
Each time Doorposts creates a new study, they work through it first with readers on their blog and in their Busy Mamas Bible Study Facebook group. Be sure to sign up with those for updates!
Three Winners – Busy Mamas Bible Study Giveaway!
The folks at Doorposts have generously agreed to give away all three of the Bible Study for Busy Mamas books! Be sure to enter below! Giveaway ends on 8/15/2014 at 11:59:59 PM.
