Making time for God time.

Rebekah - posted on 06/15/2009

I understand, I'm in the same boat. My husband works long hours as well and we haven't had much time for each other or time with God together. Things I've been doing are: getting up earlier (even if it's only 10 minutes earlier) than my child and reading the Bible and praying; I'll make my husband lunch and write a prayer on a note and put it inside; I've dropped verses in his car for encouragement - and he'll text me later in the day with a verse or a word of encouragement or sometimes even a prayer. This has helped us, since on nights when he's home late and he just wants to veg out for a few then go to bed - I will cuddle with him on the bed and stroke his head and just pray over him while he sleeps. We also write a journal to each other. We write things that might be bothering us or what we've been reading or what God has been revealing to us and just put it on each other's pillow when it's ready to be read. We try to make it a daily occurrence, but sometimes it might be every other day. These things have helped us heal the marriage that was once rocky and keep us in communication even if we don't see each other much. I just keep praying that God will provide doors that he won't have to work so late and that he won't have to feel like he has to work so late to provide. I have faith that God will see us through - He always does. It really just takes some self-discipline to balance it all. Make a goal for yourself and small one, and build from there. Maybe instead of waking up every day early, try waking up early once a week then build it to 2 times a week, until you get to daily. Then make it 5 minutes, then build up to however long you feel God needs you to be with Him. I'm up now about an hour earlier than my child, which is nice. Gives me a little time for me before my day starts! :)

Nicole - posted on 06/15/2009

I think I may be a little further along than you, a step away from backsliding. I have just started ont his site so that I can probably stop the process. I am helping my father to care for my sick mom which has taken a toll on my spirtiual and emotional life and even my time with my kids. On top of that a temporary separation from my husband. It has left me somewhat bitter so I find myself struggling to come back to God. There is one thing I've noticed, he keeps sending people, situations and solving problems to show me he's still there. Once you've tasted God its really hard to go back on Him. My kids(8 and 9 years old) keep reminding me to pray and last night made me sing worship songs for them to sleep. I haven't done that for them in three years and it felt good. It may have been a small step but it was a step in the right direction.

Jody - posted on 06/14/2009

I completely understand how you are feeling. I am walking around with guilt eating it's way through my stomach, feeling as if the holy spirit is screaming at me that I know what I need to be doing, but am not doing it! My 15 month old is busy and wants to always be where I am and into what I am doing, so cleaning and laundry aren't very efficient. Keeping up with yardwork, then working three days a week on top of that and trying to be a good Christian wife to my husband, who works 50 hour weeks... it's all so much to juggle. With all of this, my relationship with God has suffered and I neglect it because it's the easiest to let go, unfortunately. All the while I picture God waiting patiently, which makes the guilt even worse. Setting a Christian example for our child should be on the top of our to do list, and I know our priorities are just not set in the correct order. I know I can't be a successful wife, mother and Christian without God's help. I'll have to start on my knees... and build from there.

Anne - posted on 06/14/2009

Hi me again, One thing I forgot to say is because my husband is home most nights for dinner He Prays in the evening. This is just what works for us at this time in our lives.

Tam - posted on 06/13/2009

Ashley, you've been hit by the "busy bug". I think all moms feel it, lol. You are in excellent company. Though I do think it's one reason young moms (or even older moms) are so tired and worn down, they haven't had their regular "faith lifts" like they did before.

We are taught to pray continuously and I've discovered that a lot of times for a busy mom with busy little ones that means in spurts rather than blocks. Definitely use the precious nap-times and whatnot to refresh spiritually and physically, but also try to find those moments to praise and pray throughout the day...while you're doing dishes, running the vacuum, in the shower...any time you can.

And like Heather said, go for livable. Remember, the less you have, the less you have to take care of so more time for God and your family. We have been purging more and more each day and can tell you it's made a huge impact.

Praying for you to find your balance in Him!

Always,
Tam

Heather - posted on 06/13/2009

I have four kids, ages 6, 4, and twins that are 18 months. My husband also works crazy hours, 8-13 hour days 6 days a week. When he is home in time to help put the kids together we both say prayers with the older boys before bed, and pray over the twins in their cribs together. We also pray together over the phone when God leads us. I read my Bible by myself every morning, and randomly through out the day, nap time is great. Then I write down one verse that I want to share with him and pack it in his lunch the next morning. The most important thing is to know that the house is always going to need cleaned. Don't go for spotless, go for livable. You don't want filthy, but cut yourself some slack. Our relationship with our heavenly Father is much more important then vacuuming the floor. I spent a lot of time in prayer for God to help me find a balance, and he has. We also moved into a smaller house. That helped a lot. I hope that helps you in some way.

Anne - posted on 06/13/2009

Hi ladies, I am one of the "not so new moms" When our daughters were little it was hard to find the time for family and couple time with God. For family we Prayed at our daughters bedside every night as part of the bed time routine. That word routine sounds very unspiritual but it worked for our family. For couple time we did what ever we had time for. Somedays it was a full Chapter from the Bible and Prayer others days it was a short devotional like Daily Bread. Now that our daughters are grown and basically not living at home any more, I find that I Pray for my husband (Or try) every morning when he is eating breakfast. I also include Praying for our daughters and any other thing God lays on my heart. I often stressed out about not have a set time and amount of time every day, I learned although not real soon that my heart reason for doing this was more important than the clock time. We also found that during family vacations it was easier.