Hey friend! It has been put on my heart recently to help teach others to lean into the Lord. I feel like the whole subject can be intimidating, but it really isn’t. Because there really isn’t a wrong way to do it.

It got me thinking that maybe you don’t know where to start and what that even means to have a “quiet time.”

Some of you may have your quiet time routine set up and going strong and that is AWESOME!!

Some of you, maybe it’s been a bit, but you’re filling the tug at your heart to start back and you’re not sure where.

Some of you maybe have never even had a quiet time or know what that is.

So let’s get back to basics.

A quiet time is exactly what it says: a quiet time with the Lord.

You can spend this time HOWEVER you want. It’s just intentional. Dedicated.

I set the intention to spend the first minutes of my day this year with the Lord and that has been really helpful. Something I challenge you to do as well. Sleeping in the extra 15 min or looking at instagram for 15 minutes is easier, but definitely not going to set your heart up for all the challenges you face in the day.

3 things I do to set myself up for success: I set my alarm 15-30 earlier than I need to be “awake” for the kids. I make sure that I have everything ready in the place I’m going to do my quiet time. I make sure the coffee is set. (I will for sure fall back asleep without coffee)

I usually start out with my devotion and like to use my bible. Most devotions have the scripture you’re studying in the actual book, but going into the Word of God is something different. I don’t know how or why, but it is. I just feel like I usually read a little more and get some more context. Plus I really like to add notes from my devotion into my bible so I can look back at them later. I rarely reread a devotion, but I’ll flip through different sections of my bible forever!

Then I journal. I have been journalling foreverrrr. I love it because you can easily look back and see the Lord’s hand in your life. When you’re up close in your day to day and just making it, it can be hard to see. Looking back a month or a year, and seeing how he’s come through for you is so. life. giving! So humbling. Highly recommend.

That’s it.

If I’m short on time, I’ll just do the devotion and spend time praying in the car when I’m alone.

If I have a ton of time or I’m doing an actual bible study, I’m spending a lot more time.

Different seasons. Different situations.

BUT I promise you if you start, you will be different. Show up and he will show up. Period.

If you are just starting out here are a few resources that I have personally used and loved:

Bibles:

She Reads Truth Bible: It’s a thick bible, but I like the studies and maps and art in it. This is the one I use the most.

1 Year Chronological Bible: I’ve done this before and it goes in order of history, so I feel like it gives you a greater understanding of all the stories and when they happened.

Devotions:

New Morning Mercies: I’ve done this many times and it was the most recommended devotion on my instagram! Easy to follow no matter how long you’ve been following the Lord!

First 5 App: Honestly one of my favorite devotionals. You read a section of scripture and read the devotion with it. EASY PEASY.

She Reads Truth: I LOVE these studies. They set it up with you reading lotsssss of scripture that is on the pages for you and then you have a few questions to reflect on. Easy if you don’t have lots of time and like everything set up for you.

The Year of Living Happy: I did this last year and LOVED it. All about having contentment.

100 Days to Brave: I’ve worked through this many times and love it. AND it’s by Annie. F. Downs and I adore her.

Bible Studies:

Faith in Practice Study Book: this is what my husband and I are currently doing!

Flooded: This is Proverbs 31 Ministries next study starting April 12th. Might do this one.

Elijah: I just finished this study on Elijah and it is AMAZING. Cannot recommend it enough. The days do take longer, so if you only have 15 minutes either break the days up more or wait until time is better for you.

Journal:

Journals: I use a journal like this every morning. I may write a whole blog post on how much I love journaling and being able to LOOK BACK and see how God answered your prayers. It will really pump your faith.

Lean into the Lord, ladies. Now is the time.