“Wait a minute, ” I interrupted. “Read that again. Is that really in Isaiah?”
My husband and I are reading through the Bible again this year — together and out loud. Aside from the challenge of actually being in the same room (or the same vehicle) at the same time for this daily discipline and delight, we are both finding that reading the text out loud is affecting the details that we notice and deepening our understanding of the passage. We hear the repetition and the rhythm of recurring phrases as our mouths form the syllables and the sounds of Hebrew names and the nomenclature of ancient Middle Eastern geography.
In addition to giving us something important to share in common in these days of the empty-ing nest, this practice keeps me grounded in the overall scope of Scripture’s narrative arc, reminding me that God is at work in a larger story that is massively redemptive and globally significant.
As a busy mum, I set modest goals for my reading and study, usually sticking with a chapter for at least a week in order to get the most out of it. This is like the slow pace of a stroll in which details that are missed at 55 miles per hour in the car suddenly show up and ask to be noticed. A slow read gives me time to read, re-read, and process.
This is Week 2 in the series for mums who want to step up their time with God, and this week, Shannon from Of the Hearth has posed two questions:
In what ways has being a mum changed how you go about having a devotional time?
What tools have helped you to be consistent?
In my answers, I advocate for the prudent use of little minutes, remind readers that God is committed to meeting with us no matter where we are, and I encourage mums to embrace the changes that are part of life. I also share how important accountability has been in maintaining good study habits.
Elizabeth from Guilty Chocoholic Mama is sharing her thoughts along with Shannon, and the three of us would love to hear your input. Click here to join the discussion, and be sure to share the post with other mums you know who are living this following life and seeking Truth in the small spaces between their loving duties.
For those who missed the discussion from last week, you can catch up here.
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SO honored to be part of this with you and Shannon, Michele! Heading over now before heading off to Adventure Camp at church! Blessings on your day! #Coffee&Conversation
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And on yours! Upholding you in prayer for this crazy (and blessed) week!
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How fun that you’re reading Scripture aloud with your husband! It does make us sit up and take notice. I guess our ears are another set of eyes.
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Yes, it’s be downright jarring at times, and I ask myself, “How could I have read this so many times and missed it?”
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That is so great that you are reading the Word with your husband! My kids and I are doing that one chapter or two at a time. It may take a few years but at least we’ll get through and I don’t lose their attention. I love God’s Word!
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So great that you are being intentional about reading with your children. A good habit begun early!
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Love the idea of reading Scripture aloud with your husband! Clicking over to join you on the other blog as well.
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Thanks, Kristi!
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I’m really enjoying this series! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
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