As a busy mom of seven little children, I can honestly say that the most important thing I do each day is spend time with Jesus.
You might wonder what that actually looks like—realistically.
I’m not here to tell you I do this perfectly. But I do know this: when I don’t spend time with the Lord, my attitude shifts, and the spirit of our home feels less peaceful and less sweet. My time with Him is where my joy, peace, and hope come from as I navigate each day. Without it, I find myself overwhelmed and anxious.
So I’ve learned—this time is not optional for me. It’s a priority.
I’ve kept a very similar routine for nearly 20 years now. It’s simple, and it’s sustainable.
Here’s what it looks like in this season of life.
1. Choose a time with the fewest distractions
For me, that’s after the kids are in bed and the house is quiet. I don’t feel rushed, pulled in multiple directions, or interrupted (as much as that’s possible with little ones). This is when my heart feels most settled.
2. Ask the Lord to open your heart
Before I read, I ask God to teach me what He wants me to learn. The Bible is His love letter—personal, living, and fresh every single day. He promises to speak through His Word, and I believe He does.
3. Keep it simple: Read one chapter at a time.
Each year I choose a different approach. I’ve read through the Bible in a year, done specific studies, and this year I’m slowly working through the New Testament—one chapter at a time.
I read the chapter once, then I use the eSword Bible app to look up definitions of words I don’t fully understand or want a deeper meaning of. I’ll often write those definitions right into my Bible.
Understanding the meaning behind the words has completely changed how Scripture comes alive for me. I go verse by verse and ask, “How does this apply to my life today?”
4. Journal: Write it out
I usually journal one page each evening, broken into three simple sections:
– A key verse — along with any word definitions that challenged or encouraged me
– Reflection — what that verse means to me, what God is showing me, or changes I feel prompted to make
– Moments from the day — sometimes the sweetest things I’m grateful for: family dinner around the table, Willie waking up asking for “mama bear,” or the love note Chad left by my bed. Other times, it’s the hard moments that weigh on my heart—the morning I spilled an entire carton of milk while making hot chocolate and then broke the coffee cups trying to clean it up, or a friend walking through deep hardship.
Journaling helps me slow down and notice—what I’m grateful for, what God is teaching me, and what’s really going on in my heart. It’s a small glimpse into each day of my life.
When I look back through old journals, I see God’s faithfulness so clearly. I see answered prayers, kept promises, and just how blessed I truly am. It reminds me how thankful I am to be His child.
5. Talk with the Lord—and listen
I keep prayer lists in my journal and add to them each evening. There are pages for Chad and me, for each of our children, for friends carrying heavy burdens, for our church, for missions, for family, and for friends. This time feels less like a checklist and more like sitting with my closest friend.
Staying consistent—and having a routine—has made all the difference for me. I genuinely sleep better. I’m more at peace. It’s just like spending time with someone you love deeply: you walk away encouraged, strengthened, and eager for the next time together.
Some days are harder than others. You may feel tired or unsure how to fit it in. But I encourage you—try it for one month. Keep it simple. Give yourself grace. And see what the Lord does.
With love, Erin
