You Can Always Make Time – MOM 2 MOM Mondays {guest post – Angie}

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 516-18 NKJV

I still remember it like it was yesterday. I had gotten up early to spend time in the Word when my newborn woke up and was hungry. Before I could get settled in, the other 4 kids woke up and our day began. I became so frustrated that I was not able to steal away just a few minutes to spend time with Jesus. The day was completely wasted by my trying to find quiet time alone to read my Bible and pray in an organized fashion.

After a few days of this same scenario repeating itself I gave up. I was standing at the kitchen sink with my baby in one arm when I just threw my left hand toward Heaven. “I give up Jesus. I’m so sorry. I’m going to have to just praise you no matter where I am or what is going on. Please accept my worship in the midst of this chaos…” It was right at that moment that I realized: “Isn’t that what the Bible says to do anyway?” I had been making it way too complicated. Just like the old chorus we sang in church, “Wherever I am, I’ll praise Him. Whenever I can, I’ll praise Him.” There was no reason I could not just stir up my creativity and find new ways to worship God and spend time with Him throughout my day.

Once I realized that no matter where I am I can pray and spend time with the Lord, I surrendered and began to do just that. I sang as I went about my day. I prayed and raised my hands while listening to worship music with the kids. While in the shower or driving I gave my time to God. I read my Bible in small increments as I could through the day or listened to the Bible in audio form while doing dishes. It may not be as ideal as being able to set aside a block of time for these things, but it was the only way it was going to happen for me.

The next thing I knew, my children were praising and worshiping along with me. We were memorizing scripture together more easily. My little ones were learning from my example, and it became clear to me that this was exactly the legacy I wanted to leave behind.

Now as time has gone on, it has become second nature to pray, worship, and find closeness to Jesus throughout my day. I still strive to carve out time alone with Him, to enjoy His presence more deeply. But being able to be at peace when that is not possible has brought me so much happiness. Jesus is always with me, so there is no reason I can’t always talk to Him, right? Praise The Lord! Isn’t He wonderful?

Have you ever gone through something similar? Are you discouraged, feeling disconnected, and thirsting for more time with the Lord? I want to encourage you to become creative and just give it all to Him. Nothing compares to the joy that comes from involving Him in every part of our lives, even the unpleasant moments.

Angie, a mother of 5, currently lives in the Inland Empire area of Southern California with her husband of 6 years, Bobby, & their 3 youngest children who are 5 & under. She has 2 older children, ages 12 & 10, that she is a noncustodial mother of who live with her during the summer. She is a stay at home mom, homeschooling all 3 of her younger children. She’ll be the first to admit she is human & full of flaws. Every day she praises God for His grace & mercy on her life. She’s lived in 5 different states, loves to craft & sew, and is what you would call a “Disney Geek” since birth. She blogs at Raising Sticky Hands To Heaven about praising God in the midst of jelly sandwiches, toys, cracker crumbs, laughter, and tears. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.