Quiet Time

I'm often asked how I got my oldest daughter, E to pray without prompting and have such a tender heart for the things of God at such a young age. I really don't have the answer to those questions except for it has to be the Lord. She really does have a sensitive heart and compassion for people .... and she does recall scripture for most situations in her little life. Thankfully, we are starting to see those same qualities in O.

I guess it helps to make Jesus part of your everyday conversation .... and, we do .... but we mess up A LOT and pray often that through all the craziness our children can at least see glimpses of Him in us .... although I'm sure it's difficult most days.

But, I do think I have some insight to how we got her to read her bible everyday. .

Here's what we do ....

When E was a toddler, she had naptime every afternoon. I used that time to recharge myself and spent it reading (or napping - depending on the day). But, once she rebelled against naps I had to get creative because I still needed that downtime and O would need a quiet house in which to sleep. So, I just called it something else - knowing that 'quiet time' would make her think she was having to nap - thus came 'room time'.

Room time could consist of anything she wanted as long as she didn't make any noise. She could lie down (never happened), play, work puzzles or color - but she had to spend 15 minutes of the time reading or looking at books. E started reading at age 3, so this worked out well for her. But, even with O now (yes, she also has roomtime everyday), she spends that time looking at books.

Once the girls go in their rooms, I set a timer for 15 minutes and they know they have to read until the timer goes off. Afterwards, they can play quietly (usually for at least another 30 minutes).

Okay, back to E .....

When she turned 7 years old and was comfortable with writing sentences, I bought her a pretty journal. Her first 15 minutes of reading time could only consist of one book - the Bible. She can read any story or passage she wants, but has to write at least one verse in her journal and write what that verse means to her. (She's 7 so there's a lot of verses about creation, fruits of the Spirit and Psalms). Then, she can write whatever she wants in her journal.

I tell her I don't have to read it, but she does have to show me she's written something (shhhh ... we all know I read it, right? :)

Here's a look into her nightstand where most of her journals are kept (along with a princess horse and a H*llo Kitty treasure box - you know, for inspiration :)

Now the truth: At first, reading her Bible was difficult for her because she wanted to choose other books. That attitude didn't even last a week. Now she knows she can read those books after the first 15 minutes are up. I never hear a complaint and it has become routine for her - with no arguments. There are even days she will ask me if she can start her quiet time. Love that!

O has time in her room at the same time, but being 3 years old, her time still consists of picture books, coloring, puzzles and playing.

It's a little easier during the Summer with a more relaxed schedule. They have their time after breakfast. When school is in, they have that time while I'm preparing dinner (after homework).

I'm praying this time will be imprinted on my girls' hearts forever and as they get older, they will not be able to go throughout their day without a word from the Lord.

And, let's not forget .... Mommy LOVES that time of quiet, quiet, quiet.