The Quiet Time Basket

So many things have been changing and happening around here lately, that I haven't found the time to be able to sit down and write a single thing! I've missed you all and missed writing here in this little space! With that being said, I would like to share with you a little something practical that has given me a 'boost' in my times with the Lord. 

My husband and I enjoyed a lengthy conversation the other night about habits. We talked about healthy ones, unhealthy ones and new ones that we would like to create. We realised that we're all creating habits each and every day, whether we notice them or not, and whether we intentionally choose to or not.

So, if habits are formed regardless, isn't is much wiser to choose healthy ones in the first place? 

To focus on what we spend our time on, what we read, listen to etc, and make sure that we are choosing that which is good? Time is being spent every second of every day; time that is irreplaceable. Habits are formed each day, and unhealthy ones are hard to break.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Duet 30:19

I want to choose life. We must choose life!

In my day to day life I want to deliberately choose the healthy habit of spending time with the Lord. Of praying, giving thanks, reading His word, journaling, keeping a thankful list and so on. Putting all the materials together for these activities makes it so much easier for me to keep this healthy habit. Anything to make habit forming easier, right?

Enter the Quiet Time Basket.

What is that you ask? It's very simple. It's a basket that I picked up from a local garage sale (for 50c) that I have filled with all my essential quiet time materials so that it's really easy to grab it in the morning (with my cup of coffee of course) and head outside for some time with my precious Saviour.

Here's what's in my Quiet Time Basket ...

• My Bible
• Highlighters
• Pens
• Lead Pencils and colouring pencils
• My journal
• My thankful journal
• a small tin of solid watercolour paints and brushes
• rubber and sharpener
• fine tip coloured felt pens
• the book that I'm currently reading

What I really enjoy about this is that it's something that's so simple, but it's effects are so good for the soul! And if I have a spare few minutes throughout the day, I can just grab it again and off I go! How easy is that?!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Phil 4:8.

I pray you all have a beautiful week choosing to spend time with the Lord!

Journaling Bible - A Way To Relax

So much has been happening around here since I last posted. We've been very busy together! In between normal housework and shopping, dropping my eldest off to his first job, going to basketball and music practice etc; we've also been preparing for our neighboring towns local monthly markets. 

In among all this crazy busy, I've somehow managed to squeeze some time in to relax by doing some 'decorating' of my Bible.  I've also been playing with dollies (but that's for tomorrow's post!) 

Also, we officially began home schooling this week! ... 

 

Even though I fall into bed exhausted at the end of each day, I am so grateful (although in all honesty, there are days were I find it hard to be). Grateful for the opportunity to home school, to have more time with our precious kids, to have the time to teach them the things that my husband and I desire to see in their hearts and lives.

It is important though as home schooling Mothers, that we do take care of ourselves. We spend so much time, round the clock, taking care of those we love and assisting them with so many different things, that sometimes we can forget to look after us too. Sometimes, we even feel guilty for doing it. We shouldn't feel guilt though; if the needs of our family are met and we are not just sitting down all day doing our own thing and neglecting our families, then we can take time for us. Even fifteen minutes allows us to rest and refresh ourselves. 

Beautiful Mother, don't feel guilty for taking some time out; it makes us much better wives and mothers when we do. 

 I first brought this Journaling Bible back in 2009, and have only just figured out how I want to go about using it! I love photographs, and I love word art ... oh and washi tape! In my old Bible I had a pile of loose photos in between the pages that were always falling out and making it hard to turn the pages. 

Until I had a brainwave! ...

My new Bible is designed to have all the text written on the left page, and the right side page is left completely blank for journalling, notes etc.It's just fantastic and so much fun! I'll show you what I've been doing with mine ...

All supplies out and ready to go! Bible, photographs, pens, washi tape, scissors, double-sided tape and trimmer!

The two laminated verses are ones that I had on my wall at our old house in my craft room. I've just had them lying around since we've moved, and I'm glad I thought of adding them to my Bible!

I've added HEAPS of photographs (these are only some) onto the pages, just by sticking them down first with double-sided tape, and then adding washi tape to the edges to give it some colour and design! I may go back and write some details about the photos at a later date, I still haven't decided yet. These are memories that I just didn't want to forget, and these pictures make me smile every time I look at them!

I love scripture art, and words! So, I just sketched these using a normal blue Biro pen (so that the ink wouldn't seep through the pages) and added washi tape as well. These are some of my favourite scriptures that I want to remember and live by.

One of the best things that I love about this Bible is that it's a work in progress (just like me!) and it allows me to grab bits of time here and there to relax! I have many more verses to write out, and maybe some quotes or poems too. 

Is this something you do to relax too? 
I hope you find some time to relax this week ...