This summer I got to interview several amazing women from our church that are in different life stages. I had asked the blog team if we could do some digging into the way women are studying the Bible at CRBC. There was a selfish motive in asking to do this as I have a two month old and need ideas as to how I can effectively study God’s Word in my new season. It is hard when we have life shifts, to either stick with our current study or to find an effective new process.
Kara Conner was my first victim. She is in a season that I will call “very busy mom, wife, friend, and teacher.” Our hope is that by seeing how other women find ways to engage with the Bible, we will be spurned on to either keep doing it, try a new way, or start prioritizing it in our lives.
WHAT IS YOUR STAGE OF LIFE AND GIVE A QUICK INTRO TO WHO YOU ARE.
I am 35 years old and a 2nd grade teacher at Rollingwood Elementary School. My husband, Sebastian, is the Next Gen/Student pastor at CRBC and I love serving with him whenever I can. We have 4 amazing daughters: Alivia (7), Sloane (6), Ruth (2), Harlynn (2). I was a stay at home mom for 4 years before returning to teaching this past school year. Our life is full and beautiful and a little crazy!
Q: HOW DO YOU STUDY GOD’S WORD IN YOUR CURRENT SEASON?
How? I'll be completely transparent here. My Bible time is not near what I need it to be. Last fall we moved cities, both started new jobs, kids started a new school/daycare, and the twins are now in their "terrific" twos. I feel like I have been on auto-pilot and survival mode. My Bible time currently is helping my daughters read through their Bible devotional workbooks. We read the daily verses, discuss the questions, and pray together. It's the devotional that they got when they were baptized at our church, and we love it! It was supposed to be a one month devotional, but it's taking us longer than that. I am also discipling a young mom at church and we are reading through the book, "Risen Motherhood; Gospel Hope for Every Day Moments." We meet once a week to discuss a chapter. The book has been about how the Gospel meets us in motherhood and it's been a great read so far! When I remember, I also use the First 5 app or First 15 app for quick daily verses/passages to think on throughout the day.
When? With my older daughters this summer, we’ve tried to study on weekdays during the twins' nap time, but this routine will change when school starts back up. On my own, I try to at least read the First 5 or First 15 app in the mornings or right before bed.
Favorite tool? I use a study Bible that has commentary in it and I really like reading the extra information it gives. I like the CSB and NIV translations. When I have time, I journal. Vickey Banks told me 2 great questions to ask when reading: "What does this teach me about God? In light of that, how should I change my beliefs or actions?" I love how simple this is! I've liked the HEAR method and Sword method, but they require more time. I retain the most when I have guided questions to focus on. (Otherwise my mind wanders to my chore list.)
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE STUDY?
I love them all! A dear friend of mine always says, "Oh, this is my favorite!" about any story in the Bible, because God's Word is so good! I always love women's Bible studies that have a workbook with daily homework. 20/20 by Christine Cain and Take Courage by Jennifer Rothschild are a couple that stand out.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY CHALLENGING MOMENTS OF TRANSITION TRYING TO INTEGRATE BIBLE STUDY IN A NEW WAY?
Before marriage, I was a young, single missionary in Thailand and had a lot of time to read God's word, journal, pray, and I got to do it as part of my work day routine! It was amazing! Later, marriage and working in public school was definitely a transition, but I still was able to have long, uninterrupted quiet times with God. Having kids, though. That is a hard transition. My dreams of peaceful mornings alone with God before the kids wake up were replaced with the reality of babies waking up at all hours of the night for feedings, random stomach bugs that hit at 3 am, kids waking up because the thunder was loud, and my precious early birds who naturally wake up before my alarm most days. Life with little ones is unpredictable. I've had to learn to be flexible with what time of day I get to read God's Word and give myself some grace.
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT HAVING TO READJUST FOR YOUR STUDY TIME?
I honestly felt like a terrible Christian when my Bible study times became shorter and more sporadic. I occasionally still struggle with feeling like I'm not measuring up, but one thing God has been showing me lately through the book I'm reading is that Jesus measures up. All the expectations I put on myself for Bible study don't get me extra salvation, rather they usually lead to frustration or discouragement when I don't meet those expectations. However, I can have joy and rest in the fact that Jesus meets all expectations and He is always there with me.
WHY DO YOU STUDY GOD’S WORD?
Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God's Word transforms, teaches, guides, and comforts. I am a much better wife, mom, daughter, and friend when I am intentionally seeking to learn more about God through His Word.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PRACTICAL TIPS OR THOUGHTS THAT COULD BE HELPFUL FOR OTHER WOMEN?
If you are in a crazy season with little kids or otherwise, and you are struggling to get quiet time with God to study the Word, just keep trying. Don't be frustrated when your quiet time is interrupted by someone who woke up early and needs you. Don't beat yourself up when you're so tired that you can't remember what the verse said and you have to keep re-reading it. You might have to read the same passage of scripture all week long before you really understand what God wants you to know and that's ok. Say yes to women's ministry events and opportunities to volunteer at church, because it keeps you connected to other women of faith who will help you along this journey. Keep things simple and practical and just keep pursuing God however that looks like for you in this season.
Thank you, Kara, for your transparent and encouraging words!
Meet the Author!
Danielle is a native Okie who stumbled into a life of creatively sharing the Bible. Danielle spent five years working at Museum of the Bible. She now works as the Director of Communications for Inspire Experiences and as a Digital Media Consultant for Voice of the Martyrs. She is also a student at Southern Seminary, pursuing a Masters of Arts in Theology. Danielle has a passion for the arts, specifically painting, and has a special love for her pup, Penny. She is married to the man of her dreams, Caleb. The Smiths are proud members of Council Road and cherish opportunities to know and love God more through relationships and teaching in the body of Christ.