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One of the things that I remember vividly from growing up was the amount of time my mom spent in the Word on a regular basis. I’m sure that at the time I didn’t see it as a big deal, but any time I’ve been asked to think back on women in my life who made an impact or things my parents did to help facilitate a relationship with Christ, this is one of the biggest things that stands out in my mind.
There was always a basket of some sort with her Bible and a notebook or devotional guide, religious fiction and index cards filled with Bible verses. It was either next to her chair in the living room or in a nice sunny spot in our sunroom. There were so many times when I would find her there praying when I got up for school and even as an adult, I know that I can always call her first thing in the morning and never worry about waking her. She is up, bright and early, pleading on our behalf.
I have always struggled with doubts about salvation. It isn’t that I doubt God’s sovereignty or the sincerity of my desire to follow Him, but thinking about how the most important thing EVER is somehow directly attached to a decision I make or behaviors that I exhibit is overwhelming at best. Add to that the responsibility of your children’s salvation and I’m just over here freaking out.
I wondered if I would be a good mother. If I would remember to say prayers with them and teach them about daily devotion. If I would be so busy with the every day necessities that I would overlook those things that are most important. I struggled to find a balance when they were little. Raising children is hard and sometimes you just collapse at the end of the day and wonder if you ruined them.
Then in February, my entire life changed. God began speaking to my heart in a way that I never expected. The first time I put pen to paper, I was so nervous and I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t buy any special supplies or do any research, I just picked out a verse and started drawing in the margins. I was so unhappy with that first page, but with every new day and new verse, my confidence grew and I began to see how God had been preparing my heart for this process all along.
It wasn’t long after that my girls started to join me around the dining room table. What once was a place we occasionally ate together, but more often collected dust, became a bright and happy space where we spilled paint and laughed a lot. I can’t tell you the number of bedtimes that have been pushed back, clothes that have been ruined and tears of frustration shed. Managing art supplies with little people is always hard, even when there is greater a purpose.
I am so sure that there are things I’m doing wrong. I yell too much, I’m not the best comforter, I try my best not to parent too much after 8 o’clock in the evening. I know all too well that there are plenty of things I need to work on. The one comforting thing, though, is that I know my daughters will remember these days. They will say “Remember when we used to paint in our Bibles and watch Saturday morning cartoons?” or they will ask “Mom, did you keep those very first Bibles we painted in?” or they will tell a friend “Some of my favorite memories with my mom revolve around scripture!” I will never ever regret the long hours, messy table or endless receipts from the art supply store.
I would encourage you not to get too caught up in the specifics. Both of my girls started journaling in the Bibles they were already carrying to church. Ella got a new Bible for Easter this past year, but Sophie is still working in her toddler one and has never once complained. I do reserve some nicer supplies for myself, but I try to let go and not have so much control over things. There have been torn pages and too thick paint and many frustrations, but all of that has been for the glory of God. I remind them on a regular basis that it isn’t about how our Bibles look when we’re finished, it’s about how our heart acts while we’re working together.
They are so proud of their little Bibles and, when asked, will tell you all about them. I remember the very first Sunday that Sophie shared her colorful pages for a Sunday School teacher and she asked, “Oh! You colored in your Bible?!” Sophie just smiled and said “If you think this is colorful, you should see my mama’s Bible!”
When I told them earlier in the week that I would be sharing their Bibles here, they were a little nervous, but also really excited. They showed me some of their best pages and fought over who’s Bible would make it to Instagram. I had the best time thumbing through their pages and earmarking a few of my favorites for you.
Sophie – Creation of Heaven & Earth
Sophie – Moses in Egypt
Sophie – King Saul & David
Sophie – Zacchaeus & Jesus
Sophie – Queen Esther (my personal favorite)
Ella – Jesus Fights My Battles
Ella – David crying out to God
Ella – Psalms 27:13
Ella – Proverbs
Ella – Romans 6:23
Ella – Philippians
I hope that today’s post will ENCOURAGE you to meet your little ones between the pages of their Bibles. My own Bible study and reflection has been so enriched by these times we spend together. If you’re looking for resources, we love the children’s version of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. We can always find wonderful verses and ways to apply them to their little lives. Our church also offers parent hand-outs after Sunday School with verses to follow up on. We often use those to reinforce what they are learning and Ella, especially, will use them to prompt pages throughout the week. Sophie loves to draw people in her Bible and so I often help her find stories about Kings and Queens. Sometimes she’ll just want to color a random page or tell me about a topic that she wants me to find a page about (i.e. animals or Jesus or boats). You can keep it so simple, but you will be amazed at the amazing works He begins in their little hearts.
