003 | How to make time to read the Bible as a toddler mom
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If you're a mom, you’ve probably realized by now that reading God’s Word looks different than it did before you had kids. Maybe you used to have long, quiet mornings with your Bible and a cup of coffee. Now? You're lucky if you can drink that coffee while it's still hot!
I know how easy it is to feel guilty about not reading the Bible, especially if you used to have a vibrant faith life filled with spiritual disciplines. But here’s the thing: guilt and shame aren’t from God. The enemy loves to use them to keep us stuck in a cycle of discouragement. Instead, I want to help you see the hope and possibility in this season. Your time with God may look different, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful.
And if this is something you’re really struggling with, I’ve written a whole devotional on this topic! Bible Time Take Back is full of practical tips, encouragement, and some of my most embarrassing mom moments—all to help you find time for God’s Word in the midst of motherhood. You can grab a copy on Amazon in paperback or Kindle.
Now, let’s dive into four simple steps to help you find time for the Bible, even as a busy mom.
1. Find Small Pockets of Downtime
I know what you’re thinking: What pockets of time?! My day is completely full! And I get it. But even if your day is loud and busy, you likely have little lulls in your routine. The trick is recognizing them and making the most of them.
Some great moments to sneak in Bible reading:
Waiting at an appointment
Sitting in the car (especially if you’re picking up a grocery order)
When your kids are playing independently
While feeding the baby
During bath time or potty training supervision
While driving (hello, audio Bible!)
These moments may not be long, but no pocket of time is too small for God’s Word. Even a few verses can be powerful!
2. Keep Bibles Everywhere
Setting yourself up for success is key! One of the best ways to do that is to make sure Bibles (in all formats) are easily accessible.
I firmly believe all Bible formats count—physical Bibles, Bible apps, Kindle Bibles, and audio Bibles. Whatever helps you stay in the Word is a win!
Try keeping a Bible:
In the car
In the diaper bag
By the couch
In the bathroom (if you supervise bath time a lot!)
On your phone as an app
On your Kindle
When you surround yourself with the Word, it becomes so much easier to reach for it in those small moments.
3. Make Your Bible the Easiest Thing to Turn To
If you want to read the Bible more, make it the simplest thing to grab. Here are some creative ways to do that:
Keep a Bible on the passenger seat instead of your phone
Store one with your TV remote so you see it first
Move your Bible app to your home screen
Replace your Instagram app with your Bible app so it’s the first thing you tap on
Honestly, I’m a big fan of just deleting social media apps altogether to make the Bible app the most fun thing on your phone. But even if you don’t want to go that far, making small changes can help make Bible reading a natural habit.
4. Reassess Often & Give Yourself Grace
Some seasons will be easier than others, and that’s okay. If you realize you haven’t read your Bible in a few days, don’t let shame creep in. Shame is not from God. Conviction and a desire to be in His Word? Yes. But if shame is making you feel like you can’t even start, it’s time to pray against that.
Take a moment to reassess:
Are there new pockets of time you can use?
Is there a different Bible format that would work better?
Have you unintentionally made it harder for yourself to read?
Give yourself grace as you figure out what works best in this season.
Bonus Tip: Change How You Measure Success
I used to sign up for Bible reading plans that were strict and time-bound, and honestly? They just made me feel guilty when I fell behind.
Now, I track my reading in a way that celebrates what I have read instead of making me feel bad about what I haven’t. I created a free Bible reading tracker that lets you mark off each chapter as you go—no pressure, just progress! If that sounds helpful, enter your name and email below.
You’ve Got This, Mama
I hope this encourages you to let go of guilt and instead see this season as an opportunity for God to do something new in your life. Your Bible time doesn’t have to look like it did before kids—it can still be meaningful, even if it’s messy and scattered throughout the day.
I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at hello@micaela.ca and let me know where you’re at on your Bible reading journey. And if this post encouraged you, share it with a fellow mama who might need it, too!
Thanks for reading, and happy Bible time!
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