Living On Purpose In Christ | Journaling Prompts, Biblical Encouragement, Aromatherapy, Devotions, Affirmations, God's Peace

91 | How to Squeeze Bible Study into Your Busy Mom Life Without Losing Your Sanity

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Ever stood in your kitchen surrounded by chaos, feeling that quiet pang of guilt because your Bible has been sitting unopened for days? The tension between longing for spiritual depth and managing life's demands is real, and it's a struggle shared by countless women trying to balance faith, family, and everything in between.

Through personal stories and practical wisdom, we dive into transforming those fleeting moments into meaningful connections with God. Rather than requiring perfect conditions or lengthy sessions, true spiritual nourishment can happen in the small pockets of time already present in your day—those five minutes while coffee brews, during carpool duty, or even while folding laundry. The secret isn't finding more hours but maximizing the minutes you already have.

What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on grace over perfection. For women carrying emotional burdens or feeling spiritually isolated within their families, scripture-based affirmations paired with sensory elements like essential oils create a holistic practice addressing both spiritual and emotional needs. You'll discover how to build a sustainable routine that fits your unique life circumstances, helps manage stress, and brings God's peace into everyday moments. Remember that consistency doesn't mean flawlessness—it means returning again and again to the practice, knowing that small steps truly do add up to profound transformation. Ready to stop feeling guilty and start feeling connected? These practical strategies will help you create a devotional life that actually works.

Ready to personalize your spiritual journey? Book an Aroma of Christ coaching session at paulabehrens.com/coaching and receive a complimentary peace reset for a limited time. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement and leave a review to help others find this message of hope.

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Paula Behrens:

Are you feeling overwhelmed in balancing faith, family and the frenzy of everyday life? Do you long for quiet moments with God but struggle to find them amidst the chaos? Discover how small steps can add up and how to make room for what matters most. Join us as we explore ways to create a nourishing spiritual routine that fits even the busiest schedules. All of that in a few minutes. But first funny story. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God. This podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, I want to personally invite you to the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. This isn't just another Bible study or spiritual to-do list. It's a deeply intentional one-on-one session where you'll create a devotional routine that fits your life and reignites your love for time with God, all while using your senses. We'll partner together to design a peaceful, Christ-centered routine that helps you breathe again, spiritually and emotionally. You'll walk away with clarity, focus and a renewed connection to the Holy Spirit. Go right now to Paula Behrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces) and book your session. It's time to stop trying to figure it all out on your own and start connecting with God in a way that finally feels like rest. All right, let's get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, have you ever stood in your kitchen surrounded by piles of laundry, kids toys scattered everywhere, and a mental list of tasks that seems to multiply by the hour, only to feel a quiet pang of guilt because your Bible has been sitting unopened for days. It's a common struggle, isn't it? As a mom, juggling work, family meals and everything in between, carving out time for Bible study can feel like trying to catch a breath in the middle of a whirlwind. But here's the good news it's not only possible. It's a pathway to the peace and strength you crave.

Paula Behrens:

Today, we're diving into how to make Bible study a reality in your busy life, turning those fleeting moments into meaningful connections with God that can help you grow stronger in your faith and become the witness he designed you to be. I know what it's like to feel pulled in a hundred directions, wondering if there's any space at all left for the things that truly nourish your soul. You might be nodding along right now, thinking about how your mornings start with chaos instead of quiet reflection, or how evenings end with exhaustion rather than ending in prayer. It's easy to believe that Bible study is something reserved for those with more time, maybe when the kids are older or the house is finally in order. But what if I told you that God doesn't ask for your perfection or your spare hours. He invites you into his presence, right where you are, in the midst of the mess, and small steps add up, my friend. They truly do.

Paula Behrens:

Let's start by addressing the heart of this struggle. Many women like you are searching for ways to fit Bible reading into a life that's already bursting at the seams. You're not alone in this. It's one of the most common pain points I hear from women. You might be dealing with the challenge of waking up early only to be pulled into the day's demands. Or perhaps you're carrying the weight of emotional burdens that make it hard to focus. Maybe you're feeling a bit isolated, like you're the only one in your home prioritizing this time, especially if your husband isn't on the same page with faith. But here's a truth that can shift your perspective. God sees your efforts, no matter how small, and he's ready to meet you there.

Paula Behrens:

In Psalm, chapter 46, verse 10, we hear the psalmist speak for God, saying: Be still and know that I am God. It's a gentle call to pause, even if just for a moment, and let God speak into your chaos. So how do we make this practical? The key is to start with what you have, not what you wish you had. Think about your daily routine, those pockets of time that might seem too short or too interrupted to be useful. For instance, what about those five minutes while you're waiting for the coffee to brew or the kids to finish breakfast? That's a golden opportunity. Grab your Bible and read just one verse. Yes, just one, and it might feel insignificant at first, but give yourself room to breathe and watch how it adds up over time. Ask yourself what does this say about God's character and how can it speak to my day ahead? This isn't about checking off a box. It's about creating a habit that invites God's peace into your everyday moments.

Paula Behrens:

Let me share a tip that's helped so many moms I've worked with. If you're driving carpool, listen to an audio Bible or a short podcast episode on a scripture passage. If you're folding laundry, turn it into a prayerful time by meditating on a verse you've memorized. Proverbs, chapter 31, verse 27, talks about the virtuous woman who watches over the affairs of her household, but we can pair that with seeking God's wisdom in those affairs. Make it doable today by choosing one verse to carry with you. Write it on a sticky note for the fridge or set it as your phone wallpaper. When the overwhelm hits, like during a tantrum or stressful phone call, pause and whisper that verse to yourself. It's a small step, but it anchors you back to God's truth and helps you manage your emotions in the moment. Now let's talk about building a routine that fits your unique life.

Paula Behrens:

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Bible study has to look like a perfectly quiet hour with a journal and highlighters. But if that's not your reality, that's okay. Adapt it. For moms with little ones, try incorporating story time with your kids into your study. Read a children's Bible story together before bed and discuss it simply with them, asking what do you think God is teaching us here? This not only helps you engage with scripture, but also plants seeds of faith in your children, turning a potential distraction into a shared blessing. I often say that small steps add up, and in this case you're not just feeding your own spirit, you're nurturing the next generation.

Paula Behrens:

Another layer to this is dealing with the emotional side of things. If you're like many women, I know you might be carrying trauma or stress that makes it hard to concentrate on anything, let alone God's word. Perhaps past hurts or current worries crowd your mind when you try to read. That's where affirmations rooted in scripture can be a game changer. Start with verses that speak directly to your heart, like Isaiah, chapter 41, verse 10, which says: So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Repeat it as a personal declaration. Say, I am not alone. God is with me in this moment. Give yourself room to breathe by pairing this with a deep breath or a short walk, maybe even breathing in the aroma of your favorite essential oil, anything that helps you release tension. Over time, this practice builds a Christian mindset, helping you set biblical boundaries around your time and emotions.

Paula Behrens:

To develop a simple rhythm that complements dealing with the emotional aspects of life's challenges you can weave an essential oil blend into your daily routine. Begin by gently placing a drop of Young Living's Release Essential Oil Blend into the palms of your hands. Inhale deeply and allow its calming fragrance to fill your senses. Amazingly, this aroma will also calm those around you kids, pets, even spouses. As you are surrounded in this soothing aroma, take a moment to whisper a prayer inviting God's presence into your time of spiritual renewal. Then read a verse like Isaiah, chapter 41, 10, aloud, letting the words wash over you.

Paula Behrens:

Next, transition into your personal affirmation: I am not alone. God is with me in this moment. As you speak this truth, let the fragrance of the Release blend serve as a reminder of God's constant presence and your commitment to release past burdens. With every inhale, breathe in the calming and restorative properties of the Release blend. Imagine exhaling any stress or tension you're holding on to. This allows you to settle your mind, making it receptive to God's Word. If possible, step outside for a brief walk or simply move around your space, appreciating the day God has made. As you walk, continue to repeat your affirmation: I am not alone. God is with me in this moment. Allow the combination of movement, scripture and the aroma of Release to work together in setting biblical boundaries around your emotions and time. By integrating this simple rhythm into your day, you not only honor the process of release, but also cultivate a space where God's peace and assurance can richly dwell. Over time, this practice empowers you to nurture a Christian mindset, grounded in the strength and stability that comes from your faith. And don't forget small steps add up, commit to this transformative journey with the knowledge that you're taking crucial steps toward holistic well-being.

Paula Behrens:

What about when life feels especially unbalanced, like when you're trying to juggle work, family and faith without much support? It's common to feel spiritually alone, especially if your husband or other family members aren't sharing in this journey. I want to encourage you that your faithfulness isn't in vain. You're planting seeds that God can water in his time. Use your Bible study as a way to pray for your loved ones. Perhaps dedicate a few minutes to interceding for your husband's heart or your children's understanding of Christ.

Paula Behrens:

Romans, chapter 12, verse 12, reminds us to: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Make it doable today by keeping a simple prayer journal next to your Bible, jotting down one thing you're grateful for and one person you're praying for. This not only strengthens your routine, but also helps you witness Christ's love in your family dynamics, even in subtle ways. As you build this habit, remember that consistency doesn't mean perfection. There will be days when the kids will wake up early, our deadlines pile up and your study time gets derailed. That's all right. Grace is at the core of your faith. Instead of beating yourself up, view it as an opportunity to reconnect tomorrow.

Paula Behrens:

I've seen so many women transform their lives by starting small and staying steady. Perhaps you could set a realistic goal, like three times a week, for 10 minutes each time. Use tools that make it accessible, such as devotionals designed for busy moms or online resources with quick, bite-sized studies. The goal is to cultivate a Bible-centered mindset that influences your decisions, helps you manage stress, and brings a sense of peace amid the busyness. In all of this, you're not just checking a spiritual box. You're stepping into the role God has for you as a light in your home. Imagine waking up with a quiet confidence, knowing that even in the chaos, you're rooted in his word. It's about becoming a steadfast beacon of faith, sharing God's love with your children and grandchildren through your actions and your words. And when you feel like giving up, remember that small steps add up to create lasting change. You're building a legacy of faith, one verse at a time. If you've been feeling alone in your journey to create a consistent spiritual routine, know that God delights in the smallest gestures to draw near to him, and you don't have to walk this path by yourself.

Paula Behrens:

I invite you to join me for an Aroma of Christ coaching hour. Together, we'll help you find balance, restore peace and nurture a life overflowing with faith and love. Plus, for a short time, I'm also including a Peace RESET at no charge, so don't delay. Book your session now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching, where we can discover your personalized devotional rhythm and enhance your spiritual journey mindfully and joyfully. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Picture yourself waking up each morning eager to dive into prayer and scripture, armed with resources that cultivate peace and purpose, allowing God to work profoundly within your life. I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Book your session now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. Do it now, while the Peace RESET is still on the table.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review. Just a quick review will be so helpful in getting the word out to other women just like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in his wisdom. See you next time.