Making a Sunday School song my reality....

Those of you with kids will most likely know the classic Sunday School song that goes like this:
Read your bible,
Pray everyday,
Pray everyday,
Pray everyday.
Read your Bible,
Pray everyday,
and you'll grow, grow, grow.......


Such a simple song, but such powerful words. Words that I have a hard time committing and following through with, yet I am supposed to be teaching my children the basics of what it means to have a daily, personal relationship with Jesus. Legalism aside (aka guilt for not doing this daily), these two aspect of Christianity are super important in going deeper with God. 
One of my goals for 2012 was to read through the Bible in a year.....I have never been able to stick with it and have yet to read the Bible cover to cover. Insert a 'gasp'!! I know, I know.....I always started in Genesis and then got hung up, totally bored and unmotivated by the time I hit the 'trenches' of Leviticus. I have read through the New Testament but without completing the Old Testament, I am lacking the big picture of God's love story from the beginning of time. 

So, introducing my new "One Year Chronological Bible".....it is an NIV version (I know this is not the most 'legit' translation, but it is easiest for me to understand) and it has narratives spread throughout, giving a more in-depth look at the culture, and theology behind certain passages which helps little ol' me to understand God's word at a deeper level. So far so good, it is Monday Jan 16 and I am on the Monday Jan 16 reading. :)
Beyond reading the Bible each day, I really really want to memorize chunks of scripture, not only for meditation throughout the day and hiding the Word in my heart so it spills out of my words and actions, but I want to be able to draw upon scripture during those times when my Bible isn't nearby. I want the Word to shape my actions and words as a mother, wife and friend.  Matthew 12:4b "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." .....and I know it shapes what I do as well. Last year I started to memorize the book of Ephesians (don't think I am some big theologian, I didn't get past 1:10) so this year I plan to pick that up again and Lord willing, memorize the book. Anyone up for the challenge? I'd love some accountability on this one. 


PS. I don't want you moms to read this and feel like a failure, or overwhelmed with one more person telling you to do one more thing in your already way beyond crazy schedule and life. Remember that God gives grace for the different seasons of our mommy lives, especially  moms of little ones who are so dependant on us for everything. 

Pray about it, and work out a plan that fits into your life in this season. Here are some ideas for busy moms:

• Choose a verse/passage to mediate on, write it on 3x5 recipe cards and post it around the house in those places you spend a lot of time (kitchen, change table, near the toy box, bathroom etc)
• Choose a verse/passage to memorize, write it on a 3x5 recipe card and then write your daily 'to do' list on the other side and keep it in your back pocket, so that when you look at your list of things to do, you can flip it over and remind yourself of the verse/passage you are memorizing
• Get your hubby or a good friend on board and memorize together (accountability always helps)
• Don't let discouragement get the better of you....God gives us new mercies every morning....tomorrow is always a clean slate!