Memory Keeper

Pulling an old packing box off a storage shelf in our basement I set it on the floor. Eagerly opening the box my eyes went to a row of stenograph notebooks. Reading the dates on the outside of these notebooks I selected a stack to take upstairs.

Back upstairs, I began the search, flipping through pages in one of the notebooks. Intent on my purpose I continued searching through other notebooks. I was looking for dates and information concerning our daughters when they were young. Not being one to keep a diary or journal of our everyday experiences as our daughters were growing up, I went to what I did have, my Quiet Time Journals!

Years ago I began to save my yearly Quiet Time Journals. I am so very grateful that although we have moved a lot, these journals have come along with us move after move.

As I was looking in some of my Quiet Time Journals for the information I wanted, I became intrigued with my daily Quiet Time entries from years ago. Weeks later, these journals have not been returned to the packing box but are still upstairs in our bedroom and I am taking a slow walk down memory lane. Memories not just of daily happenings in my life but more importantly memories of my walk with God. How God was teaching me, helping me, growing me, and walking with me through life. My struggles, my fears, answered prayer, joys, thoughts, hopes and dreams. This “memory walk” is going to take a while. I don’t mind. There is so much to savor and process as I relive God’s work in my life.

And there are more storage boxes in our basement that hopefully hold more of my Quiet Time Journals of yesteryear!

Why do I share this? I’m finding that it is so eye opening, so precious, and so encouraging to look back over the years and see God’s loving and daily work in my life and my heart desires for you to one day have this amazing experience too.

Please keep spending time alone with your Savior and Friend! Keep reading His Word each day. Keep talking to Him in prayer. Keep writing down Bible verses God uses to speak to your heart. Keep writing down what He is teaching you. 

If you have yet to start having a Quiet Time, be encouraged! You can start today and continue for the rest of your life. And the practice of using a Quiet Time Journal can be quite simple. If you are like me, you may find that your journal entries are not very long. On my journal page, before reading my Bible, I like to write the days date, the abbreviated day of the week and what I plan to read that day (from a Bible reading plan). For example:

4/10/20 FRI Psalm 46

After reading, I usually write down one Bible verse that speaks to my heart from my Bible reading. A few lines in response to the verse usually follow. The lines may be a short prayer to the Lord or a thought I have relating to the verse I chose or something I want to be sure to do in response to the verse I chose. Most of my entries are this simple! Sometimes I do write more, and there are also infrequent days when I write the date and day, the Bible reading reference and the words: “Read and prayed”. For me, keeping my Quiet Time entries simple makes it a practical and doable daily habit.

And I’m delighted to say that my Quiet Time Journal not only helps me spend time with the Lord and grow in Him, it is also a wonderful Memory Keeper! 🙂 

What is something you enjoy about your Quiet Time Journal? I’d love to hear about it. Comment below!

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Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

Quiet Time Callie

Quiet Time Callie is a sweet visual reminder of two very important truths. Quiet Time Callie helps you to share these truths with your daughter.

The Quiet Time Callie Set comes with a Quiet Time Callie and a Daughters of Decision Quiet Time Journal of your choice.

Each Quiet Time Callie is made by hand here at Daughters of Decision and I am happy to share that the Quiet Time Callie Set is now on sale for this Christmas season!

Would you like a quick look behind the scenes to see Quiet Time Callies being created? If so, this little video is for you!

Want to be updated about new posts and receive notes from Marian? Sign up here!
Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

Quiet Time Journal

This video shares about the Daughters of Decision Quiet Time Journals! These journals provide a simple way to meet with God each day. They offer a Bible reading plan and a step by step Quiet Time guide.

All of the journals shown on this video (and the blue special edition not shown on this video which is a great choice for men and boys) can be found in the Daughters of Decision shop. They are now on sale for this Christmas season! Giving a Quiet Time Journal to your child, family member or friend this Christmas is giving a gift that can influence their life for eternity!

Want to be updated about new posts and receive notes from Marian? Sign up here!
Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

Your Child’s Quiet Time

The Most Important Thing

The most important thing you can do as a mother to introduce your child to the concept of a Quiet Time is to enjoy a daily Quiet Time yourself! As you spend time with the Lord each day, your child will begin to observe that this is an important part of your life.

Enjoy Bible Time with Your Child

Enjoying Bible Time with your child begins a lifestyle habit for your child of consistently spending time with God in His Word and prayer. Having Bible Time together provides a natural “gateway” for your child to one day begin to have their own Quiet Time.

Pray for Your Child

As you pray for your child, ask God to give your child the desire to spend time alone with God, reading the Bible and talking to Him in prayer. Ask for wisdom to know when your child is ready and eager to enjoy personal time alone with God. The timing of this may be different for each child.

A Special Day

Continue to set the example by having a Quiet Time yourself, and continue to enjoy Bible Time with your child. When your child expresses the desire to spend time alone with God, it will be SO special! What a privilege we have to help them begin their personal Quiet Time, a time to grow in their friendship with the God of Gods and Lord of Lords!

Your Child’s Quiet Time Journey

When your child is ready to begin their Quiet Time journey, here are a few Quiet Time basics you can share with them:

Why Do I Have a Quiet Time?

A Quiet Time helps you to grow in your relationship with God.

Where Do I Have My Quiet Time?

Choose a place where you can be alone with God each day.

When Do I Have a Quiet Time?

Every day! You can have a Quiet Time any time of the day. Many people find that having a Quiet Time in the morning is the best time for them.

How Do I Have a Quiet Time

Take your Bible, pen and journal with you to the place you have chosen for your Quiet Time.

Pray.

Read your Bible.

Write down a verse of your choice from what you have read.

Pray.

These basic questions and answers can also be found in the Daughters of Decision Quiet Time Journals! These Quiet Time Journals offer a Bible reading plan and a step by step guide in having a Quiet Time. (There is a blue Special Edition Quiet Time Journal that is appropriate for men and boys to use as well.)

I hope you will join me on the next post where I share more about these Quiet Time Journals. They are a great resource for ourselves, our children, grandchildren, friends and family!

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Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

From Our Daughter

Melissa is our youngest daughter. Her love for the Lord and His Word inspires her to share the truth of God’s Word through pencil, pen, paint, charcoal and camera. On this post Melissa shares about the Quiet Time and welcomes you to join her on a journey walking into the beautiful world of Scripture. She also shares a story from her life. 

 

Melissa Shares: 

“Spending time alone with God in His Word and prayer. Is it important? It might be easy to get this guilty feeling in our hearts and think “I have to do this.” Or, “I must.” Or, perhaps we get weary in doing it …perhaps there are doubts …is this really important? Is having a Quiet Time a rule, something that must be done? Does the Bible even talk about a Quiet Time? Well, the term Quiet Time is simply a term. The concept, however is what matters. Spending time alone with God in His Word and prayer.

Let’s take a journey, you and me, and let’s walk back into the beautiful world of Scripture–the world where our spiritual forefathers walked, where David worshipped and wrote, where Jeremiah called out to the wayward people, where Jesus came to tear down the curtain that had separated a sinful people from their God.

Come stand. See the dark form we call earth? It is dark, there is no form–darkness is on the face of the deep. And in a moment, God speaks.

And the Voice that is Above All Voices …spoke. Transformation begins. The word–the command of God, transformed this dark mass–this emptiness. By the commands of God, this world was formed, created and given light, sky, air to breathe, plants of beauty, and animals that show forth the glory of God.

Then God made man and woman. In His own image.

This creation–touched by the reflection of God.

We see this creation come to life, but we know what happened next. Man was tempted, he followed the dictates of his own heart, and fell.

A battle began. A battle between sin and righteousness.

Come, let us visit a man named Jeremiah. He is a prophet. A lonely one. One who speaks to people who will not hear, one who weeps for a people who have chosen the dictates of their own hearts. But Jeremiah is a man in touch with God.

He speaks to this people–the people God intended to have close to His heart …the people that went astray. Through the words of God given to Jeremiah, a Truth is given to us.

Truth about a reason why. Why did the people wander away? Why did the people turn from the God Who created them, the God Who loved them and had beautiful things in store for them?

Listen to the words of Jeremiah:

“Behold, the word of the LORD is a reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” (Jeremiah 6:10b)

“Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD; So what wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:9b)

It was a choice. The people refused to know God, instead they trusted in the falsehood about them and choose to listen to that which led them away from God.

Now come, let us go into the pastures in a land of long ago. Listen, do you hear the harp? Do you hear the voice of one singing to God? This is David. The man after God’s own heart. What was he like? He was a man who believed God was Who He said He was.

And Goliath, he was there. Tall and threatening, mocking the people of God. Not even king Saul had a brave heart against him. But one man–strengthened by the Truth of God, speaks out,

“Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”” (1 Samuel 17:26)

His mind was on God, not the words about him, not his own heart. He believed in the power of God. And that belief propelled him to do what no one else was willing to do, but to fight that giant–a giant so fearful that the people of God were afraid. And he took him down with a stone.

Why? Why did David believe this way? Why is he known as a man after God’s own heart today? What was his secret?

Come, let us read from his own pen, his own heart.

“O my soul, you have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”” Psalm 16:2

How did he see the Word of God?

“The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honey comb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:9b-11

How was David different from the people in Jeremiah’s day? The people in Jeremiah’s day followed the dictates of their evil hearts and worshiped, served and loved other things. David followed the commands and love of God and worshiped, served and loved Him.

And what was the result? What was the contrast of their lives, the outcomes?

The people Jeremiah called out to? Their future was a sad one …like the prophet Jonah said,

““Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.” Jonah 2:8

But David, what hope and joy was his in life and in his death!

“Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” Psalm 40:4

David loved God’s Law. David knew God’s Law. He spent time in God’s Law. David wrote Truth, “I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”” Psalm 40:8

Let us take one moment to step into the New Testament and to hear the words of Jesus Christ:

 

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; “yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. “Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”” Matthew 13:18-23

 

Similar to the people in Jeremiah’s day, we can be led astray by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. Distractions are easy to come by. When we feel a need, do we turn to our phone, to Google? Do we turn to the internet, to Instagram, to books, to the words of others? Do we serve them, love them, and run after things in the world–like an echo of what God’s people did in Jeremiah’s day?

But David. What did he know to do? David knew to turn to God and His Word.

David understood. “Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.” Psalm 86:8

There is no one like God. Like your God. Like our God. There is no one–nothing that compares to knowing Christ Jesus and living in Him. He is our Satisfaction, our Truth our light. By personally choosing–for it is our choice–to daily spend time with Him, to talk with Him in prayer, we choose life.
For this world is deceitful. Ever since the first man and woman chose to follow the dictates of their own hearts–we too, are met with that battle of choice. Do we choose that which will help us live vibrant flourishing lives in the Lord, or that which will dry us up, make us wither and never satisfy?

God calls us.

““Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16b

““Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

God is calling you. He is calling me, into fellowship with Him. We too, can be like David. We can be girls and women after God’s own heart. We too, can choose the Truth over the lies of the world. We can choose to know God and delight in Him. We too, can hear God’s voice by reading His Word and walking in His laws. He is ready and willing to speak to us personally and guide us.

And now, as we reflect on what we’ve seen and heard–as we see the lives of David and the wayward people of Israel, as we understand the realities of our lives–of the world that is calling us one way and of the Truth that is calling us to God, let me tell you a story.

 

A story from my life. And my relationship with God.

Growing up, I could struggle with my time alone with God. Consistency and discipline has not been a primary virtue for me. I had my Quiet Times, but I could struggle with keeping up with them. But even as consistency became less of an issue, I struggled with an emptiness inside of me.

At times, I turned to God, many times, I did not–at least at first.

Let me note here, that I still had Quiet Times. I grew more consistent and was less likely to completely skip it. But I was still hungry.

My Quiet Times were like trying to spiritually survive on the equivalent of a small apple for the entire day. It was nutritious and it was good, but it wasn’t enough.

Our souls–they need to be fed too. I was starving mine. Forcing it to live a spiritual life of starvation because I didn’t feed it what it needed. No wonder why I struggled with hunger.

In March 2019, I began a feast. I started going to deeper into the Word of God. My soul, like a wilted flower, began to lift it’s head. My life–like a thirsty, empty cup, began to be filled. And the journey continues. It has not not been perfect, but my life has been changed.

I have seen–the Truth of this. That our souls were made for God.

And if I try to fill that God-sized emptiness in my heart with the things of this world, I will only be left with a gnawing hunger.

God is the One Who satisfies. God is the One Who gives us strength, comfort and joy! And He can speak to us, personally, in our day to day lives.

God knows that spending dedicated time with Him is what I need.

One of the things that has been a part of helping me to spend more time with God is investing in resources and having a special place to spend time with Him. I’ve found it so helpful to have this place!

I’ve also discovered that bringing “color” into my time with the Lord has been great! I now have multiple pens, highlighters, colored pencils, stickers and other resources.

Investing in our relationship with God, whether its investing in more time, investing in certain resources, investing in certain choices of denial (maybe choosing to use more of our free time for time alone with God) …whatever investment it is, it is worth it.

Spending time alone with God each day. We have seen the world created, we noted the fall of man, we know the struggle of man with sin–we hear the calling out of Truth, and we saw the heart that was after God’s own heart. And now it’s our choice.

What will we do with His Word–with the Only God–Who is the only source of life–Who calls us now–today?

Follow the dictates of our own hearts and listen to the lies of the world? Live empty?

Or run to the One Who asks us to come to Him and will never turn us away? For He loves us and has so much good in store for us. He satisfies.

“Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live;” Isaiah 55:2-3a

This is what we were made for. A relationship with God.”

Thank-you for sharing Melissa!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

From Our Daughter

Kristen is our second born daughter. Her love for the Lord and His Word is expressed through her beautiful music on the piano and harp and in her service to others. Here are some thoughts she has to share about the impact having a daily Quiet Time has on her life.

 

Kristen Shares: 

“I like to think of my Quiet Time as one of the green pastures God provides for me. As it mentions in Psalm 23, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2) A time to come away with Jesus and “munch” on the green pastures of God’s Word! His Word is my spiritual food and is essential. His Word is full of good things that answer the hunger of my heart.

Now when I am feeding on the green pastures of God’s Word in my Quiet Time and thinking on it, God does restore my soul. Just like David says in Psalm 23: “He restoreth my soul:…”(Psalm 23:3a)

Also, during the day I can face irritations and my own struggles and temptations. Spending time in God’s Word helps prepare me for the day. One reason for this is that God’s Word, sanctifies me. God’s Word helps me think and act differently than I normally would. Another reason the Quiet Time helps me respond rightly is because, I become like whom I am with. The more I am around God the more I will become like Him. One time I noticed an expression on a piano student’s face and I wondered who they learned it from. Later when I was looking in the mirror it dawned on me that they learned this expression from me! :) 

As I spend time in God’s Word, God can also give me guidance about decisions I need to make. Just like it says in Psalm 23:3b “…he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

Spending time in God’s Word can remind me of the hope I have in God as well! When I remember the hope that I have in God I can share that with others. Just like David said, “…my cup runneth over.” (Psalm 23:5c).

So, in my Quiet Time, God gives me spiritual food, He restores my soul, He helps prepare me for the day and gives me guidance! Spending time in God’s Word through the Quiet Time also helps equip me to share hope and encouragement with others.”

Thank-you for sharing Kristen!

Scripture taken from the King James Version

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Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

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