Let’s get ready for a Meaningful New Year!
This year has flown by (it seems the older I get the faster time flies). 2025 was a huge blessing for me. I finished teaching my high school Spanish I classes in May; and in the Fall, my dream job of once again teaching Bible classes to high school students began! When people ask me about my job, I have to answer, “It’s not a job, it’s a joy!”
Because I want to be intentional, and because I can be easily distracted, I know if I want to have meaningful time with the Lord, I need to have a plan. My Bible plan for 2025 included reading through the Scriptures chronologically (I also read a few devotionals to prepare my heart and mind before I open God’s Word). While I appreciated the continuity and context provided in the chronological plan, I found this schedule, coupled with other daily demands, left me with little time for journaling and writing.
For this reason, I am excited to return to my three-year-plan. I enjoy the lingering and reflecting afforded in considering smaller passages of Scripture. If you can relate, I invite you to join me.
Click on the link if you would like to access or print the plan: Three Year Reading Plan 2026, 27, 28
This plan alternates between the Old and New Testaments, and includes an optional Psalm or Proverb each day. In three years, you will have read through the entire Bible. And if you choose to include the daily Psalm/Proverb, you will also have read through Psalms and Proverbs seven times. You can also visit The Planting Place daily to read a post from each day’s reading that considers some aspect of our Amazing and Glorious God.
Last Sunday, I heard a message from my favorite pastor (and yes, he is my husband): “How to Have a Meaningful Quiet Time.” I am including a summary of the main points below.
How to Have a Meaningful Quiet Time:
- Start with the right mindset (attitude)
- Come with expectancy ~ expect to hear and to respond to His Word
- Come in reverence ~ He Is Holy
- Come alert ~ the best preparation is the night before
- Come with a willingness to obey
- Select and commit to a specific time
- What we value will be indicated in our day planner
- The best time is when you are at your best
- Seek His Kingdom first ~ Matthew 6:33
- Emphasize quality over quantity
- Have a designated place
- Where you are uninhibited
- Where you are comfortable
- Where it is sacred, set apart for your time with your Heavenly Father
- Have a Plan
- That works best for you
Four things you will want to have with you:
- Bible
- Pencils, Pens, Highlighters
- Notebook or Journal
- Devotional/Hymnbook
Through our time in God’s Word and prayer and through our reverent commitment to obedience, the Lord will lead us into His purpose for us as He encourages, convicts, comforts, and exhorts us in His Truth. As we commit to intentionally seek the Lord and to have meaningful times with Him each day, He will be faithful to lead us, not only into a Meaningful New Year, but into a Meaningful life in Him.