How I Use My NAS Bible as My Prayer Bible (After Switching from CSB

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For a long time, I used the CSB Bible as my Prayer Bible, and it served me well. I highlighted verses, wrote prayers in the margins, and spent quiet time with God using that translation. Recently, though, I felt led to make a change and began using a NAS (New American Standard) Bible as my Prayer Bible instead.

This transition has been slow, intentional, and truly meaningful. If you’ve ever wondered how to use a NAS Bible as a Prayer Bible — or if you’re thinking about switching translations — I hope this post offers gentle encouragement and practical ideas.

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Why I Switched from CSB to NAS for My Prayer Bible

The CSB is a beautiful, readable translation, and I still appreciate it very much. When I moved to the NAS, I wasn’t looking to replace the CSB, but rather to experience Scripture in a slightly different way.

The NAS is known for its word-for-word accuracy, and I’ve found that its more literal phrasing helps me slow down and reflect more deeply during prayer. Instead of rushing through verses, I pause more often and allow the words to guide my prayers.

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Setting Up My NAS Prayer Bible

Before using my NAS Bible for prayer, I took a little time to set it up in a way that felt peaceful and inviting.

• I added tabs to Psalms, the Gospels, and favorite prayer passages
• I keep a bookmark or ribbon at my current prayer focus
• I keep Bible pens, highlighters, and prayer stickers nearby

This simple setup helps me enter prayer time feeling calm and prepared.

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Praying Directly Through Scripture

One of my favorite ways to use my NAS Bible as a Prayer Bible is praying directly through Scripture. I read one verse slowly and then turn it into a personal prayer.

I underline words that stand out, circle meaningful phrases, and sometimes write short prayers in the margins. The precise wording of the NAS often brings fresh insight, even to familiar verses.

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Writing Prayers and Notes in the Margins

My Prayer Bible is not meant to stay pristine. I write prayers, reflections, and notes throughout the pages.

I often date my prayers so I can look back and see how God has worked over time. These notes become a quiet record of growth, answered prayers, and seasons of waiting.

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Using the NAS for Focused, Intentional Prayer

Because the NAS encourages careful reading, it naturally supports focused prayer. I often read just one or two verses, pause, and sit with them before writing or praying.

This helps keep my mind from wandering and allows Scripture to truly guide my conversation with God.

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Gentle Encouragement for Your Own Prayer Bible

If you’re thinking about switching Bible translations for your Prayer Bible, remember there is no right or wrong choice. Whether you use CSB, NAS, or another translation, what matters most is that it draws you closer to God.

Your Prayer Bible should feel personal, comforting, and meaningful — a place where Scripture and prayer come together in a way that supports your faith journey.

💖 Valentine’s Day: Cozy Love, Simple Joys & Sweet Traditions 💖

 

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Valentine’s Day is often associated with roses, chocolates, and romantic dinners, but at its heart, this special day is about celebrating love in all its forms. Whether you’re spending February 14th with a partner, family, friends, pets, or enjoying a quiet day for yourself, Valentine’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to slow down, appreciate connection, and create moments of warmth and joy.

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🌹 A Little History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome and the story of St. Valentine, a figure associated with love and devotion. Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of romance during the Middle Ages, when handwritten love notes became popular. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, blending tradition with modern creativity—from heartfelt cards to thoughtful handmade gifts.

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💕 Love Comes in Many Forms

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Love can be celebrated in many ways, and this holiday is the perfect reminder to cherish every meaningful relationship in your life.

💞 Romantic Love – Share a cozy dinner, exchange handwritten notes, or simply enjoy time together.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Love – Bake cookies, watch a favorite movie, or surprise loved ones with small thoughtful gifts.

🤝 Friendship – Celebrate Galentine’s Day with cards, coffee dates, or a fun craft night.

🐾 Pet Love – Our furry friends deserve extra cuddles and treats too!

🌸 Self-Love – Take a relaxing bath, journal, plan your goals, or enjoy a peaceful moment just for you.

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🍫 Sweet Treats & Cozy Comforts

One of the most beloved Valentine’s Day traditions is indulging in sweet treats. Chocolates, heart-shaped cookies, cupcakes, and homemade desserts are all wonderful ways to add a little sweetness to the day. If baking isn’t your thing, a warm drink like hot cocoa or tea can be just as comforting.

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🎁 Thoughtful Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Simple, meaningful gifts often leave the biggest impact:

🎁 Handmade cards or letters 🎁 Candles or cozy blankets 🎁 Planners, journals, or stickers 🎁 Personalized mugs or photo keepsakes 🎁 A small gift basket with favorite snacks

These thoughtful touches show love and appreciation in a heartfelt way.

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🖍️ Creative Valentine’s Day Activities

If you love crafts or planning, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to get creative. Decorating planners, scrapbooking memories, or making DIY cards can turn the holiday into a relaxing and joyful experience.

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Try adding Valentine-themed stickers, washi tape, and pink or red accents to your planner. It’s a fun way to capture the season and reflect on what love means to you.

🕯️ Creating a Cozy Valentine Atmosphere

Setting the mood doesn’t require a big budget. Soft lighting, candles, cozy blankets, and gentle music can transform your space into a warm Valentine’s retreat. Choose calming scents like vanilla, rose, or lavender to enhance the atmosphere.

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🌷 Valentine’s Day as a Reminder

At its core, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to pause and appreciate the love around us. It’s not about perfection or pressure—it’s about intention, kindness, and gratitude. Whether you celebrate big or small, the most important thing is to make the day meaningful to you.

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💌 Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Day can be whatever you choose it to be—romantic, cozy, creative, or quiet. Celebrate love in the ways that feel most authentic, and remember that love is worth celebrating every single day.

✨ Happy Valentine’s Day from All Mary’s Happiness! 💕 ✨

💞 Special Note: This Valentine’s Day is also a meaningful anniversary celebration, making it the perfect time to reflect on love, gratitude, and shared memories while creating new cozy traditions together.

💕 Check out some Amazon Valentine's gift ideas! 💕

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Happy New Year 2026 🎉✨

 

As the clock strikes midnight and we welcome a brand‑new year, I want to take a moment to say Happy New Year 2026 and thank you for being here. A new year always feels like a gentle reset — a chance to breathe, reflect, and step forward with fresh hope and intention.

Reflecting on the Year Behind Us

Before rushing ahead, it’s important to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. Every year brings a mix of joys, challenges, lessons, and growth. Even the difficult moments shape us into stronger, wiser versions of ourselves. If 2025 stretched you, know that you’re not alone — and that growth often comes quietly, one small step at a time.

Take a moment to celebrate your wins, both big and small. Finishing a project, starting something new, showing kindness, or simply getting through a hard day all matter more than we sometimes realize.

Welcoming 2026 With Hope

There’s something comforting about a fresh calendar page. 2026 arrives with open space — ready to be filled with dreams, creativity, and moments that matter most to you.

This year, instead of overwhelming resolutions, consider choosing gentle intentions:

• More joy in everyday moments

• More creativity and self‑expression

• More grace for yourself

• More time doing what truly makes you happy

Small, meaningful changes often lead to the most lasting results.

Creating Cozy & Meaningful Moments

At All Mary’s Happiness, the heart of everything is finding joy in simple, cozy moments. Whether it’s planning your days, crafting something by hand, decorating your space, or enjoying a quiet morning with your favorite drink, these little rituals add up to a beautiful life.

In 2026, I hope to continue sharing:

• Cozy lifestyle inspiration

• Planner ideas and creative organization tips

• Honest reviews you can trust

• Crafts and creative projects

• Encouragement to slow down and enjoy the moment

My goal is to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and uplifting — a place you can return to whenever you need a little inspiration or comfort.

A Fresh Start, Your Way

Remember, there’s no right way to start the new year. Some people begin with energy and big goals; others ease in slowly. Both are perfectly okay. Listen to what you need most right now.

If today feels calm, enjoy it. If it feels emotional, honor that. If it feels hopeful, lean into it. The beauty of a new year is that it meets us exactly where we are.

Thank You for Being Here 💖

Thank you for supporting All Mary’s Happiness, reading along, and sharing this journey with me. Your presence means more than you know, and I’m so grateful to step into 2026 together.

✨ Here’s to a year filled with happiness, creativity, peace, and cozy moments. Happy New Year 2026! ✨