I have fallen off the morning quiet time wagon. I’m sporadic at best. So I’ve decided to join Hello Mornings! The new challenge started yesterday — and because I’m quite sure that I’m going to groan at the alarm most mornings for a while (like I did this morning, and yesterday, and last week…), I’m writing out my WHYs for doing this. In fact, it’s Hello Mornings homework because it seems I’m not the only one with a sketchy why-should-I-get-out-of-bed memory at whatever o’clock.
Hello Mornings participants have three primary goals:
- experience quality time with God
- intentionally plan our days
- and exercise regularly
{Or, in short, God, Plan, Move.}
Last year I had to get up early to make sure Lindsey got out the door and off to school. Since she’s back to homeschooling this year, I don’t have to do that. Which is nice. She’d sleep all day if she could, and Kathryn now sleeps later than she used to, so that means getting up at 7AM gives me a good 1 to 1.5 hours to myself. {Ken goes to work at an insane hour so he’s never here then.}
I know from experience that my days go better when I start my day in the Word. It doesn’t magically make my kids behave perfectly or make me skip and sing all day long; what it does do is keep my focus in the right place. On days I skimp or completely ignore prayer and Bible time in the mornings, my focus gets off track pathetically easily.
So, why am I doing Hello Mornings?
Because I want to be a more loving wife.
Because I want to be a more joyful, encouraging mother.
Because I want to have God’s Word fresh in my mind and on my tongue.
Because I want to be in tune to God’s will in the big and little things each day.
In theory, I’d work out in the morning, too, but I know enough about myself to know that I need to firmly establish one habit before I throw a wrench in it all and try to start two habits simultaneously. So first I’ll re-establish my morning quiet time habit — then I’ll re-establish a workout routine of some kind.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
You sound like me. I am so bad at starting new routines, especially in the mornings!! I definitely want to start (and have) regular quiet times. I am just not super at it in the mornings. I grab my chances throughout the day. I do need to plan my days better though. Praying for you right now as you initiate this awesome plan into your life.
There is nothing great like starting a day with a word of prayer. It works great for me too. And off late I have been good with morning jogs too. They make me feel really fresh.
I wanted to do the Hello Mornings but I have disconnected from Facebook and all the other avenues that they use for accountability. Let me know how you like it 🙂 It looks good.
And I am with you – one good habit at a time . . .
I’ll let you know, Vanessa! Seems like I saw they had a email accountability thing. Actually, you could try Good Morning Girls because they also use email or text messaging!
Ahhh. Convicting! This is something I battle with myself over. But, I do know that I always feel better when I do get that quiet time in with God. It’s so sweet.
God, plan, move. Love it!
My morning routines have not been great for awhile. I think I too need to get back into the morning routine that I know will put me in a better place to handle the day the way the Lord wants me to.
I usually start my day with glass of cold water and some dairy products. In addition I walk to work. Water first thing in the morning and a small morning walk is something I dear to suggest to everybody – those two things give you a great morning boost.
Best Regards
Emma