We're back again together, my dear friends!
I hope you are faring well during this seemingly endless season of quarantine, inconvenient closures, extremely altered routines, cancelled dreams, shopping with masks on, worshiping online.
And missing those precious close encounters with family and friends.
And reaching out to care for others in your own unique way.
And the continued fruitless search for toilet paper, Purell, and sanitizing wipes.
Really.
So many of those daily freedoms we've taken for granted are out of reach ... for now. There are lots of moving parts and missing pieces that we have absolutely no control over and God only knows what our future will look like.
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If we pause to look inside somewhere deep, we'll discover that one missing link might be a craving for a steady grace-filled rhythm to our mornings. Especially if we're finding the early hours to be unproductive and too random. Or chaotic and crazed. Or we're finding our journey to be rocky and unknown in this seismically unsettled season.
Or we're feeling fragile or anxious, aimless or distracted.
But I much prefer to think of this call to a familiar morning cadence as an invitation from God, His direction for our soul's innate yearning for a steady, peaceful, productive daily launch in these most unnerving times.
This is an invitation worth RSVP-ing YES to. Because life's reality is that our pathway is filled with surprises. Some are most pleasant and hoped for. Others jump out from nowhere, shaking us to our core, gray and unbidden.
We have little control over how our days unfold. So it's a very good thing when we're able to figure out what kind of routines best pave the way for the hours that will follow so that we're equipped with healthy, sane, and wise responses to whatever the Lord allows to come our way.
When we choose to tend to our souls, bodies, homes, and work in ways that are winsome and life giving, we will be more likely to be fortified with a spirit of peace, purpose, and gratitude as the day continues to evolve.
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THREE KEYS TO DESIGNING & LIVING OUT
YOUR MORNING INVITATIONS
1. PERSONAL
Your schedule is yours and yours alone. Each of us has our own unique opportunities and challenges, especially during this incredible upheaval. What might work for one might not work for the other.
2. FLEXIBLE
Nothing's cast in stone. Expect to adjust or abandon, tweak or build on your choices as you daily live them out. You might find that some invitations work better mid-day or in the evening.
3. GRACE-FILLED
We're not looking for perfection, but a steadiness of purpose. Our ultimate goal is to honor Christ, not impress anyone else. Let's take the pressure off ourselves to have somehow arrived and realize that all we can do is our best ... with the strength and fortitude that only God can provide.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
ABOUT YOUR MORNINGS
1. What's working for me right now?
2. What's not working?
3. What 3 non-negotiables do I need to have in place to start my day well? { No worries, you can add more later!}
4. What's my first step to making this happen?
Let's talk about what you'd like your mornings to look like ...
Linda
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dropping in to visit
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Thank you for this inspiring post. It’s so comforting in this uncertain time to cling to daily habits that are good for us. I am fortunate in that I was already mostly working from home, so the transition has been easier than for many. To begin each day, first and foremost I talk to God, a daily habit of many years. After that, a quick (and these days I mean quick!) look at the world news so that I am up to date. It takes about one minute as I read a daily news email. Then I make a small mental (or written list, depending on how much I want to accomplish) of some things that are “must do’s” for the day. They include work things, people I want to reach out to and check up on, bible passages I want to reflect on for the day, and time spent appreciating God’s creation. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to meet you this morning! It's so interesting to hear what's working for you during this transition. I'm drawn to the fact that many of your steps are ones that don't take lots and lots of time, but yet set some order to your day.
DeleteThanks for kicking off this discussion ...
And welcome!
Great thoughts that when we are feeling off kilter it is an invitation from God. Perfect thoughts in these times.
ReplyDeleteHe truly gets our off-kilterness, doesn't He!
DeleteI'm so grateful He's not changing like shifting shadows ...
Don't know if the routine's viable,
ReplyDeletemaybe so, or maybe not;
the data's unreliable
for, you see, I plumb forgot
to write down how it was affecting
my dear sweet dogs and spouse,
did they find it fun? Perplexing?
Or did they tend to grouse
about the bagpipe reville,
and tossing of the cabers,
Def Leppard (high fidelity!)
then juggling sharp sabres,
and then it can be off to bed,
first making sure I am not dead.
Ah, you had me at 'bagpipe reville,' Andrew.
DeleteMy Dad loved to hear the old Scottish songs, the bagpipes droning, the players marching in their kilts.
Every time I hear that music, the tears start to drop ...
My morning routine is what gets me off on the right foot for the day, Linda. This always includes telling God, "Thank you!" and praying for the needs of our family and others. When I remember to submit to and trust in the Lord, everything seems to fall into place. So praying these crazy times will end soon!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Martha, hi! I absolutely resonate with starting off on the right foot makes the day go better. I'm just trying to figure out what that looks like now since the former routines have pretty much morphed into something new and unknown ...
DeleteSuch wise advice, Linda--to consider our time with God an invitation, not a performance where we never quite reach the bar, and then to adjust our routine as needed. The seasons of our lives are so different, it's only natural that our routines have to adjust along the way, or from day to day as needed.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite time to meet with God is early morning. That didn't always work with young children. Then it was during nursing time or basically whenever I could fit it in. When they were in school, my quiet time took place not long after they left for the day. Lately, even if I can't open my Bible for a while, I still like to give God the day and ask for His guidance and strength first thing. I like to pray through what we call "the Lord's prayer" in the morning, often in my own words and using it as a jumping off point. I talk with God all through the day (and sometimes night), so I often don't have a long prayer time. But starting off this way sets me off in the right frame of mind and spirit.
For now, I get up, link my blog with any link-ups for the day--many of them open at 6 a.m. Then I ride my exercise bike, then have time in the Bible. Then I either take my shower or have breakfast, depending on what time it is by then. This works well around the others in my home. We have more than one shower, but the hot water runs out and water pressure goes down if we do more than one at a time. So we take showers and eat in shifts. We learned to do that at our last house anyway, when we had just one shower.
If we have company or are going somewhere early, I don't always have a full-blown Bible reading time, but I like to at least read the day's selection from Daily Light on the Daily Path. It's been in print for decades, even since Amy Carmichael's time. I love that it's just Scripture around a particular theme or progression of thought for each day. I've been reading through it every year for ages now.
I like reading through the Bible, because it's all inspired, and reading the whole thing helps up keep the context and maintain its balance. Plus there are nuggets way down even in Chronicles that we'd miss if we didn't make it a point to read them. But I don't do it in a year any more. That was too much pressure and too much to process. Now I go at my own pace. Often on Saturdays, I'll read from a Christian nonfiction book instead (just finished The Women of Easter by Liz Curtis Higgs; now I am in Breaking Anxiety's Grip by Michelle Bengston).
Barbara, thanks for this peek into how you do life in the mornings! I believe that God invites us not only to take care of our soul well, but our bodies, our blogging, our reading, our creating, our work, our homes.
DeleteAnd yes, I'm with you. I long ago abandoned reading through the Bible in one year as well as any other strict guideline guides. They mean well but I always end up not keeping up and if you try to catch up, there's no meditation, no reflection ... just frustration.
As ever, I appreciate the specific titles that are working for you. Thanks again for taking the time to go there with us!
Bless you ...
I've tried to scale down my expectations of what I can accomplish in a day, because I was continually falling short and being disappointed. My brain capacity isn't what it was pre-pandemic. ;) That said, I do still have routines and schedules that very much help me. I appreciate your words of gentle encouragement and the reminder to stay grace-filled. You are special, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYes please, to scaled down, reconsidered schedules in these trying times. As we show grace to ourselves, we're better able to be kind and patient with those around us.
DeleteI'm still trying to figure out my current morning rhythm. I'm getting there ... and reading what's working for all of you is helpful, for sure.
;-}
Thankfully, this is something that I already have firmly in place. I can't imagine making it through the day without touching base with God and spending quality time with Him, Linda. But what I love is how practical you've made this. Those three little questions reveal so much, providing insights into how to make this happen! You are woman after my own heart, girlfriend! Hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteTouching base with God. Always yes.
DeleteSpending more quality time with Him, taking care of my body, household tasks, blogging, meditation are all in process.
That you have a morning routine firmly in place inspires me to continue figuring this all out, Beth!
Three non-negotiables: Faith, Laughter and Reflections. Do you realise there is someone inside the house taking a picture of you outside the house taking a picture of them inside the house? Time for Reflections - I think. Now where have I heard that phrase before?
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That's me taking a picture outside a house!
DeleteAnd yes, you've showed us what time for reflections looks like, friend. And that includes big helpings of both faith and humor.
And that's what we need right about now.
I hope you are well ...
My life is not much different now or it doesn’t seem different.
ReplyDeleteFirst order of business in the morning is something to drink, preferably with caffeine even though I fast every third day from caffeine. Don’t want to become intolerant to cafe’d drinks. Next sit at Jesus’ feet is combined with the hot drink. Fynn seems to find peace in His presence too cause he usually curls up dozing in my lap.
Then the dog takes over my life for half hour with the obligatory walk, whether he has to or not. On work days all of the above are shortened. The only time I stress is when I have pain and I cannot choose what I want to do in a day. It is frustrating, angering and makes me feel “less than.” But that is when I relish what God speaks into my life those days...I am so painfully aware lately that I need a Savior.
Sitting at Jesus' feet with a hot drink.
DeleteYes. If He was here in person, Carol, I could just picture the two of you together.
And as I've emerged from a season of pain, I absolutely resonate with your observations. I have been there and done that ... and you have been a huge support to me from afar. Yet again, 15 years later.
And no truer words were spoken --> 'I am so painfully aware lately that I need a Savior.'
Miss you, friend ...
Linda, I love to think that God is giving me an invitation to join Him especially in the early morning hours. I enjoy my quiet time each morning before everything else interrupts. Thank you for your inspiring posts dear one!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how you balance this priority with your beautiful blogging life, friend ...
DeleteIn some ways I am a creature of habit Linda. I get up at 3:30, shower then make my way to the kitchen table where I have all the time I need for my morning Quiet Time. Then I head to the office where I post my devotion for the day and then work on a sermon. My secretary gets in at 8 and I try to be done working on my sermon by the time she gets here. That allows me to catch up with her and move on to other things. I like the "sameness" of my morning time.
ReplyDelete3:30???!!!
DeleteWow. Simply wow.
I don't think I know anyone who gets up that early. I admire your fortitude, your devotion to creating great swaths of time with the Lord at o'dark thirty.
I'm guessing you're off to bed by 8 pm?
Those are great questions Linda! I've had morning routines for years, but they do tend to fluctuate. However, when I get into a rhythm, I feel much more settled. I want to get so much done before my work day begins as it generally is the time I can also get in my blogging and writing! I like to learn to be more gentle with myself though--ease in the day rather than rush through what I want to achieve. Still learning, my friend!
ReplyDelete'When I get into a rhythm, I feel much more settled.'
DeleteExactly. You get what I'm talking about, what I'm pursuing, Lynn. Everyone's experiences here are helping me figure this all out.
'more gentle with myself'
You're holding the key to all this in your hand, friend.
Invitations is such a joyful word--and I'm finding that flexibility is key with everyone home. I accomplish nothing good in my soul if I alientate the whole family with my "spiritual formation" routines. (I keep imagining Carol Burnett-like skits in which the mother bellows, "Make your own sandwich! Can't you see I'm busy meeting with God right now?")
ReplyDeleteFlexible. Yes, please. I like the idea of having a workable rhythm in place that allows for days with no routines, interruptions, and some serendipitous treats!
DeleteMother bellowing about her spiritual formation routines. Michele - THAT'S funny!!
;-}
I love the idea of thinking of our morning cadence as an invitation from God, Linda. I always do best with routines, but I've had to be more flexible now that my hubby is home every day. So I'm starting to establish a different routine that includes him. :) What hasn't changed is reading a devotional and God's Word when I wake up before I even leave our bed. And praying. I'm learning how much this centers me and recalibrates my day. But sometimes lately I have to reread and beg God to help me to focus as my brain gets so rattled with worry sometimes. I'm so grateful He's so patient and non-condemning with me! Thank you for all these helpful tips. I know I especially need to put less pressure on myself! I love this goal - "Our ultimate goal is to honor Christ, not impress anyone else." :) Love and blessings to you, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYep, you're right, Trudy! Flexibility is a key ingredient in life ... now more than ever!
DeleteOn those tough days when it's hard to focus, I encourage you just to read one verse and meditate on that for a minute or two. There are days when trying to process too much can be overwhelming.
Take heart. God knows you adore Him. No need to beg Him to understand. He adores you, too!
Linda,
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts to ponder. My husband and I have basically kept our same wake up time so that we can pretty much keep our usual morning schedule. I believe this has helped tremendously in giving us a sense of "normalcy" and gets our day off on the right foot. I agree that we desperately need to RSVP to God's invitation to come away with Him. Our purpose in being created by Him is to be in relationship with Him. Still need to keep that as #1 priority.
Blessings and praying you are healing and feeling better,
Bev xx
Keeping the same wake up time and bedtime sure are helpful these days when so much is up in the air.
DeleteI like that, Bev.
And yes, thanks, I'm about back to my old self again. I'm so grateful for your faithful prayers.
Linda, this post was so good. I found myself nodding my head. The one good thing that has come out of this (for me) is that, because my boys now sleep in until 8:00, I can almost always have my quiet time and get in a workout before they get up. This makes me feel good spiritually and physically. I love your emphasis on giving ourselves grace. We really need that from day to day, don't we?
ReplyDeleteA quiet time AND a workout, Jeanne! NOW I'm getting motivated! There's so much I want to squeeze into those first hours of the day. I'm still trying to figure out how to do it gently and with grace and joy.
Delete;-}
My morning routine involves getting outside for a walk, sitting in my favorite chair with my bible, pen, and an iced coffee. What I study or read depends on the season or day. Right now I am enjoying a Jen Wilkin bible study. And during this season I am doing better at taking more time to intentionally pray. I must admit that the days my husband has to go in to the airport, it is easier to keep to my routine even though I do love having him at home more.
ReplyDeleteTJ - your plan includes some non-negotiables to me. Walking or stretching, a devotional time, breakfast. And I'm really resonating with what you're saying about how helpful it is to change up how and what we study and read.
DeleteAnd for those of us with spouses or children at home, we certainly understand about your airport days!
;-}
Such a wonderful, encouraging, and timely post! This >>> "When we choose to tend to our souls, bodies, homes, and work in ways that are winsome and life giving, we will be more likely to be fortified with a spirit of peace, purpose, and gratitude as the day continues to evolve."
ReplyDeleteAnd in so doing, we will be better able to pour out to others. Grateful to have stopped here this morning!
Joanne, I always love when you drop in to visit early morning. It's a happy way to begin the day. Your arrival makes me smile!
DeleteI hope it's been a good one for you.
Developing good routines is so important at this time. It's strange because this is the most routine my life has been for a while. Normally each day and each week is slightly different but now each day seems the same. One of my colleagues is loving that just now, but I prefer the variety!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to put good habits in place though.
For sure, those who treasure variety as the spice of life must surely be going stir-crazy right about now.
DeleteMay God speak peace into your soul during these days of same-ness, friend ... and maybe surprise you with some opportunities or treasures in the midst.
Mornings are when I feel strongest, most me, most ready to take on the day. I'm brave at first light. Energized. A believer. Prayer filled. As the sun travels higher in the sky, so my anxiety climbs. My fatigue increases. It all - IT ALL - just accumulates.
ReplyDeleteBy sunset, there's exhaustion. And a plan - a promise to try again tomorrow.
Your words - always - give me the hope I need to begin again. Thank you, Linda. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
As always, you so beautifully articulate what many are feeling, Barbara. Your words speak truth for so many of us.
DeleteAs I've done several times this month, I'm encouraging my readers to call their doctors if they are struggling with anxiety. There is hope, there is help out there.
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm
That I know for sure ...
Praying for you even as we speak, my sister.
Yes yes yes to the grace-filled part of the routine! Hope you are well. Thanks for continuing to share the hope of Jesus in this difficult time. I sure do appreciate you! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful you're finding the hope of Jesus here, Nicki. That's such an encouragement to me tonight, friend.
DeleteThank you for that kindness!
This is incredibly helpful, Linda! I love the questions. I'm writing those down to use often. Thanks so much, my friend. I'm learning a great deal about myself in these crazy times and as stressful as this situation is, I feel closer to God than I have in a very long time. This morning I laid in bed and read my devotional before my feet even hit the ground. It was wonderful and much needed. So glad to connect with you again. I hope you and yours are healthy and well. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteI can't begin to tell you how excited I was to see you writing again, Candace! Your post was incredibly powerful and I quickly shared it on my LinkedIn page.
DeleteAnd I absolutely agree with you. I'm feeling oh so close to the Lord in this season. Events and emotions come and go ... but He is THE rock of our lives.
Praising Him for His faithfulness ...
Establishing a morning routine with God is the best thing I've ever done!
ReplyDeleteWhen all is said and done, most everything else fades in comparison ...
DeleteI think starting your day with a plan is the simplest way to keep your priorities straight. If I try to go through my day all willy nilly, I'll never get anything done.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Wendy! Willy Nilly mornings usually lead us straight into Willy Nilly days!
DeleteWhere did that expression come from anyway?
;-)
Glad you're here ...
Wonderful words of wisdom, dear friend. Being flexible with our morning devotions is so important, you are right. I have been having trouble sleeping lately. As a result, I sometimes find myself in bed much later than I normally would be. Rather than beating myself up, I should give myself some grace and just begin my morning devotions whenever I can, instead of rushing around, feeling like I should have gotten started accomplishing things hours ago. Thank you for this good invitation!
ReplyDeleteAmen to flexibility, not beating ourselves up, gentle rhythms in our mornings ... especially when our sleep is out of kilter.
DeleteGrace, mercy, and peace to you, dear Laurie ...
Great questions to ask. I am starting to feel more motivated and do want to get something accomplished during this time. Also routines do help. I think I had a home routine established before since I work from home so the adjustment wasn't as challenging yet the uncertainty did throw me off balance, Giving ourselves grace - right? Thanks dear friend for a great blog post.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jean. Uncertainty sure does throw us off balance. I think we're all searching for what is certain ... and the only One who's not changing is the One who will speak peace into the craziness.
DeleteSuch wisdom here, Linda. My three non-negotiables are prayer/Bible-reading time, my treadmill run and a shower. All are critical to my mental and physical well being. :-) I've maintained this pretty well during the quarantine, although if I got up a bit earlier, I think I'd be more productive the rest of the day. Or maybe that extra amount of sleep gives me an edge in the patience department. (Probably that, but naps also help.) As for what's working ... I'm getting better at writing a few minutes here and there, rather than for long chunks of time. I've sort of stalled out on some organizing projects, but I've taken up things like driving practice with my daughter. Somehow it all balances out. And I'm OK with that. Hugs, friend.
ReplyDeleteAs one of my granddaughters has been fond of saying, 'things change.'
DeleteOur changes have been drastic, so it makes sense that we're still figuring out how to walk through this uncertainty.
And let's hear it for a nap. I'm good with that!
;-}
Bless you with that driving practice. Good times!
I love this statement Linda ; "We're not looking for perfection, but a steadiness of purpose. Our ultimate goal is to honor Christ, not impress anyone else. Let's take the pressure off ourselves to have somehow arrived and realize that all we can do is our best ... with the strength and fortitude that only God can provide."
ReplyDeleteSo true!
My mornings are fairly calm filled with a routine of cuppas & breakfast with hubby. Then a sweet quiet time with my Lord, this hasn't changed in the pandemic as it was already there in place beforehand ;-)
Bless you,
Jennifer
I love that your mornings are fairly calm, a satisfying start with your husband and the Lord. You're reaping what you've sown ... seeds of faithfulness, commitment, and love.
DeleteMaybe this is a good lesson for all of us ... to have everything in place we need for life and godliness well BEFORE everything hits the fan.
Thanks for your gentle words, Jennifer. Sweet. Wise.
Ahhh, times have changed, haven't they? These are helpful questions, Linda, to ask as we make our way through these days. I'm considering conversing with our teen/young adults, too.
ReplyDeleteKristi, so glad to see you here again! I hope you're doing well in the midst.
DeleteI'd love to hear how your teen / young adults responded to the questions. I'm guessing they might be helpful for any age ...
Thank you for your own personal invitation to join you in making the most of our mornings with God. One of the gifts of this unusual season of life has been my sweet quiet time with God.
ReplyDeleteYes, the sweet quiet times have been our salvation, our rock, Mary.
DeleteWhere would we be without Jesus?
I hope this is a good Sunday for you, friend ...
Since we are in the middle of a move, my mornings are different each day. I am glad does not have a set time to meet with me, He is always there whether it's 10 at night, or 3 in the morning. I have enjoyed the shut down until we started packing, thankful we had some down time to prepare and pack. I wrote about some of it on my blog this morning, its helps me to see in print my attitude and then see how God has had an effect on my heart. He loves me...this I know, for the bible tells me so and no change in routine changes that. Great post Linda,
ReplyDeleteOh Betty, so many changes and transitions going on in your life! I'm with you, so grateful that God is available whenever we turn to Him. And in this season, that truth has become more precious than ever ...
DeleteEnjoy the packing!