Rich Routines

​We recently returned home from a vacation where so many of my normal routines were changed. The food was amazing…and it was made for me!

I mentioned to my husband this morning that as wonderful as vacation was, I was so glad to return to my routine of being in control of what food is on my plate and to tracking my points (a Weight Watchers routine). I feel so much more settled inside when this meal routine is taking place.

Routines are important. No one ever wakes up one day and has a routine. Routines are the result of daily choices…that are made and followed through on day after day after day.

Professional athletes have routines of exercise and  healthy eating.

Successful professionals have routines of continually learning and adapting.

People whose houses are tidy have routines of cleaning, picking up and putting things away.

Positive folks have routines of being thankful daily.

My Favorite Routine is My Daily Quiet Time with The Lord

I learned to do this by watching my dad.

My dad learned to do this by watching Jesus. This was Jesus’ routine…daily time with His Father. Throughout the gospels you find where Jesus withdrew, alone, to be with His Father and to pray.

Create Your Own Routine for Your Quiet Time

Pick a Time That Works Best For You

Jesus modeled that there is no bad time!

He withdrew in the evenings. (Matthew 14:23)

He withdrew and prayed all night. (Luke 6:12)

Jesus withdrew in the early morning.

Mark 1:35

“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.”

I have found that for me, the early morning is my ideal time. It’s my routine, regardless of whether I am at home or away.

I just love the stillness of the early morning. The quiet house, my cup of coffee and snuggly puppies. I grab my journal, pen, Bible and some quiet music and I find myself longing to get started. I remember when my boys were young; it was hard to  carve out that time. When the boys were young, I drew a number “7” on a 3×5 card and taped it next to their bedroom digital clocks. They were not allowed to come downstairs until there was a “7” as the first number on their clock. Mommy needed her time with Jesus. I set a boundary around that important routine. The clock would hit 7am and a stampede of feet would hit the steps…but my time with Jesus had been protected.

Pick A Place That Works For You

“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.”

Jesus went off to be alone with His Father. It did not matter what town He was visiting, He went off…alone.

Create a “space” for you that represents your place to go be with the Father. Pick a chair, a corner…wherever works for you. Let that be the spot where you routinely go. Turn off your phone. Perhaps you have some quiet music for the background to create a peaceful atmosphere of worship.

In my home there is one chair I gravitate to for my quiet time. Even my dogs lay in the same places next to me. It’s their routine. In my space I have my coffee mug, a pen, journal, my Bible and quiet music. I recognize that other people live in this house too and they are allowed in the same room I am in. My family knows what I am doing when I am in this chair. I might put in ear buds so I don’t get distracted by their voices. I have had this routine year after year…after year.

When I travel, I select a quiet time space and meet there every morning with my Father.

Be Intentional In What You Do

“Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.”

This quiet time…time…is for doing what the Father wants you to do…at that time.

Ask Him how He wants you to spend your time that day? Be ready with your Bible, journal, sketch pad, music, pen…your colored pencils.

The point of this quiet time is to spend time doing what is on HIS heart. Sometimes all I do is pray. Some days I get absorbed in studying scripture. God loves to be creative in this time. I have worshipped to music and I find myself crying, laughing, sketching scenes inspired by scripture….quiet times are not meant to be rigid.
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Just keep the focus on HIM.

(not checking emails or the almighty FB or Instagram)

Routine Quiet Times Make Me A Nicer Person

The more I consistently have my daily quiet time with the Father, the more my life evidences the fruit of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22,23). I am more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, goodhearted, faithful, gentle and I have more self-control.

My son, Daniel, was around 3 years old. He and I had spent the morning together and I will admit it, I had been irritated all morning and was taking it out on him. We were walking up the steps into the house and he turned and asked me a question.

“Mommy, you didn’t have your time with Jesus today, did you?”

With gritted teeth I snapped back, “Why would you ask that?”

“Because you have been very mean to me all day today and you always tell me you need your time with Jesus so you can be a nice mommy. “

He was right.

I immediately dropped to my knees, crying, asked for his forgiveness.

Then I asked for…HIS…forgiveness.

My morning routine of my time with the Father…is Rich. It’s sweet. It’s critical for my well being.