DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE?

In our fast-paced world, maintaining spiritual focus can often feel like a daunting task.

Fostering this focus is essential in not only enhancing your spiritual journey but also in improving your overall quality of life. If you don't have a morning routine but wish to begin one, here are some steps you can follow:

Create Sacred Space

Cultivating a space dedicated to your quiet time, can significantly enhance your ability to remain focused. This could be a corner in your home or a small outdoor area. Decorate it with items that inspire you!

Establish a Morning Ritual

Starting your day with a purpose sets the tone for the hours that follow. Consider establishing a morning ritual that resonates with you. For example, set aside just 10-15 minutes each morning to meditate or reflect. This time allows for self-discovery and reinforces your intentions for the day.

My morning routine is up to an hour usually, and goes as follows:

1. I light a candle. The flame reminds me of Jesus, His work in my life, and that I am to shine for Him.

2. I take some deep breaths to help me focus.

3. I sit in silence for several minutes. I find this to be particularly helpful, as we live in a very noisy world! Here I can listen to what the Lord has to say to me.

4. I then pray over prayer requests for others and anything that comes to mind, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my prayer time.

5. After prayer, I read my Bible and meditate on what I've read for that day.

   
   

   Find what works for you, and remember, the key is consistency.

Reset Throughout Your Day

To extend your morning quiet time, consider taking a walk or spending a few minutes in silence at some point during your day. This practice helps me reset, particularly when I'm extremely busy at work. It alleviates any stress that arises and helps restore my focus.

PSALM 4

I love reading and sharing God's Word!

I started another read-through of Psalms for June. Today is June 4th, so here is Psalm 4:

A Psalm of David

1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2 How long, oh you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? Selah

3 But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still. Selah

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

8 I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

The Importance of Psalm 4

I love verse 3: "But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him!" This verse is a powerful reminder of God's love and attention towards us.

Understanding "Set Apart"

The phrase "set apart" in the original Hebrew is pala. It means to distinguish, to put a difference, to show marvelous, to separate, and to be distinct. This concept is profound. It emphasizes that we, as believers in Jesus, are uniquely chosen by God.

A Personal Connection

That is you and I! We are set apart for Him! He looks on us with love and hears us when we call out to Him. This assurance is something to be thankful for today. It provides comfort and peace in our daily lives.

Reflecting on the Psalm

What speaks to you today from this Psalm? Is there a particular verse that resonates with your current situation? Reflecting on these words can bring clarity and strength.

The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God. It is our way of communicating with Him. In times of distress, we can call upon Him, knowing that He will hear us. This Psalm encourages us to trust in His righteousness and mercy.

Finding Peace in God

In verse 8, we see a beautiful promise: "I will both lie down in peace and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." This verse reassures us that true peace comes from God alone. When we place our trust in Him, we can find rest, even in turbulent times.

Conclusion

As we continue our journey through the Psalms, let us hold on to these truths. God is always listening. He has set us apart, and we can find peace in His presence. Let's take a moment to meditate on His Word and allow it to transform our hearts.

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This post serves as a reminder of God's love and the importance of prayer. May it inspire you to deepen your relationship with Him and find peace in His promises.

New Year 2024!

JANUARY 7TH, 2024

Happy New Year! I struggle to understand how and why time seems to go so fast. It seems only yesterday that it was January 2023. I am sure many of us feel this way. I sat this morning thinking over my pastor’s latest sermon on this new year and what it may bring. I thought back over the past years since 2018. Life-changing events happened that year for me. The Lord unexpectedly asked me to step down from all the ministry I was involved in and leave the church I had attended for almost a decade.

I was caught off guard and quite surprised by this. I had always thought that was part of serving Him, an expected thing as part of my faith, almost like it was disrespectful to Him if I wasn’t serving somewhere, somehow. I was very happy at my church, had many friends, and felt at home there. I knew He was the one who had placed me as a women’s Bible study leader and on the prayer team, which I was also leading at the time. But now, quite clearly, He called me to make these changes.

I was at a point in my faith that I wished only to obey, even though I had so many questions! Honestly, the answers came and are still coming, but first, He told me I needed to learn to focus on Him in the chaos of this life. I needed more time reading and learning from His Word and the other spiritual leaders He had placed in my life. And so I obeyed quietly, praying often, seeking His direction only, not any person’s. It was my private time with Him, learning to lean in and trust Him afresh and anew. I gave up feelings of oppression, feelings of inadequacy, feelings of not being good enough in exchange for focusing on being His child, His daughter whom He knew before I was in my mother’s womb, His love for me, His place in my life as Savior and Lord! Psalm 139 came to life for me!

I walked through 2018 focusing on Him, studying His word, and praying continuously. That year, my mom’s health took a turn for the worse, and so, unknowingly at the time, I spent many moments with her that would be the last—my last birthday with her. The final play I was in that she would come to see. The last Christmas Eve service together we would watch my daughter Natalie sing. The only time my granddaughter and I would wash grandma’s feet was because she asked me to, and Jolie wanted to help! The last Christmas morning with her, all my children, their spouses, or soon-to-be spouses, and my only granddaughter, Jolie, gathered to open presents. The last few days of her life I spent with her in ICU, watching as she drew her last human breath but walked home to Jesus on January 2nd, 2019.

And so, a new year began again. This new year, I was sad missing my mom but happy for her that she was free of pain and, instead, dancing with Jesus! My walk with the Lord continued to grow. My focus continued to grow. He gave me many things to think about and even to write about in preparation for the future!

2020 dawned with COVID, a pandemic, and something I had never experienced. For me, it was not as difficult as it was for others. I worked as a court reporter throughout the shutdown, as the court had to continue. I was blessed to help. It was a challenging year that led into 2021, watching the devastation that staying home caused many people mentally, the financial crises it caused, and watching businesses close permanently for lack of being able to find people to work. It was a strange time. My job was more complicated because of the backlog caused by the pandemic’s effect on the judicial system. In late 2020 and all of 2021, I had to lean on the Lord in a new way not to be entirely overwhelmed by my workload. I continued to listen for His still, quiet voice when I felt I could not go on. He pulled me through, bringing a new reliance on Him, reminding me why He wanted me to learn to focus on Him alone in the chaos! He led me to speak at a women’s retreat in 2021 on Psalm 139!!! He encouraged me to keep writing What If?

2022 brought back a bit more normalcy. People adjusted back to working and not being given “free” money. Our overloaded calendars in court decreased, returning to a pre-COVID atmosphere.

That year, the Lord had something new in mind for me! I had the opportunity to join a six-month-long women’s ministry cohort! It was a time blessed in the presence of Godly women. My faith continued to grow. He opened my eyes to the fact that He uses us all as He chooses. He will always make a way, even if it seems daunting. If He calls you to do something, He will equip you! As gracious as He is, He told me it was time to finish What If? and get it published.

I began wrapping up the writing, and in mid-2022, HE PROVIDED THE PUBLISHER!!! I did not know what I was doing or how to do it – but He did! July 2023 What If? became available online and in print!

December 2022 brought a new blessing in my grandson, Seely! 2023 brought two more blessings: grandson Callan and granddaughter Maria, born two months apart!

I sit here today, praising God for His blessings and faithfulness, and call upon my life – to follow Him and share Him with others.

I ask, Lord, You help me do this well, in You and setting aside myself! And help me never to stop reading Your Word, praying, spending time with You, and following Your lead wherever it will take me. Amen!