01.21.2014

So this post is kind of simple but I feel like it is necessary.  As a girly girl, I have a go-to look.  It is really simple.  I twist my hair on one side and then I Farrah Fawcett the other side.  The make-up is really simple.  I use MAC's Big Baby Lipglass and then some mascara.  It's simple.  I love it.  I do it almost every single day that I leave the house.

                                             


I am definitely a creature of habit.  I cannot help it and I honestly love it!  If my hair isn't twisted up, if my big baby lipgloss is missing and if my Drakes [my eyebrows] aren't done, I feel super weird.

So, what does this have to do with anything?  Well, I feel like coming up with a set way that I have my morning quiet time is important as well.  It's my go to! I don't limit myself to doing just this though.  If I feel led to do more, then I do more BUT I try not to do anything else before I do this. When I'm ill or not in the mood or super busy, I still know what I need to do that morning!

What's my spiritual morning routine?

1. Praise Him! I start my morning off by thanking God for waking me.  I honestly sometimes have a "Won't He Do It" moment because I am so thankful that He woke me.  
2. Grab my Bible [it's pink], my pink journal, my pink binder, my pink pen [for underlining things that rang important to my soul that morning], and my devotional [yeah, I wish it was pink but it is brownish orange.]
• I like to keep these things close to my bed, preferably on my nightstand, that way I don't have to wander around and look for them in the morning.
3. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 [The Whole Armor of God].                                                          10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
4. Read Romans 12:9-21 [Marks of the True Christian]
   9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
   14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
5. Read a healing Scripture:  This will vary day by day because I have around 20 to 30 healing scriptures tabbed in my Bible and I usually just flip to one. I honestly suggest that whatever storm you have going on in your life, you find scriptures to battle them! And if you feel like you aren't quite in a storm, then find scriptures of peace and comfort to read daily.
6. Read my two devotionals:  Right now, I use SheReadsTruth and Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.  Theses devotionals keep me. My Aunt Vickie gave me the Jesus Calling devotional for Christmas and I have absolutely fallen in love with it.  The SheReadsTruth devotional requires a lot more planning because I cannot wake up and use technology first without putting on the Whole Armor of God.  Usually, the night before, I print off the SheReadsTruth devotional from that day [so I am always a day behind].  I place the devotional in a sheet protector and then in my pink binder. So in the morning, I grab the binder and I'm ready without the distraction of technology.
7. Journal: If I feel like it.  

 I usually try to get ready with worship music. I realize that I cannot control the environment outside of my bedroom [since I stay at home with my family] or even my house, so while I am here, I try to focus on God because as soon as I step outside, I feel like I have to be ready for war. 

Then I take on my day. The days that I don't use this routine or skip it, I usually feel a spirit of sadness overtake me. [cough cough, yesterday]  I find it very important to wake up and surrender yourself to God.  It is a daily thing.  Luke 9:23 says 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.