Dear Brothers and Sisters, Perhaps some of you are like me, and find yourselves being sucked into things that are unfruitful or unhelpful through your waking hours.   Perhaps some are struggling with sleep, fear, worry and stress.

There is a lovely old fashioned saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

One of the most powerful things we can do in any season is set up a daily routine that is healthful for us spirit, soul and body.

I will share the routine that greatly contributes to (when I stick to it that is) my general wellbeing and intimacy with God.    Of course, God will direct your steps to figuring out whatever works for you and your family.  This post is simply to encourage you to intentionally order your days in a way that makes lots of room for and honours the truths in scripture.

Mornings:

Psalm 5:3 The Passion Translation (TPT) “3 At each and every sunrise you will hear my voice as I prepare my sacrifice of prayer to you.   Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on the altar and wait for your fire to fall upon my heart.”

Proverbs 3:6 The Passion Translation (TPT) “6 Become intimate with him in whatever you do,  and he will lead you wherever you go.”

Wake up and bless God, thank Him for another day.   I start my day by taking iodine in water and after 20 minutes taking any other supplement I need to take on an empty stomach with a big glass of water.    I intentionally abstain from food for this window on most days to remind my body that it does not rule my days.     Fasting one day a week is also part of my routine depending on what season of life I am in (not as practical when pregnant or nursing for example).

I love how the natural parts of our life reflect the spiritual ones.   Water is the bestest stuff and helps our body flush out toxins and impurities so lots of pure water (the best you can get) is part of my routine.

I set apart the first hour (1 hour before the kids are awake to read the Word, thank Him and consult Him about the days events.   On my best days, I spend the whole hour or more on these things alone.

For those who want more details of what daily prayer might include:

1. I try to start and end in a position of praising Him.  This might means reading through verses and praising Him for what He has done for others or what He has promised me.  This might mean opening up the praise journal (my written one or the one written in my memories) and praise Him for all of his faithfulness and goodness.     I also worship Him as Lord and as a by-product remind myself of who is watching out for me and providing for me
2. A very short (minute or 2) sincere repentance followed by laying my requests to have areas of my heart and character transformed into the likeness of Christ.  The fruit of the Spirit is an excellent place to start.    Here is the list I keep to remind myself.  I ask for the Spirit of truth to abound and all error to be exposed and removed. for His love, mercy, grace, humility, energy, strength, wisdom, perspective, gentleness, kindness, etc
3. I will take a moment to think about how I have grown and thank Him for his faithfulness
4. as the verse above mentions, I bring my practical needs before Him.   Perhaps there are relationship issues, or financial/stuff needs, or guidance needed to make decisions in wisdom.   Perhaps there are extra stressful or difficult things that we are facing.  This is a perfect time to lay them on the altar and expect His answers with joyful anticipaction
5. Praise God and meditate on whatever He has revealed to me in the last few days or weeks.   I write these in a journal so that I won’t forget or let the things He has showned me be stolen from my mind.

I love how the natural parts of our life reflect the spiritual ones.   Water is the bestest stuff and helps our body flush out toxins and impurities so lots of pure water (the best you can get) is part of my routine.

At this point, it is time to wake up the kids.   I often have a quick breakfast and shower and dress to prepare for my day and wake them up.   I prepare a pre-breakfast snack of fruit and water to start their day off with.   They have a pre-breakfast routine that lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours too to train their bellies to do the more important things first as well.    This routine includes Bible Study and prayer for about 20 minutes and copying out their memory verse.

We try to include a worship time of 3-4 songs each morning as well.

We do a daily character study to develop Godly character.

And of course we talk about God all day long.  For those who know me, you know that He is my favourite topic.

On our best days we do a Bible study or devotional at each meal.

Evenings:

We aim to have all of our work done by dinner time so that after the meal we can turn on the praise music again.

I try to reserve the last hour to hour and a half each day to do my own Bible study.  All screens off, I dim most of the lights, other than my beside one.  The last thing I do is go to the children’s rooms and pray over them, pray the blood of the Jesus, of sanctification over them and pray protection over our family and property.  On many nights, I feel led to repent for certain things that happened that day with my children.

Part of my routine is also tearing down all “soulish” prayers that have been prayed over us (those are prayers that come out of the hearts of people that are in conflict with the will of God), all evil prayers and assignments against our family and property and I forbid all things that are in rebellion against God from operating in our home and banish anything that might have crept in.     I commit our family to the Lord and His protection and thank Him for the blessed and sweet sleep He provides for His beloved.

Of note, I do find, our best days are the ones that I manage to give Him my full attention often.    Turning off the phones, screens and setting aside dedicated windows is very beneficial.

I also designate one day each week to focus even more on the Lord.  On that day, 3-5 hours with Him is lovely.  We have simple meals and do very little work and spend a longer window of time in praise.