Hey Friends!

If you're anything like me, then you know exactly what it feels like for your motivation, productivity, and overall energy levels to rise and fall with each passing week. Some weeks you feel like you're doing great, you're getting a lot done, and you're excited about what's on the horizon. Then the next week comes and it feels the exact opposite. You just can't seem to get moving in the same way you did less than 7 days before, and your to-do list doesn't look like you've touched it, even though you've been working a ton every day. (And yes, sometimes this happens day to day, not week to week.) Well, that's been much of my experience for the past couple of weeks. Maybe you feel the same way.

Let's dive right in.

A Thought. 💡

Regardless of how off my schedule gets, how chaotic my to-do list becomes, or how little sleep I get at night (I know, I'm working on it), there's one part of my life that remains constant--my morning routine.

If I've learned anything about myself over the past few years, its that I am a very routine-oriented person. I like things to go the same way as they have before. I can be a bit of a planner (yes, the term a "bit" is an understatement), and I like things to be a certain way. In fact, its usually when a routine or plan gets thrown off that puts me in a bad mental space. But when the opposite happens...I experience far more clarity and freedom to move through my life in a healthy way.

Here's what I'm getting at: my morning routine (and yours) can and will shape the rest of your life. Not just the rest of your day or week, but the rest of your life.

There's something about consistency--no matter how small--that builds and pays massive dividends in the short and long term. Showing up every day and choosing to take a step toward the person that you want to be is the key to growth.

There are three main activities that make up my morning routine. Sometimes things get added or shifted around. Sometimes the location changes and the details change, but the core stays the same.

Coffee. ☕️ Bible. ✝️ Movement. 🏋🏼

Most of my days start between 4 and 4:30 in the morning. (If you're thinking I'm crazy right now, keep reading. But yes, I might be a little crazy...) I've learned that waking up a good deal before the rest of my family sets me up for success because it gives me more than enough time to actually do all of the things that I want to do before the day gets going and there's a higher likelihood that something else will get in the way--good or bad.

It's no secret that I'm a bit of a coffee addict (I prefer enthusiast, but hey, if the boot fits...) so I always begin my day with a pour over (shoutout to Loveland Coffee). There's no Keurig being used in this house.

After I make my coffee, I sit down at the kitchen table to read my Bible. Right now I'm using Jason Mayfield's Tear Up Your Bible reading plan, and its been AMAZING. If you've ever struggled to get started with a regular Bible-reading habit, this is the plan for you. Reading the scriptures is more than religious ritual; its a divine appointment that I make with God every day. I know that in this way I'm giving the Lord the firstfruits of my day and allowing his words to be the first things that enter my mind. (Oh yeah, important point: no phone until after reading my Bible) Doing so opens my heart and mind to be formed more into the image of Jesus of Nazareth.

After I spend time reading my Bible and writing down a few things, I get ready to head out into my garage to workout. Making the shift from driving to a gym elsewhere to creating a garage gym has been one of the best decisions and investments I've ever made. It takes away so many of the excuses that I used to have about not wanting to drive somewhere, be on time for a class, or anything else. Everything I need is right outside the door and I have access to it at any time. (more on that later)

I've come to find working out as a spiritual discipline in and of itself. While most people wouldn't look at exercise in this way, I have found that moving my body helps me to become more aware, alert, and most importantly it reminds me of how important breath is. When I'm out of breath and struggling to catch up, I'm quickly reminded at how much of a gift every breath is. In many ways, working out has become a type of prayer practice. Sometimes I even listen to a sermon or podcast while I'm on the rower or lifting weights. It helps to reinfornce the things that I've been reading and keeps my mind attuned to God's presence in all things.

Coffee. Bible. Movement. Three things that make up my morning routine, and have changed everything for me. I've noticed that when my morning routine goes as planned, I'm in a better mood, I'm more present with the people I'm with, and I feel better. But sometimes things get out of whack and I don't wake up on time to get it all done (like today). And in those moments, give yourself a little grace. Try again tomorrow.

So what's your morning routine look like? Whether you're an early bird like me or you wake up at noon, what are the non-negotiables of your morning? What habits do you take part in every day? How are those habits shaping you into the person you want to become?

I'd love to continue the conversation with you!

A Resource. 📚

This week, our staff is beginning the Prayer Practice, created by Practicing the Way. If you're unfamiliar, Practicing the Way is a non-profit started by John Mark Comer with the goal of creating discipleship and formation resources for churches, small groups, and communities. Over the next few years they'll be creating resources for 9 practices, as well as two courses taking things even further. If you'd like more information about Practicing the Way, click here. You can get more information about all things spiritual formation and apprenticeship to Jesus there.

A Verse. ✝️

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”

For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-- Romans 11v33-12v2 (NIV)

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