Good Morning Ladies!!

I am so excited about today’s post for a multitude of reasons.  First of all, because I have been able to connect with some amazing women through it.  Second, because I love mornings.  And third, because I absolutely love seeing how others use their time to grow closer to Christ.

If you haven’t guessed by now (or read the title.  ha.) today’s post is a mix of five different ladies Christ-centered morning routines.  And they are all just so beautiful!!  Thank you so much, Janessa, Maclaine, Kate, Abby, and Kipsy, for writing about your day!  Please look up these amazing ladies and give them some love!!!  Now, without further ado, here are the routines!!!

 

Janessa Elise

Instagram @simplyfreeindeed

http://www.simplyfreeindeed.wordpress.com

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14

Are you a morning person? Sometimes I struggle with rising early, but my natural tendencies do fall for those first rays of sunlight and the chirps of the birds that break the silence of the night. When I go to bed early enough to wake feeling rested, I have the motivation to let my morning routine fall into place. I light candles and play soft music while I heat a kettle to make some coffee. As it steams, I worship my Lord, meditating on the words that I sing. In the silence that follows, I move as the Spirit leads, sipping from my cup physically and spiritually; renewal washes over me as I awake more fully and can concentrate on the goodness of my Savior and drink from His Living Word. I open with a few minutes of prayer and then I open my Bible. I read a passage and dialogue with Jesus as I read. If something confuses me, I ask Him about it. I talk to Him like He’s my closest friend sitting there beside me, because He is. I journal my prayers and thoughts, my summary of what I read and a favorite verse to continually come back to during the day. I end my time with Him in prayer and worship– moments mirroring each other as I fall back into the stillness and solitude of those early morning hours.  

what I’m listening to // So Will I, Hillsong

what I’m drinking // Cafe du Monde and Cafe Bustelo mix (with cream)

fragrance // peppermint candle and wintergreen essential oil

 

Maclaine Capshew

Instagram @acatholicconvo

http://www.acatholicconvo.com

Somehow, I consider myself a morning person. Even though I have the worst morning voice, messiest hair, and tired muscles, I always tell myself that mornings are my thing. To me, mornings are God’s way of gracing us with the health to wake up and says, “Hey you! Look at the light I’m giving to the world, AGAIN!! Just wanted to remind you that I love you and I’d love to be with you the whole day today. But of course, I’ll leave that part up to you.”

I have a routine, but every morning I aim to re-accept God and return to His arms. As a tired and overworked college student, I usually wake up around 7 or 8 a.m. every morning. For the past couple weeks, a few friends and I have been getting up right away and not pressing snooze on our alarms as a way to fast for Jesus. After that, I scroll through my Instagram to check notifications and read some morning Catholic inspiration. At some point, I decide to get up and wash my face, brush my teeth, and put in my contacts. I then put on some makeup, pick out my outfit for the day, and pack up my books for class. Usually the last thing I do is put on my Holy Spirit medal and cross necklace to make sure I wear Christ from the beginning of my day until the end. “Your mercies are new every morning”! – Audrey Assad

 

 

Kate O’Brian

Instagram @heyitskathryn

http://www.katetheblog.blogspot.com

For my morning routine, I like to thank Jesus before my feet even hit the floor. A couple years ago, I subscribed to the Blessed is She email list, and it changed my morning prayer. Blessed is She sends the daily readings and a short devotion right to your inbox. As soon as I wake up, I reach for my phone to pull up the BiS devotion. I love the fact that the first thing I do every day, right after I open my eyes, is thank Jesus and reflect on Him. Another great resource is the Laudate app; I love reading the saint of the day, and it’s free. Usually I wouldn’t like the idea of screen time first thing in the morning, but if it’s being used for good, then it’s allowed! It’s something I can do no matter what my morning is like, whether it be a crazy Wednesday or a restful Saturday. After the readings, I say a morning offering and take a few minutes to remind myself what my goals for the day are. Then I’m off to get the rest of myself ready, whether that be getting dressed for work or cooking a cozy breakfast. Oh, and tea is optional, but strongly encouraged.

 

Abby

Instagram @allwebehold

http://www.allwebehold.wordpress.com

My morning always begins with prayer. This is essential for me, and I notice a huge difference in my outlook and the way that I face challenges throughout the day. It could be something as simple as, ‘come, Holy Spirit,’ or if I have more time, the Litany of Trust. I have the Litany printed out and hanging by my dresser so I can recite it while I’m getting ready. It’s a beautiful and humbling way to begin the day because it both reminds me of all of the things that I’m guilty of, like fear of the future and belief that I can succeed on my own, and assures me that the Lord’s love is so much stronger than any of my failings. Each day that I live is a gift, and I need to remember to be grateful and to try to live it in a way that is pleasing to Him. Then at breakfast I go over the daily readings and see what message I can take away to carry in my heart as I go through each moment. Finally, before I head to my first class I stop in the chapel to pray. Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with Christ outside of the Mass, and this is the best way to make sure that my day revolves around Him. Spending time in the stillness and silence before the tabernacle calms any fears that I might have for the day, and it fills me with joy to know that I will return later to receive the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus is our light and our Sun, and everything we do from our waking moment should strive to be a reflection of His precious glory.

Kipsy Quevada

Instagram @thesaintlypursuit

http://www.thesaintlypursuit.wordpress.com

Every morning begins with an abrupt start from my blaring phone alarm. By this time, I am normally telling myself how unfair it is to wake up before the sunrise. But before negativity takes over, God always reminds me to be still. With a sudden rush of gratitude for the internship He has blessed me with, I finally get out of bed.

As usual, I wash my face, brush my teeth, and slip into a business casual outfit. Before leaving the house, I can never resist admiring Mama Mary’s beauty as her statue gazes in the direction of my garage door. I then start the car and set up the Waze App on my phone with my work address. I reach for my car rosary to pray for God’s and Saint Michael the Archangel’s guidance and protection.

I have recently gotten into the habit of listening to and reflecting on the Daily Reading and Reflection Podcasts from the Laudate App while driving. I also listen to Spotify to practice for Break Ministry’s masses and adorations or to worship to my favorite worship bands. (Here is a compilation of my followers’ favorite morning jams!) My work day then begins with morning tea and the Prayer to Saint Joseph for Success in Work.

Whenever I make Jesus my first focus, daily drives and workdays are always spirit-filled and complaint-free. Sticking to this routine gives me the motivation and patience I need to work like Christ and for Christ!

 

Have a blessed Saturday!!!

Maddy