5:45 AM

This is my get-up time as of Jan 1, 2010. It may be changing my life. I bought a coffee maker with a timer to make coffee at 5:30, because I do not think straight without it. This time has become precious to me.
This is my only alone-time any time of any day of the week, which I desperately need. I have to recharge alone. If I don't start my day off in the Word and prayer, it can spiral down in a jiffy! I feel anxious, behind, and snappy.

I have completely changed my prayer life to be more intentional throughout the days of the week. I pray for my husband differently every day. I pray for each child more specifically on a certain day, also our little guy in a tiny crib in Rwanda.
I pray for extended family Tuesdays, the persecuted church/missionaries on Wed, our church on Thursdays, my friends and esp. dear friends who are single on Friday.

I only write this because it is SO helpful to me to hear from others what is working in different areas of their life. One friend just told me she laminated an index card with what she was praying for each day of the week and put it in her shower, and on her mirror for when she gets ready. genius. Another friend has a "prayer corner" at an intersection, and when she drives by, her kids call out from the back-seat what they want her to pray for that day.

I also do my Bible Study, which I love!
I was reminded this semester through my Precept-study how much I really do treasure the Word. Digging deep, although sometimes feels tedious at first, yields rich rewards.
I did I Peter this semester which kicked my tail in the conviction department. God gently refined me and tought me through this book in areas of testing/trials, submission, and living a holy life. As you can see, all areas I could use some work in. All that to say, my time in the morning provided enough time for the indepth study I needed to do to complete it.
So, that's all, just my morning routine that has changed my days.
Now I just need to get in shape!! baby steps, baby steps...

"With my whole heart i seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

i have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you...

i will not forget your word.

Deal bountifully with your servant,

that i may live and keep your word.

Open my eyes, that i may behold

wondrous things out of your law...

your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119