Living life to its fullest is not an easy task for us. When we take the day as it comes at us, then we can face set backs and road blocks. I want to share ways I have found to be successful in living my day to its fullest. I must admit that it has taken years to reach this goal. I often have gotten side tracked from my plan, but I am finding lately this is the key so I do not start without it.
I wake up every weekday morning at the same time. Weekends are different time wise, but my process is the same. I grab my coffee or hot tea. I have a preset spot which has my stash of needed items to make this time successful. I have my One Year Bible, my colored pen, notecards, prayer cards and notepad.
I find that starting my day with my daily Bible reading has given me perspective for my day. I use God’s filter to face the task before me. I choose to read through the Bible by using the One Year Bible. It breaks down scripture into Old Testament, New Testament, Psalm and Proverb for the day. It is easy to read in 10-20 minutes. If I have more time in my morning then I can take longer to look up meanings and context, but I use a colored pen (color of the year is chosen in January) to mark any text that speaks to me. I write notes in the margin or on a notecard. These methods allow me to come back for review later if more thought or study is needed.
There are several devotional books that are available. Over the years I have found that I was listening to the voice of the writer and not the voice of the Lord. I was taught about the One Year Bible early in our marriage. Our Sunday school teacher shared that he bought a copy and read through it each year. He also shared how he used a different colored highlighter yearly to distinguish what he learned. I have used this method off and on. This is an easy way for me to be in the Word.
When people ask for prayer, use a notecard to write the request or make a note in your phone. Use these notes to remind you whom or what you need to pray for that day. I have used a prayer notebook where I transfer those request into written form. It serves as my prayer, and it serves as a journal to reflect on God’s faithfulness.
My prayer journal is divided into ACTS: Adoration (Praise), Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (request for self and others). On some days it is easy to journal my prayers for a long time like a diary. On other days I find a line or a word is what I can write. This method keeps me from listing my needs only. It allows me to come before Him with a grateful heart and a free heart.
His Word is “active and alive”. It is a guidebook for the way we are to live as Christians. He inspires other people through His word so why would He not inspire me (and you). We all have 10-20 minutes of time. Set your clock back 10 minutes to wake up early. Have your stack of necessary items near your spot. Grab your go-to morning drink and dig in. Your day will be blessed.