My Saturday posts have rarely been “outfit posts.” But beginning today I’m sharing something even more unique on Saturdays. Because so many of my readers share my faith in Christ and seem to enjoy my “Blessed for My Day” portions at the end of my posts, I thought I’d begin focusing on cultivating spiritual or inner beauty on Saturdays.
I hope that is appealing to you. But if not, at least you’ll know that’s what I’m offering in my Saturday posts, so you can check in here accordingly. I just want to make sure that I offer a balanced approach to beauty here at Dressed for My Day – that we certainly address fashion, makeup, fitness and other physical beauty topics, but we also consider how to cultivate a Christlike character that is winsome to others and pleasing to God.
Of course, as in the fashion and beauty genres, I’m no expert. I’m just a gal, like you, seeking the Lord and purposing in my heart to grow in godliness. So don’t expect me to have all the answers. Plus, our spiritual journeys are just as unique as our body shapes and proportions or our skin types. Amen? So my recommendations or perspectives will be personal and based on my experience and understanding.
Anyhoo! Let’s get started with today’s topic!
My Morning {Inner} Beauty Routine
I once read that a great conversation starter is to ask a friend or acquaintance to tell you about their daily routines. For some reason, we all have a somewhat secret fascination with how and when other people do the daily things of life. Do you find that true?
So I thought I’d share with you my routine for getting my day off on the right track. I stick to this routine about 85% of the time, I’d say. When we have house guests or something unusual on the calendar, my routine may get a little off. But generally this is how I begin my day.
By the way, I’m usually an early riser. When we lived in Arizona, James and I both got up with the sunrise…usually around 5:00 during the summer. But here in Ohio, the sun rises later and our bedroom has less sun coming in through the windows. So I think we’re going to have to start using an alarm again. Hahaha!
- First I turn on the coffee pot (I get it ready to brew the night before) and take my medications. I don’t mind telling you that I take a low dose blood pressure medication and something for hypothyroidism. Anybody else? I also take an allergy medication every day. Ugh!
- I take my sweet little dog out next and then get him fed.
- About this time I drink a full glass of water to get started on my daily hydration. I do try to drink half of my body weight (in ounces) in water each day.
- With my coffee in tow, I grab my Bible and sit down either at the kitchen table, on the sofa or on my back deck for my quiet time. I use the First 5 App for my devotional time. That means I usually read one chapter of Scripture each day and then a brief devotional based on that passage. Right now we’re reading through 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. As the name of the app implies, it takes about 5 minutes for this devotional. I like that this devotional really sticks to the scripture, but also brings it to life for me. I’ve been using it for 4 years and in just less than a year from now we will have been through the entire Bible this way. You can jump in with First 5 at any time, though, and do all of the previous devotional plans.
- Next I take some time to look through my scripture meditation album. I simply use a small 4×6 photo album like this to collect meaningful scriptures throughout the year. Daily, I read through these scriptures and meditate on their truth, feeding my soul. (You can get those albums at your local Walmart for $1!)
- I spend some time in prayer next, praying largely for my family, but also for other concerns and people.
- Then James joins me for what we’ve come to call “Coffee Time.” (We are so creative! Ha!) We just sit and drink coffee and talk for about 30 minutes, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. We usually end with James praying for the day and for our kids, but not always.
- After James leaves me to get dressed, I spend some time responding to your comments on the blog post, reading other blogs, answering emails, posting to Instagram, planning my day, etc.
- Then I get my workout in usually. But later in the winter I’ll work in my office for a couple of hours (often in my p.j.s!) and then work out.
Well, that’s pretty much my daily morning schedule. If I’m going through or writing a Bible study, I usually do that later in the day when I’m a little more awake. But I think it’s so important to begin our days in the Lord’s presence. I can certainly tell a big difference when I fail to get this time in. And yes, I do miss it occasionally.
Oh, and remember, I practice intermittent fasting per FASTer Way to Fat Loss, so that’s why you don’t see breakfast anywhere in my schedule. I break my fast at 11:30 most days.
How does my morning routine help cultivate inner beauty? I find that spending intentional time in God’s presence – worshiping Him, reading His Word and casting my cares upon Him – helps me to be more focused on what is truly important, content with what God has given me, at peace with my circumstances and committed to godly behavior.
Feel free to ask me any questions. Or share some of your morning routine. I’d love to hear from you today!
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Blessed for My Day
One of the reasons I began this blog is because, indeed, people do make judgments about us based on our appearance. And that’s not all bad. It’s just human nature. You and I tend to size people up by their appearance, too. Hopefully we leave room to be corrected once we get to know someone, but we do assess people by their appearance.
And that’s why it’s important that we do the best we can with what we have to look well groomed, attractively put together and visually approachable. You could say our testimony depends on it. But while fine wrapping paper can dress a package up, it can’t change the substance of what is inside. That’s why, dear gal, it is so important to focus on developing inner beauty, too. Let’s commit to spending time, effort and even money to cultivate inner, spiritual beauty.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” ~ 1 Samuel 16:7
Good morning Kay! I love this new feature for Saturdays. It is just what I needed. Your morning routine sounds awesome. I’m not moving too much until I’ve had my coffee lol. Prayers for you and your husband as you start your new ministry in Ohio.
Thanks Janet. I’m so glad you enjoyed this and that you like my ideas for Saturdays. Have a wonderful one!
Kay,
Thank you for beginning your Inner Beauty posts. It’s something we all need to be reminded of, especially with such emphasis these days on youthful outward appearance. You are just the person to lead everyone in this lesson. I appreciate that your fashion selections are “real” that can be worn daily. I always look forward to your posts. Welcome to Ohio,
Doreen
Thanks so much Doreen. I’m glad you like my idea for Saturdays. Have a lovely weekend. ?
Hi Kay, I really like your inner beauty series for Saturdays. Your routine is very similar to mine in the mornings. I get up between 4:30- 5:00 am and out the door no later than 7:30 for work. I have been doing the First 5 app since they started it. I use the experience guide and the questions are challenging sometimes. I have two more scripture readings I read as well. I like the idea of your collection of scriptures to go over. I started a Gratitude journal in August 2015 and I write the things I am thankful for each day….from something simple as hearing the birds chirp while I am studying my Bible to something huge. I try to squeeze in 30 minutes on the treadmill but lately I’ve been slack. Unfortunately I do not get to spend 30 minutes with my husband before I leave but we like to drink our coffee and watch Fox News. My husband is retired so he gets to watch the news longer than I do. I haven’t commented on your post in a while due to a lot going on in my family. My father passed away in July due to the horrible disease of dementia. My mother is not doing well as she has some health issues too (long story). I do want to say that I am so happy that you and James made it to your new home safely and enjoying your new church family/friends. They are so blessed to have ya’ll. Your blog brightens up my day, even more so recently. Looking forward to your Fall fashions as Autumn is my favorite season. ~Lisa~
Hi Lisa. I’m so sorry to hear about your father passing and about his illness of dementia. I know that must have been hard for your family. Bless you, dear gal. Thanks so much for sharing your routine. That’s cool that you’ve been using First 5 since the beginning too. I think it would be great if Proverbs 31 would host a big celebration for those of us who have been through the whole Bible together. ? What do you think?? Thank you so much for your well wishes and blessings. Have a wonderful weekend.
What a wonderful idea! I’ll be anticipating your Saturday posts all week long ? While I do love fashion, it’s vital that we take the time to focus on the One who is all in all. I always enjoy your insights on BFMD, so I look forward to this addition so much!
Have a great weekend!
Thanks Cindy. I’m glad this idea resonates with you. Thank you for reading.
Good morning Kay! I am so excited for this new series. I always look forward to your “Blessed for My Day” at the bottom of each post. Just the icing on the cake, so to speak, as part of my morning routine. Time alone with our Lord is so important. We shouldn’t come to Him with JUST our everyday (sometimes urgent) concerns but also to Praise Him for all He is doing in our lives….good or bad! Thanks for adding this special series on Saturdays. A good way to prepare us for Sunday worship as well.
Great Sondra. Thanks so much for sharing. I’m glad you like this idea. It will help me too as I think through it and prepare for it each week. Have a blessed and lovely weekend.
Love this new Saturday plan of yours! I find in the summer I kind of let my morning routine go! I’m looking forward to getting back into a set routine and will certainly check out the First 5 plan!! Many blessings for a great weekend ahead!
Thanks Danelle. I’m glad you like the idea. And yes, check out First 5. I love the concept of giving God the first 5 minutes of our day. ?
Morning Kay!! What a great idea to change things up. Looking forward to your Saturday postings! And welcome to Ohio! I’m in your neighboring state, but over in the Northeast corner, most people know as the Pocono Mountains! Your morning routine sounds wonderful! I, too, am an early riser, so I enjoy that quiet time! With my coffee mug on the warmer, I read Turning Point from Dr. Jeremiah, highlighting parts that speak to me. Then I’ve been writing in a journal, first some praises, then some prayers. I also have index cards clipped in the front of the journal that contain all sorts of things I pray for, as well as special prayer requests that have come up. 99% are health related…..I’ll look through them every few days. I like to have this quiet time before my husband gets up, I can concentrate better! He was always an early riser, until a hip replacement gone wrong, changed him completely. It was either from the anesthesia or the blood they had to give him, when his bone wouldn’t stop bleeding & he lost a lot of blood. He also ended up with drop foot, which caused an end to his post retirement job, as a land surveyor. It could be much worse, but it’s changed our routine for sure! Once school starts, our grandkids arrive at 6:50, as we get the 3 of them on/off the bus everyday, the. Every Thursday & Friday, we have the 3 year old grandson to watch, so he keeps us on our toes! As you can see, my quiet time needs to come early, or forget it during the day. I’ll have to check out the app you mentioned, I’ve never heard of it. I used to read a few other devotions, but decided I need to concentrate on just one “theme” for the day. I still read Our Daily Bread sometime during the day, for a pick me up. Can’t wait to see what you have for us gals for fall!
Hi Gina. I love Dr. David Jeremiah too. Such sound teaching. Oh, and I love the Poconos! That’s where I learned to ski when I was in high school. We visited an aunt and uncle who lived in Slatington, PA, several Christmases. It was just beautiful. And then several years ago I spoke in Milford, PA and then visited some in the Poconos. Just lovely.
It does sound like you have your hands full. And I know those quiet mornings with the Lord are invaluable to you. ?
I’m a school nurse at a Christian School in Indiana… I have 3 boys, ages 14,13, and 11… so, I try to get up way earlier than them-for sure! In general, I get up around 5ish-5:15, drink my coffee and take my meds. My boys take a few meds, too. I lay those out for them while I get mine out. Then I start my morning devotions- I practice scripture writing… the theme for this month is PRAYER. When I’m finished, I pray Isaiah 64 for spiritual revival for my heart, my family’s heart, and for my surrounding world. Then I read the devotion in my monthly Life Action Ministries devotion and pray for the requests in it. My husband and I try to pray together also… Then, I read through some blogs, email, etc and listen to worship music on youtube as I start to get ready… Around 6ish, I shower and start getting ready for the day. We start waking up children around 6:15ish and then our day is off and running! When I was a younger mom, I thought sleep was more important and then after a series of trials, I decided the Lord had to get the first part of my day, because I needed him for all of my day…. He redeems the sleep I miss, every time!
I so enjoy your posts! I especially loved your post about Christopher and Banks… they are one of my FAVORITE stores! I’m excited to follow your adventures in Ohio! 🙂 You will ADORE the midwest in the Fall!!!
I’m so excited for your Saturday inner beauty series! I agree, it’s vital to our spiritual and physical well-being both inwardly and engaging with others outwardly. You have become my favorite blogger Kay! I gain something new and useful from you everyday! Have a beautiful weekend! ❤️
Dear Kay, Your love for the Lord is so evident! I appreciate your care, your boldness, your example and your leadership for matters of eternal value. I have grown to enjoy your fashion content more and more, but it is the Christian spiritual content that has made your blog one of my top two favorites. In fact, I’ve been trying to whittle down what comes into my “in box”, but I’ve never considered you for that–your blog a a keeper!! This new series is so encouraging to me. It’s a great example of Godly priority. He has gifted you with an ability to communicate very effectively and you’ve allowed Him to mold you into the sweet person that is being used by Him to positively influence other women too. I am blessed to be on the receiving end of that! Thank you so much! Blessings to you, my dear friend!
Hello Kay, I usually just read and don`t respond to your posts. However, I was excited to hear what you have planned for Saturday posts and jumped at the chance to respond. I have been following you for at least a year( memory is bad, could be longer). Anyway, I have 3 grown adult kids but have a home daycare. I still need to get up early to greet them at my door. I wake up and get ready then go get my coffee and read a few devotionals. I find myself praying throughout the day when I have quiet time. I am excited that you have moved closer to my state of Illinois, so perhaps your posts will be closer to what the season reflects here. Thanks for your commitment of your blog. I am happy that I found you. Have a great day!!
Thank you for this post.
You bet! I’m glad you enjoyed it. ?
I love that you are doing this. I’ve been feeling lately like I am spending too much time reading fashion blogs and focusing on clothes. I am reading through the Bible in a year with my Life Application Study Bible and my online group is starting a new study on Monday, so I’m not neglecting the inner side, but I spend more time online than I should. Thanks for the affirmation that we should care about how we present ourselves to the world, though. I just don’t want to turn my appearance into a false god.
I like this post and will look forward to more Saturday inspirations. I had tried the First 5 app when it first came out but did not stick with it. I follow the Proverbs 31 daily devotions but I think i need to re-visit the First 5 series. Thanks for the reminder!
I love Proverbs 31 devotional, too!❤️
Kay, I’m going to love these Saturday posts! Thank you ?
You bet! Glad you’re on board with it. ?
Thanks for the introduction to the First 5 app. Not being computer savvy I appreciate learning new ways for devotions. I have recently started back in a Precept Bible Study & am enjoying studying God’s Word inductively. Thanks for the new Saturday format & for your encouraging words in all of your posts. God’s blessings on your new journey…
Great to hear. I’m glad you like the new Saturday posts. ?
Thank you for your new Saturday posts! Love your fashion posts but thankful for someone who knows inner beauty is “precious in the eyes of God”.
You’re so welcome!! I’m very excited that you gals like the concept. ?
I enjoyed hearing about your morning routine. It is very similar to mine. I also can tell a difference when I spend time with the Lord and when I don’t. I am a preachers kid, I pray your new place goes well.
Thanks so much Fonda. Have a wonderful Sunday!
i love the First 5 app. i try to read the devotional and pray before I get out the bed. I take my allergy and asthma meds and have breakfast. i really should start drinking a whole glass of water when i take my meds.
Great! Yes, I figure getting in that one full glass first thing is a big step in the right direction! ?
Oh Kay, I know first hand what a gifted ladies Bible teacher you are, so I am glad you are sharing more here! I wake really early, while my coffee is brewing I unload the dishwasher and maybe start a load of laundry. I read your blog, while drinking coffee. Then, I read the Bible in a Year Bible. I have done this for years and think I will do something different, but go back to it. I just love the format of Old and New Testaments and Psalms and Proverbs everyday. Many times, I actually write some genuine Snalil Mail, next. We are opening our shop back up at the end of the month, so that keeps me busy! And housework. Unless, things change, For the first time in a long time, I won’t be a full time care giver ( for Momma first, then our grand daughter) so, I am hoping to do a lot at the shop. Around 11:30 I fix lunch for William and I. I do intermittent fasting, too. He goes to work at 1:30. I am looking forward to fashion photos from Ohio, this Fall!
Thank you for sharing your morning routine. I just downloaded the First 5 app.
Thank you so much! I love the inner beauty series. I’m also excited to learn about the bible study app. I have downloaded it already.
Hi Kay! I love your idea for the Saturday posts! The 32 years that I worked, I had to get up real early, and for years I was at my desk, 25 miles away, at 5:15 a.m. Now as a retiree, I have no problem sleeping until at least 8. I always wake up before Larry, which is what I prefer. After getting dressed, I turn on the radio then head out the door to put out corn and pellets for the deer, and check my 3 trail cameras around our yard. When I came back in the house, I turn on the coffee. Once the coffee is ready, I sit at the kitchen table with my mug of coffee to have my devotional time. I have been buying the Daily Guideposts book for years, that I really enjoy. This year I am also reading the Our Daily Bread devotions collection book, that I am really enjoying. For the past two years I read two different devotional books by Sarah Young, along with the Daily Guideposts. Once I have had my devotional time, in the quiet, I turn the radio back on, look at the pictures from the trail cameras, then start going thru my emails, FB, Instgram, etc. before beginning my day. I hope that you had a great day!
In my previous comment, I failed to mention how I handle my quiet time when we have house guests. The last time my son in law and granddaughter were here, I sat at the table, as usual, hoping he would really take note of what I was doing and that it would have a positive influence on him. Normally, I will have my quiet time back in our bathroom before I come out to the main part of the house. Having my devotional time is a daily must for me, so I do whatever I have to, to make it happen early in the day. When we travel, my Bible and devotional books go with me.
Thank you for reminding me that I need to make talking and visiting with God a daily ritual. Love the series idea.
Great. Thanks for reading and sharing. ?