143 Comments

  1. LOOOOOVE this post! Totally resonates with me and I’m bookmarking it to come back to when I get home after work today!!! I love how you break things down – totally helps me get the details of the big picture. You rock!

  2. Oh my girl. This post really hit me hard. I’ve been trying to focus on being intentional and taking some pressure off myself to be perfect and it’s been a journey that’s for sure. But your take on morning time with God and just a quick 10 minute workout is amazing. That really take the prefect out of it.
    I used to workout for several hours at the gym and since having a family doesn’t allow for that I’ve never got back into it – feeling that it wouldn’t be significant enough.
    Just love your posts as usual ???

  3. I wake up at 4:50am – so that gives me 1 hour and 25 minutes before I wake up my high schooler. I stretch/let the dog out, finish loading & run the dishwasher, change the dog’s water, wash my face (I shower the night before), then I plan my day, read the Bible, pray, go through any classes/books/daily emails that I am currently working on, read my email (most of it is informational anyway). After I wake child #1, I put in a load of laundry and take up the load from the day before to fold/put away. I make lunches/breakfast and start on the dishwasher. Time to wake up child #2 and then I sit with #1 for about 10 minutes before he leaves for the bus. Put on my makeup- finish the dishwasher – sit with child#2 until she goes to the bus. Then I get dresses and walk the dog (about 1 mile) with my husband, do my morning chore (dust, sweep, change sheets, vacuum, trash – I do one per day) and then it is time to drive my husband to work. Works wonders for me!

  4. Beth Price-Almeida says:

    Hey Kayse! First let me tell you that you are my hero! I am so not a morning person! Waking up at 5:30 in the morning seems like it might be illegal … somewhere. I think, though, after reading your post, I am going to try it except I’m shooting for 6 or 6:30.
    My little is 2 and a half but he still has a hard time sleeping all night more often than not. He usually doesn’t wake up until 8 or 9. If I tried putting him to bed at 7 at night, he would be up by 2 in the a.m. I feel like getting some time in with Jesus BEFORE my day is off to a running start would definitely make me a much happier mommy. Plus, I could also look over my plan for the day and see how busy it will be or add (or take away) last minute stuff from the night before. I have your planner and you have a customer for life! I’m going to be experimenting with ways to make a personalized cover for it so that I can print it out and have it bound at the local UPS store. Filling in the planner and thinking about how well organized the next day will be is like a sort of evening meditation for me. It is so calming and also refreshing! I love all of the thought you put into the layout and the color scheme and all the add-ons!
    I have a question. Can you tell me where you found the clock you mentioned Emmy has? I would love to get one for Mason.

  5. Beth Price-Almeida says:

    Oh! Do you know Kayse has designed her own planner?! She is the force that got me addicted to Erin Conference planners and I DO love how the covers for the EC planners can be customized, but I purchased Kayse’s planner along with a Bible study add-on and a homeschooling and working mom add-on.
    I haven’t seen another planner so thoughtfully laid out! Because Kayse is a mom & a homemaker, she totally GETS what women need … especially if you are super easy to get sidetracked, oh look! Shiny stuff!!! Or if it’s easy to become overwhelmed (and I’m not saying I do this, but I know someone who gets overwhelmed so completely, that i, I mean she will bury herself in the covers and cry during nap time). Okay, it is totally me that does that, I wouldn’t eat on a friend.
    If you haven’t bought one or didn’t know she designed her very own Organized Life Planner, you have GOT to get one.

  6. What a great spot! This is exactly the kind of spot I am creating in my bedroom! Thanks for more inspiration Kayse!

  7. Just curious how your prayer notebook works. When you pray for others are you writing out those prayers in the prayer section? I enjoyed reading this post.

  8. Did you know that Frixion also makes highlighters that erase? It’s great! These are my favorite pens as well!

    1. Yes, I JUST found these! I love them for my Bible!

    2. I LOVE these pens as well, but just a word of warning, the writing will disappear if you leave your notebook or planner in the heat, say in your car …I found out the hard way! I still use them and love them but I make sure to take my notebooks and planner inside with me now 🙂

      1. Yes! Totally true. I’m about to write an updated version of this post, and my new favorite highlighters are Mildliners. No fading, and no bleeding!

  9. What is the name of your delux notebook for your prayer journal i cannot find it on the Erin condrin site
    regards

  10. How on earth do you find time to spend alone with your husband if you are up at 5:00am? I am one of those girls that NEEDS 8-9 hours of sleep to function, so that would put me going to bed at 8:00-9:00pm. My kids don’t even go to bed until 8:00-8:30! I would love to have two hours to myself in the morning but it would kill my marriage. What am I missing?

    1. Hi Kay!
      Our kids go to bed by 7, so Jon and I spend time together in the evenings. And we probably stay up later than we should! We’re working on being in bed by 9, and lately my aim is to be up by 5:30. It’s a bit of a different season than it was when I wrote this post, so my mornings look a little different now, but are still a high priority. Everything is always changing! There’s no magic here – you’ve gotta find what works for YOU. I hope that helps!!

  11. Thanks for all these reviews. I made an Amazion wish list for Christmas and have seen that the pens, highlighters, and journaling Bible from this page were purchased!!! I think I will ask my parents for the Bible cover and pen case. Being one of the first to buy the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle I used the Erin Condren gift card from you to get 2 of her notebooks which I do The Hello Morning Bible studies in. The Emily Ley daily planner and papermate pens were gifts from my dear hubby. I love your site and am always so blessed and encouraged by what you post. It’s so nice to have someone do the research for me!!!

  12. I realize I’m getting to this post really late, but wanted to say that (1) your laminating those workouts is GENIUS! I have a bunch of those quick at-home workouts on my Pinterest and never use them, but this makes it so easy – definitely stealing that; (2) you have inspired me to finally take the Morning Makeovers course I signed up for months ago. It will be a good lead in to the holidays me thinks! and (3) you are about the 15th person I’ve read about and seen using a journaling bible and I love them. I’m definitely going to have to get one. So, thanks – much inspiration and encouragement here!

    1. Having the workouts printed out has made them actually doable! Lol! And seriously, I love my journaling Bible. I’m excited for you to take the mornings coursE! It was really helpful for me!! Thanks for visiting, I’m so glad you’re here! 🙂

  13. I’m still working on getting my routine in place. The Make Over Your Mornings course is really good! I’m going to go back through it for a refresher.

  14. This is something I struggle with daily! I like my sleep. It doesn’t matter if we go to bed at 900 or 1100 I CANNOT get up in the morning. Recently my son (like the past few months) has been getting in bed with us every morning. My problem is that means he’s awake when I’m wanting to have quiet time and start my day peacefully. Instead I find myself getting frustrated as he squiggles and squirms all over our bed. This is something that needs to change! I am more than welcoming to any insight!

  15. Hey Kayse,

    I love all of your resources and organizational ideas! Thank you for so many great suggestions. And, congratulations on the BIG DAY and all of your announcements! I’m going to have to check out your planner!

    I came over on Works for Me, and I landed next to you on the Link UP.

    Hope you have a blessed day today,
    Melanie

    *One other detail – I had a little trouble with your pop up box. I filled in my info to sign up, and couldn’t get the subscribe button to work. You may want to check on it. Thanks~

  16. DeLyndia Vaughn says:

    Love everything about this post!!

  17. Cheryl J. says:

    Love your pretty quiet corner, resources, and prayer journal!

  18. 1st, I LOVE THAT CHAIR!!!! 2nd, thank you for sharing this with us! There is so much in here I need to implement into my own morning routine (ya know, after I actually get a morning routine down LOL). I am so disorganized in my life, which doesn’t work out so well with 2 little boys. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post!

  19. Michelle J. says:

    It’s true how something as simple as water can make a big difference.

  20. I really need to put something like this into practice, thanks for giving us all a looking intoyour life and encouraging other women and moms!!

  21. Renee Geisel says:

    Very cool love these ideas very helpful!!

  22. Beth lynn says:

    I love the highlighting ideas for bible study. Thank you!

  23. I love making my Bible mine, with what God has spoken to my heart and little tidbits to share with future generations

  24. Thank you for sharing the app!!!

  25. I love your prayer journal! I have gone through spells of using one but I haven’t in a while. Maybe I should resurrect it?

  26. Love seeing how morning routines work!

  27. Love seeing how others set up their quiet time area. Love the etsy Bible covers too!!

  28. Melissa Moore says:

    Thank you for the encouragement to be disciplined in these areas!

  29. I need any motivation to get up earlier than my kids.. so the whole blog basically! 😉

  30. Kayse this is a great idea. So far my prayer journal is on my Prayer App on the phone 🙂 but I love writing down the prayers. Love the book with dividers like that. Thanks for sharing it.

  31. The journaling Bible (just bought one and love it so far!) and the prayer journal really inspire me to get back to what is most important in life. Thank you!

  32. Just came across your blog! I agree that a morning routine of quiet time and prayer makes all the difference! Thank You so much for sharing your tips!!!❤️

  33. My favorite part was the organized prayer journal– what a great idea. My journal is so jumbled and I think it would definitely help me in my prayer time to be writing down what I’m praying for each person. Thanks for your encouraging post!

  34. one thing I took was having a journal for confessing sins. I’ve never heard of that before. Great idea.

  35. I hadn’t read this post before – very insightful and helpful!

  36. I am excited to put on my to buy list the prayer journal with dividers and the erasable pens. I love your system. Hope you don’t mind if I copy some of it. Thank you.

  37. Diane Collins says:

    What a great idea for using the EC notebook! I have needed to get back to daily devotional time.

  38. Cindy Boyd says:

    I just “found” you this week. I love your posts, advice, optimism, etc. Now I have a fun scavenger hunt to win stuff. I love to win stuff! Haha

    I am a mom, but in a different way than most. I am a Therapeutic Foster Mom. We only take teenagers. They are the hardest to place. Also, we are in the process of adopting a teen. She is one of the 18 teens that have been in our home during the past three years.

    Anyway, thank you.

  39. I love your prayer journal! Now I’m going to be drooling over the Erin Conrad website and putting a million things on my wish list. 😉

  40. I’m so excited about establishing a morning routine. However, it needs to start with getting up at 5am which seems impossible!

  41. Janice Tate says:

    Kayse,

    Your so amazing with all of these great ideas! you make me realize it’s just as important to have a life planner but also a bible planner and color code so when you go back and refer you realize what each color represents to you and when your trying to teach others what a handy tool for all! Big Tight Hugs,
    Jann

  42. Love this post! Due to our lifestyle, most of my personal quiet time is late-night, but as long as I get it I won’t complain. 🙂 My little one (she’s 3.5) is a mama’s girl and is never far from my side, day or night. I {not so} secretly eat it up, though, because I know it won’t be long until those seemingly unending snuggles are just happy memories. Most days I’m lucky to get a hug from my oldest (she’s 17)!
    Thanks for sharing your life with us. <3

  43. This is one of my all time favorite blog posts from anyone!

  44. make over your mornings is a great resource!

  45. Love the prayer journal idea and how you set it up is wonderful.

  46. i had a really great morning routine, and now i have a really great newborn! 🙂

  47. It is so helpful to see how other women maximize their mornings. And I didn’t even think of using an Erin Condren notebook for that!

  48. Your prayer journal is truly inspirational to me – I never thought of having different sections all in one journal. Such a great idea and when you combine it with the journaling Bible – amazing!

  49. I love your prayer journal! Thanks for inspiring me to start one!

  50. Thank you for this post – I desperately need to do this. I used to enjoy early mornings, but with 4 kiddos (4 and under) I haven’t had a morning routine like this in a long time. I know the rest of our day would be so much better if I would wake up before everyone else for my Bible reading and prayer time.

  51. Your morning spot looks so relaxing and cozy! I completely agree with you – even if I’ve been up multiple times with our baby and feel like sleeping in….I know that I’m a much better mom and the day goes much better if I am up and have a cup of coffee before kiddos are awake! Nice to have a little quiet time before the day is crazy 🙂 I too am enjoying the Makeover your Mornings course!

  52. Nicole N. says:

    You have inspired me to become more intentional with my morning routine. There are a few common threads each morning but I think writing it down and making it a priority will help start the day off on the right foot!

  53. I love this post! There are so many helpful tools and practicals.

  54. Love everything about your morning routine! What a beautiful way to start the day! I need to start reading my Bible and your prayer journal is wonderful! So inspirational and I need to start soon. I don’t even have kiddos at home, but I need that quiet time anyway! Thanks for the ideas to help us get intentional and organized with our Bible reading and prayer time. Love that you have a devotional app too! I’m going to look into that and set it up.

  55. I’m a list maker/planner/organizer, but I have to say: your color coding is inspiring! You have some great ideas here.

  56. Enjoying this celebration post. I am new to you and love seeing these favorite past posts!

  57. This has inspired me to develop a routine.

  58. I really like how you divide your prayer journal!

  59. I love and need a good routine

  60. I so miss my daily quiet time. It was helpful in so many ways. That’s one of the hardest things about the baby not yet sleeping through the night. And not napping. No time to myself. So I need to figure out how to get that time despite my circumstances. I love the journaling bible. I think that may be something I have to look into.

  61. I have to wake up earlier than everyone else. If I don’t have my coffee and quiet Jesus time, I never feel completely together the rest of the day.

  62. I LOVE this post. I struggle with daily devotional time and this is a great resource for setting that up!!!

  63. Lena Dickel says:

    I would love a quiet time chair. I’ve also noticed maybe I need to wake up before the kids to get 15-20 mins quiet time to start my day.

  64. I think I need one of those deluxe notebooks!

  65. I long for a good routine to all of my day and love organization. Problem is, with littles I tend to get distracted and a little overwhelmed and just never seem to get a good handle on the organization that will help me. I love the way you organize your prayer journal and you journaling bible. This is exactly what I have been wanting to do and now I can put the plan in place. Thanks!!!

  66. Julie Crouthamel says:

    Amazon is my FAVORITE!! Thank you Kayse & happy blogiversary!

  67. I love this idea! I am up before my little guy and need to start some quiet time.

  68. I am so inspired by this post! I am typically not a morning person but now know that it’s the only way to get through the day with three little ones. I love the journaling Bible and hope to get one soon! Thanks for sharing.

  69. Rachel Stein says:

    Kayse,
    Thank you so much for spelling out how you do bible study. I am beginning with a friend of mine to study Psalm 27. I am Jewish and she is Christian but we really respect each other and will learn a lot from the other. I am really excited and it is all thanks to this post. Thank you!!!!
    Rachel

  70. I like this idea of a focused, peaceful time.

  71. Kayse – because of this article, last week I ordered those markers/pens and THEY COME IN TODAY!!!! Yay, my perfectionism was what was keeping me from art journaling in the Bible I bought for just that! I can’t wait to start. Side note: I’ve kicked my perfectionism to the curb for most things, but this was holding me up. Having this message count as an entry for a price is just icing.

  72. Having a special spot dedicated to quiet time is a great idea!

  73. I love the chair! Also I like having a quiet space just for me! Great idea! Thanks!

  74. I love your prayer journal. I think, I would like to try this.

  75. This was another one of my favorite blog posts ! I am NOT a morning person, but think that maybe I would like the morning if it wasn’t so chaotic, and was a bit of time for MYSELF. I have just purchased a few bible study books, and am going to try this when they get here! Two of the things I learned about myself in your Enjoy Your Life course is 1 – I need to do better about finding some more “me” time as a new mom, and 2 – I need to find more time for the Lord, and in the word. I’ll kill BOTH birds with one stone 🙂

  76. This is such s good idea! Waking up early will be my struggle, but I have to try.

  77. I have not heard of or seen a journaling Bible, but I love that! I am definitely going to look in to getting one!

  78. Laura Lee says:

    Love your post. More tips to add to my journey to “make over my mornings”.

  79. Amanda R. in Louisville says:

    Kayse, your blog is sky-rocketing into my list of blogs to check each day. What an incredible resource – it’s a shame I just “discovered” you this year. To think I could have had five more years of this Truth in my life if I’d found you when you began… This post encourages me because I am just now starting to work through Make Over Your Mornings (I’m on day three) and it gives me hope to see how well it’s worked in your life. Also, that prayer journal is Ah-Mazing. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

  80. There’s SO much that I love about this post – thank you! I love your quiet spot chair (it looks so inviting!).
    I’ve been looking for a good daily devotional – I need to check into the SRT app!

  81. MRS MILLER says:

    This is a fun treasure hunt! I’ve read most all of these posts before, but it’s nice to re-visit and possibly WIN!!

  82. Love this one! Mornings are key to a happy momma!

  83. This sound great, though i am way more likely to end the day this way then to start it. tried for years to get up before the kids, just doesn’t happen. Staying up past them is a different story.

  84. I love your prayer journal idea. I have wanted to purchase an EC notebook…but couldn’t justify the price for just anything….but I think I could for a prayer journal. 🙂

  85. OMG! I am downloading that app right now. I love my WayFinding Bible but I might have to invest in that journaling one as well. Thanks for sharing your heart.

  86. throuthehaze says:

    I absolutely love the idea of having a spot for some quiet time. I definitely need to create a spot like that for me in my home.

  87. Love your chair! I think I need one of those!

  88. The color coding in your Bible is a great idea!

  89. Congrats on your blog-iversary!!! I’m a new’ish follower so this is a fun review of your blog. Don’t have little ones anymore, but I am inspired to walk in the morning before work after reading your post. 🙂

  90. Franziska Martin says:

    Thank you for inspiring me to get me started to make my mornings better. I have been wanting to create some time and space for myself and Jesus before my kids get up (they get up before 6am) and it hasn’t been easy. But for the past few days, I got up at 5;30am and even though I only got 30 minutes before the first child woke up, I feel happier and more ready to tackle the day because I took the time to wake up earlier.

  91. Excellent ideas! Thanks for the inspiration… school starts in 2 days! I love the SRT app and use it daily. Also… for years I have been curious when I would hear about a color-coding system for Bible reading… THANK YOU for finally cracking the code for me, whew! Off to buy pens…

  92. LOVE all of your tips and resources. I just recently got a journaling Bible, but I’m a little afraid to color it all up! You’ve inspired me! Thanks!

    1. I held off on starting to write in mine for a long time. But once you jump in, you’ll love it!!! (Also, that’s why I love the frixion pens I mentioned – totally erasable!)

  93. Hi Kayse! What an inspiring post!! Thanks for opening your home and personal space to the world. I’m so NOT a morning person but I so need to be! I’m going to use your ideas to get back on track with intentionally using my mornings to focus on the Lord and get ready for each day. Can’t wait to see how He uses this plan in my life. ?

    1. I love it!! One tip – don’t start trying to get up at 5 when you’ve always gotten up at 7. Eaaaaase into it. Maybe 6:30 to start out with? 🙂

  94. I MUST know about this alarm clock that turns green! I have a 4 year old whose rising time is early….the minute my feet hit the floor, he knows it (if he hasn’t already been in my bed for a half hour.) Kinda ruins quiet time. (He’s cheerful though, so that helps.)

    I’ve been looking for a way to train him to stay in bed later (he can’t tell time reliably yet.) This alarm may do the trick. Where can I find one??

    1. We have one too and it’s revolutionized the AM … no more 3/4/5/whatever AM wake ups … our rule is stay in bed until “froggie” turns green. I must note that there are 2 keys … the room needs black out shades (so the green glow is super easy to see & so it stays dark as long as you want it to -helps sleep) and there needs to be a consequence (or reward) for staying there til it’s green (it’s just a tool). You will also want to go through a trial showing with them the first night so they know what to expect. The one we have has an option for a nightlight (for 30min) that glows yellow, but we skip that.

      We got ours at Target b/c it was on sale but you can get at Amazon/everywhere. Our brand is Onaroo & the clock is called “Ok To Wake” – we like it b/c it has a silent alarm (some others play music) so if he over sleeps it won’t wake him. You can convert it to a real alarm clock as the child grows (with alarm bell, etc). Ours is the bug/flower face plates (for boy/girl) but he hates bugs so we called it a frog. 🙂 Best sound ever = “mawmee, da froggie’s green” (at the right time). You can use it for naps too & set to whatever time you want. It glows green for 30min after the alarm.

      There are other types by Onaroo (and other brands) but I liked the features of this one best. NO I’m not affiliated or compensated in any way – just LOVE this tool as we all sleep better as a result.

      Enjoy!!!!!

      1. Thanks for the information. It looks perfect for my children.

  95. I absolutely love this post. I appreciate (and am amazed) by your organization of this post and your routines! I’ve been looking for the “perfect chair” for my quiet times. And I know different systems work for different people but I really needed this to get me started. Thank you thank you!!!!

  96. love this post!!! What a sweet way God is using you to minister to other women. thank you for sharing. 🙂

  97. I love the idea of beginning the day in peace. I also have early risers, though it is intentional. We, as a family, need to leave the house by 6:45 each morning. So, the kids get up at 6. I would love to be able to get up before them, but we have a small house and kids who hear everything. Any ideas?

  98. This is the first time I have read your blog. You seem instantly likeable! I love the chair and how you made me see what you were talking about with pics. And yes, Crystal’s tips and blog always helpful. God bless your day!

  99. this sounds like an amazing way to start the day … My sense is that you must start planning the night before to have had enough sleep to be out of bed so early … Can you give some insight into this?

  100. I love this! (And may I say, I wish I could pay you to teach me how to be so creative with graphics and such. I love your branding and your post graphics!)
    Ok back to the post. I’ve been working on getting a new routine for this school year (we homeschool so I have some flexibility.) This has inspired me, thanks so much!

    1. You’re so sweet! Thank you!! I feel like I’m finally comfortable in my own skin, graphics-wise. 🙂

  101. I can’t even remember how I found you but I am so glad I did!!! I believe you are going to really get me organized. I already have it marked on my calendar when the next emily ley planners are going on sale. I did plan on also buying her journal, but now I think I might copy (exactly) your prayer journal. I hope you believe that imitation is the best form of flattery!!! 🙂 Also, that is such a good idea to get a super quick workout in the morning before you shower. Thank you!!!

    1. I’m so glad you found us too! And copy away – that’s why I put it all out there!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

  102. I’ve been wanting a journaling bible and wondered which pens would be best to use in it, you know, when I got it. So thanks for doing the research. I just bought both the bible and the pens. 🙂 Thanks for encouraging in this practical way. Could you come be my neighbor, please? xoxo

    1. I would LOVE to be your neighbor!! Wouldn’t we just have so much fun?!

  103. Lindsey V. says:

    I would LOVE to see your color coding system for your Bible study!

    1. I can’t believe I didn’t include that! I’ll try to update the post tonight!

  104. Girl, we could be sisters! I’m up at 5:30 AM every morning, a full 2 hours before my kiddos, for the same reason. My routine is pretty similar to yours, too. I’ve been using an EC Deluxe Notebook for my Bible Study notebook for about 18-months and I absolutely love it. My setup is a little different, but the same idea. I swear having that pretty notebook helped me establish a good quiet time routine. 🙂 I use the study at http://www.ifequip.com. We just started working through Nehemiah this week. Good stuff!

    1. I love it!! I went through Nehemiah with She Reads Truth, and it rocked my world. So many parallels to motherhood. Love it!

  105. You inspire me. I’m reading through this post and a huge smile just came across my face about it. All of it. I too make sure I’m up well before my kidos (alarm starts at 4:30am) and can’t agree more with how much happier this momma is when sleepy feet emerge from their rooms after I’ve already have two hours to myself. Keep up the good work!

    1. Thank you! Your comment just made me smile so big. 🙂 Amen to the two hours to yourself. I’m finding lately that I don’t even mind getting up that early anymore, because QUIET. Although I’ll tell you that this morning (you know, the morning my MORNING ROUTINE POST went up?!) I totally slept through my alarm.

      Ah, irony.

  106. YOU are AMAZING!! Love your heart — and your posts, too. 🙂 You are so great at creating amazing visuals AND I love your Walmart chair! 😉

    1. Isn’t it wonderful?! Walmart. Who knew? (And I love you & your heart too!)

      1. Im so glad I found you on Pinterest and subscribed! I am loving this so far!

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