• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Before Header

  • BECOME A MEMBER: >> The Homemaker’s Circle – Just $7.00!! <<

A Virtuous Woman: A Proverbs 31 Ministry

Purpose not Perfection | Faith, Home, & Family

  • The Blog
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • The Blog
  • Homemaking Classes
  • Shop
  • 10 Virtues
  • Abundant Living
  • Family Life
  • At Home
  • The Recipe Box
  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Free Quick Start Guide
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies
Creating a Morning Routine that Works for YOU @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Create a Morning Routine that Works for You

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Routines make your homemaking easier, not harder. That’s why today I’m talking about how to create a morning routine that works for you. We all have unique needs and schedules and what works for one person may not be what works for another. You can, however, create a routine that works for you and your family!

Creating a Morning Routine that Works for You @ AVirtuousWoman.org

I’ve noticed over the years that some of my readers get pretty bent out of shape at my suggestion to wake up early in the morning. And while I still believe that early mornings offer the best time for moms to get in their Bible time and get a jump start on the day, I realize and understand that waking up early isn’t an option for everyone.

That’s okay!

Really, it’s just a suggestion. In fact, aside from any Scripture quotes on this blog – everything I write is a just suggestion. Most of the time I’m simply sharing what has worked for me. But that’s why I wanted to talk about how to create a morning routine that works for you and your unique set of circumstances.

My Morning Routine

For years waking up early, before the rest of the my family, usually around six o’clock (sometimes earlier) was what I did. I had a house full of young kids who were homeschooling and at the time I had more than a full plate of responsibilities. Waking up early was the only way I could get everything done!

I’m still busy, but my plate is not nearly as full as it used to be. I’m only homeschooling two kids now. The other three have moved on to college or gotten married. We have things like ice skating, gymnastics, and karate that keep us busy and our schedule often means that we don’t get to bed until late. So I wake up a little later. I wake my girls up a little later.

Related: Start Your Morning Off Right

They’re older now and it’s not the same as having little ones. They require less one on one care (they can dress themselves and even cook meals) although I’m a hands-on mama and spend a great part of each day doing things with them.

Motherhood is full of seasons. Life changes. Schedules change. Routines change. Bedtimes and wake up times change.

What really matters is that your morning routine works for your family and that you’re able to do what you need to get done each day.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

I’ve written about this before, but I wanted to share with you again. If you aren’t able to wake up before your family to have your devotions, it’s perfectly okay to read your Bible and pray while you’re children eat breakfast or play at your feet – or whatever you want them to do!

If they interrupt your devotion time, that’s okay, too! In fact, it’s wonderful for your kids to see you reading your Bible and praying. You might even want to ask them to join you.

Related: Mama Needs Sleep

Jesus loves spending time with you – any time of the day! The thing about having your devotions in the morning is that it’s so easy for other tasks to get in the way of your devotion time if you wait til later in the day. However, that doesn’t mean you have to have your devotions in the early morning. What’s really important is not what time you pray or study but that you find time to stay connected with your Lord and Savior!

How to Create a Morning Routine that Works for YOU

If you’ve struggled with finding time to have a daily devotion, it’s time to make some new plans. You can create a morning routine that works for you. I promise!

To figure out what your morning routine would ideally look like, make a list of the things you’d like to accomplish. Then, make an approximate note of how long each activity will probably take you to complete. For example:

  • morning devotion {30 minutes}
  • start a load of laundry {5 minutes}
  • morning walk {15 minutes}
  • shower and get dressed {30 minutes}
  • cook breakfast {20 minutes}
  • eat breakfast with the family {20 minutes}
  • family worship around the breakfast table {15 minutes}
  • tidy kitchen after breakfast {15 minutes}

Factor in probable interruptions. Give your morning routine grace for the unexpected. And then decide what time you’d like to wake up in the morning. Decide which activities you can or are willing to do with your children present. And then make a schedule.

Related: 10 Morning Hacks to Simplify Your Routine

Schedules or routines are not your master. Just because you think it’d be nice to have two quiet hours to yourself in the morning doesn’t mean your day is ruined if that’s not the way it works out. Life – especially with kids – can be chaotic at times. That’s okay!

His GRACE is sufficient enough for you and me!

Action Steps to Take Today

  1. Pray and ask God to show you what you need to get done in the mornings.
  2. Ask Him to show you how to create a morning routine that works for you.
  3. Make a list of the tasks you would like to accomplish in the morning and by what time you want to be done.
  4. Determine how much time you need to perform those morning routine tasks.
  5. Set your alarm for the morning, giving yourself adequate time to get things done plus interruptions.
  6. Go to bed at a reasonable hour, allowing yourself ample time to rest before your alarm goes off.
  7. Pray before you fall asleep that God will help you wake up in the morning ready to meet the day with a cheerful attitude.

How does your morning routine look like? Or how would you like for your morning routine to look like? If you have any questions let me know!

Free Printable Quick Start Guide to a Better Morning

Daily Routine

How to Download

  1. Just fill out the form below and you’ll receive an email giving you instant access to my Quick Start Guide: 3 Steps to a Better Morning.
  2. If you are already a subscriber, filling out the form won’t affect your subscription, but you will receive the link to download!

Why should I subscribe?

  • exclusive coupons and sales to my shop
  • updates, challenges, freebies, and exclusive offers
  • instant access to subscriber exclusive printables
Tweet
Share12
Pin77
Share
89 Shares

About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

My Favorite Planner Accessories and Why They are Useful @ AVirtuousWoman.org

My Favorite Planner Accessories and Why They are Useful

Favorite Laundry Finds at Walmart @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Favorite Laundry Finds at Walmart

Starting Your Morning Like the Proverbs 31 Woman @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Start Your Morning Like the Proverbs 31 Woman

Cozy Homemaking Books @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Cozy Homemaking Books | 10 Books to Inspire Your Cozy Homemaking

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do @ AVirtuousWoman.org

A Simple Morning Workout Anyone Can Do | 8 Simple Exercises

How a Planning Day Helps You Stay More Organized @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How a Planning Day Helps You Stay More Organized

Christmas Decor Storage Finds on Amazon @ AVirtuousWoman.org

My Favorite Christmas Decor Storage Finds on Amazon

3 Ways a Planner Helps Reduce Your Stress @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How Using a Planner Reduces Stress

How to Use the Purpose 31 Planners @ AVirtuousWoman.org

How to Use the Purpose 31 Homemaking Planners

How to Use a To Do List, plus a free printable Weekly To Do List for your This is My Life Planner @ AVirtuousWoman.org #busymoms #proverbs31

How to Use a To-Do List | 7 Tips for Using a To-Do List

Bible

Good Habits | 5 Habits to Develop Like the Proverbs 31 Woman

Meal Planning for Busy Moms @ AVirtuousWoman.org

Meal Planning for Busy Moms

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

Join the 7 Day Challenge

Previous Post: «Blog Coaching @ AVirtuousWoman.org Faith Based Blog Coaching and Mentoring Services
Next Post: How to Clean the Bathroom and Keep It Tidy How to Clean the Bathroom @ AVirtuousWoman.org»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bre'Shayla Brooks

    June 23, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    I love this! I had a morning routine but I struggled with staying faithful to it. I am going to try your suggestion "Writing down how long each event will take." Thank you
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      June 24, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Oh, good! I hope it helps you. :)
      Reply
    • Subira

      April 26, 2020 at 4:46 am

      I love this. I have been Struggling with morning routines. I wake up exhausted because am still breastfeeding then panic with time for breakfast etc. Thank you so much for this
      Reply
  2. Patricia

    June 26, 2016 at 8:43 am

    I can relate to the routine Melissa. It gets even busier when you have a child with severe special needs as we do. . I live in Jamaica and we have a saying "God does not give you more than you can bear". It gets less chaotic as the children get bigger and can help themselves but the extra curricular activities still continue. The morning routine definitely helps but I have to do much better at having my personal devotion time.. Thanks for sharing.
    Reply
  3. Stacey Keeling

    July 21, 2016 at 10:45 pm

    My morning routine worked much better before it included blogs!! I love them so much that it's hard to walk away. Thank you for sharing at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Pinning. :)
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      July 22, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Ha ha! Thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  4. Lindsay

    July 24, 2016 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks for sharing this! So helpful as I really need to get a better routine for myself! #MerryMonday
    Reply
  5. Shea

    August 3, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    <3 that is all I can say about this post. :-) I super dooper struggle with getting up in the morning. I am working slowly towards getting up earlier and earlier. But you are 100% correct when you said just find time, anytime someway to spend time with God, even if the kiddos inturrupt! Thank you
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      August 4, 2016 at 11:40 am

      You're so welcome! Thanks so much for stopping to visit with me. I'm so glad you're here! God bless you!
      Reply
  6. Shannon M. Juarez

    July 6, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Melissa, thank you so much for sharing the "schedule" with us. My children are grown, but I still teach, and writing things down will help. The part of your post that really spoke to me, though, was the time you spend with your children. Honestly, I could/should have been a better mother to my daughter. I wasn't "present" for her as I should have been. I was impatient with her, and now have guilt, and wish terribly that she was young again so I could do it the right way. I guess what I am saying is, cherish the time you have with your babies, because before you know it, it's too late...
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      July 7, 2017 at 8:00 am

      Shannon, thank you for sharing. All moms have regrets, and I'm no different. However, one verse I have prayed many times is this one: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you." Joel 2:25. ESV God bless you and your family.
      Reply
  7. merrawyn

    October 4, 2017 at 11:19 pm

    Melissa! I so adore you! You are just such a peach and I love your encouragement!! I find being an overwhelmed momma that when I don't find time to have a morning routine for me I feel so lost throughout the day!! Your words of encouragement so enlighten me and help a lot!! Thanks for being such a gem <3
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      October 8, 2017 at 7:16 pm

      Aww, you're so sweet! Thank you! I'm so glad you were blessed. :)
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Online Conference

Welcome

Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

How to Start Blogging as a Ministry

Footer

How to Study the Bible

  • Bible Study Methods
  • Does the Bible Interpret Itself?
  • Reading the Bible for Beginners
  • How to Start Reading the Bible Daily
  • The SOAP Bible Study Method

Helpful Links

  • The Modern Proverbs 31 Woman
  • The Art of Homemaking
  • From Chaos to Calm: 75 Day Series
  • When You Feel Unlovable
  • Perfection is NOT Required | How to Let Go of Perfectionism

A Simple Guide to Proverbs 31 Explained for Modern Women @ AVirtuouswoman.org

  • The Plan of Salvation
  • Subscribe
  • Resource Library Login
  • How to Start a Blog
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policies

Site Footer

Free Proverbs 31 Bible Study Guide for Modern Day Women

Get instant access to my free Bible study guide on the 10 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

 

purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
*
*
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
*
*
*
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
⠀
A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
⠀
But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
⠀
☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
⠀
Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
⠀
There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
⠀
Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
⠀
The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
⠀
He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
* ⠀
⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
⠀
But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
⠀
⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
⠀
✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
⠀
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
⠀
In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
⠀
📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
*⠀
#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth #Christ #Church #Christian #Jesus #Jesuslover #JesusChrist #JesusisLord #CreatorGod #Devotional #verseoftheday #Love #Faith #biblestudy #God #dailydevotional
🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
 ⠀⠀
I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
⠀
📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #christmas #holidayplanning #planningaddict #plannercommunity #freeprintables #thanksgiving #christmastree  #plannerobsessed
Load More... Follow Me on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 A Virtuous Woman · All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.