I’ve never really considered myself a morning person. But, thanks to school bus pick up this year and a couple of early Dora the Explorer episodes, there is a precious window of opportunity in the a.m. where I can (usually) sit for half an hour or so and just be still. That’s the only time of day it happens, and it feels like such a luxury.
I used to jump straight on my laptop and check email or hurry to get my post up. But, not anymore. I’ve come to savor this time with my coffee and my bible. I realize that if I don’t claim this time for myself, it’s not going to happen at any other time throughout the day. As with most morning routines, mine has turned me into a creature of habit (same coffee mug, same chair, etc.).
coffee maker // coffee mug // highlighters // bible // devotional book // chair
I broke down and bought a new coffee/hot water maker before Christmas, and we love it. (I use that hot water side for grits, hot chocolate, soup, etc., for the kids all the time.) I’ve decided I’ll never be a Keurig convert. I just drink too much coffee. . .
I also swear by those highlighters I listed. They don’t bleed through the pages of my Bible, and they’re twist-up. And, speaking of my Bible, that’s the one that I sometimes post on Instagram and always get questions about the single column. Plenty of space for notes!
And, I had to include my chair. We moved ours from the family room into the front room, and it’s where I always end up.
What’s on your morning essentials list?
Sitting in my living room drinking coffee. EVERYONE in my family says we never use that room. That we should turn it into something more functional. I use it every morning. It is decorated exactly the way i like it (no kid compromises) and it is cozy. I could go on and on about this room, but mainly I love it because it is the best reflection of me. When I sit in there, it reminds me of who I am. As mothers and wives, that is an easy thing to lose tract of.
oh and of course the baby’s highchair. Every morning he sits there and eats his breakfast and watches bubble guppies. Its the only way I get to sit in my living room for my one very special cup of coffee.
Yep, I totally get it. Glad you have your spot, too :)
I’m not into K-cups either and prefer locally roasted coffee. I’m quite happy with two cups of that plus a bowl of oatmeal. Spending quiet time with a beloved Bible and devotional book sounds like a terrific idea. I grew up in a small apartment and never really developed a sense of having my own space…I just sort of turn down the volume internally on anything going on around me. Just grateful to wake up every morning to savor another day. :)
Coffee for sure! Been reading She Reads Truth for my devos and loving it and I’ve been trying to make a point of working out 3-5 times a week in the year.
I do use my Keurig, select my flavor of the day, and move to my seat in our living room. No tv, phone or radio, just quite time to say my prayers and reflect on the lives of the saints.
Have you had any of the plasticky tasting water with your coffee maker? Some reviewers of that model trash and bash it because the hot water side tastes horrible. What a genius idea for our house too since the kids could make their own tea. :-)
Deb, I haven’t noticed it. That’s interesting. Maybe they’re putting so much cocoa mix in the water that they don’t taste plastic :)
COFFEE always :) And a quick flip through the iPad to see what’s happening before my household turns into the morning rush out the door to school, I treasure those 20 minutes. :)
I’m with you Kate. My coffee & my iPad. I usually get up before my husband, so that’s the only time I have when the house is quiet. As soon as he’s up, he turns on the news. Listening to that can ruin my day.
I used to watch The Today Show every morning. I have no desire anymore. I read what I need to know quickly on my phone, and that’s good enough for me…
Love this! I am the same way – coffee and a Devo to start my day. If it doesn’t get down then, it just won’t happen. I have read Jesus Calling cover to cover the last two years and it is my favorite morning Devo to get me focused and connected to God throughout the day!
That’s the exact same mug I use. Every. Morning. Love it. But I need a good devotional. Thanks for the tip!
To echo Caroline’s comment, I also love Jesus Calling :)
Just hopped over to Amazon and ordered. Thank you, Emily!
Yep, we received a Kureig when we closed on our house, but it sits in the guest room since we suck down too much coffe in the morning for it to make sense. My go to mug is the same, although in the latte size (like I said, I drink a lotta coffee!). We’ve got the plain mugs too but I always try and snag the ones with the hobnail look since they’re prettier ;D
This is something I need to work on. My 4 year old is an early riser and hits the ground running by 5:30am. The plus side is both kids are in bed by 7:30pm. Taking this post for some motivation to create a quiet moment spot in the evening with tea or wine!
I love going over my planner every morning, crossing things off from yesterday, color coding the things I need to do today, etc. I like having a plan for the day first thing in the morning. I’ve never drank coffee, but if we have juice in the house you can bet I’ll have a glass in the quiet of morning.
Your gallery wall is just lovely. I’d love to know what type of frames you used. Also, I’ve been enjoying your blog for several months now – thanks for the great content, along with your transparency about motherhood.
Thank you, Jess :) I use IKEA Ribba frames a lot but that big square one was from the PB Outlet several years ago.
I pride myself on never missing a post, but I didn’t see this one
until today. I loved it. :-)
Love your sweet spot. I have a similar spot at my house using the IKEA version of this chair and the ottoman that matches. I eventually bought the same pharmacy lamp you posted about after setting up your little corner in your office to add to the space. I love that spot because I am a youth minister and I used money given to me on my 5th anniversary to buy that chair. I wanted to buy something meaningful with that money and so I did.
If you ever need a devotional recommendation, I can’t say enough about Paul Tripp’s “New Morning Mercies.” He always has a way of looking at our hearts and exposing it to the Gospel.
Thanks for the recommendation :)
I love my Keurig but I ditched the pre-filled K-cups long ago. Instead I use a solofill reusable K-cup filter. I fill it to the max with my favorite flavor for a big mug of hot coffee without the waste of the plastic cups and much less expensive too. My hubby and I can make our favorite roasts (dark for me and light for him) in less time then it took to brew a whole pot.
Now I just need to enjoy that morning cup in the living room so my club chairs won’t feel so lonely.