Get ready to get set to go - Warm Up #1

We've got a couple of weeks before our fall challenge officially begins so as we get to know each other I thought it would be wise to slowly warm our "muscles" (self-discipline, spiritual, physical)

Maybe you are gal who already gets up before the roosters and does an inductive bible study as you power through the Bible in 78 days, followed by a 10 mile run and a Zumba class, after which you pull out your iPhone and set your hourly agenda for the day....good for you! (Why are you with us again?) For the rest of us I'd like to suggest that from August 6-10 (that gives you a few days to get used to this idea) we start out something like this:

Get up 5 FIVE minutes earlier than you normally do

1. Spend 2 minutes saying hello to God, reading a verse over a few times and thinking about it - sort of enjoy it the way you do a really good piece of chocolate, and then sit quietly and listen. If your mind jumps ahead ...find a word or phrase you can repeat to bring you back to stillness. Maybe something like "I'm here God", or "Spirit fill me"... Take small bites and chew slowly.
2. Spend 1 minute moving. Stretch, bend, walk up and down your stairs, do a sit up or two.
3. Spend 1 minute deciding 1 thing you want to accomplish today. Just one. Make it a doable one (no you can't choose "learn French" or "clean the garage")

The article below is copied from the Inspired to Action blog and gives some helpful tips on building a new habit, but I've shortened the time frame for our purposes because I want you to be a success! You can come back to the 15 minute model on August 20th if you think you are ready for it.

To read the full text of this article click here

How To Create A Habit

Habits are created slowly and gradually.

If you’re just starting a morning routine, I encourage you to review your plan. Is it doable? Is it sustainable?

No matter how ambitious you feel, I encourage you for the first week to get up no more than 15 minutes early.
Set your alarm back 15 minutes. Spend 5 minutes reading/praying. Spend another 5 minutes exercising (pushups, squats, situps) and spend your final 5 minutes planning your day. Every week, move the clock back 15 more minutes and extend your time in each area.

It might seem too simple, too easy, but that’s kind of the point. An early morning routine isn’t supposed to be torture. It something you look forward to and enjoy.

Keep it simple to create the habit.