In light of our “new normal,” I though it might be helpful to republish this blog from a couple years back:
I hope you were not expecting any fashion advice. Those of you who know me know I am not a trendy dresser. I joke that every now and then I am “accidentally” in style when the trend of the moment happens to be what I usually wear. I might not follow the latest in fashion, but I have found something that helps me a lot.
A long time ago, I heard that people who got dressed right away in the morning were more successful throughout their day. For some reason
this advice stuck. At the time, I was being home schooled so a lot of days I could have just stayed in my comfy p.j.s., instead I decided to follow the advice and started the habit of dressing first thing. At the time, my public schooled friends couldn’t understand it and all claimed they would not get up and get dressed if they didn’t have to.
I honestly don’t know if this helped me any as a teenager, but I do know it helps now. I have eight very energetic, enthusiastic kids that always need my help or attention about something. If I don’t come out in the morning ready for the day, it might end up being noon 
before I look down and realize I am still in my robe. We also have an open-door policy at our home, which means anyone might walk in at any time.
I home school and I teach my kids to get up and get dressed as well. I get my fair share of grumbling from them as they would much rather stay in their p.j.s. Confession: some of them try to beat the system by wearing their clothes to bed. If I’m not paying attention some of them might be in the same outfit for a couple of days–yuck! While I appreciate their efforts to cut down on our laundry demands, I still try to hammer home the benefits of a change of clothes. I do give leniency on Saturday mornings, but through the week they are expected to be up and dressed. After all, I doubt they will be able to show up at their future places of employment in pajamas and slippers.
The Bible talks about getting dressed first thing as well. In the book of Ephesians it says to put on the full armor of God so when the day of evil comes we will be ready. We might not always think of ourselves as soldiers needing armor, but in God’s view that is what we are. You might want to take a minute to look up Ephesians 6:10-18, it’s a pretty specific list including things like the belt of truth, helmet of salvation, and breastplate of righteousness.
I have to confess that some days I am more concerned with the physical clothes I am going to put on than the spiritual. I am usually reminded fairly quickly as I encounter my first “battle” of the day and find myself unprepared. God’s armor is only a quick prayer away though and as fast as I can utter the word, “Help,” He has clothed me in His armor and I can take my stand.
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
Ephesians 6:10-16 is the only scripture (besides the Lords prayer) that I have memorized. I recite it every night as I get ready for bed. This blog got me to thinking how silly it is to say this at the end of the day after the battles have taken place. However, those of you who know me well know that most of my spiritual battles happen at night. It makes total sense to say this first thing in the morning. Thank to you Christy. I will start reciting this in the morning and at night before I lay my head down. Keep blogging, we are listening.
That’s a great idea to pray this at night too!
You are right about getting dressed 1st thing in the morning. I struggle with that unless I have someplace to be. You do get more done when you get into the day. I am always grateful to God tho when there is a new day.