I am so thrilled to have today’s guest on the show because not only does she have brilliant insights to share, she is also a very dear friend as well as my acquisitions editor! Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of the book How to Love Your Morning: Faith-Filled Habits to Build a Life of Joy and Purpose One Day at a Time, and she joins me for this episode to talk about just that - how to love your morning!
Jennifer offers a truly refreshing perspective that mornings aren’t about the time on the clock but are rather about the mindset that you bring into the day. You don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. or have two hours of quiet to start well. It’s about the little intentional choices that you make such as greeting God in prayer, practicing gratitude, or reflecting on scripture. She reframes mornings as sacred opportunities even on the hardest days and gives practical ways to create rhythms that fit your life, whether you’re caring for kids, grieving, exhausted from night shifts, or just overwhelmed.
We talk about how small, realistic habits such as setting out clothes the night before, keeping a prayer list by the coffee (or, in my opinion, espresso) maker, or even just stepping outside for a moment of sunlight can truly change your day by setting it on the right track. Listen in as Jennifer shares stories from women across different life stages, as well as historical and everyday figures, showing that there’s no one “perfect” morning routine. I especially love how her book makes it so accessible; it’s permission-giving, practical, and so encouraging!
We also discuss the accompanying six-session Bible study that helps you explore mornings in scripture, offering a chance to go deeper, alone or with friends. Jennifer’s insights reminded me why approaching the day with intention, hope, and God at the center can reshape not just your mornings but your overall life! If you have ever wished that mornings felt less stressful, more meaningful, or simply more joyful, then this episode is definitely for you! Tune in, and please, as always, feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts!
In This Episode
[0:35] - I welcome my good friend Jennifer Dukes Lee to the show to talk about her book How to Love Your Morning!
[1:52] - Jennifer explains how being a morning person is mindset-focused, not defined by the hour you wake.
[4:05] - Jennifer encourages shifting stressful routines into meaningful rituals such as prayer, gratitude, or scripture reflection.
[6:23] - Even during grief or sleepless nights, morning rituals can help you face the day with presence and strength.
[9:52] - I point out that impactful mornings rely on small, realistic habits, not two-hour perfect routines.
[11:13] - Simple, sacred practices like prayer and stepping outside invite God into the start of each day.
[14:49] - I reflect on how stacking small, accessible habits onto daily tasks helps create meaningful morning rhythms.
[17:39] - I also reflect on how giving up coffee was initially difficult because it felt like giving up part of my morning ritual.
[19:00] - Jennifer encourages listeners to begin their mornings with meaningful habits, movement, nourishment, and healthy sleep routines.
[22:55] - Preparing for my morning the night before has been a big gamechanger.
[25:16] - Jennifer highlights how even just one intentional habit can create calmness and inspiration for the whole morning.
[28:28] - Mornings don’t need to be the same for everyone; effectiveness depends on what fits your life.
[31:19] - Scripture reveals mornings to be spiritually important; starting the day with hope aligns us with God’s design.
[34:54] - Doing morning practices with friends can help strengthen accountability and boost everyday joy.
Links & Resources
Books
Social Media
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom)
Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning)
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group