Don't you love to shop? For me, it's the thrill of finding that amazing deal. I love to see how far I can make my money stretch. As women we diligently search sales racks and thrift stores to use our money wisely--to be good stewards of our budgets. There is such satisfaction in this.How much more should we not be shopping for time--being wise and diligent stewards of a precious resource that God has given us to serve Him, our families, our churches, and others. Unfortunately, we tend to attack this type of shopping with less enthusiasm and determination than we exert at Target or Gap. But I have come to realize that great savings in time will not come without concerted effort--don't we so easily waste time in a way that we would never waste our money!
This is one reason that I was intrigued by the book title, "Shopping for Time" by Carolyn Mahaney and her four daughters of girl talk. Carolyn Mahaney is the author of Feminine Appeal, a book that really challenged my as a wife and mother. This delightful book is a quick read at only about 100 pages and is packed with good practical advice on being a good steward of your time. If put into practice, their 5 key tips will certainly transform your priorities each day.
Personally, I was most challenged by tip #1--Rise Early. Carolyn and her daughters are advocates of the "5 am club," rising at 5 am for a time of prayer and study to prepare for the day. I am a fairly early riser at about 6 or 6:30, but I do my personal study in the afternoon or evening. I was sharing with my husband about the conviction I felt to rise earlier and meet with God early in the morning. So this week, I will be jumping into a new routine of rising earlier than I normally do and starting the day with Him first thing. Hopefully a full cup of hot tea will help!
If you want to read more about this great little book, check out an interview with the authors and review by Leslie from Lux Venit. She also is contributor at Tim Challies' Discerning Reader.
Kelly
17 comments:
Thanks for the links, Kelly. I just want to throw a little clarification out there. "Leslie from Lux Venit and Discerning Reader" may be a bit misleading. In my mind "from" implies some level of ownership. Tim is gracious enough to ask "the team" what we think about his plans for DR, but it's all his creation. I am THRILLED to be a contributer, but my involvement doesn't really go beyond that.
Shopping for Time is a very helpful book!! Have you taken a retreat yet? I like the idea, but it is the hardest thing for me do. I need to quit feeling guilty about taking a weekend for planning and realize that it would be a great service to my family for me to take some time for intentional planning. The other thing that is so hard is execution. I can plan something all day long, but it won't matter if I can't execute the plan. Know what I mean?
I joined the "5 am club" sometime last year, but I have not been consistent. It was hard at first, then really wonderful, and then the excuses came, and I stopped doing it.
You've encouraged me to start again. Time with the Lord and time to prepare for my family...it's all good!
Thanks!
Xandra
God is so good! I was just asking Him to remind me of who wrote the book with the 5 am start to your day. I knew I had seen it somewhere! Thanks for this post! I will be looking into these books!
Praying for your early start,
Kimberly :)
Leslie,
I see what you mean--I will adjust the post to clarify.
I have never taken a retreat like this by myself. I think it would be very productive!
"Rise early" That is definitely a challenge to me. I already get up early to get ready for work and get the kids going so to rise earlier is a major challenge for this night owl.
I have felt like the Lord is asking me to get up early also. As of now, I roll out of bed whenever my three year old wakes me. For me, it is impossible to get any kind of studying done if my kids are awake, so I am going to start, tomorrow, (now it's out there, this will help keep me accountable), getting up early. Thanks for the encouragement!
I love this book, Kelly. After reading this book, I knew I had to get up early for quiet time. My entire family is better for it. We certainly all reap the benefits from my obedience in this area.
This was probably the most-life changing book I've read in a LONG time. I get up at 5:30...and considering I was accustomed to turning in at midnight...it's a bona fide miracle. But I wouldn't trade those quiet mornings for ANYTHING!
This book has been on my read list for a while now. I was incredibly convicted by Feminine Appeal. Now that I'm a mom, I am struggling with my priorities, so I know I need to read this one!
I joined the 5 am club today!
Thank you for the plug for this book. It sounds really great and shopping for time is probably something every woman would love to do.
Blessings,
Linda
5? 5 AM? I thought I was all virtuous and spiritual for getting up at 6...well, for setting my alarm for 6. Sometimes I get up.
Huh...? It would sure be nice to have 2 hours of quiet before the kids get up. Maybe I'll join you all.....
I liked the book, there were some really good ideas in it that challenged me. I loved Feminine Appeal, I've read it several times.
I am buying this book this week. Sounds like just what I need . I have seen you out in blogland. Glad to finally meet you.
Kelli
Hello! This book sounds great, I too want to start getting up earlier to spend one on one time with God.
Welcome back to blogland and for the weight loss, that is fantastic!!
I've just ordered this from Amazon- along with several others! :) Thanks for the review- it's what helped me decide!
I read this book last summer and I just loved it. So helpful. I was already in the 5 AM club (by God's grace!) but that did not come naturally to me initially. I firmly believe morning people are made not born, LOL!
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