"Shopping for Time: How to So it All and Not Be Overwhlemed" Did I Really Just Buy a Book Talking about a 5 am Club?

I am pretty sure I picked this book out from the Westminster Bookstore because I love time management books.

The book starts off great with Bible verse Ephesians 5:15-16:

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Then they (Mahaney, Whitacre, Chesemore, and Bradshaw) give 5 Tips

1) Rise early.
2) Sit still.
3) Sit and plan
4) Consider people
5) Plan to depend

Then Chapter Two is about joing the 5 am club!

Ah! 5 am? Really?

I am really struggling with our schedule here and not letting Jackson take a nap anymore. Most nights he stays up till 11 pm sometimes even 12 am!

She goes on to say that there is biblical encouragement for rising early to seek the Savior.

I have always said what you do first is where you heart is.

John Piper states,

"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons, The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart...We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."

Martha Peace states:

"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means they have trouble getting up in the morning because they come alive at night. They may stay up till all hours reading, watching television, or pursuring some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish. Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day?

Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and husband, she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning."

Ouch!

Yes I know that early morning time is ofter more profitable than late-night hours, and I praying for the grace to start getting up before my family.

5 am tips

• Do not hit the snooze button
• Proceed directly to the coffee pot or caffeinated drink of choice
• Be prepared to feel absolutely miserable for the first 15 minutes, but then you will have gladness as you experience the delight of meeting with God

I am planning on starting to get up early to have 30-45 minutes in my Bible Reading and quiet time with the Lord. My family has a new terrible schedule and I do not have to be ready for my family till late so I am still praying about when this time will be.

What about you? Do you wake up before your family to read your Bible and prayer? How does this work for you?