Monday, January 27, 2014

The best part of waking up

{is the folgers in your cup.. tell me you didn't think that after reading that title ;)}

I have read numerous times on other mom's blogs that they get up an hour before their kids do. My first reaction was, well, you must not have one like Connor Matthew who likes to wake up before it is even light outside! And, I kept that as my excuse for as long as I could remember. Then something just clicked last week and I decided no more excuses. I was going to get up, get myself a cup of coffee {because, duh. Can't do much of anything without that first}, cook Matt and myself breakfast,  and give myself the rest of that time to blog.

I know, I know. You might be thinking that I should use that time for quiet time with the Lord and sometimes I do both. But, I am a strong believer in the fact that you are the biggest model of behavior for your kids. Monkey see, Monkey do and I want my kids to see me in God's word. In fact, there have been multiple times that Connor will see me reading and ask me to read it with him...especially when I do it at the kitchen table while we are eating breakfast. Or if I am in the chair, he will sometimes grab his bible and come sit with me. So, I kind of made the rule for myself that if I knew we were going to be at home the better part of the day then I would wait and do it with him. If not, I will do it early. Don't get me wrong...I'm not saying that I get it done every day. I wish I did. But, I am trying and that is the first step! I downloaded all of the free Beth Moore kindle books a few weeks ago, but haven't started one of those yet. I don't know why, but I am not a huge fan of the reading on an electronic device. I just really like having that book in hand! Although, I do like the fact that it is always with me!

Anyway, I have all of those, but I still want to get Chasing God by Angie Smith. I have read Angie's blog from the beginning and her writing has always moved me. After reading the description on Amazon, I just really think that this might be my next read. Here it is:


Maybe you’ve never asked the question out loud, but you’ve wondered. You do the things that look good on paper: read your Bible, pray, attend study groups and go to church on Sundays.

But you aren't convinced you really know Him.

Angie Smith understands, because she had run circles around the same paths searching for Him, frustrated at her lack of progress. And she probably would have continued to do so had it not been for one realization that changed everything.

She wasn't following God; she was trying to catch up with Him. 

And without realizing it, you may be as well. 

It's a distinction that affects every aspect of our lives with Christ, and it begins with learning where we've relied more on man's explanation of God than God Himself. 

So many requirements, so many rules, and so much guilt where there is supposed to be freedom. It's the reason you wonder if you've measured up, and the nagging voice that tells you you're a failure as a Christian. 

Three simple words changed everything for Angie, and she believes they can do the same for you. 

Stop chasing God.

So, yeah. Consider this one next on my list. If there are any other books I need to read, please share!

I'd have to say that week one of waking up early went pretty well. I like walking around using the little flashlight on my phone as my guide. Gives me time to wake up without harsh lights or being startled awake by an anonymous blonde cutie. The only problem is if aforementioned blonde cutie hears me, he thinks that the "stay in your bedroom until it's light out" rule doesn't apply to him. And it is not easy for me to explain to him that it does for him, but not for me. So, until we are in a house that would allow me to be more separated from him (his room is right by the kitchen and living room where I am), I think it is just going to be a battle! The two times it happened last week I have made him go in our bed and watch TV. Which I know isn't going to convince him that he might as well stay in his bed, but after the three days I had completely to myself, I realized how much I needed this extra time! While I have started off only waking up around 5:40..when Matt's alarm goes off, I am hoping to slowly get it closer to 5. We will see! 

3 comments:

April said...

I used to get about 30 minutes of time before Jonah got up but now Haley wakes up usually right after I shower (hubby and I get up at the same time). So I don't get that down time before we have to rush off to start our day. I know one day I'll have it back.

I always loved having a book in hand too but now that I've read a couple on my kindle I am hooked. It's so easy to read a little here and there, wherever I have it handy. Currently I'm reading a great marriage book called Love & Respect. I'm only half way through but have already learned so much about how God calls us to respect our husbands first and calls husbands to love their wives. Very eye opening!

Anonymous said...

I love time alone before the kids get up! Sets my mood for the better for our day! I also downloaded all of Beth Moore's free e-books. I haven't started one either; I have to agree with you, having the actual book in hand is way better!

Audra said...

Kelli,
That is awesome that you are striving to wake up before the boys and have some quiet time! I so wish ours were sleeping later than 6-6:30, but I should probably quit whining and just get up before them like you! What time do you get to bed at night??

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