Welcome to the Early to Rise Challenge! Throughout the month of March, I’m challenging myself and my readers to make the most of their mornings. So every week day morning at 9 a.m. EST, I’m posting a short Early to Rise post. I’ll share a few of my thoughts on the day’s passage from Early to Rise, tell you what time I got up that morning, and encourage you to leave a comment to tell us what time you got up and how you’re doing on the challenge.
Be Quiet
Andy talks about the lost art of quietness in today’s Early to Rise passage. Truly, this is one of the main reasons I get up early on a regular basis: because I savor that morning quiet.
It’s when I think, read, pray, plan, write, breathe, and dream. When I begin the day with quiet, the whole day feels calmer.
If you don’t have the ability to enjoy at least a few minutes of quiet in the morning, can I encourage you to find time elsewhere in the day for quiet? Maybe it’s when you’re commuting to work, or while your kids are playing outside in the backyard, or before bed.
Whenever it is, make a practice of finding white space in your day. It’s not healthy to fill up every nook and cranny of your day with to-do’s. That’s a way to suffocate, stifle, and exhaust yourself.
Breathe. Soak up the quiet. Savor the stillness. Even if it’s just for two minutes.
How are you going to make time for quiet today? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments.
What Time Did You Get Up This Morning?
I got up at 6:32 a.m. — not quite so “early to rise” as usual, but I’ve determined that regardless of what time the clock said when I got up, today is still going to be a great day. 🙂
What time did you get up? Leave a comment and let us know!
Join in the Chatter!
Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post for today below. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the Early to Rise Group Board on my Pinterest page, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? Each week day morning on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account, I’ll be posting a picture of my alarm clock as public accountability. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #EarlytoRise to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
Brooke says
I completely forgot to write two days in a row! 🙁
For this day, I got up at 4:32, not as early as I’d like on Starbucks mornings but I got what I needed done!
I used to be so bad about filling up all of my space and time with something to do. I’m trying to get better at leaving some “white space” and I will say the first thing that I did, that never thought I’d enjoy was to leave the radio off on my way to work. I have since filled that time with praying mostly and I so enjoy that now. I’m even to the point now where I will hardly turn the radio on for the drive home from work as well. Never thought I’d enjoy the quiet so much, and once I get better at this “early to rise” thing, I know I will cherish those early morning quiet times as well!
Angie F. says
Well, I am late to the party here, was sooo wiped out by the time I got home last night! Just catching up, but still had to share how my quiet time happened yesterday…how our plans are not always God’s plans. It sure helps to consult Him first in order to be prepared for anything He brings your way on any particular day, regardless of YOUR To Dos. 😉
I had planned to be up by 6:30, have some quiet time, catch up on my Read through the Bible daily assignments, write a report that was due, and start on some chores. However, I apparently failed to set my alarm (after not feeling great for 2 days and going to bed later than I’d planned). I woke up after 7:15 to find my hubby grabbing his wallet and keys-he’d let the dogs out and suddenly realized we were out of dog food! We live semi rural, so the store to get that at is at least a 25 minute drive away to the south.
Since he would then not be able to get our youngest son out the door by 8:15, I needed to switch gears, jump up & throw on some clothes. It was also raining and very windy outside. Not exactly a calm, early start to my day! I still decided to take advantage of my fewer, unexpected quiet moments in my bedroom, once hubby left, to pray and give God my day. Then I just put on sweats and slapped a baseball cap on my head, determined to attempt to get in some exercise, indoors, once the boy was delivered.
Once home though, I got a call from my friend who is battling cancer. She really needed to get to the bank and the grocery store and was hopeful I’d be able to take her. I chose to die to self, set my to do list and anticipated quiet reading/report writing/exercising time aside, and jumped in the shower instead. I had already promised the Hubs that I’d be available and flexible later, as his unexpected errand had pushed his day’s schedule (he’s now self employed) forward, so instead I might need to transport and pick up both our boys later. I was still at the grocery store, sweating the time for the first, when He called to say he’d be able to get that one after all. whew.
After driving back home through a pouring rainstorm, I dropped my friend and her groceries off. I was 25 minutes late to get the other son, a half hour away, in the opposite direction (north) from where I’d just come! I did turn off the radio though, didn’t speed, and enjoyed the quiet drive, and a few extra minutes talking to the Lord. When we got home, I was just dying for a 15 minute power nap, but never got it.
I had already committed last week to watching a military mom friend’s toddler that night, so she could have some much needed girl time with her prayer partners. I got my guys out the door to youth group carpool by 5:35, hastily made a chicken wrap to go, and flew back out the door. I arrived just after 6 pm at my friend’s place, already yawning, but excited to get my “baby” fix. Her little girl and I have a special connection. 🙂
God granted me an extra precious quiet time over an hour later, as I snuggled that sweet girl in her blankie in the dark bedroom, and rocked her to sleep. I miss that. I could hear Him whispering to my heart “Well done daughter. Now take a minute, breathe this moment in, deeply, and rest.” I closed my eyes, and did, with gratitude! He is so good and faithful to meet us where we are, even, and especially, in the midst of our busy days. We just need to BE STILL for a moment, and listen for His voice. Then, I laid that sleepy warm bundle down, and went downstairs. I ignored the TV and Netflicks, and read His word, and a Max Lucado book, until older sis, and their refreshed Mommy got home. A perfect second quiet bookend to a God ordained day! 🙂
Crystal says
I love your attitude and your giving heart. It sounds like you are blessing and ministering to so many people and reading this truly inspired me! I just prayed that God would pour out His blessings upon your day today. Your life is a gift!
Angie F. says
How kind of you to say that Crystal! Your gracious prayers are MUCH appreciated. We just came off a couple of extra crazy busy weeks at home, during which one of our (barely) grown (out of the house) kids had a potentially life altering crisis (thankfully temporary!), very stressful and distressing, so to say I really needed those moments of quiet and extra blessings this week would be an understatement!!
I find that taking my focus off of me and my problems (God is Big and able enough to handle those) and helping others with theirs, helps me keep my perspective and attitude of gratitude intact! Taking those quiet moments to breathe, pray, recharge and dream, wherever and whenever I can, also helps me to keep my blood pressure and cortisol levels under control! So good for us mamas to remember to take care of our health (mental and emotional too) so we can care better for family and friends!
Today didn’t start as early as I’d hoped, but it did start positively and productively. I have dinner in the crockpot, important phone calls have been made and I am praying for grace on my now late report. I’m thrilled that the sun is shining, and it looks like I’ll have time for a walk; a welcome breath of fresh air and more time to talk to God today! Much nicer than yesterdays dark, cold and stormy first day of spring! 🙂
Hopefully I’ll have a crack at getting some quiet time in the Word later after I finish my 5 hour shift at work. I would sure appreciate continued prayers of blessings for tomorrow, as it’s on the same order, and Saturday we are helping friends to move. Planning (God willing) on Sunday being a day of only rest and reading! I’m humbled that you were inspired. Thanks again too for your graciousness, as I wrote a mini novel on your blog!! Lol 😉 Blessings back!
Angie F. says
p.s. One sidenote: last April, our Women’s retreat theme was “Be Still”. One breakout session was dedicated to just having 45 minutes of quiet. It was interesting and funny to witness how difficult this was for some women there. Along with the quiet, bodies at rest, reading and/or in prayer, there was fidgeting, squirming, clock watching, hushed whispering, fits of stifled giggling women (especially younger) in the retreat sanctuary who simply did not know what to do with that time! It was hard, and uncomfortable.
We are so used to “noise” (from our technology too) in our daily lives I think, that silence has become especially uncomfortable to some! Me, I simply grabbed my Pilates mat, found a wonderful sunny spot on the carpet nearest the deck door, stretched out and started deep breathing while praying. It was amazingly refreshing! I sometimes wear the sand dollar pendant that came home with me that has Prov 46:10 engraved on it “Be Still and KNOW that HE is God.” Some days I do need to be reminded!
Melissa says
“It’s not healthy to fill up every nook and cranny of your day with to-do’s.” I couldn’t agree more. Growing up I watched both my mother and my grandmother do this to themselves. I have been guilty of it myself as well, but I have been working on allowing myself more relaxation and quiet time, even if it is just for a few minutes. I find I have a much better attitude when I don’t try to squeeze every drop of energy out of myself. I usually make quiet time by lying in bed for a few minutes by myself and just relaxing. It’s so refreshing!
Up at 5:08am today even though I had the day off of work. 🙂
KimH says
When I was working, I would get up at 5:30 so I could spend an hour in silence before anyone else got up. Since I was laid off in November I dont get up so early but have been trying to make sure Im up by 8:30 or the whole day flies by with nothing being accomplished. I do stay up till around midnight or 1am so Im not over sleeping.
Today though I slept till almost noon.. but I didnt get into bed until 2am.. The last few days I wasnt sleeping well and only getting about 4-5 hours sleep, so I guess today I just needed to make it up. It felt good to wake up refreshed. Sometimes, ya just gotta do it.
And no, I dont have any kids to worry about.. mine are all grown!
Kate@OrganizationforthetypeB says
I love my morning quiet time. It’s part of my motivation to get up early. I got up at 6 today,my goal!
Kate
Rachelle says
The answer is probably here somewhere, but can I download “Early to Rise” without a Kindle? Thanks! Rachelle
Angie F. says
Hi Rachelle, I left this comment prior to the first day of the challenge (edited here), hope it helps you: I don’t have a Kindle either. (On the Mom’s Day wishlist!) However, my very techy hubby took pity on me and downloaded a Kindle app for my Mac computer.
I am really enjoying being able to download, and read, e-books now! (psst…Sign up for Crystal’s “e-readergirl.com” site for some great free and discounted titles daily!) Just can’t take them with me. They are stored either on Kindle’s Cloud Reader, or to my computer, my choice. The Kindle apps are available to PC users too. (Windows 7 & 8, Vista and XP my also techy brilliant teen son tells me.)
I think if you go to the Kindle store @Amazon you’ll see them right below the search box. Click on “free reading apps” and follow the instructions to download. Much success on the challenge too. 🙂
Katie says
6:36! Doing better!
Lucy says
Actually, I’m having a quiet time now, and this is nice.
I woke up at 6:55 a.m this morning, and I finished a lots of tasks today. Yeah!
K Quinn says
My husband loves the quiet. It’s not morning anymore but in the quiet of our home my daughter and husband are having a tea party after homeschool. It’s soooo cute.
Carol@simple_catholic says
Hit my target of getting up at 6:30 today. I love the quiet too. I rarely put the radio on in the car. My son is quite a chatterbox and I don’t want him to have to try and talk over the radio. 🙂
Kelly says
Up at 4:30 – half hour before my alarm goes off. I walk, get ready for work then take time for quiet moments to reflect, pray and count my blesses. I spend more quiet time as I drive to work. Love this time.
flybigd says
Woke up at 5:35 in order to see my husband off to work. Had some coffee and then ORGANIZED MY GUEST BATHROOM CABINETS before getting myself ready for work and my kid up for pre-K. I am still in awe of myself.
Sarah says
Up at 6am. Had to be up as soon as the alarm went off this morning to make an appointment. Otherwise I definitely would have hit that darn snooze button several times.
I have not been able to make it out of bed early enough to have more than a few minutes of alone quiet time while brushing my teeth before I have to wake up my son and get him ready for school. But I did recently discover that he really enjoys and benefits from about 10-15 mins of quiet snuggle time with mommy before he really has to wake up and start getting ready. So, instead of my alone quiet time, we have together quiet time…and I wouldn’t trade it for a thing.
The Prudent Homemaker says
Out of bed at 6, but awake before that. I’d like to do earlier (be back to 5:00) but my morning are different with a baby. I go back to earlier times when the baby is older. However, I had been going later with her, and that was nice.
I have afternoon quiet time. When I am up early, I have morning quiet time, too. I need both 🙂 Afternoon quiet time is helpful; my children have learned that they need it, too.
ClareC. says
5:45. I’m a stay at home mom and my 4 kids are all in school so my time at home is often quiet. I rarely put on the TV or music during the day. I like to hear nothing but the ticking of a few clocks and the occasional sounds from our dog and bird.
Theresa says
Got up at 5:06 this morning and actually took in some quiet this morning. My alarm went off at 4:45am, but I hit the snooze thinking it couldn’t be time to get up already… Neither my husband nor I had to get out of bed all night to tend to kids!!! It was awesome! :~)
G says
This morning I failed miserably at the challenge, barely getting up before 7. I am going to try a new approach tomorrow and see if it helps. Having a productive morning would make a huge impact on my day.
Anne says
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well that you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward. Be slaves of Christ the Lord.
Rediscovered this yesterday. Solution to my problem of the last several years: “Busting It” for the wrong reasons.
Quiet? Tomorrow I’m leaving for a 3 or 4 day place of hermitage. A silent retreat in my own rustic cabin with no modern amenities. Just me and God. Hope He’s ready!
Amanda L says
I have not been really participating in this challenge. I have a young one that has me up super early every morning. I am also pregnant and exhausted. Not to mention illness going around lately. The thought of trying to wake up any earlier just makes me tired! LOL. My little one interrupted my quiet (and sleep!) at 5:45 this morning. Despite this, I brought her into my bed and we enjoyed a half hour of quiet snuggles and butterfly kisses before we started our day. I think that having that quiet time together to just soak in her smell and her tiny cuddles has set my day off in a much better direction. Too bad she wouldn’t do that every morning!!!
Shannon says
As the wife of a t.v. junkie (as I’ve always teased my hubby), I realized when our son was born that we had plenty of opportunity to be t.v. free if even only for his sake. Since I read “Early to Rise” the television has remained off until my husband comes home from work and turns it on each day. The quiet all day is such a revelation. I have even noticed that my husband delays turning the television on more often too. We can all hear each other more “loudly” now and I have become re-acquainted with my own thoughts as well as those of my family during this quiet time.
Connie C. says
Goal was 6 am. Feet hit the floor at 6:15 am. Woot!
Crystal says
Go you!
Lana says
5:30. As a stay at home wife with grown children my days are very quiet and it is kind of nice 🙂
AMotherWhoReadToMe says
6:15 🙂
Jamie Rohrbaugh says
I agree on the quiet. I can tell such a difference when my husband and I come home from work if we just leave the TV off. And early mornings before he gets up, that’s also my quiet time. Having that quiet time keeps me centered on God and gives me direction for my whole day. If something happens and I don’t get that time, I feel grouchy all day instead.
Crystal says
I love this comment!
Shelly says
Until this challenge I didn’t realize how much I needed some quiet time. I used to get up and start right into my day and keep going until it was bedtime. Not taking much time at all to enjoy some quiet. Now I crave it each morning.
Today I was up again before my alarm at 6:07.
Crystal says
Yay for quiet! And you are doing SO well on this challenge! You’re an inspiration!
Susan says
Awoke and arose at 5:10 AM, ten minutes before my alarm was set to go off. I am doing pretty well on the early rising. It is the early-to-bed part that I am finding to be the greater challenge.
Crystal says
Great job! And I hear you on the early to bed thing. 🙂
Anna McMullen says
It is so hard to be silent in this world. We actually rode into work this morning with radio off. It was so nice.
Crystal says
Good for you!