Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed

by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Mahaney Whitacre

Overwhelmed. Miserable. Exhausted. These are often the words that women use to describe their high-demand lifestyles. How are women who are always on the go expected to cope with the demands of work, family, and ministry? Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, and Janelle Bradshaw, recognize the needs of Christian women today. Shopping for Time offers the solution to women who truly desire to glorify God with every use of their time. These authors offer five tips to help ladies do it all without becoming rise early, sit down, sit longer (occasionally), choose friends wisely, and take fifteen minutes. By weaving biblical principles of God's Word into these keys, these authors give women practical advice on how to fulfill-and excel in-their daily responsibilities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Womens, Faith, Reference, Parenting

96 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2007

About the author

Carolyn Mahaney is a wife, mother, and homemaker. Having spent over thirty years as a pastor's wife, Carolyn has spoken to women in many churches and conferences. She is the author of Feminine Appeal, Girl Talk, Shopping for Time and True Beauty. She blogs with her daughters at www girltalkhome com, a blog focused on biblical womanhood. Carolyn and her husband, C. J., are the parents of three married daughters and one son, and the happy grandparents to twelve grandchildren.

Reviews

[Jami Balmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I got the book and saw how big it is (I like looong books)! ;)

But I was very pleasantly surprised! The advice of a full length book is in here - without all the fluff! These gals give some wonderfully convicting advice. I found myself convicted several times of things that need to change in my home - and that God will give me the time for the things on HIS to do list!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels overwhelmed - which isn't that all of us?!?

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful little book on time management... I love how the authors focus on a woman's true priorities - time with God, family/relationships, planning etc. It was a helpful and enjoyable read.

[Rebecca Severs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good little book that is pithy and practical, yet founded in biblical truth. Managed to be challenging and specific about action points without being legalistic. Suitable for women in all seasons of life. Having read it in one sitting I'm going to go through it again with my notebook and write down the parts I want to focus on and use to change my life! Only criticism is that again the Mahaney family are of a fairly high economic status and often assume their readership can afford the same luxuries as they do which can make for irritation or slight cringing on the readers part. But overall what a great blessing from a group of godly sisters and mum. I pray myself and my 3 daughters have this kind of relationship with God and each other in future!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable shot in the arm! Contains simple and helpful suggestions on redeeming the time. The chapters on listing life and relational priorities and taking action on those were inspiring.

[Amanda E. (aebooksandwords) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of us has been allocated the same amount of time in a day, yet it seems impossible to fit in every task, every need, every requirement. Just writing this, I feel it myself! If only we could somehow manufacture more time, yet we know it’s an impossibility.

“Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and Not Be Overwhelmed” speaks to the hearts of women who feel their days are overwhelming and their lives filled with too much to do. In this book, co-authors Carolyn Mahaney and her daughters seek to help women honor God in how they live out their days in the midst of it all while experiencing God’s peace, joy, and rest. The book presents biblical wisdom that, when implemented, will help and enable *anyone* to follow Christ well no matter their circumstance or season in life.

This book surprised me. When I began reading, I wasn’t sure I’d relate—seeing the mention of biblical womanhood—as my life circumstances differ from most. Yet they shared the story of a woman in a similar situation, who had to be the main provider in her marriage early on due to her husband’s disability and never had children. I’ve often lamented a lack of such examples due to my own experiences, so I was happy to read this.

“As we seek to make the best use of time in every season, we can be confident that God's divine wisdom and perfect love direct his purposes in our lives.”

Total: 3.75

Readability: 5
Impact: 4
Content: 3
Enjoyment: 3

Thank you to Crossway for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Caroline McGill · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, this book was much better than I thought it would be based on the cover, the title, and the fonts. This was a simple (hour and a half read) and helpful overview in thinking about time and how we should intentionally stop and plan to better use our time to glorify God. Though it is not advertised this way, this book is primarily written for an audience wives and mothers (like most of Carolyn Mahaney’s books are), though many of the principles are useful to all. The book is also not very theologically deep, but offers more practical advice.

[Jenai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this lil short book quite enjoyable. So many useful tips to grow spiritually and within various relationships. There were also great tips for intentional planning and time management. It will be on my once a year reading list!

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for a female audience but I found helpful tips I can add to the toolbox.

[Meghan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with a group of friends who recommended it, otherwise I probably wouldn’t have picked it up or finished it. I had a hard time connecting with it and the writing wasn’t my favorite, but the concepts were helpful and I’ve implemented some of them. I did like the last chapter/tip more than the rest. But all my friends seem like they love it so maybe it’s just me 😅

[Svea Goertzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This modest volume offered by Carolyn Mahaney and her three adult daughters uses a light, conversational tone, gently calling the reader to consider and remember the importance of time and how to “redeem the days.”

Using Ephesians 5:15-16 and the metaphor of shopping as the backbone and premise of the book, Mahaney, along with her daughters, pull together five tips for time management tied ever so closely to scripture.

I needed the reminders-this book was a great catalyst for recalibration while also giving me some things to consider that I hadn’t previously.

In the spirit of time management, this is an easy, quick read that equips women with some practical tools while all the while centering the topic from a godly perspective.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thin little book; not even a half inch thick. But, it took me about two weeks to finish it. Shortly after I started reading, I told my husband, Jeffrey, "I am reading a book that I think will change my life." That's why reading it took so long. I had much to ponder.

You might be wondering how I gave such an impacting book only four stars. Oh, I just couldn't give five stars to a book that isn't really well written. The content and instruction in this book is incredible. The writing is weak. The analogy of shopping for time was overused, but well worth putting up with. As a Christian woman who wants more of Jesus, and strives to maintain a happy home life for my family, and desperately needs more time... well, this book was a blessing. And, yes, in these two weeks I have already begun to put into practice the teachings of this book. I wasn't wrong - this is a life-changing book for me.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kind of book. Short, to the point, easy to read, and practical!

Favorite Quotes:
We can’t afford to put off charting a course for life’s seasons because we are too busy. The pressures of life are, in fact, the very reason we need to sit and plan.

The great thing, is one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s “own” or “real” life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life - the life God is sending one day by day: what one calls one’s “real life” is a phantom of one’s own imagination. This at least is what I see at moments of insight: but it’s hard to remember it all the time. - C.S. Lewis

All the interruptions - they aren’t interruptions after all. They are sovereign deliveries. The unpleasant things are God’s perfect plan for our day.

We should not be more consumed with the completion of our to-do list than pleasing and glorifying the Savior.

We don’t evaluate our priorities, consider relationships, and simplify tasks merely to avoid being overwhelmed. We do it so that our manner of life would be worthy of the gospel. We do it because, by God’s amazing grace, we can live a life worthy of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27)

It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our last day. - Matthew Henry

[Rhiannon Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

God gives help when most needed!

I have been struggling. I'm awaiting my results of being tested for Adult ADHD. The struggles still persist... Easily distracted, working my butt off but accomplishing nothing. I feel like I'm letting my family down and I'm super frustrated with myself.

Then I read shopping for time (women's Christian reading challenge suggestion) and it was the right book at the right time. While I look for ways to modify what I know I should do with what I succeed in doing I read this book and realized I was working from a place of fear and stress and chaos, but have forgotten that God is in control and I need to sit quietly at his feet and give him control.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, simple read with lots of practical ideas. I’m rating this lower because the main analogy didn’t work. We’re not “shopping” for time, we’re “spending” time! The authors used this terminology repeatedly and it just confused me. Also, I didn’t appreciate the tag line “how to do it all and not be overwhelmed.” The phrase “do it all” means something completely different in wider culture than the way these ladies use it. They needed to spend more time redefining “all” (i.e. everything God has for us to do) or they needed to drop it altogether—certainly not shove it into the place of prominence it currently has! I read this over the course of an afternoon. Super easy and not a bad read but wish I hadn’t bought it, as I doubt I’ll be returning to it or even lending it out....

[Kasey Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so encouraged!

what a great little read! As a mom, it was short and easy to read, which is just what I need in this season. I think the Mahaney's include a great balance of a Biblical, gospel foundation and practical strategies to help us use our time wisely. I am so encouraged by this read and will for sure be using some (if not all) of these strategies in my own life. I am already joining the "6:15am club" and what a blessing it's been to start each day with the Lord again!

[Divyesh Sheth · Rating 1 out of 5]

not what one would expect

This is no really a book about saving time. It is 19th century Christian propaganda. If it was not really short, I would not have finished the book. It talks about woman’s duty as pleading her husband and taking care of family and nothing else. It talks as if non Christian are not humans and they need to be converted.

[Jessica Dudenhofer Beery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful advice for me, though nothing I haven't heard before...just all together in one concise read. Challenged me about the importance of making a habit of waking up early to MAKE SURE quiet time happens. Would recommend if this is something you struggle with too.

[Kendra Sink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the most helpful books I have ever read. I am so motivated to make important changes to my daily schedule and really ponder what my priorities are in this season of life. A must read for women of all ages.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've joined the 5:30am club.

[Ahna Calvillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book can't wait to put it into practice.

[Megaan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some great perspectives to offer about time management and the way we view it, but not as in depth or as much practical advice for application as I expected.

[Alisha Parmerlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick easy read that will change the way you think about your 24 hours!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saylorville Women Bible Study led by Meredith where I joined the 5:30am Club with Jessie, Lindsay, Rachel, Alisha, Jenn and Ali.

[Debbie Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the practical steps to help make sure we are prioritizing our time on the things that matter most

[Redlanternlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet read to encourage me toward faithfulness.

[Charlene Hios · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Christian Mother audience

Not for me, probably great advice for young adults. At age 60 I know this type of stuff. I didn't need a book to glean it.

[Brittany]

Counselor recommendation

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scriptural anchoring and advice were spot-on

[Mary Tiginyanu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is practical without neglecting its core premise, which is that “…the gospel transform our perspective of time on earth” (p. 93).

[Malia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much substance, no new ideas. Not much about time management, more about spiritual disciplines.