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2019 Theme – Roll the Ball!

Decision Making· Habits & Routines

14 Jan

Last year, former procrastinators, our theme was “Go There.”  In spite of discomfort, fear, nervousness, lack of knowledge or experience, take God’s hand and step into the challenge.  I confess to you that I pulled back on God’s hand.  I even sat down in the path.  I claimed I had to know more, have help, or wait until later.  I procrastinated.  Gratefully, I accomplished some good things, but I did not fully “Go There.”

Comfort is the emotion that has deceived us all, said a conference attendee.  So true.  I’m comfortable without pain, inconvenience, criticism, dealing with the unknown, etc.

Reviewing last year, I realize I did not allow routine to take me where I needed to go – into some discomfort and blessing.

If you follow routine and steadily take the next step, you may well come to a place of challenge or discomfort. But it will be the right next thing.  Taking advantage of your routine, you will continue forward, tackle whatever is next, and get the blessing.

That is where I dropped the ball.  l laid out office hours for writing; I respected them by not scheduling other things during that time.  I was all set up to write.  But then I often did other work.  I didn’t take full advantage of the routine I established.

Did you experience this?  Did you set up a filing system but not use it?  Buy veggies for healthier eating but let them go bad in the fridge?  Take a financial course but not pay off debt?  Designate story time but consistently not read?  Determine to make the toughest calls first but hung out at the water cooler instead?  Agree on a date night but not arrange a sitter?

Remember, the bowling pins at the end of the lane are the priorities we want to knock out. Routines are like bowling bumpers that lie in the gutter and keep the ball from falling in there. When the ball comes up against a bumper/routine, it moves back into the lane and continues on to the pins.

I understood that.  I set up the necessary bumper/routine and even maintained it.  But sometimes I held back on rolling the ball.

I can watch others bowl and study technique.  I can purchase my own shoes and ball.  I can sign up for a team and wear the shirt.  I can reserve bowling nights and not allow anything to interfere.  I can make sure bowling bumpers are in place.

But no pins will fall if I do not roll the ball.

The theme for 2019 is Roll the Ball!

In Deuteronomy 1:14 God says unlike others, Caleb will go into the promised land.  Caleb completely obeyed and believed Him. Caleb wholly followed God; therefore, Caleb got the blessing.

God still has me on the team.  I have opportunity to wholly follow Him and be blessed.  This year I’m going to roll the ball.

In what area did you set up a routine but hold back from taking the next step?

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2 Comments

« Look Back to Move Forward – Debriefing 2018
Valuing God’s Priorities Over My Comfort – Roll the Ball! »

Comments

  1. Lynn Sterkenburg says

    January 15, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Beth:
    I emptied my file folders of all my 2017 stuff – and failed to properly file all of my 2018 stuff (she admits sadly as she eyes the pile to her left taking up space on her desk…). The veggies gone bad in the fridge was a stab and twist of the knife!!!

    Thank you for your honesty! Rolling the Ball with you this year :>).

    Reply
  2. Beth Sterne says

    January 16, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Good news: We have new opportunities and a fresh start. So glad we’re on the same team!

    Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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