Put Off Procrastination

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Distract and Divert: April Alert

Decision Making· Goals & Priorities· Habits & Routines· Mindset

1 Apr

Welcome, new former procrastinators! Thank you, Missouri ladies, for a really good time together!

The mini habits we’ve been considering are a terrific way to help us avoid the dangers of this month’s focus – Distract and Divert:  April Alert.

Often we lose our good intentions in the busyness of our days or they’re trampled by the demands of others.  Our thoughts stray from our intended path – and so do our feet.  Something prompts us to remember. “Oops. I meant to read that report before the meeting.”  Or, “I did morning devotions for a while … but I dropped them.”

We are distracted from our intention and divert to another path.

Here, I’m talking about diversion from the path we should follow – not a new direction God moves us into.  We know from the Lord which way to go, but either wander or deliberately step away from our intended path.

The book of Nehemiah gives an excellent example of a man who stayed on his God-directed path.  Exiled in Persia, Nehemiah learned the state of Judean Jews, the city of Jerusalem, and the walls that had been destroyed. He repented before the Lord and asked God’s help.

There’s much to ponder in this rich book.  We’ll focus on Nehemiah’s faithfulness to complete the entire job by refusing to be distracted by his enemies and diverted away from building the wall his enemies feared.

The enemies determined to attack and create confusion. “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”  As Nehemiah and the Jews worked, he positioned armed men at strategic locations.  In addition, wall builders carried weapons for protection.

Five times Nehemiah received messages from enemies, proposing that they meet together in the plain.  He perceived they intended him harm and responded,  “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.  Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”

Yet another man approached Nehemiah suggesting that for safety’s sake he flee to the temple.  Again, Nehemiah perceived that God had not sent this “diverter” and he refused to leave the work.

When the wall was complete, enemy nations were disheartened “for they perceived that this work was done by our God.”

Often those who would divert us from our intention, mean no harm.  Maybe they just want us to help them achieve their goals.  Sometimes the Lord directs that.  But if He doesn’t, the end result is the same – we are distracted and diverted to another path from the one we intend to be on.

My accountability partner recently challenged me about volunteering with a new ministry.  She could see me standing on the writing wall I’m called to but considering coming down to do other work.  I was tempted by a good thing to put off what God has directed me to do.  I reconsidered.

What is the wall God has directed you to build?

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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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“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.”

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.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“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.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“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.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

Mary R.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/mary-r/
"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"

Josie O.

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2018-08-13T20:10:12-04:00

Josie O.

"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"
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"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."

Megan P.

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2018-08-16T14:40:50-04:00

Megan P.

"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."
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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."

Cindy C.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:28-04:00

Cindy C.

"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/cindy-c/
“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

Christine B.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/christine-b/
"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
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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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