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Following Close at Christmas – Giving

Holidays

14 Dec

Some people like to give gifts, former procrastinators.  I’m married to one and I appreciate that.  Christmas is a special time for these folks to exercise their bents and bring joy to others.  Some of us struggle because we feel we lack ideas or a sense of what’s appropriate.  So we put off deciding what to do and end up in a Christmas bind.

As we sat around the Thanksgiving table discussing the general idea of Christmas gifts, there was a definite theme – and a definite dissenting opinion.  Most of us vociferously agreed we’d like less stuff, fewer presents.  But the gift giver at the head of the table sat silent. 

Our desire for less does not scratch my husband’s itch to give.  How do we make this work? And how does a hesitant giver move forward?

It helps to think of the receiver more than of the gift or of how giving makes us feel, whether blessed or stressed.  All of us – “giving-gifted” or “giving-challenged” – will benefit from approaching gifts from a viewpoint of thoughtfulness.

That way, each of us can give something that will minister to the receiver.  Following close to Jesus we can ask Him for insight.  We can set aside expectations and be open to whatever He prompts that will minister.

Thoughtfulness might mean a book of stamps, a plant, a series of exercise classes, a favorite pie, a note promising a monthly phone call, a gutter cleaning.  Thoughtfulness might mean a surprise or it might mean the receiver knows what’s in the box and gave helpful tips.  It might mean everybody pitching in for one thing.  It might mean lots of little boxes because somebody just likes to open them.

There’s delight for the giver and receiver when a thoughtful desire to minister serves as guide.

What is one gift you’re planning to give that you’re sure will minister to the recipient?

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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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"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

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2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
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"I have loved 'Learn to discern what should come first.'"

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

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"Getting things done isn’t as important as what gets done."

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

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"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.

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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/
“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/
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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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