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Joy Thieves and Joy Seeds (In Merry May)

Decision Making· Mindset

20 May

Speaking of joy, former procrastinators, let’s admit procrastination is a joy stealer.  In the moment we choose to delay, we select something we prefer over what we need to do.  Maybe we choose play like watch a movie, or rest like take a nap, or other work like cleaning mirrors instead of vacuuming the basement.  That self-indulging choice will rob us of joy.

We need play and rest.  Maybe one of those is exactly what we should be doing but we choose to hammer on and keep working.  “Do what needs doing when it needs doing” helps us choose wisely – work, play, or rest – and keeps joy growing.

If you need a nap, good humor is well served by your lying down.   If you haven’t done something for plain ole fun in a long time, girl, go outside and swing.

What joy thieves skulk around your house in the form of procrastination?  // What joy seeds can you plant to reap a harvest of joy?

“I don’t have to do that now.” //  “I have now, I’ll do it.  Later I’ll be free for what comes along.”

“I’m not leaving until I have to.”  Then I’m late, speed, get frustrated, disrupt others. // ”I’ll go early, maybe return sooner.  I’ll make calls or read if I still wait.”

“It’s only a short distance.” // Leave with margin. Time for the unexpected. I’m calm when I arrive.

“I’m too tired to work on photos.”// Employ a mini habit. “Five minutes of sorting will move the project forward.”  Energy starts to flow.

“I never get around to the things I like.” // Establish a routine that refreshes and encourages you.  Quilt ten minutes a day.

Scattered locations where things could be.// Designate homes for papers, keys, etc. No wasted time searching.

“I wish I hadn’t agreed to work on this committee.” // Say “no” with a clear conscience.

Remnants of projects left out to stumble over and shove around // Put away all gear when a project’s done.

“Every day is a battle getting the kids to find their shoes.” // Form a habit.  Shoes by the door before bed.

That pile in the corner is unsightly. // Clear it out; keep the space open.

Whenever I see Susie, I feel guilty/irritated. // Ask forgiveness, talk with Susie.  Restore fellowship.

Someday we’ll take the kids to miniature golf.” // Schedule golf for this Saturday.

“I got distracted by the holidays and dropped this project.” // Pick it up again now.

Counters crowded with piles prevent easy use of the kitchen. // Papers, etc. go in designated places. Counters are designated clear spots.

“I’ll do all my chores then dress to leave” // Dress early.  Relieve stress; create margin.

“Our debt increases every month.” // Use a system that helps us pay down monthly.

Joy thieves and joy seeds affect us in the moment and later as well.

What joy thief can you shackle this week?  What joy seeds can you plant?

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2 Comments

« A Joy-Spreading Mom (In Merry May)
Learning and Sharing Joy (In Merry May) »

Comments

  1. LinDa W. says

    May 20, 2019 at 8:06 am

    This is great! I love the concept of a “Joy-thief”! You have a Delightful way of writing about the way we avoid living ‘rightly.’ Joy is the result, of active grace!

    Reply
  2. Beth Sterne says

    May 20, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Thank You, Linda. ” Active grace” – I like that. We do experience joy when we actually use the wisdom, energy, will power, etc. that the Lord supplies. (And when we rest or play as He prompts.)

    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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"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."

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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.

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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.

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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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