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Learning and Sharing Joy (In Merry May)

Decision Making· Mindset

27 May

As former procrastinators, we should be filled with joy.  Hallelujah!  More and more often we do what needs doing when it needs doing.  We have happy benefits.

Sometimes we put off joy – “I don’t have time to be cheerful.  I have to concentrate on this task.” We act as if joy is a heavy thing we load onto our backs.  Joy is good cheer that comes from trusting God who loves us.  It affects how we view things and interact with others. We don’t add it to our do list.

We deny ourselves joy when we put off doing what needs doing when it needs doing, or when we don’t do something we’d simply like to do and could.  We deny ourselves joy when we take the position we’re not that kind of person.  We deny ourselves joy when we don’t choose a cheerful attitude.

Whether we’re “naturally cheerful” or “naturally somber” we can each rejoice always and experience the healthy advantages of a merry heart. According to scripture, joy isn’t optional. The Lord will grow a merry heart in us. We cooperate with Him through how we think which affects our feelings, faces, voices.  “Doing joy” leads to being joyful.

Imagine the family atmosphere if you were a mom who says “yes” more than “no,” who smiled often, laughed easily, and used a cheerful voice.  Imagine the office atmosphere if you smiled at colleagues and welcomed them with a happy tone.  Even the phone reveals our hearts.  Do you make the person on the other end feel wanted when you answer?

A merry heart influences others.  We have two friends (unacquainted) who are an extra pleasure to be with. These two women “idle in joy.”  When they’re not engaged in conversation, their neutral gear is joyful.  Each time we’ve seen one of them, my husband comments, “She has such a positive outlook.”  Or, “She enjoys life; she’s enthusiastic.”  So am I sort of a drag?

Yep, sometimes.  I’m wired to analyze.  Even if I’m for doing something, my brain starts weighing pros and cons. What comes out of my mouth sounds more like an evaluation than affirmation. Someone suggests a picnic and everybody else chimes in, “Yea! Let’s do it.” I say, “Rain is forecast –  and who has our cooler?”  Family hears that as negative.  To me, it’s not.  Just because I say we need to take raincoats doesn’t mean I don’t want to go.  I’m learning not to speak until I can couch my thoughts in positive terms and use a cheerful tone.

We shouldn’t all be back-slapping cheerful.  Personalities differ.  Even quiet joy has an impact.  Sullen is quiet and it makes an impact, right?  Sullen is quiet, negative, complaining.  But the quiet cheerful person makes a positive difference.

Enjoy making beautiful laugh lines. This week write one thing per day on your calendar that made your heart merry.

What joyful note will you write on today’s date?

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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."

Julia F.

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

Mary R.

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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.'"

Josie O.

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

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2018-08-16T14:41:28-04:00

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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“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.

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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.”
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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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