Put Off Procrastination

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Summer Rest and Play

Playtime & Rest

31 Jul

For this former procrastinator, there are many happy summer memories. The break from school meant much more freedom, more opportunity to “do nothing.” It’s important not to have every minute planned and structured. We want to avoid idleness as a habit, but there is also wisdom in rest and play.

I liked to ride my blue bike to the library in town. There was anticipation just walking up the worn marble steps and into the cool building. Inside smelled dusty old and like thousands of books. Tall ceilings, creaky floors. It was completely natural to speak only in whispers. I could stay as long as I wanted and then bike home with my treasures.

We enjoyed kickball in the yard and twilight chase games with my dad. So did the whole neighborhood. Sometimes during dinner the doorbell would ring. “Can your dad come out and play?” I loved wading in the creek, going barefoot, swimming, and catching lightening bugs.

A big treat was going to the beach for a few days. It was tons of work for both parents, but they’d make that getaway. The point was breaking from regular work for family time together in a place we enjoyed.

All of these things were just for fun. Fun is good. Rest from the normal expectations of work. Even if work is involved (somebody has to pack, cook, and clean), there is still a sense of break because a different place or activity provides respite from regular demands. God designed us for work, yes – but also for play and rest.

In some countries, the whole month of August is considered vacation. Here, we put off anything that keeps us from work. Not so healthy. Let’s be diligent to play and rest this summer! We may not be able to take a month off, but a day now and then can provide a breather we need. Do less. At least for a few days here – and a few days there – do less. Do what needs doing when it needs doing – work, play, or rest.

What ideas can you add to these?

• Try a new ice cream flavor

• Play in the hose or sprinkler

• Lie in the yard at night and figure out the summer constellations

• Play croquet or kickball in the yard

• Go on a picnic or go fishing

• Attend a summer concert or movie in the park

• Make ice cream – with or without an ice cream maker

• Read outside in the shade

• Do something “touristy” in your own area

• Visit a museum or historical site

• Play putt putt golf

• Make chalk art in the driveway or play hopscotch

• Browse a bookstore

• Sleep late

• Catch some lightening bugs – or fireflies if that’s what you have!

We have a relative with us this week so we’re taking off from our clean out project. Ahhhh!

What will you do this summer just because you enjoy it?

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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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"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.”

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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.”
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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