I put a “hit” on procrastination. I want it abducted, tormented and ultimately annihilated. Procrastination has severely impacted my life. I wished it away, but to no avail. I kicked it in the shins, only to be kicked back. I’ve wrestled it to the ground, but it just got back up again.
I have been tussling with procrastination for decades. It reared its ugly head when I was a teenager, as I began to cram for tests and prepare essays and book reports the night before they were due. The problem escalated in college: I missed opportunities and deadlines and scored low on too many midterms and finals. As I evolved into an adult, procrastination joined the evolution. It has caused me unnecessary stress at work; the loss of money and time with my family and so much more.
Just two weeks ago, it made an unwanted appearance. There I was, with my child, helping him with an art project minutes before he was to depart for school. I became frustrated and started to raise my voice, but the truth is I had two weeks to make sure he completed this assignment, yet here I was again beset by procrastination. I felt guilty for yelling at my son for something that was clearly my fault. More importantly, I had inadvertently introduced him to procrastination.
I vowed to rid myself of this horrible habit before it seeped into my son’s life, thus the “hit.” But, how can I truly destroy something that has so vehemently affected my life and the lives of so many others?
Here’s my plan of attack:
PRAY. The Bible says the “effective prayer of a righteous person has great power.” (James 5:16). I believe in the power of prayer. I know God can alter any situation or help restrain any bad habit if we simply consult him about it. “Acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:6)
FAST. This spiritual discipline requires abstaining from food to focus on God for the strength, wisdom and direction you need. (Mark 9:29) To break a decades-old habit, going the extra mile is definitely warranted.
MEDITATE on the WORD. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) In order to change a behavior, changing your thought process is vital. Focusing on scriptures that deal with slothfulness (Hebrews 6:12) and, timeliness (Ecclesiastes 3:1) will surely lead to a renewed mind.
BE AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES. The parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13) clearly highlights the missed opportunity as a result of dawdling. Five women reaped the benefits of being prepared, while the other five suffered mightily.
As the Nike slogan goes, JUST DO IT. “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 4:9) As a procrastinator, this is by far the most difficult task. But, with God’s power it can be done.
This week, let’s focus on this plan of action, in addition to writing down our goals for the week. Let’s commit to completing them all. Then let’s get together to celebrate the assassination of procrastination.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Hope Springs Eternal
When the weather outside is frightful and the thought of spring is the only thing that seems delightful, what visions emerge in your mind’s eye? Is it pink ribbons wrapped neatly around curls, cotton-candy colored dresses, and glossy cocoa-buttered legs with ruffled ankle laced socks stuffed into shiny patent leather MaryJanes ready for Easter Morning, or an early morning jam session of a robin in a budding tree that dances through you minds. Maybe it’s a sliver of grass that has found its way through the crevice of a city sidewalk, or the yellow blanket of pollen that saturates everything.
Well spring is here! Images that were once far away dreams are now reality. I don’t know about you, but things can get a little depressing after the winter holidays. Gone are those lazy day blues. Energy that was once lost in the doldrums of winter has emerged, giving me that extra spring in my step. Flowers are blooming, allergies are in full swing--thanks, p
ollen--, days are longer, and the weather is perfectly delightful; especially for displaying freshly pedicured toes in 3" heel gladiator-inspired sandals with buckle closure at the ankle by Nine West -- hint, Mother’s Day is coming up soon--.
I’m one of those people that simply can’t wait for spring to arrive. For one, it marks the countdown until the end of the school year. When you’re in the middle of a lesson and your favorite boy wonder raises his hand--turning what you thought is an “aha” moment to an “I know you didn’t” one-- asking in front of the entire class “Have you ever had a cocktail?”... let the countdown begin.
Spring has always been that time of year, I find refreshingly optimistic. It’s filled with hope, reminding me that all things are possible through the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. In these trying times when it seems like the world around us is crumbling, when life is murky and mysterious, we need hope. A hope that Rev. Milton Brunson sang about more than 20 years ago (which is still apropos for today, take a listen). A hope that is more than just wishful thinking. One that is not placed in man, a hope that the Bible speaks of: a confidence and assurance concerning the future based on God's promises. Hope is a crucial ingredient of the life of the righteous. As Christians we should never be without hope. But let’s keep it real. Sometimes, there are circumstances that come into our lives that leave us filled with anxiety, doubt, and depression. Circumstances that the enemy tries to knock us off the very foundation we stand. The mistake many of us make is to deny these feelings or see it as some sort of weakness. It is through these difficult times that His strength is made perfect, 2 Corinthians 12:9. When life’s moments seem to have gotten the best of you, that’s the time to cling to the eternal hope of Christ. Romans 8:24-25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” So, when the doldrums of life get you down, just remember hope springs eternal.
Here are some verses that will remind you to remain hopeful:
Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Lamentations 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Well spring is here! Images that were once far away dreams are now reality. I don’t know about you, but things can get a little depressing after the winter holidays. Gone are those lazy day blues. Energy that was once lost in the doldrums of winter has emerged, giving me that extra spring in my step. Flowers are blooming, allergies are in full swing--thanks, p
ollen--, days are longer, and the weather is perfectly delightful; especially for displaying freshly pedicured toes in 3" heel gladiator-inspired sandals with buckle closure at the ankle by Nine West -- hint, Mother’s Day is coming up soon--.I’m one of those people that simply can’t wait for spring to arrive. For one, it marks the countdown until the end of the school year. When you’re in the middle of a lesson and your favorite boy wonder raises his hand--turning what you thought is an “aha” moment to an “I know you didn’t” one-- asking in front of the entire class “Have you ever had a cocktail?”... let the countdown begin.
Spring has always been that time of year, I find refreshingly optimistic. It’s filled with hope, reminding me that all things are possible through the resurrecting power of Jesus Christ. In these trying times when it seems like the world around us is crumbling, when life is murky and mysterious, we need hope. A hope that Rev. Milton Brunson sang about more than 20 years ago (which is still apropos for today, take a listen). A hope that is more than just wishful thinking. One that is not placed in man, a hope that the Bible speaks of: a confidence and assurance concerning the future based on God's promises. Hope is a crucial ingredient of the life of the righteous. As Christians we should never be without hope. But let’s keep it real. Sometimes, there are circumstances that come into our lives that leave us filled with anxiety, doubt, and depression. Circumstances that the enemy tries to knock us off the very foundation we stand. The mistake many of us make is to deny these feelings or see it as some sort of weakness. It is through these difficult times that His strength is made perfect, 2 Corinthians 12:9. When life’s moments seem to have gotten the best of you, that’s the time to cling to the eternal hope of Christ. Romans 8:24-25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” So, when the doldrums of life get you down, just remember hope springs eternal.
Here are some verses that will remind you to remain hopeful:
Psalms 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Lamentations 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Attitude of Gratitude
My 5 year-old is constantly lobbying for a new gadget. “Pleeeeease mom, can I get the new DSi for my birthday?” he pleaded. My response, “You just got a Wii game system for Christmas, which needs a bunch of not-to-cheap accessories in order for you to enjoy the true Wii experience.” “But, all my cousins have a DSi,” he continued. Me, “Not cousin J, he doesn’t have it.” So, we went back and forth like a tennis match, until I finally acquiesced with a caveat, “You can get one when you master reading and writing.” Now, I know it will be years before he truly masters reading and writing, truth is I am still perfecting the skill of writing. So, this was truly a dubious answer. But, it bought me enough time to address the real problem, my son’s lack of appreciation for the things he has. It was time to devise a plan to help instill an “attitude of gratitude” in him.
As a child, I don’t ever recall my siblings and me pleading for the latest and greatest toy. There were 10 of us and our parents successfully housed (they owned their own home), fed (it was not always what we wanted, but it was what we needed), clothed (My mom was a frequent shopper at “The Blue” our local thrift store) and cared (they didn’t voice it much, but by their actions we all knew we were loved) for us all. They also made sure we all received gifts at Christmas and even an occasional birthday party. There seemed to be an understanding amongst us kids that we should be appreciative of the things we had and that included each other. Now, how can I transfer this “attitude of gratitude” into my only child, who has his own room, own toys and who rarely has to share anything with anyone?
Well, operation “attitude of gratitude” began with a friendly talk about being grateful for the things he has. “You are so blessed, you have your own room, you live in a great neighborhood, have good friends.” He seemed to listen intently, but not that intently, the requests for the DSi continued. Then a teachable moment presented itself, as he was watching National Geographic with his Dad he was introduced to two boys both with vascular disorders. One boy’s face was severely distorted and another boy’s leg was amputated due to the disorder. My husband pointed out that these boys were not bitter and seemed to be genuinely appreciative for their lives. Those young boys left an indelible mark on my son’s heart. The next day he expressed concern for the boys. And, he was genuinely thankful that he could run and play and had no serious health problems. I finally saw the seeds we planted beginning to take root.
Based on that experience, I began to think and reflect on my own “attitude of gratitude.” Yes, my parents did a great job teaching me the importance of being thankful, but somewhere along the way, I lost my way. I needed to re-implement the plan I instituted for my son. Truth be told, I was not that different from him. I recalled, as we settled into our new home, I had an overwhelming feeling of regret. Our home didn’t have the nice gourmet kitchen I wanted (never mind that I didn’t cook all that well), nor my dream bathroom, with the soaking tub, terra cotta tiles and rainforest shower head (maybe I watch too much HGTV), nor the open floor plan. It wasn’t my dream house. I was focused on what I didn’t get. But, I was reminded by a radio personality (Steve Harvey) that God wanted us to be thankful for what we have, instead of constantly lobbying him for the next thing (sound familiar). The Bible clearly states that “we are called upon to be thankful in everything to give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Soon, I began to think about all the great things our home had: it was in an area with a great school system, we have a pool and lots of yard space. We have more than enough room for our small family. I didn’t stop there; I began to focus on those things that truly mattered: a husband that loved me unconditionally and has stuck by me through some difficult times; having a child despite infertility issues; being alive after a diagnosis of cancer. I now better understand why God calls us to be thankful, it forces us to take the spotlight off ourselves and our “wants” and truly appreciate those things in life that matter most.
Being grateful really is an attitude. We can choose to reflect on the dreams that have been deferred or derailed, or we can choose to concentrate on those moments in our life that we should be thankful for. So, like my son, I am adopting an “attitude of gratitude.” And, the next time you are plagued with negative thoughts about all you don’t have or didn’t accomplish, implement your own “attitude of gratitude” and simply tell the Lord thank you for all the good in your life. You’ll be glad you did.
As a child, I don’t ever recall my siblings and me pleading for the latest and greatest toy. There were 10 of us and our parents successfully housed (they owned their own home), fed (it was not always what we wanted, but it was what we needed), clothed (My mom was a frequent shopper at “The Blue” our local thrift store) and cared (they didn’t voice it much, but by their actions we all knew we were loved) for us all. They also made sure we all received gifts at Christmas and even an occasional birthday party. There seemed to be an understanding amongst us kids that we should be appreciative of the things we had and that included each other. Now, how can I transfer this “attitude of gratitude” into my only child, who has his own room, own toys and who rarely has to share anything with anyone?
Well, operation “attitude of gratitude” began with a friendly talk about being grateful for the things he has. “You are so blessed, you have your own room, you live in a great neighborhood, have good friends.” He seemed to listen intently, but not that intently, the requests for the DSi continued. Then a teachable moment presented itself, as he was watching National Geographic with his Dad he was introduced to two boys both with vascular disorders. One boy’s face was severely distorted and another boy’s leg was amputated due to the disorder. My husband pointed out that these boys were not bitter and seemed to be genuinely appreciative for their lives. Those young boys left an indelible mark on my son’s heart. The next day he expressed concern for the boys. And, he was genuinely thankful that he could run and play and had no serious health problems. I finally saw the seeds we planted beginning to take root.
Based on that experience, I began to think and reflect on my own “attitude of gratitude.” Yes, my parents did a great job teaching me the importance of being thankful, but somewhere along the way, I lost my way. I needed to re-implement the plan I instituted for my son. Truth be told, I was not that different from him. I recalled, as we settled into our new home, I had an overwhelming feeling of regret. Our home didn’t have the nice gourmet kitchen I wanted (never mind that I didn’t cook all that well), nor my dream bathroom, with the soaking tub, terra cotta tiles and rainforest shower head (maybe I watch too much HGTV), nor the open floor plan. It wasn’t my dream house. I was focused on what I didn’t get. But, I was reminded by a radio personality (Steve Harvey) that God wanted us to be thankful for what we have, instead of constantly lobbying him for the next thing (sound familiar). The Bible clearly states that “we are called upon to be thankful in everything to give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Soon, I began to think about all the great things our home had: it was in an area with a great school system, we have a pool and lots of yard space. We have more than enough room for our small family. I didn’t stop there; I began to focus on those things that truly mattered: a husband that loved me unconditionally and has stuck by me through some difficult times; having a child despite infertility issues; being alive after a diagnosis of cancer. I now better understand why God calls us to be thankful, it forces us to take the spotlight off ourselves and our “wants” and truly appreciate those things in life that matter most.
Being grateful really is an attitude. We can choose to reflect on the dreams that have been deferred or derailed, or we can choose to concentrate on those moments in our life that we should be thankful for. So, like my son, I am adopting an “attitude of gratitude.” And, the next time you are plagued with negative thoughts about all you don’t have or didn’t accomplish, implement your own “attitude of gratitude” and simply tell the Lord thank you for all the good in your life. You’ll be glad you did.
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