Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Diligence Today Brings Success Tomorrow By Barbara Latta

Sometimes I am like Scarlet O’Hara. I’ll think about that tomorrow. Although I don’t think I procrastinate to quite the extent that southern belle did, I am still in need of lighting a fire under myself to accomplish my goals at times.

I have plans to exercise. I know my legs need to walk and my middle needs to burn some calories. The idea is in my head but on some days it doesn’t make it to fruition. The same goes with my writing. I have all these ideas and they are floating around in my head, but they need an organized space to get on the paper, or should I say computer screen.

I discovered Bullet Journaling a few months ago after a lengthy resistance. While I am still in the process of becoming proficient at this method, I can say it has made the calendar and loose notes scattered around all gather in one place like little chicks who follow the mother hen. The post-it notes stuck all over the house and decorating the inside of my purse like wallpaper are now lying in the Bullet Journal nest where they are warm, happy and waiting to hatch.

What I have learned from my sometimes-not-so-productive life is what not to do. While I could work successively for several days, I would get lax on others. Praying about my frustrations at lack of completion of projects brought these words from the Lord, “Consistency is the key.”

Haphazard application in anything will not bring success. A structured lifestyle will. God reminded me that living like a scattered jigsaw puzzle will not put the pieces together. Diligent and consistent placement makes the picture whole.
With the BuJo as my weapon of choice against inconsistencies and frustration, I armed myself with my calendar, list of goals and reminders. I have learned that this is God’s secret to having a fruitful and productive life. After all, He is consistent in all His ways and as His children we are to imitate Him.

Writing is like any other goal we aspire to reach. We must be steadfast in our efforts and follow a plan. Whether it is character development in fiction or research for Bible studies or devotions, our finished product is completed one minute, one hour, one keystroke at a time. Day by day stability will bring the reward of a finished manuscript or article. Diligence today brings success in the future.

Scarlet O’Hara may still be thinking about that tomorrow, but I’m all for running with it today.
What about you?

God is consistent in all His ways and as His children we are to imitate Him. @barbaralatta @MaryAFelkins #seriouslywrite #amwriting #diligence

Connect with Barbara:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog

Barbara Latta is the author of God's Maps, Stories of Inspiration and Direction for Motorcycle Riders and has contributed to several anthologies and written for online devotion and article sites. Her latest contribution is to The Power to Make a Difference published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. She also writes a monthly column in her local newspaper, The Pike Journal-Reporter and is President of the Madison, Georgia Word Weavers chapter.
Her desire is to share the truths she has learned through the Word of God to help those in bondage to negative emotions become free and have an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father.