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pivotal

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Go on

Beth Jones, January 2015

Me , January 2015

At the end of 2014, God spoke to me my “one word” for 2015 (mine were 2) – pivot and pivotal.

Pivot means the central point on which a mechanism turns; to rotate; to turn; to revolve.

Pivotal means of crucial importance in relation to the development of success of something else.

God told me that this year is a pivotal (crucially important) year for me. There’s no time to waste.

I don’t want to miss out on God’s purpose and plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)  While God has done amazing salvation, healing, and deliverance in my life, there still have been some areas where I wasn’t obeying God.

My diet and exercise. I know, it’s so annoying to talk about it. 

I’ve been addicted (emotionally, not physically – like comfort food to some people) to Coca Cola®, sugar (can anyone say chocolate?!), and I like Sonic and Mexican WAYYY too much. This year I made a DECISION, a CHOICE, to obey God. 

To get off the Cokes. To stop eating so much fast food. To eat healthier. To exercise. To drink more water. To take care of myself so that I can fulfill my purpose and calling from God. 

You can read more about my radical LIFESTYLE CHANGE (not just a diet)  here.

I’ve been walking each day at the track. This is a HUGE change for me.

I HATE to exercise. Hate. it. with. a. passion. Here’s reasons why people hate to exercise.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128541747/trex-hates-push-ups-funny-t-shirt-men?ref=market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/128541747/trex-hates-push-ups-funny-t-shirt-men?ref=market

But I love God, my family and friends, life, and my purpose more. I’m doing this to be fit to fulfill God’s mission for my life (the weight loss is a great side benefit!)

Exercising to lose weight can actually be a bad motivator. Women who exercise to feel better and curb stress work out more.

The scorekeeper billboard at the track in town where I walk has encouraging words on it. It says “To Go On.”

scorekeeper at track

scorekeeper at track

I don’t always want to walk. It’s been really cold here lately (the other day it was 14 degrees!)…plus, I confess, I can be lazy, as far as exercise!

Today was “only” (right?!) 32 degrees, but the wind is blowing hard so it feels much colder. I bundled up again in my coat, hat, fur scarf, and another long, thick scarf to cover my nose and cheeks. It worked fine. No excuses this year!

Me at the track

Me at the track

I walk in the middle lane at the track. It has the number 5 on it. Spiritually, the number 5 is symbollic for God’s grace. I need His grace to go on and to be self-disciplined to continue with this radical lifestyle change. (Chocolate cake is calling my name!)

 

Lane 5 at the track

Lane 5 at the track

After a friend read my post on taking a single action from yesterday, she felt bad.

She’s been taking steps of faith this year by going to the gym and eating healthier. But she told me she can’t do all the radical changes that I’m doing right now. Actually, her words in a private Facebook message were, “UUGGG! You are making me feel guilty!”

That was NOT the result I wanted from my post! I told her this is something I’m doing for God and me and NOT to feel guilty.

She called me yesterday and we talked about it. Everything’s good now. I encouraged her that she is taking steps of faith and to go on.

I need prayers and encouragement, too, to keep on keepin’ on. Would you pray for me to keep it up? (Oh, and I have lost some weight – yahoo!)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9, The Message

Blog, Faith, Marriage, Parenting, prayer, Speaking, Spiritual Gifts, Writing

2015 Is a Pivotal Year

Image courtesy of manostphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of manostphoto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you have a Bible verse or “one word” for the new year?

At the end of each year, I take quiet time alone with God to pray about the upcoming year for God’s blessings, protection, and His presence with me and my family. I ask Him for His guidance and direction, and a Bible verse for the year. A couple of years ago, I heard from other entrepreneurs online about getting a “one word” or a “theme” for the year.

When I begin hearing a word or a scripture more than once, I know that God is speaking to me. He often did this in the Bible, to emphasize His point to His [usually willful, stubborn!] people. 

Recently, I began seeing the words “pivot” and “pivotal” frequently,  and I knew God was speaking to my heart. I believe these are my “words” for 2015, and that 2015 is a pivotal year for God’s people. 

The definition of pivot is “the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns.”

The definition of pivotal is “of crucial importance in relation to the success of something else.”

I believe God also gave me the scripture John 20:16, The Message, for 2015:

“Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning to face Him, she said, ‘Rabboni,” meaning “Teacher.”

In 2015, I believe we need to pivot – to turn around and face Jesus, hear His still small voice, and then go and tell others everything He is saying to us. 

I share more about this word pivot/pivotal and this scripture in my video, which you can view by clicking here