Axis Podcast Bible PlanSample

Living with passion and purpose

So many of us desire an exciting life that propels us out of bed in the morning. One with significance, meaning, and impact. Yet, many of us just survive life, devoid of any passion or purpose. Many look to outward things to fill that void, but we have learned that when we bring the mind, body, and soul together, each integrated and dependent on the other, passion and purpose are inevitable.

A few years ago I (Anna) started posting: “Workout. Coffee. Jesus.” on my Instagram. This was just a simple thing I shared that helped me stay motivated to get up, work out, have my coffee (of course) and spend time in The Word. The response from others was incredible and launched Erin and me into a conscious habit of starting our day in a way that allowed us the energy and mindset to carry out our calling with fervor.

We weren’t leading multi-level companies, or taking the stage in front of thousands of people. We were homeschooling our kids, cooking, cleaning, being a wife, a friend, a daughter. To the world’s standards, a small, quiet, mediocre life, but to us exciting, purposeful, and fun because we knew this was the life He uniquely called us to live.

You might feel like your life or your purpose doesn't mean much, or maybe you’re living under the pressure of a life you don’t feel passionate about. If this is the case we invite you to look at the three spokes of your axis. Are you aligned with the Word of God in your mindset? Are you moving your body and caring for it with the best nutrition and plenty of sleep? Are you communing with God on a regular basis, giving your spirit the nourishment it needs? This is your axis. This is what will drive passion and purpose into your life no matter what kind of life you lead.

I (Erin) have become most aware of a defect in my axis when I find myself overly irritable with my kids. I will catch myself hounding them and being short and angry. If allowed to go unchecked, this attitude spirals into guilt and soon I am thinking, “You’re an unfit mother.” Often this can continue and create more dark thoughts, bringing my kids and those around me into the darkness. When I can catch myself, I’m always able to track the crack in one of the spokes. For me, the breakdown is typically eating too much sugary food or sleeping later, instead of getting one-on-one quality time with God. When I’m not living from my axis it keeps me from being the best version of myself and greatly impacts those around me.

As you reflect on this example, do you see some areas in your life that may be off because of a bend or break in one of the spokes? What area of mind, body, and soul can you bring under God’s gentle discipline to better align with the purposes He has for you?

The aura and vibe we bring to the world can powerfully change our circle of influence, picking up speed as it joins forces with others’ lives. It’s not possible to simply be static. Your attitude will always affect those around you. By living your life with passion and purpose you inevitably empower others to live this way too. You can, and do, change your world—your circle of influence! If each of us would realize we can change our world, we could change the world! But it starts with each one of us. Let’s link arms and be world-changers, living with excitement for whatever comes our way, standing firm in our axis to fight this battle to the end!

Anna and Erin

You can connect with Erin and Anna on Instagram at @Erin_FortitudeFitness and @annalight09. Join Erin on her workout app with new exclusive devotionals or work with her by following this link https://stan.store/erin_fortitudefitness