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Bob Jones

Happily married to Jocelyn for 44 years. We have two adult sons, Cory and his wife Lynsey and their son Vincent and daughter Jayda; Jean Marc and his wife Angie and their three daughters, Quinn, Lena and Annora. I love inspiring people through communicating, blogging, and coaching. I enjoy writing, running, and reading. I'm a fan of the Double E, Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Pats. Follow me on Twitter @bobjones49ers

16 Comments

  • Thank you so much for this. Perfect timing. I have some hard decisions to make. I was feeling so discouraged and was wanting to throw in the towel on my small home business, but you’re right… And I know it will be worth it if I just keep moving forward one step at a time. I do think I need to let another commitment go in order to be able to have a greater capacity to succeed in my business though. I feel like that commitment is taking up time and energy and focus that I need for other things. It is a good thing but it just feels like the wrong timing for it and if I let it go I believe I will see good results… In this case I hope I am not quitting but rather streamlining one area of my life in hopes of becoming more effective in another area.

  • bob jones says:

    For me, commitments to people always take priority over commitments to tasks…especially if the task commitment is primarily for my personal gain. So I keep my people commitments to a minimum…but I keep them. Thanks for commenting! Knowing the post was of benefot to you makes my day.

  • Cynthia says:

    It was a very encouraging message on Sunday Pastor Bob. The tide will turn, if only we are patient and do what we are encouraged to do. Events and circumstances in life can be very challenging & feel like throwing in the towel. But our ever loving father has a plan that can not be matched with any other.

  • CD Mayo says:

    I have quit often in life, especially in my youth, when things weren’t that difficult. One day, my younger brother gave me a mug. On it was the very “Don’t Quit” poem you wrote above. I read it and cherished it. He had given me more encouragement with his gift than he realized. I had strayed from God and the message on the mug seemed to be from Him. It is one of my strongest memories.

    Since then, I have thought of quitting or have actually quit for various reasons, some valid and some most decidedly not. Like you, I wish I’d understood the value of sticking to it and riding out the hard times because the lessons came all the more in adulthood. Perhaps if I’d learned then…?!

    Gratefully, God is a Teacher as much as Comforter. The past four years have been a true test of not quitting. God didn’t give me the illnesses but He allowed them so I would learn to trust Him and know He never leaves me.

    Even while lying on hospital beds in serious condition, I’ve had to remind myself it isn’t time to go. It isn’t time to quit. Trust God. Trust His timing, His process. It isn’t easy, when you’re facing yet another medical diagnosis or another surgery or treatment for disease, but the idea of quitting on God and my family is horrifying to me. They’ve all invested so much in me and never once quit. How could I do that to Him or to them?!

    Our family still struggles and I am sure the hard times will continue to come in waves, as they do for everyone, but we continue to learn the concept of “Don’t Quit!” There is more to learn and I’m ready.

    Still praying for the tide to change and, when it does, I’ll be swimming swiftly to that boat!! 😉

  • bob jones says:

    Thanks for being vulnerable in your sharing CD. People can relate. That is an awesome poem, isn’t it?

  • bob jones says:

    Its always interesting how a fact from nature can open up truth in the supernatural realm as well. Thanks for commenting!

  • Cynthia says:

    Hi CD,
    I don’t know who you are. I have been in NP only few months, but enjoying immensely. Thank you for sharing. Yes, we all want to quit for different reasons. God is good & HE will walk us through and HE will tread with us until the tide changes & will carry us all the way. Isn’t HE awesome?!.
    Be blessed. You blessed me with your sharing.

  • CD Mayo says:

    Thank you both for your encouragement. It means a lot! 🙂

    May God also bless you Cynthia and I’m so glad you’ve joined the NP family!

  • Patricia says:

    There is a saying “What a difference a day makes”. This is so true. That’s why it is always to soon to quit. I discovered the Don’t Quit poem many years ago. Whenever I read it, I think that if I was to give up and quit something today, I will never know if all I needed was just one more day. Even through many struggles over time, I have learned the tide will turn. Struggling does not mean quitting. You might only need just one more day.

  • adena lowry says:

    My family doesn’t know Christ. They are struggling with life, but still won’t turn to God for help. They argue, they worry, they try their own way, but still have no peace. It’s funny how in July I started the Bible reading plan, and so often the verses for the day speak to my heart. They remind me to be kind, giving, compassionate, and forgiving. They remind me to focus on being someone of strong character, because character produces hope. Hope and peace lead me not throw in the towel, not to give up, and to keep going until the tide turns. Sunday’s message brought tears to my eyes because I prayed that God would give me something just for me, that He would speak straight to me. He did. He reminded me that my situation is temporary, and being a Christian is work. Thank you Pastor Bob for making NP a place that touches my spirit.

  • bob jones says:

    I am believing along with you that your family will come to believe on Jesus as their God and Saviour. I think your character will have a lot of influence to bring them to their decision. Stay true. Be hopeful. You inspire me!

  • bob jones says:

    I love the image of the diggers…just one more shovelful, one more effort can mean the difference between turning away in discouragement and finding your fortune. Thanks Patricia.

  • Carole Schlachta says:

    Sometimes I feel very much that I am always swimming against the tide. Other times I feel as though I have been floating for hours and days but I have to remember something my Dad wrote in his bible: “It is not day by day or hour by hour but it is moment by moment that we must walk with our hand in the Lord’s.”
    The one thing I have learned is that He never let’s go of your hand.
    Thank you for the encouragement.

  • bob jones says:

    That’s a great heritage statement from your dad. Glad the post was encouraging for you and great to hear from you in this comment section, Carole.

  • Wanting to quit is always a temptation for me, that’s why I cling to the promises of God over my life, and having a clear vision of my purpose helps keep me running, also being a really stubborn person helps!

  • bob jones says:

    Sacred stubbornness is good. Thanks for checking in, Sarah.

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