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Jehovah-Raah (The Great Shepherd) (Devotion Week #2)

A statue of Jesus among sheep - Jehovah-Raah

Heading into the season we call Easter, I am publishing weekly devotional thoughts. Today’s post is Jehovah-Raah.

Sheep need a lot of care

They need constant attention. They fall off cliffs, grazing with their heads down, unaware of their surroundings. Do you ever feel distracted like that? I do, too, sometimes.

Jehovah-Raah

It is true that “all we like sheep have gone astray”. (Isaiah 53:6) . Sheep are sheep. What makes the difference is what kind of shepherd you follow. The shepherd determines the quality of care. It stands to reason then, that the better the Shepherd, the better the sheep.

I’m asking God to bless you and I’m praying for you, right now to connect on a new and deeply personal level with your Shepherd…Because you matter. You are created for more than you can think or imagine. But the key is getting ahold of your emotions and actions. Let’s learn together how to turn ourselves over to the One True Shepherd! The world is loud, distracting, and full of “cliffs” in the form of temptations.

I’d like to pray for you right now…

Father, we women in our busy-ness can be tempted by counterfeits, but what we need is a Good Shepherd, because we are absolutely helpless without one! We often forget that we are totally dependent on You. Remind us when we forget. May we be “enlightened sheep”, determined to look to YOU for all things, all day long! Help us to avoid the “cliffs” of temptation.

Lord, we all are familiar with the Psalm 23. Give us something fresh. Thank you that you are right here. Right now. Fully present. You actually are always with this amazing woman…please help her to know that if she is one of your sheep, she shall lack NOTHING that she truly needs. You are fully here for her. Thank You that you do sometimes allow her to stumble, so that she can understand and remember that You designed her to need to ask You for help. Thank you for the many ways you remind her that she is not SELF-sufficient. Give her absolute confidence in saying, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23)

You also promise to meet her TRUE deeply felt needs so that she can “lie down” in YOUR “green pastures” (the place where there is provision, protection, and companionship). Gratefully, it is not a forced lying down, but it is a release in her spirit that she CAN lie down and rest content and at peace, because the Shepherd meets the sheep’s needs, so that the sheep CAN lie down and REST.

Father, please remind her quickly when she is tempted to go her own way. Draw her immediately back to You. You are her TRUE Jehovah-Raah, her Good Shepherd. With you, all is well. Because, “Surely goodness and loving-kindness (mercy) will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6)

Ahhhh…Rest in THAT, dear one! Rest in that!

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, are you certain that the Lord is YOUR PERSONAL SHEPHERD? If you are not sure, please immediately contact someone you know who is a true follower of Jesus. I’d love to be that someone for you…to lead you into the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One and Only Savior. So He can be your own personal Shepherd. You can contact me by clicking on the button below.

Continue to Devotion Week #3 – El-Roi (The God Who Sees)

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Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord of Peace) (Devotion Week #1)

Woman standing on street -Jehovah-Shalom

Heading into the season we call Easter, let’s try something different during my blog post sharing time. Today’s post will be about Jehovah-Shalom.

Question:

What do you do and where do you go when your heart is troubled and unsettled? When you need peace. Do you turn to an addiction: food, t.v., shopping, partying, alcohol, drugs? Do you turn to a friend? Or…

Are you learning–like me– to turn to the only One who offers TRUE Peace?

THAT peace is found ONLY in Jehovah-Shalom. The “world” and all its trappings does NOT offer a TRUE Peace.

Jehovah-Shalom

I’m asking God to bless you and I’m praying for you, right now…Because you matter. You are created for more than you can think or imagine. But the key is getting ahold of your emotions and actions. I’ve seen far too many of us, far too often, thinking we have a RIGHT to lose our temper and lash out at others, when we are lacking that inner peace that passes understanding. Women, we are doing harm.

During this season of celebrating the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, I’d like your feedback if this devotional series is helpful. Please share it with others, and please let me know how I can improve it for you. WHAT do you need?

Let’s pray TOGETHER:

Father, Jehovah-Shalom, would you right now…this very moment…remind this sweet woman reading this prayer, that you offer all she needs for every circumstance. In Isaiah 26:3, You promise You will keep her in perfect peace when her mind is turned toward you.

We all want that peace You offer, LORD, but it often seems impossible. Remind her to consciously invite You into every situation. Big or small. Remind her right now to take every thought captive, as You tell us we are to do. Help her focus on You, rather than the circumstances that want to rob her of that joyful connection with You. Hold her tightly. It is a rough world out there and satan wants to destroy our effectiveness for bringing Your Glory into every aspect of our lives. Please, reach into her heart, her mind, her emotions and encourage her in every way.

Help this sweet woman reading this right now, to remember that when peace eludes her, You are always only a breath, and a prayer away. Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Distractions are always trying to disrupt what God intended. Onward, Christian. The REAL battle has already been won. Just believe it!

Here’s a suggestion to get you started on this sweet path to daily peace when you need a pick-me-up during the day:

  • Choose to take a moment and just stop whatever you are doing
  • Take 3 deep breaths. Slowly. Calm yourself down
  • Choose to smile at that very moment (You can’t frown AND smile at the same time.)
  • Make a conscious decision to invite the LORD into the situation

Pray with me:

Father, please remind her quickly when she walks out of the Peace that You offer. Draw her immediately back to You. You are her TRUE Peace. Her Jehovah-Shalom. With you, all is well.

Remember our special code: 🙂
KLU (Keep Looking Up)
GIB (God Is Big)

What is your plan moving forward, sweet friend?

Let me help you find that special plan God has for you. He will equip you for what He has called you to. Believe. Let’s figure it out together. Contact me by clicking on the button below…

Continue to Devotion Week #2 – Jehovah-Raah (The Great Shepherd)

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When you sign up for Pamela Taylor's email list, you'll receive her 7-day Names of God Easter devotional book FREE.

Names of God: 7-Day Easter Devotional

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

The Ministry of Small Things

What makes a small thing a ministry?

A mother makes a lunch for her son. Such a small thing. It is only a small lunch for one young boy. Her son. She probably does this every day. It is a small task, and it is ministry. She is meeting a need. She is serving another. “…take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Col. 4:17)

A different kind of day

Then, one day—a day like any other day—yet different, that small lunch (5 barley loaves & 2 fish) fed thousands of people! The mother’s ministry became part of something bigger than herself. Bigger than she ever could have imagined! But isn’t that just like God?!

We often have no idea the impact we have

Jesus took the small lunch, raised it up to God in thanksgiving and it became the sustenance for thousands of people. The ministry of small things. Do you think the mother had any idea that morning that the lunch she made her son would be used on such a grand scale for so many? I doubt if she had any idea she was also making lunch for Jesus that morning! Do you think her son thought he would go hungry when they took his lunch away?

Giving thanks can change things

Jesus was handed the little lunch. He then honored God as the true Source by giving Him thanks. “Jesus therefore took the loaves and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated, likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.” (John 9:11) I believe that giving of thanks is what opened up the Heavens so to speak. In this case, it was the story of the loaves and fishes you know so well. (John 6:9ff) But it is also the same for you. Giving of thanks can open up the Heavens as you seek to do ministry. And when you feel like what you have to offer is too little! It is NEVER too little! It is always just what is needed for whatever He is calling you to do.

Going about your day-to-day

The mother had probably made that lunch hundreds of times with no real impact except to serve her son and be certain he was fed and cared for. You—like her—don’t know when THIS will be the day when your little will be turned into much with the touch of the Master’s hand.

Don’t be like the disciples

They scoffed. They could only see the need. They could only see their inability to meet the need. They only saw the cost. They still did not understand that The Lord is The Provider. “There is a lad here, who has 5 barley loaves, and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” (John 6:9)

Jesus saw the possibilities!

Jesus—the Master of small things. He knew. He cared. He met not just physical needs, but also heartfelt emotional and spiritual needs.Yes, he healed and yes, he raised the dead, and yes, he even walked on water to get to the terrified disciples in the boat hit by a storm in the middle of the lake. He KNEW! He intimately knew the Father, and He did the Father’s will. And He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He did then, He does now! Now, He does it through you. Through me. It can take the form of a smile. A note. A phone call. A lunch taken to a shut-in. Praying for a sick friend. Befriending an ornery millennial. Taking a child to the park for the day so the mom can have a break. Giving a gift for no reason. Just because. Speaking blessing over the check out person. Praying for the persecuted church. Sharing the Gospel message. Starting a Bible Study in your apartment building. We may never know the impact our small thing has.

Just one skilled electrical worker

Like the man in the picture. Just look at that tangle of wires. Yet, he is willing to do what is required in order to bless you. Who even thinks about him on any given day? Yet, there he is in the background, stringing wires all day every day. Routine. You may never think to thank him about what he does to make your life better. Until a storm comes. And the wires go down. Suddenly, his routine work becomes a very special ministry to the rest of us. The ministry of small things matters. In lives. In homes. Hospitals. Offices. One willing person can fix it in moments. Like the disciples. Like the Mom that made the lunch. Like the skilled electrical worker. Like JESUS! You, too, have a ministry of small things to do…

Marching orders

”…take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” (Col. 4:17) Be available. Do the work of the ministry of small things for His glory and your joy. For there is no greater joy than to serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength! “Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…to Him be the Glory…forever and ever.” (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

Need help figuring it all out? I’m here for you…

Thank you for the privilege of connecting…

Until next time,

God bless you bunches!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
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Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Pam Taylor @ 6:00 am

What’s Going On? And What Can I Do About It?

Woman Looking Confused

A Christian Perspective.

Our Creator knew what would bring us the most peace and joy and even “influence”. We are told in 2 Corinthians 10:5 to “take every thought captive unto obedience in Christ.” We must guard against the temptation to let our emotions rule, but rather to take the time to stop and ponder what we hear and then to carefully choose the course of response. Sometimes that does mean stepping on a few toes. Sometimes it means remaining silent and prayerful for a more opportune and wise time. Sometimes it means an immediate response is necessary.

How do we know?

Where do we begin? As followers of Christ, each day must begin with spending time in the Word of God, and praying for wisdom, favor, insight and courage to do whatever GOD directs us to do and say. We all KNOW that! but…do we practice that as a priority routinely? These are very difficult days. Emotions are high. Lots of things do not make sense. There is a lot of confusion, which causes fear and anger.

Our Role model.

At the times when we’re offended, we’re wise to remember our Savior, Jesus, was often misunderstood but His only INFLUENCER was GOD HIMSELF. He did not cave in or run away when it was difficult. He cared about every single person. Whether they agreed with Him or not. However, He stood strong and faithful to His calling to GLORIFY GOD in everything He did and said. No matter what it cost Him personally. He is our role model. Getting to know Him intimately must be our single greatest goal. That relationship with Him is where we get the wisdom and power to be a true disciple.

What is going on?

As I am typing this, I am wondering: what’s going on in our wonderful country? And in our world! Taking offense is like a badge of honor. Each “side” trying to put the other one straight. Bullying is rampant. There is a palpable need to be RIGHT. As Christ followers, we must fight the emotion of NEEDING to be RIGHT. The strength to do that comes from seeking extra time with the Lord. It is an act of will to CHOOSE to embrace the mind of Christ. He will not force Himself on us.

What are your triggers?

For each of us, it is so important to understand our own personal strengths and the uniqueness of your own personality. Know WHAT are the “triggers” that set you off. Recognize them when they come cloaked in a new way. Know yourself well enough to know when you can be effective and when you are tempted to react in the flesh rather than yielding to the spirit of God. This is a life-long process—maturing in Christ. BECOMING what He intended when He created you.

Appreciate differences

It is important to recognize the uniqueness and various personality strengths of others, as well. Some take offense more readily than others. Some step back into a safe space, hating any form of disagreement or confrontation. They may get their feelings hurt easily, taking offense at things not even meant the way they interpret them They do that to their own harm. They begin to dislike themselves and feel unloved and unimportant. That is a lie, but it can cause them great distress and maybe cause them to join up with someone more aggressive so they feel like they gain a degree of POWER back again. That is the wrong reason to join forces. It is just one more way to put “self” on the throne.

Aggressive people are valuable

Some people are aggressive and forceful in their personalities. Not wanting to wait for things to work out. They are the pioneers. What would we do without them? They seem to want to MAKE things work out quickly so they can move on to the next thing that needs “fixing”. However, they don’t like anyone disagreeing with them. They take offense if questioned and may get angry, causing others to cower and give in to them. They may be impatient and not want to take the time to understand that others bring much needed  “value” to the situation. Their lack of consulting with others–often simply out of expediency–actually causes great harm to all, unless they learn to appreciate each others differences and value.

If only we could all learn to play nice together.

But, that would be Heaven, wouldn’t it? Someday, someday, dear friend. But, in the meantime, we must all go through the process of maturing in Christ. It is definitely a process. We can choose to do it the hard way or the easy way. Either God will do the humbling (the hard way), or we can choose to humble ourselves before God (the less painful way for the true disciple of Christ).

Seeking to understand the whole picture.

Life is hard, but God is always good. He created each of us with our unique personality. It is up to us, to make the best of it. To embrace who we are–who GOD created us to be–and to cooperate with the Potter as He patiently molds us into vessels fit for His use.

Study people.

It takes a willingness to ask questions and to actually make a decision to STUDY people in your realm of influence. It takes a desire to bring out the best in them, rather than to be right. I, too, have struggled with this my whole life. So, don’t give up. It is worth the struggle. Worth the hard work. Worth the extra time in the Bible and in prayer. To God be the Glory is our goal.

Contentment.

Like Paul. He said he had learned the secret. The secret is choosing to be content. Take every thought captive. Rather than struggling to be personally “understood”, contentment comes with choosing to love GOD above all others, and then having the Holy Spirit power to love ONE ANOTHER—the goal in the Scriptures. It is a daunting task when we try to do it in the flesh. But in the Spirit, it can bring healing. Of course, it takes BOTH people willing to yield, but SOMEONE has to START. Someone has to go FIRST.

So, if you find yourself doing any of these things:

  • Taking it personally
  • Defending yourself
  • Having a bruised ego & counterattacking
  • Fuming with anger
  • Feeling sorry for yourself
  • Wanting to retaliate or hoping harm comes to the other person

Step back, take a deep breath, and ask God for His perspective. Pray for wisdom and the power to understand the true issue and what part YOU are playing in it!

Is there something you need to think or do differently? Are you willing?

It does not mean you are WRONG. Perhaps the other is absolutely totally wrong, but responding in kind does not help. Always remembering Jesus is our role model. We absolutely can DO this!

If you need a listening ear or some clarity how to move forward in your journey in this crazy world that is not your home, use the “Let’s Connect” blue button below. Remember, this world is our training ground. We are only passing through on our way HOME.

Jimmy Learns about Life

Join Jimmy and his mama in this lighthearted book of character traits for kids. Jimmy is your average 7-year-old. He is going through life, having fun, and learning a lot along the way. Through mishaps, ministry, and more, Jimmy learns that there’s more to life than first impressions. Each chapter of this book contains a character trait Jimmy learns during teachable moments of life.

Jimmy Learns about Life by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Personality Strengths and Weaknesses — Tags: , — Pam Taylor @ 6:00 am

Was Doubting Thomas Really Doubting?

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas' by Caravaggio.

Imagine going through a really amazing and fulfilling 3 years.  And finally finding a leader you can admire as your role model. You love being with Him every day.

Then, one day, it all changes. He is arrested, beaten, killed and you are devastated. You need time alone to process what has happened. You simply don’t know what to believe. And now, 3 days later, some of your friends say they actually saw your leader alive and well. IMPOSSIBLE, you think.

That is exactly what happened to the Apostle Thomas.

He, like the other Apostles adored their leader, Jesus. He was smart and kind and Thomas never had to worry about anything because Jesus would take care of it. Always! Even the couple times when Jesus was preaching all day and tons of hungry people were there listening to Him. Jesus cared about everyone. They were far away from any place where they could get food. So, what did Jesus do? He prayed and thanked God for what God was about to do and then…the IMPOSSIBLE happened. There was enough food for EVERYONE to eat, with a bunch left over besides.

But, to Thomas, this time is different.

It really does seem IMPOSSIBLE. Thomas knew without a doubt that Jesus had died a brutal death on a cross and was put in a tomb. A huge stone was rolled across the opening and there is no way a lone person could move that stone from across the entry, let alone walk out of there alive.

Yet, the apostles and the women said they saw Him. Alive. He came to them in the room where they were hiding.

“Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’”

John 20:24

When people refer to Thomas, they usually speak negatively.

He is called “Doubting Thomas”. Did he doubt, or was Thomas a Beaver personality? (LFYS)

Here’s some characteristics about Beaver personalities. Let’s see if Thomas fits the profile…

  • Tells things like they are
  • Careful attention to the facts
  • Notices details
  • Tendency towards perfectionism
  • Asks a lot of questions
  • Likes things done the same way

Beavers are Task people more than People people.

Notice the other disciples were all together, but Thomas had gone off by himself to sort things out. To THINK.

People with a Beaver personality’s  greatest fear is making mistakes.

They are normally slow at decision making. They ask a lot of questions, which makes them APPEAR to be disagreeable or argumentative. They want to know WHY. They NEED to “verify”, because they truly want to be a team player. They actually desire to agree and work together. But they need more facts than others might need. They are critical thinkers, calm, logical, and vigilant. They have high standards. They don’t like to settle for less.

They are good at asking the right questions to get to the heart of an issue. But for some, that could feel like they don’t trust the others. It is vitally important that we each one learn our God-given strengths AND recognize and respect the strengths of others. That is how teams function best.

Jesus SHOWED them to respect Thomas’ questions

The rest of this Bible passage illustrates how thoroughly Jesus understands each of His “children”. (You and me, too.) He understood Thomas was not merely difficult. He understood exactly what Thomas needed in order to enjoy fellowship again. And He demonstrated how to honor one another’s differences. (It’s been said a definition for fellowship is “two fellows in the same ship, going the same direction.” And that is exactly what is going on here. Thomas wants to be convinced.)

“A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus suddenly stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’”

John 20:26-28

Do you see the beauty of fellowship with the Lord? In true fellowship, we are honest with what we need and He hears every word. He KNEW what Thomas needed to see and feel in order to believe; and Jesus encouraged Him to receive what He needed from Him.

Picky people can be annoying

What do we often do when someone is so “picky” and “pessimistic” and “worrisome” like Thomas was? We might say something like “WHAT is your problem? Why can’t you just believe what we tell you? Stop being so negative.” But,those kinds of attitudes merely makes a Beaver MORE Beaver-like. They feel rejected and feel like they must justify their feelings. It just turns into a mess.

But…What did Jesus do? He met Thomas at his point of need. He KNEW his heart wanted desperately to believe, but He simply needed more facts. He needed to VERIFY. When he was treated with dignity and kindness and acceptance, what was his response?

“Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!’”

John 20:28

Jesus added one more thing.

Of course Jesus knows not everyone is needing the depth of verification that Thomas needed, so Jesus reassured the others…

Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

John 20:29

So, the lesson here is, to HONOR ONE ANOTHER. We must understand our own strengths and also value others’ strengths. When we take the time to study the characteristics of each of the strengths and learn each person’s differences in communication, true fellowship happens.

Let’s do it!

ENJOY ONE ANOTHER and ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER!

That day when we shall see Jesus face-to-face draws nearer every day…

My specialty is Mentor Coaching around Personality Strengths. Contact me if you would like to know more…

Jimmy Learns about Life

Join Jimmy and his mama in this lighthearted book of character traits for kids. Jimmy is your average 7-year-old. He is going through life, having fun, and learning a lot along the way. Through mishaps, ministry, and more, Jimmy learns that there’s more to life than first impressions. Each chapter of this book contains a character trait Jimmy learns during teachable moments of life.

Jimmy Learns about Life by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Personality Strengths and Weaknesses — Tags: — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

How’s That Workin’ For Ya?

Loaves and Fishes Coaching logo

 

Ahhhhh…that favorite question of a well-known TV personality: “How’s that workin’ for ya?” Actually, it really is a pretty good question, isn’t it? Just how is your life working for you? Are you thinking, “This is just not what I signed up for!”? You are probably correct. Chances are, you have gotten a bit off-course.

“Busy!”

It seems like that is a frequent response to, “How are you?” (Not a good busy, but a frustrated busy!) Many are just plain worn out most of the time, with relationships suffering for lack of care. Deep down inside of ourselves, we know there has to be more than this!

Where do you want to be in a year

Or…in ten years.  Or…at the end of your life? Each year, more people that are meaningful in my life, are making their journey HOME to their ETERNAL HOME, crossing over to the REAL world. I wonder: What do you want your legacy to be?

Questions

Questions are good because questions can lead to the answers we are looking for…hoping for. And when we have hope, we feel like we can scale Mount Everest in a single bound! I want to help you get to that place! That’s how I spend my “busy” days! Helping people like you discover the beauty around you and in you.

How does life coaching work?

After spending some time on the phone, working together to identify the financial, spiritual, and energy drainers that suck the life out of you; then we will find ways to eliminate or redirect them…until you discover that your energy level is rising to new heights. And you catch yourself smiling for no reason. Because you are content! Finally! You will know you have found “yourself”. Your God-intended self.

God has a plan for your life

No matter who you are. No matter what you’ve done. He will confirm it along the way with illustrations that will be unique and meaningful to you. After all, it was His idea to create you and then to have a unique purpose for your life on this planet. He wants you to find fulfillment in your life. That fulfillment begins with a relationship with Him. I can help you connect with Him in a personal way.

I can help you find your purpose.

We will start with where you are right now and explore what the options are to fill that gap that separates where you are to where you were meant to be. Your problems are not unique, but your solutions are. Contact me and we will set up an appointment to talk about your options. That first call is free! With no obligation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Talk to you soon? I hope so!

Jimmy Learns about Life

Join Jimmy and his mama in this lighthearted book of character traits for kids. Jimmy is your average 7-year-old. He is going through life, having fun, and learning a lot along the way. Through mishaps, ministry, and more, Jimmy learns that there’s more to life than first impressions. Each chapter of this book contains a character trait Jimmy learns during teachable moments of life.

Jimmy Learns about Life by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Pam Taylor @ 7:14 am

Just for You

Happy New Year

 

Why do I write? Because I MUST. Because the Lord who has blessed me so abundantly with His love, compels me. I want everyone to know Him like He has allowed me to know Him. He is my constant companion. And I live to bring Him joy by obeying what He has called me to do. What He has gifted me to do: To encourage you!

We have so much to celebrate, leaving 2020 behind and going into 2021. Let’s start with this: Jesus was born for you! But don’t just listen to me. God said it first!

“…there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11b

“Regardless of who you are or where you’ve been; what you’ve done or not done; whether you’re rich, poor, young, or old; whether you’ve been “naughty or nice”…

“Jesus was born just for you!“ *

The weaker I get, the stronger I become

The Lord tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That is not the way we naturally think.

God’s ways are definitely NOT our ways

That’s why we need so much time in Scripture. To get to know Him. And how He relates to His creation. You and me! To begin to sense His true heart about everything in our lives. What brings Him pleasure and what makes Him sad.

Stepping stones

Life is hard. And 2020 has had unique challenges. But God is bigger than all that. There truly is joy when we embrace our problems as stepping stones to a closer walk with God. To go from knowing about Him, to actually knowing HIM. He is real and He desires a living deep relationship with you.

The storms of life

They help us realize what needs repair in our lives. They change our priorities. They change our thinking. They change our focus. They change our actions.

Have you experienced that to be true?

When you admit to Him that you are weak and need His help, do you sense that you are then strong in Christ? To God be the glory! His ways are NOT our ways. But His ways are best because we are His creation (I’m glad God thought you up!) And He knows what will bring us the greatest satisfaction and inner joy.

Jesus was born for YOU! Invite Him in to be your Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Amen? Amen!

Let me know how I can help you make this a reality in your life, OR how I can help you grow in the DEPTH of your commitment and relationship with the Lord. God bless you bunches, as you journey toward our real & eternal home…Heaven. Where Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His followers. Will I see you there?


* Anchor devotional Dec. 24, 2020

Jimmy Learns about Life

Join Jimmy and his mama in this lighthearted book of character traits for kids. Jimmy is your average 7-year-old. He is going through life, having fun, and learning a lot along the way. Through mishaps, ministry, and more, Jimmy learns that there’s more to life than first impressions. Each chapter of this book contains a character trait Jimmy learns during teachable moments of life.

Jimmy Learns about Life by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Until next time,
Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:14 am

A Christmas Prayer

Merry Christmas with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

 

As we celebrate the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray the light of His love brings you salvation, peace, wisdom, and joy!

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow…”

Philippians 2:9-10 (NKJV)

Thank you for all you do.

Jimmy Learns about Life

Join Jimmy and his mama in this lighthearted book of character traits for kids. Jimmy is your average 7-year-old. He is going through life, having fun, and learning a lot along the way. Through mishaps, ministry, and more, Jimmy learns that there’s more to life than first impressions. Each chapter of this book contains a character trait Jimmy learns during teachable moments of life.

Jimmy Learns about Life by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Tags: , , — Pam Taylor @ 6:00 am

The Everlasting Value of Reading for Children

Little girl reading on a couch

The magical reading place
My mother was ill much of my young life and died when I was 12 years old. Yet, even now, some of my fondest childhood memories are of her reading to us, while sitting on the floor in a narrow hallway beside a bookcase crammed with books. She loved books. She loved reading to us out loud. And I “caught” that from her.

As she read with joy and passion, the words cascaded down upon us,  like a refreshing waterfall on a hot day. That narrow hallway  became a magical place. Her joy when reading was palpable. And contagious!

I continued her wonderful tradition
When God blessed me with my own children, it was natural for me to read to them, too–first from children’s picture books.  Later, I also read my Bible out loud, so they would begin to love it like I do. I wanted them to “catch” the love of books and the wondrous places they can take you. There’s a whole world of new adventures and new friends always waiting.  You never have to be lonely.

My children, too, learned to love to read and to love to learn, as I did. And the tradition continued with my children’s children, proving that reading for children has everlasting value. We all know that children “catch” from our examples, more than they are “taught” by what we say.

Catalog of Books for Children by Christian Authors
I’m excited to share this with you: One of my author friends had the wonderful idea of putting together a catalog collection of each of our children’s books. (Be sure to download using the link below.) Twenty children’s books all written by Christian authors. Great suggestions for every child on your list. And of course, I hope one of your choices is my very first published book: Daddy, Daddy! Guess What I Saw Today?  It is a picture book for children, but also hopefully will lead parents and grandparents to re-discover the child-like joy of the simple things you encounter each day. And to see God everywhere in your world.

I have learned that loving to read often leads to the love of writing. What  joy I have found in writing books for YOU to read. To God be the Glory!  (That said,  please also check out my beautiful red cover My Father devotional book for yourself or for that special person on your list.  It is in paperback, and now is also available in Kindle version. YAY!)

Download Catalog

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Be Strong. Clothe Yourself In His Armor.

Woman reading her Bible on a dock

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

What does it mean to strengthen yourself in the Lord, as David did in I Samuel 30:6? It seemed like the whole world had turned on David. Everything had gone wrong. And his loyal band of men even turned on him, with good reason, actually. But, David knew God. They had a deep and real relationship. So, when he had nowhere to turn on earth, he turned to the Lord, “But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

How are you doing at the end of 2020?

Way too many things are swirling around in my head this week. It is hard to focus my thoughts to go in one direction for a blog post. So, I sat down here, at my computer; and decided that if I strengthened myself in the Lord, that perhaps what I discovered here today, would strengthen you, too. So, I am praying for God to lead me into something here that will encourage your heart, because I am pretty sure you may be suffering from the very same “malady” as I am.

Philippians 3:10 (Amplified Version)

“For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.” Lord Jesus, help us to have a deep awareness of Your presence, so it changes how we go through transitions, especially difficult ones.

1 Peter 2:9

We are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.” We belong to You, Almighty God and we are Your peculiar treasure, so the essence of who we are matters! Give us wisdom and unstop our ears so we can hear You in these very confusing and frustrating times.

C. S. Lewis

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” Father, help us to choose to spend more time maturing our soul (mind, will and emotions) to see you more clearly and love you more deeply.

Archbishop William Temple

“Coincidences occur much more frequently when we pray.” I don’t know about you, dear friend, but I don’t believe in “coincidences” and that is the essence of this quote. Prayer matures us to think more like our Father in Heaven. So, as we get to know Him better, we begin to think more like Him, and things “coincidentally” happen. Frequently!

Joni Eareckson Tada

“When life is rosy, we may slide by with knowing about Jesus, with imitating Him, quoting Him, and speaking for Him. But only in suffering will we know Jesus”. Joni is speaking not of knowing ABOUT Jesus, but actually KNOWING Him, in relationship. Joni is an expert on experiencing suffering. A diving accident when she was very young, brought the reality that she would never walk, run, swim, or do anything physical again. She would spend the rest of her life in pain, unable to care for herself, and totally dependent on others. We should always listen when the Joni’s in our lives speak truth from experience. Like the Bible’s Hebrews 11, the hall of fame for the suffering saints.

Like Jesus (Hebrews 5:8)

Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things he suffered. Amazing. Our Lord learned obedience through suffering. So, why should we be any different? No one ASKS for suffering, but when it comes, what is our response? Lord Jesus, I remember reading a book many years ago, entitled Don’t Waste Your Sorrows. It was an eye-opener to the GIFTS of sorrow and suffering. So, Father, please make us grateful for the past and open to the future. Ever watching for how You will use those sad times for good and not for evil. Realizing we are experiencing a bit of what You suffered for us, in order to make it possible for us to have personal relationship with You. To God be the Glory!

Consider Him

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3) How often we lose heart, Lord. Thank you for Your example. Forgive us and help us to be be better “Soldiers of the Cross” as the old Hymn describes. Give us wisdom to be like King David, strengthening and encouraging ourselves in the Lord GOD!

God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good.

“The greatest need of every human being is not self-improvement but self-abandonment” – Anchor.org devotional Thank you, Lord, that in every circumstance, You are Sovereign and You are Good! All the time! You are faithful even when we are faithless. Lord, we believe. Help our unbelief.

Psalm 127:1

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Great and Mighty God, may we have an unhindered view of Your majesty and assurance of Your power within us. – Encounter with God

Thank you for journeying with me just now

We are on this journey together for such a time as this. Hopefully, as I encouraged my own heart in the Lord God today, that you, too, feel stronger as–together–we clothed ourselves with His armor—the Word of God—and the testimony of the saints that have gone before us.

Until next time. And until the Lord comes again…
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love A-Z

Pamela Taylor invites you to join her in this interactive acrostic devotional journal designed to draw you into the extremely personal and abundant love God has waiting for you. Experience the "Just ask..." of His love for you!

My Father: Experiencing God's Love from A-Z by Pamela A. Taylor

Let's Connect!Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

Christian Life Coach
Leading from Your Strengths Mentor
www.loavesandfishescoaching.com

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Spiritual Life — Tags: — Pam Taylor @ 7:01 am
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