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Do You Have Test Anxiety?


Have you ever suffered from test anxiety?
There are all kinds of tests. Tests we had for each subject in school. Standardized tests. It is getting to be that time of year for school kids of all ages to take final exams.

There are Real Estate license tests. College entrance tests. Drivers tests. Medical tests. Breathalyzer tests. Etc. Test anxiety is a very real thing for many people. It’s all-consuming and immobilizing. For those who suffer from it, it sucks them down into a black hole of fear and despair.

Feeling turmoil and stress
This season of life on this planet can feel like that sometimes. It seems everything everywhere is in turmoil. Just living your daily life with people, can bring challenges and trials and can feel much like test anxiety. And in a sense, that is exactly what is happening. God gives us “opportunities” to trust Him. God tests us so WE can see how much more we need to grow, judged by our response to the testing. I am thinking of Job in the Bible. He questioned his “friends” and he even wished he had never been born, his testings were so difficult. But the wonderful example Job leaves us is that he never stopped TALKING to GOD. Even when he was confused and in horrible pain and suffering and betrayals from his friends.

It’s hard to concentrate

When we’re going through trials and testings, it can feel overwhelming. We may try to ignore it or we may try to talk ourself out of it. Sometimes we try to drown our sorrows in addictions and bad behavior. Often, we try avoidance by sleeping too much, or maybe we can’t sleep well or long enough each night, which can bring out the worst in us sometimes.

We often then neglect fellowship with God

And that is our biggest error. We become self-focused to the point that we neglect God-time. We neglect the very thing that will make the testing manageable and give us the victory.

It helps to remember this world is not our home

It’s easy to forget that this world is just a temporary residence, while we are in the midst of daily “testing. Yet, in spite of the fear or anxiety, we have a CHOICE to make. We can CHOOSE joy. We can CHOOSE to think before we speak.

We are not victims of our feelings. God has given us the “tools” to rise above the anxiety—to rise above that sense of overwhelm. He says ASK. He says SEEK Him. And then He promises when we seek Him, we WILL certainly find Him! He WANTS to be found by you and me.

CHOOSE this day to focus on God

Choose to be God-focused, rather than problem-focused. Run into the arms of God the Father. He has the answers you need. SEEK HIM in His Word—the Bible—and in prayer.

CHOOSE to TRUST your faithful God

SHOW yourself faithful in the midst of the testing. In the midst of anxiety, He even gives His beloved sleep and peace. He promises,

Ask and you will find Him expectantly waiting for you to come to Him, so He can express His love to you. So he can help you through the testing. The trial. The circumstance.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

“Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

Until next time…

Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.

Related Post: Needing God Desperately

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

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 @ 7:00 am

God’s Unfailing Love is Relentless

Lion and Lamb in clouds
Did you know that God actually thinks about you all the time. ALL the time! His love is relentless. God’s unfailing love is never-ending. He will never STOP loving you and wanting you with Him throughout all eternity. Does that sound good to you? The choice is yours to make.

“How precious are your thoughts about me O God. They cannot be numbered.

Psalm 139:17

God’s unfailing love is steady and persistent.

Unyielding. He never gives up on us. He is always and forever daily pursuing me and you with love every moment of our lives, assuring us that no matter how far we run, or how big a mess we make, goodness, love and mercy will chase after us until our final breath.

How wonderful it is to be assured of the depth of God’s love! Have you personally had the opportunity of experiencing it? Have you asked Him into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior? If not, why not? He has been called the Hound of Heaven because He pursues you. And He does whatever it takes to draw you into His loving arms. Let’s talk! Don’t waste another minute!

“O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in times of distress.”

Isaiah 33:2

It is so true that He helps us through hard times and rejoices with us through the good times. And when you walk with God, it is true…

”I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

Sharing with you a prayer I often pray:

Holy God, I pray for Your strength today to think clearly, serve creatively and follow You consistently.
Father, You have all authority in Heaven and on earth.
Fill my mind with clear convictions that You are in charge.
Empower me to stand true to You!
And Lord, I know that You never ask me to do anything more than You will provide the strength to accomplish.

Old Testament people have a lot to teach us.

Take for instance, Job, in the Old Testament. He had many, many losses and trials. Yet, Job never stopped talking to God through it all. He didn’t understand why all that was happening to him, but he continued His relationship with God. He suffered. He lost everything. Absolutely everything. He was in pain. He was forsaken by friends and family. Yet, Job was still able to confidently say: “I know that my Redeemer lives; and that in the end, He will stand upon the earth.” (Job 19:25)

Related Post: God’s Love Letter to You!

The Psalm 23 is familiar to most people.

But, has it become too familiar? Let’s stop for a few minutes and think about this carefully: “He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2b-3) Do you have that assurance? He has made many great and precious promises to those who call Him Lord. For instance, there’s the care He gives us. The personal concern and relentless love. Knowing you are precious in His sight, even before you call Him Lord. We tend to hold back and give ourselves a way out. But He wants you to give Him ALL of your heart. Not just part of it. ALL of your dreams and ALL of your heartaches.

“When I said, ‘my foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.”

Psalm 94:18

“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

Psalm 33:18

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you, Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 13:5-6

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

Psalm 51:1-2

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Do you need encouragement in your walk with God?

I offer one-on-one coaching and would love to come alongside you to help you become the woman God created you to be.

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

Jesus Is Coming! Get Ready!

Loaves & Fishes Coaching Logo

It began with a leap
John the Baptist was clear and to the point with his message. It’s hard to believe that it all began with a leap!

As a preborn baby, John had been unresponsive, but the minute the Lord showed up on John’s  parents’ doorstep everything changed. Jesus entered the room in the tummy of His mother, Mary. And, at that moment, John the Baptist leapt in the womb of His mother, Elizabeth. She had been waiting six months for movement from her child. Imagine how scary a time that was for Elizabeth. To have waited for so many years to have a child, and then for it to be STILL in her womb must have been very difficult emotionally.

Hope and Joy arrived
And then—Hope showed up on the doorstep. On that wonderful day (as a pre-born baby)—John began the journey for his earthly assignment—to prepare the way for Jesus. There was an instant “connection” between Jesus and John. Everyone in the room knew something very special was happening. That very day, John was responsive to the pre-born baby Jesus inside of Mary’s tummy. Only God could be so creative as to arrange such an unusual “introduction” for the two. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about 3 months. Imagine the conversations to two mothers had during that time.

Mary left to go back home before John was born.
As far as I know, there’s no mention in Scripture of the two mothers ever being together again.

Then, many years later, when the time was right, John walked out of his alone time of preparation in the wilderness, into his very public ministry.

“Jesus is coming! Get ready!” Day after day, John’s message was focused and constant.

“Repent. Be baptized! Don’t wait!“

You and I are to be like John the Baptist.
First, we must be born (again) through the power of the Holy Spirit. And then, as a follower of Jesus–in His Name–we are called to boldly proclaim that the day of the Lord is at hand.

We must sound that same alarm:
 “Don’t wait! Repent! Be baptized! Follow Jesus. Put your hand to the plow and don’t look back.”

I’m thinking of the chorus of the beautiful song by Michael W Smith:

Draw Me Close

“You’re all I want
You’re all I’ve ever needed
You’re all I want
Help me know you are near”

Sound the alarm
Dear friend, are you ready to sound the alarm with me? It’s time to say, “Yes, Lord!”

Let’s be on the alert for opportunities to proclaim His Name. Let’s not wait another minute! The world needs Jesus! NOW! Amen? Amen!

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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 @ 6:00 am

Gratefulness Revolution. 10 Easy Steps to Change Your World

Let's Change the World
In only 10 easy steps you can change your world. One person at a time! Here’s a fun way I do that:

When I go to a store & the clerk/cashier is pleasant & helpful (and appreciates my humor):

  1. I ask their name.
  2. I tell them that I appreciated their (helpfulness or sense of humor or whatever).
  3. I ask them for the name of their supervisor so I can tell the supervisor what a good job they did.
  4. I ask where I can find their supervisor.

Then:

  1. I seek out the supervisor.
  2. I smile inwardly as they tense up expecting a complaint. (Now you understand a bit more of my quirky sense of humor.)
  3. I tell them that I know that they are used to bad reports about employees, but…
  4. I want to give a good report about (NAME) and that I think the employee deserves some kind of reward because they are good for business!

Then:

  1. I watch the supervisor smile and relax a bit.
  2. They ALWAYS thank me for taking the time.

Isn’t that the key? TAKING THE TIME to change our world. One person at a time. Such a small thing and yet it is huge! The funny thing is, I am the winner here because I feel so happy after that. It is one little thing that I can do to change my world into a little better place!

Here’s my challenge to you

Will you join me in the campaign to intentionally thank people for good service? I’m thinking that it doesn’t just stop at the employee and the supervisor. Don’t you think it’s a pretty good guess that they will treat everyone else in their path in a much kinder way as a result of being appreciated?

You might even notice a bit of a spring in your own step as you walk to your car. And we might even catch you smiling throughout the day as you remember how good it felt to bring a bit of beauty to someone else’s day!

Try it. It’s addictive! The only thing it will cost you is a few minutes of time.

You’re not done yet

What if you forward this post to others? Let’s see if we can start a “gratefulness revolution“!

Just share this post on FB and on LI and with your email lists. Think of the possibilities! 🙂

One person at a time…we can begin to change our world for the better! Are you up for the challenge??? I promise you it will be fun!

One more step, please…

Then, go one step further and leave a comment . What do you think about this? Please share your experiences here. With the rest of us. We love to hear your story!

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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,Strengths Mentor Coach — Tags: , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

The Warrior’s Prayer. Fresh Insights From David Jeremiah.

Woman praying
Dear friends, for years, when reading Ephesians 6, I have wondered how to actually put on the Armor of God, practically speaking. How do we get “suited up” for spiritual battle? “The Warrior’s Prayer” has been helpful to me, so I wanted to share it with you today. May God bless David Jeremiah for his years of faithful teaching and encouragement. May you, too, be blessed and encouraged! God is with You, brave one! Keep looking up. God is big! (KLU GIB)… I am awaiting His shout with you! Onward Christian soldiers …

The Warrior’s Prayer

Heavenly Father
Your warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God!
I put on the Girdle of Truth!
May I stand firm in the truth of Your Word so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness!
May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy,
protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace!
May I stand firm in the Good News of the Gospel so Your peace
will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith!
May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial, and deceit
so I will not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation!
May I keep my mind focused on You so Satan will not
have a stronghold on my thoughts.
I take the sword of the Spirit!
May the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready in my hands
so I can expose the tempting words of Satan.
By faith Your warrior has put on the whole armor of God!
I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory!
AMEN.

David Jeremiah. Turning Points Magazine & Devotional. February 2023.  “Giant-Size Victories” page 19.

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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 @ 7:00 am

The Power of Jesus’ NAME! From Victim to Victor.

Couple arguing
Mentally, I know that as a Christian, I can count on the fact that tribulation will come. I also know in my head that I am not to fear it. It is just part of the process to grow me up in the most holy faith. I believe it. I know I was saved eternally by the Grace of God and that the power of Jesus’ name is real. I have always known my faith would be tested and indeed it has been tried and tested throughout these 45 plus years since putting my hand to the plow to follow Jesus wherever He leads me.

It’s a choice to rejoice.

I know it is a choice to rejoice as I endure through trouble and in my sufferings through the testings of my faith. Since “that day” when I decided to follow Jesus, I have been determined to stand before Him and with Him in His grace. Grace freely given. It is impossible to EARN. But I also know it is a choice to actually receive it personally. And, I have decided—as the song says—No turning back. No turning back.

“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.”

Psalm 18:3, 6 NKJV

I have always believed that, but I had never actually tested that it was true.

God’s favor is amazing

He gives me the ability to do something which is humanly impossible for me to do apart from His grace. David Jeremiah says it is a divine kindness or an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself toward needy or undeserving human recipients.

Yes, I KNEW all of that in my head.

Then, came the opportunity to believe it in my heart. And respond with my actions.

He prepares us ahead of time with instruction that we are to use in our spiritual battles.

That day arrived totally unexpectedly.

It was a horrible day of fighting with my husband. We were both angry. We were in the doorway of our bedroom.

Both of our children were standing next to us. We were ALL crying and yelling.

It had never dawned on me that physical tribulation would come from my own husband. I was not prepared for what came next…

SUDDENLY…

I was stunned. My husband grabbed me with both his hands around my neck. I could not breathe. He had never ever done that before. I was not prepared in my mind to defend myself. I was most certainly in a victim mindset.

The Power of Jesus NAME

HOWEVER…SUDDENLY…

God had prepared me. I remembered that I had recently heard a Bible Study on the radio about the power of Jesus’ NAME.
With no breath in me, The Holy Spirit yelled out of my mouth…

J E S U S !

AND THEN…SUDDENLY…

My husband’s hands FLEW AWAY from my neck and I went from Victim to Victor.

The Faithfulness of our God

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice…and my cry came before Him even to His ears…”

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too strong for me…”

Psalm 18: 6, 17

WHY did God do that for me?

That, my friends, was a definite act of GRACE and FAVOR toward me.

AND toward my husband and my children. What if my husband had succeeded?

But to God be the Glory! He did NOT succeed! Almighty God showed me the POWER that is in the very NAME OF JESUS.

God showed His love when we did not earn or deserve it. We were ALL in a very carnal state.

Why did He rescue us?

Psalm 18:19b “He delivered me because He delighted in me.”

“When you know that Jesus changes everything, you see that there is no area of our lives where Christ does not make something beautiful, even from ashes.”

Our Daily Bread devotional.

“Mighty One, You are an amazing God; greater than my ability to imagine, beyond any word I could use to describe You.”…
”Heavenly Father, You’re greater than the most powerful forces in the world. Use me to point others to your grace.”

Encounter with God

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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 @ 7:00 am

Neglecting these 12 Things Will Steal Your Joy

Joyful woman - don't let these things steal your joy

Will Power is Not Enough.

Everyone can benefit from having an experienced coach to help you see things a bit more clearly. To cheer you on, through the rough days and the dull, ordinary, lackluster days. Today, I want to shine the light on somethings that can steal your joy.

Years ago, I began compiling a list of these dozen suggestions to explore when sheer will power was not enough. Practical ways. For many, It has been a great way to get unstuck. To re-discover their joy. My clients have found these things useful when they can’t seem to rise above their feelings. And become the woman God always intended.

Pick and choose from these dozen suggestions for ways to get practical. Or do them all…YOU choose what works best for you…They are not in any particular order of importance. Just a random list of things that actually work…

Neglecting these 12 Things Will Steal Your Joy

  1. Have you had protein? Enough water?
  2. Have you had enough sleep? (6-8 hours/night)
  3. Are you listening to Christian praise and worship music?
  4. When was the last time you did something just for fun?
  5. Smile. Even if you don’t feel like it. 😃 Than, do it again and again!
  6. Get in the Bible! Stay there awhile. (None of this 5 minute stuff if you really want to soar!)
  7. Embrace the emotion you are feeling. Try this: Set the timer. Feel the emotion. Pray. Then move on. Repeat if needed.
  8. Journal for clarity (Brain Dump). No one else has to ever see it. Just getting it out on paper often is helpful for clarity.
  9. Get outside and walk.
  10. LOOK for evidence of God. He is EVERYWHERE!
  11. CHOOSE to tithe.
  12. Jesus says…”WHEN you fast…”

BONUS: Choose to be around people that make you laugh and draw closer to God. They are soul-filling.

Discover Living From Your Strengths (LFYS) Life Changing Mentor Coaching.

Do you have questions? Through the Ministry Insights assessment, you will Discover your strengths. And then, through mentor coaching, you will learn how to daily Embrace and Live out your strengths. You can contact me by clicking on the blue button beside the signature line. Or leave me a private message on Facebook.

Leading from Your Strengths

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 @ 7:00 am
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