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What If It’s God and Not Coincidence?

A Mini-Minute with Pam: What If It’s God and Not Coincidence?

Man and son walking on path - coincidence

When crises arise…

20/20 Hindsight teaches me that God uses those times to get my attention, so He can bless me with an awareness of His involvement in my life. He walks alongside me and you, through it all, hand-in-hand. He reminds me that I am NOT on my own. He is always at my side, guiding, directing, loving, disciplining when needed. All because of His deep abiding love. I forget that sometimes.

Pushing through vs. stopping and seeking

I’m thinking of the times I have pushed through—rather than stopping to worship—while I try to figure out what God might want me to do. Are you like me? I can get into a “zone”. So busy working out the details in my own mind, blocking out everything! Even God!

He sees. He hears. He knows what we need.

GRATEFULLY, He always manages to get my attention and remind me that there is a God and it is not me. Here’s an example of how deeply He is involved with the details of our lives.

This one day, as I waited for a landline call that never came

I’d been stuck and unable to write a letter I needed to write. Suddenly – in that time of waiting – I created the perfect piece for the need. Then my cell phone rang. That friend informed me that my landline wasn’t working. Coincidence? God? You decide.

And then there are the times when

I am on my way out and something delays me. I might even be frustrated that I am delayed. But then, GOD happens. When I do leave to go out, I run into someone that desperately needs a word of encouragement. Or maybe they just need to know someone cares enough to listen. And sometimes I hear about a need I can meet. Coincidence? God? You decide.

Sometimes life is a painful uphill battle

In 2 Chronicles 10, the people were asking the king for mercy. Their burden was difficult. The king consulted with the elders that had advised his father, and the elders advice was: (v. 7) “If you will be kind to this people, and please them and speak good words to them then they will be your servants forever.”

But the king didn’t value the counsel of the elders which they had given him. He then consulted with the strong men who grew up with him and served him.

The young men’s counsel was to be harsher than his father had been with the people. To be tough. And the new young king took his young friends’ advice.

Was that a coincidence? God?

The thing is that all of this, as odd as it seems, was all part of God’s plan: “So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of events from God that the LORD might establish His word, which He spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.” – 2 Chronicles 10:15

Related Post: What If Suffering Has A Purpose

Who was in control?

The king thought he and his young friends were in control. But God is the Blessed Controller of all things. The people rebelled.

The stories of the Kings

I don’t know about you, but all the stories of all the kings in the Old Testament can be very confusing for me. The part of the story I want to bring out is that EVERYONE in the story had a choice to make. Who to believe. Who to follow. What to do and when to do it. It is the same for you and me.

The best place to go

When your sinful nature threatens to drain the life out of you, look to the source of your salvation, Jesus, and be strengthened by the power of His Spirit.

Our Daily Bread (6/19/19)

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness” and “intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Romans 8:26-27

God’s design

The funny thing is that we are all created different by God’s design. And some things might be difficult for you but not for someone else…like waiting, or asking advice, or trusting someone else (or God), or wanting the approval of friends, or wanting to grab the bull by the horns and just get ‘er done.

It’s a tough truth, but sometimes friends just don’t “get” us. Or maybe they just don’t want things to change.

Learning to trust God’s gentle nudgings.

This OBEYING GOD THING…and surrendering to Him as the Commander in the battle of life can be a challenge when you don’t know and embrace how the Creator designed you to be. It’s easy to condemn ourselves because of our immediate thoughts and feelings. Try to remember that God CONVICTS us but He does NOT CONDEMN us. He loves us and has our best in mind.

It can be difficult to walk through the “battle” without support.

What if it’s God and Not Coincidence? What if we grasp that God’s “got” us covered? We learn a wonderful lesson—that He has a plan and it is always GOOD! Then, we can know in our knower that it is actually possible to walk through life joyfully, fulfilled, & at peace—inside–where it counts! To God be the glory!

Until next time…

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,Mini-Minute with Pam — 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!

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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

Daniel. The Prophet Who Always Put God First

Daniel and the Lion's Den

The book of Daniel paints a portrait of a man throughout his entire life. It is a snapshot of how to trust and serve God faithfully even when ripped away from all you have known and loved. He is the example of how to honor God even in the middle of a corrupt world and how to persevere in hope even with no immediate solutions to the problems that normally drag people down, and cause despair and depression. Daniel was neither depressed nor in despair. He was steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord—never forsaking His roots or His God. Faithful in all His ways.

Daniel was among those young men of the royal family (probably 10-18 years old) removed from their homes when King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. The King took them with him to serve him in his court. The young men were chosen because of their physical appearance, wisdom and intelligence. Each of the captives had to pass a 3-year course in Babylonian language and literature. Amazingly, Daniel and his friends were found to be 10 times wiser than the most experienced wise men and magicians in that kingdom. Daniel was especially well known for his wisdom.

Daniel is know for his faithful purity

From the very beginning of the exile, Daniel chose not to defile himself with the king’s food. It would have made him ceremonially UNclean. He also defied the orders to worship the king. Daniel and his friends had ample opportunity to fall into error, yet there is nothing recorded that they did so. Daniel stood firm in his faith in dietary regulations and worship practices. He was faithful to God Most High. The entire time in captivity, he continued his regular practice of praying to God. His political opponents tried to find something wrong with Daniel, but they could NOT. So all they could think of was to make it illegal for him to obey His God. They were successful with that edict from the king and Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den.

The Lion’s Den

Daniel’s ministry spanned the entire 70 years of captivity. King #4 (King Cyrus) then decreed the Israelite exiles could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple that Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. So we can figure that Daniel was probably in his 80’s when he was thrown into the Lion’s Den. There are many twists and turns in the story of Daniel as he served under 4 different kings in Babylon. Even today, he continues to be a great role model.

Characteristics of a Golden Retriever
And how it applies to Daniel in particular

He is a godly young man. Loyal to only ONE GOD and does not compromise. He has only one MASTER and he seeks him out regularly, spending time in devoted worship and prayer throughout the day. He is a good listener and responds with wisdom to what is spoken. He seeks for ways to feel secure and also please those around him, without compromising his values. He finds ways to manage change, which took great people-skills as he ended up serving 4 different kings.

  • Dependable – He proved that in every way in his captivity.
  • Not driven by emotion – He was calm and deliberate. Predictable.
  • Faithful – He was trustworthy and loyal to his God even in a decadent society.
  • Fears loss of security – He created routine, and he knew his God was predictable. He finds his security in his God.
  • People person – He was very good with people, even those he disagreed with.
  • “How Can I please you?” – From interpreting dreams to accepting responsibilities in a foreign land, he seeks to do an excellent job.
  • He is uncompromising —trusting God in all things – even in the lions den.
  • He was greatly loved and had influence over his captives, to the point that they trusted him.

What about you? I’m only guessing about Daniel, but I believe him to be a Golden Retriever. Studying personality types can be a great way to understand each other and help us each realize why we do the things we do…why we see things so differently and how we can be in the exact same situation as someone else and each of us walk away with an entirely different interpretation of what happened.

Have you wondered why you do what you do? Do you ever find yourself wishing you were different? Perhaps you would benefit from exploring which personality type God has given you. So you can KNOW, EMBRACE AND ENJOY your life to all the fullness God intended.
Click the blue button below…

Personality and Jesus

Do you know who God created you to be? Have you ever stopped to think about how your personality affects the way you interact with others? Find out more in this new book by Pamela A. Taylor.

Personality and Jesus

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Awaiting His shout,
pam_signature-c49a6c

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

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Living From Your Strengths,Personality Strengths and Weaknesses — Tags: , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

Excuses, Excuses

Noah and the Ark

We are all weary. Many are fearful. It’s easy to fall into making excuses. I’m tired. Nobody cares. Nobody will listen. People will think I have lost my mind. I don’t have the time. What if Noah’s father and grandfather hadn’t been godly examples? What if Noah refused to build the ark. What if…???

Favorite Bible Character

Recently, I was asked who is my favorite Bible character. The only rule was that we had to name someone other than Jesus. Who would you name? And why?

That was an easy question for me to answer. For years, I have said , “I want to be like Enoch!” My friends used to laugh but now they expect it. Are you laughing now? Enoch was an amazing man. He lived during the time of Noah and some say apparently he became more focused on God after the birth of his son, Methuselah, whose son was Lamech, whose son was Noah. And the days were so evil, that God told Noah to build the ark. He preached to the masses. And he built an ark.

God said until Methuselah died, the judgment of the flood wouldn’t come. According to J Vernon McGee, Methuselah means “when he is dead, then shall he be sent (see Jude below).” The environment was horrible before the flood. So:

  • If Adam = year 1
  • Year 687 from creation, Methuselah died
  • Noah was born 1056 from the creation of Adam
  • The flood came 1656 = the year Methuselah died

My head is spinning with all that. Maybe yours if too. I hope I copied it down correctly. But you get the idea.The Bible never ceases to amaze. Prophesy made. Prophesy fulfilled.

Family Tree

So, it is not a stretch of the imagination to believe that great grandfather Enoch, grandfather Methuselah, and father Lamech were Noah’s mentors, just like New Testament Timothy’s mother and grandmother. I don’t think I have ever heard a sermon about my role model, Enoch. Yet, just look at the necessary part he has played in Bible history. Without Enoch, there literally would not have been a Noah. So why don’t we talk about Him? Enoch is mentioned throughout the Bible. Here are some of the references from Genesis, to Hebrews, to Jude.

Enoch. An ordinary man with extraordinary faith

Genesis 5:21-24 TLB (Enoch walked with God)
“Enoch was 65 years old when his son, Methuselah was born. Afterwards, he lived another 300 years in fellowship with God, and produced sons and daughters; then, when he was 365, and in constant touch with God, he disappeared, for God took him.”

Hebrews 11:5 TLB (Enoch pleased God)
“Enoch trusted God too, and that is why God took him away to heaven without dying; suddenly he was gone because God took him. Before this happened, God had said how pleased He was with Enoch. You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely look for Him.

Jude 14-16 TLB (Enoch witnessed for God)
“Enoch, who lived seven generations after Adam, knew about these men and said this about them: ‘See, the Lord is coming with millions of His holy ones. He will bring the people of the world before Him in judgment, to receive just punishment, and to prove the terrible things they have done in rebellion against God, revealing all they have said against Him’. These men are constant gripers, never satisfied, doing whatever evil they feel like; they are loud-mouthed “show-offs” and when they show respect for others, it is only to get something in return.”

Enoch walked the walk

Like Abraham, Enoch was a friend with God. He did not make excuses. Or act like a victim of his time. Or whine that things were hard. Rather, he made a conscious decision to separate himself from the vile wickedness of his culture. He did not sugar-coat his message.

Words to live by: The circumstances of Enoch’s life were never an excuse to walk ungodly. – David Jeremiah

A summary recap:

  • Enoch walked with God
  • Enoch witnessed for God
  • Enoch pleased God
  • Enoch went to be with God

Like, Elijah, Enoch went directly to God without first dying. So, when I talk to God about this, I remind Him that I don’t want to be like Elijah. A flaming chariot flying up to heaven sounds scary, 😨 but I DO want to be like Enoch. 😃 And I literally daily remind myself of why God was pleased with him. It’s a tall order to walk the walk like he did. To NOT allow circumstances to be an excuse to walk ungodly.

What about you? Who is your choice and why? Leave a comment, or better yet…contact me to set up an appointment to talk.

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,
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

Walk. Sink. Cry Out. Reach Out. Grab Ahold.

Jesus and the Disciples in a Storm

Wow! I’ve been resting on Matthew 14:16 the last few days. For days I couldn’t seem to get past this single verse: “But Jesus said to them, ‘They do not need to go away. YOU give them something to eat.” (emphasis mine)

Confusion

What was I supposed to glean from that verse that would be applicable to my life now. My “nest” has been ruffled up. My comfort zone is not “comfortable” right now. What do I have to offer…to GIVE…Feeling off-center and a bit like I was sinking.

What Do I Have to Offer?

Meditating on this single verse has been a lifeline…pointing me to clarity of purpose once again.

There were leftovers

This verse is part of the story of the 5 loaves, 2 fish. AND of the 12 baskets full left over. (After feeding 5,000 + people!)

The disciples were frustrated with all the people that would need something to eat. Unfortunately, there was no fast food restaurant nearby. They were concerned. So, they went to Jesus to tell Him the problem (because maybe they thought He didn’t realize the problem. 🙂 All they had was a little boy’s lunch. They had their own ideas what needed to be done, but Jesus had a different plan. That is where Matthew 14:16 comes into the picture.)

Blessing and breaking

Jesus had taken the 5 loaves and 2 fish that the disciples had brought him. He then looked up to Heaven, blessed the food and broke it into pieces and gave all of it to the disciples to distribute to the MULTITUDES. (Do you ever wonder what they were thinking right then?? I do! Kinda funny to think about!) So, back to our story…They gave Him what they had. He multiplied it, but THEY had to “give them something to eat.” THEY had to distribute what God had multiplied. (Reminds me of a poem by Annie Johnson Flint “Hands and Feet for Jesus”.)

They ate what had been multiplied and were FILLED. No more hunger. Filled. Filled with what was first given to Jesus and blessed by Him. FILLED…with much more left over than they even started with. Twelve baskets full LEFT OVER!!! (Here’s where I have been stopping to talk to Jesus a minute. Will you join me?)

Thank You, Lord, for the LITTLE I have to offer. Thank You, that when I give it up to You for Your purposes, You will multiple it to meet the need…and sometimes with some left over. You multiple my LITTLE for others’ sake! Not to hoard, but to give out…to the multitude!

Resting and chewing

I seriously have been resting on this story for days! There is so much there to “chew on”. (Sorry…I couldn’t help myself there!)

After the Offering

Then, after all were fed, Jesus sent them all away—even the disciples—and then He went away—alone—to pray.

He prayed MANY hours. It is stunning that He went away alone. He didn’t “work” the crowd. He didn’t seek glory, attention, or honor or praise for all He had done. Rather, He went to talk with His Father…to spend time alone with His Father. He had merely been doing what He was created to do.

They still didn’t “get it”. Nor does Peter, the Otter personality.

Even after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the disciples still didn’t “get it”…which they prove by their reactions while in the boat, without Jesus,  experiencing a storm with strong wind. Note they all were very fearful. Even Peter. Let’s call this the “Peter walking on the water” story.

Peter was different than the others. You know Peter. He often spoke whatever came to his mind, and often acted impulsively. Peter was an Otter personality type (Leading From Your Strengths).  He liked to be right in the middle of the action. The party doesn’t start until the Otter arrives! They are FUN!

Without thinking it through, Peter couldn’t wait for Jesus to come into the boat with them. He wouldn’t wait! So, he  stepped out of the boat. And, he was actually safe UNTIL he took his eyes off Jesus and onto the stormy seas.

Typically, Otters love adventure, new things, and get excited about every new opportunity.  They don’t have to think about it. OF COURSE NOT! After all, what could go wrong, right? 😉

They want what they want NOW. They don’t like to wait. It is not surprising Peter did not evaluate the options before flinging himself into the middle of the action. So he stepped out of the boat and walked on the water. BUT when he took his eyes off Jesus and onto the turbulent water, he began to sink! And then he cried out for help. Then he reached out his hand to grab ahold of Jesus. And Jesus saved him. He did not drown. And they got in the boat together.

(Otters are wonderful adventurers, but often bite off more than they can chew, and right smack dab in the middle of their adventure, they just might need some assistance. And then, they let you take over because they are on to the next adventure. You can’t keep a good Otter down.)

And now the storm is past and all was well…

UNTIL the next time Peter and friends forget what they have learned from the provision of the loaves and fishes and on the stormy sea…

What Do I Have to Offer?

Are you like me?

I think there’s an obvious reason why God impressed on me to call my business Loaves and Fishes Coaching., so many years ago. I have always loved this story. And that theme of the loaves and fishes is on my mind often:

What do I have to offer? Am I willing? Do I trust GOD to do with it as He sees fit? It is a timeless principle. A theme that I have to keep re-learning. I have to ask myself. Do *I* REALLY “get it”???

What about you?

Do you have to keep re-learning things about Jesus’ trustworthiness that you thought you already knew?

Can you honestly answer the question, “What do I have to offer?”

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,
pam_signature-c49a6c

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

Filed under: Christian Life Coaching,Living From Your Strengths,Personality Strengths and Weaknesses,Strengths Mentor Coach — Tags: , , , , , — Pam Taylor @ 7:00 am

A Willing Heart

A Willing Heart

Mary, Mother of Jesus

“We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

–1 Thessalonians 2:4

Mary’s life never robbed Jesus of His glory.

Her mission was to witness the Glory of the Son of God. She was a woman of courage and character. A poor girl in an insignificant town, from a humble family with little expectation her life would be different than most. Then, angel Gabriel came to Mary. (see Luke 1:38)

Why did God choose Mary?

I’ve been studying the Scriptures about Mary the last few days. And with my knowledge of the Leading From Your Strengths characteristic & personality strengths, I think I know WHY God deliberately chose this Golden Retriever type of personality, because of the particular situations she would need to endure in her adventure as the mother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Seeking approval

Mary sought approval from the One that matters most. Seeking God’s approval means turning FROM the desire for the applause of others. She went against social and cultural norms. She trusted God would not let her down. As she yielded to the purposes of God in and through her, she was able to anticipate the approval of the One who matters most without fear of public outcry or condemnation.

Mary surrendered to God’s plan

She was able through the power of the Spirit, by CHOOSING to be willing to lose all that defined her,  in order to become who God had CHOSEN her to be. He wants that for all of us.

What can we learn from Mary?

I’m not a scholar, and I’m not Jewish, but, I believe that when Mary, an innocent VIRGIN, courageously told Joseph, her beloved betrothed love of her life, that she was pregnant,  she knew that he KNEW it was not HIS baby she was carrying. The penalty for adulterous betrayal was death by stoning. BOTH their lives actually were in peril in that culture.

She gave her life & reputation to God

When angel Gabriel gave Mary God’s message, Mary answered, “May it be to me as you have said” (See Luke 1).  She had responded with a willing heart, ready to do whatever the Lord asked of her. Praise God for her response, which played a part in the blessing you and I have in Jesus.” (Anchor Devo December 2019)

The angel called her highly favored

He said to her, “Do not be afraid.” Angels aren’t sweet & pretty with flowing robes that flutter into your life to bless you. Rather, they are fierce looking warriors. Why else would their first words (whenever they appear to people) are some variation of FEAR NOT.

So you might think Mary was different than you or me

You might think you could never do what she did, yet I’m pretty certain that you would obey whatever an angel told you YOU to do, too. Her first response was a question, asking how it could be that she would bear the Christ Child, since she was a virgin. (Luke 1:34) And she most certainly had intended to stay that way before her marriage with Joseph. He also told her that her barren Aunt Elizabeth was now “with child”. Her next response was one of surrender and trust.  With a willing heart, accepting the consequences. “I am your servant. May it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) The angel left her.

Aunt Elizabeth is 6 months along

Mary went to see her aunt Elizabeth. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. And Elizabeth gave Mary an important affirmation. Any Golden Retriever personality’s indecision or concern would have melted away when Elizabeth said, “Why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me.” (Luke 1:43) Mary stayed 3 months, until John was about to be born. Golden Retrievers are people people. They are loyal. They are “let’s do this together” people.

Fear

Goldens greatest fear is loss of security and they don’t like change. From others, they want sincere appreciation and harmony. When stressed, Goldens can be indecisive and unenthusiastic, so you can see why God gave her so many clear affirmations. God knew she would need them in all the future trials and testings she would endure.

So, as each affirmation came,

“Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

  • The Angel Gabriel’s visitation to Mary to tell her of God’s plan and to tell her not to fear
  • The Angel also spoke to Joseph to tell him that Mary was still a virgin and that he also was chosen to marry Mary and to care for her and Jesus
  • The Shepherds in the stable immediately after His birth
  • Both Simeon and Anna affirmed who He was, when Jesus was taken to the temple for his purification
  • The Wise Men when he was a bit older and in the house with his parents

Courage

She had been told that she was the woman with whom God entrusted His Son. Her heart had responded with praise and joyous song (see the Magnificat in Luke 2).

As we think about her courage, let’s think about the the time she rebuked her 12 year old son (JESUS) for staying behind in the temple. Think about the wedding in Cana where adult JESUS did his first (and non-public) miracle. She had courageously pressed Him to make water into wine. Think of the time that Mary took her other children to try to get JESUS to come home because there was so much demand on Him. She was concerned about him. Because she truly cared about the people in her sphere of influence. Let’s look at some general Golden Retriever characteristics and see if they fit Mary’s personality characteristics based on what we know from Scripture about this amazing woman:

  • Patient & Willing
  • Caring & Thoughtful
  • Steadiness
  • People person
  • Let’s do this together
  • Loyal & Nurturing
  • Tolerant
  • Slower Starting
  • Quiet & Reserved
  • Other-centered

Golden Retriever personality types deal in the PRESENT.

Their focus is on what is happening right now in front of them. You can definitely see that in Mary. When someone is hurting and needing a friend, or water made into wine at a wedding, the Golden Retriever is joyfully there! They have a caring heart and listen carefully and attentively to others (including angels 🙂 ). They are always loyal and faithful to friends and family. However, if there is tension, they want to withdraw.

Mary’s willing heart

Mary was a person of discipleship, with a willing heart, and great faith. The first true follower of Jesus. Her calling was great joy in motherhood, but required tremendous suffering. The worst was watching her son on the Cross in such unspeakable agony–knowing He had come to do just that. For you. For me. And for Mary. She knew how costly her submission would be, yet she CHOSE to SUBMIT to GOD’S plan. For that, we can ALL be grateful!

God bless you bunches!

Until Next Time,

Let's Connect!
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 @ 8:00 am