Happy New Years!!!

I know, I know it's August. I'm like eight months shy of New Years, but haven't you heard? That January is considered a trial month. February is for preparation. March and April? You're just getting started in the year. Then there's May and the madness that comes with it. The endless celebrations, engagements, graduations, etc. It all seems never ending. June come bearing gifts, a mid year break. And here we are friend, over July and in the beginning of August - the month of second chances. I say second chances because of the second half of the year that's presented to us in this particular month. But first, let me address the elephant in the room. Friend, what's been going on since I've last blogged in 2023? ... Yes, it's been that long.

And Speaking of 2023 ...

It wore me out, LITERALLY. I mean wore me out in a productive, faith stretching, faith testing, risk taking, kind of way. If I could label the year of 2023 in one word it would be CHANGE. I encounter a year of change in my life in its entirely.

A CHANGE in my Career

A CHANGE in my Church Home

A CHANGE in Finances

A CHANGE in Relationships

A CHANGE in Ministry

However, 2023 was one of the most rewarding years to date. I got more than I bargained for. I took a step a faith in my ministry and if I'm honest I surprised myself with the all the risks I took. Throughout the highs and lows of 2023, there's one memory of that's one of my favorite Highlights, *drum roll* I hosted my very first All The Wise Women Retreat!! Talk about a time was had! The worship and fellowship was my favorite! The bonds that was made. Testimonies and hearts shared. You just had to be there to encounter it all. And guess what, I'll be hosting my second retreat come this Fall. 2023 was a year of wins and celebrations.

2024 I prayed a sincere prayer of restoration of many areas of

RESTORATION of ZEAL

RESTORATION of PASSION

RESTORATION of WORSHIP

RESTORATION of PRAISE

RESTORATION of PRAYER

RESTORATION of TENTIVENESS

You know, I'm a firm believer in second chances (third and tenth chances as well) Maybe you started off the first half of 2024 slothful, distracted, busy. It happens. Or perhaps the first half of 2024, January - June, you just wasn't feeling confident within yourself. *Self doubt is real* OR the beginning of this year you just couldn't find your footing in the midst of life itself. Hear it from me first, it's not too late ... to start that podcast, that feeding ministry, that business, youtube channel, blog, small group, sign up for that gym membership, start saving that Christmas fund. Matter of fact, it's the perfect timing. We've just entered into the second half of 2024 and what better way of kicking off a fresh new start, mid year.  "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" John 9:4 This scripture is more convicting than it is encouraging if you ask me. There's this thing that The Father and I have at the end of every year, we reflect over my year and give account of the work I've done for The Kingdom. Rather it's an account for how many souls I've won over to Christ, how many women I've encouraged to have a relationship with The Father, my in home bible studies, All The Wise Women Retreat, etc. I give an account to how I've used my gifts to further The Kingdom. Psssst and between you and I, I'm scared not to have anything to show for come the end of every year.

Before I wrap things up, question, have you heard of the tale of the Servants and the talents? If so great, and if not, well you're in for a treat! Mid way into this blog I heard the Spirit of The Lord whisper "talents" and I immediately knew of the scripture. It's a parable Jesus ministered to the multitude. You can look at it as encouragement parable or like me, a convicting one. Either way I'm sure it'll bless you.

"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straight way to his journey. Then he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his Lords money." Matthew 25: 14-18 Firstly, you read how a man (Jesus) travelled far away, but before he left, he rendered "goods" which can be known as gifts, resources, privileges, talents that he entrusted to his disciples. "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit..." Upon giving his disciples (us) these gifts, without verbally saying that he would back, it was an understanding that one day, he would in fact be back expecting an account for all that He had entrusted to his followers.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoned with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying Lord thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thou Lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliverst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord." Matthew 25: 19-23

I can't imagine the joy the servants epressed while giving an account to thier master of how they had taken all that He had entrusted them with and multiplied it. And the proudness of The Father for Him to receive back more than He gave. To hear those words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant" must have meant the world to them. One gained five talents with the first talents, and the servant that had two, doubled his with two more. Their reward? An increase. It seem as if the servants knew their master was one of multiplication. Anything he possessed he turned it into a greater gain.

Then there's the servant with the one talent ... "He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours. But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! Matthew 25: 26-27

I cringe when reading this particular scripture at times. Not because it's so harsh but so convicting and it moves me to give myself heart check. I began to question myself, how am I using the gifts that God has entrusted unto me. Am I doing all I can with what I have? Or Am making excuses. Am I putting my best feet forward? Or am i being slothful? Am I using my gifts to glorify God? Am I encouraging others with my Faith? Am I being intentional?

Enough of me ...

How have you used your voice? That gift of prophecy? That gift of intercessory prayer? That anointing to sing and shift atmospheres? That Teaching anointing? Friend, I encourage you to do your own heart check. Reflect over the first half of this year. If you're not proud with your work and deeds, it's not the end, and most importantly it's not too late. there's still six months left in this year. Plenty of time to get going. And if you haven't heard this saying all year long, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 with emphasis on all ... hard things, intimidating things, time consuming things. All things.

A few reminders

My second All The Wise Women Retreat is happening this September. Rejoooiceeeeeee with me friend!! If a weekend spent having fun, sharing laughs and godly wisdom is your kind of company, then stay tuned for details pertaining to ATWW Retreat happening 2025.

Jesus is JUST THAT GOOD,

Pamelia Walker