Painting and Jazz

Hi Friends, 

How are you?  I hope everyone is doing well.  I certainly won't complain.  God has been good.

This past season I have intentionally placed myself on a media fast. For the past couple of months there have been no news headlines and no social media scrolling.  Like none.  As a matter of fact, recently, someone told me that we (as a nation) are currently at war?!  I sincerely did not know.

So needless to say, this is not a long-term solution or a permanent lifestyle change.  My personal desire is to always remain an informed citizen.  But, I must admit that this little break has been refreshing, and in hindsight somewhat necessary. 

However on a lighter note, in lieu of talk show Hot Topics, social media commentary and prime-time news debates, I have been able to spend more time in the Word of God.  I have also spent more time listening to jazz music and most recently I picked up painting.  Yes, painting has become my thing! It is so satisfying  and surprisingly intimate.  And jazz music is very soothing to me.  Plus there are so many genres within jazz music that it never gets dull. From hip-hop jazz to Bossa nova, to cool jazz, to hotel piano jazz, to the classics and more...  It is all so unique, original, authentic and beautiful. I could listen to it for hours.

I share all of this to say that God has provided more than enough for every season and each chapter of our lives. We just have to recognize it, accept it and enjoy it.  As much as I believe the Father appreciates our efforts to study and work --  I also believe that He loves when we play and rest.  

So here's  to playing in paint. Resting while listening to jazz.  Studying His Word. And working on the plans that He has made available to me.  To God be the glory for all that He is doing in my life and in yours. 

Until next time

XOXO, 

Talese P. 

Friends, 

Wow! I feel like it has been a long time since my last update.  I guess that's because it has been.  But here I am!

Over the past few months I have spent quite a bit of time doing some self-reflection, and in the process, found a well of gratitude.  This gratitude does not stem from anything tangible, but rather it was discovered upon acknowledging and appreciating the intangible. 

This well of gratitude is for Life.

Life is a gift.  And when someone gives you a gift, not only do they want you to use it-- but they hope that you will enjoy it too.  (John 10:10)  

With that being said, as of lately, I have had an undeniable hunger to enjoy life.  

Subsequently, I have been embracing the big and small moments, while savoring the bold and subtle things that bring me joy.  From live local theater performances, to perfectly blended cups of coffee, to line dancing with loved ones to laying in the grass under the warm sun...

I am enjoying it all!

So yeah, that's what I have been up to. 

I hope things are going well on your end. 

Let's continue to pray God's best for one another.  Let's continue to magnify His name every step of the way. And let's continue to enjoy this life that He -- and He alone gave to us. 

XOXO, 

Talese P. 

Friends, 

This year has not disappointed.  Although I have had private moments of concern, through it all, God has been good. He has been faithful.

During the quarter, there have been a couple of milestone events. Honestly, for the time being, I am most comfortable remaining private about much of my personal life. However, I will acknowledge that there have been a few joyous occasions this summer among my family. One in particular, involved a wedding! And after that wedding, yours truly officially became a mother-in-law!!

Also this quarter, I took time out to do some reading.  I enjoy reading, but often it takes me a while to finish a book. I may start a book one day and sometimes read only one chapter a week. So it is rare for me to complete an entire book in the span of one week. But that was not the case with John K. Jenkins Sr. book "Grace to Grow: Creating a Healthy Church in Unhealthy Times". 

Quick Disclaimer - I purchased, read and included this book in my quarterly newsletter completely on my own accord.  I enjoyed it so much that I simply wanted to share my findings with others.

But this is an excellent book as it speaks transparently about some of the unspoken expectations and hidden challenges of church development.  It also outlines important principles to adhere to when desiring to grow in ministry. The biblical truths and practical steps discussed within this text provide the reader with valuable guidance and wisdom for the journey ahead. 

I will keep this book nearby for years to come.

Outside of that, I have been doing like most -- simply trying to get in line with my purpose by trusting the Lord, studying His Word and working towards what I believe God has called me to do.

I pray things are going well on your end.

May God's goodness and blessings chase after you.  And may the rest of this summer bring you success and smiles. 

Big Hug, 

Talese P. 

Friends, 

Thank you so much for checking out my site. I am still a little tickled at myself for actually getting it up and running.  This website was a buried goal from 2023. But it resurfaced the first of 2024 while praying about what I should be doing or accomplishing this year. Surprisingly, when I finished praying that prayer, the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me to complete all the things that I did not do in 2023. So here I am!

As the old saying goes, "Better late than never."

In addition to working on the site, I have spent much of this first quarter acknowledging and honoring who I am in Christ Jesus. For the longest time, I have resisted my calling. But I think a lot of that changed when I was able to attend ILS 2024 -- a premier (christian/faith based) leadership conference. To this day, I still don't really know how I made it there.  But the fact that God got me there, was the final confirmation, that I needed to move forward with the purposes and plans that He has for me in this season of my life. 

I am so excited about this year! I believe  we will experience God in new and unforgettable ways. I believe that we will feel His love at a new depth.  And I believe that we will see His glory from a new height. 

Thank you Father.  Thank you Jesus.  Thank you Lord.

Well, I guess I will chat with you all again soon.

Happy Spring, 

Talese P.