Scared, I’ve been scared. Hard to admit, but the reality I must face. I’ve been scared. Scared that maybe I heard God wrong about starting Stills Magnolia. Scared that maybe I wasn’t supposed to write. Scared that I wasn’t called to share my story. Scared that Stills Magnolia was to be no more. In fact, I had strongly considered stopping Stills Magnolia until one Sunday our executive pastor said something that I believe was meant for me. He said, (I’m parapharsing) if you aren’t sure what you are to do next, go back to the last thing God told you and be obedient to that until you hear differently from Him. In that moment I felt like I could breathe again. That Sunday sermon was exactly what I needed to hear to get me to the place of being still again until I heard from The Lord. Oh, the irony of once again being called to be still. My daddy has always told me experience is the best teacher. I guess some of us are not as quick to learn as others. Sometimes I think I am a little more like the Israelites than I like to admit. I found myself freed from Pharaoh yet frightened by the Red Sea.  Yes, just as God does, He gave me what I needed in that Sunday Sermon. And that Sermon, well it drove me deeper into prayer, seeking The Lord’s purpose for Stills Magnolia in a way like I had not done.

Over this past year of being still, I picked up a hobby of baking cheesecakes. I’ve baked cheesecakes from time to time but this last year, what started with one of my kids asking for a cheesecake for her birthday, turned into my other child asking for a cheesecake which turned into multiple requests for cheesecakes. I found myself enjoying creating, baking and decorating all types of cheesecakes. Friends and family began to request cheesecakes and I slowly found myself not only baking cheesecakes for them but baking cheesecakes for others as a “thank you” or a “just because.” What started out as a hobby was turning into a ministry, I just didn’t realize it at the time. My family and close friends even encouraged me to start selling my cheesecakes. I resisted as I didn’t want something I loved to do and a way to minister to others to become a business. Interesting enough as I prayed about Stills Magnolia, God began reveal to me His plan for those cheesecakes. Funny how something I never considered God would use, was going to become my platform. Oh the plans He has for us!

About 2 months ago, on one of my early morning walks, while praying, God began to show me His purpose for Stills Magnolia. I had one of those “if you give a mouse a cookie” moments. Here’s what I mean – I listen to a Christian music playlist I created for when I walk. Most of the songs speak of God’s goodness. Between the music, giving God thanks for His goodness and how He has been so good to me, more than I ever deserve, He led me to my baking those cheesecakes. How those cheesecakes are sweet goodness to others. How cheesecakes are often difficult to bake and take time to complete, yet in the end are a taste of goodness. Just like those cheesecakes, my life has often been difficult, and the healing has taken time, yet still, through it all I experienced God’s goodness. What God revealed to me is my cheesecakes are my platform for sharing how His goodness and the hope I have in Him has been how I have survived all the insurmountable challenges and losses in my life. Once I started sharing God’s plan for Stills Magnolia with friends and family, their reaction affirmed what God revealed to me. None were shocked and many said they thought this was really what I was already doing. Guess once again, I was late to the table.

So, today’s the day. I am no longer scared. I am no longer a prisoner to the possibilities of the What Ifs. I’m relaunching Stills Magnolia and launching Sweet Stills Goodness and Still Speaks. My website is updated yet parts are still under construction. I’m still figuring some things out. The scared Pam would have waited until every i was dotted, and t was crossed. But I refuse to allow satan to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10) my story anymore. So here I go, I’m diving in, I hope that you will jump with me!

Special Thanks to Some Special People

I could not have pulled off this relaunch without my servant hearted, selfless, computer expert man, Jeff. Truly no words exist that could express my gratitude to him. I love you Jeff, more than words can express.

Thanks to my kiddos, Merrilea and Garris. For always believing in me and making me feel that my baking is the best in the world. You bring me so much joy.

And last, thank you to my people, my tribe – my small group, the “hot mommas”, my college kids, the boys of 102, sweet Lindsay, Lisa, Suzanne, Anne and my family with a special shout out for my daddy who has always believed I can do anything. I don’t deserve any of you but am thankful God gave me each of you. I love you all.

Scriptures 

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a furture.”

Psalm 27:13: “Still I am certain to see the goodness of The Lord in the land of the living.”

John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Artist on My Walking Play List

Brandon Lake, Maverick City, Crowder, Phil Wickham, Elevation Worship, Cody Carnes, We The Kingdom, Dante Bowe, Johnathan Traylor, Chris Tomlin, Brooke Ligertwood, Cory Ashbury, Leeland, Toby Mac, Blessing Offor, Micah Tyler, Zach Williams and CalledOut Music