Yep, that’s me. Pretending all is well when change swirls around me in every direction. But I’ve always embraced change, so I’m good, right?

It is well with my soul.

How did the Shunammite woman whose son had just died say those words? So assuredly. So determinedly. So accurately. (2 Kings 4:8-37)

She knew that God was in control. And she knew God.

That’s where I believe I am now …walking by faith and not by sight. Clinging to the One Who loves me unfailing and has a purpose for my life…a purpose only He can help me find.

April 30, 2024 marks the closing of a dream come true. I’m saying goodbye to Burlap & Lace, and to be perfectly honest, it feels sooo good. Not in a way that I’m glad to be done with this business. No no. More like, I knew to do this a year ago but stubbornly held on. And God allowed me to do so. But not without consequences. That’s just how much He loves me. He disciplines me. To make me stronger and more sure of His voice. I’m thankful beyond words.

As I’ve sorted through inventory the past two weeks- selling some, donating some- I’ve had time to do things I haven’t had time to do in years because of how much time I spent on my business.

I’ve had amazing hours of communing with friends without rushing off to do ‘the next thing’. I’ve cleaned out my refrigerator! I mean cleaned out my refrigerator! I’ve cooked meals, gone out of town to visit family, heard some really good sermons, engaged in much-needed prayer, slept…and been quiet…and relished the breezes of Spring. I’ve planted flowers in the yard, worked alongside neighbors on community projects, sipped tea slowly and laughed with my bestie and didn’t worry that the laundry sat undisturbed for hours.

And now I’m preparing to spend the next two months holding new grandbabies in my aging arms and playing backyard games with my grandkids too big to carry. Life doesn’t just seem good. It is good.

I’ve been asked over and over what I will do now. Where will my creative outlet be nourished?

Honestly, I don’t know. And I’m okay with that! I feel a blessed calmness like never before.

But before I close this chapter of my life, I want to say to each of you who have journeyed along over the years…thank you for the memories. Thank you for the support. Thank you for loving me through the topples (some of them literal!), and thanks for inspiring me to be all that God has created me to be.

He is worthy to be praised. He made you. He loves you. He has not left you alone to figure things out. He is available to you. Seek Him. You will find Him when you search for Him with all your heart.

Until we meet again,

~Blessings,

Connie