Happy Days

There are smiles all around our house today. Thank you to all of you who prayed for a resolution to Autumn's cello quandary. It has been resolved, indeed. We felt so awkward having to break the news to Sarah, the woman whom Autumn was going to buy the cello from, that her cello was not worth what she thought it was. When she heard this from us, naturally she was upset. Autumn returned the cello to her last Friday. Sarah called a reputable dealer the next day, and then called us. The information that we had been given about the cello was correct. Sarah had no hard feelings toward us, and we felt such relief.

But, that left Autumn without a cello. Until last night! We met with a local man, who was willing to sell Autumn a cello, as he owns several. We again had the woman who checked out the first cello check this one out as well. It's wonderful! And so, this evening Autumn will take possession of her new instrument. She starts lessons next Monday.

In other news, I met with the owner of a local business last evening concerning my soap. I prepared 23 bars for sale. Before I left the house, I prayed that the Lord would give me peace, no matter what. I was extremely nervous, and told Verne that he was going to do all of the talking.

The owner of the shop was late for our meeting, and I sat down. Verne and I had the chance to chat, which helped to make me feel at ease. Although I didn't think I could, I talked the woman's ear off, telling her the difference between homemade soap and store-bought soap. (Which, by the way, isn't really soap.)

I opened a bar, and asked her to take it behind the counter and try it. She was hesitant, but did so. When she came back, she kept rubbing her hands together, and commented about how good they felt. To make a long story short, she bought all 23 bars, and wants me to come back to an employee meeting to educate the people who work for her. I honestly think that Verne was more excited than I was, which was so sweet!

The most exciting part of the evening for me was quite unexpected. The shop owner suggested that I go to "market" in Atlanta, or a smaller one in our state to promote my product. She feels that I would do well. Although that was flattering, I was more excited that I was able to articulate that I want to have a small business, because my family has to come first. She didn't look at me like I had two heads, but nodded as if she understood. The words came out of my mouth without hesitation, and I felt such a calm come over me.

I'm very prone to migraines, and I marveled as Verne took Autumn and me out to dinner afterward that I felt great, even though I had felt stressed earlier. God is so wonderful!

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call
upon his name;
make known his deeds among
the peoples!
Sing to him; sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek
the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that
he has done,
his miracles and the judgments
he uttered,
O offspring of Israel his servant,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

1 Chronicles 16: 8-13