Tuesday, February 5, 2008

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

20 comments:

randi said...

I am SO excited for you, Tracy! What a blessing to watch your little business grow!

And for Autum--I think it is great that the cello situation is worked out and now she can get her lessons.

Blessings to both of you!

Sheri said...

Tracy, what a fantastic and blessed day for you and your family! I am totally thrilled to hear about Autumn's Cello and your new growing business! Yes, our Father's ways are so much higher than ours!

Karen said...

Congratulations on your growing little business! And what a blessing to hear again your testimony of wanting to put your family first. You are an inspiration, Tracy, in this day and age of woman who decide that they have to do what they feel is best for "me" rather than what might be best for the family...We don't have children, but I know that if we did, I would want to be home with them. God's blessings!

~~Deby said...

Tracy....Cello...Soap...
I am so Happy for you...Praise the Lord,
Deby

Sharon said...

I am so happy for you Tracy!! May God bless you and your family!!

Rachel said...

Woo hoo!!! My insides are jumping up and down for both of you!!!! God is truly marvelous and loves us beyond all measure blessing us with not only our needs but with far more than we could ever think to ask!!!!

Cherish the Home said...

How exciting Tracy! I'm so happy for you.

And I'm so happy things worked out with Autumn's cello as well. (o:

Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Momma Roar said...

What wonderful news about the cello and the soap!! I must try some of that soap!

weavermom said...

Wow! What a great day!

If it's like my business the tricky part is actually keeping it small! It's so hard to turn away opportunities. :) I'll be praying for you to know every step of the way what God wants you to do. So exciting!!!

Anonymous said...

Your soap is *far* superior to anything I've used in the past. How wonderful for you, Tracy. We're ***all*** excited for you!!!

Gena said...

God is SO good! I'm thrilled at how He worked everything out for Autumn. And your soap! How wonderful for you. You'll have to keep us updated on how everything is going with your brand-new business!

Lori said...

That is great. I'm so happy for you. I'm glad that it will work out for her to sell your soap at her shop.

Glad everything worked out for the best with your daughters cello too.

God is so good.

Kelli said...

I am rejoicing with you and your family, Tracy! I'm so happy that the cello situation worked out and Autumn is starting lessons on Monday. Also, congratulations on your successful business meeting, how exciting! You will have to let me know when you have some of your carrot soap on Etsy because I would like to get some. :0)
Also, thank you for entering my giveaway and your sweet comment. ((((hugs)))
Kelli

Stacie said...

Yay!I am SO excited for you, Mrs. K! That is wonderful! May God bless your business as it continues to grow!

I am also SO excited for Autumn, and that God provided another chello for her! Whoo hoo! lol I am very glad that she didn't invest in the one that wasn't worth the money! I am so excited that she is going to be taking lessons as well!
Isn't God AWESOME?!!

-Stacie

Jodi said...

((Tracy)) ~ I am so happy and excited for you and your soap business! May the Lord bless the work of your hands.

And congratulations to Autumn. Music has been such a huge part of and blessing to my life. I believe it will bring her much joy! :o)

Tracy said...

So glad all of this worked out so well! Your soap sounds great!

Robin said...

How wonderful:)

Rebecca said...

For some reason I missed all your posts since last Thurs. I sent a comment on that one! Are you near Atlanta??? My husband is from a suburb on Atlanta. Small world. Great news on the cello. What a great lesson in faith and finances you have taught your daughter.

Jennifer said...

Woohooo!

Maybe one day you can post a video of Autumn playing her new instrument :o)

Patricia said...

A cello for Autumn, How exciting! I bet she is excited about her lessons.
Good to hear your soap clientèle is growing. ;)
Patricia