I, like many of you, can look around at where this life has taken me and be left utterly speechless. Each path I’ve taken or decision I’ve made is a page in a chapter that has become the story of my life. Unlike an actual book, the day-to-day conflicts or big decisions in my story can feel even more overwhelming because I can’t look ahead to see what happens next. I can’t jump ahead 2-3 pages or flip to the next chapter to ease the uncertainty I’m experiencing at any given time.
But I know the author of my story.
I need not fear what happens next, rather I cling to verses that remind me of God’s sovereignty. Like Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”, Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”, and Isaiah 55:9, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Chapters close and new ones begin. We anticipate that they’ll happen, but we may not know exactly when and we won’t be certain about what they’ll bring.
I find myself turning the page right now because The Stamped Lily is closing.
This may come as a shock to you or, with my recent social media break, you won’t be surprised at all. Nevertheless, it’s time.
I’ve always said that I would keep running The Stamped Lily for as long as God allowed me to. That when I felt like God was closing this chapter in my life, I would have peace with the decision and I would be okay with it, and I am.
Both gratefulness and grief fill my soul as I watch this chapter end.
I am grateful beyond words to God for bringing this beautiful gift into my life and being so kind to allow me to do it for over six years. It is because of this gift that I was able to connect with you. The support you have shown me and The Stamped Lily over this season is incomparable to anything I’ve experienced in my life. You have shown me what a community looks like, what it can be, and I am certain that when God instructs us to bear with one another, it looks something like this. I am overwhelmed with appreciation for each of you.
However, I’m also sad. Each time I created a piece of jewelry and sent it out of this shop, a little part of me went with it. This business has always felt like so much more than a business. It felt as though you let me into your celebrations, your gifts of encouragement, your grief, and even your bunco table, each time you gifted someone else a piece of my jewelry. How can I be part of something so special and not be sad when it ends?
But I trust God.
There are still so many unanswered questions and I’m moving forward without the answers. More than anything else, I want to be obedient. This is an act of obedience. I’m laying down this business and walking away with treasured memories, beautiful friendships, and a chapter in my story that I will never, ever forget.
I know you’ll have questions and I know you’ll want more details. They’ll come.
For now, I want to say thank you. With every part of my soul. Thank you. It has been my incredible joy to serve you through The Stamped Lily. Thank you for showing me what it looks like to be in a community. Thank you for every word of encouragement. Thank you for loving others so well, and asking me to be part of it. You have made me feel blessed beyond measure.
As I close this chapter, uncertain of the next, I am practicing what I have always told you, God has far more planned for us than we can ever imagine, trust Him.
Shocked and saddened for myself, but knowing that God has a perfect plan for you I’m eager to see where God will direct your feet.
I have LOVED getting to create for you over the years. It brings me SO MUCH JOY! Thank you for loving what I do and for ALWAYS being such a generous supporter through all the seasons! 💗
So surprised by your news and sad, too. However, I know God has great things in store for you.
Thank you for letting me create for you Beth! It has been my joy. And thank you for your incredible support over these years 💗
What a BIG act of obedience to close something that is “working” and “successful”. I admire your strength to listen to what and where the Lord is leading you! EVER so thankful for our paths crossing, the friendship that has been built & being a part of your beautiful creative community! Look forward to seeing what the Lors has planned next for you my sweet friend! -Becki
What a gift it is to know you!! Thank you for your encouragement my friend ❤️
You are an amazing creator whether it be jewelry, books or cakes! I know that path will never end. I am grateful to always have some of your work (I wear them daily) and wish you, Joe and the kids all the best 😘
Thank you so so much! ❤️❤️
Blessings on you friend! 💕 I know that whatever is next, you and those around you will be blessed. Just keep following and trusting.
Thank you Sara! Appreciate your words ☺️
You have blessed me tremendously with your gift of creating! Through your creativeness it has helped me encourage And show love to so many in my life! Well done my friend! There is a time for everything and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you next! You are a rare gem! I love you my friend! Prayers of blessings over the next chapter in life!
Thank you for being there from the very beginning. So grateful for you! Thank you for your encouragement 💗
Oh my heart, thank you for all of the beautiful pieces you have created for us over the years sweet friend, they will be forever treasured. My very favorite though, is your friendship. Praying for your new chapter 🙏🏻❤️.
Thank you for your words Lacey 💗
I am so inspired by your transparency and obedience. It amazes me how God brought you into my life years ago as you were beginning teaching, then I received your bracelets from a special friend during a difficult time in my life and I wear them and they touch my heart. In the last year I put the gift of your jewelry to your name and what a blessing to know they were made by you. And to give you chills….I am wearing your bracelet of TRUST today that when I got dressed for work and had no idea I would be reading your email. Thank you for being a precious child of God. I just wanna be your friend and get to know you more.
What a cool story! I didn’t know that second part! It’s so neat when that happens. Yes!! I would love that too 💗💗
April
I have been in awe of how you deal with your life when God shows up. You have taught me so much by your faith and obedience. I look forward to witnessing what God will bestow on you and your family in the future. You are part of the generation that will bring light into the world. A generation of hope that will not compromise under pressure and will not cower when others fall away.
Thank you for always being a listening ear Suzi! I’m so grateful to know you!!