Sunday, August 1, 2010

~WHEN THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLOW STRONG~

After a month or so of keeping a business decision pretty much to myself it's come time to share with you a few changes I've made in my life.

As some of you know I opened a small booth space at a local antique mall last summer.  At the time I was over-the-moon excited about it because it had been many years since I'd been a part of a of brick and mortar shoppe and returning to hands-on selling was very appealing to me.  I've always loved meeting my customers face to face and seeing firsthand their happiness and joy  when discovering a favorite find.  Plus...I love display work and staging!  It's almost like having another home away from home.

Last April I also reopened my A Gathering Place Website and with that decision came a slow (and a bit painful) exit from consistent selling on eBay.  Many of my longtime customers followed me to my own place and for that I'm very grateful.  Trust me, you've all kept me hoppin'!  What I didn't expect was the huge challenge that came with trying to run two separate places of business at the same time.   Ultimately this stressed me out to the point that I ended up not managing either place very well.  One always seemed to be wanting...my physical shoppe was either full or my website was stocked~but neither one at the same time.

And sooo....

I made a final decision about a month ago to close my local booth space and today was my last day at French Quarter Antique Mall in Oklahoma City.  As tough as it was so say goodbye to something I dearly loved I know I made the right choice.  I've come to learn over the years that the RIGHT CHOICE isn't always the EASIEST CHOICE.  I also know that God has promised to lead and guide my steps in all things and I'm continuing to trust Him without question.  I feel at peace and my heart feels at rest.

"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 future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV


Aside from feeling the focus on my work had become wayward, I also know in my heart that my beloved, my Mr. AGPMan, deserves some man-time of his own.  He has ALWAYS blessed me and done all I have asked of him.  He is ALL and MORE of what I've spoken of him to be...kind, loyal, giving, caring and loving.  Lately I believe God has shown me a new path and I must follow it.  My 'He-Can-Do-Anything-Man'  works harder than ANY single person I have ever known and yet I know he longs to find time to work inside his amazing wood-shop outback and finish projects that are all his own.  He can't do that if he is constantly focused on making only MY dreams come true.

I'm looking forward to concentrating more on my Website and hope you will plan on visiting me soon.  Additionally, we are still in the midst of a tiny (but a killer) master bath remodel and I'll be sharing more about that as we go along.

My prayer for each of you today is that you will always listen with an open heart to the voice of the Most High...

Thanks for stopping by today...may your Sunday be beautiful and blessed.

Love to you~

46 comments:

Jilly said...

Rebecca, all the best with your new adventure. I love your website it's beautiful!!!

I love reading your blog. Today's was a word in due season for me!!I have been learning how important it is that I support my precious Hubby in his hopes and dreams as well as for filling mine!!!
Thankyou so much!!
Jilly
oxoxo

Laura's Rose Garden said...

Good morning Rebecca,
I wondered how you were managing to "do everything"! Kudos to you for seeing that a change was necessary! I know what it is like to want to do everything and have my mind spinning and having my hubby do this and that for me etc. We just can't simply do all that we want to do. Somethings gotta give!

No go to bed and sleep in tomorrow!!!
Hugs, Laura

Dogmom Diva said...

Hi Rebecca, sounds like a wise decision to me, this will give you more time at home to concentrate on your website and creating more lovelies..I too am anxious for my sweet man to be able to work out in his soon to be workspace in our garage, after we clean out more stuff..He deserves his own space, sometimes it is all about ME and that's not fair.
Best of luck, you are an angel and will be so successful!
hugs
Barb

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Rebecca,

I think you've made a wise decision. You have wonderful stuff and we all love you. ♥

I'm headed that way to selling online too. I've collected for so long that now it needs to prosper me a bit. :0) Thomas has retired for the second time as of February and is following his love of woodcarving. So we are both following our hearts to find a new way to approach our future.

Blogland is so great in that we can encourage one another and spur one another forward to open that new door.

Thanks so much for the friendship and for sharing what's on your heart.

Hugs,
Stephanie ♥

My Vintage Studio said...

Dear Rebecca.
Best of luck on your website. All of your creations are beautiful!

Oh how true we have such DHs that need some of their time!

Wishing you a wonderful Sunday!

Hugs, Sharon

Lee said...

What a big blessing God has give to those of us who have a DH that supports all we do with time and Love.

Anonymous said...

I think you made the right choice. Best wishes with all you do!
Blessings,
Charmaine

Jan M said...

Your comment, the right choice is not always the easiest, is so very true! I know only too well about being torn in different directions. Maybe your message today was the one I especially needed to hear. Blessings to you, and best wishes as you adapt to the changes and follow your heart.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Rebecca ~
About a year ago the Lord reminded me that even though I love what I do .... my husband and girls are the most important treasure that He has given to me ~ Why do I work hours and hours and leave them the few minutes that I have left in my day ~
I know you will be blessed for your decision ~
xoxo
Lori

Theresa said...

Oh sometimes listening to that still small voice is just the best thing to do:) Happy you made some decisions that will help both of you focus on something you enjoy! Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

Dolores said...

Your decision sounds very well thought out, wise and of course your thoughts and consideration towards the man you love so much are so sweet.

You have some much talent and creativity, you'll be successful in all that you do.

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
I know what you mean. As a booth owner and also an etsy shop, I find that one of the other suffers.
I am thinking of making some changes myself and your sweet words spoke to me this morning.

You are so talented and make such lovely things that devoting yourself to your on line shop will be a great success.

I wish you the best of everything.

hugs
Sissie

Anonymous said...

I so agree with, "The right choice isn't always the easiest choice." but once it's all said and done- there's a peace that passes understanding! ♥

Julie Marie said...

Hello Rebecca... I am happy you feel at peace and your heart feels at rest... you made the right decision... love to you... xoxo Julie Marie

Rita said...

Our lives can become so hectic that we don't have the time or the energy to do the things that we know needs attention. It is hard to make those decisions, but that you have done. The Lord bless you as you follow you heart.

Lisa said...

Rebecca,
It appears that you have made the very best decision for you and your family. You are so talented that I'm sure whatever you do and wherever you go, you will be successful. Have a great weekend, Friend,

Anonymous said...

Dear Rebecca...I know your decision to close your booth space was a HARD one to make, but I feel you made the right one. I have been amazed at all you do, and often wondered HOW you did it all! Now you can RELAX more and focus on just the web=site. The things you offer on there are simply gorgeous!!
I know your hubbs will enjoy some time of his own, he has been such a big supporter of your dreams, and he gave of himself so generously!!
I wish BOTH of you the best as you each persue your own "dreams"...You are THE BEST!!!!
xxxxxxx Love and hugs to you, Francy

Victorian1885 said...

Dearest Rebecca I know the French Quarter Antique Mall will miss your smiling face & seeing all of your lovelies but you have made a good choice. We look forward to seeing your new bathroom progress & checking you out on-line at your beautiful shoppe! Take care..
xoxo
Wanda

Judy said...

Dear Rebecca,
I've often wondered how you do All that you do, you must be akin to SUPERWOMAN!!! I understand where you are coming from with regards to your Mr. AGP. I too have a hubby that is my biggest supported in EVERYTHING I do. Because without his help and many skills most would not be possible. I thanks God he has been a part of my life for 39 years!!! I know too that your many customers and vender at the mall hated to see you depart but have you thought about this---when you left, it may have opened up the very booth that someone was waiting for to start their dream??? Everything happens for a reason and now we can look forward to see what God is going to create new in you and please, us who are always doing sopmething new in our homes, want a peek at the bathroom.
Blessing to you and Mr.AGP in everything you do, Judy

chicroses said...

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have had a struggle to paint my roses and also do a booth at antique store.Now I am somewhat in the same dilema you have been in. Only I am friends with owner and she is moving to an old gas station..so really wanted no venders..so good out for me..but I cant stop Ysaling..sickness..so then what do I do with the stuff I can't resist buying. She is having once a month flea market. So that means hauling in every month..no commission. Just space rent. That is where the money is.I really dont like computor selling..I even have hubby that is willing to wrap and ship...go figure. I am computor illiterate and hate to learn..you do such a good job of your blog and all..I could never come close. My hubby is so tired of painting everything white..haha....but good you DH will have some time to do his projects..and really when you have to pay rent and plus commission on those booths and gas to look for stuff there isnt much left over..well Ive rambled on so...god bless you Rebecca! Sally

Anonymous said...

Your wisdom is inspiring Rebecca....love your post!

Unknown said...

Hi Sweetie!
I know how hard this must have been. I also know you were lead by our Lord and I am sure you are now at PEACE. You, your APG Man and the Lord have won!

Our sermon last night talked about this very thing. You have just casted your *Cares* (worries, stresses, not being able to do your best etc) on Him and now HE can move right in and DO his work through you.

I was reminded of this again, that when I take all those *things* in my life that God really wants to be a part of...he will just sit back, until we come to him and let him take them back..so he can do His good work.

Wishing you much success my friend!
Hugs and Love...Lorena

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

Rebecca as always I find such peace when I read your posts. I have been struggling for a long time now with what direction to take my art in and how to market and once again you have saved me a lot of anguish.
As I read all the reasons you made the decision you have, I realized I was suffering with much confusion because I was not listen to the still small voice inside as you had. Once again I was thinking as "man" thinks and not with my heart.
Thank you so much for making this a wonderful Sunday and for helping me to avoid putting my feet on a path that would have caused me untold stress.
Have a happy Sunday sweet Rebecca!
Tina xo

Barb said...

Rebecca, I asked my oh-so-wise prayer partner once how you know God is in something? She answered, you have peace. Isn't that wonderful? Sometimes decision making can be so, so hard in human terms, but if we have peace....then all will be well.

Without going into detail, your post has made a decision for me about something for my sweet husband. Ron is the hardest working person I know and can be found in my corner always!

God is awesome in the way He works through all of us...to work in others.

Sending you blessings this day!
Barb xo

Char said...

Oh Rebecca, a large heart, two hands and lots of talent, but only 24 hours in a day. It's not enough and it's better to do one thing well then two things, well, lets say, not so well. When we over stress ourselves our bodies just can't take it. You heeded the warnings and took the only choice available to you. It's the right choice if it makes you feel better, and it sounds like it does. I hope for all success for you and your family. I am sure one day you will look back with fond memories and know that the path you walk, is the right path for you. Over time things have a way of changeing and we must ride that wave. Be well sweet friend and please don't be a stranger, Char

Carol said...

Dear Rebecca,

I just know in your heart this has been a very anxious, frustrating and difficult decision to realize that "something had to give", and you weren't able to burn your candle on both ends. With the help of our Lord you unselfishly realized that your Mr. AGP Man needed to have quality time for himself and pursue his dreams as well. Now that is what I call a True Act of Love ;)

Blessings to you as you continue to create and give us the pleasure of show casing your pretties in our homes.

Carol from
Good'Ol Texas

Dorothy said...

Rebecca...Col. 3:15 confirms the peace in your heart.

A quote regarding this verse from my favorite author and Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer, on the subject: ..."Peace is to be the umpire that decides if a thing should be in your life or out." From her mini book on "Peace."

If it is okay with your guy, we would love to see his first "man-time" project.

Stay peaceful and do not question.

Patti said...

I have often had this same struggle...trying to do too many things at one time...and, therefore, not doing any of them well.

I'm glad that the Lord gave you peace about letting go of something that you loved. He will bless your obedience to His call.

Love,
Patti

Michele's Treasures, Teacups, and Tumbling Rose Cottage said...

Change is always hard! I wish you the very best as you focus on the direction you think is best. ; )
~Michele

Unknown said...

Dear R:
Sometimes we need to "do the hard thing". I'm sure you will be doubly blessed for thinking of your beloved's needs too ;)
Best of luck focusing on your wonderful web site.
xo
Roselle

Ginger said...

Rebecca, I know this had been a hard decision for you and I am sad I won't be able to come to OKC and shop IN PERSON and see you, but I know it must be so hard for you to keep both going at the same time and your unselfish decision about Mr AGP man, well who could argue your decision. Maybe someday you will decide to do it again and I will be the first in line.

I have been so blessed to meet you and shop in your little booth. I will be shopping in you online booth!!

Love to you
Ginger

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Rebecca, may God bless your new direction. You are very talented, your market will find you and your wonderful creations.
Life is really too short ....

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Tough decision, but I'm sure the right one. I watched my dear mother and daddy own, operate (live and breath) and antique business in downtown McKinney for years, and it is HARD work, no matter how fun it is or how much $ you make. Enjoy a little time with your Mr. AGP ~ you BOTH deserve it!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rebecca, as hard as it was to do this, I know you made the right decision. After everything I've been reading, so many businesses are going online. It seems to be the way to go. So I truly believe that was the smart thing to do, and it was also the kind thing to do from what you are saying about your DH.

You will be successful because you are so talented.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Mr. AGP said...

Hey baby, thank you so much for your kind words. I must say, it does not matter how hard I work I still cannot keep up with you. You have to be the hardest working person on the planet.
Thanks you so much for caring about my dreams and desires but you are still my biggest dream and will always come first, (behind God of course).
I am so sorry you had to give up your space at the mall but no matter how difficult the decision was, it was the only real choice you could make as you are only one person. If we could clone you, then you could keep it but then we would have to clone me as well!! :-) Some one has to fix that stuff!
I love you so much and wish you the best on your web site. Now that you can devote your full attention to it I am sure it will be just great.

Love,
me

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Lord Mr AGP is a tough act to follow. How lucky you are to have a true love. Many people go thru life and never have one. he wants to clone you and i want to clone him!! I hear you, I have a blog, website, and antiques booth. I am going to wait thru the holidays and then something has to give, because like you said you can't do it all!! I am glad to hear that someone else feels the same way! My love though is the antiques booth i have had for 7 years. That's where my followers are.

Carol

Unknown said...

The door closes and the window opens. I know exactly how you've been feeling. You can't devote your all to so many things at once. You feel scattered all the time. I'm pondering some dilemmas of my own right now and God and I are chatting about it.

Blessings

Mosaic Magpie said...

I think what touched me the most about this post was the fact you have found peace with your decision. That simple fact, tells me you will be fine and indeed made the right decision.
Love to you,
Debbie

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Rebecca,
I understand completely!
I finally realized my dream of having a booth in a brick and mortar shop and have worked hard to get it fully stocked. Now I need to make items for 2 Craft fairs that I booked in Nov. !! All of this on top of working full time night shift!
I wanted to return to Ebay but I don't know about that now because this is a hobby and when it becomes work, it isn't fun anymore!!
You have to make the right decision for you and you only so if it feels right , then it is right for you!!
Congrats and good luck with your web site!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Rebecca,
God Bless your way on your new direction.
I can so relate to this heartfelt post of redirection. I too had a space in the mall for over 10 years, but not only one, I had 3 at the same time at one point. Three malls and several spaces in each!!
Later when I added ebay, it was apparent, that something had to end. Through lots of prayer, and with a heavy heart, I closed the live shoppes to continue only on line and keep my local customers stopping by my cottage home for treasures. It proved to be the best decision and Godly driven.
I learned, less was more, and less was best for me.
My B~Guy also worked non stop for all that I needed each and every week loading and lifting large furniture piece and constant reorganizing viginettes that were a mess after a great selling week. When was it his time to do his projects? Anyway, I too came to the same conclusion and although, it is not easy saying goodbye to the live part of selling and seeing the customer in person, it can be very freeing to focus on less and be all the best you can be.

I applaud you my friend and I know you are going to be reenergized in all good ways.

God bless your path and best wishes always for your on line shoppes and cottage home renovating.
Love to you, Celestina Marie
p.s. I am on vacation this week and will be back the end of the week, but I had to stop and say hello. XO

Rose said...

Sometimes we get pulled into different directions. We then become too stressed to be best in all of our directions. Choices have to be made or we suffer as well as our loved ones. in your heart and mind you made a decision that will give you peace within yourself. you will still be an important guide in reaching out to people for comfort and beautiful creations. Marriage is a sharing and giving. to love is to follow your heart of what you know is best for your husband before yourself. he has shared his life and support and you are doing that in return. this is true marriage. God Bless. Rose

mariondee-designs said...

Hi REbecca, sorry this post is a little late. I can totally relate with everything you said as I too had a booth for about 3 yrs. As much as I loved it, it was my family and my home that were suffering. My home was never as clean as I would have liked it and I wasn't really putting any great effort into dinner time. So I too decided to give it away and just concentrate on selling online. My commitment is first to God, my family then to my sewing. I think you have done the right thing too. I just call that a chapter in my life which I enjoyed at the time, but I must never forget what is truly important. take care, Maryann ps. that hubby of yours is too sweet!

Oklahoma Granny said...

I somehow missed this post yesterday and only knew about it from reading your post today. I came back to catch up.

You must follow your heart. God is leading it and I'm sure He has big plans for you.

Blessings to you.

GwendolynKay said...

That is a major decission you have made. I am so glad God is behind it, then you will surely have peace about it. I do not have any stores ... but I feel I have been neglecting parts of my life and this post has helped me think about which things are most important right now in my life and I will go back to focusing on those. So thank you so much for sharing this.
Blessings and hugs~
Gwen

fannipauline said...

Hi Rebecca, I so understand where you are coming from......I dearly loved my Country Gift Shop, but as my dear hubby got worse I knew I had to close my shop and concentrate just on him as he had always done that for me. I never regretted it - and my hubby passed away neaarly 5 years ago. I have so many things I have created and just knew I would get back into business or sell on ebay. Neither has happened and I so miss the people. I am going to have my own show in mid October as I still have many devoted folowers. God has blessed me so and I do appreciate His love and guidance. By now I am nearing 80 years and still cannot brush the creative spirit that I have aside. God gave me a great a vivid imagination and I am blessed to still be able to use it. I create things that no one else does......I have an awesome God and I thank Him and my wonderful and loving family everyday of my life. May God continue to bless you in all that you do. Blessings, Pauline

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Rebecca, I totally understand where your coming from. I just recently was in 3 malls, and did Canton Market every month and also started my website. I was sooooo stressed trying to keep up with it all, not to mention trying to keep things up at home and have family time. I did alot of praying about it and I ended up giving up 2 malls and the Canton Market. I had a friend tell me it's better to do 1 thing well, than to do alot of thing half way, and that is so true! I still have 1 booth, but I did down size it, and my main focuss is on my website! I'm so glad your feeling good about your discission, I know I feel much better not being so stressed! Blessings~~~ Daphne

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