market review & thoughts on a new year

This year is quickly coming to a close. I want to wrap it up by sharing how market went, along with a few of the pictures I was able to snap. After that, just sharing a few thoughts on this past year and the coming year for those of you who like that sort of thing. 

So, first things first... the Lucky Star Holiday Market went well. I was so exhausted after it and then had to hop right into Christmas activities/events, so I never posted a follow-up on it. All said and done, I sold these three pieces of furniture: 

The huge window, both vintage hostess sets, fruit crates and lots of other little housewares sold as well. Here's a few photos I took as I was setting things up. The photos aren't great (borderline terrible) but I always appreciate seeing how things come together so here you go...

A friend let me borrow this cute little cart which I used as a check-out counter. It worked out perfectly.

Since this dresser came home, (and took some unintended distressing on the ride home) I'm planning to keep her and use her in Averi's room. Still one of my favorite pieces I've done to date.

For now, I set all the money aside. I'm taking my time to decide if I will use it for a new sofa (it's time to say goodbye to the pink one) or if I will use it to buy materials for a built-in (floor to ceiling shelving) on one of the walls in our living room and some beadboard paneling as well. Either way it's a great reward for all that hard work!

So, in 2014 I participated in two markets. It was good for me... very challenging to put something like that together twice with my little ones still needing so much of my time and attention. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to do it and that I did. At this point, I have no plans or thoughts for another market. We will have to wait and see as the year unfolds. For now my focus is back on our little country cottage. I'd love to see some projects move forward here... and honestly just hoping that the kids and I will get to spend more time with Brett.

I'm certainly one who likes to reflect and look ahead. I've been doing that quite a bit lately. It's been a good year for our family... not easy by any means... but good. It comes down to one thing which is this: the Lord is indeed faithful. I'm very thankful for His tender love, protection, provision and care for us. If I had to choose a key verse for myself this past year it would be this one, Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Those words have come to mind often as the Lord continues to chip away at this stubborn and divided heart of mine. He's working on me and working in ways that I don't understand and find to be difficult quite honestly. He has done well to remind me that "His ways are not my ways". He has the perspective of eternity and I do not. But all the same, He calls me to try to see it that way and helps me along the way. Here and there, I get a glimpse of it... a "glimpse of glory" as I've heard it said before. A brief moment in time when my eyes see things as they really are with the sharpness and clarity that can only come from my Creator. A favorite passage comes to mind as I think about this... Hebrews 11... go read it if you want some perspective on this. This year has been one where the Lord has been checking my foundation... making sure that I am building as a wise man is to build... only on the rock which is Jesus Christ. He has pressed upon my heart that it matters greatly. The storms of this life are inevitable and at times it seems that they will never end. I need to be able to stand firm and steadfast... this is only possible with Jesus. So as the Lord has pressed this upon my heart this past year, I pass it along to you... because it matters greatly.