Happy New Year, 2024!
Hi! You haven’t heard from us since June, so I thought the beginning of the year would be a nice time to give you all an update. My last post in June was after the beautiful time in Cabo at the Uncaged Event. We were so excited to see the outpouring of love and generosity for Uncaged. The future of the Sanctuary in Romania for the girls who have been saved has a huge a future of Hope. It is there these girls will be restored with Grace, Honor and Strength.
These three words, Grace, Honor and Strength are the founding core values for Peony Market. These words are powerful and have meant so much to me personally. At the beginning of 2023, We sold my parent’s home of 20 years because my mom needed more help with my dad with dementia. So, my realtor, Tammy Weaver and I got the home updated and sold within days. I had a garage sale with the help of neighbors who were wonderful. This was so hard to see and let go. There were so many feelings. Then, I moved in them into a beautiful assisted living close by me. Shortly, thereafter my mom fell and broke her arm and hip. While at rehab, we found out she had colon cancer. My sweet mom, 89 had to face big decisions. We choose together to fight the cancer and go to chemo and radiation. Before mom started treatment, I put together a birthday party with the help of Carla, her former neighbor, and we celebrated mom’s 89th and dad’s 90th birthday with their former wonderful neighbors, family and friends.
We went to her treatment together for six weeks. She was so strong.. She showed me Strength!! Then, after rest in the fall, she agreed to surgery. Her surgeon was amazing, Dr. Marion Shirtzer. This is where Honor came in. Dr. Shritzer also cares for her mom. She displayed an incredible heart for my mom and Honored her. I gave Dr. Shirtzer the biggest hug after surgery. God moved through her hands and she was able to get all the cancer. Praise the Lord!! It is a blessing to honor mom and dad.
God’s Grace and prayers from my Bible Study, Family and Friends got me through this season!! Somewhere in the middle of all the visits to the hospital, I celebrated my 60th Birthday with a small gathering of family and friends. The gathering lifted my spirits of turning an age that quite frankly I wasn’t ready for. But, the love I experienced gave me Grace, Honor and Strength to accept and be grateful for all that God has done in my life, and will do. Mike and I got away to Montana and experienced the rest and reflection I needed. I think I have a little cowgirl in me that made me come alive there.
Now you might understand, why no markets or updates. As far as future markets, we have paused because of life circumstances. Peony Market is dear to my heart and I want to see how God leads me to use this platform to help Uncaged and minster to the women in my community as well as those that read from afar.
We have remaining inventory that we would like to sell at a discounted percent at a future gathering. We will keep you posted when and where. I am so thankful for each one of you as Marilyn, my partner is too. Peony Market gatherings are an opportunity for me to offer each sweet lady that walks in Grace, Honor and Strength.
The scripture, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the lands that the Lord your God is giving you.” Ex. 20:12 is an imperative statement. God’s word gives us the grace and strength to Honor others as well as ourselves.
Thanks for reading the update and I wish each of you a Happy New Year, filled with Grace, Honor and Strength. Turning 60, isn’t so bad, ha ha!!
By His Grace,
Sharon