Baskets of Love

Even though we have had to put our gatherings on hold until the pandemic subsides, we are here to help you with gifts for birthdays, gift baskets for your child’s new teacher or for any occasion.

We have had the privilege of creating and delivering uniquely curated baskets for ladies supported by Victoria’s Friends. These ladies have found new jobs and moved away from the adult entertainment business and are pursuing a new journeys. Victoria Teague, founder of Victoria’s Friends offers programs that help equip the ladies both spiritually and with career tracks. These ladies loved the baskets so much and we desire to continue getting to know them as we collaborate with Victoria’s Friends.

Building relationships takes consistency with intentional listening, being slow to speak and genuine care. Aren’t you really drawn to people that ask questions and really seem to listen and care?

Listen Slow to Speak Genuine Care

I think these traits are so beneficial as we make new friendships and care for long standing friendships.

Faith without works is dead and Action is always needed to demonstrate love. God doesn’t want us to be idle with anything. So, lets us be givers not takers and give our lives away in endless pursuit of doing good.

“Don’t grow weary in doing good.”

Check out our shop and baskets of love and we can bundle your order to make a unique basket of love to those in your path (teachers, friendships, birthdays, etc.)

Here are a few ideas for gifts baskets

Enjoy the Summer and the Beauty it offers!

Sharon

Love Our Neighbor

This season has been like no other time we have ever experienced in the U.S. As a small voice being the owner of Peony Market, a wife, mother of three grown children and three awesome grandchildren, I want to express my humble thoughts regarding the trials that are unfolding before us.

We have had a long period of “normalcy” over the last few decades. God was moving then, and is moving now in the chaos. He is now allowing us to experience this season with its uncertainties, pain and suffering. God did not promise on this side of heaven that believers would not face trials. To the contrary, in the book of James, the brother of Jesus writes,

“Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let your steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

We have experienced various trials as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as boiling over racial unrest from unjust acts of government force. The virus has effected our communities, jobs, graduations, funerals, aging parents, children’s freedom, concerts, restaurants, church gathering, and many other areas of our daily lives. Additionally, we have experienced losses and the hurts from racism brought to light from certain acts of law enforcement. Don’t get me wrong here, I totally support the police and law enforcement. But I don’t support injustice and inhumane acts of violence. There are so many emotions coming from every corner; things can seem to be getting out of control. How are we going to hear if we let our emotions rule our hearts? Yes, our feelings need to be heard but we have to come together with humility. We have to ask our selves, “what is the goal?”

All I know as a follower of Christ is to remember God’s faithfulness over my life and to do the next right thing. I think the next right thing for the goal of peace with all men is to Love God and Love My Neighbor. Peony Market is founded on Isaiah 61 in the Bible. Isaiah 61:1 proclaims:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison tho those who are bound.”

What does this mean?

It means to care for our neighbor of all colors who might be brokenhearted over life, injustice or any other concern, and just listen. This is an opportunity for change, one person at a time. Pray for change and to hear other’s hearts. Let’s come together and embrace this powerful time, and use it as an opportunity to be God’s hand and heart.

Bearing gifts is a great way to tell your neighbor “I Love You.” Peony Market has beautiful gifts to give your neighbor this summer! Bake a pie or another delicious dish with one of our cookbooks, Just Peachy or ? , Well Dressed Salads. We have candles, journals, jewelry, cookbooks and many other other gifts to bring your neighbor. Give a gift to someone who does not look like you, think like you or maybe even acts like you, but who is, every bit as you, made in the image of God. Start a conversation by giving a gift, listening, and making a friend. Then, and maybe only then, we will earn the right to be heard.

God has been faithful to us: let’s be faithful servants to our neighbors and hear their hearts. Loving others with a beautiful gift from Peony Market is a start to hear and honor those God cherishes, and who we need to know and love as a cherished friend.

Love God, love our neighbor,

Sharon

Glimpses of God’s Garden

Hoping you are safe and well during this season in our country.  We didn’t know that life could change so fast for all us.  We were going about our lives and before we knew it, we were told to shelter at home and wear masks when venturing out for necessities.  So, we are learning a new rhythm in our lives and trying our best to stay safe, care for others and lean into God and His living word. 

Personally, God’s psalms and His nature bring peace to my soul.  We have trails in the woods near our home and Psalm 91 has been my anchor as I walk the trails during this season. Let me share the verse,

Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.  You will not fear the terror the night, not the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.  Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place- the Most high, who is my refuge- no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. “Because he holds fast me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name.  When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

As I wonder the woods, I recite this verse and see God’s goodness and His sovereignty.  The bright greens remind me of the Garden that believers in Jesus will return to.  The garden of Eden where Adam and Eve once lived will one day be restored.  God desires us to long for that place.  This earth is only temporary.  It will end one day.  We see what can happen just as quick as we experienced it with the pandemic of the Covid-19.  I believe God wants His people to return to experiencing Him in this time.  He says in his word, “Draw near to God and I will draw near to you.”  We are like sheep who wander away.. He desires His people to pray and return back to Him.  This is our story.  We are the characters in His narrative.   We have this time to be faithful. For those who have wandered or don’t know Jesus, this is the time to experience Jesus in the green pasture.  The green we experience this spring is so beautiful, but the green we will one day enjoy when the Garden of Eden is restored will take our breath away. Truly, it will. 

Peony Market has some vessels and other products that bring God’s beauty to your home. We can give to others this season with the aroma of love and joy.  You can fill the vessels with greenery around your home or from nature in your neighborhood.  Bring a pair of scissors and a bag and gather God’s greenery to bring life in your space.  The greenery in these vessels are from the woods near my home.  

These vases paired with one of our candles, the “Motherhood” book or dish towels make a perfect Mother’s day gift coming up!

Peony Market will post pictures of our products online, and we will have some unique products only on our event page.  We will have the first “Peony Market Virtual Event” on April 30th. So, stay turned and you will receive an email with the link. We will give a total of 20% of the profits to Uncaged and Victoria’s Friends; ministries that help women caught up in sex industry bondage. Of course, you can contact me personally sharon@peonymarket.co and order anytime. Our website will be updated with all our spring products. We will personally drop off your order at your home in the Atlanta area! 

We are praying for you, our country, the world, the first responders, our president and staff.. and all who God puts in our path.  May you be strengthened by His word daily, by the beauty of His nature, and by “zooming” (or writing personal notes to) your friends and loved ones. 

White As Snow

White As Snow

For the past couple of years, Mike and I have made Vermont a winter getaway in the charming town of Woodstock.  The quaint town is a picturesque painting with snow gracefully covering the lawns in front of the adorable colonial homes. My soul rests in the wilderness as we snow shoe the national park, walk through the canopy at the local nature center seeing beautiful wild predators, and cross country skiing through the vast snow covered golf courses..  I love the wintry wonderland! The white blanket of snow is a reminder of God’s love and mercy over us. 

God’s invitation of redeeming love is offered to us, but some don’t think they can have that type of love because they are full of shame, feeling trapped and unworthy to receive His love.

This is an opportunity for all of us to be God’s servants to share His love to those God puts in our paths.  

In this season, God has brought “Victoria’s Friends” to Peony Market.  Victoria Teague is a personal friend of my business partner, Marilyn Amburgy. Victoria is the founder of Victoria’s Friends.  Victoria began this non profit to help woman who have worked or are currently working in the sex industry. Victoria offers these women a different environment where they can find true freedom.  Victoria’s organization offers small groups, mentoring programs and training classes to begin the process of restoration and true freedom in Christ.  

Peony Market’s role with Victoria’s Friends will be providing gift bags and baskets for its outreach program.  These gifts will be taken to woman in Atlanta who are working in the adult entertainment industry.  The gifts are crafted to plant seeds of grace, love and hope for these beautiful woman who are living in darkness. 

One of the products we will be offering is the arrow necklace, “Fearless.”  The Bible verse that goes along with this necklace is Psalm 91:5… “You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day.” Theses women need to know their fear in the darkness can be conquered by the light of this world, Jesus. 

Fearless Necklace

Peony Market is privileged to partner with ministries like Uncaged and Victoria’s Friends curating products to bring love to girls and covering them with grace like a picture of white pure snow on the landscape of Vermont. Our heart is to be involved with ministries such as these to truly touch the lives of women who need to know their worth and be restored from darkness to light.

As winter fades and the snow melts up north (ha ha), and the buds begin to form this spring, Peony Market is working hard behind the scenes to prepare gift baskets for Victoria's Friends’ event in Cartersville this March, and to curate special products for Peony Market’s Spring Event April 16th and 17th.  So, please mark your calendars for our Spring Event.  You will receive an invitation via email if you are on our mailing list, so please subscribe on our site.  Hope to see you there!  

Grace and Peace,

Sharon  

Treasures in Heaven

Walking into 2020 is amazing! Can we really believe we started a new decade? This year holds so many possibilities for us.  How can we make it truly the best year ever within our control?

There are two things which are most important in life; they are having a relationship with God and having relationships with others!  These two things will last for eternity.

God’s Word and those that follow Him.  

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”       Isaiah 40:8

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”       Matthew 25:46

If we love God, we are called to share His love daily.  My first journal post on our site was titled “Begin.”  I love the verb “be” because it is active. It has three conjugations in the simple present; am, are and is. Which means there is always a new start for us to “Begin” a new thing.  

First, and most importantly for all of us is to love God. Our relationship with God begins with His word and applying what He speaks into our lives from reading the scriptures each day.  Prayer, applying His scripture to our lives, shapes our future.  So, as Peony Market begins 2020, we must begin with prayer before heading to Market soon.  Marilyn, my new business partner,  (who I will share more about in just a moment) and I will begin with prayer.  We want to allow God to flow through our hearts and minds to lead us to gifts and causes that will make a difference in people’s lives.  We would be honored if you remember us in prayer as we plan and curate the products and causes for 2020.  It takes a lot of prayer and planning to make a gathering special.  Loving God in our personal lives is where it all begins; and then, our love grows. Out of the love we have for God we then desire to honor Him in all of our lives including our businesses and relationships. 

God’s Truth last forever…

Second, are God’s people who will last forever.  God has called us to love our neighbors. The greatest gift we can give others is our love. Relationships have been key for Peony Market.  We have had numerous volunteers over the past two years.  Marilyn, a dear friend, has been there since the beginning.  Her involvement began with a conversation between me, my husband and Marilyn on my back patio.  She heard our heart with all that was going on in our personal and business lives and stepped in and said “I want to help with accounting for Peony Market!”  Now, officially a partner, Marilyn has kept the books beautifully and has kept me accountable.  She keeps my right brain in check!  Along with Marilyn, a big thanks  goes to my friend Lynne who has helped me countless hours staging, cooking and shopping. I could not have hosted the events without her! Also my friend Melissa has been such an important volunteer, handling check out duties at all the events!  Also my friend Tracy took me to mart, giving me a tutorial of Americas Mart. My friends Caryn and Tracy helped me stage my first event. Caryn also helped bring beauty by creating art. Also my friend Laurie made jewelry as well for my events. JoBeth, who I met at my vow renewal, designed all our florals at Serenbe for our sweet ceremony.  She and I connected over Isaiah 61 and her call to do florals and mine to create gatherings.  She volunteered her time to create an atmosphere of beauty at my first event. 

Relationships in Christ last forever…

Just a few of the captured moments over the past two years.. grateful!

Cissy, Laurel and her baby Drew are church friends and Laurel is also my backyard neighbor!

Other dear friends, Loraine, Kathy, and my daughter Bekah, volunteered their time to work events. Lily and my daughter Rachel photographically captured the products and the ladies at the events. They did a beautiful job! My weekly Bible study friends supported me from the beginning so well with prayers and many coming to the gatherings. 

Loraine, a dear friend for so many years. We began our friendship raising our children together. She loves to cook and she came and we made scones for the first time from our Just Peachy cookbook! They were so good!

Marilyn, on my left and Lynne on my right. These two, amazing teamwork.. I am so grateful for their devoted time, love and friendship!

My sweet Sarah, my mentee who I adore!!

Melissa, Mike’s admin and the sweetest friend to me. She helps with checking out at the gatherings.

Teresa, a player’s wife that Mike represented. She was God’s gift for us to see and fellowship with that day!

My friend Heidi to my right and her friend Michelle. Heidi and I are Pure Barre buddies..

Kathy, Mike’s former employee at Moye Sports and my forever friend! She loves to bake and she baked a beautiful pie using one of our delicious cookbooks!

Robin, my good friend and partner in crime! We love to laugh, pray and travel!!

Oh my sweet Bible study friends who I adore and treasure more and more.. their prayers, friendship and community are life-giving and I love each one!

True friendship that loves with a sincere love…

The foundation of Peony Market began with my first blog, who my friend Lisa helped set up. Also, I am very thankful for Chip Ingram’s Prime Movers team Kitty, Sally and Dana, and Plywood Atlanta’s retreat team- Jeff, Bethany and others for helping me define my dream.  I am also thankful for my friend Brooke, the owner of Marketwake, who sat with me numerous times dreaming and defining Peony Market.  She and her team designed this beautiful website that represents Peony Market so well. Another cool step in the process of developing Peony Market began on my sofa with Kim and Bob (founders of Uncaged) many years ago, as I spoke with them about my dream of Isaiah 61 and a gathering I now call Peony Market.  Now, years later.. Peony Market is collaborating with Uncaged, a ministry rescuing and restoring girls in sex trafficking.  At the conclusion of this fall’s events Peony Market was able to donate over $500 to Uncaged. Interestingly, Uncaged’s scripture verse is Isaiah 61 as well!  Of course we know there are no coincidences with God. These words do not articulate or convey how much all these friends and causes mean to me.  Just a little summary of how God’s word and relationships truly work hand in hand..

Kim and I at the launch for Uncaged

Just writing these words excites me even more to see God’s faithfulness, even when I haven’t been faithful to see his hand at work in my life.. So let’s go 2020 and be faithful to God who loves us so much and let’s nourish the relationships God has so graciously put in our lives!

Here’s to 2020 beginning with gratitude! I am so very thankful for my handsome husband who supports me 100% and allows our home to be transformed for gatherings!

Walk in Faith,

Sharon

Be the Key

This past Thursday and Friday, Peony Market hosted a Fall gathering to begin the holiday season.  The theme of the gathering was Freedom.  God offers us freedom by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, forgiving our sins and giving us the gift of eternal life. Therefore, as believers in Christ who are truly free, we can do our part to help others by being the hands and feet of Christ.

I was introduced to a non profit this year called “Uncaged” that fights the ravages of sex trafficking. At Peony Market, we are fully on board to help Uncaged provide healing and restoration for precious girls rescued from the bondage and shame of sex trafficking. 

My friend, Kim Westfall, is the founder of Uncaged. Through her extensive travels to various parts of the world, Kim shockingly discovered that there are truly girls held in cages by their wicked captors. God put on Kim’s heart the calling to help free these girls physically, emotionally and psychologically from the bondage of such trama.

As the hands and feet of Christ, we have the opportunity to join with Uncaged to help unlock these girls by providing funds to open their first sanctuary in Romania, a gateway to sex trafficking in Western Europe.  “Uncaged is creating sanctuaries where traffic survivors can live in peace and safety with access to everything they need; trauma therapy, spiritual care, education, medical services, vocational training, and also things like art, music and physical therapies. The goal is total transformation to launch survivors into a lifetime of freedom.”

Peony Market’s key necklace, which we called “Set Free,” was sold at our event to bring attention to our “Uncaged” initiative. We are donating to Uncaged 100% of the gross profits from the sale of the key necklaces.  Thanks to you, we sold all thirty necklaces at the event! I think this is just the beginning of how we can support Uncaged. We also are giving Uncaged 10% of the net profits from the sale of all the other items purchased at the event.

We are taking orders for more Set Free, Key necklaces to provide more funds for the future sanctuary in Romania.  Just as God provides for the birds, we can join Uncaged and provide shelter and care for these women.

“ Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap not gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

 We are offering an iron frame from HomArt with a sketched sparrow with a pen and ink printing, “You are valuable to God” Luke 12: 6-7  designed by Twelve Stone Art. 

These are available soon online.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we will be reminded of all of God’s provisions. The comforts of shelter and family.  The bountiful feast we will prepare together, the laughter and games we will share are treasured times. Family is so precious, so lets extend that love by giving to others. Love is limitless. Join us by supporting Uncaged and setting the captives free.

Blessings,

Sharon

Sunflowers

Fall is officially here! My favorite time of the year. The refreshing, crisp mornings are nearly upon us and soon we will have opportunities to pull those boots and sweaters from under the bed. For me, this season always brings to mind my mother-in-law wearing an adorable seasonal apron and her jean jacket with appliquéd sunflowers on it. They were absolute favorite flowers. She also had a beautiful urn with silk sunflowers that were displayed all year long. They brought her joy and she consistently surrounded herself with them.

There is a reason why so many people enjoy these beautiful, sun facing flowers. It is because these flowers are known for being “happy flowers” that create an atmosphere of beauty. They symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity.

Sunflowers brighten a kitchen and make you smile as you place them in a vase. Personally, I like to add pops of color to sunflower arrangements, making an interesting bouquet, although they are beautiful by themselves.

A beautiful arrangement of sunflowers sets the tone for any gathering. Whether it is tailgating, a cookout or a simple family gathering, they bring joy. And that’s why we’ve chosen to offer a beautiful hand-screened 28” tea towels with sunflowers, the lingo “love” and “kindness wins” printed on them. These cheerful towels add that touch of fall to your kitchen. They also make great hostess gifts!

To continue the theme of fall gatherings, you can make a beautiful spread by including one of our Farmhouse Pottery’s ash wood cheese boards. Choose a delicious recipe from our Small Bites or Bites on a Board cookbooks, too. They include inspiring bites and dinners to choose from this season. These scrumptious meals and bites create beauty for any gathering. Finally, we also have tote bags with hand screened sunflowers, and the lingo “love” and “kindness,” too. They make great totes for a picnic this fall, going to the gym or to market. These totes share the message to the world with life giving words and art!

Sunflower in French is “torunesol,” which means “turn with the sun.” I love that because as believers in Christ we only bring life to others by turning to Christ. As we are filled with his light daily we display His glory! Enjoy this fall season delighting in Christ knowing He gave us this gorgeous season. Soon, trees will be changing, displaying colorful hues to paint the sky.

Share the joy of sunflowers and these beautiful cheese boards, cookbooks, tea towels and totes with friends and family this season. Let’s embrace the season creating joy all around you!

Happy Fall!

Sharon

Picasso Artists

Peony Market held a gathering last week called “Paint and Sip.”  Each guest received a 16x 20 Peony canvas designed by Picasso Petals.  There were various peonies to choose between. The paintings are individually numbered and accompanied with a palette of soft hues. The canvas is a soft material ready to be made into a masterpiece. Just as each canvas will be painted uniquely by my guests; each of our days is painting our own masterpiece. 

The night of our Paint and Sip was one of the days that painted a colorful picture.  The stories, fellowship, sparkling water, wine and simple treats all designed a canvas of rich hues.  The opportunity presents itself every day to intentionally create great atmosphere.  Our Designer, God who created us for good works designed us perfectly to use our gifts daily.  We have been painting our life canvas since we were born.  It began blank and we have added color to it day by day.

As we painted by number our peony canvas, the painting began to come into focus. We could begin to see the painting come alive.  Isn’t that true of our lives as well?  God has numbered our days, and each day truly is a gift to display God’s glory with colorful hues of love.  We don’t know what number it is each day, but we can align our heart with God and go for it!   Our lives will become more and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. Our painting of peonies will also become more and more beautiful as we add the hues of color to complete the painting. 

Look at ourselves as artists designed by the Master artist creating a life with Him that makes a gorgeous canvas.  Yes, we make mistakes, but paint can be forgiving just like our God.   So, begin with a fresh cup of water, a paintbrush, a palette of beautiful hues ready to paint the world with love, lending a caring ear and serving those God puts in your path.  

Have a colorful day!

Sharon

Prayer Box-The Power of Praying Parents

One of our core values for Peony Market is Strength. Strength means taking care of yourself mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. As believers in Christ, prayer is the beginning of a beautiful relationship with Christ. Prayer with God renews our mind, takes daily discipline, draws us in intimate relationship with Christ and keeps us dependent on God meeting our needs. Therefore, prayer with Christ interceding on our behalf strengthens our well being.

As moms, dads and grandparents we have the opportunity to stand in the gap for our children and grandchildren. As they may be new in their faith or not yet believers, we can read God’s word, pray, and sing to them. While we go through our day with children in our care, enjoy talking with them about God’s goodness. Look at nature, the clouds, flowers and describe how God created all of these things for us to enjoy and take care in appreciation for the earth.

Peony Market is featuring three products to strengthen our own faith as we read His word and pray for our cherished ones. The Jesus Storybook Bible, Praying for our Children, and The Prayer Box.. Each of these products can be bought online.

The Jesus Storybook Bible was introduced to me when I taught Kindergarten. I know that through prayer and reading this precious book many seeds were planted in my students’ hearts. The Jesus Storybook Bible highlights the main stories of the Old and New Testaments. The main theme is that God sent His Son to rescue His children from sin. I love the illustrations and the stories capture the children’s attention. As a class, we always prayed for one another and those on our hearts as well.

In Corin.3:6-8 it says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according his labor.” We have the opportunity to co-labor with others and be rewarded in Heaven for sharing Christ.

Our Prayer Box has individual cards to write specific prayers for our children, grandchildren or for those you cherish. The book, Praying For your Children, can be a great resource to look up a specific scripture quickly. These tools equip us to be strong prayer warriors, releasing control to God. Prayer helps align our will with God’s will. As we become more disciplined with our prayer life we depend and trust in God and His sovereignty. We will see God’s faithfulness and prayers being answered with those we love.

Begin this school season with these special products to help you by praying intentionally and reading God’s word to those you cherish! Enjoy the rest of your summer with your family and friends!

Sharon🌿

The Gift of Writing

The Gift of Writing

Journaling and handwritten notes are beautiful expressions of yourself. Both are time cherished gifts; journaling for yourself and handwritten notes for others. Journaling is an excellent way to express your thoughts, emotions and prayers.  Handwritten notes mean so much more than an impersonal email or text.  Using both mediums take time, thought and authenticity that leaves a tangible gift and legacy in someone’s hand. ( I love to jot down those cute quotes from my children and grandchildren. Heart warming and oftentimes very funny memories to reflect on and cherish years later!)

Peony Market offers two leather refillable journals. A light gray and sable brown with interchangeable notepads. Personally, I love the idea of of keeping the journals all uniform once one is filled. They stack neatly in a basket or on a bookcase, making it easy to go back and reread when you desire. With our journals, you can replace the journal notebook at local office supply store or we can order more from our vender. I love my journals to record my prayers and sermon notes.  I have been journaling for 30 years and it is so special to go back and reread my entries.  

We also have a pretty pink journal for a special occasion, and bride and groom vow journals to record special notes, possibly in premarital counseling and to record wedding vows - kept safe in a beautiful linen journal.

We also offer lovely floral stationary to write handwritten notes this summer!  Also, don’t forget to keep a log of the cutest quotes from your kids or grandkids. Our books for parents and grandparents will keep all their quotes in a tangible book instead of random pads or notes in a cell phone.

Begin this summer taking time to journal and writing those you cherish a handwritten note!

Order by July 5th and receive 30% off journals and stationery!

Happy writing!

Sharon

Red, White and Blue

Over Memorial Day weekend friends and family gather together. Let’s be sure to remember the reason for the weekend, and honor members of the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free and safe.  And for that we are indeed grateful and have reason to celebrate!

The history of our country’s servicemen and servicewomen must be remembered to pass on the knowledge of the wars abroad and on our land. It brings awareness to the next generation of where our country has been, and where we are today. Then pray for the men and women that are serving in the army, navy, coastguard and marines today.  We mustn’t forget to pray for the families that are suffering from the loss of a loved one who served in the military.

As we gather this weekend, our time with family wouldn’t be complete without good food around the table.  Peony Market offers a great BBQ cookbook called “Red, Blue and Que.” We also are offering delicious bbq sauces from the Midwest, and a more healthy “grill cleaner” made of wood that conforms to the grill grate being cleaned.  These are great items for your BBQ’ing fun!

Great Recipes for Outdoor BBQ’s

This weekend, I tried two of the recipes from the Red, Blue and Que book with my daughter and her boyfriend.  We absolutely loved the meal! The turkey burgers and the confetti corn were so delicious and easy to prepare. 

These three bbq sauces make really good chicken dishes.  We offer three different sauces to please any crowd.  They are made in the midwest with pure ingredients.

These bbq sauces are offered through @peony.market this summer and local gatherings.

The wood bbq grill scraper makes cleaning the grill super easy.  This tool is an all-natural way to clean the grill.  With this cleaning tool, you will not have the metal bristles left on your grate or scratch the grill grates.  This solid wood grill scraper makes a perfect Father’s Day gift along with the cookbook and sauces.

As we enjoy the beginning of the summer season, let’s learn more about the history of those who gave us the freedom to gather and have rest, peace and joy in our country! Enjoy your friends and family at backyard bbq all season long!!

Gratitude and Joy,

Sharon

Fun Fact:

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. In May 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Union veteran’s group (The Grand Army of the Republic) issued a decree that May 30th should become a nationwide day to honor the 620,00 soldiers killed in the Civil War.  This was the beginning of laying flowers and decorating the graves of the soldiers most recently deceased. It wasn’t called Memorial Day until after America entered World War I. The tradition was expanded to include those killed in all wars.  The set day became the last Monday of the month instead of May 30th due to the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971. 

Seeds Of The Garden

It all starts with seeds, care, consistency and love to nourish the growth of a garden.  Whether a garden created in our backyard or the garden of soul, it takes all of these action verbs to make it grow. We have some products to help nurture the growth of both the physical garden and our souls that are meant to bring beauty to the world.

Our devotional from God’s Garden has beautiful photography along with God’s inspiring words to draw us into His truth.  From the seed to the bloom of flowers, herbs and fruit from the garden, we can apply wisdom to our lives.  Be inspired by beauty, wisdom and art of the garden. Spending time in God’s truth takes both caring and consistency to nourish your soul to see a beautiful garden. 

We mustn’t forget to feed our bodies with healthy greens to flourish physically.  Mr. Wilkinson’s Well Dressed salad provides delicious as well as nutritional salads with fresh greens, vegetables and herbs. This new recipe book is filled with so many healthy recipes to please any crowd this spring and summer.  I hope to personally use some of my own herbs and vegetables this summer to make a delicious summer salad. It is so much fun to us your own herbs and vegetables in your dishes. 

Lastly, I want to share with you this  beautiful dish towel that brings the garden inside.  This dish towel makes a kitchen feel alive with fresh spring herbs.  Celebrate the season of Spring and remember to spend time with those you cherish.

Nourshing our soul by planting seeds of God’s truth, eating healthy and creating your beauty in your space at home propels us to think of others.  Celebrate the season of Spring and remember to spend time with those you cherish.  Every day is a day to be lived fully alive for God and those He puts in your path!  Look around and see who needs love today..

Enjoy today!

Sharon 

The Potter

The Potter

Potter-(n) - A person who makes pots, bowls, plates, etc. a person who makes pottery by hand

A potter has complete freedom to create a vessel in any shape He so chooses.  Each vessel is completely unique to the designer’s discretion.  Mike, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Farmhouse Pottery in Vermont with so many beautiful vessels and wood products. Peony Market had purchased some beautiful items at Mart this past year and it was going to be a real treat to see their store and workshop.  Just as I imagined, a beautiful, clean, organic modern farmhouse feel to their store.  We were greeted by James, the founder of Farmhouse and he gave us a tour behind the scenes.

The skilled potters were creating beautiful vessels with preciseness, skill and patience.  There are so many steps in making each vessel from the raw material of clay.  The potters at Farmhouse Pottery have been trained through art school and groomed by the founders of Farmhouse Pottery, Zoe and James.  These artisans are uniquely gifted to create beautiful pottery and wooden products.  Their work is stunning because they spend time with their hands designing each unique piece with love and care.

The scene we observed was a small picture of another Potter, God who is the Master Potter.  He knits and fashions babies in their mother’s womb.  We not only witnessed beautiful unique gifts created by some of the finest potters at Farmhouse Pottery, but met our precious gift, our grandson Jonah this past weekend who was created by the Master Potter, our Heavenly Father.  We were blessed to see our grandson shortly after birth this past weekend. Over the last nine months, we had a sonogram picture of his frame on our refrigerator.  But, now we are holding sweet Jonah with all his limbs and body so perfectly formed.  Only a Master Potter could create such a beautiful gift

But now O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay. You are the Potter. We are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

Yes, we are the work of our Father’s hand. When I look at the the artisans of Farmhouse Pottery it gives me a picture of how God created us with such care, tedious work, and patience.  It was a delight to visit Farmhouse Pottery and are even more excited about the products having met the owners and observed their studio.  These are the products Peony Market is carrying this Spring.  We have paired their products to make a complete gift idea.

I love this rolling pin from Farmhouse. The handcrafted French rolling pin makes baking more fun and it also looks beautiful on a kitchen shelf. The Just Prize Pie cookbook has delicious pie recipes for all the seasons.

The match vessel from Farmhouse Pottery pairs nicely with this soy summer/spring candle from Finding Home Farms.

The medium white cheeseboard pairs nicely with the Small Bites Cookbook anytime of the year.

Love and Care are from the Potter’s Hand

Sharon

Wrapped in His Love

This past weekend, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit Woodstock, Vermont, in the heart of New England’s picturesque Green Mountains. I had dreamt of visiting Vermont, and last winter we made our first visit. We loved it so much that we returned again. Vermont’s wintry scenes actually warm and comfort my soul!

The white blanket of snow that covers the ground is pure and lovely. Underneath, the spring grass awaits to emerge, and will be a luscious covering of green felt, like the snow is in the winter; each giving the soil an inviting layer that offers beauty, purity and freshness in season.

Just as blankets of snow in God’s New England mountains cover the ground with bright wintry beauty, Christ cloths his family of believers with Robes of Righteousness. We learn from God’s word that Jesus takes and discards our our “filthy garments of unrighteousness” and spiritually cloths us in “fine linen”, clean and bright!

As I look at this wondrous blanket of clean and bright snow, I imagine our mighty God lovingly wrapping us with a perfect, pure and finely woven robe. Jesus, our precious savior, divinely walking with us, proud of His spotlessly attired bride! I am so very thankful to have spent the last few days in His beauty. As the Apostle Paul describes in the first chapter of Romans, His creation shouts of His majesty!

Peony Market was birthed from the scripture of Isaiah 61. It was through this chapter that I felt lead to curate and offer items that bring beauty to your home and those you cherish. Items such as fine soaps, perfumes, wraps, coverups, and lovely lingerie, The prophet Isaiah describes God’s restoration for His chosen ones. Peony Market desires to offer products that make us feel renewed, restored and fresh like that of new snow.

This month we are featuring a soft and cozy shawl, a wonderful item for upcoming spring days. You can pair this graceful white wrap with your favorite jeans and tank or long sleeve shirt. Picture yourself wrapped in His love!

Along with these wraps, we are also featuring several styles of blankets designed by Sackcloth and Ashes; a company that gives a blanket to the homeless for every blanket purchased. The blankets make a comforting throw for your home, or a gorgeous blanket for an outside concert or the beach. Choose the blanket that best fits your style. They make a great gift, too!

I hope you know that God loves you. He wants a relationship with you. Wrap up in His unconditional loved!

“I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for he clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10

There is nothing quite so beautiful than seeing a peaceful red barn with a blanket of snow tucking it in.

Love Does

Love is in the air, Valentine’s Day is almost here! But can’t Valentine’s Day be every day? Why wait for special holidays to show extravagant love to those we cherish and meet.

A few years ago at a friend’s dinner party, I met a nice man our friends had invited to the dinner. I thought to myself that our friends had met someone new at church they wanted to get to know better. As we gathered around the table to eat we played an ice breaker called “two truths and lie.” The idea of the game was for the others to guess the statement about ourselves that was a lie.

I was seated next to the nice man. When it was his turn to tell us two truths and a lie, I was taken a back with his distinctive responses. He informed us that he was a “business law” professor at Point Loma University in San Diego. He then told us that he was a diplomat and an honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda. He shared a lie as well, but I don’t remember it. Turns out, this man really was the consul for the Republic of Uganda and a lawyer teaching at Point Loma. As we ate our dinner, he went on to share many other hard to believe life adventures. Who was this guy!

As the evening progressed, I learned that I was sitting next to Bob Goff, the author of the best selling books, Love Does, Everybody Always and His newest book, Love Does for Kids. After the beautiful evening with friends, I ordered Love Does. I couldn’t put it down. In Love Does, Bob shares his “wild at heart” excursions and the ways he loves others extravagantly. His book propelled me to want to live like this. As I look back on that evening, I had the opportunity to sit next to one of the neatest guys in the world. He truly knows how to love and live life to the fullest.

If you haven’t read Love Does and Everybody Always; I recommend that you read them and share your copies with a friend! Peony Market is featuring Love Does for Kids this week on our instagram and FB page. You can purchase a copy today and get free shipping for a sweet Valentine’s gift for your child. Enjoy reading with your child and making this Valentine’s gift one that truly matters, sharing ways of loving big!

Our other product we are featuring this week is our Eternity Necklace. The Eternity necklace reminds us of God’s love that is everlasting, never ending and truly never running dry. Out of His great love for us God offers us salvation through His son, Jesus. We then can love others with a love that is genuine..We choose daily to put on His love.

Eternity Necklace

“And Above All these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Col. 3:14

You can purchase this necklace on our instagram and FB page; the picture below is linked to these pages. This necklace makes the perfect gift this Valentine’s for your daughter, friend or yourself.

Make everyday about love and be inspired by Bob Goff’s books. You will laugh, cry and be drawn in by his bizarre excursions with friends and family. He loves hard and goes the extra mile, living life intentionally.

Love Does

Sharon

Founder of Peony Market

Becoming

The meaning of the word “becoming” is….. “any process of change.” For followers of Christ, becoming is described as transforming into the likeness of Jesus everyday.  If we spend time daily in His word with an open heart to receive and treasure HIs thoughts; the transformation process begins!

One of our products, an attractive wooden gray frame with the words, “She Talked to God Daily And That is What Made Her Lovely” describes the beauty of one who sits with Jesus daily.

Dedicating special time and moments with Jesus each day fills our spirit to then go out into the world reflecting His love. 

With this being true, why wouldn’t we carve out time to read to our children, grandchildren or those in our care as well?  Peony Market has the perfect gift, The Jesus Storybook Bible, imaginatively illustrating stories that draw young children into God’s Rescue Plan.

As believers of God’s truth, it is our privilege to share the gospel. And as we read God’s stories to His children, we are planting seeds in the souls of His little ones.  Just as His seeds of truth grow in our own lives, they will also grow in the child’s heart.  What an opportunity we have on this side of heaven to nurture spiritual growth in the hearts of children.

When I taught Kindergarten a few years ago we used the Jesus Storybook Bible in our classrooms.  In one of my classes, I had several students give their hearts to Jesus! The most rewarding days I have ever experienced were those seeing my little kindergarteners desire Jesus and pray to receive Him.  Does it get any better than that?  After all, our purpose is to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

”Becoming” starts at the beginning of our relationship with Jesus. The word of God transforms us,

“And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” II Cor. 3:18 The Message

We will shine and be the brightness we desire as we spend time daily in His truth.  As we read His words, the Holy Spirit within us identifies with God the Spirit.  The word teaches, convicts and exhorts us to become the person that looks a little more like Jesus.

Let’s shine Brighter, becoming More Like Him!

Planting the best seeds in His Garden-His People - all Year Long!!  

Peony Market is featuring the Jesus Storybook Bible and the Gray Frame- She Talked to God Daily And That is What Made Her Lovely, @peony.market this week..  Follow and give a gift that will encourage those we cherish!

Becoming with God’s Grace-

Sharon

House Of Grace

Girls from House of Grace- Chiangrai, Thailand

Happy New Year! I spent New Years in Chiangrai, Thailand!  My husband and I have spent the last few days visiting House of Grace with the founder and our childhood youth pastor, Mark Rutland.  House of Grace is a beautiful home for girls that have been identified as vulnerable for human trafficking. The girls for the most part come from Akah villages in the northern hills of Thailand. 

Peony Market supports House of Grace financially and hopes to sponsor a young girl as one becomes available to support.  I want to share with you a little bit about House of Grace and the loving community the girls are raised in.  Possibly, you too will feel the tug in your heart as I did.  

House of Grace welcomes these girls with open arms providing a safe place to grow in God’s grace, love and care. The directors of House of Grace, Juti and A-la, model grace by their actions daily. They have a staff of ten to take care of these girls.  The home provides cozy bunkbeds, meals, bible study, a food garden and vans to take the girls to schools nearby.  Mark, the founder of House of Grace, says the girls are a page out of the children’s classic “Madeline” as they line up in two straight lines to depart for school.  

House of Grace is run by Juti and A-la. They serve with grace and truth, giving the girls a secure, loving home. Juti was one of the first girls many years ago to be rescued by House of Grace so she understands the girls. Many of the girls come from situations where the father is addicted to opium and is abusive. A common practice is for the little girls to be sold by their fathers for drug money to businessmen who promise the girls jobs in the city, but in actuality they become slaves to prostitution. Juti and Ala are beautiful servants who truly are giving away their lives to help these girls have the life they so deserve, saving them from this terrible fate.

We witnessed Juti and A-la’s extravagant love from the very beginning to the end of our stay.  Juti locked arms with me at the airport, carrying my bags and listening compassionately to our travel stories. It was as though we had been friends forever. We were greeted be the precious girls from House of Grace bearing gifts of jasmine necklaces and cards of love.  I believe these actions demonstrate what a house filled with grace should look like.  Meeting our guests, friends and family with love instead of being too busy and entangled on our phones demonstrates that we value them. These girls loved me with all their hearts the minute I set foot on campus. My heart broke when we said our goodbyes, but I knew this wasn’t bye forever. Rather, it was simply the beginning of relationship with them through prayer and sponsorship.

Our visit to the House of Grace in Thailand, witnessing such beautiful love with the girls and our new friends Juti and Ala, has changed our hearts forever!  These girls are precious gifts from God. They have lives ahead of them that are going to impact the world in tremendous ways.  It all starts with love.  If it weren’t for Global Servants who began House of Grace, and for Juti and A-la’s leadership, the girls would have had much different lives. The girls, having experienced amazing love and acceptance, in turn love others in the same way. Grace and Love are contagious! 

Peony Market’s first core value is Grace. An atmosphere of Grace, whether in our home or business, begins with us. Understanding and experiencing God’s amazing love propels us to give extravagant grace to others….

As we enter 2019 with God’s grace,  Let’s embrace these simple ways of making others feel loved and valued:

Lock arms with those you greet 

Carry others bags

Give gifts

Share stories

Give what you have

If you are interested in learning more about House of Grace and want information about sponsoring a young girl, go to  Global Servants.  House of Grace’s tagline is 

“Saving little girls for big destinies.”  

Peony Market’s gatherings and a future online store are the means to share love to those you cherish.  We will always support organizations that help women restore and become all that God created them to be.

Grace and Love-

Sharon 

Begin with Joy

Here we are on December 18th! Let’s begin these days before Christmas seeking Jesus with exceedingly great joy like the Wise Men. More than 2,000 years ago the Wise Men of the east came to Jerusalem and asked Herod, “Where is the one who has been born of the Jews?” They had seen his star and came to worship him. However, King Herod was very troubled and questioned the scholars of the law to find out where the Christ was to be born. He discovered from his inquiry that there would be a ruler to shepherd Israel. He then told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem and search for the child, so he too could “worship” him. However, Herod had other devious plans to kill baby Jesus.

The Wise Men followed the Star of the east and found baby Jesus, presenting Him their treasures of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They gave their very best to their King! They were then warned by dream not to go back to Herod and so returned home by an alternate route. Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph were protected by the Wise Men receiving a dream from God as well as Joseph being warned in a dream to leave and go to Egypt after the birth of Jesus. The Wise Men followed the star to see their King and went with exceedingly great joy! (Matthew 2:10).

This story is such a beautiful image of what our lives should look like: filling ourselves with His love in order to bear gifts to others. This is the heart and soul of Peony Market. In the spirit of bearing gifts in order to bless others, we will be sharing a gift a day leading up to Christmas to give to those we cherish. Begin today by setting your eyes on the star, seeking the King and offering Him your best gift: love and adoration.

Merry Christmas!

Hand In Hand

Psalm 139:5 “ You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”

October is here!  We are ready for Fall, a new season of fresh air and spectacular leaves.

This season finds me launching a business (Peony Market), turning 55, and experiencing many other changes within our family.  Garment of  Praise will become "Beauty in All Forms"-  merging into my new website, peonymarket.co this November.  Join me today for my last post in garmentofpraise.co with great anticipation for my online store, home gatherings and blog within peonymarket.co, coming soon!

Just as leaves change colors every year, we are made to be in a constant pattern of change as well.  If we aren’t changing, then we are not becoming the person we were created to be.  Change has to happen. It begins walking hand in hand with our Savior who cares, giving us grace that we need daily.

This fall I cling to Jesus- hand in hand as I share with you the unveiling of Peony Market.  The picture of Mike's and my hands was in my first post in Garment of Praise, Redeeming Love. This photo is the imagery of the redeeming love we have with our Savior.  God gave me an unbelievable spouse who exhibited God's redeeming love at the onset of our journey together. To hear our story, please go back and read my first blog, Redeeming Love.  

Today, I share with you the Redeeming Love God has for us as we walk hand in hand with Jesus in all our ways. I love the word "unveiling" because it is in my life verse.  Because of Jesus, we no longer have to hide behind the veil.  We are free to enter His throne room room everyday.  

2 Cor 3:18- “ And we all, with unveiled face beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same Image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”