Jul 31 2008
Changes
Some changes have taken place that affect both me personally and Flourishes.
After much heart-wrenching consideration, I have decided that I need to leave Flourishes, and I am no longer in partnership with Jan Marie, Nancy and Sharon D. These ladies have been so kind and gracious to me in the past, and it is not easy to leave, but it was the only decision that was right for me. I know they will continue to Flourish and I wish them nothing but the best.
I began my journey with Flourishes when they opened their doors just about a year ago. I was on their original Design Team, then I served as Design Team Leader and eventually I bought into partnership and we launched the Stamp Simply series of stamps. Sadly to say, this has all come to an end.
And I know the question you all have is WHY? Well, very simply because I have been working very, very hard to promote Flourishes and that translates into hours a lot of hours way too many hours more hours than I could reasonably handle, considering I have a husband, family, home, farm, friends, church and community. All of these things, which have always been of the utmost importance to me, have fallen by the wayside, taking second place. And it just reached a saturation point where I had to reconsider my decisions I had to step back and take a look at what is REALLY important to me in life. Is it having a stamp line or being in partnership in a business and working myself to a frazzle until the wee hours of each morning? No, it most certainly is not. It is taking care of and honoring my family and my God — and there is no question in my mind that Gods intent for me is that of a homemaker it is where I am at total peace with life. And it is what I must return to. But God is gracious and God is good and He has always allowed me time for personal pleasure which, to me, is stamping. So, Im not going anywhere Ill be right here where Ive always been, playing and talking with you all.
I thank you all for your friendship, your kindness, your understanding and your support. And I pray that you all can experience the peace that I now feel and Id like to leave you with this:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 4-7 (NIV)
124 responses so far
This must have been a difficult decision, but I am so happy to hear you had the strength to see it and to make it. I absolutely adore your stamped creations, and love that you create them in joy and love. 😀
This must have been a very hard decision to make. Congratulations on having the courage to stop and assess the true priorities in your life, your faith, family and friends. In this mad world we live in not many have the guts to do that. Hope God will bring you peace and some time for your self and your art.
WOW! This surely is a surprise, Sharon. I am so impressed that you were able to see how this changed your life and I’m sure your decision was not made lightly. Welcome back….we missed you.
I’m fairly new to your blog but your post just really touched me. It’s wonderful that you are blessed and able to do what you love.
Sharon, my dear friend, I so admire your courage to take back control of your life. Your family and faith are the embodiment of the love you pour into them. Pour generously! A prayer I found for you: “Dear Lord, my sense of timing is fallible and imperfect; Yours if not. Let me trust in Your timetable for my life, and give me the patience and the wisdom to trust Your plans, not my own. Amen.”
Amen! We love you, Sharon!
You are truly a strong woman to strive to find balance in your life and put your priorities in line! I’m sure both you and Flourishes will continue to do well and your family will thank you for this hard but much needed decision! {{{hugs}}}
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes in life it is hard to keep our priorities straight and you are a great example of choosing what is the most important. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
Good for you, Sharon. Sometimes I find myself perched on that fence and wonder if I am balancing too many things. I commend you for having the courage to know when to get off the merry go round. I’m still flailing along.
It sounds like the Lord led you to a peaceful decision, Sharon. Thankfully, you will keep creating your beauties!
It takes a lot of courage to step back and look hard at your life. I pray that you were able to recognize that changes needed to be made before anything became ‘life threatening’. You are an incredibly creative, passionate person full of life and love. Thank you for being you and sharing so much of yourself with all of us.
I wish you the best! I think twenty years from now you will still know this was the decision you needed to make at this time.
{{{Sharon}}}
Bless your heart! Good for you … for prioritizing … for putting God and family first! I can only imagine the hours you must have been putting in for Flourishes (and may I add … an AMAZING job!). Sometimes the WORK can take the fun away from stamping. Do what makes YOU happy!!!! God Bless.
Nancy
Good for you in making a decision that is right for you…I think it is fabulous that you’ve had the Flourishes opportunity but also know what is best for you..
Bravo, Sharon! I feel so much joy for you at learning of your decision. I would think your smile must light the heavens and your family feels comforted snuggled once again in your embrace. You’re an inspiration to all over-worked women everywhere! I’m so happy for you! Enjoy every moment!
Sharon, What a very hard decision to come to. A sad day for Flourishes, but a new and wonderous beginning for you, back to your loving family, to simpler less stressful days, with the fun of kicking back and enjoying your love of creating these amazingly beautiful cards.
I am so glad that you are going to still be with us. you would be missed so much.
you are a friend, even though we have never met.
I am Happy for you!
Judy
How difficult this must have been for you, Sharon ….I am sooo glad you have found comfort and peace in your decision. I applaud you for following your heart!!
Hi Sharon, I also made a heart wrenching and difficult decision recently. it was downright scary to leave everything I knew and go forward in a direction that was unknown. However, it was the best thing that ever happened to me…my life has opened up and now I have more joy, contentment and fulfillment. I am happy. And with your new decision, with the peace you feel, I know that you will become deliriously happy because you did what was right for you.
Flourishes is a wonderful company and they WILL continue on I am sure…and I for one, am really glad to have you back because your creations are just GORGEOUS…and I’ve missed you!
Thank you for sharing your life with its ups and downs. I wish you joy and peace in all you do.
Smiles,
Anne
That wonderful “peace of God” which transcends all understanding is so precious, isn’t it? So glad you’ve made that decision.
I respect and admire you for your decision. God will reward your faithfulness and your family will respect your example all the more!! “Faithful is He who calls you!!”
The sense of peace that you must now have is evident in your words. I wish you all the best and will continue to follow your blog!
My dear friend Sharon, I know this was a very difficult decision, but one your family and friends will love you even more for because you choose them over your love of creative designing. You were such a wonderful addition to Flourishes and I am sure the girls are grateful for anytime you were able to give them, but it is now time for all your at home responsibilities……gosh, now you will have to keep up with the laundry again 🙂 Happy Homemaking and stamping.
[…] I dedicate this card to my friend, Sharon, who has just made a brave and difficult decision and I’m proud of her. She’s an inspiration, not only in the execution of her stamp art, but in her life choices. You can read her post here. […]
To everything turn turn turn,
God said it first, then later the group called The Birds made it famous in song and now it has come to nest in your heart.
It is often difficult to choose the path that we know in our spirit we must but joy comes in the morning.
May God bless you and give you and your family peace and joy.
Creatively,
Cindy Cade
{Sharon} my sweet and wonderful friend I am so happy for you and so proud of you. You have searched your soul and taken an honest look at your goals and priorities and have changed your course to follow and fulfill them. This was surely a hard decision for you. But the feeling of peace that you now have is a witnesses that your choice was the right one for you and your family. And thank goodness for us that you will still be here to inspire… creating from your heart… a heart that is now at peace and joyful. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Blessing Sharon you must follow your heart and your God. I know this wasn’t an easy decision but replacing families and church fellowship with business commitments wouldn’t bring the same joy and peace. I am happy you have reached your decision the hardest part is behind you.
Sharon,
You did the right thing! It must have been a difficult decision for you to make but one you knew you had to make! There is no joy in staying up “late to create” every night and day! I will be thinking of you and keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers! I’ll be honest I miss the things you use to create with SU……….there was no one better at it!
Have a great weekend,Hugs,Elizabeth
YOU GO GIRL!!!!! THERE ARE NOT MANY OF US THAT REALIZE WHERE/WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING MUCH LESS HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE CHANGES TO ACHIEVE IT. I APPLAUD YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE POSTS…………..
I try never to miss your blog and love to read it and see the wonderful creations you share with us. I so appreciate your sharing this big decision and trust that God will continue to give you peace in it. When we are where He wants us, He gives us peace. Flourishes will definitely miss you, but you have your priorities in the right order. May we all aim to do that. I agree with so many of the posts above. You continue to bless each of us daily. Thank you, and may God continue to encourage you and give you joy in stamping. We love you!
I am certainly surprised at your decision, but can totally understand it! Best of luck and I’ll keep stopping by as I did before Flourishes and now after! You will be missed there, I’m sure but your peace of mind is more important. Know you are loved out here in blogland and we support you all the way!
I applaud you for having the strength to make such a difficult and heart-wrenching decision to leave Flourishes. I know that was no easy task by any means. I can only imagine the hours you’ve spent on the tasks you were given. I’ve resisted doing a blog because I’m having so much fun stamping and creating, and I don’t want any pressure to take away the joy I find in this great hobby. I understand what must have brought you to this decision because there is only so much we can accomplish as human beings.
For my own selfish needs, I’m glad you’ll still be blogging. This is such a great place for daily inspiration! {{hugs}}
Our God is an Awesome God. Thank goodness He does not leave us to our selfs. Tho this may have been a difficult decision, it was the right one. Our home is our number one ministry. May He continue to bless you for your obedience, and love for HIM. Hugs & Smooches
I think I’m more sad for Fourishes that you are leaving. God and your family come first and if you feel led that God wants you in your home, then you made the right choice. The feeling that knowing you are where God wants you is wonderful!
Decisions which are easy to make aren’t always the important ones. It’s the hard decisions which change our lives deeply. Congratulations on making one of the hard ones. We all have to decide what is MOST important to us — and your decision that family and God should come first is definitely the right one for you. Often times the hustle and bustle of a business get it the way of enjoying our lives and our loves. Good for you!
Sharon, I am thrilled for you, we can never go wrong in the footsteps of Jesus. Enjoy your time with family and friends, may God richly bless you. Hugs, Teresa*~*
Sharon, I have truly loved following your blog and drooling over all of your creations – they’re top-notch in every way. There is no doubt you put a lot into promoting Flourishes and it has definitely helped me to love so many of their products. I’m sure they’ll miss you, but you’re doing the right thing for sure to let God direct you back to your priorities. I’ve always had the same struggles, and I’m sure I do a mere fraction of what you’ve been doing. I can imagine the pressure that you and so many demonstrators feel when you have deadlines to meet for blogs, promotions, classes, etc. and still have a family to care for, friends to love, and your church to stay connected with. I’m grateful for all of you because you provide the inspiration for me to keep loving stamping and I truly appreciate your sacrifice of time. Bless you for making this decision. I know it wasn’t easy. I will continue to subscribe to your blog if you keep it going, and I will continue to enjoy Flourishes and all they have to offer, as well as the vast community of stamping companies out there that make stamping so fun and varied. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas. Happy August!
Sharon– the hours (24/7) and the dedication you put toward Flourishes amazed me…I never could have done it! Even though your strength began to wane from the long hours, your creativity was always *flourishing*…
Steve and the boys must be happy to have Mom back, I know that I am glad that we can spend more time together!
I’m certain that the Lord will bless your decision and family!
Oh Sharon, I commend you on your strength!!!! I have no doubt that it was one of the hardest decisions you’ve ever made but I totally understand you making it and support you all the way. From the time you started in partnership with Flourishes, you supported/promoted them whole heartedly and I have to admit I wondered many times where you found the time and strength to keep up with it all! We are all here for you and I’m sure your family is too! God Bless You!!! We’re so glad that you are sticking around to continue to inspire us with your art … you have true talent and I for one am so happy you share it with me!!
You are one smart cookie. There is a time for everything and this isn’t your time for this committment. Kudos to you. (Even design teams are soo time consuming and a bit expensive at times!!)
Sharon, I love your blog and your amazing talent. Good luck on your future endeavors-sounds like you are on the right track again.
Bev J. (Maxell on SCS)
AMEN! I have been touched by the outpouring of your heart and your decision. I too have enjoyed your website and your wonderful creations. God Bless You for the peace you now have. It’s not easy making those decisions but with the grace of God and His loving kindness He has towards us, He make everything possible through Him. I lost focus a while back, but He is gently refocusing my direction. I will continue to enjoy your blog as I know you will continue to show off your beautiful creations with all of us. Be Blessed and You are a Blessing in my life.
Wanda M. (wmcghee on SCS)
Sharon, I do so admire your courage and strength. I can imagine what a difficult decision this has been for you. I know from personal experience what it takes to run a business, the countless hours, perserverance and dedication to the task. Although there are rewards of many kinds, the demands on your time come at a price. And sometimes the price is just too high. Kudos to you for knowing your heart and doing what’s right for you and your family!
Congratulations on your decision, albeit such a difficult one. I’m so pleased for you and the clairvoyance that enabled you to re-assess priorities. Take a deep breath and inhale deeply. Welcome back.
Sharon, I’m sure it was not an easy decision to leave Flourishes but I totally understand that family does come first and I applaud you for being able to step back and see that. Many of us get so busy with others things that we lose sight of what is most important…those around us whom we love. Your family is probably very excited that you will have more time with them, church and the community. I’m so happy to hear that you will still be HERE sharing with all of us. You are an inspiring person! Big hugs to you!
Dawn
Tough decision I know. But if you considered it in prayer I’m sure it is the right one. I do understand the pressure and lack of quality time with God, family and friends when one owns their own business. I had to make the same decision 2 years ago whe I resigned my partnership in the tearoom that my siblings and I owned. It’s never easy to let go – especially when you’ve invested so much of yourself into it – but I know God will bless your decision.
Sharon, that must have been a tough decision for you to make.
You are so right, about not having enough time for family, friends, church etc. You are so blessed to have people and community who love you.
I am always so inspired by you and I look forward to seeing your beautiful artwork on your blog and splitcoast. God Bless Barb
Sharon, I’m sure this was a most difficult decision, but you had the courage and wisdom to make it anyway. Wishing you peace and joy as you make this transition. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Carla
Sharon, I just recently got to know your blog and have loved following it. I wish you much happiness with your family and the huge decision you have made. May the Lord bless you all and hope you will still give us joy in your wonderful creations. God Bless
Sharon, I know what a tough decision it must have been and I wish you God’s Peace. I also want you to know how much I have enjoyed your blog, your designs and the immense creativity that you put into everything. You do it with a special style and sophistication that I have long admired. I am going to miss seeing all the beauty that you have so graciously shared with everyone. But, I know in your own way you will be sharing the gifts God gave you down the road and that is all that matters.
Hello, Sharon. You and Leslie led me to Flourishes and I’m hopeful that they will continue to grow. I also hope that your decision gives you peace of mind and I look forward to sharing your creative journey. I thought you were a special artist when all I knew about you was your SCS name and gallery. The more I know of you, the more convinced I am of your uniqueness. You hang in there and rest assured that you’ve been led to the correct decision for you and your family! Hugs, Mary (#1volunteer)
This decision could not have been easy but kudos to you for having the strength to make it. You always urge all of us to ‘have fun’ so now maybe you will have more time and energy to just ‘have fun’!
I too made a similar change three years ago…at first, I made it a bit difficult at times with my second guessing myself for a bit. But, I came to know that it was the right decision and I have had much peace and happiness from it. I wish the same for you, and will continue to enjoy your blog as your time permits.
Sharon,
I applaud you. Knowing what your purpose is and where you need to be, it’s very empowering. I look forward to seeing your beautiful creations, created not at the wee hours of a frazzled day, but when time blesses you with an opportunity.
Oh Sharon this could not of been easy but the right decision. You are right God will honor you and you made the right choice as hard as it was. I will still look forward to your awesome cards and your wonderful comments. Big hugs!!!
Oh Sharon ~ I am proud of you for making such a tough decision!!! As you can see, you have quite the bevy of friends moving you along in your direction and congratulating you for your choice. Just PLEASE don’t stop posting your beautiful work and ideas ! I have grown in watching your blog and have learned so much from your gorgeous work! Flourishes must be sad, but they know you are still going to be there for them. As you know, they are my very favorite stamping place and if my darn computer ever gets fixed, I cannot wait to post more of their wonderful images. May God continue to give you and yours much peace and happiness!
Blessings to you Sharon and your family! I was wondering how you were doing it all when time and time again I would see your posting to your blog at 2 and 3 in the morning! Your choices were brave and the direction your life will now take is to be admired! You are true to your self, your family and above all, your God. You continue to amaze me girl! I salute you! God bless you over and over again! He sure has blessed us to have you “in our lives” too!
Having changes in life can certainly be hard, but also rewarding. I, too, have made decisions & changes in my life that led me to a more peaceful & less stressful life. It was the best decision I ever made & I have never regretted it since. Enjoy your family & may God bless you!
Sharon, what a difficult decision. I can totally understand the choice… it was a good one. Return to your family… and we will always be there with you.
hugs.
change is good. change is bad. change is difficult. i can almost feel the struggle you went through to come to this place. and encouraged to see that your priorities are in the right place: God first, family next … and everything else in third place. so glad you are not leaving your *community* of stampers, i enjoy your work. and thanks for having the courage to be totally honest about your decision.
blessings, jo ann.
It’s so hard to make these choices but you are right – God, family, and friends come first. I’m sure the gals will still have your support from time to time. Thanks for the beauty you create for us all.
Sharon, I totally support, understand and cheer your decision! It sounds like you are most certainly a woman with a smart sense of who you are and what your priorities are. What a lucky family (close and extended) you have! Best of luck! (I’ll still be here stalking your blog!!)
Sharon, I know that you don’t know me. However, I just wanted to encourage you in your decision. I check your site every day and enjoy what you have to show and what you have to say. I recently decided to discontinue doing monthly stamping classes for similar reasons. I thoroughly enjoyed having my classes and the ladies that regularly came to class enjoyed it, as well. However, I kept feeling that the effort necessary to prepare top-notch class projects was taking away from time that I should be spending with God and my family. In my heart, I think I had known for quite some time that God was nudging me gently toward setting correct priorities in place. I reasoned that I could try harder to do both. It just never happened that way. I finally gave in and became willing to let go of something that I love dearly ( stamping) in order that I would not always be in battle mode to keep things balanced. I have had such wonderful peace since I made this decision. Somehow, I know God has wonderful things in store for me that I might have missed. My family was always tremendously supportive of my stamping venture, even when they had to take a back seat to time spent in preparation. However, they are delighted that I will be more available to them at the time when they need me most. And, like you, I can stamp for fun with no deadlines that I have to meet. Thanks for sharing your story. It encouraged me greatly.
Carole Ricardslon
Priorities, priorities,priorities, the least of which is work related. God called and you made the choice to listen. I applaud you !!!! Good luck in future endevors, in renewing yourself with, God, family, and friends. Blessings MaryAnn
Sharon, as evidenced by the wonderful comments in your blog, you are loved for your talent and yourself. The difficult decision you made shows me that you put yourself and your needs first. A fantastic career is great but if it sacrifices the things which are most important to a person, the career isn’t worth it. I know that Flourishes will miss you but your family will celebrate your return to them. Hopefully you will take some time for yourself and your priorities. God Bless You!
Shirley L.
Hi. I’m a missionary in Kosovo and have been enjoying your blog for the past six months or so. I just wanted to tell you that I was so encouraged by this post and by your convictions. Way to make the difficult but right decision. . .you blessed my socks off today!
Sharon, thank you so much for your honesty and courage to do what you know God is leading you to do. I admire your open testimony in sharing your journey and complete reliance on God. Thank you for your inspiration in this and in your creations as you share them with us. What a beautiful passage you have reminded me of.
Sharon-first- it was so nice to be able to meet you in Chicago-
and second- you must do what your heart tells you to. I know that it is so easy to get wrapped up in this and overwork your self!! I often have to step back and remember just what’s *really* important!
thanks for your amazing generosity though- you are such an inspiration!!!
I know that God will bless you even more with standing by your conviction and doing what He is wanting you to do. Thank you for the prayer and it and you brought tears to my eyes because we should all be so compliant to God and dedicated to Him and our families. I am glad you will still be stamping and sending in lovely pictures for me to look at! You are a blessing to me in a lot of ways and I send you hugs!!
Congratulations on your decision, Sharon, and for making it as quickly as you did after joining the Flourishes team. I know God will bless you for your obedience to Him and use you in many ways as you pour yourself to your family, friends, church etc. Blessings to you and I look forward to continuing to see your amazing creations. ((( hugs )))
Well, Sharon, I am so sure that you did not make this decision lightly. I applaud you for knowing that God and Family come first. I wish you continued success and will look forward to seeing your fabulous creations in the galleries and here on your blog. God bless!
Sharon, thank you for sharing your struggle. It was well said and full of faith. I am sure the Fathers is saying, well done good and faithful servant.
Sharon, thank you for sharing your struggle. It was well said and full of faith. I am sure the Father is saying, well done good and faithful servant.
Thank you for sharing! Priorities are important!
Sharon,
What a very moving and inspiring post.
Cherylynn
I am confident that God will bless you abundantly for putting first things first. I enjoy your blog tremendously and I’m sure, especially based on all the other comments, that it is an encouragement for many others as well.
That was a very beautiful way to put it Sharon! I applaud you for knowing and remembering what is most important in life! I’m sure you feel much lighter today! God bless!
Congrats on daring to stretch your wings and try a new venture, and having the wisdom to keep your most dear priorities at the center of your life. You are very blessed, and so are we because you share your talents with us so generously. Linda
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for reminding all of us what should come first in our lives!!
And how easy it is to get lost in all the things we like and have to do.
You did stop and listen to the voice of God and your family….
it will be okay and there will be peace in your heart.With love, Anja
This is the best post I have read of your’s. . .thank you for sharing your decision to choose your family and the Lord. What a great pattern for the rest of us. Thank you for reminding me that He should have the first place in our lives.
Sharon, I don’t comment much, but am subscribed to your blog. I respect your decision and know how hard this must have been. I left SU! 5 yrs ago for this reason and it was the hardest thing I had ever done. My business was growing by leaps and bounds, but my youngest son needed lots of one on one help and he is doing things that specialists said would never happen.
Sharon,
I have never replied to your site, or much of anyone’s. I’m one of the bunches that just watch, looks and listens. I have so totally enjoyed your blog.. I hope you will continue posting your work, it is great work. As to your decision to step back, I applaud you. I would love to have a blog, but I have a full time business (25 employees including over the road truck drivers(15)) so the phone rings at every supper. I have a beautiful family – 2 kids – 4 grandkids – and a fabulous husband. God has been so gracious to us all. I teach 3rd & 4th grade Sunday School and I am definetly a full time wife/mom/mother-in-law/grandma/business partner. No time for blog updating. So I simply enjoy the talents of others.
God bless you in your reorganization of life. HE WILL REWARD YOU.
Good luck.
……….as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 15:24
db
Well to say I was in shock is an understatement, however I do understand your decision. I hope you can find balance and peace you are searching for.
>”<
Latisha
I respect you deeply Sharon!! How hard this must have been for you. Your note was so well written and obviously God has blessed you richly!! Not only do you obviously have oodles of talent, but you also have such an open and wise heart. It’s so hard to balance family, church, and creative passions. But, the peace you now have is an awesome reminder to me about how to prioritize!! Thank you so much for the inspiration!! May God continue to bless you and your family!! HUGS!!!
Well, I am not going to say anything new. I, like everyone else, applaud your decision. My daughter and I just went through a tough couple of years; and it certainly made me prioritize. Family is what matters, and God will always lead us where we need to be as long as we listen. God bless you and I can’t wait to see what creativity this new life brings to you!!!
Sharon, I admire your creative talents, and I admire even more your courage to follow your convictions. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives us all reason to step back and take a careful look at our own priorities on a regular basis. Hugs!
Congratulations Sharon, I am so very happy for you for making the decision that is best for you and your family. You are such an amazing inspiration to so many of us!!
Sometimes it takes more courage to say no to something than it does to say yes. There is nothing more noble or more important than the time you spend raising your children.
Sharon thanks so much for sharing your heart like this – it’s a wonderful testimony. It’s great that you stepped out and tried the business and were successful and even greater that you followed the Lord’s leading on leaving. Best wishes to you! I sure do hope to meet you in person one day – CHA in Anaheim maybe….
Sharon, I don’t comment often but I’m so happy that you have complete peace and happiness in your heart over this. I think all that you have accomplished has been just wonderfully amazing! May God be with you and bring you many blessings for making such a hard but needed decision! Many hugs…
~Angie
Sharon, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.” All that we have is from the Lord and as you honor Him and your family He will honor you. Blessings…
Karen M.
Sharon,
You are an amazing woman in so many ways. Although it was a difficult decision to make you must know by the numerous comments here that you have so much support from those of us who admire you.
God always blesses those who are obedient to him and I commend you for finding the courage to listen to him and your heart and making the changes necessary to bring you peace.
Hugs,
Kathie
Sharon, what can I say? {{{{Hugs, Sweetie!}}}} It *is* tough to get it all done, and sometimes when a love becomes a business, creating isn’t as much fun. . . I totally admire you for your decision and your desire to honor God. I’d still love to have you come over for a “play date” one day when you have time!
No doubt you will be missed by the Flourishes team, as you very obviously dedicated an enormous amount of time and effort into the business. I am touched by what you’ve said, and admire your ability to recognize the conflict that was in your heart, be able to make such a difficult decision, and to know peace once you made it. Thank you so much for sharing this part of yourself with us!
Smiles and hugs!
Deena
Hi Sharon,
Thanks so much for not only sharing your art and your ideas but also your heart.
I was thrilled to find you and your website last year. Not only are you talented, but you have shared your love of the Lord in a warm and wonderful way to all of us.
Thank you so much.
Many blessings,
Jennifer
Sharon, kudos to you for making such a hard decision! You help us as well to put things into perspective.
God bless Sharon, we love you!!
Sharon, You have done a wonderful job for Flourishes and I know the other owners appreciate all the time you dedicated to get it up and going. But, I totally understand your decision. I have had those hard choices before and have seen family suffer because of my work commitment. I know that is not the choice God wants us to make, but we tend to think we are “wonder woman” and can have it all. Not me, not anymore!
Many blessings to you as you move forward and I will continue to faithfully come to my favorite blog and be inspired.
Dear Sharon…I am sad and yet glad that you have listened to God before your own ambitions and know where He has placed you! We will miss you so much in that previous spot, but know your amazing creativity will still be evident to all..Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us! Susan
Bless your heart, Sharon! It is an admirable decision that you have made to honor God and your family. May you be richly blessed in it!
It is a wise woman who can can evaluate her life, re-prioritize and do it before she burns herself out. God will honour and bless your life tremendously for choosing to place Him and your family first. I know this must have been difficult for you but its always kinda exciting to wait and see what window God opens when a door closes.!
Bless you Sharon,
This is the first I have read of your blog, but it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for having the courage to put your family first. Thank you for reminding me that God gifts some of us with homemaking, and that it can be a truely beautiful gift.
Congratulations for making that decision! I hate hearing how everyone is so busy and doing too many things- blogs full of 10 million things that needed to be done. YOU know what is right for your life and when you need to step back.
Now you’re able to put what you KNOW is more important in life back where it belongs…at the top of your priority list! No more crazy weeks of staying up until 3AM and then getting the family going at 6 am…. I am very proud of you and the choice that you made! You’re a very smart woman!
Sharon, I applaud your decision to have your family come first. You are an amazing woman and while I’m sad to see you leave Flourishes, I’m happy that you are happy with your decision. I hope you’ll still post some of your amazing creations still, when you have time.
Hugs,
AMEN!
Congratulations on being willing to keep your priorities straight. Reminds me of Ecclesiastes where we’re reminded that there is a time for everything. You can always go back to designing, but you can’t go back to children who keep growing. The Lord will channel your talent in other ways in areas you never dreamed of–I know! After 41 years of marriage, I’m enjoying 3 grandchildren and another on the way–all being raised in Christian homes. Hallelujah!
God is always in the tough choices. His will….will bring great peace and you will know that your choice has His blessings. It is never easy to follow His path and many will not understand.
Dear Sharon –
A “Y” in the road forces us to make choices with our journey …. a strong & brave soul knows when it is time to turn around, back track and take the other path! Wishing you peace and joy!
I am happy for you. I think we all come to a point where we have to choose the BEST choice for us and not settle for the GOOD. You’ve shared so much and I admire and appreciate you for it. But I also admire and appreciate you realizing what is best for you and your family. Thanks!
I admire you so much for making such a difficult decision……sometimes the most difficult decisions turn out to be the best decisions….as you are most likely already finding out…..prayers to you…..
Sharon, it’s just me, Debra. I sat diagonal from you at the Mingle back in March. Just wanted to give you a (((HUG))).
You’re such a special woman, Sharon! You give so much to all those around you – I understand exactly where you and I 100% respect your decision.
I’m glad you’re finding that ever-important balance. Huge Hugs!
Oh Sharon,
I understand everything you are saying. I feel so delighted to have met you at CHA … and am tickled to have shared a (((hug))) with you. So, I’m still here, quietly behind you, and always will be an admirer of your work. Best wishes to you, Sharon!
((((hugs))))
Bev Gerard
You are one smart lady, Sharon, and your family and friends are very lucky to have someone so wise and faithful in their lives. It can be hard to step back from what appears to be ‘success’ on the surface but feels like madness on the inside. Fortunately, though, we’re smarter than we give ourselves credit for, and if we listen to what we know is true rather than what the world-at-large tells is we should want, peace is our reward. I’m so glad you have found peace with your decision and have shared your struggle with the rest of us. You never know how your example might influence another going through something similar. {{{Sharon!}}}
Sharon,
I can so empathize what you have gone through in making this decision! I made a similar decision 18 months ago and it was so worth it. I am now working part-time at a job I really enjoy but have vowed to keep putting my family and home first so that I may continue with the sense of peace I found when I made my decision. May you also
I am sure there is not one stamper/mom/wife/homemaker who doesn’t totally understand your decision! We are here for you and are praying for you and know that we will await your latest creations, whether they’re one a day, one a week, or one a month! Take care of what is important first!
Blessings,
LeAnne
holy cow what a shock there are not enogh hours a day for it all some times what we want to do is differnt then what we can fit in i know that well with kids my rideing lessons horses camp and show and the hatchery i have no time for my friends well this will give you more time to have coffie with me now if i could make time lol what makes you happy makes us all happy for you take care now my be you can get some sleep
I have only discovered your website a little while ago and so enjoy all of your postings. I have always admired all the time and effort you devoted to your work. But I am sure you have made the right decision. It is so hard to try and do everything.
Family should always come first, especially today. It is so IMPORTANT. God bless you always. Now take time and smell all of the roses……
Oh Sharon, that must have been a difficult decision for you with all the time and love you have put into your Flourishes relationship. But I’m so glad you will still be with us. It is so nice to have God in our lives to help direct us. I’m sure He had given you peace in your heart. I’m very happy for you.
Wow Sharon that was a big decision-but well said. You couldn’t sound more sure of yourself and your life’s journey. You helped make Flourishes what it is today and it will continue to be a wonderful company. Best wishes for all future endeavors-and keep coming with the gorgeous artwork!
Sharon,
God has equipped us to do many things…just not all at once. It takes alot of courage and strength to know your priorities and limits and then to put them into practice. May you continue to be blessed and know that your transparency may be helpful to someone else struggling with the same decisions.
Sharon,
I have been visiting your blog for a while, and I could tell that being part of Flourishes was weighing on you. There is only so much we can do…too bad we can’t be cloned! You are so talented and I guess it just wasn’t the right time for you! You were wonderful at Flourishes and I’m sure they’ll miss you, but you made the right decision…to be with your family! There’s nothing better! Best wishes for your future endeavors!
Lisa (lakind)
((((((Sharon))))))….I have just returned from camping only a couple of days ago, and I’m trying to catch up on everything. Bless you for making such an important, yet difficult decision! You are an inspiration, and I wish you all my best!!
Sharon,
I can totally understand why you have done this and I know there was a lot of prayer on your end and the Holy Spirit confirming in your heart that “Yes, this is what I want you to do”.
God let us see the beautiful talent he gave you to share with us the magnificent creations that have been pictured on this blog. You helped a lot of us to soar to new hieghts of inspiration and think outside of the box and always giving praise for every card that was submitted for your challenges no matter the level of our talent.
I am looking forward in continuing visiting your blog on a daily basis, to see what challenges and creations you have so painstakingly created for us to enjoy. May the Lord continue to bless you and use you as the vessel of love and inspiration to all of us who frequent your blog. Thank you for letting Jesus shine not only through your creations but by your words that have been written on this blog.
Know that you have a “forever” sister in Christ and friend of the blog.