Thursday, March 5, 2009

Soaring


I had to tell you. I just had to tell you this.

Not an hour after posting to my blog... after crying hot, salty tears and gritting my teeth and determining to embrace opportunity... someone knocked on my door. Which isn't unusual. Freeman House is a hub of comings and goings.

It was a lady who owns a building downtown. I want you to come see this, she said. Be at my shop at one o'clock.

I wanted to argue but didn't. At one o'clock, I walked past seven houses, the old jail, the railroad tracks, and past two shops into her building.

I just had the floors waxed, she said. Then, I want you to take the front of this building an open a little bakery.

We smiled at each other and then I said, slowly... thankfully... Thanks. Thank you. But I can't afford to.

Yes, you can, she said. I only want $50 a month rent. And you can paint or do whatever you need to do.

We talked for two hours. And by the time I'd walked home after three o'clock, we'd made a tentative deal.


That means this will be henrybella's, my little dream of a bakery. This means I can bicycle or even walk to work. This means this sidewalk will soon be dotted with tables, flowers, and sweets. This means I'll get my shot.

This means that even as I was crying my hot, salty tears, God was making my way where there seemed to be no way. This means that everything I've lost made room for the thing I wanted most.

And this means that soon you can come and sit in my little bakery and pull up a chair - for real, this time - and you can see for yourself. Together we can see what it means to soar....

123 comments:

cupcake studio said...

How absolutely wonderful!!! Oh, the adventures and sweetness you'll have!

Anonymous said...

I AM SO EXCITED AND HAPPY FOR YOU! Our God, He does great and big things.

Go on, girl. Bake!

Anonymous said...

Brinn,
God,proved he is an awesome God!
God, sent YOU an angel
Life is a Blessing
sometimes we are in to big a hurry to stop, listen and wait
Congratulations

Polly said...

Brin, what an adorable building! You are going to have such a wonderful time, now that your supposed-to-be life is starting.

I only wish you wouldn't end your blog now, just when your life is getting going in the right direction. We would love to tag along with you.

ramblin'andie said...

hah ha! God is GOOD! So happy for you!

French Knots said...

What wonderful news! If I didn't live thousands of miles away across the ocean I would come and sit at your pretty tables and eat cake. What an amazing adventure it will be.

Kathi D said...

That is such wonderful news!

Susan said...

Wow ! This is the most wonderful news and gives so much hope to those of us (me for example) that are still struggling to reach our own small dreams. Rock On ! or I guess it should be
Bake On !!

elsie123 said...

And soar you will! With God behind you, how can you not soar??? You'll do well, and be doing something you love, right where you want to do it. Congratulations. I hope I come across your little town someday so I can stop in.

Runner Girl said...

Congratulations! I can almost taste the muffins!

Elenka said...

Oh man! I wish I lived closer! I would even love to help you set it all up. It looks like it will be soooo lovely. Best of luck to you. I often wondered if Henribellas was still around.

Becky K. said...

Watching the gold be refined in the fire!

Wow!

The sweetness of God and His People in our lives.

Kimberly said...

My own salty tears are flowing as I read this! Because words of encouragement, during times of utter despair, are often so trite sounding...I have left but a few, encouraging comments (over the last few months). Your biggest need has been fulfilled, by Him: He has graced you with HOPE! The rest is icing :-) I am absolutely, whole-heartedly THRILLED for you, Brinn!Thank you, Lord, for reminding us that YOUR plan is perfect and your timing is never "off" by a single second! Way to go, Girl!

linda t said...

OH MY GOSH, I KNEW IT!! I knew that a miracle was down the street, past the railroad tracks and around the corner!!!
SOOOO happy for you Brin!

My heart is soaring for you and our God, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!!! (EPH. 3:20)

Our God is an awesome God... NO MATTER WHAT!

Jenn said...

How amazing! What an answer to prayer! I echo others who wish they lived closer..... Will you eventually set up an active, ongoing storefront online?

Sarah Kate said...

How Fantastic! God is so good!

Rebecca said...

See! I knew it! I'm so happy for you Brin. How great is our God??!!

Jeannie said...

Praise God for giving you the chance to soar right into your dream! His timing is perfect.

Unknown said...

Tears of joy are flowing as I read this, I'm so happy for you and that store front is just perfect! I've been saying extra prayers for you sweet Brin, and they have been answered! All the heartache lead to your dream come true, bless your angel! I too hope you will continue with your blog to keep us all up to date with HB. God is so good! Can't wait to hear more!

Tricia said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. I'm so happy for you Brin.

Terri Steffes said...

Glory be!! I am so excited for you! Praise the Lord.

Christy said...

That is amazing! Praise God :)

Vee said...

Wonders never cease! I'm so happy for you and I could kiss that lady!
It looks completely charming, too, Brin! You'll have it up and at'em in no time.

Emily and Patrick said...

God is so good! I prayed for you this morning sitting in my dark quiet kitchen. I've only been reading your blog for a couple weeks but am so inspired by your stories and your creativity. It felt silly at first to pray for someone I don't even know in person...but then I thought, we do that all the time! Prayer lists at church of people we've never met but who mean so much to others, etc. I'm so happy that God has provided a way and am encouraged once again that he hears our prayers.

Thanks for sharing

Kathleen Grace said...

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, my cry came before him into his ears. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. (Psalm 18: 6 and 16)
Praise God Brin! We are praying and pulling for you! I can't wait to see your bakery:>)

Carol said...

I think that was an angel disguised as a woman that came to you. Bless you and that wonderful woman.

Connie said...

Isn't it funny how we are surprised when God answers our prayes so tangibly. I'm so happy for you.

Shelley in SC said...

Wow! All I can say is, "Wow!"

"[He] provide[s] for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor."

Anonymous said...

Now I am crying!!! God is good and SO amazing!

Congrats and best of wishes on your new adventure.

Have fun baking.
-FringeGirl

Jeannie said...

Had to share this verse...so appropriate for a bakery....
"A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..." Proverbs 13:19 NIV

Sue said...

I am soaring with you!

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

That's amazing and I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to take a little drive your way and try your goodies!

Tina said...

What a beautiful building!! It looks like you! So, so happy for you! God speed!!!

Jen said...

God is so good! How exciting! And that store front looks perfect and lovely and I can just smell the cookies now. So happy for you! What a great way to start a new decade of your life.

Tammy said...

Yay, Brin! I am so happy! What a dream come true! God is good and you were faithful. I have been praying for you. This is exactly where God wants you to be. You will be a great success. What an exciting adventure.Yay!!!

Sandi said...

Oh Brin...isn't God amazing how He works things out in His time!! I am so happy for you and will continue to pray for you !! CONGRATULATIONS! Wish I lived closer...I would be there in a heartbeat when you open!
Blessings!

Kristen said...

It's perfect, Brin! I'm so, so happy for you.

Donna said...

Ok, I live in Waco, TX. Tell me how to get there when you open and I will be there!

Mim said...

Soon maybe very soon purchase that bike you want with basket to ride to/from the bakery to your home!

Veronica said...

Congratulations! I pray that God will bless your bakery and that it will be even more than you've dreamed.

Seeing the faith you have has been so uplifting to me. Thank you.

Michelle said...

God is so Good!! Congratulations!! I just could not be happier for you!!

Larissa said...

Praise God, he is SO GOOD! This is amazing news...
I hope that you will share pictures and exciting happenings with us, via your blog or newsletter!

Cindy said...

Just when you think you are gonna break...God provides us with utmost hope. Sigh. Fantastic for you:) bake away girl. Your bakery will be adorable!

redeemed diva said...

Yahoo! Brin, that is by far my favourite post on your whole blog!!! God is so awesome!!! Bake away! I am so excited for you!

BecMama said...

"Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed." Proverbs 15:22

I pray for you my friend, and am so encouraged by your sharing of difficult times. I congratulate you with a smile and squeeze. I so hope I can sit and enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of tea from your shop someday soon. God is in control, Always!

Old Centennial Farmhouse said...

Thank you Lord, for answering prayer, and for showing us that you care for Brin! Praise be to God for this gift, I'm so happy for you Brin and for this opportunity.

Adrienne said...

Oh Brin, I'm absolutely, completely thrilled for you. This is the beginning of your dream and I know God was working behind the scenes to bring you to this place. Please keep up updated and let us share the journey with you - and pray much for you - as you soar. And we will soar, too. You are an encouragement and inspiration. Even in the tough times. I wish I lived close enough to help you move things, scrub things - whatever you need help with. And oh how I wish I could stop by for a sweet treat. Looking forward to seeing your dream come true! ~Adrienne~

Rosa said...

Whoo Hoo! :D
Praise God!
Happy baking. . .

Amy said...

Save us a spot! I can hardly type I'm crying with happy tears for you! Jim and I love you and have been praying that God will provide!

sherry said...

God has met your need with a great blessing, dear one. To Him is all praise given! I look forward to seeing the process and results of your labor and joy. Please....................please don't close your blog. :o)

Corinne said...

Oh my, I am so thrilled and excited for you. I just had chills reading your post. Congratulations...have fun....
~Corinne

Cheryl said...

Yay!!!! See how the Lord provides! I am sooo happy for you. You soar girl!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

It looks like an adorable location.

All in His timing. :)

I truly believe in this world in which we find ourself, there will be many people who will be fed physically, emotionally, and even spiritually by such a sweet place. :)

Susan said...

I have missed your blog - (it's been a couple of months... sorry)as I was getting caught up in my own puddle of salty sad tears.... and then, by chance, as I was sitting here at work... you came to mind - and I thought... wonder what Brin is up to these days. So, I typed in your address and as I read your recent post - I was overcome by goosebumples... (that's what my daughter Isabel calls goosebumps :) and I see your dream - coming to life on the pages of your beautiful blog. How absolutley wonderful is our God... Get ready Brin... fluff those feathers and smile....

Gayle from Southern Thresholds said...

Brin so happy to read this post...amazing things are in your future, can't wait to see the next chapter!

Vintage Girl said...

Praise God!! I can't tell you how happy I am for you!! God answers prayer and Brin, your new bakery is so quaint, I can just picture you in there baking up a storm. Did I say how happy I am for you!! Blessings, Heather

Erin Southwell said...

MAGNIFICENT!!!! The only word for it! So happy for you, Brinn! And what a fab building, just beautiful. It was meant to be.

Unknown said...

I am so excited and happy for you.... I want you to keep blogging so we will know everything that happens. You will be so successful.

You deserve it.

I wish I could come help you.

Cynthia

Jenn said...

I just knew you would be soaring soon with God's love and inspiration.
Congratulations!!!!
Now I only wish we were living back around Dallas so I could bring my girls and best friend to visit your little shop (heck I'd take off work and have my mil watch the girls for a day or two so I could help you set things up).
Get baking!!! And please keep us updated on Henribella's.

CottageBliss said...

Oh Brin, I'm so Happy for YOU!!
I know you will guard this gift and cherish it and make your sweet dream flourish!
Did I hear the creaking sound of a door opening to a whole new chapter in your life? I think you heard it too!
Congratulations and don't forget the focaccia bread!

Farmer Jen said...

Congratulations! A dream come true. You are an inspiration.

Kelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kelly said...

GOD IS SO GOOD!!
Matt Redman's song, "You Never Let Go" immediately came to mind when I read this post. Praising God with you today, Brin. :) I can't wait to see what you do with the place. I'd love to come visit it someday. Perhaps I will. I'm not too terribly far from you, I believe.

And I can see a light
That is coming
For the heart that holds on,
A glorious light beyond all compare.

And there will be an end
To these troubles
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You.
Still I will praise You.

For I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Kelly said...

i can't stop reading this post. and looking at the photos of your new bakery. :)

Linnee said...

How fantastic! I am so happy for you! :)

Sandi said...

Hi Brin, I just had to leave another comment. I printed off your last two posts and read them to my hubby today all the while trying so hard to keep my composure, but I ended up disolving in a sobbing mess. To which hubby says, " WOW...32 hours a week seems pretty good compared to what she is going through". I said YES IT DOES! God is so good ! And I echo others sentiments...PLEASE OH PLEASE keep your blog going Brin. We want to continue celebrating with you!
Blessings!

Theresa said...

I have been following your blog for a while....All that you have been going through...CONGRATULATIONS!!!! So very, very happy for you!

Debe said...

I am so truly happy for you!!!!! Dreams do come true, I have always told my kids, sometimes you just have to live long enough, ha! Wish you the very sweetest best!

Unknown said...

Brin, that is so wonderful! He made a way where there was no way. I bet that is more than you could have dreamed right now. AWESOME!

Joy said...

I know, let's all meet Brin at her bakery and help her clean, paint, etc. When's the grand opening? I am so happy for you Brin. God bless. I hope you record your new journey here on your blog.

Unknown said...

You go, girl!!! I'm so excited for you. I will make a day trip to sample your wares.
Summer

RavenM said...

Yay, God!! Woohoo:) :) :)

Emma's Paper Patch said...

this post left me in tears. God is so good! what a wonderful gift He has given you. i wish you all the luck. my hubby goes hog hunting in texas...maybe i will have to go with him sometime so i can try your sweet treats.

Amy said...

Ohhhhh!!!! I am SOOO happy for you!!! Congrats!!

Michelle said...

OH MY GOD, Brin, that is WONDERFUL! See, God is here for us...he heard you and I knew it would happen. :) I'm SOOOOO excited for you!!!

Cee said...

What a lovely story of God's provision, Brin.

And isn't it just so interesting that for him to give the things he has in store for us we must first let go of all that we hold on to! You have done such letting go in the last little while, now it is your turn to receive.

I know you will bless Him with henrybella's. I was wondering where that was sitting on your backburner.

God bless
Cee

Linda Z said...

Amazing, Brin!! You must be on cloud 9!! What an amazing blessing from our faithful God! And what a generous landlord! I know you'll do her proud!! :)

karen said...

Congratulations Brin!
I can just picture Millie
lying outside near the flowerpots
people-watching while you serve your customers. Best of luck to you!
Karen

Julie said...

Oh, Brin!

I've had my hand to heart while I was reading this! This is such blessed news!!!
I hope to visit you on our next trip to Jefferson!
God is soooooooooo Good!

Many Blessings,
Julie

Nina Diane said...

Fabulous!

ampersand said...

I love Jeannie's Proverbs quote. Perhaps you could consider it as Henrybella's motto.

I am so very happy for you.

I offer you this, from the poet Wallace Stevens:

After the final no there comes a yes
And on that yes the future world depends.
No was the night. Yes is this present sun.

I hope you have found your present sun, Brin. :hug:

MeridionalBelle said...

Yes! It's perfect. I cried tears of joy when I read today's post. I loved your reference to letting go of things to make room for what God has planned. I will never forget this post... making room... wow.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

How absolutely wonderful! When I saw you were selling those beautiful dishes, I wished so I could buy them back for you! Your writing has meant so much--I hope you won't give it up, even if it in a different forum. May God's blessing and favor be with you.

Becky Garrison said...

Brin, God does answer prayers - every day! I am so excited for you, and wish I wasn't hundreds of miles away, cause if I wasn't I'd come sit in one of those little tables in front of that precious store! What a blessing you have been to me. Please don't stop blogging, and please don't stop believing in God's graciousness!!! B.

Kellie said...

My heart just skipped a beat when I read this... I am so very happy for you! I am a very long time lurker who loves your little blog and will be sad to see it go. I've been following your adventures and hoping for the best for you. Life is good. Now if I just lived closer to enjoy your treats!

Harbor Hon said...

So good to heart this, sweet girl! God has answered your prayers and blessed you as well. Good luck with your new venture. Keep us updated. xxoo

Faith said...

Wow. You know, every so often I come across people in this world that I can really see the hand of God working in their lives. I see the hand of someone else, trying to dissuade them or discourage them or persecute them in some way or another. They have these horrid, wretched things happen to them and you think, "how can they ever maintain their faith like they do???".... and then suddenly something amazing happens. And you know. You know that what you just witnessed, what happened in their life, was a sure sign there is a God. You are one of those rare people. It is because of people like you and your life and your faith, because of people like you that I still believe. Thank you for sharing this story.

I shall miss this, you know. Your blog. I get up in the morning, put on the kettle so that I can have some tea or coffee in my favorite diner mug and then I sit on my cozy sofa and log onto the internet. Bookmarks> Email/Communication> Blogs I love> My Messy Thrilling Life. And there I sit, with my piping hot cup and whichever of the 4 pets that decide to share the morning with me that day, and I read about your little but not so little life. And I'm inspired. And I warmed to the heart. Yes, I shall miss this indeed.

Sammy said...

How good is God? I am so proud, happy and so glad that I live near enough to come to the bakery. I can hardly wait. I also wish I was close enough to help. Cannot wait.

Sherry said...

Did you hear me screaming?! How great! I know who offered the building and where it is located. Wait'll I spread this around.

Oh, Brin, I do wish you all the success you can handle!! And then some. ;o)

Lisa said...

Wow! What wonderful news! I'm sure it will be awesome. Congratulations!

Nadine said...

That is wonderful Brinn! Just keep your faith in God and He will show you the way! I am very happy for you!
~Nadine

Jenny said...

My heart has ached for you as the last few weeks have gone by, and I am so happy to be able to say that this is such sweet news. Our God is so awesome in His timing. I will miss your posts...

April@MySacredSojourn said...

This is wonderful news! Congratulations! My heart has been aching for you the last few weeks and it brings me a smile to think you have found a bit of sunshine and happiness this week. I'm still going to keep praying fervent prayers for you!

Patsy from Illinois said...

God loves You Brin. Never, ever doubt that. He does to You what He does to me. He lets me get down to the very last hope I have and then something wonderful shows up. It has happened over and over again. Perhaps it is a test for us. To see if we will lose our faith or to see just how much we can stand in this journey thru our earthly life.

One question: Is there a place for Millie to be in the bakery with you during the day? I just love that dog.

DebMc said...

I haven't visited your blog in a long while. I'm so uplifted because I chose today to visit. What a wonderful, joyful, exciting day you've had...

Heaping helpings of blessings to you as you begin this new adventure. I adore bakeries (we lived in Europe for a time and fell in love with great breads). I certainly wish I could visit yours!

Betty said...

This is wonderful Brin..I am rejoicing with you!

Kay said...

Praising God today with you & your readers. Our God is an awesome God. He would have been awesome even if He had led you in a different direction, but this shows His love for you, giving you this gift.

Isaiah 51:11

Shelly said...

Oh Brin!

When God closes a door; He Opens a Bakery!!!

I am so excited for you! Please keep us posted as to when you start baking. I am making plans to come and visit!

What a decade it's going to be!

Anonymous said...

:) YEEEHHHHHH!!!!!!

Wow. God is soooooo good!!!

Peace and joy in this abundance of hope and blessings! :)

Leigh Ann said...

Praise the LORD from whom all blessings flow!

Colie said...

Praise God, Brin! I don't know you ('cept through this lovely blog!) but you've been on my heart for the last couple weeks and I've been praying and praying for you- that God would do a wondrous work in your life...so reading this is just fantastic news! I am so excited for you- and for HenryBellas. yippee!

Carolyne said...

Oh Brin~What totally Thrilling Timing our God has! And perfect for this Lenten season as we prepare our hearts for His most perfect gift.
"Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" ~John 11:40
I could not help but be reminded of this scripture as I read your post through my tears.
((hugs)) and Blessings as you move into this next Thrilling adventure.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic news, I'm sooo happy for you!!

Kimberly said...

When I read your amazing, miraculous news I thought of this quote by Emily Dickinson:
"Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all".
Your faith and hope are such an inspiration!

Missy Wertz said...

Oh sweetie! How wonderful! God is good!

Paula said...

This is so cool! I wish you success!

Aunt Ruthie said...

Sweet, happy, wonderful news!! Isn't it great how God is always working behind the scenes! He always has blessings waiting for us around the corner when we least expect it! This is such a great story...please write a book about it!! Do fill us in on the details!

Ruthann

jill said...

Brin, in the words of C.S. Lewis, you were SURPRISED BY JOY!

The place is perfect for you - and it was waiting there all along. "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you...to give you HOPE and a FUTURE...."

God bless the landlady/angel. You can even go home at lunch to walk Millie.

I love the stars on the building...

Sandy @ The Scoop on Balance said...

Just found your blog for the first time. Love it. You are a wonderful writer and live an exciting life. Wow.

Congrats on your new venture.

Blessings,
Sandy

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Your story brought tears to my eyes. Isn't it amazing what God can do when we turn our lives over to Him? I'm so thrilled for you. God is sooooooooo.......sooooooooo good.

Abundant blessings.......
Spencer

diana said...

wow....wow....wow... somebody was listening!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations -God does answer prayers!

Tina said...

Boy did God fling open a door for you. He had plans for you all along and you were so faithful!! You are going to be so blessed and the lives that will be touched will be countless. This will be a place where dreams come true and aching hearts find healing.
Bake and be happy!!!

Christine said...

I have to jump in here also to give you my congratulations!
We all were pulling for you.
YEA!!!

Tara said...

OMG....is it in your hometown? Cuz I don't live far from you. I will definitely be there as soon as the doors open!
God is so good and he is an on time God!
I speak blessings and supernatural increase over you and your new place to house what you do best!

Deb said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, you heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!


I've read this post three times, just to be sure I read correctly! I'll keep praying for this next chapter in your book.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, with sugar on top, keep up your blog. Could you handle once a week posts? Would it be easier on your mind if you turned off the comments, so you didn't feel compelled to read them all? Thus saving you time?

Sending cyber-hugs to you and Millie (the hb Bakery dog!) from Colorado...

Lulu said...

oh man!!!!! I am giddy for you...
Lots of luck and prayers..
hugs,

The O'Rourke Family said...

This post made me cry. My father has been out of work since July of 2008 and has been trying to find a job ever since. we're from a very small town and there aren't alot of jobs there. BUT God is so faithful. He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. I have faith that He will see our country through this hard time. Maybe, just maybe, He is trying to get our attention. We have left him out of our schools, government and our lives. Keep your chin up! He is performing a work in your life and it's exciting to see!!!!
I was sad to see that you're not going to be doing your blog anymore. I hope that you can add me to your e-mail list
tamrah_burrington@hotmail.com
Thank you!

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

I am so happy. I knew something would happen. I do not like to comment when you have so many comments but cannot help it.
I read about you and wish I lived near to help you.

Ruby Louise said...

I'm soooo happy for you! I feel a roadtrip coming on once henrybella the cafe is up and running. :-)

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

This is wonderful! I may have to take a little trip to your neck of the woods just to come to your bakery! = )
Lisa in Texas = )
I am actually south of DFW area.

Glitter said...

Will you be open on Saturdays?

Betty Boogie said...

WOW!!!! HAPPY TEARS FOR YOU!!!