Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cookies, Kittens and This Present Darkness

Chocolate Mint Cookies - with organic mint from the garden.

This is officially the happening place, henrybella's is. Although I've been closed all week for construction, folks continue to pop in and out, wanting cookies or coffee or a muffin. I've greeted them, the mess that I am, covered in paint and sheetrock dust and chalk and dirt. Yesterday a lady who reads this blog from her home in Kentucky stopped in and I sheepishly greeted her with no makeup and wild hair. What do you do? I'm working here....

People aren't the only ones showing up. Already this week we've found a home for a puppy who looked to be part Alaskan Husky or something. An older man took him, named him Pinto, and stopped in this morning to say Pinto's doing marvelously. Then this morning a kitten showed up, wet and scared. Lori Ellyn (the potter) and I cleaned her up and took her to the pottery studio. Riley, as the kitten was named, already has a new home, too, and will be going home with her new mother tonight. (I was sort of hoping she'd hang around the place so I could post my sign that says: UNATTENDED CHILDREN WILL BE GIVEN A FREE KITTEN AND AN ESPRESSO.)

Ha.

God has done incredible things here this week. I stayed up late last night, painting the bakery's concrete kitchen floor and telling Him thank you and... praying. Call me crazy or melodramatic, but I'm starting to think this place is caught in a spiritual tug of war... something like that... and I feel it. I feel as though I've walked into This Present Darkness. Last night as I walked up to the building around 7 PM, I cried out when I saw that someone had written "KILL" in foot-tall letters on the windows. Just on my windows. All the other windows on the square sat dark and untouched. Unnerving, especially considering the place was broken into last weekend. I called my Mom, then the police. I'm not scared but I am wary. There's a lot to this place, it seems....

Speaking of a lot, there's still a lot to do here. I'm trying to be open next week, but am still short money for some things I need. So we'll see. I'll be sure to let you know when I reopen, in case any local-ish folks are planning to stop in.... -Brin

25 comments:

~Mad said...

Praying for you by name, Brin.
And I am going to have me some of those dishes eventually!

In His Time,
~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
www.xanga.com/madewyn

Unknown said...

You are protected! Someone will pay for this hateful deed. Stay safe and I'm praying for you to reopen soon.

Michelle said...

I'm glad your not scared..I think I'm a bit scared for you though. I'm praying for you, and I know you're in good Hands. :)

Joy said...

I said a quick prayer for your protection, Brin. Some people don't like it when others find sucess and happiness. I pray that the culprit is found out!

Kathi D said...

Seems like God knows that you are good for any challenge.

Abby said...

I wonder what anyone could have against you. That's crazy!

Betty Boogie said...

Praying for you and Henrybella's, Sounds like you are confident in HIS care for you, and HE DOES & WILL CARE FOR YOU! If you start to feel fear, Breathe, Relax, Trust and Choose Faith. Fear cannot live in the presence of Faith. In every moment we are at a crossroads that will allow us one or the other, never both.
Hugs and prayers,

Harbor Hon said...

Ding Dangit! Sorry for the harsh words. Why can't whoever is doing this just let it be. I don't think I'll ever understand the mean nature some people have. I'll keep praying for you, dear girl. xxoo

nanatrish said...

Prayers are going up for you and HenryBella's. Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. God is blessing!

Cheryl L said...

I'm praying for you too. I've read This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness and I have no doubt but what there's spritual warfare going on here. I learned something in my Beth Moore "Esther" Bible study last night---the most common command in the Bible is "Do not be afraid" or "have no fear". That's surely for a reason! Take heart, lots of prayer warriors are sending up prayers on your behalf. Clearly, this evil one doesn't want you to succeed, but I truly believe God is sovereign----so don't be afraid!

Lulu said...

praying for you...Hope all goes well and you can reopen..
take care,

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

Brin,
I'm interceding for you and asking God to give you a hedge of protection against any evil plans.

Shelley in SC said...

Goodness, you don't call your life "messy" and "thrilling" for nothing! Praying for you tonight. "The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them!"

Seawashed said...

You are definetly doing something good for the kingdom with all the warefare against you. Have you ever heard the saying "new levels, new devils"? You are causing a stir in the spiritual realm thats for sure. Glad you are not scared and are standing strong in your confident assurance of whom you belong to. HE's got your back. I love how HE blesses us when the enemy is trying to destroy us. You may be shut down for the moment, but what blessing God has brought your way in the midst of it. Keep on, keep on...with a cheerful heart. Sing outloud and worship Him. Bless you sweet sister in Christ.

bee'nme said...

Hey Brin,
I have been following the happenings with you and henrybellas, and it definitely seems to be true that there are always giants/enemies camped out in one's Canaan...you've crossed over into your promise, and there they are! The battle is not with flesh and blood...calling in angels on your behalf girl! Bless you in these tough times...to God be all glory!!

Hugs and Blessings,
Becky S.

Terri Steffes said...

People do unspeakable things when they are hurting inside. Pray for the perpetrator, too. He/she needs healing badly.

I am so impressed with you sweet one. Keep pressing onward.

Sharon said...

You are under God's protection. You just have to read your blog to see that. Henrybella's is his doing. He loves to give us the desires of our hearts. He never does it in the way we would which is what I love about God. He always does it in amazing ways that make us truly aware that it is all his doing. He has his hand on you and your Henrybella's. I love Psalm 91. It would be a good one to memorize and claim his precious promises of protection.

Donna said...

I am praying for you. God is over you, protecting you, loving you. You have given me so much in this blog. Keep the faith.

Vee said...

Oh good heavens...that kind of graffiti on your windows?! Only yours? Ugh. Thank goodness, it's obvious that most people are firmly in your camp and rooting for you. And God is an ever present help in This Present Darkness.

You made me laugh with the unattended children comment...a very good one. I think it could work even if you don't have a spare kitten hanging about.

Betty said...

My prayers are with you too Brin. Keep trusting God..and take these 'challenges' to Him.
Anything worth keeping is never easy to get..
Hope henrybella's (just love that name)reopens soon.
As someone else said..'you are in good Hands'

sherry said...

I have found that when the Lord brings his children blessings and a walk closer to him, the enemy is right there attempting to put a wedge in that lovely place. But where there is light, darkness cannot have a place. You and Henrybellas are God's and He will use it for His purpose and further glory. I believe that.

Spiritual battle is a surreal and unsettling experience. Remember that HE is greater than whatever circumstances (kinks in the road or obvious spiritual battle). I'm praying for you. <><

jAne

htt://tickleberryfarm.blogspot.com

Kathleen Grace said...

God bless you and keep you in his loving and protecvtive arms Brin. You have seen how he cares for you.

Amy said...

People truly are heartless how sad. I'm glad you're pushing through.

Tara said...

EYES TO THE SKIES!

And this too shall pass.

TonyJanet said...

Hello. I'd like to write to answer a comment that you had on your blog about why a stranger might read your blog, or how someone might find your blog. I was looking at some Frank Lloyd Wright material online, and a google search returned a link that had interesting comments about a Freeman House. I was actually looking for information about a Mrs Freeman who had been a Frank Lloyd Wright house owner in the 1920's. I stopped to look at your blog and found your writing style and observations to be very pleasant reading. I related to the quotes that you posted (Hippocrates, Beecher) that were on 2 of the pages, so I read on. Biographies are always fascinating. Don't we all wonder how people form their philosophies. Reading biographies tells us so much. I am writing to say thank you. Your writings have been very inspiring to me. Tony