Spring is here and summer is fast approaching...eep! Honestly, I feel like if I blink it will all disappear in a flash. Do you feel the same way too? It's definitely the season where folks look to sell their homes and make changes. Many of you have asked what is our plan and I'm going to address a few things as we are waiting on the Lord. It ain't always easy.
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My creeping phlox is in full bloom. Love it![/caption]
For those of you who are joining us after our fall adventure, you can catch up to speed by reading
this previous post about us selling our home. Also, to sum it up quickly, I grew up living in the country (actually on a farm and then the forest), so my dream is to get back to my roots. I'm not a city gal and living on our quarter acre city lot is not where I want to be. While I explain where we're at, I'm sharing a few snapshots of spring arriving at my home.
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Spring beauty flowers are the most delicate pink.[/caption]
CONTENTMENT
Winter in Ohio lasts longer than any other season. It brings a time to shelter in and also rest. Some can focus on the negatives, of course, like bitter cold and snow. However, I see winter as a time to savor (though I do wish I could trade a few months of winter with summer...haha). You may ask, why should I savor a cold, blustery season? Well, the winter season gives me a chance to slow down, and gives our earth a chance to sleep as well. If I wasn't "forced" into that respite, I do believe I would wear myself out.
You see, just like those flowers that are designed to pop up at just the right time, I also believe God has a similar plan for our lives. There is no doubt in my mind that what my family and I went thru in the fall was a part of the big picture. We learned our timing and our plans are not necessarily what's best for us. Does that mean we can't make decisions? Not at all. It just means that God cares enough about my family and I to keep us from making a mistake.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14
Do you ever have one of those gut feelings like you just know something doesn't feel right and you hope your decision doesn't go the way you planned? We knew our end goal wasn't right...it felt off. So, by His grace He kept us from making a mistake.
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My favorites are making great strides...peonies!! And, love the grape hyacinths.[/caption]
PATIENCE
While I may be chomping at the bit to have a lack of neighbors and hear birdsong instead of cars and mowers, I'm trying to make the most of where we are. I know many would love to be where we are instead their current situation. Meanwhile, JC and I have continued to make improvements to our home to suit US and OUR NEEDS. If we end up selling, then that's all the better. Blooming where we are planted is the best way to make use of all that God has for us.
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My crock is waiting to be filled up. Soon![/caption]
I've learned time and time again that His timing is best while waiting on the Lord. You can read about
my journey with children, and also
my blogger interview where I explain recent events with my health. Likewise, we are on a mission to be out of debt COMPLETELY. That doesn't come on a whim, but rather careful planning. You can read how we started to really knock out our financial strain
HERE. Since then, we've taken care of all loans and bills except our mortgage.
DEBT
In addition to that, we've recently been able to purchase a new-to-us vehicle, replace our water heater and our furnace, and upgrade my tech. This all while continuing to renovate and move forward. I set goals for each and wrote them on an envelope. We work hard, the whole family does. Every time I would get "extra" money (any funds outside of our budget ) I would put it in an envelope. Even it it was one single dollar, in it went. After a year or so, I had enough saved to take care of those large items. God is so good!
Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? Matthew 6:26
So, while we have folks and agents asking us if we're ready to list, the answer is no. We have nowhere to go since there are no homes for sale. It's definitely an interesting time. While we're eager to get going, we don't need to just move for the sake of moving. The right place is either here or waiting for us somewhere.
READ, PRAY, & MUSIC
What is the best way to wait? It certainly isn't by fretting over what we cannot control. Can I make someone sell me their home? Maybe if I had enough cash...haha. Honestly, getting into God's word (the Bible) and leaning on the truth. In addition to that, prayer. Spending time in Scripture and having chats with our heavenly Father is the best medicine for an uneasy heart. Give your worries to Him so we can carry only what we need to.
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More spring beauties give me a reason not to mow...just yet.[/caption]
Likewise, my favorite way to let go is to sing and dance. There are oodles of talented artists who have shared their blessing thru music. When I find myself battling anger, sadness, or just lack of pep, I listen. And, before I know it, my heart is lighter.
Sing to the LORD, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained victory for Him. Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Be cheerful and sing for joy and sing praises. Psalm 98: 2, 4
HANG TIGHT
One final thought...just like when we sow seed in the spring and eagerly await those first sprouts to pop up thru the soil we worked and worked, so too will God give you the breakthrough you need. Funny thing is, there are times I purchase seed with the label stating exactly what I wanted. However, when sprouting time comes something completely different grows. Somehow the packaging doesn't match what's inside. That's kinda like what I think I want, and what God has for me. Waiting on the Lord is worth every minute.
There's been times that those mixed up seeds actually end up being more fun that what I originally planned. That's my life lesson. So, with that, I am trusting for the perfect timing in selling our home...if we're meant to. In the meantime, I eagerly await what is in store for me and my family while being thankful for what I do know.
My family and I covet your prayers for our future and what the Lord's will is. Likewise, I pray for all of you. If you have a specific need, please reach out here in comments or via email in my contact button above.
Also, do pin and share because I'm sure there are others that could use a lift waiting for the Lord to direct their paths too.
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