Trusting

The Lord has put it on my heart to write. No, I don't think He wants me fiddling on the computer any more than I already am. Probably less. But perhaps I could prioritize how I spend my time. My mother told me months ago that I should be documenting this moving process. Why? Because we had been in waiting mode for so long (we listed it for sale on April 9, 2010) that when He finally moved in our lives it would be a whirlwind. I began this blog...and named it "Our Road Home" to document our family lifestyle of homeschooling. It doubles in meaning taking into account our Christian walk...our road home to be with the Lord...eventually. But now, it takes on a whole new meaning as we find our new home.

For two years we "suffered" the hard part of moving...selling in a bad market/economy. We felt that if we EVER sold, the grass would be greener on the other side as we got the "fun" job of finding a new home. We watch "House Hunters" all the time. Fun. Being the picky ones. (Not that picky. We're constantly screaming at people on that show. You know, the ones who complain about paint color, one sink in the bathroom, no granite or stainless steel. Get over yourselves.) Anyhoo, it was supposed to be fun. But it isn't. It's hard. And we've spent SO much computer time, and gas, and weekends looking for the perfect home...that doesn't exist.

Barry wanted hunting land, close to work, and close to fishing. And a house that needed no work or maintenance. The girls and I wanted privacy, land for chickens (and maybe goats), and an old house with lots of character. Oh, and we had a budget. Dang budget. We put our first offer in on the 1910 farmhouse in the previous post. They didn't even counter our offer but said they were going with another offer. (I actually think they're going to try to get more money at auction at the end of April). We put a second offer in on a 20 acre, newer, bigger home, priced way over our budget...but in foreclosure...so we gave it a shot. No go.

So now, we're in negotiations part 3. And surprise, surprise...it's a 1969 ranch on 1 little acre. It's a classic house...as big as our house, with an unfinished basement to expand into. We should know tonight or tomorrow whether we have a Jim Falls address now. We'll see. I'm trusting God.

I'm trusting Him to give us what we NEED...and to protect us from what we didn't. We've learned to be patient and wait. Well, maybe "learning" is a better word. I've learned to hand over pride and control, admitting to Him and myself that I can't MAKE much in life happen. I can only do what He enables me to do...and then RELY on Him for the rest. We've learned to compromise, and to think as a family and not just as an individual. We've grown. And I'm sure He'll have fun with us over the next month and a half as we tackle moving...growing us some more. I'll thank Him for these trials because I'm growing more like Him. God is good.

If the offer is accepted, I'll keep you posted with some pics the next time we're there. :)

Thoughts for the day:

Matthew 17:27

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷ Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money;^[a] take that and give it to them for Me and you.”

Jesus could have just created a coin to give Peter, but He didn't. Jesus provided FOR Peter, but expected Peter to DO something...to use his God-given abilities to get it. I can trust the Lord to provide. But I'm also expected to use my talents and gifts to do some work. In my life...cleaning my house and loading up my small petting zoo into the van for showings. Can you say STRESS? But obviously, we were able to do the work...we survived it.

2 Chronicles 7:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Really, He really just spelled it out simply, huh. Do these 4 things: humble yourself, pray, seek Him, and turn away from sin. And He'll forgive. Wow.