Posts
We moved from Ohio to NC in 2001. We decided to build a house and found the perfect lot, five acres on a cul de sac. It was the best of both worlds -- room to roam and neighborhood all in one. We designed our home with space for everyone and everything. As building moved forward, though, things kept going wrong. The process just didn't go smoothly.
We pushed. And pushed. And pushed. Trying to get it done.
But the more time passed, the worse things got.
Ultimately, we didn't get the house.
We started the process over. Crazy, maybe. The new lot was only 0.5 acres, not wide enough to build the house we first planned. So we downsized. We don't have the same room to roam. But...
God knew.
Had we bought the first house,
- we wouldn't have Ellie. We would not have been able to afford an adoption with that house payment.
- Rob would have had a huge commute to his current job, perhaps not taking it at all.
- we would have lived far from church, definitely limiting our ministry availability.
God knew.
He put roadblocks up to protect us from our greedy, worldly selves. He protected us from a huge financial mistake. It took too many problems for us to finally turn to prayer, but God made it impossible to ignore him!
I look around my comfortable home as I write this, my daughter playing at her "desk" as I write. I am truly thankful that God has a "plan to prosper us and not to harm us, a plan to give us hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11). I am so thankful that I do not have to plan alone. I'd really mess it up!
I'll put a picture of my house in my Memorial Box. I don't want to forget that He's in charge -- and with good reason! :)
If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started at Linny's blog: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).
5 comments:
Hi Karen,
What a beautiful story of God's goodness. I LOVE when we are able to look back and clearly see His providence, especially in such a practical way. He is faithful, and we are blessed.
FABULOUS story!! God's plans for us are always so much better than the plans we had for ourselves. Sometimes it just takes time and wisdom to see it!!!
Wow. Wow. Wow. Who knew? Only God! Yippee Jesus for how He protects and provides...and blesses us as He does it. THank you for sharing...And as you well know - kids are SO MUCH MORE fun that a bigger house!! Way to go!!
Thank you for sharing and encouraging others...xo
Love Jeremiah 29:11!! That has been this summer's theme verse in my life :) I like your monday memorial plan, that's pretty cool!
This is the third story I have read with MBM about houses and God's plan/timing. Since we are planning retirement and trying to figure out where to retire and getting the right house...these have all been a blessing for us to read.
So glad your home turned out to be just the perfect place for you and your sweet daughter :) God is wonderful!
Post a Comment