It's been so long since I wrote that I'm not even sure if I shared that we put an offer on a small little 'grandma' home (750 sq. ft) and it was accepted. Did I share that with you?
Anyway, it's been an extremely interesting 5 weeks or so. Our offer was accepted within hours. My realtor said that was unheard of. We had met the great-grandson of the owner the first night the house went on the market and the Lord gave us favor with him. There were multiple offers but they chose ours.
The appraisal passed. The inspection was not too bad. Our loan was approved. We sailed right through each hurdle and then signed our escrow papers. The loan was due to fund the next day and then record the following day which is when we were supposed to get the keys. Suddenly, we hit a brick wall. Apparently, there were problems with the title. I won't bore you with the details but let me just say that it looked like there was a chance that the whole deal was going to fall through.
I'm going to be honest and tell you I had a pity party for myself! I even cried. I didn't realize, until that phone call came, how much I had invested my emotions into the house. I had been going over 2-3 times a week to water the flowers so that they wouldn't die. It was something happy to think about. Oh, and did I tell you that my daughter in love and 2 grandchildren live directly behind the house? You literally can see their house from my pack porch. Our son passed away in January so this was an added blessing to have his family close enough that they could visit often.
We spent some time praying and repenting and got our eyes back on Christ and prayed for God's grace to submit to His will. We basically released the house in our hearts and prayed for God's will to be done.
This afternoon, after we came home from watering, we got a phone call and all the problems with the title had been solved. It was over. The loan funded today and is expected to record tomorrow. Lord willing we will be moving on Saturday.
So, that is my quick update. It's been 2 1/2 years since since my husband filed for disability. We sold our home (s) and then moved into my aunt's barn studio for a year and then moved in as caregivers
1 1/2 years ago. It has been the most amazing 2 1/2 years as we've watched God provide time and time again. Absolutely amazing! I hope someday to sit down and share some of what the Lord has been teaching me. But, now is the time to PACK! :-)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Content with what I own!
Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or COVETOUSNESS, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints...Ephesians 5:1-2
COVET: "covetousness," lit., "a desire to have more" (pleon, "more," echo, "to have"),
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright © 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.)
To covet is to have a desire for MORE. Does that sound like Americans? Even those of us who follow Christ? I can certainly give an 'amen' for myself. Even though the Lord has 'downsized' us and even though my 'wants' have been GREATLY diminished due to the size of our current home .. frankly because there just isn't anywhere left to place something (we live in less than 300 sq. ft.)... I still find myself wanting more... just one more new top for summer .. or my greatest temptation which is 'just one more book' ... even though I have a box of new books next to my bed which I haven't read.
The size of my home has helped narrow my temptation quite a bit. I no longer come to a sudden stop for garage sales. I no longer cruise the isles of Target or Walmart for something new to place in my home. My little studio is full to the brim (along with my garage and a small storage unit) which helps diminish the temptation to buy more. Also, the fact that the Lord has reduced our budget to nearly 1/3 of what we used to live on has helped greatly in my fight against the temptation of wanting more STUFF!
God says in His Word that GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT is great gain. Not the things of this world.
God continues to teach me His lessons in the school of contentment. I wish I wasn't such a slow learner.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Tim 6:6-10
NKJV
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
What do you value most in this life?
Well. we found a home! We put an offer in on Friday and our offer was accepted after dinnertime! God, right?
It's a little Grandma house. It's small (less than 800 sq. ft)! But, after living in less than 300 sq. ft. for 2 1/2 years it will seem like a mansion. We will have a lot of downsizing to do once we actually move since we saved all our furniture from our last home which was nearly 1600 sq. ft. It has a lot of flowers in the yard from the Grandma that lived there for many, many years until she died at 98 years of age. The absolute BEST part is that my daughter-in-love and my 2 grandchildren literally live right behind the house. The grandchildren (and she) can walk out their door.. across the alley.. and right into my backyard!
But, it won't be ours until we sign those final papers. There has been water damage on the bathroom floor. We asked one of the relatives if we could go in early and help them fix it so it will pass the inspection for the appraisal and they said 'yes' (but only if we were the ones that bought the home.. God gave us favor). So, yesterday my husband left a message that we'd like to come in and help.. no return call. :(
I felt my anxiety level rising throughout the night as each hour passed. "Now what?" I would ask the Lord. "Does this mean we won't get the home, Lord?" "Did I get excited for nothing?" And then, of course, there is the ultimate in pity party responses, "Lord, I'm so weary of these trials! Can't something just be easy for a change?!" (Of course, I repented!)
The Lord quickly brought this scripture to mind...
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
I began breaking the scripture down in my mind. I camped out on the word 'treasure'. Am I making this home a treasure? Evidently I am if I'm willing to sin in my heart against the Lord to get it by worrying and then challenging His sovereignty and His goodness.
I have now laid this home at the Lord's feet along with my will. Of course, it's a battle and the anxious thoughts try to revisit. God's Word is my sword ...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
By His grace I desire only His will in my life.. where ever that leads. I really do want (in my heart of heart's) to find my greatest joy smack dab in the middle of His will.
I realized once again (for the gazillioneth times) that God still has an enormous amount of work ahead to conform me into the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) I pray for His grace to lie still as He chisels away at the sin in my heart.
It's a little Grandma house. It's small (less than 800 sq. ft)! But, after living in less than 300 sq. ft. for 2 1/2 years it will seem like a mansion. We will have a lot of downsizing to do once we actually move since we saved all our furniture from our last home which was nearly 1600 sq. ft. It has a lot of flowers in the yard from the Grandma that lived there for many, many years until she died at 98 years of age. The absolute BEST part is that my daughter-in-love and my 2 grandchildren literally live right behind the house. The grandchildren (and she) can walk out their door.. across the alley.. and right into my backyard!
But, it won't be ours until we sign those final papers. There has been water damage on the bathroom floor. We asked one of the relatives if we could go in early and help them fix it so it will pass the inspection for the appraisal and they said 'yes' (but only if we were the ones that bought the home.. God gave us favor). So, yesterday my husband left a message that we'd like to come in and help.. no return call. :(
I felt my anxiety level rising throughout the night as each hour passed. "Now what?" I would ask the Lord. "Does this mean we won't get the home, Lord?" "Did I get excited for nothing?" And then, of course, there is the ultimate in pity party responses, "Lord, I'm so weary of these trials! Can't something just be easy for a change?!" (Of course, I repented!)
The Lord quickly brought this scripture to mind...
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
I began breaking the scripture down in my mind. I camped out on the word 'treasure'. Am I making this home a treasure? Evidently I am if I'm willing to sin in my heart against the Lord to get it by worrying and then challenging His sovereignty and His goodness.
 |
| (Doesn't she look happy and content?) |
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
By His grace I desire only His will in my life.. where ever that leads. I really do want (in my heart of heart's) to find my greatest joy smack dab in the middle of His will.
I realized once again (for the gazillioneth times) that God still has an enormous amount of work ahead to conform me into the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) I pray for His grace to lie still as He chisels away at the sin in my heart.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mother's Day without one...
Our life is full of 'firsts'. The first time we walked. The first time we went to school. Our first kiss. We oftentimes categorize our life by firsts.. kind of like a timeline of remembrances. Hopefully our life is characterized by 'firsts' that are joyful. A mother hopes that she will never face a year of 'firsts' without one of her children. Yet, as most of us know.. our life is not our own to order.. and many of us will spend this Mother's Day without one of our children.. either through death or distance. This Mother's Day will be my 'first' without my youngest son who passed away at the beginning of this year.
I didn't want to go to church this morning. I just plain did not want to go. But, I started praying last night that the Lord would give me the 'want'. And, of course, He did! So off my husband and I went! I had a smile on my face... prepared to worship my King.. the Giver of life and breath.. Ordainer of my days and my sons!
I have purposed in my heart through the courage gained by the Holy Spirit to meet this Mother' Day head on with my eyes focused on a loving God and a thankful heart for all He has given me.
Even though I cried through the worship service and through much of the sermon ... I was there by God's grace! It was a 'first' Mother's Day without my son but I also wanted it to be a 'first' of not being overcome by the grief but pushing through it to glorify the 'God who sees'. He is worthy! He is worthy to receive honor and praise!
My eyes are set on Phil. 4 today. I've focused my heart to think on things that are LOVELY!
I have so much to be thankful for! I don't have to look far to start counting the load of blessings and benefits the Lord has poured out on me!
My Thankful List:
I'm thankful for my two remaining children here on earth who work hard to be the best godly parents they can be and try hard to honor their father and I.
I'm thankful for the years that God gave us with our youngest son who is no longer with us. I'm thankful for all the lessons God taught me through being his mother. I'm thankful he was my son.
I'm thankful for my daughter in loves and my son in love. They complete our family. I'm blessed to have them call me mom. I'm grateful they love my children and my grandchildren and try hard to be good parents!
I'm extremely blessed to have my mother still on this earth so that I can honor her today. I couldn't have asked for a better mother!
Oh.. there is so much more... so much more...
My heart is full when I think on all that is lovely in my life.
And I will....
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job. 1:21 ESV
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Greed
Then he said to them, “Watch out!
Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.
Luke 12:15 ESV
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Saving vs. Spending (this might surprise you)
This quote is from Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn. I hope I always remember this lesson!
"Understand the difference between spending money and saving money.
Saving money is setting aside money for a future purpose. Money that is saved stays in your wallet or the bank and can be used for other purposes, including your needs or the needs of others that arise. On the other hand, money that is spent leaves your hands and is no longer at your disposal. Hence, when you buy a fifty-five dollar sweater for thrifty-five dollars, you do not save twenty dollars - you spend thirty-five dollars. Whether the sweater was worth thirty-five, fifty-five or two hundred dollars is irrelevant. The point is, the thrifty-five dollars is gone, and you have saved nothing. The next time you hear of a great sale on something you don't need, remember- if you keep 'saving' like this you will soon be broke!"
Practical Guidelines to Control Spending.
"Understand the difference between spending money and saving money.
Saving money is setting aside money for a future purpose. Money that is saved stays in your wallet or the bank and can be used for other purposes, including your needs or the needs of others that arise. On the other hand, money that is spent leaves your hands and is no longer at your disposal. Hence, when you buy a fifty-five dollar sweater for thrifty-five dollars, you do not save twenty dollars - you spend thirty-five dollars. Whether the sweater was worth thirty-five, fifty-five or two hundred dollars is irrelevant. The point is, the thrifty-five dollars is gone, and you have saved nothing. The next time you hear of a great sale on something you don't need, remember- if you keep 'saving' like this you will soon be broke!"
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