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.
My creeping phlox is in full bloom. Love it!
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.
Spring beauty flowers are the most delicate pink.
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.
My favorites are making great strides…peonies!! And, love the grape hyacinths.
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.
My crock is waiting to be filled up. Soon!
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.
More spring beauties give me a reason not to mow…just yet.
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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Also, more posts related to waiting on the Lord:
I live in an apartment and it fits me perfect however I am now a grandmother and my children are grown. I hope you find what your looking for when the time is right.
Apartments are great for that, just meant we’ve been there where we wanted out of apartment living and into a home we owned. Thank you, Cheryl.
Thank you for sharing and reminding us that God’s Got This! When.I felt down, lonely and helpless this past February, I asked God to guide me and help me find a way out of my depression. He reminded me of my talents and all I have to be thankful for. He put on my heart to use those talents and make something happen that will benefit our nation if only in a small way.
I decided my Texas county, Ellis, would have a countywide prayer event. I have met the most amazing Christians and we are on our way with “Christians Rise Up in Prayer”. It’s scheduled for 10/10/2021 at the Waxahachie High School Stadium. Our evening of prayer and praise will feature Will Ford, III our keynote speaker and Christian Contemporary bands, choirs and solo artists. And prayer warriors. I have never been so happy! On top of that I’ve gotten serious about my furniture flipping, Copperhead Vintage Reimagined. I’m on Instagram and have a FB page.
That’s a great way to be! As I’ve heard it said, a small pebble makes many ripples. We can do great things! That’s awesome to hear of your event and I will pray it goes wonderfully. I’ll look you up! 😀
Love this Larissa. I am in a “waiting for the Lord” place for two years. Thank you for reminding me that relying on God and His perfect timing is the answer to prayers not answered yet. If I lived closer we would be best friends…..God bless you and your sweet family.
It can seem like forever. When we moved here back in ’03, I had NO IDEA we would be there this long. Sending hugs and prayers! 😀
I love the book “At Home in This Life” by Jerusalem Jackson Greer. Her story is similar to yours. Waiting on the Lord is the best when you solidly know in your heart that He only has the best in store for us. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I will look that up – thanks for sharing, Carol. Yes, we can find joy in every and all circumstance, though sometimes it’s not easy.
I so needed this reminder of the Lord’s plan for each of us! I so enjoy your blog and look forward to seeing you each week. No matter the content, you never let me down. Prayers and wishes for a bright future are sent to you and the Lord! Have a great day!
How sweet of you to say, Linda. I truly felt that many are in the same boat and that I needed to share this. Thank you for the virtual hug!
You could always take Sunday drives through different areas that you don’t normally drive through just to look around and get a feel for different areas.
That’s how we found our farm. We had an appointment to see a house, we were early so took a drive where we normally wouldn’t be driving. and, saw a “for sale” sign. The sign was about 6 months old at that time, the farm was not actually for sale. But my husband would go visit the owner a couple of times over that summer and just talk with the couple. Then, one time my husband went to visit them and they weren’t there working as usual. He went to visit again a couple weeks later and the couple were at this farm. The man had had a bad heart attack and had been in the hospital. They had decided to sell the farm because of his health and because my husband had become friends with them, they asked him if we were still interested in buying. We were and we did and that was back in September 1998.
You are in a better position financially than you were, interest rates are still very feasible, house prices not so much, but, just keep an open mind and look at everything.
Yes! My dad is into real estate and tell me to drive around and go up and knock. We are doing just that when something pops up. I feel that no matter what we’ll be where we’re supposed to be. It’s fun to go for drives too. I love your story! Thank you for sharing.
Dear Larissa,My daughter and I went thru a similar situation. We looked at houses and looked at houses till they became muddled in my mind. We had a house that would have to sell as well. With the Lord’s timing it all came together. We have been in our new house ,built 1958. for almost 9 years. Where has the time gone? I loved your selection of scripture. ,one of my favorites is Isaiah 33:2,33:6. I found this last year when the pandemic had just started and was feeling confused yet trusting him . God is so Good . Bless you and your dear family. Hang in there it all comes together in his time.
Time flies, right? I’m so happy for you to have found your place to be. We’ve been waiting for 18 years, so I guess we can wait a little more. We’ve tried to sell back when I was pregnant with my 3rd (of 6) so my husband could finish his masters and PhD. It wasn’t meant to be. Maybe one day.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your journey and what God is speaking to you, Larissa. I’ve had a similar journey and my “anxious” self has had to wait on the Lord in several different situations in my lifetime. He also taught me the analogy to the seasons and nature that are true for our lives as well. I am in the “winter” season of life now and learning to adjust to that and accept the realization my time here on earth is drawing to a close. I don’t say that with sadness at all as eternal life with the Lord will be the so amazing, so awesome! Accepting it is helping me to set new priorities, something we need to do in each season of our lives. Thank you for your message today – and each week. God bless you and your family bunches. I look forward to His plan unfolding, for both of us 🙂
Oh, Mary. I wish I could run and hug you! None of us know the day or the hour, but we do so look forward to to the sweet reunion with loved ones and our sweet Lord. I, too, long for the day. What a sweet time that will be! Sending you love and hugs.
You’re so right on many levels! Finding happiness in the least likely places leaves you open to new opportunities for even more happiness! ❤️ I know that good things will find you!!
It definitely can be hard, but it sure pays off to take time to notice all that God has for us. Thank you for the love, Rebecca. 😀
We have had to wait on the Lord many times BUT I never knew that’s what we were waiting on until recently. And now you really put it in perspective for me. Thank you for this wonderful post! My new motto is “waiting on the Lord” ?. God’s blessings to you and your family!
What a blessing to hear, Susan. He’s got great things in store for you! Sending hugs.
You have truly inspired me and remined me of all my blessings. God is soooo good! I have a great idea!!!!! You should write an inspirational book (you are totally qualified). You could fill a lot of envelopes from the sales, and you wouldn’t have to work so hard.
You are so sweet, Barbara. You are not the first to suggest/request one and it’s something I’ve lifted to the Lord. The timing isn’t right just yet. Hugs!