Be Ye Separate

Patiently Planted

Blessings!

   I have come to realize that we have been so very blessed by God to be living where we are. Not that I didn't know He brought us here and blessed us with what we needed, but I think I know WHY He brought us here on our journey toward self sustaining living as He has led us to strive for.

   As you know we only rent here. Soujourners as it were. Strangers in a strange land. Our desire to own our own land and build our own things and rely on God to provide through the sweat of our brow, sometimes blinds us to the blessings along the way.

   Our last place was "supposed to be the last" before we bought our land and were able to move to where we know the Lord is leading us. We began to save and downsize and all those things in preparation. Then suddenly, without warning, out we go.

   It's a scarey thing when you are in need of a home right away, toting 50 some odd animals along with you. NO ONE wants to rent to folks with a dog and cat let alone ducks, chickens, goats etc. Prayerfully we saw one place after another. Each one "seemed" perfect until they found we had animals. The uncomfortable silence that always seems to go along with that little announcement told us volumes. We move on. ALL of those places had room. ALL of those places had barns, outbuildings, pens, sheds etc. Yet no one wanted it to be used for what it was built.

   Then, one day, we walk into this place. The house is the perfect size. It's all on one level which is good for me and Brother Craig with our little aches and pains. Outbuildings, garden space, plenty of room for everything we needed. Perfect!

   A pickup drives into the drive. We walk over to meet the agent...uh oh, it's not the agent! It's another possible renter! Not long after the agent shows up. We all walk through, looking at what is most important to each of us. The barn, outbuildings, fenced areas and kitchen mattered most to me. Brother Craig wandered through the garage, outbuildings, fence areas, and barn. The other gentleman? Sat on the porch after walking through the house and peeking out the back door.

   We took an opportunity to say hey to him, take up friendly conversation. Then he says he has been looking for a place just like this. He has no need for any of the land or buildings but he does love old farmhouses. He lived in several haunted ones and was sure this one was too:S Now don't get me wrong I've seen my fair share of odd things in old houses but searching for a houses specifically for "spirit" purposes? Seemed scarey to me.

   I don't know if there are such things as ghosts or not but I was certain of one thing. This place was filled with peace. My heart just ached at the thought of the peace being disturbed here. My husband was polite and made small talk then we went to the kitchen to discuss things with the agent. She gave us each applications and left us. The man left, we wandered around one more time and sent to the back by the river and prayed. Was this where God wanted us?

   We felt that this was someplace that we could be happy until our final move so we filled the application out and dropped it off with the agent an hour later. We prayed on our way home that the Lords will be done. We waited. And waited. Almost a week later, after we figured we didn't get the house, we received a call from the agent telling us that she had done all the checks on us and if we were still interested the house was ours! I was so excited!

   If you all remember, Brother Craig and the children and I were living apart due to his job being so far away. This house put us 15 minutes from his work! I phoned him to tell him the news and he was elated! We got straight to work and began packing.

   The story doesn't end there though...

   Several months into our renting the agent informs us that a friend of the Landlord was going to take over the rental when they move here in June (I think it was June). Anyway, we were worried. Very uncomfortable that a complete stranger would have our private information. We prayed. And prayed. The law here in Oregon says that only an owner can manage their own property without the need for being a licensed manager. Were these folks? We had no idea. Pray and pray some more.

   One afternoon, after I had paid the rent as I had not heard from anyone on where to send the rent, we recieved an email from the Landlords. They were taking over the management themselves (prayer answered). They had been seeing on our blog the things we were doing here and they were pleased (prayer answered). They were CHRISTIAN! (A MIGHTY PRAYER ANSWERED) God had overdone His blessing on us for certain this time:)

   Over the last few months we have wondered about where we would go next, when we would be going and how we would do it. As all of you probably have done, we want what we want when we want it. We make plans, we decided where we will go and what we will do. Then God puts His mighty hand up and stops you and reminds you that no matter what we want, He's in control and like a good parent He isn't going to let us go off on our own without His divine guidance.

   Just like our last place, we were concerned that we would have to move within the year. After all the Landlords want to retire here some day. They live out of state and we wondered how things would work out in the long run. We aren't ready to move unless the Lord makes it abundantly clear that we must. We prayed.

   We have been putting away money in savings every month. We would like to purchase our land outright someday. Though we are anxious to get down to buying that land, we know that we simply aren't near enough in finances to do that yet. Realistically it is at least 2 years away or more. Unless we come into money, I just don't see that happening any time soon and I certainly don't want anyone to have to die for us to get it so we wait:)

   Then just a few days ago we received another email from our Landlords. They WANT US TO STAY! We couldn't be more thrilled or feel more blessed at this time:) God has made it possible for us to stay put as we continue to save and prepare for our next adventure:) Our Landlords seem to be a true answer to prayer. They are wonderful and we look forward to getting to know them better as time permits:)

   So for now, we are patiently planted by  God here in our little haven on the river. Looking forward to our first Christmas here. Welcoming in the winter as it slowly approaches us. Knowing that we can relax and settle in here. Unpack those last boxes without the uncertainty. Blossoming as we continue to let the Lord guide us in His time:)

So are you patiently planted?:)

God be with thee!

Sister Lori

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{ 16:17, Tuesday, August 12, 2008 } { Posted by homesteadmama4 }

Sister Lori~
I am so glad that I read this tonight. It did indeed bring tears to my eyes Because I could have written it myself. We are in such a similar situation. We've been renting our place and now are moving to another rental that is perfect for us. I feel so blessed and I still have the nerves about wether or not this will only be for a year or what have you but I really am trying to take it one day at a time. We want to buy our own land but only if we can do it out right and that won't be possible for a very long time. I just can't believe what a similar situation ours is. I am so glad you can stay and all is well. Praise the Lord!
Louann

~~~Blessings Sister Louann!
I completely understand. I want so much to just have a permanent place to be. A place that I can do what i like and no one to ask permission of. Paint a wall if I want or replace the bathroom sink:P Open a wall or enclose a porch:) And most importantly, to own it outright!
Not something that I have to be in debt for. We truly want to buy our land completely in full and owe nothing but the taxes on it. I know it can be done, it's just being patient enough, long enough:)
Praying that you find your piece of heaven too:)
God be with thee!
Sister Lori

Edited by SisterLori on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 08:41

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{ 20:28, Wednesday, August 13, 2008 } { Posted by rildapeel1 }

Hallelujah!! God hears and understands exactly what we need. I am thrilled for you and family. We all need security. We have owned our property for many years. We purchased the land then had a small home put on it from around the road, gutted it, redone almost everything and praise God~ debt free. Added on several years ago and hallelujah still debt free we be. With lotsa sweat, time, energy and money one week at a time we have our home as we choose. Of course my dream home is a stone/dove tailed log home and God is working on that one now. Hallelujah!! He just loves it when we ask then believe to receive. One day Just one day it will come. Blessings, rilda *U*

~~~Blessings Sister Rilda!
Exactly what we are looking for. How wonderfully blessed you are to own and do as you like with what you have:)
God be with thee!
Sister Lori

Edited by SisterLori on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 08:42