Sometimes you have a plan. And sometimes that plan doesn’t work out.

I’ve been wrapped up in a whirlwind for the good part of a year. Off and on, my husband Zach and I had planned on moving to a different town, but never found anything that was fitting. We set the notion aside as soon as his father became extremely ill last May. We were the only ones here who could care for him, so it demanded all of our time, and we were happy to just be able to show him that he was loved during his time of struggle.

After his struggle had ended in the Fall, we began to hope for a new home again. However, this time we wanted to stay here, to stay close to friends and family. What we didn’t know is that our period of waiting allowed God to work something great in our favor. He opened the door to allow us to buy a home that had more of the things that we wanted, a home that is a true blessing.

For years I’ve walked past this house to get the mail, I’ve looked at it every time I backed out of the driveway. I loved that it looked nothing like anything else in town. Over the years, we became friends with the neighbors, the owners of that beautiful home. In the Fall, shortly after my father-in-law’s passing, they told us that they were moving. I was so disappointed to lose them as neighbors, since they showed my children the same affection and attention as a grandparent. I was equally sad that we were not yet ready to purchase a home at that time. We just trusted that God would provide the right home for us when we were ready.

And that’s when God’s timing took over. The neighbor had some health concerns that had to be taken care of before she moved, which delayed their plans quite a few months. Their delay allowed opportunity for us. After much prayer, my husband and I offered to buy the house directly from them. No realtor, no fuss. They were elated. She told me that she had been praying for a good family to buy their home—a house they built and poured a lot of themselves into.

And I believe God outlined every detail of this transition.

I am thankful for the mature, lush garden where the kids explore for hours and eat fresh blackberries, strawberries and cherries, where I can smell the fragrant plums and roses and hear the doves coo while drinking my coffee under the grapevine-coated pergola. I’m thankful for the large kitchen where we all give a hand at making dinner, for the gorgeous antique claw foot tub that is a dream to soak in, and for the cozy little library where I quietly type away at this, but I’m most thankful that God provided the means and the timing. I’m thankful that I walk through the front door and it feels like home.

And just as in my home as in this business, everything is in God’s time. Though sometimes it is hard to just have faith that He’s the one guiding, it always works out for our benefit. And I have faith the He will be guiding us to step out with more faith in our creative endeavors and show more of who we are. Which is frightening and exciting all at the same time. I believe that now is the time for bigger, more exciting things.

Hugs,

Rhonda