Quiet Ministries

Look at what the Lord blessed us with this past week! I have to tell you the story of what I call "Haven Home" and of trusting in the Lord, even to the point that it hurts!

I was in a very bad marriage (altho' I won't detail it here because it's over now). I constantly cried out to the Lord on my knees "when will this end?" "why are you allowing this to happen because it cannot be good for my children to see this every day?". I never got the answers. But apparently I inspired a great many women who knew what I endured because they think I'm the strongest thing on the planet. I just smile and thank them, knowing that really you just endure as best you can and wait for the Lord (He promises that the battle is His). I was a stay-at-home mom, no job, so no hope to get out on my own. Couldn't live with family because my parents' home is NOT kid friendly, and it is a lifestyle very different than that which they led.

Flash forward - literally out of the blue, God provided a job in December '06 for a church with a great, loving congregation. I wasn't even looking there and a friend called to ask if I was still looking for work. Blessing #1. Three weeks later something significant happened that involved my now ex to be removed from the home. Divorce proceedings began (but in this ridiculous state you have to be separated one full year before you can file). Our house was going to go to auction 7-1-08. The Lord brought a buyer who was moving to the area from another state (after having the house on the market for over a year) and we closed 6-26-08. Whew - Blessing #2.

My Haven here was 2 streets over from where my married home was. I can see the back of each house from the other. I approached the owner who was trying to sell it at the time to see if he would consider renting. We agreed and signed into a 2 year lease. Blessing #3. I could keep my boys in the same phenomenal school and in the same neighborhood with all the friends they'd grown up with! I've always admired this house. Once we moved in, my dad said, "Honey, this house is just so you!" And he's right. There's nothing about this place that I don't love ... quirks and all! Then Blessing #4 - turns out my new landlord and his brand new bride are devout followers of Christ too! We have become good friends, tho' they live in another state. We pray for one another and encourage one another.

Now the hugest...Blessing #5 - my landlord contacted me in March '10 about purchasing the home. He introduced me to a program that helps low income people be able to buy their own homes. It was a long process, and quite a few hoops needed to be jumped through, but on Monday, June 28, 2010, God blessed me the most by making it so we went to settlement. So, it is officially Our Haven Home (well...ok...and the bank's!)

I'm humbled beyond words to see how far He's brought me ... physically, as well as emotionally. I have taken a long time to heal inside ... still have set backs, but I lean on Him through it all. All I can do is praise Him, thank Him, offer my life to Him, and try to raise these boys to know Him and love Him as I do.

I just had to share that with you! It may take awhile, but God is faithful!!! I see now that this home just wasn't ready for us yet with what was going on in my landlord's life. But, God knew that He had the perfect home lined up for us. I just needed to trust Him with the timing working out for what best. I now can actually see Jeremiah 29:11 playing out in my life. Wow, you cling to Scripture promises, but it's really something incredible to actually see them come to life. Can't wait to see where He leads us now!

When we get back from vacation in a few weeks...I'll start in earnest of really making this place ours. Painting to start, creative projects to explore, and eventually things I'd like to improve. But always praising all the way! And I'll have to post the before/after shots!

This front porch has been my sanctuary and I love it out there. Actually...think I'll head out there right now...to my favorite spot & enjoy mocha colored hazelnut bliss in a cup while I enjoy the beautiful weather and read a bit, praising You and thanking You, Father, for this blessing of a home that is our haven!