Yeehoooo!

That's French for Yeeehawwww! lol

Well the sales is going through finally. The well passed the water test, the septic got cleaned out yesterday, it's a cement 1000 gallon and is in good condition so we're officially buying the house. How exciting!

I read in Proverbs 29:25, "The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." It really spoke to me as an encouragement and reminder that God gives peace, guidance and security when we trust Him to lead us and have our life but, the opposite will keep us in constant fear.

From the moment the Lord laid on our heart that He wanted us to move, we trusted Him to help us make the transition. We knew that God knew ahead of time all the possible situations for us but one in particular was His will. There was one path that was filled with His blessings. It never means that things are always perfect and easy because He wants us constantly growing and seeking Him.

Today is still filled with things to do like: getting MORE banana boxes, bringing estimates to the bank, going to the lighting place for estimates, calling Energy Efficiency, getting a building permit and calling the foundation guys to get that scheduled ASAP. Those are the things I can think of right now... lol

Going back to the scripture God showed me this morning, before we got the news about the water and septic, trusting in God will bring safety; peace of mind, security and confidence so there is no reason to fall in the flesh and become fearful of the future. I can't change what the future brings and the bible says, having fear will just be a snare; a trap and stronghold. Fear is not of the Lord.

Keep trusting

What's behind door number 1?

One banana, two banana, three banana more...

I know it's supposed to be "potato" but they don't make potato boxes like they used to...LOL

For those who are confused, banana boxes are THE BEST boxes to move. They are the perfect size, they are very sturdy and they even have handles so they're easy to carry.

Superstore won't give them out anymore but Sobey's does.

Things have been moving here! My... ooops... our.... kitchen is almost all packed. I simply left a few, cups, mugs, plates, bowls, Tupperware etc so we can function. Everything else is packed. I even left 3 coffee filters in the cupboard so I could pack the rest and have THAT special box which we will have our coffee maker, coffee grinds, filters etc. All we need to start off our mornings; vitamins etc. (Can't forget those!)

Yesterday they found the well!... I still find that funny. They shocked the well yesterday so our real estate agent went to get some water so it can be tested again. Pray that it does. They will also be cleaning out the septic tomorrow or Wednesday. It looks very good for a closing on Friday.

Today I spent a lot of time on the telephone. I had to call Rogers so they could transfer our services, come to find out, we will be too far out; they don't service that area. lol City girl thinks that's funny. LOL

I called Aliant/Bell and opened our account from a few years ago and we'll be far out enough, they had to change our 15 year old, super easy phone number. (awwwwww) ;)

Then I made the arrangements with the power company, actually, my husband did since his name was on the account but he changed that so I could take care of that stuff too, while he's at work. I talked to the lawyer 2 or three times, emailed the mortgage broker quite a few times with our renovation quotes etc.

At 11:00am, we finally started class. We got everything done that was important, then we did some running around town. I finally started doing some packing when a Jehovah's Witness came to the door... , did a couple of wash, all this while supper was cooking in the oven but yet somehow, I undercooked it. What a day!

When I saw how badly undercooked our roast, potatoes and carrots were, I got discouraged. I felt so defeated, then I remembered what pastor preached last Wednesday. "Don't Panic!" He taught us to stop and evaluate the situation. I was going to put the roast back in the oven but what would we have for supper? "Moe will be home soon, the kids were supposed to be grounded and go to bed early, what am I going to do?" I was starting to panic. I'm convinced the Holy Spirit reminded me to not panic and to assess the situation. I then realized I could just slice the roast and fry it in the frying pan. It was still really good, plus you had crispy spots too. YUMM! The potatoes were still a bit hard, the carrots quite rubbery lol but nothing like "Roasted Garlic and Bacon Dressing" can't take care of. :)

Although I still an attitude to adjust, God gave us a good supper.

I so don't deserve Him. It's sad. I've been thinking of that Jehovah Witness woman who came to my door today. When I told her that some day I'd be in Heaven with Jesus, she lowered her head and said well, I wish that someday I could be in heaven. There was no way I could help her understand who God was and the gift of salvation. She was convinced by her 30 years of studies and I couldn't sway her at all. It saddened me to think that one day, people will spiritually wake up and see where they are going, some won't be in heaven. I have so much to look forward to when I go. I'm not getting to go because of my own merits but because of Jesus' righteousness and my faith to accept His gift of salvation.

One day, I'll be moving to a better place, one I don't have to pack for. I'll be headed for a place where the "Son" always shines, we can eat as much as we want and not get fat! lol What a wonderful day that will be! I can't wait for my final move. The one where I'll be finally home, for good.

Keep watching.

Oh where or where can it be?

"Oh where oh where has my little dog gone?"

Those who know me, know that this would not be something I would say, especially with much concern. lol I'm not a dog enthusiast but I am very fond of cats, which, Lord willing, we will have 2, I think.

One thing the owners of the 2919 McQuades house have been saying is, "where oh where have the septic and well gone?" YA! Imagine! We've asked them to clean out the septic because we anticipate a problem with it and since the water did not pass, they need to shock the well but, they can't seem to find these two big underground reservoirs. I find that quite funny.

The morning that my husband called me to tell me this, I had prayed that God would place His hands on "our property" to keep the ground warm so we could have the addition's foundation poured. I guess the people couldn't see through God's hands. lol It might also be that God wants us to have the house cheaper. Only He knows.

As of today, we told our agent that there are two preferred options.

1. At the 75 000.00 price they do the work of finding the well and septic, and get them clean and functioning.

2. Lower the price of the house and we will take the house as is, we will take care of the well and septic.

Obviously there's a third option being, they do not want to do either and we look elsewhere but I can't shake the thought that God wants us to have THIS particular house. I could be wrong.

We keep praying that God close the door if it is not His will or open it wide if it is. With this offer, it will do one or the other.

God has blessed us over and over through this journey. Although, we might live with my mother for a few days or weeks, I think it's more painful for her than for us.

The timing of it all, to us, seems very off but I know that God makes no mistakes and He promises in His word, especially in Philippians 4:19, "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches and glory." I can expect amazing things from Him who owns all the cattle and the hills, the oceans, the fish etc. He has all riches to His disposal and I'm not worried about where we will live in 6 days.

I told God this morning as I spent time with Him. "You are a miracle maker. I know that You are fully capable of having the agreement, the sale papers, the bank papers and the documents by the lawyer, signed sealed and delivered by this afternoon, if You wanted to. If it is Your will, I know it's nothing for you to do it. I especially know that it's nothing for you to have the closing on the 31st of October even if people say it's not very possible. This is an opportunity for You to get glory, to be lifted up before all men. If it is Your will for us to have this house, please allow for the closing to be October 31st, 2008."

I know that if God chooses to close on another day or even on another house, there is good reason for it. I wouldn't want to be where He isn't. I want to live in the house that God has for us. I don't want to settle for less than what He has for us.

When we have God as our Saviour but also as our life Gardener, we can expect to live in a fruitful, luscious garden filled with different beautiful perfumes of flowers never imagined.

Keep trusting.

With certainty

God's Word says in Proverbs 16:9, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. "

What peace there is when we seek to walk in God's footsteps. His direction is stable, secure and gives certainty to our direction.

I know with certainty that God wanted us to move. I shared how He showed both my husband and I, His direction for us. When things get a little hazy, we can look back and know that we are doing the right thing. The other part that gives me peace is that both Moe and I ask God daily to intervene in our life that we would not step out of His path which is laid out for us.

I remember, almost 8 years ago now, when we first went to Charity Bible Baptist Church. We were looking for a building to have our services in. Pastor and the trustees had found a building and pastor was sharing with us the different things that would have to be fixed. One thing he said and stayed with me is, "If God doesn't want us to be in this building, I don't want us to be in it, because it will never be right and always be a burden."

That is how we feel about this house. We know that it has a lot of necessary repairs to do, then there's the addition, which is necessary to us. We know that if God wants us in this house, He is already gone before us and preparing our way for the renovations. If God does not want us to have THIS house and we buy it anyway, it will never be quite right, the renovations will be difficult, costly and never ending.

I don't want to be without God's blessing on my life. It's so much safer there. He is my shield while in the storm. "though the storm builds all around me, I am safe in the arms of the Lord"

As for details about the work we've been doing. I called a friend of mine to see if my drawings of the inside of the house were ok; he is an architect. He offered to draw the outside of the house and a section of the house for City planning to accept us for a building permit. He found out for us what we needed and is drawing what we need, all for free! Needless to say, we have a gift for him. What a blessing! God knew we would need this and He laid my friend on my heart to call him and voilà! Taken care of by God. Imagine! "How great thou art!"

I went to Kent Building Supplies yesterday, with the kids. As I was looking at the paint chip colors, a total stranger came up to me. He was in his late 60's I'd say. I thought he was going to say something about the kids but to my surprise, this is what he said. "Excuse me. You don't know me from a hole in the ground but I saw your family and thought it was worth giving the compliment." I was taken back at his boldness and determination. "It's a blessing to see a woman dressed and looking like a lady." I really didn't expect that. I only had my black skirt with tights and dress shoes, a black t-shirt with my jean blazer, but I was blessed, reminded that I was doing what God expected of me.

I'm not perfect by any stretch, believe you me! I do although know by experience that when you ask God to guide your life and every direction you take, He is faithful to show you and remind you that you are on the right track.

Well, I found the colors I needed, I made little cardboard squares for each room so I could visualize the colors for those rooms and make better color choices for curtains and other accessories. I went shopping with my mom to get fabric for 2 rocking chairs we have but $$$$ I didn't buy anything. :)

Today I called the lawyer to give him a heads up about the house so if we decide to purchase it, once we get all the quotes, things will be ready to go. The only quote we are waiting for is the building supplies cost, and we are waiting for them to find the well...lol so they can shock it and clean out the septic because we don't quite like THAT shade of green, when it comes to lawns. lol

By the way... it's difficult to know when the right time is to start packing, so many things we need. Well this morning, my oldest son said, "Hey maman! We move in 8 days!" with his excited tone of voice. Needless to say I did a big "GULP" sound and said to myself, "OK! NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO START PACKING!" (nervous laugh)

Stay tune, I might have news shortly about our decision!

Where do I even begin?

I don't even know where to begin. Things have been going fast and crazy. The bible says in Proverbs 11:1 "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.". This can be hard to accomplish when circumstances arise, but it has been a blessing that within our home, and relationship with one another; although not perfect, has been balanced and not stressful.

We received news from the inspectors and some things have become speed bumps in the process. We were told that the foundation and house are solid although there are things that need to be repaired which can be costly but we anticipated most of those "findings". I called the "news"; the inspectors report, a speed bump because my husband and I took this time to pray and ask for God's guidance. Thus far, we asked Him to close any door that He would not want us to enter and we wanted to make sure that if this was a closed door, we would recognize it.

In Luke 14:28, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?". We want to be realistic yet faithful.

We continued getting the appropriate quotes and seeking out contrators etc. We have a peace that this is the house God wants for us. Until He closes the door shut, we will continue to walk on this journey He has for us.

Today was men's breakfast for the men of our church, where the pastor also teaches biblical truths to these men. My husband usually takes our sons, which one was at a sleep over so he took the youngest with him. He leaned over to whisper in my ear that if I wanted to take the girls to have breakfast at "Hyne's" I could. So, once they left, I leapped out of bed and got the girls ready, our beds made, got myself ready and out for breakfast we went! We had a wonderful time practicing those lady like manners; even I had a hard time keeping my elbows off the table. lol

We then headed to the "Home Depot" to check out he paint colors. Imagine, I have 11 rooms to choose colors for which will blend and be soothing and fit the farmhouse feel. What fun it was! I loved it. It's so exciting! Then we, the girls and I, went to the light fixtures department. wowwwwwww! Where to start? I am a retro/contemporary girl but slowly God is showing me the beauty of country. I surprised myself when I saw the raw iron ceiling fixtures and was taken by it. I had to develope a theme, a consistancy in the design. I like the raw iron look but I also like the brown instead of black. It had a hommier look. I finally started finding the "matching" fixtures and styles. I went from aile to aile (there was only 4 but on both sides). When the wheels started rolling (the wheels in my head that is) I got excited about our new home to be. I wasn't hyper excited, just comforted excited, knowing that God was before us and He is there to help us all the way, even in the simple things like lighting fixtures.

My husband and youngest son where already home when got home so I got to share the excitement with my husband about my finds. We then tackled the last of the dirt pile. YIKES, finally it's gone! (2 dump truck loads of fill and top soil)

The journey continues as we contact Foundation companies for the foundation and possibly the septic tank, the electrician to rewire the whole house, then get quotes on the other things like the lighting fixtures, flooring, paint and on and on.

Believe it or not, this is actually fun. My husband and I, although very occupied with this project are so enjoying the knitting God is doing in our family and the many blessings He is bestowing on us. He gives us sooooo much more than we deserve.

Keep waiting on Him.

Some light fixtures we like and a photo of the house we want to renovate.

It has been a long time!

Much has passed since I last blogged. The Lord has been working things out and let me tell you where we are at.
At the end of July, we attended a church camp meeting. During one of the sermons, I felt the Lord pressing on my heart that we needed to move, not chairs but home. I went to the altar and told the Lord that if He indeed wanted us to move, He had to tell my husband Himself, which would be confirmation to me that it was of the Lord and not of myself. I knew Moe liked where we were and I could not change his mind, but if it was of God, his heart and desire would change.
That was the Wednesday evening service, we had dessert after and I said nothing. We got up the next morning, washed up, went to breakfast and I had not said anything yet. As we walked back to the camping trailer to get ready for the morning services, I reached for the door handle at the same time as Moe. He then said, "I guess we're moving eh?" " Yap! I guess so." The Lord had prepared both our hearts, it was of the Lord.
That afternoon, we went to visit friends of ours who have a goat farm. I knew what was going to happen. You see, my husband always dreamt of having a farm, a chicken farm. He was going to be taking notes. That made me nervous since I as city girl as it comes. I even like contemporary/retro design! God would again, have to work in my heart. I felt quite ill while we were there. We assume it was the spoiled piece of tomato I taste tested but I think my nerves were really part of the equation.
I start feeling better after a good talk with the Lord. He reminded me that if it was His will to allow us to have a farm, He would provide for me, a farmers heart.
Well, we came home a few days later, started repairs on the house, then called a friend of mine who is a real estate agent. He sent a stagist to help us know where to put the most work and within two weeks, the house was ready to be put on the market. In total, that took about 5-6 weeks. The sign was on the lawn Wednesday night the 24th of Sept. We had a showing on the Monday, but no sale. We had another on the Thursday evening and they made us an offer. We countered it and by noon Friday, we had the house sold. 8 wopping days it took to sell the house!!!
The offer came with a closing of October 31st. That is not a misprint, we are to be out October 31st which is in a couple of weeks. We found a farm house about 20 min. from town. We put in an offer MUCH lower than the asking price and they countered for not much more than we offered. Again, of the Lord. Today, the inspectors are going to see if the house is worth investing in. Actually, they are there as I am writting this.
If they say this is a good home to work with, we will be putting an addition and renovating the existing house. This house is small; 19x19.
I will be putting regular updates of what God is doing and how He is leading.
Through all this, I look back and am amazed at how far God has brought my family and me.
It will be a year this Friday that my father in law died. My husband took it VERY hard and struggled for a while, but praise the Lord it was for a while! The Lord has been good to both Moe and I. Our relationship is better than it ever was, and I only have God to thank for it.
Through this renovation and purchase of the farm, we will grow closer to one another but more importantly, draw our children closer to Him and ourselves. Hopefully, the neighbour's will be willing to build relationships with us so we can draw them also to Christ.
Enjoy the before and after pictures.